Health To Home

A Paintballer's Heaven

2008-07-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

What is there to say about paintballing? I could talk about how I have a heck of a time getting my son's clothes clean after a day of paintballing with his friends. I could talk about how to a sixteen year old, paintballing with one's friends is the end-all, beat-all way to spend a Saturday morning. And the only thing that might top it is shopping for more paintball
accessories.

My son spends a great deal of time online looking at paintball accessories. Thank goodness he's got a job now because all those paintballs, and O2 cartridges, and playing gear was costing me an arm and a leg! He did find a site that has some "sweet" paintball guns, as he puts it. And from what I can tell, their prices are pretty cheap. Free shipping, too.

Ultimate Paintball has quite a selection, including top selling guns like the Tippmann A-5, Tippmann 98 Custom, Smart Parts Ion, and the Spyder Pilot ACS. They also carry all the accessories to go along with them. They have hoppers and barrels, masks and playing apparel. Everything the expert paintballer could possibly need.

I may complain about washing his clothes, or spending too much money on his supplies, but the truth is, he enjoys it. There are worse things he could be doing, and I enjoy seeing him passionate about something.

Living Frugal In Modern Times

2008-07-22T21:13:00.002-05:00

I'll admit it. I'm a ~~cheapskate~~ frugal spender. I don't like to waste money on things we can live without, and if I think something is too expensive, we'll often do without it if we can. With today's economy, you gotta pinch a penny where you can.

Here are some tips to help you save money. Some might sound a little harsh, but if you can pick a couple of them and stick with them, you'll soon see a difference in your savings!

1. Go with one car if you can. Besides your house, your car is probably the most expensive item you own. If you can do with only one car, you should.

2. Buy a smaller house. Just because you can afford a big house, doesn't mean you should have it. Smaller house equals smaller payments. Besides, there will be less to clean!

3. Look for used first. If you can buy something that is used and in good shape for cheaper, why not? You don't always have to have brand new to have a good item.

4. Eat out less and cook meals at home more. You'll save a lot of money with this one! It's common sense, and healthier too!

5. Take a lunch to work instead of buying out of the machines or fast food. Again, you'll save tons and be healthier.

6. Stop impulse buying, online or in the stores. Don't fall prey to those catchy signs or supposed great prices. You're spending money you wouldn't have spent otherwise. If you don't need it, leave it there.

7. Don't shop. Don't go to the mall or the department store just to look around and shop. Only go to the store if you need something. Take a list, and don't deviate from it.

8. Use the library. Don't buy books when you can borrow them.

9. Carpool or ride the bus. self explanatory.

10. Walk or ride or bike where you need to go. Saves money and gas, and is better for the environment.

Diet, Exercise, and Weight Loss Pills

2008-07-17T21:52:00.003-05:00

What is your take on the state of the United States today in the terms of obesity, diet, exercise, and weight loss pills? It's been said that the United States has the most obese people in the world. We love to eat, and we're not afraid to admit it.

This tells me that not only do we have the highest obesity rate worldwide, we probably have the biggest number of people that want to lose weight, and will do anything to do it quickly. Everyone's hoping for a miracle cure for obesity. Unfortunately, weight loss supplements aren't miracle workers in the shape of little pills. Supplements like Phentermine can be effective, but only as an addition to your diet and exercise routine.

If you decide to take a weight loss supplement, keep in mind that nothing worthwhile is gained without a little hard work and determination. You must eat right and exercise regularly to reap the full benefits of a weight loss supplement. Something else to keep in mind is to make sure what you're putting into your body is safe. Just because it claims to help you lose ten pounds in a week, doesn't mean it's safe to use. Talk with your doctor, do your research, and choose the weight loss plan that's right for you. Don't be a statistic any longer. Be part of the solution.

Why Do We Dream?

2008-07-17T11:06:00.002-05:00

Even in today's technological world, no one can fully explain why we dream. All we do know is that we do dream, and that dreaming occurs during the REM phase of sleep. Our brain activity during REM sleep and dreaming mimics that of brain activity during awake hours. This is the extent to the known facts about dreaming. There are however, a couple of theories on the subject.

