Answers From The Queen of Useless Information

Recovering From Sandy

2012-11-06T07:05:00.002-05:00

My husband left the house for the 6th day in the row to get gas. The gas lines are terrible. People are lining up at closed stations hoping they receive a delivery. They are waiting for hours.

We were fortunate to gas one car up a few days ago. He only had to wait for 2 1/2 hours. We are also lucky that I have not had to go to work this past week. All the schools have been closed since last Monday. They are expected to open tomorrow, but a Nor'easter is on its way.

I pray that it spares Long Island. So many people have lost so much.

We lost power for 5 days. It wasn't so bad the first 2 days. It was actually enjoyable. The kids played outside more, my husband and I sat and talked, and we were all in bed early. The candlelight was romantic. But once the temperature starting dropping, the loss of power was unbearable!

Many of my friends have lost power. Some have my friends have lost their homes. Long Island's towns and beaches are destroyed and there are so many people struggling to survive.

Today I am thankful for what have and am reevaluating what I need. Today my family is collecting thosre extras we don't need to give to thise that need so much. My Cub Scout Den is holding a clothng drive. What an importnant lesson it is to teach our children to give to others in need.

Not sure if this is the best quote, but it is one I like.

Be safe, warm, thankful, and kind.

Hello New Life!

2012-11-05T09:42:00.001-05:00

I am starting a new life today. I have to. I am 35 (almost 36), 30 pounds overweight, have high cholesterol, high triglycerides and am tired and moody.

What happened to me? I used to be so cute, happy, and fit!

Here is what happened-
3 kids, working full time, struggling with a stressful business that is bleeding us dry, running from place to place, not planning meals or planning meals for the kids and not myself, putting school, work, volunteering before myself.

This is what some moms do. We try so hard to be everything to everyone that we run ourselves ragged and forget about what is important in life.

My health, my husband's health, and my children's health is what is most important. Everything else is not a priority.

The light bulb turned on at my oldest son's last doctor visit. He is semi-active and has just joined the swim team. He practices 3-4 times a week and eats ok.

The doctor is worried that he has gain 40 over the last 2 years. He is not obese, but on the way if I don't help him.

What did I do wrong? I am failing him. What example am I setting for him? Both my husband and I are overweight, not too active, and eat terribly. How can I expect him to be healthy if we are not?

So here I am. I am changing my ways so that my children are healthier. I am changing my ways so that my children are happier. I am changing my ways so that I am healthy and alive to see my grandchildren and to live life to the fullest.

Today I am starting. This is scary for me. I know it will not be easy. I have to change so much. Becoming the person I am today involved years of letting myself go.
How do I start?

As a speech pathologist I am always setting goals for my students. Here are mine:
Long Term Goals:
1. More real foods in our diets.
2. More exercise in our lives.
3. Losing 30 pounds (my husband's and my personal goals)

The only way to achieve this is by short term goals. I am going to focus on one change at a time. I will stay motivated by seeing these little goals achieved.
Short Term Goals
1. Eating 1 fruit per day
2. Drinking water each day
3. Eating 1 vegetable per day.
4. Being active for 1/2 per day ( I know it seems little, but I want it to be achievable)

Today's healthy change is offering fruit as snacks, before the kids are famished and looking to eat crap.

What are some changes that you have made to help yourself and your family become healthier?

Tell me about your journey to a healthier family.

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop,

2011-12-22T22:24:00.002-05:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

When you enter your information in the linky list, be sure to write what you want next to your blog name. Example: Life According to Damaris (Alexa) if I want someone to review my blog at Alexa, Life According to Damaris (Facebook) if I want a Facebook like, etc. You can add as many links as you want to all of your social networks.

The only thing we ask is if someone reviews, likes or follows you, please try & return the favor. But most importantly, have FUN & it’s not mandatory but if you’d like, grab the button to spread the word about the Blog Hop so more people can join!

Lots Of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop

2011-12-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

Lots Of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop

2011-12-02T06:50:00.000-05:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

Happy Thanksgiving! Join us at the Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop!

2011-11-24T22:25:00.000-05:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

Lots Of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop #16

2011-11-17T22:32:00.000-05:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop #15

2011-11-11T22:45:00.000-05:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

What did you do with your extra hour?

2011-11-07T06:31:00.000-05:00

You could have started a project,

made breakfast,

go for a run,

cleaned the house,

or just sleep in?

I made waffles (a first in a long time). I really needed this extra hour, especially with DH traveling during the week and me returning back to work.

The boys, however, felt it was OK to wake up at 5:30.

I am convinced that Daylight Savings Time does not exist for children under 10.

What did you do with your extra hour?

Six Word Saturday- Come join us!

2011-11-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

Enjoying my cup of coffee today

I love Saturday mornings that I can sleep in (until 8- my how things have changed since my 20s) and I can have my morning cup o' joe without being rushed out the door.

Happy weekend everyone!

Join me at

Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop #14

2011-11-04T06:12:00.000-04:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

Lot 26 Sale!

