weadness blog

Fun Unique Baby Shower Favors

karenk — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:22:23 +0000

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant mother’s pregnancy. Planning a baby shower requires some thought and consideration for the expectant mother’s special event. Baby shower favors are among the items that must be considered when planning a shower.
Baby shower favors do not have to be complicated to make an impressionable impact on visitors. Most people are happy enough to come to the shower just to visit the mom to be in all her pregnant glory. Baby shower favors however can provide a memento of the unique event and offer a simple way to thank guests for visiting and celebrating the mother’s time of joy.
Baby shower favors come in every size, shape and form. Some simple gift ideas include the following:

Candles
Miniature boxes of chocolates or candy
Bath and body items
Pictures
Gift baskets
Lotto tickets
Movie tickets

Keep in mind that to make any party even more fun and eventful, baby shower favors that coincide with the “theme” of the party are even more fun to pass out. For example, if the expectant mother is carrying twins, and the theme of the shower revolves around multiples, it might be possible to offer baby shower gifts that coincide with this idea. Some ideas in this situation might involve the following:

Double Bubble
“Twix” Candy Bars
2 pairs of anything
Identical picture frames
Manicure and pedicure set
Pair of coffee spoons

One neat idea for baby shower favors is to have each guest bring a “white elephant gift”. The idea of white elephant gifts typically surfaces during Christmas time, when guests are invited to bring a “mock” gift to a party for exchange. This may include silly items such as used household appliances, a roll of toilet paper or an open box of Oreo cookies. Guests are encouraged to wrap the gifts, then each member of the party can select a number and draw gifts. Using white elephant gifts as party favors is a great way to share laughter and joy in a shower situation.

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The Gift My Brother Couldn T Give

karenk — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:02:23 +0000

From the book A Heartland Christmas Collection
Gary Anderson
www.abciowa.com
In the first years after my brothers, sister, and I left home, there were several Christmases in which our ability to give fell far short of our desire. In fact, we often found ourselves getting very creative if we were going to give any Christmas presents at all. But those early Christmases also contained some of the finest gifts I’ve ever received, and one of those was the gift my brother Jim thought he couldn’t give.
Jim had chosen a difficult road, working for himself instead of collecting a weekly paycheck like the one I got from the department store where I worked, and his funds were always limited.
As Christmas approached, we all searched for the perfect gift for each family member. Since I knew Jim harbored a secret desire to write, I bought him two beautifully hardbound books consisting of nothing but empty pages, so he could fill them with his own words. They weren’t expensive, but I knew he’d love them.
As we gathered around our parents’ tree on Christmas morning, Jim’s smile shown brightly as he watched his loved ones begin to unwrap the strangest assortment of gifts I’d ever seen. One by one, family members exchanged mystified looks as they opened one totally unexplainable gift after another. My sister received a well-used meditation candle. My youngest brother opened a half-empty box of incense. But Jim just sat cross-legged on the floor, unfazed by the puzzled looks and embarrassed thank you’s.
Just when I’d decided my brother had lost his mind, Dad opened his gift. It was a tattered paperback copy of Lord of the Rings, which I instantly recognized as one of Jim’s most prized possessions. Then I knew what he’d been doing. That Christmas, Jim had chosen to make gifts of most precious things he possessed, the things dearest to his heart. In sharing his most beloved treasures, he also hoped to share the joy they’d given him with those he loved most.
It didn’t matter that Dad mostly likely would have had more interest in wading through “Volume 7″ of an encyclopedia printed in Swahili than the psychedelic world of Tolkein. He understood the profound meaning of his son’s gift. Fighting back tears, Dad held the treasured volume in his hands and said, “I promise to give it back, son, as soon as I’ve read it.”
Smiling broadly, Jim turned his attention to my gift to him. Although he was clearly moved by the books, a strange awkwardness washed over the room as I realized he had no gift for me. After a long moment, he said softly, “I looked through everything I owned, and I couldn’t find anything I thought you might want.”
Now it was my turn to fight back the tears. Apparently, my brother had no idea of the incredible gift he’d just given me in that simple statement. After all, what could be a greater gift than to know someone thinks highly enough of you to want to give the very best he has-and comes up short?
I smiled and said, “The look on your face is gift enough for me, brother,” and I meant every word.
I got many other gifts that year, but I don’t remember any of them. And I’ve been given hundreds of presents since that Christmas long ago, but I can recall only a few of those. But my brother’s gift-the one he thought he couldn’t give-will always be one of the most precious gifts I’ve ever received.
andcopy; 2004. Gary E. Anderson. All rights reserved.

