Thanks to a great website that I have been using for years, www.freecycle.org I have been able to recycle some of my old items out to bring in some new. I try to give my house a good spring cleaning and I find so many odds and ends items and toys that my kids don't want or need anymore. This website allows me to post the things I have available and it is only for the locals to see. If someone sees something they want they will email you and make arrangement for a pick up.
I have felt really good knowing that pretty much all of my older kids baby things went to someone who really needed them. A young single girl in college came and picked up most of my gently used girl things. My sons stuff was split up to a few different people.
I have also found many items for myself. I have gotten a set of bunk beds, side tables for a kids bedroom, and some baking pans. Some of the thing I have gotten I have transformed with a little elbow grease and some paint.
With the economy that we are in right now everyone is in the position to be frugal. So, the next time you are cleaning out something in you basement, attic, or just looking to clean out some cupboards remember to check out Freecycle. You never know who might be in need of that something you have. The old saying goes "Someones trash is someone treasure!"
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Happy St. Patrick's Day
This is such a fun time to celebrate with your kids and your family. Even though this is now the traditional holiday with Presents and gift giving it is one of my favorites. My kids have so much fun getting their green on and I look forward to cooking my St. Patrick's Day feast. I enjoy the company and watching my kids come up with their creative ways of catching a leprechaun! We go into town annually for the St. Patty's Day parade in Southie. The kids have a blast, and even amongst all the chaos I have a ton of fun too!
I hope you all have a fantastic St. Patrick's Day. Have fun and be safe!
Melanie~
I hope you all have a fantastic St. Patrick's Day. Have fun and be safe!
Melanie~
Monday, March 12, 2012
Pink Slime 
Pink Slime is something that I just recently heard about on television. I wanted to take a look to see what it actually is and how the USDA and meat processors use it and think it is safe.
I was reading up on this and this is what I have found. Pink Slime is actually a filler and processed in the following way.
According to the Washington Post, the process involves taking USDA-approved beef trimmings, separating the fat and meat with centrifuges, then squeezing the lean beef through a tube the size of a pencil, during which time it is exposed to ammonia gas. The combination of the gas with water in the meat results in a reaction that increases the pH, lowering acidity and killing any pathogens such as E. coli.
This filler is processed at a company and then shipped out to the places that process our meat. It is then added to our ground beef.
The Pink Slime process is actually using Ammonia to kill off E. Coli? Ammonia, a chemical that is commonly found under our kitchen sink to be used a cleaning agent? Isn't Ammonia labeled with a big giant skull and cross bones? Isn't there a warning that states not for consumption and if you get it in your eyes or swallow it to call poison control right away? So, why is this chemical or poison in our food?
I thought E. Coli could be eliminated if the food is cooked and/or stored properly? Am I wrong, or is there more to it?
I read a statistic that 70% of our grocery stores supply us with the USDA approved product. I was unaware of this. Unless you are buying ground beef that is USDA Organic, you are running a high risk of feeding your family the Pink Slime. I also read that many of our schools are using ground beef product with Pink Slime. So, even if you as a family decide to use organic to eliminate that risk, your children may still be getting it at school.
They say that it is safe, but it is not a necessity to be listed on a label of ingredients. Are you serious? Shouldn't that be our decision to make? Shouldn't we be able to decide?
I grew up in farm country in Western Pennsylvania. My family was fortunate enough to have a cow and pig every year. We knew what was going into that animal for feed and medicine. It had land to roam on and lots of grass to graze in. We never had to worry about what was in our meat. Unfortunately we all do not have that opportunity.
My thoughts are that if this process of the Pink Slime is going to continue, the stores need to label these so we know what we are buying. Then, if we choose to buy it we know what we are ingesting. I think that the restaurants that have not already taken this meat out of their menu, need to immediately. Lastly, our schools need to get this Pink Slime out ASAP! We should have a say in what they consume at school and I know I am guilty of not really looking past the school lunch menu and into what they are really eating.