The first one deals with physical reasons for dreaming. During our awake hours, our brains send and receive bits of information between billions of brain cells, keeping our bodies functioning properly. Some believe that during REM sleep, dreaming takes the place of this activity and exercises the synapses, or pathways between the brain cells. Dreaming essentially picks up where the active, awake brain leaves off.

A second theory deals with an emotional issue. Some believe that we dream for emotional reasons. Maybe we're worried about something, or feel inadequate about something. These feelings manifest themselves in dreams. It is believed that dreams can tell us things about ourselves that we never knew. Dreaming brings to the surface, things that may be buried deep inside us.

Whether you believe one theory or the other, is up to you. For millions of years, humans have been trying to solve the mystery of why we dream. Until someone proves, or disproves either theory, research will continue.

An Important Post on Women's Health

2008-07-11T14:25:00.003-05:00

I posted about this subject on my other blog, and have gotten quite a bit of traffic from it. Women are interested in taking care of themselves, and potentially protecting themselves and possibly their close loved ones in the future from diseases such as Alzhiemer's and Parkinson's Disease, Osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke. It's a little insurance for the future.

Have a look at the press release on the subject of collecting stem cells from a woman's menstrual blood. The monthly miracle, they call it. It could save your life.

Taking Control: Future Therapies for a Host of Serious Diseases May Be Found in Women's Menstrual Blood

July 07, 2008: 01:28 PM EST

OLDSMAR, Fla., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With today’s hectic lifestyle, where most women are juggling careers, family, relationships, and a host of activities, the idea of possibly facing a serious illness in the future is not something that readily comes to mind -- especially when a woman is in the prime of her life. But what most women don’t know, is that the key to treating a number of possibly life-threatening diseases that she, a parent, a sibling or even her children may face in later years, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, may be found within her own body -- in vital stem cells, which can now be harvested from her own menstrual blood.

Now, thanks to the revolutionary research and technology of C’elle, a service dedicated to providing women with a safe and easy method of collecting and preserving stem cells found in her menstrual fluid each month, even the busiest woman can take control of her future, right in the privacy of her own home. With C’elle’s non-invasive collection process, menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.

"C’elle enables and empowers a woman to take control of her future health, and possibly of those genetically closest to her, in a fast, painless and stress free way," said Michelle Kay, Marketing and Sales Manager for C’elle. "We live in exciting times, as science and technology are discovering how extremely valuable menstrual blood stem cells really are, and the enormous treatment potential they represent for future therapies. C’elle’s ongoing research is supporting these promising findings."

For more information about C’elle, please call 1-877-892-3553 or visit http://www.celle.com/.

While stem cell research is a very controversial subject, I think it's an important step in curing some very life-threatening diseases. What's so great about C'elle, the collection process is non-invasive, painless, and easy. The controversy factor is gone.

I myself haven't done this yet, but am seriously thinking about it. The cost is a small price to pay to possibly save your own life, or to give the gift of life to someone close to me. Imagine that one of your children is in need of stem cells to save their life. If you've collected your own menstrual fluid, you could possibly save their life. A woman holds the key to this monthly miracle.

See what CNNMoney has to say on the subject.

Jeremy Clarkson's Gardening Tips

2008-07-11T14:23:00.001-05:00

I thought this was funny, and if I weren't afraid of guns, I'd probably give this a whirl! Sure would save time and aches and pains in the back!

Computer Memory at Buy.com

2008-07-11T14:08:00.000-05:00

When shopping for computer memory for your desktop computer or laptop, be sure to check Buy.com before buying anything. Chances are, you'll find what you're looking for at a much better price than anywhere else.

Buy.com has a wide selection of memory for all your computer needs. With free shipping on most items and many sizes to choose from, finding the computer memory to suit your needs doesn't get any easier. And, Buy.com usually ships within two to three business days, so you won't have to wait to upgrade. They make it easy to shop online for all your computer needs!

