A Maui Mompreneur

Keeping Your Teens Safe Online

2013-03-06T10:22:00.003-10:00

One of the biggest fears that parents have when kids go online is online predators, especially since more than 40 percent of kids have computers in their bedrooms with webcams.

The good news is that your child actually becoming the victim of an online predator is unlikely. The bad news is that according to FBI, “online predators are everywhere online,” and are working hard to engage children online. Predators aren’t scary looking and don’t stand out. They look like you or me or anyone down the street. They are “mostly male, although we are seeing an alarming trend of female predators. Male predators are often married with children. A professional, upstanding in the community but leading a deviant lifestyle through the Internet.”

Parents need to pay attention to their children’s online activity and take preventative measures to protect their children from online predators. No one wants their child to be that victim that we read about in the news all too frequently.

Stats parents should know:

More than 500,000 predators are online everyday
Kids 12 to 15 are susceptible to being groomed and manipulated by offenders online
FBI stats show that more than 50 percent of victims of online sexual exploitation are 12-15 years old
89 percent of all sexual advances toward our children take place in internet chat rooms and through instant messaging
In (27 percent) of exploitation incidents, predators asked kids for sexual photographs of themselves.
4 percent of kids get “aggressive” sexual solicitations that included attempts to contact the kids offline

How do predators connect with children online?

Chatrooms are predators' dream come true and are the predominant online location where predators meet kids. Sites like Omegle that invite kids to talk to strangers are a parent's nightmare. Teaching your child not to talk to strangers is one of the first lessons in life that a parent gives their child. There are hundreds of these sites. Kids are naturally curious and many kids visit them thinking it’s no big deal. Kids should not be on these sites, period. They are disturbing and ripe with nudity and explicit disgusting sexual behavior in addition to being havens for predators. Many gaming sites also have chatroom capabilities leaving a child vulnerable to potential exploitation. Many of these sites have webcam functionality. “There are ways to turn the webcam on without you knowing you’re being watched,” said an FBI Special Agent.

Predators can also find kids on Facebook and other social networking sites. They often create a fake identity online and may pose as a teenager, the child never the wiser. Many kids become friends with complete strangers online with 70 percent of kids accepting “friend” requests regardless of whether they know who they are friending. A little less than half (43 percent) of teenagers who first met someone online later met them in real life.

YouTube and other video sites where kids post videos about themselves is another vehicle for predators to find children. The more information kids post about themselves on line the easier it is for a predator to find them. Pictures of kids in school sports uniforms, talking about their school or activity, posting where they are on their status updates, or using Foursquare a geo-location site. There are many opportunities for predators to compile the puzzle pieces to find out more about a child, their tastes in music, TV, and ultimately where they’re located. Many kids are indiscriminate about the information they are posting online, on their social networking profiles for the world to see. According to a Harrisinteractive/McAffee study, more than half of teens (52 percent) have given out personal information online to someone they don’t know offline including personal photos and/or physical descriptions of themselves. Many 13- to 17-year-olds (69 percent) have updated their status on social networking sites to include their physical location, 28 percent chatted with strangers (people whom they did not know in the offline world) and 12 percent have posted their cellphone number.

After the Predator has made a Connection: Grooming

Adolescence is a time of turmoil for many kids resulting in difficult relationships with parents as they are seeking to be independent adults. This is neither the fault of parents nor kids. Some kids may feel lonely, unsupported, that their parents are too strict, and that no one understands them. They may turn to the Internet and chat rooms to find someone they can talk to and feel a connection with. Unfortunately, this can be a recipe for disaster as predators wait for these vulnerable kids. Predators are master manipulaters and provide the online “pretend” support these kids are looking for to build trust and to verify the child’s feelings. They work at becoming that child’s friend and gaining trust which is known as the grooming process. “It could continue for days or weeks before the pedophile begins bringing up sexual topics, asking for explicit pictures or for a personal meeting. By that time an emotional connection has been made.”

After a nude picture is sent by the child, sometimes sextortion occurs, extortion using sexual images. This recently happened to a Massachusetts 13-year-old who thought she was communicating with a teenager. She sent him a naked photo. This man is 35 and from England. He then threatened her if she didn’t send more naked pictures. Fortunately this man is behind bars.

Another recent case involved a 12-year-old girl. A teacher happened to confiscate this girl’s phone and noticed inappropriate text messages. The 28-year-old man from El Salvador was planning on picking up this girl from school that afternoon. The man had sent her the cellphone; her mom didn’t know she had one.

These stories are alarming and they are real. In both situations, these predators found their victim on Facebook.

What Can Parents Do?

Self education- Learn what kids may be exposed to online – Learn what the risks are.
Communitcating, educating, e-mentoring your kids about:
- Online risks
- Chatrooms, game site risks
- Predators and to be aware of manipulative behavior, gifts, requests for nude pictures, grooming.
- Predators don’t look scary, they look like you or I, or the person down the street.
- Teaching your child that if they get in a situation that feels uncomfortable, that they should and can always come to you and that they won’t get in trouble if they do.
- Only friend people they know on Social Networking Sites
- Never meet someone they’ve met online without talking to an adult first.
- Turn off webcam when not in use

3. E-mentor kids online especially when they have a computer in their bedroom. ScreenRetriever enables parents to monitor children’s computer activity live where ever the child’s computer is located in the home including who your child is communicating with using their webcam.

4. Set limits and ground rules about what your child is allowed to do online, sites they visit, information they post, who their friends are on social networking sites, who they are chatting with. Go over the ScreenRetriever tips before they are allowed on the computer.

5. Learn the language your kids use on the computer and cellphone, like A/S/L or GNOC.

6. When your child comes to you with a problem, be there for them, and don’t over react. Many kids don’t tell their parents when they have a problem online because they are afraid they will lose computer privileges.

7. Start e-mentoring early when kids go on the computer so that your family values and rules are ingrained early.

One child caught in the manipulative trap of a predator is one too many. This can be prevented when parents “parent online” and “e-mentor”.

statistics and information gathered from google

25 Top Heart-Healthy Foods

2013-03-03T11:00:00.000-10:00

25 Top Heart-Healthy Foods

Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids.
Grill salmon with a yummy rub or marinade. Save a chunk to chop for a pasta or salad later on.

Flaxseed (ground)

Omega-3 fatty acids; fiber, phytoestrogens.
Ground flaxseed hides easily in all sorts of foods -- yogurt parfaits, morning cereal, homemade muffins, or cookies.

Oatmeal

Omega-3 fatty acids; magnesium; potassium; folate; niacin; calcium; soluble fiber.
Top hot oatmeal with fresh berries. Oatmeal-and-raisin cookies are a hearty treat.

Black or Kidney Beans

B-complex vitamins; niacin; folate; magnesium; omega-3 fatty acids; calcium; soluble fiber.
Give soup or salad a nutrient boost -- stir in some beans.

Almonds

Plant omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats; phytosterols.
Mix a few almonds (and berries) into low-fat yogurt, trail mix, or fruit salads.

Walnuts

Plant omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; folate; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats; phytosterols.
Walnuts add flavorful crunch to salads, pastas, cookies, muffins, even pancakes.

Red wine Catechins and reservatrol (flavonoids). Toast your good health! A glass of red wine could improve "good" HDL cholesterol.

