The Girlz Korner

The True Meaning of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 19:58:00 +0000

Sometimes we tend to go overboard for the ‪holidays‬ and forget
what the ‪‎True Meaning Of Christmas‬ really

is. When you think of all the ribbons, boxes and other wrappings that go into glorifying the gifts we give, it kind of makes you wonder, is it truly all worth it and meaningful.

It's really rather simple, when you take a moment and think about it. It's rejoicing in the birthday of our Lord's son, spending time with family and friends, reaching out to those who are less fortunate while bringing a little joy into their lives, and carrying it's importance and message all throughout the upcoming New Year. Let us not forget.

Keeping Your Home Safe this Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:39:00 +0000

The Holiday Season is upon us once again. It’s a time of cheer, gathering with friends and family, and creating It’s also a time to make sure your home is safe. There are so many hazards that can arise when you invite visitors into your home, both young and old.

wonderful new memories.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure that whoever stops by will enjoy a joyous visit:

§ Get rid of the clutter – Make sure that it’s easy for people to maneuver around without tripping over electrical cords and clearing the stairs of any objects like shoes and books.

§ Fireplaces & Wood Stoves - There is nothing cozier and more warming than a crackling fire. Take the proper precautions and make sure your flutes and chimneys are properly cleaned, the damper is open while burning and fire screens are used to prevent hot embers from coming in contact with anything flammable.

§ Passable walkways – Depending on what part of the country you live in; excited visitors generally don’t pay attention when entering homes. Make sure your sidewalks and driveways are free of debris like branches, slippery, wet leaves, and snow and ice.

§ Overnight guests – Slippery showers can be treacherous. If you’re having overnight guests, be sure the shower they’re using has a non-slip mat.

§ Flooring - If you have hardwood floors, it’s a good idea any area rugs you may have down are secured with non-slip pads or double-sided tape.

§ Electrical overload – When decorating for the holidays make sure that your electrical outlets, circuits, wiring, plugs, and Christmas lights are not frayed or overloaded. It takes just one spark to create an inferno.

§ Hand Rails – Test them and make sure they are tightly fastened.

§ Proper Lighting – You may know where everything is but, guests may be unfamiliar. Place a night light in the bathroom, hallway, and kitchen. It’s a great idea to have a lamp on a bedside table. Don’t forget to make sure that outdoor lighting is up to par so walkways and entrances are clearly visible.

I It’s always better to be safe, than sorry. Spending hours in an emergency room because of an accident that could have been prevented, is not how anyone wants to have a joyous occasion end up.

Damaging Affects of Sugar

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 16:33:00 +0000

Sugar ... sweet, delicious, addictive sugar and oh how we love it! Despite our adoration, there are some pretty scary and damaging affects of sugar on the human body. Sugar can be toxic, especially considering the whopping amounts people consume yearly.

Did you know that the average person takes in nearly 130 pounds of added sugars? If you figure that out ... wait for it now ... that's about 22 teaspoons of sugar a day! Holy sweet tooth! Here are some of things having a sugar overload every day can do to your body.

It makes your organs fat. Sad, but true. Over time, it can cause fat to build up around your liver and bring on liver disease.
A precursor for the on-start ofType-3 Diabetes
Beats the heck out of your heart because diabetes and heart disease are so interrelated.
Massive amounts of sugar causes excess insulin in the bloodstream. This really takes a toll on your body's circulatory system, making your vessels grow faster than normal. The end result can prove deadly, putting you on the path toward high blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Major spike in bad cholesterol
It's addictive just like street drugs. Your body develops a tolerance, needing more and more of those feel-good opiods and dopamines (those pleasure chemicals in your brain).
Kind of turns you into an uncontrollable eating machine. Eating too much mixes up your body's ability to tell your brain you've had enough.
You become crazed for energy. It's like when you eat a candy bar and you get that zap of energy. Sugar also releases serotonin, which is a sleep regulator. You'll always need an energy boost and never quite get enough.
Messes up your face. A constant sugar overload in your bloodstream attaches to these proteins that form harmful molecules. These invaders actually attack the collagen and elastin in your skin that are important for keeping your skin firm and elastic. Hence, leading to wrinkles and saggy skin.

