Non-profit Wish List
All 4 Paws
All 4 Paws is an all volunteer animal rescue that has a holistic approach to encompass the physical and emotional needs of rescued animals. We strive to save as many lives as possible using all methods possible to ensure an animal’s wellbeing. All 4 Paws mainly focuses on homeless companion animals that need to be placed into
responsible homes. We are located in Georgetown South Carolina and are always looking for foster homes. We are an all breed rescue and all age rescue.
Wish List
Dog beds and blankets, Towels, Dog/puppy Toys, Cleaning Supplies , Dog and puppy food (small -
large dogs),Collars, Leashes, Training Pads, White computer paper, Printer Ink, Crates (Medium or Large) (Metal or Plastic), Electric Shaver/Clippers, Kitty Litter , Heavy Duty Washer and Dryer
We are also looking for volunteers to organize fundraisers. Shannon Prouty
All 4 Paws 843-359-4969
Long Bay Symphony
We would love to have more members in our Guild which is our volunteer. Organization. Also, donations, volunteers. A big goal is finding a sponsor for an inflatable orchestral dome so we can do a Summer Pops
Series outdoors. We will need about $20,000 in order to get that.
Carolyn Pittman
Executive Director
950 48th Ave. N., Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843.448.8379 Office 843.946.9897 Fax
843.455.6874 Cell
Caring in our Lifetime
Caring In Our Lifetime is dedicated to raising funds and providing financial assistance with medical expenses to individuals in Horry and Georgetown counties affected by breast cancer. Volunteers, donations, and recipients, needed!
Caring In Our Lifetime
P.O. Box 1193 Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
843-222-0169 caringinourlifetime@yahoo.com
501(c)(3)s! Wild Heir Labrador Rescue
We cover the state and we are always up to eyeballs in homeless Labradors.
Needs: foster homes, monetary and supplies donations, and willing volunteers to pick up dogs from shelters, pick up/drop off dogs at vet appointments, man the tent at adoption events, and chair fund raising events. Even just good ideas about raising awareness is a plus! Necessary supplies that we plow through include: stainless steel bowls, 5 gallon buckets, dog beds, wire or plastic dog crates in various sizes, collars and leashes (old or new!), treats and toys.
We are not a shelter, but all foster home based. In 2011, we saved/placed over 150 Labs, so you
can get an idea of how many dog related items we go through constantly :)
Suzanne Fox
WHLR Founder/Director
Wild Heir Labrador Rescue P.O. Box 22042
Charleston, SC 29413-2042
1218 N. Fraser St. Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 340-6765 cell (843) 545-5550 fax
WildHeirLabradorRescue.org
Mercy Hospice & Palliative Care
Mercy is really in need of:
— Donations to make care available for indigent patients and help financially tapped patients pay for things like rent, food, and electricity. Too many local people facing life-limiting illnesses are also battling how to afford the very basics for their family.
— Gift cards to any local grocery store, Wal-Mart or CVS
— Small boxes of milk bones and dog food. So many of our patients have much-loved pets they are struggling to take care of.
— Large and Extra Large adult PJs and sweat suits. Slippers, socks with treads, bathrobes.
— Soft blankets, twin and full sheet sets, new hypoallergenic pillows
— Cases of Ensure (with an expiry date at least 60 days into the future)
— We always need volunteers — those who would like to work with patients, those who can help with office work, those who might like to help fundraise, retired nurses to help with community wellness initiatives, and anyone else
with time and talent they are willing to share.
— A retractable divider wall for our Claire Chapin Epps community library (it’s about $12,000)
—Alarger retail space (about 10,000 square feet) so that we could expand out very popular thrift store.
— Donations to enable MD visits (house calls) for Palliative Care patients ($275)
— Donations to cover counseling for grieving kids ($1,500 covers 10 sessions)
— People to organize fundraising benefits on our behalf (golf tournaments, luncheons, runs, etc.)
Lyn Rumage
Director, Business Development
& Community Relations
Mercy Hospice & Palliative Care
PO Box 50640, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Ph: 843.347.5500 Fax: 843.347.5535
Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina
Wish Lists:
1. The Wars to end and our kids to come home!
2. Since #1 won’t happen all that soon, we need
money and items for our next packing, Valentines
Day. (Christmas cost us $2200 in postage not
including filling the boxes!)
3. And our packing after that, Easter.
4. We are already signed up and ready to start
getting sponsors for Wreaths Across America.
Our goal this year is all 9500 graves, but, we will
be thrilled if we can double last years 840!
5. We wish more people would remember our
kids serving, our Veterans for their service and be
a bit more patriotic, these won’t cost you anything,
they are all free!
Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina
PO Box 30307
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
bsm.coastalsc@yahoo.com
Bluestarmothers Coastalcarolina on FB
www.bluestarmothersofcoastalcarolina.com
Green SPARK program
Green S.P.A.R.K. (Shaping Potential and Reaching Kids) is a program put together by The
Wellness Council for SC. It initially was meant to be a program for “disconnected” youth who
weren’t in school and not in the job market. The program teaches local youth about health and
wellness, physical fitness, creative arts (photography,recycled art) and about green occupations.
Needs: Donations and help putting these classes together as well as volunteers to assist in presenting
the classes and more “green” experts.
Kristi Jacques Falk
Founder and Executive Director
The Wellness Council for South Carolina
www.wellnesscouncilcsc.org 843-995-3199.
http://www.crowdrise.com/GreenSpark/fundraiser/
wellnesscouncilcsc.
Tee Off For a Cause
We support Wounded Warrior Project through golf tournaments and another project called Clubs Fore Heroes. We are always looking for sponsors, players, donors—-whatever help we can get. Our 4th Annual Tee Off Fore A Cause is Sept. 7 at the Legends Golf Club.We are on the web at www.teeoffforeacause.org on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/teeoffforeacause and onTwitter @teeoffforeacaus Fred Kane, Pres. Tee Off Fore A Cause, Inc.
501C3 Charity 843-333-7974
Resurrection of the Spirit
By Donna Tyson
Ahh, Spring! I just love it. New life surrounds me. The winter has passed and the warmth of Spring fills me with renewed hope. I purchase blooming daffodils and tulips and fill my home with Spring colors and fragrances. I look forward to Easter and the gathering of family again. As I sit outside and breathe in the fresh air, I feel blessed and contented.
The last month has been filled with bad news of friends losing their jobs and their savings. My home has served as a safe sanctuary for many weary spirits and tear stained cheeks. I have longed for the warm days of Spring and the promise of new life in the air. Now, it is finally here and I am not disappointed.
“Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality”. A profound truth by Nikes Kazantzakis reminds me of the power of my perceptions. I pray that Spring will bring a new slant to the way people view these tough times we are facing as a nation. It is not my intent to play down the seriousness of our situation, but simply
to share my strong belief that something good can and will come from this apparent “crash”. If you stand by the ocean and watch the mighty waves crash to the shore, you will see that the receding waves leave behind all the unnecessary items they have picked up along the way. Dead fish, broken shells, seaweed, and trash are deposited on the shore as the freshly purged tide pulls back. The water is now lighter and freed of the extra weight as it begins its new cycle
of rebuilding.