Tuna

Omega-3 fatty acids; folate; niacin.

Here's lunch: Salad greens, fresh fruit, canned tuna. Keep "Salad Spritzer" - a light dressing -- in your office fridge.

Tofu

Niacin; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium.

Tasty tofu is easy: Thinly slice "firm" tofu, marinate several hours, grill or stir-fry.

Brown rice

B-complex vitamins; fiber; niacin; magnesium, fiber.

Microwavable brown rice makes a quick lunch. Stir in a few chopped veggies (broccoli, carrots, spinach).

Soy milk

Isoflavones (a flavonoid); B-complex vitamins; niacin; folate, calcium; magnesium; potassium; phytoestrogens.

Soy milk is great over oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. Or, make a smoothie with soy milk.

Blueberries

Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); anthocyanin (a flavonoid); ellagic acid (a polyphenol); vitamin C; folate; calcium, magnesium; potassium; fiber.

Cranberries, strawberries, raspberries are potent, too -- for trail mixes, muffins, salads!

Carrots

Alpha-carotene (a carotenoid); fiber.

Baby carrots are sweet for lunch. Sneak shredded carrots into spaghetti sauce or muffin batter.

Spinach

Lutein (a carotenoid); B-complex vitamins; folate; magnesium; potassium; calcium; fiber.

Pick spinach (not lettuce) for nutrient-packed salads and sandwiches.

Broccoli

Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); Vitamins C and E; potassium; folate; calcium; fiber.

Chop fresh broccoli into store-bought soup. For a veggie dip, try hummus (chickpeas).

Sweet potato

Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); vitamins A, C, E; fiber.

Microwave in a zip-lock baggie for lunch. Eat au naturale, or with pineapple bits.

Red bell peppers

Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber.

Rub with olive oil, and grill or oven-roast until tender. Delicious in wraps, salads, sandwiches.

Asparagus

Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins; folate; fiber.

Grill or steam slightly, then dress with olive oil and lemon. It's a pretty side dish.

Oranges

Beta-cryptoxanthin, beta- and alpha-carotene, lutein (carotenoids) and flavones (flavonoids); vitamin C; potassium; folate; fiber.

Got orange juice? Check out the new nutrient-packed blends.

Tomatoes

Beta- and alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein (carotenoids); vitamin C; potassium; folate; fiber.

For a flavor twist, try oil-packed tomatoes in sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas.

Acorn squash

Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium; fiber.

Baked squash is comfort food on a chilly day. Serve with sautÃ©ed spinach, pine nuts, raisins.

Cantaloupe

Alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber.

A fragrant ripe cantaloupe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, potluck dinners. Simply cut and enjoy!

Papaya

Beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein (carotenoids); Vitamins C and E; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium.

Serve papaya salsa with salmon: Mix papaya, pineapple, scallions, garlic, fresh lime juice, salt and black pepper.

Dark chocolate

Reservatrol and cocoa phenols (flavonoids).

A truffle a day lowers blood pressure, but choose 70% or higher cocoa content.

Tea

Catechins and flavonols (flavonoids).

Make sun tea: Combine a clear glass jar, several tea bags, and hours of sunshine.

Your Guide to Nutrients in Heart-Healthy Foods

Phytoestrogensare substances in plants (like flaxseed) that have a weak estrogen-like action in the body. Studies suggest that flaxseed lowers the risk of blood clots, stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias. It may also help lower total and LDL "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides, and even blood pressure.

Phytosterols are plant sterols that chemically resemble cholesterol -- and seem to reduce blood cholesterol. All nuts and seeds, including wheat germ, have phytosterols.

Carotenoids are heart-protective antioxidants in many colorful fruits and veggies. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene are carotenoids.

Polyphenols are another set of antioxidants that protect blood vessels, lower blood pressure, reduce LDL "bad" cholesterol. Flavonoid polyphenols include catechins, flavonones, flavonols, isoflavones, reservatrol, and anthocyanins. Non-flavonoidpolyphenols include ellagic acid (found in all types of berries).

Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like salmon) and alpha-linolenic fatty acids (found in plant foods like walnuts) help boost the immune system, reduce blood clots, and protect against heart attacks. They also increase good HDL levels, lower triglyceride levels, protect arteries from plaque buildup, are anti-inflammatories, and lower blood pressure.

B-complex vitamins -- like Vitamin B-12 (folate) and vitamin B-6 -- protect against blood clots and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Niacin (vitamin B-3) helps increase HDL "good" cholesterol.

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage.Magnesium, potassium, and calcium help lower blood pressure. Fiber-rich foods help lower cholesterol levels.

10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication

2013-03-01T13:48:00.002-10:00

Last month I came down with flu and went to the doctor. When they took my blood pressure it was 158/118 which is quite high, but they said that the blood pressure can be high when you're sick. After fully recuperating from the flu (which was horrible!) I wanted to check my blood pressure again. I was surprised to see that it was still 158/118. Not good.. I don't want to have to be on medication and was prompted to start surfing the net to see what I could do to bring it down naturally without medication.

I found this article by the Mayo Clinic and the list seems to be pretty achievable. Though there are some that may be difficult to attain such as; Avoiding Stress.. really? How do I do that? Perhaps walking will help in reducing some stress. Avoid Caffeine, I do love coffee but maybe switching to decaf might be a better option. I'll still have the coffee flavor and aroma without the risk.

If lowering blood pressure naturally is something you might be interested in, check out the information below:

10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication

By making these 10 lifestyle changes, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure (a systolic pressure — the top number — of 140 or above or a diastolic pressure — the bottom number — of 90 or above), you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down.

Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline

Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Losing just 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, the more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure. Losing weight also makes any blood pressure medications you're taking more effective. You and your doctor can determine your target weight and the best way to achieve it.

Besides shedding pounds, you should also keep an eye on your waistline. Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure. In general:

Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters, or cm).
Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (89 cm).
Asian men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 36 inches (91 cm).
Asian women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 32 inches (81 cm).

2. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity — at least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure by 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). And it doesn't take long to see a difference. If you haven't been active, increasing your exercise level can lower your blood pressure within just a few weeks.

If you have prehypertension — systolic pressure between 120 and 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 — exercise can help you avoid developing full-blown hypertension. If you already have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring your blood pressure down to safer levels.

Talk to your doctor about developing an exercise program. Your doctor can help determine whether you need any exercise restrictions. Even moderate activity for 10 minutes at a time, such as walking and light strength training, can help.

But avoid being a "weekend warrior." Trying to squeeze all your exercise in on the weekends to make up for weekday inactivity isn't a good strategy. Those sudden bursts of activity could actually be risky.

3. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mm Hg. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

It isn't easy to change your eating habits, but with these tips, you can adopt a healthy diet:

Keep a food diary. Writing down what you eat, even for just a week, can shed surprising light on your true eating habits. Monitor what you eat, how much, when and why.

Consider boosting potassium. Potassium can lessen the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The best source of potassium is food, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements. Talk to your doctor about the potassium level that's best for you.

Be a smart shopper. Make a shopping list before heading to the supermarket to avoid picking up junk food. Read food labels when you shop and stick to your healthy-eating plan when you're dining out, too.

Cut yourself some slack. Although the DASH diet is a lifelong eating guide, it doesn't mean you have to cut out all of the foods you love. It's OK to treat yourself occasionally to foods you wouldn't find on a DASH diet menu, such as a candy bar or mashed potatoes with gravy.