More Buy.com Deals!

2008-07-11T13:24:00.003-05:00

If you're like me, you like a good deal. I'm always on the lookout for the best buy I can get on everything. You might say I'm cheap, but I prefer smart. Today's world isn't getting any cheaper, and you've got to save a buck where you can.

I'm really liking Buy.com. They have a weekly sale
page that features their sales for the week, clearance items, hot deals, and the latest music, movies, and books all in one place! You never know what you're going to find on there, but if you're a frugal shopper you need to have a look at Buy.com's weekly deals.

Organization Tips

2008-07-11T13:11:00.002-05:00

I've been trying to put a video up on organization tips, but for some reason it isn't working, so I'll just give you the gist of the video myself. Following these useful tips will surely make your home a lot less cluttered.

1. Make sure everything has a home. If everything has a place that it belongs, putting things away will take much less time. You won't be wondering around trying to "find" a place for the stuff that's been laying around for days (or weeks, or months).

2. If it will take two minutes or less to put something away, don't put it off. Do it right away. I know around our house, the bathroom supplies seem to migrate out of the bathroom and into other parts of the house. Brushes end up on end tables in the living room, fingernail clippers end up on the kitchen counter, etc. Buy yourself a small, cheap tote. Collect all the items that belong in a certain room and put all the clutter away at the same time. It only takes a minute to collect the bathroom supplies laying around my house and put them all away where they belong. The longer stuff sits out where it doesn't belong, the more likely other things will join it and before you know it, you'll have clutter everywhere. Put things in their place right away.

3. When you want to buy something new, like a new face cream, decide if you really need it. Is your current face cream almost gone? If it's not, are you willing to throw it out to make room for the new one? The rule is: for every new item in, throw one old item out.

4. To make room in your cupboards, drawers, etc. throw out/get rid of anything you haven't used in over a month. Chances are if you haven't used it in that period of time, you aren't going to miss it when it's gone. This applies to clothing, food, bathroom supplies, etc. Why keep something you aren't using anyway?

With these tips, your space should be a lot less cluttered, and your life a little more organized!

Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses For Next to Nothing!

2008-07-11T08:50:00.002-05:00

I know that most of us do not have optical insurance. Employers just don't provide for it anymore. But, I have a solution. You can get high quality prescription glasses or sunglasses for as little as $8 a pair!

ZenniOptical.com has a wide variety of great looking frames to choose from. They can sell so cheaply because they sell their own manufactured frames direct to the customer, cutting out the middleman. You end up with a great looking pair of glasses that are of the highest quality, and it didn't break your bank! They were even on the news! Check it out: Zenni on Fox

Get A Free OneTouch Glucose Meter

2008-07-11T08:37:00.003-05:00

If you suffer from Diabetes, it's very important that you check your sugar levels and check them often. My father-in-law and my father both have diabetes, and they use their glucose meters multiple times a day.

I just recently came across a site where I got two OneTouch meters for free (one for each of them). It's very simple, and you don't even have to pay shipping charges. You fill out a couple of questions pertaining to your health, choose which meter you would like (there's two different ones to choose from), and they ship you a brand new meter for free.

If you have diabetes, or know someone with the disease, take advantage of this giveaway. There are no strings attached.

XBOX 360 Pro System

2008-07-10T22:02:00.003-05:00

Hey Gamers! Listen up!

Buy.com has the xbox 360 pro system for only $349.99! The system includes the game system with a 20 GB hard drive, a wireless controller, component HD AV cable, and a headset so you can trash talk your opponents. Purchase an Ethernet cable and an XBOX Live Silver Membership to Voice chat, Text Message, keep a Friends List, save Achievements, access the Marketplace, and more!

If you're looking for the best in gaming and entertainment, you've found it in the XBOX 360. It's fully loaded, and you're in total control!

FreeCycle

2008-07-10T21:41:00.003-05:00

When it comes to cleaning house and getting rid of things you don't use anymore, what do you do with all that stuff? Do you load it up and haul it to the dump? Do you go through the trouble of having a rummage sale?