Our country is now doing the same. In this time of difficult recession, we are experiencing a natural purging of a possession heavy society. As we get past the initial shock of loss of our financial security, many will find that they are left with an unexpected sense of gratitude and awareness that we still have the really important things - our families and friends, our health, our faith, and our hope.
In the wonderful book “Man’s Search for Meaning”, Victor Frankl reminds us that though we may lose all our material possessions, “they can not have our spirit unless we give it to them”.
Have you given away your joy, your spirit? Have you forgotten that you are not defined by your possessions?
Anyone can be happy and positive when everything is going your way - Big Deal! You find out what you are
made of when you face the tough times. It is when you consciously decide to choose hope, to choose life, to
have a heart of gratitude and to face each day with a renewed spirit and fresh energy that you rise above the circumstances and are freed from the deadly weight that threatens to destroy you.
One of the reasons I love my mission trips in Gonaives, Haiti, is that when I am there I am focused totally on how to be of service to others. My personal problems are put on the back burner as I spend my time, energy, and money on making sure others are in a better place.
The amazing result is that my burdens become lighter. I return home with a different perception of
what I need to survive and a lighter spirit. I ask myself what I can do without rather than focusing on what I don’t have.
If each of us will work on our own heart and attitude during these tough times, I believe we will see a new sense of community and love begin to spring up. Perhaps we will see more sharing, community gardens, pot luck meals, family nights, game nights, home cooked meals, yard sales, car pooling, people walking and exercising together.
As we downsize and share our material possessions, we will find a new sense of what is really important. Gifts will be smaller but more heartfelt, perhaps even handmade!
If those who have lost their jobs would fill some of their free time volunteering and helping others while those who are still employed would begin tithing back a portion of their earnings to make a difference in our community, we would see magic! It would be a modern day versionof the “Stone Soup” story – where a feast is created by each person contributing what they have available.
Watch for the good things around you. Be part of the solution rather than complaining about the problem.
Try this. Make yourself a living Easter basket as a reminder of the power of new life. Get a pretty Easter basket or container and line it with plastic. Put in a layer of pebbles and then fill it up with several inches of potting soil. Sprinkle fast growing rye grass seed on top and cover it with a light layer of potting soil. Water it and leave it covered with a brown bag for several days until the seeds germinate. Then place the basket in a sunny spot and watch the beautiful green grass grow.
Place several pretty wooden or ceramic Easter eggs in the basket and tie a bright ribbon on the handle. You
can even add a bunny or a baby chick to the basket if you like. The Dollar Store is a great resource for
these treasures!
I promise you it will make you smile every time you look at it! While you are at it, why not make one for a friend or two. Share the joy! Spring is here! Let’s celebrate the promise of New Life!
The Power of a Woman’s Forgiveness – Part
Jill Fennel
A few yeas ago I submitted a 2
part arti
I have struggled with how to present
to you a story that I feel must be
shared. The struggle comes from
deciding how to provide you with the
entire story and still remain within
the confines of this arti
One half of the courtroom seated the family of a young college student pleading guilty to a felony DUI. The other half of the courtroom was occupied by the family of the deceased victim, Bill. Bill was a young and devoted family man whose death left a widow and three year old son behind. From the side door of the courtroom I observed the college student, ankles and wrists in chains, escorted by law enforcement to a spot in front of the judge. The judge presented her with the charge of Felony DUI and revealed the consequences of a plea of guilt… she could face up to 25 years in prison. When asked how she would like to plea, through tears and without hesitation, the drunk driver said, “guilty, your Honor.” Then the wife of the deceased family man took the stand.
I sat in the courtroom and listened anxiously as the widow read a letter aloud to everyone. I still get chills remembering this day. Next month I will continue the story with what happened next in the courtroom.
Dear drunk driver,
“There are no words to describe what I feel. You have torn my family….. my life apart. He was my husband and best friend. He was so young, only 30 years old, and very well respected in the community. After working several years as a deputy for the Sheriff’s Dept., Bill finally realized his dream of starting his own business as a graphic designer. Bill’s dedication and hard work showed in the success of his work. We were finally able to purchase a real house for our son. Things were really looking up for us.
To help with our finances, I started a part time job in the afternoons. Bill would pick up little Billy from school and watch him until I got home. The morning he died, Bill came into the kitchen on his way out to work, kissed me sweetly as he usually did, and we exchanged “I love you’s.” At least I got to tell him that I loved him.
During the afternoon, Bill called me a couple of times on the cell phone and we discussed our plans for the evening. We talked about dinner and about visiting my cousin in the hospital, as she had just had her first child… a little girl. He told me that he would take care of getting the gift while he was out delivering signs.
Driving home from work, traffic
suddenly came to a complete stand
still. I could see lights from
emergency vehi
I made my way through traffic and
spotted an abandoned blue truck on
the side of the road. I thought to
myself, “that is where he is, he
stopped to help the people that were
in the accident.” I felt relief and
got out to find him. As I
approached, a highway patrolman met
me. I explained that I was looking
for my husband. As I looked over
the crest of the hill, I saw another
blue truck flipped upside down. I
saw an arm sticking out from
underneath the car. The patrolman
explained that Bill’s truck was run
off the road by a drunk driver. A
young girl traveling at 70 mph
swerved across the double yellow
line and caused Bill’s vehi
I could not accept what happened. I could no longer feel my body. My next thought was where was Billy??? I went into an enraged panic. Bill usually carried Billy with him when he delivered signs. WHERE was my son??? I began screaming to the officer. My emotions went out of control. I lost all sense of rationality and fell to the ground….. useless under the burden of my grief. Later I discovered that, for some thankful reason, Bill had left our son with my parents that day. Billy was safe. The fear of our son’s safety disappeared and I was left to battle the pain of losing Bill. I could not accept what happened. A year has passed and I still cannot accept it.
Everything reminds me of Bill. Our house has become a prison of memories of Bill. What once was the happiest of homes became the loneliest place I have ever lived. Every day I think of a reason I need to talk to Bill. We never made decisions without consulting each other. Every day I miss being able to share our son with him.
Because of you, I have lost my husband and I will never be whole again. Because of you, our life has been shattered into a million pieces and we are suffering. Because of you, my son has no father and we both are alone. What you did is without excuse. You deserve prison. I am asking this Court to punish you…… to protect others from the same loss and fate of our family. I ask for the longest sentence possible so that you can think about what you did. But, you need to know that no matter how long the sentence, no matter how miserable the stay in prison, no punishment can ever impose on you the pain you have caused our family. No punishment will ever make up for what you have taken away.”
The Power of a Woman’s Forgiveness – Part II
Jill Fennel
Our story continues, but I will
first re-cap where we left off from
last month’s arti
Throughout my career as a law
After the victim’s family and friends had their chance to address the Court, it was time to hear the student speak. I will call her Jean. It was quite apparent that Jean was struggling to maintain her composure. She had trouble standing up straight,… as if her guilt and remorse were crippling. She could barely speak the words of apology, but she somehow managed to mutter a few things while staring straight ahead to the Judge. It appeared that she could not bear to face her accusers.