4. Reduce sodium in your diet

Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can reduce blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg. The recommendations for reducing sodium are:

Limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less.
A lower sodium level — 1,500 mg a day or less — is appropriate for people 51 years of age or older, and individuals of any age who are African-American or who have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
To decrease sodium in your diet, consider these tips:

Track how much salt is in your diet. Keep a food diary to estimate how much sodium is in what you eat and drink each day.
Read food labels. If possible, choose low-sodium alternatives of the foods and beverages you normally buy.
Eat fewer processed foods. Potato chips, frozen dinners, bacon and processed lunch meats are high in sodium.
Don't add salt. Just 1 level teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use herbs or spices, rather than salt, to add more flavor to your foods.
Ease into it. If you don't feel like you can drastically reduce the sodium in your diet suddenly, cut back gradually. Your palate will adjust over time.

5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure by 2 to 4 mm Hg. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol — generally more than one drink a day for women and men older than age 65, or more than two a day for men age 65 and younger. Also, if you don't normally drink alcohol, you shouldn't start drinking as a way to lower your blood pressure. There's more potential harm than benefit to drinking alcohol.

If you drink more than moderate amounts of it, alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications.

Track your drinking patterns. Along with your food diary, keep an alcohol diary to track your true drinking patterns. One drink equals 12 ounces (355 milliliters, or mL) of beer, 5 ounces of wine (148 mL) or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (45 mL). If you're drinking more than the suggested amounts, cut back.
Consider tapering off. If you're a heavy drinker, suddenly eliminating all alcohol can actually trigger severe high blood pressure for several days. So when you stop drinking, do it with the supervision of your doctor or taper off slowly, over one to two weeks.
Don't binge. Binge drinking — having four or more drinks in a row — can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure, in addition to other health problems.

6. Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke

On top of all the other dangers of smoking, the nicotine in tobacco products can raise your blood pressure by 10 mm Hg or more for up to an hour after you smoke. Smoking throughout the day means your blood pressure may remain constantly high.

You should also avoid secondhand smoke. Inhaling smoke from others also puts you at risk of health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease.

7. Cut back on caffeine

The role caffeine plays in blood pressure is still debatable. Drinking caffeinated beverages can temporarily cause a spike in your blood pressure, but it's unclear whether the effect is temporary or long lasting.

To see if caffeine raises your blood pressure, check your pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee or another caffeinated beverage you regularly drink. If your blood pressure increases by five to 10 points, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine.

8. Reduce your stress

Stress or anxiety can temporarily increase blood pressure. Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness. Once you know what's causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress.

If you can't eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way. Take breaks for deep-breathing exercises. Get a massage or take up yoga or meditation. If self-help doesn't work, seek out a professional for counseling.

9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and make regular doctor's appointments

If you have high blood pressure, you may need to monitor your blood pressure at home. Learning to self-monitor your blood pressure with an upper arm monitor can help motivate you. Talk to your doctor about home monitoring before getting started.

Regular visits to your doctor are also likely to become a part of your normal routine. These visits will help keep tabs on your blood pressure.

Have a primary care doctor. People who don't have a primary care doctor find it harder to control their blood pressure. If you can, visit the same health care facility or professional for all of your health care needs.
Visit your doctor regularly. If your blood pressure isn't well controlled, or if you have other medical problems, you might need to visit your doctor every month to review your treatment and make adjustments. If your blood pressure is under control, you might need to visit your doctor only every six to 12 months, depending on other conditions you might have.

10. Get support from family and friends

Supportive family and friends can help improve your health. They may encourage you to take care of yourself, drive you to the doctor's office or embark on an exercise program with you to keep your blood pressure low. Talk to your family and friends about the dangers of high blood pressure.

If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition.

Original Article can be found here

Ways to Use Vinegar Around the House

2013-02-28T14:41:00.003-10:00

IN THE GARDEN:
1. Grow beautiful azaleas: Occasionally water plants with a mixture of two tablespoons vinegar to one quart water. Azaleas love acidic soil.
2. Kill grass on walks and driveways. Pour full strength on unwanted grass.
3. Kill weeds. Spray full strength on growth until plants have starved.
4. Increase soil acidity. In hard water areas, add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water for watering acid loving plants like rhododendrons, gardenias, or azaleas. The vinegar will release iron in the soil for the plants to use.
5. Freshen cut flowers. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.
6. Prolong the life of flowers in a vase. Add two tablespoons of vinegar plus three tablespoons of sugar per quart of warm water. Stems should be in three to four inches of water.
7. Neutralize garden lime. Rinse your hands liberally with vinegar after working with garden lime to avoid rough and flaking skin. Clean pots before repotting, rinse with vinegar to remove excess lime.

BUGS & ANIMALS:
8. Fish bowl cleaner Eliminate that ugly deposit in the gold fish tank by rubbing it with a cloth dipped in vinegar and rinsing well.
9. Eliminate animal urine stains from carpet. Blot up urine with a soft cloth, flush several times with lukewarm water, and then apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and cool water. Blot up, rinse, and let dry.
10. Deter ants. Spray vinegar around door and window frames, under appliances, and along other known ant trails.
11. Remove skunk odor from a dog. Rub fur with full strength vinegar; rinse.
12. Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar on an area to discourage cats from walking, sleeping, or scratching on it.
13. Keep dogs from scratching ears. Clean the inside of the ears with a soft cloth dipped in diluted vinegar.
14. Keep away fleas and mange. Add a little vinegar to your pet's drinking water.
15. Keep chickens from pecking each other. Add cider vinegar to their drinking water.
16. Clean milking equipment. Rinse with vinegar to leave system clean, odorless, and bacteria free without harmful chemical residue.

CARS & TOOLS:
17. Polish car chrome. Apply full strength.
18. Clean rust from tools, bolts, and spigots. Soak the rusted tool, bolt, or spigot in undiluted vinegar overnight.
19. Keep car windows frost free. Coat the windows the night before with a solution of three parts vinegar to one part water.

HEALTH & BEAUTY:
20. Dampen your appetite. Sprinkle a little vinegar on prepared food to take the edge off your appetite.
21. Soothe a bee or jellyfish sting. Dot the irritated area with vinegar and relieve itching.
22. Relieve itching by using a cotton ball to dab mosquito and other bug bites with Vinegar straight from the bottle.
23. Relieve sunburn by lightly rubbing it with vinegar. You may have to reapply.
24. Take 1 cup of vinegar and warm water into a large glass and use to rinse your hair after you shampoo. Vinegar adds highlights to brunette hair, restores the acid mantel, and removes soap film and sebum oil.
25. You take 1 tablespoon full and swallow when you have the hiccups. It stops them instantly.
26. Relieve dry and itchy skin. Add 2 tablespoons to bath water.
27. Fight dandruff, by rinsing with vinegar and 2 cups of warm water, after shampooing.
28. Soothe a sore throat. Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, and then swallow.
29. Cure for colds. Mix one-quarter cup Apple Cider Vinegar with one-quarter cup honey. Take one tablespoon six to eight times daily.
30. Treat sinus infections and chest colds. Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.
31. Feel good recipe. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, with a bit of honey added for flavor, will take the edge off your appetite and give you an overall healthy feeling.
32. Remove fruit stains from hands. Rub with vinegar.
33. Remove warts by applying a lotion of half cider vinegar and half glycerin. Apply daily to warts until they dissolve.
34. Relieve arthritis. Before each meal, drink a glass of water containing two teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar. Give it at least three weeks to start working.
35. Remove corns by making a poultice of one crumbled piece of bread soaked in one-quarter cup Vinegar. Let poultice sit for one-half hour, then apply to the corn and tape in place overnight. If corn does not peel off by morning, reapply the poultice for several consecutive nights.
36. Cure an upset stomach by drinking two teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar in one cup water.
37. Prevent yeast infections. Douche with one tablespoon vinegar to one quart warm water, to adjust the pH balance in the vagina.
38. Clean dentures by soaking them overnight in vinegar, then brush away tartar with a toothbrush.
39. Relieve cough by mixing one-half cup Apple Cider Vinegar, one-half cup water, one teaspoon cayenne pepper, and four teaspoons honey. Take one tablespoon when cough acts up. Take another tablespoon at bedtime.