**Just a tip to keep pink slime out of your house. I have started buying a boneless pot roast and having the butcher at my grocery store ground it up for me. The taste is fabulous, it can be much cheaper, and I find that if I get a large roast I can freeze it and it still tastes fresh when comes out of the freezer!
I was reading up on this and this is what I have found. Pink Slime is actually a filler and processed in the following way.
According to the Washington Post, the process involves taking USDA-approved beef trimmings, separating the fat and meat with centrifuges, then squeezing the lean beef through a tube the size of a pencil, during which time it is exposed to ammonia gas. The combination of the gas with water in the meat results in a reaction that increases the pH, lowering acidity and killing any pathogens such as E. coli.
This filler is processed at a company and then shipped out to the places that process our meat. It is then added to our ground beef.
The Pink Slime process is actually using Ammonia to kill off E. Coli? Ammonia, a chemical that is commonly found under our kitchen sink to be used a cleaning agent? Isn't Ammonia labeled with a big giant skull and cross bones? Isn't there a warning that states not for consumption and if you get it in your eyes or swallow it to call poison control right away? So, why is this chemical or poison in our food?
I thought E. Coli could be eliminated if the food is cooked and/or stored properly? Am I wrong, or is there more to it?
I read a statistic that 70% of our grocery stores supply us with the USDA approved product. I was unaware of this. Unless you are buying ground beef that is USDA Organic, you are running a high risk of feeding your family the Pink Slime. I also read that many of our schools are using ground beef product with Pink Slime. So, even if you as a family decide to use organic to eliminate that risk, your children may still be getting it at school.
They say that it is safe, but it is not a necessity to be listed on a label of ingredients. Are you serious? Shouldn't that be our decision to make? Shouldn't we be able to decide?
I grew up in farm country in Western Pennsylvania. My family was fortunate enough to have a cow and pig every year. We knew what was going into that animal for feed and medicine. It had land to roam on and lots of grass to graze in. We never had to worry about what was in our meat. Unfortunately we all do not have that opportunity.
My thoughts are that if this process of the Pink Slime is going to continue, the stores need to label these so we know what we are buying. Then, if we choose to buy it we know what we are ingesting. I think that the restaurants that have not already taken this meat out of their menu, need to immediately. Lastly, our schools need to get this Pink Slime out ASAP! We should have a say in what they consume at school and I know I am guilty of not really looking past the school lunch menu and into what they are really eating.
**Just a tip to keep pink slime out of your house. I have started buying a boneless pot roast and having the butcher at my grocery store ground it up for me. The taste is fabulous, it can be much cheaper, and I find that if I get a large roast I can freeze it and it still tastes fresh when comes out of the freezer!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Will I ever get to sleep? New Baby Woes
Lately there has been a lot of new babies being born amongst my friends and family. Five months ago I even welcomed our new little one, but the difference being this is my third child. I was laughing the other night, as I was typing on facebook to a relative who has a three week old, over a conversation about lack of sleep.
So, I started to think back to my first two children. The lack of sleep that left you feeling like a zombie. Those sleepless nights when they are teething. Waking when they are infants every 3 to 4 hours, if you were lucky, to feed them. Little colds that would keep them congested and you from getting any sleep. Really, and all those who give the advice of "sleep when the baby sleeps"? Yeah right! When they sleep there is laundry to be done, and dinner to be made, and floor to be vacuumed! If you did not get those things done on a daily basis, you were screwed because it is almost impossible to catch up. I remember sitting up at night for about 6 months when my daughter was teething. She would go to bed at 9 and be back up at 10 and just be up and down all night. I can tell you every single line from Elmo in Grouchland. That was the only movies we watched as we cuddled on the couch. She would stop crying and just lay there, on my pregnant belly, with her rosy red cheeks and a runny nose. She was done crying, but then I would start! Everyone had advice on what to do. "Let her cry it out!", "Rock her in a rocking chair!", "Medicate her!" I would sit and just say "God, please if you are listening, I will do anything just please let me be able to sleep a good nights sleep!"