A gentleman by the name of Ben stood up to speak on her behalf. Apparently, Jean worked for Ben as a cashier at Food Lion during the evening hours after classes. Ben testified that Jean was a very hard worker, always arrived to work on time, and gladly picked up extra shifts when the need arose. Jean’s sister then asked to speak on Jean’s behalf. Her sister appeared to be much younger than Jean. Unlike Jean, she turned to face Bill’s family. Her voice quivered as she begged for their forgiveness. She stated that the burden of this tragedy had also been hard for their family. She characterized her sister’s behavior as a “mistake” and apologized on her behalf. (I will now admit to the readers that I had trouble with the sister’s request. How dare the sister try to gain any ounce of pity or sympathy from Bill’s family after what they have had to endure? I was a bit angry and felt anxious over the idea that we had to sit through any testimony from Jean’s side. I was ready for the sentencing and secretly hoped the Judge would give her the whole 25 years!!! But, I digress.)
The drama thickened as Jean’s mother spoke. Very obviously distraught, she cried and plead for forgiveness, not just for her daughter’s actions, but for her actions as Jean’s mother. She explained that Jean had not enjoyed a normal teenage life. When Jean was 10 years old, her father ran out on the family. Her mother was left to work three jobs making minimum wage just to make ends meet. She relied heavily on Jean to run the household and to babysit her younger sister. Jean felt pressure not felt by most teenagers. Her mother felt responsible. And though I should not be surprised given the nature of mothers, I was amazed when she began to beg for the opportunity to accept the punishment on behalf of her daughter. She wanted to take her daughter’s place… claiming she was the one ultimately responsible for the crime of her daughter.
The Judge concluded the guilty plea
by explaining the seriousness of the
crime and reassuring the mother that
she was in no way responsible for
her daughter’s drunk driving. Even
though Jean would go to jail, she
would still have her life at the
end. Jean’s family will still have
Jean at the end of her prison term.
Time with Bill is something Bill’s
family will never enjoy again. The
Judge then sentenced Jean to 7 years
in prison. The sobs increased in
intensity. Jean briefly shared hugs
with her family as law enforcement
officers escorted out of the
courtroom and to a transport vehi
As Bill’s family stood up to leave, I looked up and saw Jean’s mother walking over to them with arms stretched out, crying to them,… begging them for forgiveness. Each family member passed her by and refused to even look at her. She grabbed toward them almost as if she would fall over without their support, but they continued to ignore her…..shaking their heads, as if to say, “No. I can’t. I can’t accept this and can’t accept you.” They all continued to look away from her as they walked past the Judge’s bench. I felt bad for the mother and though I could have left the courtroom at that moment, I froze in my seat, as if something was compelling me to continue to watch.
Each member of Bill’s family rejected Jean’s mother... one after the other… until something amazing happened. A woman, who had previously introduced herself as Bill’s aunt, stopped in front of Jean’s mother and accepted her outstretched hands. The two women hugged. Crying uncontrollably, they held on to each other as though their bodies were collapsing under grief and sorrow. I could not believe it. This woman was hugging the mother of her nephew’s killer!!! She hugged her in spite of his death. She hugged her in spite of her loss. She hugged her in risk of disapproval from the rest of Bill’s family members. The two women continued to console each other and the rest of the courtroom disappeared.
I could not move. No one knows what they would do in a situation such as this. I think you would agree that the anger felt by Bill’s family is understandable and justified. Earlier I admitted that I felt little patience for the grief extended from Jean’s family. I was too angry over what Jean had caused. I admit to being human and having spent years justifying my anger towards those who have hurt me. By my reasoning, the people who hurt me deserved my anger, not my forgiveness! But, I also admit that I felt disappointed to watch Bill’s family refuse the mother’s gestures. I realized that day that forgiveness is not about doing something for the person who hurt me. Forgiveness was about doing something for myself. I was never able to interview Bill’s aunt after that day to discover her reasons for hugging Jean’s mother. But, I can imagine that her choice served her well toward the healing process.
That day prompted me to think about the power of forgiveness. That day prompted me to think about God. That day prompted me to pray for Bill’s family, for Jean’s family, and for everyone… for we all need forgiveness and all need to forgive!
Mid-Year Financial Checkup
This is a good time to do a mid-year financial checkup. Rather than waiting until the end of the year and discovering that you should have made adjustments, take a look at your finances now and see how you're doing.
Taxes:
¥ Did
you have to pay taxes on top of what
was deducted from your pay in 2009?
Or was too much deducted and you
received a refund? The key is to do
the math and get as close to your
actual taxes due and have that
amount taken out during the year.
* If you've added a baby to your household or if you've bought a house and will have a mortgage interest deduction, you can benefit from adding a deduction or two to your W-4 form for your employer. And if a child has grown and gone and is no longer a deduction for you, make an adjustment or you'll owe at the end of the year.
* If you received a big refund for 2009, that's money you could have used during the year for any number of things, such as extra money to pay down credit cards or putting more cash into savings. Remember: The Internal Revenue Service doesn't pay you interest on the money it borrows from you during the year.
* If you have multiple jobs or got married, your taxes will change. If you lost your job and received accumulated vacation or sick pay, that money is taxable. If you then received unemployment benefits, that money also is taxable. While the last thing you want to do the minute you find a new job is increase the amount of money deducted from your new check, it could keep you from owing taxes next spring.
To see if you have the right amount of withholding, check the IRS withholding calculator. Go online to irs.gov and put "withholding calculator" in the search box.
More Tips:
Add up your expenses for the year so far. Look at your annual budget and compare all the categories to see if you're on track for savings, credit-card payments, clothing, food and utilities.
If you'd planned to pay down loans faster by sending larger payments for mortgage and auto loans, have you done that? Even starting now would help in the long run.
David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.
(c) 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.
Safer Cleaning Supplies for Your Home
Our homes aren’t safe and clean if the air inside is polluted with chemicals from
household cleaners. Follow these simple tips to protect your family’s health while you
clean your home.
1. Less is More
Dilute your cleaning supplies according to instructions and use only what’s
needed to get the job done.
2. Open the Window
Clean with windows and doors open so you don’t trap air pollution inside your
home.
3. Use Gloves and Other Precautions
Cleaning chemicals may harm or penetrate skin and eyes – check warning
labels.
4. Keep Kids Away
Children are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals. If they like to help, let them
clean with soap and water, not toxic cleaners.
5. Avoid “Antibacterial”
If your family is generally healthy, there’s no need to use potentially toxic “antibacterial”
products, according to the American Medical Association. Wash your
hands with plain soap and water.
6. Never Mix Bleach with Ammonia, Vinegar, or Other Acids
These combinations can produce deadly gases.
7. Don’t Be Fooled by Labels – Buy Certified Green Products
Label claims aren’t always true. Cleaning supplies certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo meet green standards.