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Brighten Up Your Shelves With Picture Frames

karenk — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:13:23 +0000

Would you like to add a personal touch to your home or office, but not sure how? Picture frames may be your answer. Picture frames are a fun and simple way to add color, character and style.
Decorating with picture frames is fun and simple. To add a splash of color to a shelf or mantle choose a series of similar frames in coordinating colors, such as three shades of green. To set a theme in the bedroom stick with one basic color and two or three styles of frames, such as silver or pewter antique-style frames. Or to make a dramatic statement on a wall choose one bold color, such as black or deep red, and identical picture frames, such as simple squares. No matter what look you’re trying to achieve, group picture frames together for impact.
Once you’ve decided on a style, it’s easy to find the perfect picture frames. Department stores and home decorating stores are a good place to start. But don’t forget about antique stores, flea markets, yard sales and thrift stores. These are all great places to find unique picture frames. Look for unique picture frames with beveled glass, unusual shapes, or matching sets.
Picture frames also make wonderful gifts and keepsakes. Decorate picture frames with silver charms, crystal beads, or grandma’s antique costume jewelry to make a special keepsake. Create a family display of picture frames by adding a detail to each picture frame that reflects each family member’s personality or hobby. For example, add a golf detail to dad’s picture frame, a fishing detail to grandpa’s picture frame, and a gardening detail to mom’s picture frame. Scrapbooking supply stores are perfect places to find unique items to add to picture frames. Just imagine the items on a frame, or inside on the matting, instead of on a scrapbook page. There’s no limit to the details you can add to a picture frame.
Whether you’re creating a keepsake or brightening up a shelf, picture frames are one of the most fun and versatile decorating accessories available.

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Money Management With A New Spouse

karenk — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:18:23 +0000

When a person marries someone with children, there can be some unexpected implications. Marrying into a full-fledged family can be a difficult transition for all, emotionally and financially; therefore, having a money management plan is a necessary part of marriage preparation.
As a married couple, children are your joint-responsibility even if they biologically belong to one spouse. Therefore, a couple may wish to open a joint bank account from which to pay for any expenses related to the kids. While a budget should be created well before the wedding date, a married man and woman should sit down together periodically and modify the budget, as necessary. The expenses should be reasonable, however; otherwise, one spouse may end up wishing that they had signed a prenuptial agreement.
If the parent collects child support, then this money should go into the joint household account. Alimony, on the other hand goes into the parent’s personal account. If contributing to the children’s expenses is an issue for the non-parent, perhaps the couple should receive premarital counseling. If the couple is already hitched, seeking marriage advice from a financial planner will help the husband and wife to settle any differences or misunderstandings.