2011-11-01T23:22:00.000-04:00

I am writing this post as an affiliate of Lot 26.

I'm very excited to offer an exclusive discount that can't be found anywhere else! Save 10% on all Lot 26 Studio products valid through November 21st with promo code NOV10. Tis' the season to be jolly... so let the shopping begin! Below are a few of my favorite gift ideas:

Looking for the perfect gift for that ultimate sports fan? Lot 26 Studio now offers official NFL and MLB wall decor. Choose from teams, players, and stadiums. This is a gift sure to impress the sports fan in your life!

The Reflection Stars wall decal will brighten up any child's room and makes a great gift! It takes only minutes to put up and is sure to make bedtime more fun!

Do you know someone who just moved into a new home? The Cityscape wall decal offers a gift that will transform a wall into a sophisticated, urban setting ideal for today's style of living.

Lot 26 Studio sells products that are fun, creative, perfect for any age, and a fast way to modernize any space. Lot 26 Studio offers a wide array of beautiful wall decals in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They're simple...just peel and stick!

Happy Shopping!

Six Word Saturday- Come join us!

2011-10-29T07:28:00.000-04:00

Hope the baby sleeps in today.

Is it teething? Could her reflux be back (can it come back?) Or is it just plain bad behavior? This little chica has been getting up anytime she feels like it and momma is TIRED! She got up today at 4:30 AM. I threw her a bottle and I went back to bed. She has no idea how great sleep is....

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop #13

2011-10-27T22:28:00.000-04:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :
Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)
Co-Hosted by:
Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)
It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)
Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)
Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.
When you enter your information in the linky list, be sure to write what you want next to your blog name. Example: Life According to Damaris (Alexa) if I want someone to review my blog at Alexa, Life According to Damaris (Facebook) if I want a Facebook like, etc. You can add as many links as you want to all of your social networks.

The only thing we ask is if someone reviews, likes or follows you, please try & return the favor. But most importantly, have FUN & it’s not mandatory but if you’d like, grab the button to spread the word about the Blog Hop so more people can join!
<a href="http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com" target="_blank"><center><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2a9ta3o.png" border="0" alt="Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop" /></center> </a>

Cool Apps For Your Iphone (and some mommy time savers, too!)

2011-10-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

Here are some of my faves:

PhonyPhone

This gives me a few extra minutes of peace when the little one is stuck running errands with me.

Diapers.com

You can buy diapers, baby food, formula, clothes and tons of other stuff for your little one.

Peapod

It even saves your past orders, making food shopping quick, painless, and quiet (no screaming kids).

Pandora

Free music! I play it in my car and at home. It's a great way to find new bands.

Groupon

I am addicted! Enough said!

What are your faves?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T06:48:00.000-04:00

Taking Care Of Mommy

2011-10-24T21:45:00.000-04:00

What do you do to take care of you? As a mommy, I make sure the children are well fed, attend school, and stay healthy. As I look at myself, I realize I am neglecting ME. I am not eating great (left over mac and cheese is not a meal), not taking time to read, and not exercising AT ALL. I am burning out quickly.
I have been taking a nutrition course online that has started me thinking about the importance of activity in our daily lives. I have learned that aerobic activity not only decreases stress, but regulates hormones and boosts self confidence. As a mommy of 3, I could definitely use a little "regulation".So I decided to make a goal for myself. I am starting to run!
I have been looking at baby joggers for months and finally decided to make a purchase. I will begin training for a 5K in December. Since I am NOT a runner (I am barely a walker), I will be starting slowly by alternating walking and running until I can jog. My oldest son has also expressed an interest in running. I am hoping to bring the entire family on board.

Let the running begin!

So if you are in my area on Saturday morning, look for me at the high school track. I will be the one being carried by an 8 year old. Just kidding- I hope!
What do you do to take care of yourself?

Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop #12

2011-10-21T03:51:00.000-04:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :
Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)
Co-Hosted by:
Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)
It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)
Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)
Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.
When you enter your information in the linky list, be sure to write what you want next to your blog name. Example: Life According to Damaris (Alexa) if I want someone to review my blog at Alexa, Life According to Damaris (Facebook) if I want a Facebook like, etc. You can add as many links as you want to all of your social networks.

The only thing we ask is if someone reviews, likes or follows you, please try & return the favor. But most importantly, have FUN & it’s not mandatory but if you’d like, grab the button to spread the word about the Blog Hop so more people can join!

<a href="http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com" target="_blank"><center><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2a9ta3o.png" border="0" alt="Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop" /></center> </a>

Do you have an ICE?

2011-10-13T21:40:00.000-04:00

ICE- In Case of Emergency

I just heard about this recently. ICE should be place in front of your emergency person in your cell phone contacts. For example, my husband is listed as ICE Phil in my contacts list. This gives first responders valuable information in the case that I am unconscious and need assistance.