8. Try Natural Alternatives
Experiment with non-toxic options like vinegar and baking soda.
9. Take Care with Pine and Citrus Oil Cleaners
Avoid using these cleaners especially on smoggy days, when the ingredients
can react with ozone to produce cancer-causing formaldehyde.
10. Skip the Biggest Hazards
Avoid air fresheners, use a baking soda and water paste to clean the oven and
tackle toilet stains, and use a mechanical snake to unclog the drain.
Simple Tips To Help Keep You
Traveling Healthy
by: Dr Christopher Segler
Travel related stress is a common
cause of injury and illness that can
ruin a vacation. But travel doesn’t
have to be stressful. Follow these
simple suggestions for healthy
travel to get the most out of your
next getaway.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Many vacationers dress for the beach
when they should dress for the
plane. Sandals don’t generally have
as much support as casual shoes.
Your feet need support weaving
through crowded airports. Wear
comfortable casual shoes. Remember
that if you are in an aisle seat,
cold air will be blowing right on
your feet. Enclosed shoes are best.
Onboard the plane, prepare for
changing temperatures. That aluminum
tube parked on the tarmac can get
unbearably hot. Once in the air, it
can get chilly. Wear layers that you
can shed or put back on to stay
comfortable.
The biggest drop in cabin
temperature happens when the plane
is climbing to altitude. This is
also when the captain has the
“fasten seat belt” sign illuminated.
Keep an extra sweater or fleece top
with your carryon bag at your feet.
That way you won’t have to wait
until you are free to move about the
cabin to warm up again.
TRAVEL LIGHT
Have you ever been waiting for your
luggage and noticed some little old
lady running sideways struggling to
wrestle a huge suitcase off a moving
carousel? Heavy bags can easily
strain your back. Bring as little as
necessary. Use the hotel laundry
service and you won’t have to bring
a full week of outfits.
If your suitcase feels heavy when
you lift it in your bedroom, it is
going to be much worse when you are
trying to extract it from the
circling pile of luggage surrounded
by a crowd of travelers. Split the
load into two suitcases. It is worth
the additional bag fee to travel
pain-free.
EATING ON THE GO
An unhealthy travel diet is one of
the most avoidable stressors to your
immune system. The overpriced fast
food choices in the airport are
packed with immune sapping
preservatives. The snacks on the
plane are just as bad.
Eat a healthy meal right before you
leave home. Avoid the airport food
court altogether. Pack snacks in
your carry-on bag. Bring a healthy
sandwich, fresh fruit or energy bar.
That way you’ll be able to wait
until you can enjoy a good meal at
your final destination.
Stay hydrated! The decreased cabin
pressure in an airplane accelerates
dehydration. Drink eight ounces of
water every hour on the plane to
fight dehydration. You’ll feel more
energetic and your immune system
will be strong when you land.
REST RIGHT
Get plenty of sleep the week before
you go. Don’t stay up late packing
the night before your departure. Be
organized and pack a day ahead. Get
to bed early so you can start the
vacation with as much energy as
possible.
Try to rest during flight. A travel
blindfold can help you sleep if the
person next to you wants to enjoy
the view with the window shade
raised. Just don’t expect a bouncy
cat nap in an airline seat to
substitute for a good night’s rest.
The goal of your vacation is to
enjoy as much of the destination as
possible. Whether you are snow
skiing, lounging at the beach or
strolling through cafes and museums,
you need sleep. Don’t wreck your
days by staying up late watching
B-rated movies in the hotel room.
BE PREPARED
If you get sick or have an allergy
attack, don’t spend precious
vacation time in a crowded doctor’s
waiting room or hunting for
medications. Bring all of your
prescription medication and an extra
couple of days worth. If a flight
gets cancelled or you decide to stay
an extra day, you won’t need
refills.
Bring emergency medications like
over-the-counter pain relievers
(ibuprofen or tylenol) and something
for allergies or a running nose like
benadryl (which can also help you
sleep). Pack anti-itch
hydrocortisone cream. With these
items, you’ll be prepared for the
majority of minor travel health
problems. Ask your doctor which
medications would be best for you.
If it’s something more serious, ask
the concierge if the resort offers
on-site medical services. If not, do
a quick internet search to find a
doctor who makes urgent house calls
to hotels. Considering the hourly
cost of a vacation, these options
are more cost effective than heading
into town to a doc-in-the-box.
A little planning can go a long way
to making the most of your vacation.
Follow these tips and you’ll get the
most out of your next trip, wherever
your final destination may take you.
|
Dr. Christopher Segler is a San Francisco based podiatrist and toenail specialist. He makes podiatry housecalls in hotels in San Francisco. Learn more about common causes of foot pain http://www.anklecenter.com |
7 Tips That Help Unclutter Closet Organizers
During Changing Seasons
by:
Jeff Schuman
Closet organizers make your storage
space much more functional. But if
you don't have a big walk-in type
closet you may not be able to store
all your clothes there throughout
the year.
For those who don't have a big
walk-in closet, here are some tips
to help you overcome the problem of
clothes seasonality:
-Bulky winter clothes should be
stored elsewhere during the summer
and summer clothes should be kept
somewhere else during the winter.
Since you'll only be wearing these
in season, it doesn't make sense to
have them taking up valuable space
all year. Spring and fall clothes
are often worn year round, so they
can stay.
-As you look through your clothes
get rid of items that you don't wear
anymore. These would include
anything you've outgrown, is out of
style or is worn out. This is a
great time to de-clutter the closet
and to give clothes still in good
shape to Goodwill, Salvation Army,
etc.
-Each season's clothes should be
grouped together. This not only
works in the closet but in other
storage spaces such as drawers. It
will make it much easier to find
these when needed.
-As you put the out of season
clothes away, do so by sameness.
Coats, sweaters and heavy items
would go together in containers.
Other like items such as light
jackets and long sleeve shirts can
be placed in the same storage box or
container. Boots and other seasonal
footwear can also be stored but
should be cleaned first.
-Rigid cardboard boxes or plastic
containers with tight fitting lids
work well to place the clothes in
when they're out of season. If you
use cardboard boxes, make sure
they're kept in a dry place. Good
quality storage boxes can be
purchased at hardware stores or
department stores.
-A Denver closet organizer suggests
using plastic containers for clothes
storage in dry climates like
Colorado's. This will actually keep
certain clothes from getting too dry
and becoming brittle. Plastic
containers also stack better than
cardboard.
-If you're using cardboard it might
be a good idea to also wrap them
with clear plastic to help keep out
insects in addition to moisture. You
can also add a bar of soap inside
the container or box to discourage
bugs from taking up residence.
Keeping any storage space useful and
uncluttered will take a little
effort but will be worth it. Just an
hour or two in the spring and again
in the fall is really all you'll
need once you first get organized.