10 Thanksgiving Table Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 20:19:00 +0000

In less than two weeks’ time, we’ll all be gathering around the table in celebration of Thanksgiving. I can almost smell the turkey slowly roasting in the oven, and my mouth is watering already in anticipation of this festive holiday.

If you’re like me, it’s all about setting the stage and I love switching it up when it comes to table settings for Thanksgiving.

Here are 10 Thanksgiving Table Settings to wow your guests with all inspiring ideas I’ve found on the web.


Printable Pumpkin Leaves


Bring in bits of nature

Glue leaves onto a mason jar, tie raffia around the top and place a lighted candle inside.


Candles Wrapped with Cinnamon Sticks

Acorns, Pecans and Hazelnuts in Glass

Utilize Your Crystal


Colored Corn in a Basket Tied With a Bow


A Mix of Tiered and Small Candle Holders

Floral Centerpiece with Tapered Candles


3-Tiered Pumpkins

Spinach Artichoke Dip Stuffed Garlic Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 13:39:00 +0000

Whether it's game night, time for friends to gather, or you're just looking for a warm snack to munch on, this is it! Thanks to the folks at Host The Toast, you can find the recipe here.

You can also see how to make it in video format as Posted by BuzzFeed Food

Pumpkin Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 14:20:00 +0000

This is a popular time of year for pumpkins and most of us use them for decorating our porches and carving out faces to light up with candles. They're really not just a holiday decoration but, chock-full of vitamins and minerals and low on calories.

Just one cup of cooked pumpkin will provide over 100% of what you require daily for vitamins A,B6, C, and E as well as riboflavin, potassium, copper, manganese, thiamin and so many more. Using fresh pumpkin, of course, is better. You want to stay away from the canned stuff for pies because they contain added sugars and syrups.

Here are some really creative recipes to incorporate pumpkin into your diet. Hurry up, get out there and get more to carve up and cook up! Click on the image for the recipe.

Cinnamon Pumpkin Honey Butter

Fall Wreaths You Can Make

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 12:41:00 +0000

Don't you just love this time of the year and all the vibrant colors that goes with it? Even though I live down South now, I'll always be an upstate girl. Visits to Vermont to enjoy the foliage, picking apples, buying maple syrup candy and apple cider donuts are some of my fondest memories. And, of course, there's decorating for the upcoming holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Here are some absolutely, adorable wreaths that will bring that touch of Fall you're looking for that you can make yourself.

Cone Door Arrangement

Lotus Pod

Pumpkin Cuteness

Giving Thanks

The Influence of Inappropriate Female Celebs

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:44:00 +0000

I generally don't spotlight celebs here on my blog as my focus is generally entertaining, fun and informative topics of interest for women of all ages. I guess you could say I feel compelled to voice my concern about some female celebrities, their inappropriate behavior and what I feel is a negative influence on young girls.

Please tell me if I'm wrong here, but if you were blessed with a position in life that would effect the actions of others to the degree they want to emulate you, wouldn't you want that impression to be a positive one? Nowadays, media, both social and otherwise has no clue what filtering news means. It's all about what sells and gets you the most hits. So, am I wrong to think that celebrities should filter their actions and how they personally project themselves across all platforms.

I can't for the life of me understand why a strikingly, beautiful woman like Kim Kardashian would lower her standards, get a butt implant (like we didn't know when you see the photos below) and feel compelled or think it was acceptable to flaunt herself to the world. Is it me?

And then, there's Miley Cyrus. Need I say more! What happened along the way? Is this what promoters and label execs feel are appropriate role models?

Nicki Minaj ... no words are needed sadly, the photos speak for themselves.

Would love to hear what you think.

Cute Costumes For Your Pooch

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 17:20:00 +0000

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there is an estimated 70+ million dogs owned in the United States. Now, that's what you call a pet loving nation! It's hard to believe that over 40% of the households in America consider a dog as a member of their family. Because of that, there is some serious cash spent on pets every year, and Halloween is no exception.