Add ICE to your contacts today

Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop #11

2011-10-13T21:32:00.000-04:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :
Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)
Co-Hosted by:
Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)
It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)
Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)
Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.
When you enter your information in the linky list, be sure to write what you want next to your blog name. Example: Life According to Damaris (Alexa) if I want someone to review my blog at Alexa, Life According to Damaris (Facebook) if I want a Facebook like, etc. You can add as many links as you want to all of your social networks.

The only thing we ask is if someone reviews, likes or follows you, please try & return the favor. But most importantly, have FUN & it’s not mandatory but if you’d like, grab the button to spread the word about the Blog Hop so more people can join!

<a href="http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com" target="_blank"><center><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2a9ta3o.png" border="0" alt="Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop" /></center> </a>

Thank you Mr. Perdue for Saving Dinner

2011-10-10T09:11:00.000-04:00

So as you can tell from my posts (or lack of posts I should say) I have had a difficult time getting back to work (I am a teacher) and back to my children's school schedules.There is the initial challenge of getting everyone where they need to be in the morning. After work is one big taxi ride between a gazillion activities (baseball, soccer, religion, etc...) I finally feel like I am getting the hang of it (in October!).

My next challenge is DINNER! I have tried crockpotting it, cooking ahead, eating pancakes, it just so hard for me. My kids are not picky eaters, they just are basic- chicken, macaroni, and a veggie. I am really trying to watch our grocery budget lately. We are spending too much money on fast food and take-out because I am just so exhausted by the time we get home after all our our stops.
In my last supermarket visit, I found this:

PERDUE OVEN READY ROASTER

This was super easy to make and NO MESS!

All I did was preheat the oven (400 degrees), lined a roasting pan with aluminum foil, and opened the outer bag. Inside was a marinated roaster in a cooking bag. I cut a small slit, plopped the bagged bird onto the pan, and popped it in the oven.

I followed the cooking directions as listed and an hour and 45 minutes later, I have a delicious roasted chicken.

I paid $8.99 for the roaster. Yes, I know that if I shopped around I could have probably gotten a better deal on the chicken and marinated it myself. This is a great alternative if you are in a rush and want a healthy and easy meal. This is much a better option than fast food or take-out and cheaper, too! I served my roaster with corn on the cob (from the farm- YUM) and a ceasar salad (E Tu salad kit).

The Perdue Oven Ready Roasters make a great meal and are worth giving a try. I have not checked prices from store to store, so they may even be cheaper depending on where you shop. Maybe there is even a coupon?

What are your cooking shortcuts? Share them!

Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop #10

2011-10-09T23:59:00.000-04:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

The closest I get to science is The Big Bang Theory

2011-10-07T22:52:00.000-04:00

Guest post written by Emily Rogerson

I remember when I used to do my homework in high school and college for my required college classes, I used to think about how glad I would be once I had a job in the real world where I didn't have to deal with science. Well my job now doesn't require that I deal with science. But now I also have to worry about helping my son out with his science homework. Besides that, the closest that I get to science is watching The Big Bang Theory.

I wouldn't think that I would have liked a show that had to do with science, but I heard so many good things about the show that I gave it a try and loved it. I also like to read some of the show spoilers that I can find online with my Clear Internet.

Lots of Lovin' Weekend Blog Hop #9

2011-09-29T18:45:00.002-04:00

Lots of Lovin’ Weekend Blog Hop

Hosted by :

Life According to Damaris (http://lifeaccordingtodamaris.com)

Co-Hosted by:

Where Nothing Good Comes Easy (http://www.wherenothinggoodcomeseasy.com)

It’s a Sun Kissed Life (http://itsasunkissedlife.blogspot.com/)

Answers from the Queen of Useless Information (http://www.alianswers.blogspot.com/)

Gumdrop Pass (http://gumdroppass.blogspot.com)

Sharing the love all weekend long!

This blog hop is a NO RULES blog hop for GFC follows, Facebook likes, Twitter follows, Alexa reviews & whatever other social network out there.

Anything goes AS LONG AS IT’S FAMILY FRIENDLY. Anything that’s not family friendly will be deleted but I trust there won’t be any spammers.

I Promised You A Giveaway- Welcome to Follow Frenzy September

2011-09-25T23:59:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Follow Frenzy August!

hosted by Formula Mom & Tales from the Nursery!

Welcome to September's edition of Follow Frenzy! Follow Frenzy is a monthly giveaway event that helps readers find new blogs to check out, follow, and enter to win some cash or an Amazon GC. For bloggers, it helps them to gain new followers and grow their social media presence.

This month you have a chance to win $165 paid via PayPal or an Amazon gift code! Each entry is another chance to win, so check out the Rafflecopter form below and get clicking to visit all of the amazing blogs participating in this event! You will be able to enter until 11:59pm EST on Sunday, September 25th. Following the conclusion of the event, a winner will be drawn and notified via email. The winner will have 48 hours to confirm their win or another winner will be drawn.

Prize: $165 Paypal cash or an Amazon GC When: 9/23 to 9/25 How to enter: Fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Do one, some, or all! Each entry is another chance to win. Please note, you only need to enter at one of the blogs. Duplicate entries will be removed. Comments will not count as entries. Good luck!