If you feel you're in need of
additional storage space and closet
organizers, there are many options
available. Do-it-yourself systems
can be found at all hardware stores
and many closet designing companies
are now available to help people who
struggle with storage solutions.
|
About The Author If you enjoyed this article by Jeff Schuman about closet organizers, please visit our closet and home storage website today for more information. We help consumers in the Denver and Boulder, Colorado area with their home organization needs. http://www.closetconfigurations.com |
Do You Need More Time In Your Day To
Do All The Things You Need To Do?
Are You Stressed Because You Never
Get Things Done? Here Are 8 Timely
Tips To Help You Stretch Your Time
by:
Marilyn Bohn
We all only have so many hours in
the day to do everything we want to
do. Have you ever said, “Where did
the day go, I didn’t get anything
done”? Here are 8 tips on how to get
more done in a day and maybe you can
push that snooze button one more
time.
1. When you can, multi-task to save
time. For instance, put in a batch
of wash while you cook breakfast or
read to a child. Have a cake baking
in the oven while you write a
letter. When multi-tasking do things
that don’t take all your attention
at the same time like talking to
someone on the phone and trying to
write a report.
When doing errands write a list and
write numbers by them in the order
you will do them, this will save
time as you won’t be going from one
end of town to the other and back
again.
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2.
Write a “to do” list every night of
what you want to do the next day.
This way you have started to
organize your day before you are in
the thick of things and you can’t
even remember what you wanted to do.
Structure your day so you can do the
things that take the most energy
when you are most productive. For
morning people you’ll get a lot done
in the morning, for evening people
your most productive will be at
night.
3. Set a limit on how much time you
will search the web (set a timer) or
watch television. Watching
television can be a time to
multi-task by folding clothes or
working on a craft project so you
are doing two things you want or
need to do at the same time. Take
control of your time; setting a
timer can help you do this.
4. If you are in charge of a meeting
whether at school, work, or church
start and stop on time. People will
soon realize they will miss out if
they are late as you will have a
reputation of starting on time. Have
an agenda for the meeting and stick
to it. This gives structure so the
objectives are met and with everyone
knowing the goals the meeting is
more efficient.
5. Learn to say no. You are the best
person to know what you can and
cannot do in a day. By not over
extending yourself you will get more
done and will be much happier. This
is critical in taking control of
your time.
6. Get the amount of hours of sleep
every night that your body needs. If
you are getting up tired you may not
be getting enough sleep, only you
can determine this. Being rested
helps you to be more effective by
preventing errors and having to do
something over which will cost you
more time. Also you’ll have more
energy so you can get more done.
7. Get organized and keep organized.
By clearing clutter you will save
time by not having to search for
things you need. It also eliminates
the stress of needing to purchase
something you can’t find and getting
late fees at the library or movie
rentals.
8. Delegate tasks to others at home
and at work. You don’t have to do
everything yourself.
Now that you have more hours in the
day to do what you want to do, are
you going to sleep in or are you so
energized you can take on a new
task, spend more time with your
family or have some quiet time for
yourself? The choice is yours.
I have a friend who avoided going
home after work because it was just
too depressing. Her home was
cluttered and disorganized in every
room. She had fast food wrappers
everywhere. Drinks had spilled on
the couch and carpet that made a
sticky mess. She couldn’t find her
DVD’s because they were scattered
everywhere. She had late fees galore
on both DVD’s and library books
because she couldn’t find them under
all the clutter. She didn’t know how
to declutter her home or her life.
If this sounds familiar to you here
are 10 Tips on how to declutter your
home and your life.
1. Some people think they are just
lazy and that is why they can’t
organize. As a professional
organizer I have worked with
hundreds of people and no one I have
met is lazy, that may be an
avoidance tactic. We are busy people
and have a lot of demands on our
time.
2. They don’t know what they want
and haven’t taken the time to think
about what they want their home to
look like.
3. You may want to keep everything
you now have in your home. In each
room eliminate 30 of the stuff
(depending on how much you have). If
this is too hard to do get rid of 20
items in each room, again depending
on how much there is to get rid of.
4. You tell yourself you don’t know
where to start? Here are some
suggestions of where to start: Chose
the room that bothers you the most.
Start in your bedroom as that room
can be a place of sanctuary for you.
Start on the front porch or in the
entry way as that is the place
visitors and guests see first. When
you are in a room start organizing
from the inside out, do the flat
services after you have done the
closet, drawers, armoire, cupboards
etc.
5. Have you ever said there just
isn’t enough time in the day to
declutter my home? The solution is
to start slow and take baby steps.
Set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes and
see how much you can get done in
that length of time. You will be
surprised how much you can get done
by taking one small bite at a time.
If you are in a good rhythm, reset
your timer and keep on clearing
clutter.
6. You blame other people in your
home for keeping the clutter around.
(Only because it is often true).
Start with your things first and
when they see you are serious and
are making changes they will be more
likely to come on board and will be
willing to declutter their space.
Negotiate with your family and share
with them your goals on how you want
your home to look and feel.
7. What is the use to organize, it
will just get unorganized? Do you
ever feel this way? And it is true
unless you have some systems in
place to help you and your family
keep it organized. Have a home for
everything and after using something
put it back where it belongs
immediately after using it. When you
see something out of place pick it
up then and put it away, or in a
drawer straighten things up before
they get out of hand and a jumbled
mess.
8. Do your children undo everything
you do? Give them responsibilities
and teach them how to declutter by
putting things away, reward them and
praise them for jobs they do.
9. You are holding on to things
because you may need it someday. It
is all just stuff; consider is it
worth the cost to replace it IF at
some future time you need it
compared to what it is costing in
clutter living in your home.
10. You can’t decide what to get rid
of? As you look at every item ask
yourself how long it has been since
you used it, do you ever use it,
does it light you up, could someone
else make better use of it? By
asking yourself these questions it
will be easier to part with the
stuff that is just taking up space
in your home and creating clutter.
By using these simple steps to
declutter your home you will be able
to keep organized. Life happens and
things get unorganized, but keep
your goals in mind and use the
systems you put in place to keep
organized.
Marilyn is a professional organizer
and invites you to visit her website
http://www.marilynbohn.com.
Earth Friendly Air Freshener Tips
I admit it; I was an air freshener
abuser - big time. My cleaning
cupboard had more air freshener
varieties than you can poke a stick
at. But in fooling my nose, I was
also poisoning myself and the wider
environment. There are certainly
greener ways to keep nasty smells at
bay.
The majority of air fresheners you
buy in the supermarket do not
destroy odors, but simply mask them.
They create a coating on your nasal
membranes that fool your brain into
thinking that the smell has gone. As
for those air fresheners that claim
to kill bacteria, our bacteria
paranoia is leading us to kill good
bacteria while creating strains of
drug resistant bad bacteria. While
anti-bacterial air fresheners have
their place, they should really be
limited to hospital environments in
most cases.
Air fresheners - chemical
cocktails
Many commercially air fresheners
contain a cocktail of toxic
chemicals that aren't healthy for us
or the environment. Some of the
chemicals you may find:
Formaldehyde
- known carcinogen
Phenol - skin and nervous system
irritant
Petroleum distillates such as butane
and propane
Methylformamide - Organ system
toxicity, cancer,
developmental/reproductive toxicity
Butanoic acid - Neurotoxicity,
Endocrine disruption, Organ system
toxicity
Nitro- and polycyclic musks -
linked to cancer, hormone disruption
.. and the list goes on.