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Debt Reduction A Necessary Endeavour

karenk — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:29:23 +0000

Massive debt is something many Americans face. Debt reduction is now becoming more and more of a necessity. Even a low amount of debt can cost you a lot in the end and it can take a very long time to pay off. An example: Let’s say you have $4000 in credit card debt and your interest rate is 14%. If you only make the minimum payment each month, it will take you 21 years to pay it off and you will have paid over $5100 in interest. Doesn’t that sound awful? This is why you may be interested in debt reduction.
Debt reduction can be done in many different ways. A recent method being used is to buy some debt reduction software. You can purchase debt reduction software online or at a computer software store. The software usually comes with a debt reduction calculator to help you decipher how quickly your debt will be paid off in accordance to you monthly balance payments. Similarly, there are also debt reduction books you can purchase at your local bookstore.
The best route for help with debt reduction is to go see a credit counselor or a debt reduction counselor. Most charge a fee for help with debt reduction, but there are several non profit debt reduction organizations that help people with massive debt for free. There are also courses in debt reduction offered at many college campuses. Sometimes you may also learn of free debt reduction seminars. It is best to call around and see which option is the best for you.
The first step to debt reduction is to realize you are in debt, and you may have poor spending habits. To start debt reduction off on the right foot, you must decipher needs versus wants. You should only purchase things you need, not things you want. An example: you need food, water, shelter, electricity, etc. You want new shoes, to dine at fancy restaurants, a fancy car. To get anywhere in debt reduction, you must separate these two things. Only spend money on what is absolutely necessary, not on things you want but don’t need. This is probably the most difficult part of debt reduction many people face.
Many people are in debt because of the many loans they have. These can be a car loan, house loan, school loan, etc. Many people end up way over their head in debt. When you have this many loans, go see a debt reduction counselor or credit counselor to help you consolidate these debts and hence start your way to debt reduction.
With the proper frame of mind and some restraint you can eliminate your debt in a fast and easy manner. Once you come to realize that you need help with debt reduction, you will be that much closer to eliminating your debt. Seek out help and get that enormous weight off your shoulders. I promise you will feel much better.

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Is Your Home A Safe Home

karenk — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:23:23 +0000

Do you or one of your family members suffer from allergies, asthma, add/adhd Heart disease, cancer, or respitory problems? It could be from the toxins in your home! Did you know that there are more Toxins in your home than in the outside air? Chances are, the cleaning products And hygienic products you use are making you and your family sick.
In the past 10 years, there has been a 42% increase in asthma (29% for men; 82% for women - the higher rate for women is believed to be due to women’s longer exposure times to household chemicals) (Source: Center for Disease Control)
So, what are some of these products, and what makes them so harmful?
Lysol is a registered PESTICIDE - (think about that the next time you spray It indoors in the middle of winter with the windows and doors tightly closed)
Johnon’s and Johnson’s baby shampoo contains formaldehyde (used for embalming). It also contains an ingredient called Lydacaine, which NUMBS the nerve endings - Hence the ‘no more tears’ slogan. (I don’t know about you, but numbing my kids Nerve ending does not sound very safe to me)
Dawn dish detergent is the #1 cause of accidental poisonings in children.
The top 12 cancer causing products in the average home include the following:

Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder with Talc
Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste
VO5 Hair Conditioner
Clairol Nice N Easy Hair Color
AJAX Cleanser
Lysol Disinfectant

Over the last 20-30 years, as more toxic chemicals have been introduced in greater amounts, the level of toxins stored in our bodies has risen. Bio-accumulation studies have shown that some toxins store in our bodies for life. Greater and greater amounts are being stored at younger ages. Diseases that used to occur later in life are now appearing at younger ages. Disease that used to be rare are more frequent. For example:
- There has been a 28% increase in childhood cancer since the addition of pesticides into household products (Source: National Cancer Institute)
Try this experiment:
Take some Cascade Liquid dishwasher detergent, and pour some onto a Piece of tin foil. Wait about 2 hours or less. The result? It will have burned A hole right through the foil!
It is my personal goal to bring awareness and convert every North American Household to more natural, safer products!
After learning this information, it was a very easy decision to convert my home. I did not want to put my family at risk any longer.
PLEASE, make the decision today to convert your home - let’s stop poisoning Our children! If you would like more information on how to make your home Safer for you and your family, email me at mfitzgerald@iglide.net with “Show me” in the subject line.