LAUNDRY & OTHER CLOTHES CARE:
40. Use in laundry to cut soap.
41. Get rid of lint in clothes. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
42. Prevent lint from clinging to clothes: Add one cup vinegar to each wash load.
43. Keep bright colors from running. Immerse clothes in full strength vinegar for 10 minutes before washing.
44. Freshen up the washing machine. Clean the hoses and unclog soap scum. Once a month pour one cup of vinegar into the washing machine and run the machine through a normal cycle, without clothes.
45. Brighten fabric colors. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
46. Take grease off suede. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.
47. Remove tough stains. Gently rub on fruit, jam, mustard, coffee, tea. Then wash as usual.
48. Get smoke smell out of clothes by adding a cup of vinegar to a bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.
49. Remove perspiration stains from clothes by applying one part vinegar to four parts water, then rinse.
50. Deodorant and anti-perspirants stains may be removed from clothing by lightly rubbing with distilled vinegar and laundering as usual.
51. Cotton and wool blankets become soft, fluffy and free of soap odor if 2 cups of distilled vinegar are added to the rinse cycle of the wash.
52. Clothes will rinse better if a cup of vinegar is added to the last rinse water. The acid in vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics but strong enough to dissolve the alkalis in soaps and detergents.
53. When dyeing fabric, add a cup full of distilled vinegar to the last rinse to set the color.
54. Nylon hose will look better and last longer if 1 tablespoon of vinegar is added to the rinse water when washing.
55. To obtain a sharper crease in your knit fabrics, dampen them with a cloth wrung out from a solution of 1/3 distilled vinegar and 2/3 water. Place a brown paper bag over the crease and iron.
56. Excess laundry suds that develop during hand laundry may be eliminated by splashing a little vinegar into the second rinse. Follow this with another rinse in plain water.
57. Deodorize a wool sweater: Wash sweater, then rinse in equal parts vinegar and water to remove odor.
58. After a hem or seam is removed, there are often unsightly holes left in the fabric. These holes can be removed by placing a cloth, moistened with distilled vinegar, under the fabric and ironing.
59. Unclog steam iron by pouring equal amounts of vinegar and water into the iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright position. Then unplug and allow cooling. Any loose particles should come out when you empty the water.
60. Clean a scorched iron plate by heating equal parts vinegar and salt in a small pan. Then rub the solution on the cooled iron surface to remove dark or burned stains.

CLEANING IN THE KITCHEN:
61. A mixture of salt and vinegar will clean coffee and tea stains from chinaware.
62. Put vinegar on a cloth and let sit on the back of your kitchen faucet and it removes hard water stains.
63. Vinegar can help to dissolve mineral deposits that collect in automatic drip coffee makers. Fill the reservoir with vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle. Rinse thoroughly with water when the cycle is finished. (Be sure to check the owner’s manual for specific instructions).
64. Brass, copper and pewter will shine if cleaned with the following mixture. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of distilled vinegar.
65. Clean the dishwasher by running a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap build up on the inner mechanisms and on glassware.
66. Deodorize the kitchen drain. Pour a cup down the drain once a week. Let stand 30 minutes and then flush with cold water.
67. Unclog a drain. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Rinse with hot water.
68. Eliminate onion odor by rubbing vinegar on your fingers before and after slicing.
69. Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards by wiping with full strength vinegar.
70. Cut grease and odor on dishes by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to hot soapy water.
71. Clean a teapot by boiling a mixture of water and vinegar in it. Wipe away the grime.
72. Clean and deodorize the garbage disposal by making vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water through.
73. Clean and deodorize jars. Rinse mayonnaise, peanut butter, and mustard jars with vinegar when empty.
74. Get rid of cooking smells by letting a small pot of vinegar and water simmer on the stove.
75. Freshen a lunchbox by soaking a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the lunchbox over night.
76. Clean the refrigerator by washing with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
77. Clean stainless steel by wiping with vinegar dampened cloth.
78. Clean china and fine glassware by adding a cup of vinegar to a sink of warm water. Gently dip the glass or china in the solution and let dry. Get stains out of pots by filling the pots with a solution of 3 tablespoons of vinegar to a pint of water. Boil until stain loosens and can be washed away.
79. Clean food-stained pots and pans by filling the pots and pans with vinegar and let stand for thirty minutes. Then rinse in hot, soapy water.
80. Clean the microwave by boiling a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and deodorize.
81. Prevent soapy film on glassware by placing a cup of vinegar on the bottom rack of your dishwasher, run for five minutes, then run though the full cycle.
82. The minerals found in foods and water will often leave a dark stain on aluminum utensils. This stain can be easily removed by boiling a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar per cup of water in the utensil. Utensils may also be boiled in the solution.
83. Unsightly film in small-necked bottles and other containers can be cleaned by pouring vinegar into the bottle and shaking. For tougher stains, add a few tablespoons of rice or sand and shake vigorously. Rinse thoroughly and repeat until clean or determined hopeless.
84. After cleaning the bread box, keep it smelling sweet by wiping it down with a cloth moistened in distilled vinegar.
85. To eliminate fruit stains from your hands, rub your hands with a little distilled vinegar and wipe them with a cloth.
86. Grease buildup in an oven can be prevented by wiping with a cleaning rag that has been moistened in distilled vinegar and water.
87. Formica tops and counters will shine if cleaned with a cloth soaked in distilled vinegar.
88. No-wax linoleum will shine better if wiped with a solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar in 1/2 gallon of water.
89. Stains on hard-to-clean glass, aluminum, or porcelain utensils may be loosened by boiling in a solution of one part vinegar to eight parts water. The utensils should then be washed in hot soapy water.

COOKING IN THE KITCHEN:
90. Prepare fluffier rice by adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the water when it boils.
91. Make wine vinegar by mixing 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 teaspoon of dry red wine.
92. Make buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand 5 minutes to thicken.
93. Replace a lemon by substituting 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar for 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
94. Firm up gelatin by adding a teaspoon of vinegar for every box of gelatin used. To keep those molded desserts from sagging in the summer heat.
95. Debug fresh vegetables by washing them in water with vinegar and salt. Bugs float off.
96. Scale fish more easily by rubbing with vinegar 5 minutes before scaling.
97. Freshen vegetables. Soak wilted vegetables in 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of vinegar.
98. Boil better eggs by adding 2 tablespoons water before boiling. This keeps them from cracking.
99. Marinating meat in vinegar kills bacteria and tenderizes the meat. Use one-quarter cup vinegar for a two to three pound roast, marinate overnight, and then cook without draining or rinsing the meat. Add herbs to the vinegar when marinating as desired.