I've read that up to 3000 synthetic chemical ingredients are used by the air freshener industry.
One of the other problems of these air fresheners is that these toxic chemicals accumulate in carpet over time, which is particularly of concern to parents with young children. Being rather sticky, the chemicals also wind up on our shoes and feet to be taken into the outside environment where they wind up in soil.
Added to all that, there's the non-recyclable or reusable packaging of these products - millions of spray cans and plastic bottles hitting our landfills each year; not to mention the production of chemical ingredients and the packaging.
A recent trend in air fresheners are the 24/7 products that spray automatically every X minutes - whether it's needed or not. Based on the chemical cocktail described above, I feel these are terrible products that should be pulled from the market.
Something else you should know about air fresheners is that we tend to build up a tolerance to them. We get used to the smell and start using more to get that same olfactory "kick". If you really feel the need to use these products, try rotating the fragrances you use regularly.
The whole air freshener product life-cycle is an environmental nightmare.
Green commercial air fresheners
Thankfully, some manufacturers are
responding to consumer concerns
regarding the health and
environmental issues associated with
these products and commercial
"green" air fresheners can be
purchased. Still, be wary of these
products - a common trick companies
play is to say something along the
lines of "contains natural pine
scent", which it may well do - but
what about the other ingredients?
Check the labels and if the label is
unclear, contact the company for a
complete ingredient list.
Alternatively, you can try search for the product's MSDS online. An MSDS is a Materials Safety Data Sheet. These *usually* contain more information than what you'll find listed on a product's packaging and may also include toxicological and environmental data.
Run a search on Google like so:
product MSDS
Where "product" is the name of the
air freshener.
Armed with that information, you can then also use online databases such as Skin Deep to find out the potential effects of the chemicals.
Green home-brewed alternatives
Here are a few tips for greener ways to help keep your home smelling fresh. Of course, be cautious of how you use some of these ideas if you have young children or pets scurrying around the house.
- A simple one, but improving air circulation outside to inside will do wonders. Open windows when you can.
- A tablespoon of salt in a half an orange with the flesh scooped out. I'm told this is a good one for the toilet.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract placed in small containers around your home
- Pot pourri made from lavender, roses or whatever scented plants and flowers you may have in your garden.
- Use baking soda to soak up acidic
odors; also great for ash trays
-
Baking soda can also be used as
a spray - one teaspoon dissolved in
cup of water and then sprayed as a
fine mist.
- Use vinegar to neutralize alkaline odors. Yes, vinegar is a little smelly itself to start off with, but the initial pong quickly fades.
- A couple of drops of essential oil in an atomizer/mister full of water sprayed around (bear in mind this only masks the smell rather than neutralizing it)
- A couple of drops of essential oil on a cotton ball place in inconspicuous places around a room
- Placing citrus fruit or cinnamon in a pot with water and simmer gently (rather energy resource intensive though)
- If you have extraction fans in the kitchen or toilet, ensure the screens are kept clean. If you haven't cleaned yours for a while, try it out and I guarantee the difference will amaze you.
- Treating the cause rather than the symptom is always a preferred strategy. For example, pet bedding can create an awful stink and while it may not be viable to wash it every week, simply putting it out in the sun regularly and giving it a good shake will help.
Have any tips or recipes for a more natural air freshener? Please share your ideas below!
Michael Bloch
Green Living Tips.com
Submitted by Clemson Extension
Grilling vs. Smoking
Grilling: Grilling is cooking food over direct heat. Its intensity is similar to broiling, so tender meats and poultry are best for grilling. A grill is a utensil made of parallel bars on which food is cooked over charcoal, wood or special rocks heated by gas or electricity.
Smoking: Smoking is cooking food indirectly in the presence of a fire. It can be done in a covered grill if a pan of water is placed beneath the meat on the grill; or meats can be smoked in a "smoker," which is an outdoor cooker especially designed for smoking foods. Smoking is done much more slowly than grilling, so less-tender meats benefit from this method, and a natural smoke flavoring permeates the meat. The temperature in the smoker should be maintained at 250 to 300 °F for safety.
Safe Marinating
Some recipes state to marinate meat and poultry for several hours or days, either to tenderize or add flavor. Acid in the marinade breaks down connective tissue in meats. This is especially beneficial in lean meats, such as " Select" grade, which do not have a lot of fat marbling to enhance tenderness. Always marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter. If some of the marinade is to be used for basting during cooking or as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion of the marinade. Do not put raw meat and poultry in it. Do not reuse the marinade from raw meat or poultry on cooked food unless it is boiled first to destroy any bacteria.
Pre-Cooking Meat
Some people like to cook food partially in the microwave oven or on the stove to reduce grilling time. Some like to partially grill meats to give it that smoky flavor, and then refrigerate or freeze the food to complete the cooking at a later date. Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present would not have been destroyed. If you choose to pre-cook meat or poultry, do so immediately before grilling. Once food is on the grill, cook until it reaches a safe temperature as determined with a meat thermometer.
Grilling Away From Home
When carrying food to a picnic site, keep it cold to minimize bacterial growth. If take-out foods such as fried chicken or barbecued beef will be reheated on the grill, and the food will not be eaten within two hours of pickup, buy them ahead of time and chill thoroughly.
Place raw meat packages in plastic bags and pack separately from canned drinks and ready-to-eat foods that might otherwise become contaminated.
Use an insulated cooler with sufficient ice or ice packs to keep the food at 40 °F. Pack food right from the refrigerator into the cooler immediately before leaving home.
-
In the car, keep the cooler in the air-conditioned passenger compartment; at the picnic, in the shade or shelter.
-
Avoid opening the cooler's lid, which lets cold air out and warm air in. Pack beverages in one cooler and perishables in another cooler.
-
When handling raw meat, remove from the cooler only the amount that will fit on the grill.
Preparation
Handling: Pack clean, soapy sponges, cloths and wet towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands. Be sure there are plenty of clean utensils and platters for separately handling the raw foods and the cooked foods. Do not use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry. Any bacteria present in raw meat or juices can contaminate the safely cooked meat. This is a prime cause of foodborne illness.
Cooking Equipment: For grilling and smoking, buy good-quality charcoal, briquettes or aromatic wood chips. Set the grill or smoker in a well-lit, well-ventilated area away from trees, shrubbery and buildings. Only use approved fire starter, never gasoline or paint thinner, for example. Cook foods in grills made of materials approved for contact with meat and poultry. Do not grill or smoke foods in makeshift containers such as galvanized steel cans or other materials not intended for cooking. Chemical residue contamination can result.
Building a Fire: Keep children and pets away from the fire. Have a squirt bottle of water nearby to control flare-ups. Do not wear baggy clothes. Use flame-resistant mitts, hot pads and cooking utensils with long handles. Follow the manufacturer's directions for igniting charcoal or preheating a gas or electric outdoor cooker.