The National Retail Federation indicates that one in ten households plan to dress their furry friends in costume this year, and most already know what their pet will be. So, what about you? Are you thinking about a round pumpkin, something from Star Wars, or maybe a little yellow Minion for Fido?

Here's what's topping the list this year, just in case you still need some suggestions:

Pumpkin
Hot Dog
Batman
Devil
Bumble Bee
Star Wars Character
Bowties/Bandana/Fancy Collar
Shark
Princess
Minion

one in 10 Halloween celebrants (12.9%) plan to dress their furry friends in costumes this year, and of the 80 percent of those surveyed who have already selected the costume, most (10.6%) will choose a little round pumpkin for Kitty and Rover. Additionally, several pet owners will opt to put their four-legged friend in a “Star Wars” (8th on the list) or Minion costume (11th). - See more at: https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/minions-star-wars-characters-costumes-abound-adults-children-and-pets-this#sthash.074y20iL.dpuf

About one in 10 Halloween celebrants (12.9%) plan to dress their furry friends in costumes this year, and of the 80 percent of those surveyed who have already selected the costume, most (10.6%) will choose a little round pumpkin for Kitty and Rover. Additionally, several pet owners will opt to put their four-legged friend in a “Star Wars” (8th on the list) or Minion costume (11th). - See more at: https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/minions-star-wars-characters-costumes-abound-adults-children-and-pets-this#sthash.vzmRWISy.dpuf

A Fight to Live

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 00:04:00 +0000

The woman in this photo is like every other woman across America. She loves her "chickies", is blessed to have them in her life, and really enjoys their company. There is nothing like the bond that is created between bff's, I think you all will agree. Janis will die though. There is no cure for what she has. The video she has shared is an extremely emotional and inspirational piece that simply touches your heart and soul.

Let's help her create one heck of a viral explosion and share her video to make everyone aware that there is a very dire need to support research funding and end the death sentence that Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer creates. Janis is just not just staring death in the face. She is determined to do more than wait for the inevitable to happen.

Check out her inspiring video by clicking on the link below. Make sure you have tissues at hand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEj0IRweDSw

Fall Home Clean Up

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 20:35:00 +0000

Summer is coming to a close and it's time to start thinking about a Fall Clean Up before winter settles in. Maintenance is crucial when it comes to keeping your home in tip-top shape. While warm weather still permits, be sure to make the time to carry out these chores that have been recommended by the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA).

1. Turn off exterior faucets. Un-drained water in pipes can freeze easily, which will cause pipes to burst as the ice expands. Start by disconnecting all garden hoses and draining the water that remains in faucets. If you don’t have frost-proof faucets (homes more than 10 to 15 years old typically do not), turn off the shut-off valve inside your home.

2. Remove leaves around your outside unit. The HVAC unit is likely your home’s largest operating system. The compressor part of your air conditioner is located on the exterior of your home and can become inefficient with debris and leaves blocking it. You can even use a vacuum or your hands to remove the debris from the bottom for manual cleaning. Wear gloves if using your hands for manual cleaning and turn off your main breaker first to be safe.

3. Clean your gutters. Leaves clogging your gutters can cause big problems any time of the year. During cooler months, leaves can potentially cause water to backup into your attic and even your basement. Be sure to pay particular attention to gutters that have branches directly over them. Not all trees shed their leaves at the same time, so you may need to check the gutters in both the fall and early winter.

4. Schedule a furnace tune-up. A furnace tune-up not only includes cleaning that keeps your furnace running efficiently, but it also catches small problems before they turn into big problems. If you don’t have one already, install a quality carbon monoxide detector in your bedroom and the main area of your home. Be mindful these detectors typically need to be replaced every five to seven years. Batteries in all detectors, including smoke and fire, need to be replaced annually.

Delicious & Easy Cold Weather Feel Good Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 18:19:00 +0000

Fall is soon approaching and those harsh, biting winds and below freezing temps of winter will certainly be following close behind. This is the time of year when hearty soups and thick, tasty stews make us feel all warm and comfy inside. These are tried and true recipes I've been using for quite some time and looking forward to sharing them with you.