IN THE BATHROOM:
100. Kill germs on bathroom fixtures by using one part vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the bathroom fixtures and floor, then wipe clean.
101. Soap and stain build up can be removed from chrome and plastic fixtures if they are cleaned with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of distilled vinegar.
102. Clean soap scum, mildew, and grime from bathtub, tile, and shower curtains. Simply wipe the surface with Vinegar and rinse with water.
103. Stubborn stains can be removed from the toilet by spraying them with vinegar and brushing vigorously. The bowl may be deodorized by adding 3 cups of distilled vinegar. Allow it to remain for a half hour, then flush.
104. Unclog a shower head by unscrewing it, remove the rubber washer, place the head in a pot filled with equal parts Vinegar and water, bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes.
105. Corrosion may be removed from showerheads or faucets by soaking them in diluted distilled vinegar overnight. This may be easily accomplished by saturating a terry cloth towel in vinegar and wrapping it around the showerhead or faucet.
106. Bath tub film can be removed by wiping with vinegar and then with baking soda. Rinse clean with water.

MISCELLANEOUS:
107. Use vinegar in the steam cleaner to reduce soap bubbles.
108. Mix vinegar with linseed oil and use it to clean your wood.
109. Clean eyeglasses by wiping each lens with a drop of vinegar.
110. Soak new propane lantern wicks in vinegar for several hours. Let dry before using. Will burn longer and brighter.
111. Deodorize the air. Vinegar is a natural air freshener when sprayed in a room.
112. Turn a chicken bone into rubber by soaking it in a glass of vinegar for three days. It will bend like rubber.
113. Deodorize a room filled with cigarette smoke or paint fumes. Place a small bowl of vinegar in the room.
114. Remove decals or bumper stickers by soaking a cloth in Vinegar and cover the decal or bumper sticker for several minutes until the vinegar soaks in. The decals and bumper stickers should peel off easily.
115. Cleaning windows by using undiluted Vinegar in a spray bottle. Dry off with newspaper.
116. Prevent patching plaster from drying by adding one tablespoon vinegar to the water when mixing to slow the drying time.
117. Plastic can be cleaned and made anti-static by wiping down with a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar to 1 gallon of water. This will cut down on the plastics' tendency to attract dust.
118. The colors in carpets and rugs will often look like they have taken a new lease on life if they are brushed with a mixture of 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of water.
119. A mixture of one teaspoon of liquid detergent and 1 teaspoon of distilled vinegar in a pint of lukewarm water will remove non-oily stains from carpets. Apply it to the stain with a soft brush or towel and rub gently. Rinse with a towel moistened with clean water and blot dry. Repeat this procedure until the stain is gone. Then dry quickly, using a fan or hair dryer. This should be done as soon as the stain is discovered.
120. Spots caused by cola-based soft drinks can be removed from 100 percent cotton, cotton polyester and permanent press fabrics if done so within 24 hours. To do it, sponge distilled vinegar directly onto the stain and rub away the spots. Then clean according to the directions on the manufacturer's care tag.
121. Sponging away grease and dirt with a sponge dipped in distilled vinegar will keep exhaust fan grills, air-conditioner blades and grills dust free.
122. Leather articles can be cleaned with a mixture of distilled vinegar and linseed oil. Rub the mixture into the leather and then polish with a soft cloth.
123. To loosen old glue around rungs and joints of tables and chairs under repair, apply distilled vinegar with a small oil can.
124. Soak a paint brush in hot vinegar, then wash out with warm, sudsy water to soften it up.
125. Patent leather will shine better if wiped with a soft cloth which has been moistening with distilled vinegar.
126. To add a pleasant scent to a room while at the same time removing an unpleasant odor, add cardamom or other fragrant spice to a bowl of distilled vinegar and place in the warmest corner of the room.
127. Varnished wood often takes on a cloudy appearance. If the cloudiness hasn't gone through to the wood, the cloudiness can be removed by rubbing the wood with soft lint less cloth wrung out from a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar in a quart of lukewarm water. Complete the job by wiping the surface with a soft dry cloth.
128. Dirt and grime can be easily removed from woodwork with a solution of 1 cup of ammonia, 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baking soda in a cup of warm water. This solution will not dull the finish or leave streaks.
129. Stubborn rings resulting from wet glasses being placed on wood furniture may be removed by rubbing with a mixture of equal parts of distilled vinegar and olive oil. Rub with the grain and polish for the best results.
130. Wood paneling may be cleaned with a mixture of 1 ounce of olive oil and 2 ounces of distilled vinegar in 1 quart of warm water. Moisten a soft cloth with the solution and wipe the paneling. The yellowing is then removed by wiping with a soft, dry cloth.

Crock-Pot Roast Chicken

2013-02-28T08:10:00.003-10:00

Although I work at home, dinner is still a daunting chore at times. I'm always looking for ways to make dinner easier and more achievable to avoid the temptation to hit the drive-thru or take-out. I found this recipe for Crock-Pot Roast Chicken and wanted to give it a try. I don't normally do a whole chicken in the crock-pot because I don't like how it gets watery, which tends to make the chicken taste bland.

I found this recipe interesting because you brown it before putting it in the crock-pot. The picture below is after the browning process when I put it in the crock-pot to cook for the rest of the day. I'm excited to see how this recipe turns out!

Crock-Pot Roast Chicken
(Original recipe found here)

1 whole chicken (pick a size that will fit in your slow cooker)
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dried thyme (or any desired seasoning)
1/2 onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 carrot

Directions:
1. Wash chicken and remove giblets then pat inside and outside dry with a paper towel.
2. Mix salt, pepper and thyme together in a small bowl.
3. Massage seasonings into the chicken inside and out.
4. In a large skillet put the olive oil in and wait for it to get hot. (medium heat will do)
5. Place the whole chicken in pan to brown on all sides. (takes about 7 mins. on each side)
6. Dice onion, celery and carrot into 1 inch pieces.
7. When chicken is browned to your desire place onion, garlic and carrot into the body cavity of the chicken.
8. Place chicken into your crock pot to cook the rest of the day. Cook on low heat for 8 hours. (time will vary due to the size of the chicken)

Chinese Minute Chicken

2013-02-22T09:53:00.002-10:00

I love Minute Chicken, there is a Chinese in town that is my favorite. But, going out to eat as we all know is costly. Especially with a family of 4. So I searched the net for a recipe to make my own and I found this one. It's simple, fast and delicious! What's even better is that it tastes just like the one I love at Royal Garden.

Chinese Minute Chicken

3 to 3-1/2 pounds chicken, chopped
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tsp minced garlic
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup water or chicken broth
1/3 cup oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Add pepper, 1/2 tsp minced garlic and flour to chicken.
Mix and let stand 15 to 20 minutes.
Heat oil and 1/2 tsp minced garlic in large heavy skillet until sizzling hot.
Add chicken, stir fry until brown.
Lower heat, add chicken broth or water.
Let simmer 5 minutes.
Add oyster sauce, sugar and green onions.
Serve hot

6 FREE Personalized Gifts (Vistaprint)!

2013-02-22T07:00:00.000-10:00

Now at Vistaprint, you can get 6 daily essentials for free—just pay shipping & processing.