Let charcoal get red-hot with gray ash, about 10 to 20 minutes depending upon the quantity. Spread out the charcoal under the grilling surface or bank it around the drip pan for smoking. Replenish charcoal if necessary for grilling. Add about 15 briquettes every hour to maintain 225 to 300 °F in a smoker. For hickory-smoked flavor, add a half-cup water-soaked wood chips or flakes during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
Safe Cooking
Use long-handled tongs when placing or turning meat on the grill to avoid the loss of juices that keep meat moist and tender. Piercing meat with a fork or knife can also affect food safety. Bacteria are normally found only on the external surface, so roasts and steaks cooked to an internal temperature of 145 °F will be safe since the outside will reach a temperature high enough to kill the surface bacteria. However, if a steak is poked or stabbed, these bacteria can be pushed inside, and then the meat must be cooked to 160 °F, the same as hamburger. Wash tongs that have been used on raw meat, or use a separate set of tongs for removing cooked meat, poultry and seafood from the grill.
Cooking Times: Cooking time depends on many factors: type of meat; its size and shape; distance of food from the heat; the temperature of the coals; and the weather. Use a thermometer to be sure foods reach proper temperatures to destroy any bacteria present. Cook beef, lamb and veal steaks, roasts and chops to 145 °F for medium rare or 160 °F for medium. Cook ground meats and all cuts of pork to 160 °F. Cook poultry to 165 °F. These temperatures ensure that foodborne bacteria have been destroyed. For reasons of personal taste or texture preferences, consumers may choose to cook meat and poultry to higher temperatures.
When using a sauce, apply during the last 15 to 30 minutes of grilling to prevent excess browning or burning. Refer to the table on the next page for grilling times and internal temperatures.
www.clemson.edu
Outdoor Rooms
By Layla S. Altman, ASID
Sipping ice tea, wiping a small bead of perspiration from the brow and good conversations with friends. That should describe a true southern afternoon on the porch. And of course, a comfortable furniture piece to sink into, durable, yet spunky tables & rugs and maybe an outdoor window treatment for shade from the sun.
Our porches and decks have truly become an extension of our homes. It’s a place to entertain, relax and spend time with family & friends. Luckily furniture companies have come out with a variety of furniture styles, colors and sizes to accommodate almost everyone’s needs. As well, fabric mills have made it easy to maintain great looking fabrics that resist sun damage, mold & mildew growth and are easy to clean. And don’t think just because your home may not have a grand terrace with acres of lush green grass or a water view, does not mean you cannot create a to die for outdoor oasis!
Here’s where to start and some of my favorites:
All-weather wicker is great for folks who love the “cottage or vintage” beach look. It works well with traditional southern architecture and details as well. There are now bolder wicker colors and warm earth tones to choose from. At Posh Living, we love to show our customers furniture from Whitecraft, a company whose wicker looks antique and distressed, but comes in resin with Sunbrella cushions to be put right out into the weather.
If you seek the cool modern California look, check out these manufacturers of refined outdoor pieces – Giati, Henry Hall, and Janus Et Cie. These companies have a tremendous selection of furniture pieces made of stainless steel, aluminum and painted metal with polyester powder coatings for that sleek style you may be seeking. These materials can endure the sun and outdoor elements. If you want something with a little warmer feel, these companies also specialize in resin-fiber woven furniture pieces that create a “faux rattan” look. The resin- fiber “Hularo” is pretty neat for two reasons, first of all it is recyclable and secondly it resists tearing and UV deterioration. Another material that creates a clean look is furniture made of Teak wood. Teak will stand the test of time and will help you to create a true coastal feel. Over time with direct or even indirect sunlight Teak will “silver” and turn more of a gray color. To maintain teak’s warm golden color you can apply an oil & sealer, which most companies will recommend you do once a year before the summer season. There are also several modern designs out recently from Whitecraft.
You have to have outdoor friendly fabrics to make the maintenance as easy as possible and for them to last over the years. Sunbrella pioneered the outdoor fabric business. Everyone is familiar with their tough, fade-resistant fabrics on outdoor awnings for windows & doors on commercial buildings. There are several fabric companies who have followed their lead, including Robert Allen (the Susan Sargent line is fabulous!), Duralee, OutDura and Perennials. You can find bright stripes & florals as well as more warm and earthy tones in these fabric lines. There are endless opportunities to make a “splash” with color for a bold statement or use soft off-whites & neutral color tones to create a tranquil outdoor living space.
If you are planning on taking a garden space and making it a cozy retreat, we recommend Elegant Earth light-weight concrete furniture pieces & accessories. Concrete pedestal tables, benches, and planters are weather proof and finished with interesting stone-look finishes for European chic. Also popular are metal cafe’ tables and chairs; we prefer those from Fermob, a high quality French company that makes all of the furnishings for the parks and gardens in Paris. They are made of steel with a baked enamel finish, and stand up very well to the weather. Here in hurricane country, we appreciate the European designs, as they cleverly and quickly disassemble for storage. Fermob has designs ranging from classic ice cream chairs to sleek, modern, tropical colored lounges. You can access the above manufacturers from our website poshsurfside.com.
Once you’ve made your selections for your main furnishings, I would then recommend a fun outdoor rug to help tie it together. Our favorite outdoor & cotton rugs are made by Dash & Albert. If you are looking for something with a more natural feel that will blend with the trees, try an outdoor woven vinyl rug that mimics the look of sisal, but you can hose it off!!
Lastly, choose accessories that finish off your outdoor oasis. Try not to buy everything at once and let the pieces reflect your travels & personality. This will add more interest and spark conversations while you are sipping your tea and enjoying good company. And don’t forget about adding candles & soft lighting to capture the ambiance of your Outdoor Room.
Enjoy your life outdoors!
Layla S. Altman, ASID is the co-owner of Posh Living with her business partner, Kerry Ann Dame. She can be reached at 238-0078 or by email:
layla@poshsurfside.com
Visit poshsurfside.com to view the products mentioned in the above article.
Copyright July 2008 by Layla S. Altman.
May not be reproduced without permission.
Energy Efficiency
Let’s Save Energy!
Using energy wisely means being efficient. We use energy everyday at home, at school, at work, and even when you’re playing. By saving energy you’re helping to save the world’s energy resources like natural gas, oil and water and you’re also saving money on your utility bills. Best of all, by using energy wisely we can cut down on pollutants in the air and water, making a better environment for everyone.
Think about what would happen if there wasn’t enough energy. . . there would be no light to turn on when it got dark . . . there would not be any hot water for the shower or heat for your house in the winter . . . no gas or oil to drive the car . . . so there are lots of reasons we should save energy.
Here are a few things you can do to start saving more energy:
The lights and television use electrical energy, so when you leave the room, shut them off.
During the day, when it is brighter outside, open the curtains and use the sunlight instead of turning on the lights.
