I think it is pretty clear that most of us are in love with Pinterest... which really relieves our little bookmarks from being piled up. But I have noticed that I tend to just fill up the boards with all these fantabulous pins, and then move on to the next one without a second thought.
So I have decided that this summer I will be working on my board list and started transforming my wish list to my reality list. I am ready to start doing, because as you know this month is the last month of Life in the Thirty Zone...
Which brings me to my next task, and that is redesigning my new blog so that it is more focused and useful! I will be posting the links when everything is done
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Brief intermission
Well things have been odd and super busy. My dad has had his 2nd brain aneurysm surgery and this one was supposed to be easy, however he had stroke symptoms literally when we were heading out to the car with our luggage from the hotel.
So back to emergency.... He was upset. However it wasn't actually a stroke but the area where they put the pipeline in had swelled because the aneurysm had shrunk at a staggering fast rate and caused swelling and fluid. Luckily he is at home, but he has a lot of work to do to get back on track for healing.
My dad is one of those super active 74 year olds, who walks 2-5 miles everyday, and lives on his own and is an amazing artist. In fact go check out his webpage! www.corstangesmith.com
thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
So back to emergency.... He was upset. However it wasn't actually a stroke but the area where they put the pipeline in had swelled because the aneurysm had shrunk at a staggering fast rate and caused swelling and fluid. Luckily he is at home, but he has a lot of work to do to get back on track for healing.
My dad is one of those super active 74 year olds, who walks 2-5 miles everyday, and lives on his own and is an amazing artist. In fact go check out his webpage! www.corstangesmith.com
thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Emeal update
Tonight's dinner on our emeals list is Dirty Rice and Sausage. They have many menu types available, but what I really like is how versatile the menu and grocery list. I chose the Any Store Meal Plan. The first week I followed it exactly, which was really difficult for me because I like to twist things up a little... its my personality!
The following week I crossed out some items to allow for some things I new the family would not want to eat. It was as easy as they said. Where ever I saw the number 4 on the grocery list (that was the meal we decided not to eat) I just crossed that item out. Also I don't follow the list like Monday is rock solid for meal 1... I generally just pick and choose, which you could do either way. I am just not that structured.
The other thing I enjoy about it is I can easily change items like whole grain brown rice vs. white, or fresh spinach vs. frozen. The menu can be molded to fit your needs. So in essence, if you are not sure sign up for a trial and see how it goes.
I think you will enjoy it, if you are strapped for time, fighting with a disability, or just would like to alleviate one of the pressures of your day. I think this would be a good fit it has worked for me so far.
The following week I crossed out some items to allow for some things I new the family would not want to eat. It was as easy as they said. Where ever I saw the number 4 on the grocery list (that was the meal we decided not to eat) I just crossed that item out. Also I don't follow the list like Monday is rock solid for meal 1... I generally just pick and choose, which you could do either way. I am just not that structured.
The other thing I enjoy about it is I can easily change items like whole grain brown rice vs. white, or fresh spinach vs. frozen. The menu can be molded to fit your needs. So in essence, if you are not sure sign up for a trial and see how it goes.
I think you will enjoy it, if you are strapped for time, fighting with a disability, or just would like to alleviate one of the pressures of your day. I think this would be a good fit it has worked for me so far.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Emeals!
Well we are on our second week of Emealz. I had decided to do a 3 month trial. But I already LOVE IT! I am not a too busy mom type, but I am sick and in dealing with those issues I am not always on top of everything. I wasn't too sure if I was going to be a fan because generally I like to do everything myself, because it saves money.
But the menu's are organized really well. So if there is something I don't like I just cross of ingredients on the shopping list that correspond with that menu number so if I don't want meal 6, I write in hamburgers or whatever I happen to want to make or is requested on the shopping list I cross out all items that have the #6 next to it and add meat and buns (or pizza night)... right are we clear.
There are a ton of kinds of menus, like low fat, carb free, gluten free, based on particular stores, or just general. We are using the basic menu, and so far things have been tasty. I have also made a few changes that were relatively painless to do, like ground turkey in place of ground beef, substituted certain veggies I already know that won't work with our family. Its been easy to maneuver around.
The price didn't change too much for us, because we were already at 80-100 per week budget, however the variety is fantastic, it has been nice getting away from the Monday hamburgers, taco tuesday wednesday chicken and rice a roni... etc. I was getting tired and so was my menu.
And frankly its nice to have one thing I don't have to think about. There is enough on my plate, and anything I can do mindless I am all for. So my rating is... so far so fabulous!
But the menu's are organized really well. So if there is something I don't like I just cross of ingredients on the shopping list that correspond with that menu number so if I don't want meal 6, I write in hamburgers or whatever I happen to want to make or is requested on the shopping list I cross out all items that have the #6 next to it and add meat and buns (or pizza night)... right are we clear.
There are a ton of kinds of menus, like low fat, carb free, gluten free, based on particular stores, or just general. We are using the basic menu, and so far things have been tasty. I have also made a few changes that were relatively painless to do, like ground turkey in place of ground beef, substituted certain veggies I already know that won't work with our family. Its been easy to maneuver around.
The price didn't change too much for us, because we were already at 80-100 per week budget, however the variety is fantastic, it has been nice getting away from the Monday hamburgers, taco tuesday wednesday chicken and rice a roni... etc. I was getting tired and so was my menu.