Design new custom calendars for an office cubicle, tote bags for errands, mugs for special heartfelt gifts, t-shirts for after-school activities, stamps for “Property of” stamps, or emergency contact cards for babysitters and teachers! Just in case you forgot to order that extra calendar to hang at work or in your kitchen, now you can create your own special calendar starting in February to ensure you never miss an important date.

Personalize yours with birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events, along with a collage of your favorite photos from New Year’s or last summer. For your friend’s upcoming birthday, design a custom mug with inside jokes or your favorite pictures through the years for an extra special touch. And with an early Spring on its way, you can put together a special t-shirt for your kids’ extracurricular activities to show that you’re their #1 fan. Add your own personal touch to everyday organization and errands with custom gifts from Vistaprint!

Kellogg's Family Rewards

2013-02-21T11:00:00.000-10:00

Get exclusive coupons and earn rewards from your favorite Kellogg’s® brands. Just click the banner above to sign up for great savings delivered right to your inbox!

Enter for your chance to win $25,000 from Auntie Anne's!

2013-02-21T06:00:00.000-10:00

Auntie Anne's is celebrating 25 pretzel perfect years with the introduction of their brand new Honey Whole Grain Pretzel!

Click here for a chance to win $25,000 and an opportunity to try your hand at rolling your very own Auntie Anne's pretzel. Play the game every day to see if you've instantly won the all-new Apple® iPad mini, Coca-Cola® beverages FOR A YEAR, or a $25 Visa® gift card!

Hello Winter $1000 Cash Giveaway

2013-01-25T09:13:00.000-10:00

Welcome to Hello Winter $1000 Cash Giveaway!

Winter blues? We’ve teamed up with the most amazing group of bloggers to bring you a $1000 cash giveaway to cheer you up this winter.

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Disclosure: This giveaway is open Worldwide, must be 18+ to enter. Winner will be contacted from admin@divafabulosa.com and will have 48 hours to respond to winning email. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. None of the other bloggers in this giveaway are responsible for prize shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest.

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2013-01-16T08:36:00.001-10:00

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Almond Float Recipe

2013-01-03T13:24:00.000-10:00

We went to Honolulu to ring in the new year with Wade's family, it was a great time with family and of course there's always good food when ever we get together! My mother in-law's favorite dessert is Almond Float.

Almond float is a refreshing dessert that can be served with canned or fresh fruit and is very light and refreshing. This is also a dessert that Wade loves as well, so I am going to try this recipe out for myself so we can add it to our family favorites recipes. :)

Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it for yourself.

Ingredients:

     2 tablespoons       unflavored gelatin
     1 1/4 cup           water
     3/4 cup             sugar
     1 cup               milk
     1 tablespoon        almond extract
     1 can (16 oz)       peaches, madarin oranges, or fruit cocktail
     1 can (15 oz)       lychees (you can find these in the Asian section)

     8                   maraschino cherries, optional for garnish

Procedure:
Soften gelatin in 1/4 cup of the water. In a sauce pan, bring remaining 1 cup water to a boil. Add softened gelatin and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in sugar, milk and almond extract. Pour into an 8 inch square pan and chill until firm. To serve, drain canned fruits, saving the liquid. Cut into smaller pieces if using canned peaches. Put back into liquid and add lychees and cherries. Cut almond gelatin into diamond shapes. Carefully put into fruit mixture. Makes 8 servings.

Cupcakes To-Go

2012-12-19T20:19:00.002-10:00

It's that time of the year again when creativity is required to make something special for 25 little tikes! Every year for Christmas I try to do something special, yet budget friendly for Matthew's classmates. This year I found a great idea for giving individual cupcakes! Of course, yes I did... I found it on Pinterest.

Here's what I did

I made 2 batches of cupcakes, using 2 boxes of cake mix. I did something a little different with the boxed cake mix. Instead of oil, I used melted butter, added an extra egg too. I got the idea from this blog post. I'm thinking about substituting milk for the water next time to see how it turns out. The cupcakes came out wonderful, I was really happy with the results and by using boxed cake mix it saved some money too!

I frosted the cupcakes using this recipe for Buttercream, really easy recipe and one recipe was enough to frost 28 cupcakes. Once frosted, I topped each cupcake with a Keebler Jingle cookie, on sale for $2.44 at Walmart.

After the cupcakes were frosted and topped off, I placed them in a plastic cup. Then Wade and Matthew placed the cups in a cellophane bag. This was a fun and easy project to do with the guys. Matthew was able to help out in making some treats for his friends and he felt so proud.

Here's a breakdown of the cost for this project:

2 Boxed Cake Mix- $1.50 ea
4 Sticks of Butter- $3.50
Frosting Ingredients- $3.00
Plastic Cups- $4.00
Cellophane Bags - $2.00
Jingle Cookies- $2.44

Total- $16.94 give or take

25 treats for special little ones for under $20.00, can't beat that! PLUS it was a fun way to get the family in on the action :)

Making Our Own Take Out: Japanese

2012-12-14T10:00:00.000-10:00

We're doing good at sticking to our goal of eating in to save money! But, every once in a while we all have a craving for a certain dish from our favorite restaurants. For us, it's Japanese food. Wade is 100% full-blooded Japanse (Japanee as we say it here lol). Although I'm half Japanese, I never learned how to make Japanese food. I was raised in California with cheeseburgers and pizza hahaha..

I was faced with the challenge of creating some of the dishes Wade likes to go out and eat. I went to Culinary school, but we didn't learn how to make very many Asian dishes. Most of my culinary knowledge is Latin, Italian, and French. And as luck would have it, Wade likes none of those flavors. Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor? I was perusing Google one afternoon looking for some traditional Japanese recipes and I found this awesome blog: No Recipes, making good food better. Initially it will cost a few extra bucks out of pocket to pick up ingredients for the Japanese pantry, but once your pantry has some basic ingredients you're able to create some wonderful dishes.

So, instead of going out to a Japanese restaurant we ate in. I made some of Wade's favorites at a fraction of the cost of dining out. You can get the recipes by clicking on the individual links below.

Mapo Tofu
Miso Soup
Sushi

I hadn't made sushi in quite a while, (over 5 years) and I needed some practice. But, the end result was very delicious and I got back into the "roll" of things after a few oopsies.. haha.. The awesome thing though, is we sure did save some money by creating our own Japanese menu rather than going out. Next on the menu: Chinese Take-out. We'll tackle that one next week sometime. :)

Gallbladder Update

2012-12-13T11:00:00.000-10:00

So it's been a full month that I have been taking the Lypo-Gold enzymes. I have nothing but good things to say about it! My skin continues to stay hydrated, my hair is back to what it used to be years ago and I even have my waves back! I've been sleeping so much better, not waking up tired anymore. The bloating is gone, I have more energy and I've lost 5 pounds. Most of the weight loss was probably water weight, I was pretty bloated. My bodily functions are functioning much better these days and it's been wonderful!