The truth is I tried each of those thing and it never worked. We had to find out what worked for us. What works for one baby may not work for another. I found that the more stressed and tense I was, the worse my baby would be. Now, that said, I only no that now that I have my new little one! It really is trial and error with your baby. People can give you advice and you can try what you would like to. But, more often than not you have to fall into a routine that works for you.
With my new son, when he gets cranky, gassy, or fussy, we rock in his favorite chair and I pull him close, I sing or talk to him in a sweet voice. I relax my body and tap on his bum gently. This is what works for us. He calms down and stares into my eyes. I am relaxed so he is relaxed!
Sleep is such a valued thing. You just feel as though if you can get one good nights sleep the next 6 months will be better somehow!
Your babies sleep patterns will change and it will get better. Just when your body adjusts to no sleep your baby will start to sleep better, that's usually how it goes!
I have figured out that once your baby is getting a little older and is taking in about 24 ounces or more, you can squeeze in those feeding during the day. This makes it so that they are full before they go down to sleep for the night. You know they have had all they need for the day and if they are waking at night it is for something other than food. More often than not, this is when they will sleep for a longer period of time at night.
Remember to trust in yourself. Even first time moms have the answers. You know what is best for your baby even if it means trying different methods to find what works for you.
Do you have any advice or tips that you can post on my blog? Maybe you can help another sleepless mother...
So, I started to think back to my first two children. The lack of sleep that left you feeling like a zombie. Those sleepless nights when they are teething. Waking when they are infants every 3 to 4 hours, if you were lucky, to feed them. Little colds that would keep them congested and you from getting any sleep. Really, and all those who give the advice of "sleep when the baby sleeps"? Yeah right! When they sleep there is laundry to be done, and dinner to be made, and floor to be vacuumed! If you did not get those things done on a daily basis, you were screwed because it is almost impossible to catch up. I remember sitting up at night for about 6 months when my daughter was teething. She would go to bed at 9 and be back up at 10 and just be up and down all night. I can tell you every single line from Elmo in Grouchland. That was the only movies we watched as we cuddled on the couch. She would stop crying and just lay there, on my pregnant belly, with her rosy red cheeks and a runny nose. She was done crying, but then I would start! Everyone had advice on what to do. "Let her cry it out!", "Rock her in a rocking chair!", "Medicate her!" I would sit and just say "God, please if you are listening, I will do anything just please let me be able to sleep a good nights sleep!"
The truth is I tried each of those thing and it never worked. We had to find out what worked for us. What works for one baby may not work for another. I found that the more stressed and tense I was, the worse my baby would be. Now, that said, I only no that now that I have my new little one! It really is trial and error with your baby. People can give you advice and you can try what you would like to. But, more often than not you have to fall into a routine that works for you.
With my new son, when he gets cranky, gassy, or fussy, we rock in his favorite chair and I pull him close, I sing or talk to him in a sweet voice. I relax my body and tap on his bum gently. This is what works for us. He calms down and stares into my eyes. I am relaxed so he is relaxed!
Sleep is such a valued thing. You just feel as though if you can get one good nights sleep the next 6 months will be better somehow!
Your babies sleep patterns will change and it will get better. Just when your body adjusts to no sleep your baby will start to sleep better, that's usually how it goes!
I have figured out that once your baby is getting a little older and is taking in about 24 ounces or more, you can squeeze in those feeding during the day. This makes it so that they are full before they go down to sleep for the night. You know they have had all they need for the day and if they are waking at night it is for something other than food. More often than not, this is when they will sleep for a longer period of time at night.
Remember to trust in yourself. Even first time moms have the answers. You know what is best for your baby even if it means trying different methods to find what works for you.
Do you have any advice or tips that you can post on my blog? Maybe you can help another sleepless mother...
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Make A Muscle! Make A Difference! MDA
I got a Facebook post from my brother-in -law this morning. In the post he was asking friends and friends of friends to please buy a Shamrock for Muscular Dystrophy. This is their annual program that collects a lot of money for kids with M.D. Our family has a friend who is 7 years old and he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We bought a shamrock for him!