I used to do both of those things, until recently. I just joined my local chapter of Freecycle. In case you haven't heard of it, it is a community of recycling-minded people who are dedicated to keeping usable things out of our landfills. It's really a great thing.

By joining, you can take advantage of the things others have posted to give away, and you can post your own items to give away. If you have something that you don't use anymore, but it still has some life left in it, you post it on Freecycle. Someone sees what you have to offer and they contact you through email to let you know they are interested. You make plans to have them pick it up, and the deal is done. Everything listed on Freecycle is free, no charge for anything. It's considered a gift.

Since joining, I've gotten an exercise machine, a matching loveseat and chair, and a recliner. Everything is in excellent condition, and I couldn't be happier. Next week, I plan on doing some cleaning of my own and posting a few things. It's a great way to get rid of things you don't use anymore and give someone else in need an opportunity to get the things they need. You can feel good knowing that you've done your part to save the Earth.

Make Housecleaning Fun!

2008-07-06T19:20:00.002-05:00

I was pointed in the direction of a website that could potentially make housecleaning a fun thing! And by fun I mean, the type of fun adults have when all the kids are out of the house for the night, the shades are drawn, and the candles are lit. Heck, it might even inspire the man in your life to pick up a feather duster and use it once in a while!

I showed my husband the website featuring French maid costumes, and of course he was all for that idea. I mean, how bad could it be (or maybe bad is what we want here?)? Adding a little spice and fun into our love life could only be a good thing. I didn't think the prices were too bad, either. It's definitely a thought.....

Summertime Slush Recipes

2008-07-06T19:10:00.002-05:00

With the heat of summer upon us, I thought it might be a good idea to share with you a couple of summer drink recipes. I love fruity, slushy drinks when it's hot out, and I think you will too!

Vodka or Rum Slush
1cup water
1cup sugar ( I only put 1/2 cup)
1 2 liter bottle of 7-up
46oz. can Pineapple Juice
6oz. can frozen Orange Juice
10oz. jar of cherries with juice
2 cups Rum or Vodka
Mix and Freeze

Whiskey Sour Slush
1/5 bourbon
3qts. Ginger Ale
1 lg. can Pineapple Juice
2 lg. cans frozen Orange Juice
4 oz. Real Lemon Juice
Mix and Freeze

Amaretta Slush
1 can Pineapple Juice (large)
3 cups Amaretta or Almond Favored liquer
1 6oz. can frozen lemonade or orange juice
1 3 liter Lemon Lime or Sprite
Mix and Freeze

Pina Colada Slush
1 can Pineapple Juice
2 12oz. cans frozen Lemonade
3 c. water
1 15oz. Creme Coconut
1 3liter Sprite, 7-up or Lemon Lime
Mix and Freeze

Margarita Slush
4 12oz. Frozen Limeade
3 qts. Water
3 cups Triple Sec or other orange flavored liquer
3 cups Tequila
2 (2liter) Sprite, Lemon Lime or 7-Up
Mix and Freeze

Double the recipes above to make plenty for guests. Keep an ice cream bucketful on hand to serve to drop-by guests. Sometimes, I omit the soda in the recipes, and just mix and freeze the other ingredients. When it's time to serve, I just scoop some of the frozen mix in a glass and pour white or sour soda to fill the glass.

These drinks are really good!

Spoil Your Pooch

2008-07-05T20:04:00.002-05:00

I know I'm guilty. I love my dogs and take every opportunity to spoil them rotten. From buying them special dog treats to new chew toys, they are treated well.

It doesn't take much to spend quite a bit of money on dog supplies, but I've found that if you buy online, you can usually save quite a bit of money. Jefferspet.com is a good site to shop for pet supplies. They have quite a selection and great prices. You'll even find some different things there. Things you might not find in a store.

What's really neat on their site is the fact that they don't just sell dog and cat supplies. You'll find supplies for other animals as well. Ferrets, birds, even horses and livestock.