As I've been reading different medical studies, personal blogs and other informative sites I'm learning more and more about the changes my body has gone through since having my gallbladder removed. Without the gallbladder, the bile that used to be digested in the gallbladder is now floating around within and that's not good. In time, the bile wills start to affect other parts of the body such as the liver and kidneys. So in addition to the Lypo-Gold, I've also started taking a Liver Cleanse enzyme to help clean out my liver of any bile or toxins that may be in there because my gallbladder is gone. If you think about it, it's pretty scary that doctors say removing the gallbladder is harmless and we can live without it. If God didn't want us to have it, He wouldn't have put it there in the first place! We do need our gallbladder and without it our body isn't able to function properly which is why enzymes and bile salts are helpful. A very good friend of our who is in his 70's is having some serious health problems right now and the doctors aren't able to do much for him because the damage to his internal organs are so bad. What's interesting is that our friend had his gallbladder removed in his 30's and it's his liver that is badly damaged right now. I can't help but wonder if it might have to do with the fact that his gallbladder is gone and all the bile, toxins, and stones have collected in his liver. Just really makes me wonder...

If you don't have a gallbladder or if you've got gallstones, I encourage you to read up on the condition and educate yourself so you can get a better understanding. Although doctors look at gallbladder removal as a "simple procedure" and "you can live without it", you will have to make some lifestyle changes to help keep your body functioning properly and avoid future problems.

Wordless Wednesday: My Little Taste Tester

2012-12-12T10:00:00.000-10:00

He's never had a Hostess Twinkie. He's only had the Twinkies that Mommy makes and he LOVES them :)

Smarter Spending in 2013

2012-12-10T10:00:00.000-10:00

My goal for 2013 is to take hold of my finances and get things in order. I downloaded a free Kindle book the other day; Living Rich, by spending smart. Being that it was a free download, I feel like I'm ahead of the game already! hahaha..

The book is full of tips and insight to help you get ahead financially regardless of your income. There are some thought provoking topics that caused me to take a step back and ask myself, "Does it really make sense to spend money on that?". It's just amazing how marketing tactics entice us to spend money on things that just don't make sense.. and foolish me I fall for it all the time! Right now, I'm only half way through the book and the wheels in my head are already turning with excitement at how I can begin to make better financial decisions.

Something that really sticks with me is this; If I'm not able to manage my finances well, how will my children manage theirs? I look back at my childhood and how my parents made ends meet. Reflecting back now as an adult, I can see that my parents were living paycheck to paycheck.. and wouldn't you know it, so are we. History always repeats itself until someone breaks the cycle. I would like to break that cycle in our family and raise my boys to be able to manage their finances well.

Our first step in making a commitment toward change happened this week. We did not eat out at all this week. I admit, yes I work at home and am able to make home-cooked meals, but some days I'm just so burnt out from day care that I just don't feel like cooking. What's that called? Yep.. LAZY.. I'm very lazy sometimes, which is probably why I haven't lost much baby weight after having Matthew, but that's a different blog topic in itself lol.. So, we didn't eat out all week. Grocery bill for the week was $75.00. A typical meal dining out for our family of 4 usually runs us about $30.00 (that's a lot!). Eating out also means no leftovers to use for lunches or make over meals. We're not planning to completely do away with eating out, but we will save dining out for special occasions rather than laziness or procrastination :)

Other changes that I plan to implement are:

Not going to the mall to walk around when I'm bored,
Instead of looking around on Amazon, I can read a free Kindle book :)
Make extra meals to put in the freezer for those days that I'm feeling lazy
Have a yard sale quarterly
De-clutter monthly
Look through my automatic payments and see what I can eliminate. Those little $5 monthly service fees, for services I don't use anymore.

I also signed up for Mint.com, a finance tool that helps you track your income, spending, bills and also set some financial goals. I'm seriously tired of "trying to make ends meet".. I want to get off of this roller coaster. So, hears to getting ahead of financial game in 2013!

Do you have any financial goals for 2013?

Pinterest Christmas Fever

2012-12-08T10:00:00.000-10:00

This year, my Christmas budget requires me to be a little more creative in gift giving. What would we do without Pinterest?! Seriously, I just love that website. I was so delighted to find several pins with homemade or very affordable edible gifts to give to friends and neighbors. I just wanted to share some wonderful finds that I discovered with you! :)

Life as a Thrifter Photo Ornaments: So adorable and would make great gifts!

Simply Cute Creations: Snowman Ornaments using fake snow, baby socks and ribbon.

Nest of Posies has a great list of 27 Homemade Gift Ideas in a jar, on a string, using a wick & more…

Lemon Squeezy has free downloadable Christmas gift tags

If you're looking for great Christmas crafts and activities for kids check out this awesome list on Growing a Jeweled Rose.

Head over to The Paper Mama where she's got a list of 50 DIY Christmas projects

There are some simple and fun ornament projects that will help keep your kids busy on Winter break at No Time for Flashcards

Bakerella (one of my favorite blogs!) has a great cookie in a jar recipe and the cute tags to download as well.

Download some free Christmas stickers for Hershey Kisses at Amada's Parties To Go.

Will you be doing any entertaining? Head over to Six Sister's Stuff for 25 different Christmas appetizer recipes

Hope you enjoyed these wonderful finds! May you be inspired to try something new this year and create unique gifts for friends and loved ones. To see other pins I have on my Christmas Board or to follow me on Pinterest, click here.

A New Adventure is on the Horizon

2012-12-06T11:00:00.000-10:00

In 2013 I will embark on a new venture hosting craft fairs. This is something I have been wanting to do for years but didn't have the resources to accomplish it. It was one of those ideas that randomly pop into your head and you say a quick prayer on it then place it in the mental filing cabinet labeled, "One Day". After 4 years of waiting it looks as though that "One Day" is closer to becoming a reality!

Lako Kula is a business owned by a work at home mom who makes handmade jewelry

It started during a casual conversation with a friend. We jokingly tossed around the idea of creating our own local craft fairs that catered to the local community. After a few minutes of random jokes and comments we realized that it wasn't such a far fetched idea. As a craft fair vendor we come across numerous challenges; overpriced vendor fees, organizers who don't promote or market enough to bring in the crowds, organizers that just want to make money off of the vendors, poor locations, bad weather, poor organization, the list goes on and on. We know what doesn't work for us as vendors and how we don't like to be treated, which motivates us to do something different with a vendor's perspective in mind.

Ka*One*La* is a business run by a young mom who makes jewelry in her spare time.

Our concept and heart's desire is to help the local community around us by providing a venue on a regular basis where local vendors could promote and share their crafts, talents, or services without the complications or "politics" (the name dropping "old boy system"). We want to help the work at home mom or dad, the local mom and pop operation, local churches, ministries, youth sports, or other community members. We plan to host our craft fair once a month for an affordable fee that allows the vendors to make a profit. The name we came up with is, "Ohana Day Craft Fair".. Ohana meaning family, which is what we are as a community, we are family and it's times like these when we need to come together to help one another. We were able to secure a venue and God is just so wonderful, we will have the venue that is our first choice. The basketball court at a local high school with a parking lot to accommodate a good sized crowd and a location with good cross traffic. Our first event will be in February, it's going to be exciting!

Lauhala Trucker Hats sold by a Kahului work at home mom

We want to of course sell our own items to earn some income and at the same time help others supplement their income as well. We are blessed to be a blessing and we're so thankful for the opportunity to help others.