The MDA Shamrocks campaign started in 1982 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and taken nationally a year later This program raises funds to support MDA’s fight against muscular dystrophy and related diseases, including its programs of research, services, advocacy and education. The program benefits MDA’s nationwide network of some 200 medical clinics, and it helps send thousands of children with muscle diseases to a week of accessible fun at MDA summer camp.
Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the nation’s largest charity-related fundraiser associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
A number of top retailers and restaurants help sponsor and support the campaign, including: Applebee’s, Burger King, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Jiffy Lube, Kroger, Lowe’s, Pizza Hut, 7-Eleven and Valero Corner Stores.
So, please buy a shamrock. One dollar can go along way if we all donate!
About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
The MDA Shamrocks campaign started in 1982 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and taken nationally a year later This program raises funds to support MDA’s fight against muscular dystrophy and related diseases, including its programs of research, services, advocacy and education. The program benefits MDA’s nationwide network of some 200 medical clinics, and it helps send thousands of children with muscle diseases to a week of accessible fun at MDA summer camp.
Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the nation’s largest charity-related fundraiser associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
A number of top retailers and restaurants help sponsor and support the campaign, including: Applebee’s, Burger King, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Jiffy Lube, Kroger, Lowe’s, Pizza Hut, 7-Eleven and Valero Corner Stores.
So, please buy a shamrock. One dollar can go along way if we all donate!
About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Appreciate what you have in the now!
I know we all hear it. We here it from our parents, our teachers, our neighbors, and our mentors. They all tell us to slow down and enjoy what we have. They say never to wish those times away! Well, I know that is easier said than done and I am guilty of doing this too. As I am sure we all are.
When my 2 older kids were young, I was still a youngster myself. The ripe old age of 23 was when my first child came. And, 3 months after I gave birth to her I found out I was again pregnant with my son. I think this is where I started to rush everything in my life. I couldn't wait for my daughter to walk because I was going to have another baby to deal with. I couldn't wait until she could talk so I could better understand what she was meaning. I was tired, literally, and tired of not knowing what those cries meant. I was so anxious to get her into a big girl front facing car seat so that I did not have to carry 2 infant car seats. The same happened with my son when he came. I didn't even have an excuse to rush him. There were no babies coming from this momma anytime soon, or if at all!
I couldn't wait until they started preschool and then from preschool I was excited for them to start elementary school, sport, and friends. Well, Let me tell you, it has happened they are in the 3rd and 4rth grade now and all I want is that time back. All that time that I wished away. All those times that I thought "God, I just want her to walk. my back is killing me and I am tired" Well, now I wish that she wanted to crawl in my lap, hold my hand, and ask for me to pick her up. The same goes for my 9 year old son.
Since I have my new little one, I get to enjoy those special moments and I am in no hurry to make him grow up. I want to enjoy every moment with him as I know that in the blink of an eye he will be grown up and not needing me for as much as he used to. I listen to his every cry, every giggle, and every wimper. I hold him when he needs me, I cuddle because I want to, and I stare while he is eating. The rest of the world can wait. My housework goes on hold and I am cherishing every moment I have with him.
So, cherish every moment you have with your children. Hold them tight, read them stories, and tuck them in at night. When you do this, make sure to slow down and enjoy the time you have with them. You never know when it is that you won't have it anymore!
When my 2 older kids were young, I was still a youngster myself. The ripe old age of 23 was when my first child came. And, 3 months after I gave birth to her I found out I was again pregnant with my son. I think this is where I started to rush everything in my life. I couldn't wait for my daughter to walk because I was going to have another baby to deal with. I couldn't wait until she could talk so I could better understand what she was meaning. I was tired, literally, and tired of not knowing what those cries meant. I was so anxious to get her into a big girl front facing car seat so that I did not have to carry 2 infant car seats. The same happened with my son when he came. I didn't even have an excuse to rush him. There were no babies coming from this momma anytime soon, or if at all!