So, stay tuned. These truly are some feel good and simple recipes you’ll have fun preparing, using over and over again, and sharing with your friends and family that will include: Pasta Fagioli that tastes just like Olive Garden's, Stuffed Pepper Soup, Beef Stew and Chili.

Let's start this out with Pasta Fagioli, and I promise you'll be coming back not just for two helpings, but a third! I simply LOVE LOVE LOVE Olive Garden's Pasta Fagioli Soup and this recipe is a dead-ringer, I guarantee. Please let me know what you think.


Pasta Fagioli

Ingredients Needed:

2 lbs. ground beef (lean)

1 sweet onion chopped

3 cups shredded carrots

4 stalks celery chopped

2 (28 oz) cans of pureed tomatoes (or diced if you prefer)

1 (16 oz) can of red and white kidney beans, drained

3 (10 oz) cans of beef stock

3 teaspoons oregano

5 teaspoons parsley

1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

8 ounces of pasta

Directions: Brown beef in skillet, drain fat and add all ingredients except pasta into a large crock pot or stew/sauce pan. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick and burn. Add pasta the last 30 minutes. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

FREE Historical Romance

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:30:00 +0000

I'm running a new promotion on Wattpad to try their system out, and offering my historical romance, Wind Warrior, for FREE. That's right! You get to read my first novel in its entirety at no cost to you. PLUS, Chapter One of Book 2 in the series, Captive Heart.

There is no fee for signing up as a member. Just click on the following link. You can read a little summary on what Wind Warrior is about below. Comments are welcome and I truly hope you enjoy the read and share it with your friends.

https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/39236410-wind-warrior

Leslie Michaels is a visionary, and only those close to her know of her special gift and visions. Fate has a way of righting many wrongs, and for Leslie it is a destiny that changes her life dramatically, but not before she is forced to flee into the wilderness to escape a murderous trapper bent on claiming her for his very own.
Faith and a strong will to survive are her only companions, until she encounters Winnokin, the handsome Seneca war chief. Not only does he prove to be her rescuer and protector, he teaches her that tragedy can breed happiness and the passion to live and love deeply once more.

Evading a Death Sentence

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 17:25:00 +0000

Janis with her granddaughter, Piper

There are many aspects of life we are all well versed in. The sun will rise and set religiously. The Earth will revolve around the sun. The tides of the ocean will crash upon our shores, and, we will die.

But, there are thousands each year who die prematurely and would love nothing more than to evade the “Angel of Death” until well into their senior years. These individuals are victims of Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), and they find themselves shadowed by this death sentence every day of their lives. For many, it’s like an ominous cloud that lingers precariously overhead. They can’t escape it or see it, but they know it’s there, lying in wait like a predator stalking its prey.

“I’m blessed to have the gift of life,” states Janis Cohen, President and Founder of Purple-Power Org, a non-profit that raises money specifically for Stage 4 research. “It’s not fun not knowing what tomorrow will bring. It certainly gives you more awareness of life’s simple pleasures. It’s like seeing and feeling for the very first time. The sky is bluer, holding hands and receiving/giving hugs means more. Those I know, who also have MBC, have no idea what the next moment will bring. Living with this disease certainly makes life, love and the world around us more precious.”

Janis was diagnosed with MBC in 2012, and like the 232,670 men and women diagnosed last year, she prays she’s not one of the expected 40,000 projected to die this year alone.

“It’s not want I want to be remembered for,” claims Cohen. “If I have to go, I want my death to mean something more, not be noted as just another statistic.”

A Stage 4 diagnosis affects each of its victims differently. Some lie in wait shut out from the world, suffocated and debilitated by the fear that eats away at them. Others constantly question their worthiness and the reasoning behind being slighted of good health. And the majority will embrace life’s blessings, fighting like a lioness protecting her cubs to make every day matter. They’ll participate in clinical trials that may not help. They’ll continually endure their prescribed treatments that wrack their bodies with torturous pain, fighting like hell to stay alive against all of the odds against them.

What they all share in common, however, is the fear that nettles deep within their very being, that ticking time bomb, which will assuredly go off. They can’t evade death. The cancer that lays in wait, settled in either their bones, their lungs, their liver, or brain, is determinedly growing and eventually will overcome them.

Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer kills. There is no cure. Treatment, at best, prolongs life but sadly, not for long. Life expectancy for only twenty-five percent of those diagnosed generally does not exceed five years. At some time during their treatment, these victims eventually ask the same question, “Is enough of the millions of dollars raised for breast cancer, going towards research to find a cure?” It’s a question, we all would ask, if we were in their shoes.

Unfortunately, of the millions upon millions raised for breast cancer, only a meager two percent is allocated for Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer Research. For decades, the effort has been concentrated on prevention, early detection and support. Thirty percent of the 232,670 people diagnosed last year will metastasize and die. That could be someone you love, someone you know and someone you work with. It’s a fact they’ll never be able to ignore.

Purple-Power.Org wants to end this death sentence. Their Vision and Mission are one and the same, and that is to eradicate Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer completely. “A daunting task,” we asked Janis Cohen?

“Perhaps,” she answered. “Adversity is only a deterrent, if you allow it to affect and disable you. Awareness is key. People need to know about Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, its steadfast progression, and both its paralyzing and traumatizing effects on those men and women who have been diagnosed with it.”

Those at Purple-Power, symbolize their cause by adding a streak of purple in their hair. For them, it signifies

Board Members Streak Purple

power, dignity and inspires high ideals. They ask the public to help them increase awareness by either temporarily/permanently streaking their hair or wearing an extension in their hair. They call this Campaign #ColorMePurple and hope everyone will use the Hash Tag on all of their social media platforms, so that Purple-Power can become the next on-going trend.

A CURE is so very possible with the public’s direct financial support for Stage 4 Research.

To learn more of Purple-Power’s efforts, you can visit their website at http://www.purple-power.org and feel free to send your #ColorMePurple photos to info@purple-power.org and Purple-Power will proudly display them on their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/PurplePowerOrg

30 Day Romance Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 13:33:00 +0000

Whether you're married, in a long term partnership or just started dating, keeping the romance alive is a challenge every couple faces. Not to mention between work, school, friends and family, many couples are exhausted by the time they actually have time for a date night. That's why ProFlowers created a 30 day couples challenge calendar to help you improve your relationship and yourself! The ideas are easy too—each tip is backed by scientific studies that are proven to improve communication, intimacy and happiness. Start the challenge over here or see the full calendar below.

Healthy Summer Vegetable Bake

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:57:00 +0000

This is the time of the year when fresh garden vegetables add juicy flavor and color to any meal. You'll simply love this combination of zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes and potatoes seasoned with garlic and onion and baked until tender. Makes a wonderful addition to any dish for a little more than $1.00 per serving.

Sex and Aging

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 15:12:00 +0000

Okay, we've all heard the whispers about our less than functioning libidos and irritating dryness as we

age, right? You wonder why bother, if that's what we have to contend with. Stop the presses!!! There are plenty of experts who agree that just isn't so. Sex does get better as you age. Seriously!

1. Sex is more satisfying.

The American Journal of Medicine shows a surprising two-thirds of women were pretty darn thrilled with their sex lives, even those as old as 80. Happily, as many as 67% of older women admitted having orgasms either "most of the time" or "always" during sex. Women like to talk about great sex and what better proof that sex really does get better with age.

2. Your man finally is getting it right.

Experience matters and partners over 40 do have the advantage. Younger men are totally clueless about what a woman wants and needs. With age, comes the wisdom in knowing the importance of satisfaction.

3. Looking "hot" causes undo pressure.

We can't stop the birthdays from happening and as much as we can slow the aging process by really taking care of ourselves, we simply can't halt it forever. Don't psyche yourself out trying to look younger, because it will hinder your sex appeal. Be proud of the beautiful and mature woman you have become. Mind over matter is pretty darn powerful.

4. Years with the same sex partner will increase your happiness.

Semen is good for something other than making babies. It's actually filled with two "feel good" hormones known as oxytocin and serotonin. Studies have actually shown that woman who have been having sex with the same man on a regular basis, actually have lower levels of depression and higher levels of joy and happiness.