Wordless Wednesday: In This House

2012-12-05T11:00:00.000-10:00

I would love to have this on one of our walls...

Bill Gates Commencement Speech

2012-12-04T13:00:00.000-10:00

I recently saw someone share this on Facebook. I thought these tips/rules were so right on and just wanted to share it.

Bill Gates recently gave a Commencement speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes; learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

If you agree, pass it on.
If you can read this - Thank a teacher!
If you are reading it in English - Thank a soldier!!

cat·fish [kat-fish] verb: A Show That Catches Online Pretenders

2012-12-02T07:00:00.000-10:00

The other morning I had a few minutes of free time while waiting for my day care day to get started. I usually have the TV on just for background noise while I'm doing things around the house. It just so happened that this morning The View was on and they were talking with the creator of the MTV show called Catfish.

Here is a little bit of information about the show from their website:

How do young people who've embraced the digital age find love? Often, it's by connecting online with people they've never met in person. These days, messaging on iPhones has replaced the dinner date, and emailing through social media sites often substitutes for face-to-face conversations. The problem with this approach - the guy or girl you've fallen for could be lying about who they really are.

Now, from the producers of the acclaimed documentary film, Catfish, comes a new MTV series that brings together couples who've interacted solely through their LCD screens. Over the course of months or years - these romantics have become smitten - but what will happen when they meet in real life for the first time?

In each episode, with the guidance and help of the star of the Catfish movie, Nev Schulman, and his filmmaking pal, Max Joseph, a hopeful romantic partner will go on an emotional journey to discover the truth about their significant other. Has that object of affection been telling the truth? Will true love truly blossom? When that fateful knock on the front door finally comes - only one thing is certain - that these incredible voyages will be filled with mystery, uncertainty, forgiveness, joy, and sometimes, even shocking revelations.

cat·fish [kat-fish] verb

To pretend to be someone you're not online by posting false information, such as someone else's pictures, on social media sites usually with the intention of getting someone to fall in love with you.

Before you say, "Yeah that only happens to certain people".. let me share a quick insight with you. This can happen to anyone and happens more often than we would like to admit. As a matter of fact it happened to me 6 years ago when there wasn't even a Facebook yet. It was 8-9 months of drama and hell that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Just so happened that the episode from Catfish that they chose to show on The View, was an episode where a young lady was madly in love with a guy she started talking to online. As time passed she began to have such strong feelings for this guy and just had to meet him. (I tried to get the link to that full episode, but the link isn't working). The guys from Catfish took the young lady on a road trip to surprise her love interest. When they arrive at the house, low and behold the man of her dreams turned out to be a young girl in her 20's who was pretending to be a man! Talk about devastating and heartbreaking. Why did this episode strike a nerve for me? Because that's exactly what happened to me. As much as I'm ashamed to admit it, yes this happened to me. This is the reason why I monitor my 14yr old's computer usage like a mama vulture. The experience was horrible, but the wisdom gained from it has been invaluable.

I think this show is awesome, I hope that it makes people more aware of the predators that are out there in cyber space because there are more than just sexual predators online. I also hope that this show causes pranksters to think twice before playing with people's emotions.

To check out the site click here.

Twinkielicious!

2012-12-01T11:00:00.000-10:00

Did the recent news of Hostess closing it's doors cause you to reminisce of lunch box treats and the excitement they would bring? It did for me. Although I haven't eaten a Twinkie in years, I was very saddened to hear of their closure. Being that news like this usually causes an uproar among consumers, (which it surely did!) I decided that I would try to find a way to make my own Twinkies. I went onto my favorite go-to website (Amazon) to see if there were such a thing as a "Twinkie Pan". If such an item existed, surely I would find it there! Luck was on my side that day and I did indeed find a Twinkie Pan named the Norpro 3964 Cream Canoe Pan. The bad move on my part was that I hesitated before buying it, $18.99 for a pan was not what I wanted to spend.. (silly, silly girl!!). I waited a couple of days and watched the craziness of people buying Twinkies by the case and clearing store shelves in amusement. Then I realized, "Hey, I better go grab that pan!". Oh.. to my dismay.. as we all know, Amazon changes prices like a chameleon changes it's colors. The $18.99 + shipping price that I didn't want to pay was now $24.99 + shipping :(

I sucked it up and got the pan after browsing through Ebay where some sellers had this pan listed at $50 - $100 dollars (what?!).. I was happy to have ordered the pan, not happy that I could have saved a few bucks had I not hesitated.

The pan arrived within 4 days, gotta love Amazon Prime! I tried it out the day it arrived. While waiting for the pan to get here, I had been searching through Google to find Twinkie recipes. I tried one recipe and was very disappointed, it tasted nothing like a Twinkie. Or maybe it's just been so long since I've had one that I didn't realize they tasted so horribly sweet?

Anywho, my very bestest friend in the world helped me find another recipe and I tried it out last night. There are a lot more steps in this recipe than the first one I used and was not as simple, but it came out oh so delicious! It tasted just like a Twinkie, only better! The filling still needs some tweaking it was a little more runny that I would like and I'll be on the look out for some other recipes to try. Now, I'm really wishing I had bought two pans because the recipe makes 15 Twinkies. When I made the second batch, they didn't come out as light and fluffy as the first batch, they were a lot more dense. However, they still tasted very delicious. In fact this cake recipe tastes good by itself without the filling. These Twinkies are not full of preservatives or other additives, so in my mind they're "healthier" than the original Twinkie and better for you! ;-) hahaha

If you're a Twinkie lover give this recipe a try, I think you're gonna love it!

Not the Same Old Pork Chops

2012-11-29T21:06:00.001-10:00

Wade & Austin love pork chops, but I'm tired of making it the same way; pan fried, baked, sauteed, etc. So I went onto Google in search of some inspiration. I found this great recipe on Yummly, who got it from Epicurious and as luck would have it I had all the ingredients in my pantry!

Hoisin & Honey Glazed Pork Chops

1 bunch scallions
1/4 cup Asian oyster sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 (1-inch-thick) pork chops (2 lb total)

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.

Cut scallions diagonally into 2-inch pieces.
Whisk together remaining ingredients except pork in a large bowl. Add scallions and pork, turning pork to coat generously with sauce.
Arrange pork in 1 layer in a 15- by 10-inch shallow baking pan (1 inch deep). Spoon remaining sauce with scallions over pork and roast until just cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Turn on broiler and broil pork 5 to 6 inches from heat until top is slightly caramelized, 2 to 5 minutes. Let stand, uncovered, 5 minutes. Serve pork topped with any pan juices.

Super easy to throw together! I let it sit in the sauce for about 45 min to soak it in, this also allowed the chops to come to room temperature before going in the oven. I put them in the oven about 5 minutes ago and it's starting to smell good!

Here's the finished product! Because of the high temp. for 15 minutes and broiling them to finish for another 5 minutes, these chops came out very moist and delicious! So quick and easy this is a great recipe for hectic weekday dinners. This recipe is a keeper in my book!

Wordless Wednesday: Family Photo Sesh

2012-11-28T19:00:00.000-10:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! These photos were taken in Makena early on a Saturday morning. Christmas cards are being made and will be out in the mail soon! Can't believe this year is already coming to a close...