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Dna Testing Are You Raising Someone Else S Child

karenk — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:56:23 +0000

Paternity Testing - Are you raising someone else’s child?
Back in the 1700s, the best way to determine paternity was by a good hard look at the child, followed by a good hard look at the father. Enough coincidences and maybe a relationship could be proposed. A hundred years later, eye colour was discovered to be a paternity identifier. This theory has had its flaws exposed because of recent DNA advances. We now know that eye colour is determined by at least six alleles, or genetic markers. Paternity testing has become a lot easier and affordable over the past few years due to advances in DNA science. Although an estimated 200,000 DNA tests are conducted each year by states needing to sort child-support and welfare issues, few people are willing to conduct their own at-home paternity test because they don’t realize the simplicity and convenience of an at-home paternity test.
How does a home DNA test work?
Paternity testing requires a painless sample from both the child and possible father. Even without a sample from the mother, DNA paternity test results are up to 99.9999% accurate-that’s one-in-a-million odds your results are incorrect. Most companies provide a free home kit for you to provide the samples and require you to send the kit back to the laboratory with the accompanying fee.
Because many companies are aware of the discomfort of drawing blood from a child in order to get a sample, buccal (mouth) swabs are being accepted as an alternative. By gently massaging the inside of the child’s mouth, cheek cells are collected. These cells are then sent to the lab for testing. Labs analyze up to sixteen genetic markers of the child and match them against the markers of the alleged father. Because each of us receives half our genetic markers from each parent, the results of DNA paternity testing are still accurate without the DNA information of the mother. Most labs will have results in 10 days and charge about $290 for a basic paternity verification test.
What else can a DNA test do?
DNA kits can also be used to analyze siblingship, establish cousin or grandparent relationships, determine twin zygosity (i.e. whether twins are fraternal or identical), identify ancestral origin, verify Native American decent, assure parents they left the hospital with the right baby, and most important, provide legal evidence - be prepared to pay a bit more for legal tests. Legal tests can be used to settle adoption issues, settle child-support disputes, and provide information for immigration files.
How to choose a DNA laboratory

Accreditation is a vital part of choosing a laboratory. Accredited labs have an annual audit and inspection, undergo internal and external reviews, and have their equipment calibrated for accuracy. Look for an ISO and/or AABB certification. Accredited labs will have a good reputation and near 100% track record for court cases.
Look for hidden fees. Some companies will charge you for the kit and then charge you again for the results. Also, double check when you order your kit that you’re only buying the results you need.
Ask about privacy. Make sure that your identity and intentions are kept secure.

Enjoy piece of mind
Be confident that the questions you have can be answered. DNA testing is safe and stress-free. Find a free kit and an information packet and you’re on your way to getting the piece of mind that you deserve.

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Ways To Save Energy And Slash Electricity Bills