Started Getting Free Stuff Already

2008-07-05T19:54:00.002-05:00

I just received my first freebie in the mail this past Thursday. A 2 gig SD card for my digital camera. It didn't cost me a thing, and came right to my mailbox.

I'm currently waiting on a ton of other freebies to come in my mail. All a result of joining a new website that has hundreds of freebies to take advantage of, and an opportunity to make a little extra cash if you want.

I'm loving this site! I've signed up for so many free items, I've lost count. I have a feeling the mailman is going to wonder what the heck is going on when he can't fit everything in my mailbox!

There's free products, services, and merchandise. Everything is free (except for maybe a shipping charge once in a while.) The monthly fee for the site is a mere $9.95, but with just the one SD card I received in the mail for free, I've gotten more than that value back already.

It's lots of fun browsing through the offers and signing up for the free stuff! I'm addicted! I check numerous times a day for new offers and sign up for those too! Offers are updated daily, and sometimes more than once! There's always something new!

Take some time and check out my new website. Try it for a month. What have you got to lose? You'll pay $9.95 for the month, but the stuff you'll get for free will more than pay for that. And you'll have fun!

Danze Faucets

2008-07-04T20:42:00.002-05:00

When decorating your kitchen or bathroom, the finishing touches can either make or break the whole design. The faucet you choose for your sink or shower is important.

Faucet.com is the leading online distributor of Danze faucets. Danze is one of the largest faucet manufacturers in the world today. From the classic to the retro, they are sure to have a faucet to fit your personality and your home. For style and quality that lasts, Danze faucets are a sure bet.

Thinking of Visiting Las Vegas?

2008-07-01T13:37:00.002-05:00

If you're thinking of taking a little vacation to Las Vegas, and are in need of a hotel stay while you're there, why not trust your housing needs to a Las Vegas expert?

I4Vegas specializes in providing hotel information for customers to compare, decide, and book right on their website. There are many top-notch vegas hotels to choose from. Visit i4Vegas to view information about hotels, casinos, and resorts, compare vacancies and prices, and then book your reservation right then and there. Trust that you will be staying at one of the finest establishments at the lowest price possible!

Do You Like McDonalds Fillet-o-Fish?

2008-07-01T13:25:00.003-05:00

My husband is a big fan of the McDonalds Fillet-o-Fish sandwich. He orders it just about every time we go to McDonalds. I went online and found a recipe for the tartar sauce that pretty much tastes the same as theirs. Matter of fact, that's what is on the menu for tonight. If you're a fan, here's the recipe.

2 tbsp. mayo
2 tsp. sweet pickle relish
2 tsp. minced onion
pinch of salt
2 Mrs. Paul's frozen fish fillets (the square ones)
2 American cheese slices
2 Buns

Combine the mayo, relish, minced onions, and salt. Do this at least an hour before you're ready to eat to give the ingredients time to mingle. Place in fridge.

You can bake the fish, but for an authentic taste, frying them in oil is better.

Toast the inside of each bun lightly.

Place cheese on bottom bun, top with fish fillet, tartar sauce, and top bun.

This recipe makes two sandwiches.

Summer Vacation Ideas

2008-06-28T10:28:00.003-05:00

I've been dreaming of taking a summer vacation lately. It's been years since we've been able to get away. There's always something going on with the kids that they just can't miss. Summer goes by so fast, and before I know it, it's over.

I'm hoping to be able to work a vacation in next summer. I hear the Outer Banks in North Carolina are a wonderful location for a summer vacation. With their beautiful beaches and gorgeous rental properties, I can see myself there already.

I've been checking out Carolina Designs Realty to find a rental property on the Outer Banks. They have thousands of images and floor plans to look at to find just the right property. Their rental properties are located right on the beach, which appeals to me. I don't want to have to travel anywhere once I get there. I plan on planting myself on the beach and staying there for the entire vacation.

So hopefully, this time next year, I'll be sipping something fruity under an umbrella on the beaches of the Outer Banks in North Carolina!