I couldn't wait until they started preschool and then from preschool I was excited for them to start elementary school, sport, and friends. Well, Let me tell you, it has happened they are in the 3rd and 4rth grade now and all I want is that time back. All that time that I wished away. All those times that I thought "God, I just want her to walk. my back is killing me and I am tired" Well, now I wish that she wanted to crawl in my lap, hold my hand, and ask for me to pick her up. The same goes for my 9 year old son.
Since I have my new little one, I get to enjoy those special moments and I am in no hurry to make him grow up. I want to enjoy every moment with him as I know that in the blink of an eye he will be grown up and not needing me for as much as he used to. I listen to his every cry, every giggle, and every wimper. I hold him when he needs me, I cuddle because I want to, and I stare while he is eating. The rest of the world can wait. My housework goes on hold and I am cherishing every moment I have with him.
So, cherish every moment you have with your children. Hold them tight, read them stories, and tuck them in at night. When you do this, make sure to slow down and enjoy the time you have with them. You never know when it is that you won't have it anymore!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Cut Throat Sports
When did sports become so cut throat? I just finished reading a story about a man who went to his daughters hockey game and, while sitting in the stands, pointed a laser in the eyes of the opposing teams goalie. Really? How did it get to that point? Will the daughter ever look back at that game and wonder if she was good enough to win that game on her own without the "help" of her moron father. Will everyone always look at that game and say "Really, you couldn't have won that game without cheating!"
How are our kids supposed to better themselves if their parent interjects themselves into a situation like this. He should feel ashamed of himself!
It is unbelievable how hard some parents can be on their children when it comes to sports. In my family, we push our kids to exceed in the sports they choose to participate in, but not at the expense of others. I know that if my children or I as a parent help to cheat, they will never learn to be better. There is something to be said for losing. It builds character and teaches a child how to work hard to become better at whatever they will do. You can't cheat your way into the NHL, NFL, or NBA. Your name does not get you into the NHL, NFL, or NBA. And certainly, if you make it their, your father can't sit in the stands and shine a laser in the eyes of the opponents to help you win. The only thing that will get you into a professional team is your skills and your hard work
We tell our kids the following two statements and they apply all the time.
1."To be the best you have to play with the best"
This means you want to play against the best players you can. Even if this means you lose every game. The only way you can be better is to watch and learn from those who are better than you.
2. " If you have to tell us how great you are, then you are not so great!"
First, you can be good at something but there is always room for improvement. And, usually the kid that will walk around talking about how awesome they are and how much better they play than others, isn't that great. It is usually the kid that sits quietly, plays hard, and keeps his mouth shut and listens to others that excels tremendously in a sport and in life.
In conclusion, the lesson in this story is simple. Cheaters never win and winners never cheat! Work hard and win on your own merit. It will make them stronger and will help them excel in life! This goes for kids and parents alike!
How are our kids supposed to better themselves if their parent interjects themselves into a situation like this. He should feel ashamed of himself!
It is unbelievable how hard some parents can be on their children when it comes to sports. In my family, we push our kids to exceed in the sports they choose to participate in, but not at the expense of others. I know that if my children or I as a parent help to cheat, they will never learn to be better. There is something to be said for losing. It builds character and teaches a child how to work hard to become better at whatever they will do. You can't cheat your way into the NHL, NFL, or NBA. Your name does not get you into the NHL, NFL, or NBA. And certainly, if you make it their, your father can't sit in the stands and shine a laser in the eyes of the opponents to help you win. The only thing that will get you into a professional team is your skills and your hard work
We tell our kids the following two statements and they apply all the time.
1."To be the best you have to play with the best"
This means you want to play against the best players you can. Even if this means you lose every game. The only way you can be better is to watch and learn from those who are better than you.
2. " If you have to tell us how great you are, then you are not so great!"
First, you can be good at something but there is always room for improvement. And, usually the kid that will walk around talking about how awesome they are and how much better they play than others, isn't that great. It is usually the kid that sits quietly, plays hard, and keeps his mouth shut and listens to others that excels tremendously in a sport and in life.
In conclusion, the lesson in this story is simple. Cheaters never win and winners never cheat! Work hard and win on your own merit. It will make them stronger and will help them excel in life! This goes for kids and parents alike!
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