karenk — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 07:55:23 +0000

1. Lighting and Light Bulbs
Install low energy light bulbs in rooms you use regularly - they last up to 15 times longer than a normal light bulb and provide the same lighting for a quarter of the running cost. Turn off the lights when you leave a room for a long period and don’t use several light bulbs where one will do the job. Teach all family members to turn off lights when leaving a room.
2. TV, Hi-Fi and Radio
Turn off the TV or video and hi-fi rather than leaving it on standby. Always use the television’s on/off switch. Leaving the television on standby wastes energy.
3. Cooking
Microwave ovens reduce cooking time by 15% to 20% and save energy. When boiling vegetables, use just enough water to keep them covered. Use a jug kettle that has a water level gauge to ensure you only heat the amount of water you need. Cover saucepans with lids whenever possible to reduce the cooking time.
4. Home Laundry and Dishwashers
Save electricity by using old-fashioned clothesline for clothes drying. Avoid drying clothes on radiators as it lowers the room temperature, making your boiler work harder. Shut off dishwasher for dry cycle. Let your dishes “air dry”. Don’t use dishwasher or laundry equipment until you have a full load.
5. Fridges and Fridge Freezers
Make sure your refrigerator and freezer door seals are airtight. Let hot foods cool before placing them in the refrigerator. Defrost refrigerator regularly - when about 1/4 inch of ice has formed. Place your refrigerator in the coolest part of the kitchen - away from cookers, heaters and out of direct sunlight.
6. Heating
Turn off electric water heater when going away for vacations or weekends. Turn your heating down rather than opening a window to reduce the room temperature. Never cover radiators with curtains or furniture as this reduces their efficiency and wastes valuable heat. When going on long holidays, remember to switch your water heating off.
7. Work Tools
Use hand tools in your workshop instead of power tools.
8. Appliances
When shopping for new appliances, ask about energy-efficient models. Buy appliances on the basis of cost plus operating costs, not price alone. Limit the use of appliances that use over 1,000 watts. Keep appliances clean and in good working order. They’ll use less energy.
9. Bills
Check all energy bills closely. Errors can be costly.
10. Insulation and Air conditioning
Insulating your attic will save on operating air conditioning (also heating). If your walls are suitable, cavity wall insulation will substantially reduce heat loss. Keep air conditioning condenser shaded from sun or on north side of house. Turn off air conditioning when no one is home.

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Why Christian And Atheistic Libertarians Get Along

karenk — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:16:23 +0000

I’m the most religious guy in the Libertarian Party. At least that’s what my friend, Charlie, decided. I don’t know if his bit of insight was meant to be a compliment or a mere observation. Either way, I suppose there are others more deserving.
For his part, Charlie is a declared atheist. And, therein lays a dilemma for some libertarians. How can I - a certified, card-carrying Bible thumper - stand shoulder to shoulder with a guy who’s never thumped a Bible in his life?
In spite of ourselves
One may assume there is a detente in which the discussion of religion is avoided like a trip to the dentist. One would be wrong. I find few things more intellectually stimulating than a lively spat with a well-informed atheist - particularly when feeble attempts are made to defend the untenable; eg, evolution.
Or, one may assume there is a level of irreconcilable toleration. Not so. Some of the best Christians I know are atheists. By that, I mean, atheists usually surpass Christians in areas such as morality, decency and human kindness. I don’t tolerate these people. I like them. I enjoy their company. I’d rather hang out with a crowd of honest atheists than a church full of back-stabbing Baptists any day of the week, including Sunday.
So why do libertarian Christians and atheists get along?
Exclusion doesn’t work
The answer can be found in the word, “inclusion.” Think about it.
When Protestants control a government - say Northern Ireland, for example - Catholics and other non-Protestants have a tough way to go. And when Catholics take charge - as in Ireland - Protestants find themselves on the outside looking in.
Come to think of it, when any religious group takes control, all others face dire consequences. Consider the history of England. Bloody Mary had at least 275 Protestants burned at the stake (including the Archbishop of Canterbury) during her brief five-year term as Queen of England. A century later, Protestant Elizabeth I was executing Catholics. For their part, Muslims have a history of killing both Protestants and Catholics, not to mention Jews.
Life, some think, would be simpler - if not safer - if no religious sect controlled government. Let’s put atheists in charge, they say. That would end sectarian bloodletting.
The inherent problem with atheists at the helm of government can be seen by recounting life under the rule of French atheist Maximilien Robespierre. More than a century after Queen Elizabeth executed Catholics, and 200 years after Bloody Mary was being bloody, Robespierre was sending thousands to the guillotine. The atheistic government of Joseph Stalin killed millions and Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge slaughtered hundreds of thousands.
Protestants, Catholics, Muslims and atheists have one thing in common: When any sectarian group controls government, people die. Yet that was the norm of world history until the 17th century.
A place at the table
Perhaps the most momentous day in American history was February 5, 1631 when a free-thinking British preacher named Roger Williams alit from a ship in Boston’s harbor.
Williams purchased land from the Indians and founded a community that became Rhode Island. Unlike the other colonies, Rhode Island separated civil and ecclesiastical governments. No sect would control government. Rather, all would have a place at the table.
Williams’ philosophy of religious liberty was perceived to be an invitation to disaster. But the anticipated quarreling among the sects never materialized. In fact, the arrangement resulted in religious harmony. No religious institution felt threatened by any other, for all were free to believe (or not believe) as they pleased. There was no reason to burn your neighbors at the stake for having too many holes in their sleeves.
And that takes us back to the original question.
Why do Libertarians - Christians, atheists and other sectarians - manage to get along? The answer is simple. Like Williams, we understand the principle of inclusion. Everyone has a place at the table.
And so, I can relish the thought of being the most religious guy in the Libertarian Party without fear of Charlie sending me to the gulag. Erstwhile, my Christian friends will continue to call me the most libertarian guy in the Baptist church.
###