5. Take Your Time

When we were young, quickies were erotic and fun. Not so much now. As we get older, things take a little longer and that means arousal ... for our male partners as well. Sometimes we need help with lubrication and being relaxed enough to really enjoy a good lovemaking session. Now, more than ever, we have more free time. The key is using it. Foreplay is your friend so, cuddle, snuggle, kiss and give things a chance to get hot and heavy.

5 Daily Exercises That Will Work Wonders

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 19:00:00 +0000

For the past six months I've been faithfully hitting the gym three times a week and power-walking daily for upwards of thirty minutes. My persistence has definitely paid off, but now I think I've plateaued and need to switch up my routine for even better results.

While searching for that ultimate new routine, I literally fell upon this MSN Fitness article that struck a chord with me and wanted to share. I've been faithfully doing their exercises pictured below for five days and REALLY pleased with the results. I can only imagine what my body will look like after four weeks.

So ladies, try it out for yourself, see what happens, and share your results. For instructions on how to perform each exercise individually, just click on the photo.

HIP BRIDGE


JUMPING JACK

PLANK

SQUAT

WALK OUT PUSH UP

How To Beautify Your Backyard Inexpensively

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 15:50:00 +0000

Homeowner’s nowadays are taking particular care in making their backyards an area they can appreciate and take great pleasure in enjoying. Let’s not forget the resale value it can offer as a homeowner when thinking about selling.

Real estate mogul and TODAY contributor, Barbara Corcoran, writes people are investing more in the back of their property and according to a study by the University of Michigan, consumers value a landscaped home 11.3% higher than one without it.

Ideas on how to beautify your backyard abound out there and are priced from the most meager to thousands of dollars. Once you know what your “price point” is, there are a multitude of sources to aide in creating a look that suits your personal style, do-it-yourself capabilities (if you can’t hire an expert) and pocketbook.

Fire Pits – Building your own can be fun and easy. Thanks to social media, there are a host of DIY projects to scan that will provide you the inspiration you’re looking for whether rustic, elegant or plain old simple. Check out the multitude of ideas I found on Pinterest, offering fire pits even as low as $50.00.

Fountains – There is nothing more peaceful, soothing and stress reducing than the sound of water bubbling, flowing, waving against a shoreline or cascading over rocks. Fountains are a way to bring that peaceful zen to your living space without needing to be in that natural environment all the time. They have become such a popular item added to landscapes and believe it or not, you can install one yourself pretty easily. Want something creative and unique? Hometalk.com has taken that to the next level.

Privacy Fencing – We all have that desire to shut out the rest of the world and privacy fencing can be expensive. Not to worry though. If you’re looking to cover a small area without fencing in an entire backyard, check out some of these 13 awesome ideas on how to create a little privacy for your yard.

Patios – Just the word can make one shutter because ultimately, they think No one wants their outdoor living area to look cheap and tacky. You can have the best of both worlds and create an attractive, inviting and impressive area for less than $100.00. Here’s how Ashleigh at Live Gorgeously designed her patio, and you can do the same.

expensive.

Swimsuit for Your Body Shape

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:40:00 +0000

Summertime is here and the first thing we worry about is how we'll look in a bathing suit. Did you know that the average American woman wears a size 14 or 16. That's the size at which "plus" begins.

If you're a plus size woman, you already know that if you want something to wear, most likely you've got to shop online. The Huffington Post reports that online retailer ModCloth conducted a survey — polling over 5,000 women — and found that there were more "wearing a size 16 dress than those who wear a size 2 and size 0 combined." And yet! Some of the most popular stores in the country — Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, H&M, J.Crew, American Apparel, Abercrombie & Fitch — do not carry sizes above 12 or 14 in stores. As seen in the chart here, even though some retailers make sizes above 12 or 16, they don't stock them in stores; shoppers have to order them online.

We all have imperfections (no waist, thick waist, small chest, large hips). Knowing the style that will flatter your own body type is key. MSN's Lifestyle put together 20 of the most flattering styles I've seen, and there is definitely something there for you to help camouflage that problem area.