Don’t leave windows or outside doors open when the heat or air conditioning is on. This makes the furnace and AC have to work harder to heat and cool the house.
When you have a sunny day, help hang the clothes outside instead of using the dryer.
Don’t leave the water dripping in the faucet.
Turn off the dishwasher right before the drying cycle and let the dishes air dry.
Don’t leave the refrigerator door open. Decide what you want BEFORE you open the door.
Instead of cooking, once a week have a sandwich night. Not cooking saves gas and electricity.
Plant trees and shrubs. Deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves) are best to block the sun in the summer and, when the leaves fall, they let the sun shine through in the winter helping to warm your house.
There are a lot more ways to save energy and it’s important that everyone pitches in. Together we can all save energy!
Healthier
At-Home Recipes for Your Skin
Sunscreen Body Oil
1/4 cup each anhydrous lanolin, light untoasted sesame oil & Jojoba oil
4 tsp. vitamin E oil
1/3 cup aloe vera juice
15 drops essential oil of sandalwood or lavender
Combine all ingredients in one or two squeeze bottles and store in refrigerator when not in use. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Raspberry Lip Moisturizer
1 raspberry
2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
2 tbsp. honey
In a small bowl, mash the raspberry with fork; combine with aloe and honey. Apply mixture to lips, then try to avoid licking the balm off for at least 10 minutes before wiping away raspberry seeds with a tissue. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Foot Soak
3 tbsp. dried chamomile
1 tbsp. each dried mint, marjoram and rosemary
1/2 tbsp. dried thyme
Mix all ingredients in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. When ready to use, add 2 tsp. to 1 1/2 quarts of water. Boil 5 minutes, remove from heat and let cool to desired temperature. Pour into a small tub and soak feet. Makes 1/3 cup.
Bath Milk
1/2 cup almonds, ground into a fine powder
4 cups powdered milk
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup Epsom salts
Combine ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake. Fill bathtub up with very warm water and pour in 1 cup of the milk mixture. Makes 6 1-cup portions.
Yogurt Razor-Bump Soother
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
Puree the yogurt and cucumber in a blender. Apply the soother to freshly shaven, irritated area. Wait 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
“ Tidings of Great Joy ”
By Donna Tyson
When is the last time you felt great joy? Was it based on an outside circumstance - the birth of a child, the homecoming of a loved one, a beautiful gift, an unexpected show of love and appreciation? Have you ever found yourself in a moment of joy so profound your eyes filled with tears with sheer gratitude for the moment? I did today.
The last three months have been some of the most stressful of my life. I was exhausted physically and mentally and looking for a way to refill my soul. I am finally home after a two week road trip and had the day all to myself. I woke in my own bed to the beautiful sights of sounds of my new home on the river. I fixed a cup of gourmet coffee, lit candles and put on peaceful music as a backdrop for my daily devotions. I attended an early morning church service where the praise music and pastor’s message filled my soul with encouragement. I experienced sweet fellowship with Godly women in my new Sunday School class and realized they were a direct answer to my prayers for this relocation. I sat outside in the courtyard of a wonderful small market and bistro savoring the delicious tastes of the fresh clam chowder and the chicken, feta, and spinach baguette sandwich [is there anything better than fresh made bread?].
As I filled my cup, I inhaled the rich aroma of the French press gourmet coffee and realized I was laughing aloud in pure bliss. How blessed I am!
I am here experiencing beautiful moments with my new grandbaby and children. God has given me a sanctuary in my new home.I have a career I love. Precious friends, both new and old, fill my heart’s need for relationship. God has provided a new church family where I can grow and serve. I am healthy, and I have been given this moment in time to enjoy my favorite things.
I am overwhelmed with God’s faithfulness.
As I reflect on these blessings, I am aware they were not given to me to hold as my own, but rather to fill my soul with joy so that I can then pass it on.
Recover Your Dining Room Chairs
By Fabric Showcase
If you’re a bargain hunter, you’ve likely come across some beautiful antique dining chairs. Sometimes the actual structure of the chair is in great shape, though the seat’s fabric covering is ratty or just poorly upholstered. No worries! Grab that bargain chair and reupholster the seat. It’s one of the easiest reupholstery projects out there.
What You’ll Need
• Fabrics
• Measuring tapes
• Scissors
• Stapling gun
• Staples
• Screwdrivers (both Phillips and flathead)
To find out how to make it, read more.
Here’s how to do it
1. Measure the surface of the chair seat, side to side and back to front. Add eight inches to each measurement. For example, 18 by 20 becomes 26 by 28.
2. Choose a fabric that is upholstery weight, since there’s going to be a lot of wear and tear (and booties!) on your chair.
3. Take the chairs apart, which will
probably require unscrewing the
seats from the frames.
4. Remove the old fabric or vinyl — you may need pliers if the staples or tacks are old.
5. Double-check your measurements and then cut out your new chair covers.
6. Place your new cover on your work surface, wrong side up.
7. Place your chair seat on the new cover, top side down.
8. Hold the two together and flip to check that the fabric is pointed in the right direction; adjust if necessary. Place the seat and cover back back down on the work surface, as before.
9. Pull the fabric up on one side and staple, working from the middle out to the corners.
10. Pull the fabric up tightly on the opposite side and staple.
11. Repeat with the remaining two sides.
12. Reattach the seats to the chair.
Enjoy!
For a fantastic selection of fabrics to coordinate with your home, visit
Fabric Showcase located in Arcadian Shores Commons, across from
Tanger Outlets Hwy. 17 N. or call 449-6728 today!
Tips For Throwing A Cookie Swap
Hosting a cookie swap is a fun and fast way to enjoy a variety of cookies during the busy holiday season. The sweet get-togethers are a great way to spend time with family and friends, too. Here are three different parties to consider:
• Bake and Bring Party--A traditional cookie swap, where everyone bakes cookies at home and brings them to a central location to trade.
• Make and Take Party--Gather ingredients and friends to help each other bake up enough cookies for everyone to take home.
• Cookie Decorating Party--Bake batches of sugar or gingerbread cookies and invite friends to have fun decorating together.
Another time-saving tip is to line your cookie sheets with Reynolds Parchment Paper. It has a non-stick coating so cookies slide right off. There's no need to add extra grease or spray, and because you bake right on the paper, cleanup is a breeze. For details on hosting each party, visit www.reynoldsparchment.com.
Cherry Macadamia Oatmeal Cookies
Reynolds Parchment Paper
13/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
11/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
21/2 cups quick oats, uncooked
1 pkg. (12 oz.) chocolate chunks
1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, well drained and quartered
1 cup powdered sugar
2 - 3 tablespoons water
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with Reynolds Parchment Paper. Combine dry ingredients on another sheet of parchment paper.
Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, milk and vanilla.
Gradually add flour mixture, mixing on low until blended. Stir in oats, nuts, chocolate and cherries. Drop by tablespoons onto parchment-lined cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Slide parchment paper with cookies onto wire rack to cool. Mix powdered sugar and water; drizzle cooled cookies on parchment paper. Makes 3-4 dozen.