Mosquito Tip

2008-06-28T10:18:00.002-05:00

I don't know about the area you live, but the mosquito population around here is booming. Those little buggers are everywhere, making it very difficult to enjoy any outdoor activity no matter what time of day it is.

This morning, someone told me a tip to help with the problem. Now, I don't know if it actually works or not, but it's worth a shot. I'm going to try it as soon as I get to the store.

Here's the tip:

Put original Listerine in a spray bottle and spray the area you are going to be working/playing in. Don't spray it on yourself. All that does is give the pests minty-fresh breath. Spray the grass and surroundings in the area you'll be in. It's supposed to keep the mosquitoes away so you can enjoy being outside.

Incontinence and Overactive Bladder

2008-06-26T11:55:00.002-05:00

Urinary incontinence affects over twelve million American adults. There are different causes for different kinds of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence, caused by coughing, sneezing, or laughing affects women more so than men. Overactive bladder, caused by spasms of the urinary muscles leading to an urgency to urinate, effects both men and women.

The main thing to remember is you're not alone. Although it's a personal, private problem, there are things you can do to make living with incontinence easier. Stock up on quality pads made for incontinence. Menstrual pads are not the same, and do not work as well. Practice Kegel exercises. Men can do them too. Kegel exercises help to strengthen the muscles used to stop the flow of urine. Another good tip: don't wear light colored clothing that may show stains easier. Black is timeless and doesn't show fluid as easily.

For night time security, one might consider using adult diapers. Although the thought might not be too appealing, the peace of mind is worth it. Some things just can't be avoided, and if wearing them means a good night's sleep, then you have to do, what you have to do.

You don't have to be embarrassed by incontinence. It's a common problem as we grow older, and knowing that there are ways to help prevent embarrassing accidents makes life a whole lot easier. Do your research. Talk to your doctor. You don't have to suffer alone.

Campfire Safety

2008-06-26T11:42:00.003-05:00

With Summer upon us, campers are heading out for weekends of family fun. A campfire is a necessity, at least for our family, when we go camping. There's nothing better than sitting by a campfire at night, sipping on a cold drink, eating smores, and just enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. While a campfire is lots of fun, there's a right way and a wrong way to have one. If not done properly, a campfire can easily get out of control and devastate the land and people in its path.

Here are a few good tips for having a safe and fun campfire while on a camping trip or even in your own back yard.

Learn how to safely start a fire. Never use flammable liquids to ignite or keep your fire burning. This means, avoid gasoline, diesel fuel, lighter fluid, and other dangerous fuels.

Only start a campfire in a fire pit or fire ring that is made of solid construction.

Avoid starting a fire underneath low-hanging branches or shrubbery. Fires can often flame higher then you anticipate.

Don't stack spare firewood too close. If you've recently gathered some, store it upwind so that sparks don't fly into your pile.

Don't allow children and pets near the campfire and never leave them unsupervised.

Teach kids how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire. Have a fire extinguisher on hand for emergencies.

Keep your fire away from anything flammable, such as dry grass, tents, paper plates and napkins, and camping gear.

Be aware that hot embers can re-ignite the fire if strong winds are blowing. Shuffle the fire and make sure it's out before retiring.

Always have on hand things to put out your fire such as water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher and make sure your fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.

What to Make for Dinner?

2008-06-26T11:18:00.003-05:00

If you're having trouble deciding what to make for supper tonight, or you're just plain tired of the same ole, same ole, then you need to take a look at MyRecipes.com. The website is chock full of yummy recipes for every meal, lots of drinks, delicious desserts, and much, much more!

Looking for a cool summer salad recipe for a hot summer night? You'll find ten no-cook salads to keep your family happy and your kitchen cool. And hot summer weather calls for some cool summer cocktails. Find delicious drink recipes to satisfy your hot thirst.

I'm always on the look out for new recipes to try. I love to cook, but I get bored easily with the same old meals week after week. This website has so many recipes, it's hard to try them all, but I'm sure between all of us, we can give it a good try! Let me know if you try any of the recipes on MyRecipes.com, and how well you liked them. I'd love to hear your views!