Signs of a Stroke Victim

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:23:00 +0000

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. The trick is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

Recognizing A Stroke

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. Chicken Soup)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue. Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this post shares it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

Yummylicious Strawberry Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Mon, 18 May 2015 15:03:00 +0000

Summertime is here and those fruits we love this time of the year are ripe and ready for those scrumptious recipes we love so much.

One of my favorites is strawberries, and not just for their taste. Did you know that the ancient Romans used them for a variety of medicinal purposes such as alleviating inflammation, fever, kidney stones, bad breath and gout? Today, we’ve learned their powerful value in lowering your risk for stroke, cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes.

During those upcoming lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, here are some mouth-watering recipes that are sure to delight your palette this season including breads, puddings, jams, daiquiris, cakes, homemade ice cream and so many more! Click HEREto discover everything strawberry and ENJOY.

Thanks Amy at The Idea Room for putting these fab collection of recipes together.

Cute Sand Crafts For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Sat, 09 May 2015 15:00:00 +0000

Now that the weather is getting warmer and you'll be venturing out to the beaches, think about bringing home some of that sand. We've got some really cute sand crafts for kids they'll love to make.

Not near a beach? Not to worry. You can buy a 50 lb. bag at Home Depot or Lowes for under $5.00 online, if you don't have a store nearby. Kids love crafts; and moms love it when their little ones have projects to occupy their time that are cool to make.

Think of the fun they'll have making any one of these items. For individual directions go to Design Dazzle, who did an awesome job putting these all together.

Spicing Up Your Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Wed, 06 May 2015 14:14:00 +0000

Did you ever consider challenging your relationship? I don't mean in a bad way but simply, stimulating yourself to make it better. We all get in a slump, start taking each other for granted, and forgetting how important the little things are when you have someone in your life you really care about.

I found this really cute 30-Day Relationship Challenge on Pinterest created by Hilary White on PopSugar I think is pretty unique and cool. Take a looksy and see what you think. It just might add that pizazz back into your sex life that you've been feeling lately has lost its luster. Chances are these little tidbits might just do the trick and rather quickly.

Keep in touch and let us know.

Yo Yo Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia Helwig Putorti) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:32:00 +0000

For years, yo-yo diets have proven nothing but bothersome. They teasingly take pounds away one month and add the little buggers back on the next.

It's haunting, even when you diligently count calories, follow portion control, cut back on carbs, and eat boring rabbit food. The pounds still attract to us like nails to a magnet. It's even harder when you're petite, in the midst of menopause, and over 50.

We all read those dang advertisements that promise loosing up to 11 pounds in 14 days while still munch your favorite treats. Tempting? Oh yah! And then, there are those commercials claiming to remove unsightly deposits from the butt, hips and thigh area with a painless and seemingly inexpensive laser treatment. I won’t be taking them up on that offer any time too soon, thank you very much.

Like the Energizer Bunny, companies continually target women who lack the will power and self-esteem to fight those demons alone. Women are targeted because sales figures taint us as vain, gullible or weak. Women falter for soulful reasons because they are beaten down caring for aged parents or a sick loved one, recuperating from a broken heart or contending with domestic violence, dealing with daily stress on the job or being over worked and under paid. PMS is a culprit in of itself as were also pulled like taffy in all directions tending to a household, husband and children. That is the truth plain and simple. We appease ourselves by consuming what’s not good because of the satisfying quick fix it offers.

How do we stop the torture and truly become healthy? Let’s be honest. Yes, counting calories, portion control and cutting back carbs will help but, it is a simple eight letter word that will get us there even faster and that is called e x e r c i s e. It does not matter if you jump rope for 20 minutes; go on a power walk in the morning before your day begins or in the evening after dinner. It does not matter if you peddle a bicycle around the neighborhood a minimum of three times a week or go for a swim at your local “Y”. Over time with patience and persistence you will extricate that yo-yo from your lives forever.

Making a commitment to free up just 20 minutes three times a week will go a long way. You will not only burn off calories and tone your body in the process but, immediately detox the stress from your life which can cause even greater harm in the long run. So ladies, no excuse … start today and stop the torture by taking back the control in your lives.