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The Frugal Gift Box

karenk — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:56:23 +0000

Gift-giving occasions occur with almost mind-boggling frequency–
especially when you have children at home. Friends’ birthday parties,
parents’ birthdays, bby and wedding showers, Mother’s Day,
Father’s Day–the costs can become quite a burden. However, a bit
of organization and creativity can make these times a bit less
painful financially.

Some people find it very helpful to keep a calendar located in a
convenient place and mark all the year’s special days on it. Then
at the beginning of any given month, you can see at a glance
the gifts you are going to require.

The key is to be aware of what gifts you’ll be needing and to get
prepared, instead of waiting till the last minute and running out and
buying whatever you can find regardless of price.

Once you can remember “when” to give gifts, the next problem that
comes up is “what” to give. That’s where the Frugal Gift Box can
help. Designate a spot, whether it’s a shelf in the closet, a box,
or storage bin in the garage, to keep all your gifts together.

Throughout the year, watch the clearance sales, garage and yard
sales, thrift stores, etc. for items suitable for gift-giving. One of
my best buys in the past was a brand-new, still in the package,
set of American Girl books bought at a garage sale for pennies.
I saved it till our granddaughter got old enough and now she’s about
to get it for her 8th birthday next month.

When my children were young and going to birthday parties every
week, it seemed, I kept a watch on clearance sales and when I
saw something that was age and gender appropriate for one of
mine, I figured their friends would like it, too, so into the Gift Box
it would go. I tried to keep at least one gift for each child on hand
at all times.

It’s a good idea to keep a list of the Christmas and birthday gifts
you will need for your immediate family. I keep a list in my purse
and it is always with me. That way when I buy a gift I can add it
immediately. It’s also good for reminding me of what I already
have on hand.

Last, here’s a gift idea sent by a newsletter subscriber, Gina.
It’s a great craft project…make several and keep them in your
gift box ready for mom’s or sister’s birthday!

HERBAL COZY

Basically this is an pillow filled with rice and herbs, you put it in
the microwave for 2 minutes or less for warmth and heat, or throw it
in the freezer to ease injuries, or for headaches.

You can use scrap fabric… use large scraps for larger herbal cozies
(for the back, legs, etc.) and smaller scrap pieces for a small one
that you can use on the forehead or on the eyes, to sooth eyestrain
and headache.

I sew ‘channels’ in mine, by sewing a line every two inches, and
feeling each pocket - so everything stays in the right place, but
that’s optional. They can be as simple as a ‘pillow’ type.

Fill them with rice and herbs. You only need 1 part herb to 5-10
part rice, depending on how strong you want them.

Herbs you can fill them with:

mint - clears sinuses, good for headache
chamomile - eases tension, relaxes
cloves - muscle pain
rosemary - relaxes, muscle pain
lavender - ease tension, relaxes, soothes, good for headache
ginger - soothing, good for muscle pain
cedar shavings - eases aching muscles

Herbs are VERY cheap bought in bulk, or you can use
your dried, homegrown, or even cut open teabags.

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