And frankly its nice to have one thing I don't have to think about. There is enough on my plate, and anything I can do mindless I am all for. So my rating is... so far so fabulous!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Lisa Project in Visalia
The Lisa Project is in Visalia. This is a mobile exhibit that gives the experience typical of a child in an abusive situation. Not only will you see with your eyes, you will hear with your ears 911 calls, stories of pain, smell the scene of neglect. Children in our society, in our own backyard live daily these lives. We cannot turn away anymore, we cannot tell ourselves it is none of our business.
I have checked out some statistics and according to the United States Government Accountability Office, more than 5 children die every day as a result of child abuse. 80% of those children who die are under the age of 4!
About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the cycle of abuse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The exhibit is rated PG-13 due to some mature content. Make yourself aware and be an advocate for those who can't speak out for themselves!
I have checked out some statistics and according to the United States Government Accountability Office, more than 5 children die every day as a result of child abuse. 80% of those children who die are under the age of 4!
About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the cycle of abuse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The exhibit is rated PG-13 due to some mature content. Make yourself aware and be an advocate for those who can't speak out for themselves!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Jonathan Winters artist?
I came across a movie called Certifiably Jon. I love Jonathan Winters he is hilarious. But I had no idea he was an Artist as well. He paints, silkscreens, and sketches as well. I really love his work and wanted to share the link. My favorite is a silkscreen called "Hung up on Strange Fruit"
www.jonathanwinters.com/
www.jonathanwinters.com/
Monday, February 20, 2012
In my lifetime "todo list"
I stumbled across this article and it made me think of some of the things I have wanted to do in the past, but for whatever reason didn't accomplish it. Now some of those things, I changed my mind about because, they sucked, or were to flighty and I have moved on lol. But one that has never left me, that I have always wanted to do since I was a little girl is ride a motorcycle.
I loved them, when I rode them as a kid, it was in the days before the states helmet laws. Which in case anyone is wondering the mother in me will never ride without one because whenever I see somebody riding without one I have a mini-episode inside! That being said. I Declare in front of the Internet that I will start my motorcycle license safety course, and mark that off my list!
I loved them, when I rode them as a kid, it was in the days before the states helmet laws. Which in case anyone is wondering the mother in me will never ride without one because whenever I see somebody riding without one I have a mini-episode inside! That being said. I Declare in front of the Internet that I will start my motorcycle license safety course, and mark that off my list!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Valentine Baby
I have a valentines baby! Which means romantic night out with the hubby with all the other celebrating couples is out. Am I sad... not too much! Why? Cause I have a Valentine GIRL baby! oh yeah! What used to be a day of looking forward to a movie and dinner, is totally different! The new schedule of the day means heart shaped pancakes, cupid cookies at school, heart shaped pizza for dinner, and heart explosions, And birthday planning for the weekend.
The black lined eyed hard rockin' teenager that despised valentines because of the pukefest of pink would have never guessed in a million years that I would ever be excited about putting hearts on millions of cupcakes and figuring out new ways to incorporate hearts in everything no matter the birthday party theme! But that's okay she was a little stuffy anyhow!
My kiddo chose science for her theme this year, but that will never stop the hearts sneaking in here and there... muwahahahahahahaha ha!
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/party-ideas/guides.asp?bgs=89
The black lined eyed hard rockin' teenager that despised valentines because of the pukefest of pink would have never guessed in a million years that I would ever be excited about putting hearts on millions of cupcakes and figuring out new ways to incorporate hearts in everything no matter the birthday party theme! But that's okay she was a little stuffy anyhow!
My kiddo chose science for her theme this year, but that will never stop the hearts sneaking in here and there... muwahahahahahahaha ha!
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/party-ideas/guides.asp?bgs=89
Monday, January 30, 2012
Projects in my not so distant future to do list!
So first is this clever way to recycle a cup into a bag holder. I am thinking this would be convenient way if you are not a sewing kind of person, or next to the back/garage door if you use these for picking up after the dog... ewww! http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/06/24/recycle-a-cup-into-a-plastic-bag-keeper/
Smart, recycling, and a fast easy project to do!
Another fun project is this blanket made from sweaters. I like the randomness of it, it reminds me of the crazy quilts my mom used to make when we were little. Not like the planned crazy quilts typically seen today. This one also doesn't require backing which to me sounds a whole lot easier. http://funessa.wordpress.com/2007/10/28/recycled-sweater-blanket-part-two/
Lately I have learned to knit, and having a lot of fun with it, however I like to look for alternative fun stuff to knit, not just scarfs, hats, and baby booties... branch out a little. I found this cute monster pattern at the KnitPicks website http://www.knitpicks.com/cfBlog/post.cfm/gift-idea-toys. Saturday, January 21, 2012
Make Something Cool Friday!
I am making this recycled sweater sling purse. The pattern is so easy to follow on this site that I hesitate to even call it a pattern! This one is my favorite... I am not crazy about the flower so mine will be without it. The instructions are here. http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/11/re-purposing-sweater-into-sling-purse.html
I found a fantastic grayish turquoise wool sweater in the mens department at the local thrift store for only$2, and bought a magnetic purse snap for $3, and use some scrap fabric for the liner but generally you can buy a yard of a matching fabric for $1-$2. So I will have a fantastic purse
There are a ton of other cute bags at this link including a making them out of grocery bags, pillow cases, oilcloth, and videos too... http://www.squidoo.com/*UPDATE*
Here is some pics of my re-purposed sweater sling bag (whew! thats a mouthful) The project took me 1 morning to do and it was really easy and I love the instructions, simple straight forward and lots of pictures!
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