Saturday, February 28, 2009

digital tv?

remember all the hype and commercials about you needing a digital TV or an aftermarket set top box by february 19th or you won't be able to watch tv???

in shock of all shocks, the house has approved a delay and the new implementation date is june 12. the bill heads to president obama who is called for the delay since the government doesn't have the funds for the $40 coupon to buy a new converter box.

so what's the real reason we are moving to all digi broadcasts and losing over the air???

simple...really it is! the over the air (rabbit ears) tv transmission is sent in the radio spectrum. and that big space is getting crowded with lot of transmissions of things like wireless phone signals, tv signals, radio signals and satellite transmissions. so it's getting crowded and if we get the over air tv off of it, there's more use for things like police, fire and emergency radio radio transmissions. and to boot, the picture and sound is way better, because it contains more data and is way more efficient that analog (that would be the old school tv way).

so if you have a tv and you aren't sure whether it's digital or not, the easiest thing to do is look for a label that says something like “Integrated Digital Tuner,” “Digital Tuner Built-In,” “Digital Receiver,” or “Digital Tuner,” “DTV,” “ATSC,” or “HDTV".

if you have a set that says “Digital Monitor” or “HDTV Monitor,” or as “Digital Ready” or “HDTV Ready,” it doesn't mean it contains the actual digital tuner...it means it's ready to receive a digital signal form an outer source. {i know, stinking marketing}

no more rabbit ears...and if you are still watching tv like that, we should talk tech talk! i'm just saying!

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can i hear an amen?


how many cell phones do you have at your house?

and how many different cell phone chargers? yep, that's what i thought. it's nuts! but guess what the cellular industry is doing a consortium of sorts to standardize all cell phone chargers by the year 2012. not only would each charger use a standard USB interface, but the chargers themselves will also be up to 50% more energy efficient than those of today.

so, in short...it's gonna be easier and cheaper to charge your cell!

now, can i hear that amen???

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Relax ~its only dinner


There have been so many times I’ve over thought and stressed over a dinner party. In reality, people just want to come over and hang out. A simple meal and minimal table can create a relaxing atmosphere.


Soup, salad and bread (this is a must for me~wink wink)
Good wine
Friends and a happy hostess

All add up to a wonderful evening.
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Friday, February 27, 2009

Happiness Is The Way....


There is no way to happiness...Happiness is the way....I heard that recently on Dr. Wayne Dyer's "The Power Of Intention" video...I love it, because it is simply...true...We chase happiness like it is an ellusion...hoping to grasp it and hold it tight...Feeling as though it may disappear at any moment...like it could be taken from us...But really it is always there...It is present in our hearts...our souls.......Happiness is you....Happiness is the way...My sister is struggling with foreclosure issues...She called me the other day...With extreme anxiety and depression over this...I told her to relax and let go...That that house does not define her...She is complete without it...I didn't know the impact I had on her that day...until she called me yesterday...She said that I touched something deep inside her and she was able to let go and relax...with just a few words..."That house does not define you"... Who knew that 6 words could help her so much...I think that we all need to look around and discover that we are complete...We are whole without any additives...;) We can be happy if we open our eyes to the beautiful journey we call LIFE! Life is good, girls...Life is good...Make this weekend the weekend you let go of the additives and treasure your life...It is filled with so much overwhelming joy...if you simply relax and let go.....and realize that happiness is the way....


Written by Screaming Meme...editor in chief




Written by Screaming Meme...Editor In Chief

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One step at a time


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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Have you gone for your mammogram this year?

What is a mammogram?


A mammogram is an x-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue on film. This technique, called mammography, is used to visualize normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography, therefore, can help in identifying cysts, calcifications, and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most efficient screening method to detect early breast cancer. Breast self-examination (BSE) on a monthly basis and examination by a doctor are still important, but physical examinations typically find breast cancers when they are much larger than those detected by mammography.


Mammography can be used to discover a small cancer in a curable stage; however, it is not foolproof. Depending a woman's age and other factors, approximately ten to fifteen percent of breast cancers are not identified by mammography, and these cancers are often found by physical examination. It is essential for a woman to perform monthly BSE and have a breast examination by her doctor in addition to the mammogram in order to most effectively screen for breast cancer. For more information, please see the Breast Cancer article.

The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman obtain her first baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 to 40. After the age of 40, she should receive a yearly mammogram. Women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer may need to obtain mammograms earlier than these recommendations and at more frequent intervals. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies cover the cost of mammography. ~taken from MedicineNet.com



A more accurate description would be~

A mammogram is a necessary yearly torture treatment for women, where a large Star Trek type machine flattens your ladies until they feel as though they’ll pop.


But really, we ladies need to take care of ourselves. So go get those mammies grammed!

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Miracles Do Happen


I had been sick for about 4 1/2 long years...It started out as stroke (T.I.A.) symptoms...I have a family history of stroke and aneurysms...My family were all between the ages of 30-50 years of age...Some survived and some didn't...I was hospitalized 4 times...And each time the neurologist would come back and say...There is nothing that indicated that I had had one...my two sisters who are RN's both said that the TIA's may be so small that they can't detect them...and that with each new TIA that I was possibly heading for the BIG one...I was terrified and scared...But that wasn't the only symptoms I had...I had migraines, tension head aches, tingling, numbous, electric shock type sensations in all my muscles, itching and severe pain to the bone, restless leg syndrome, striking pains that would start in my back and shoot to my feet, my feet were swollen, itchy and painful, I had nervous system problems( I could literally feel every nerve in my body...it was like they were frying), severe stomach pain, kidney and gallbladder problems, severe fatigue and exhaustion ( I couldn't use my muscles or exercise without being more exhausted and have even more pain for days after), I was sensitive to heat and cold, I was depressed and had anxiety...I was falling a part...The only thing that kept me going was my spirit....It was what kept me from just giving up...I had gone to every doctor under the sun to hear the same thing....There was nothing they could find... I began to think I was a hypochondriac....even though I didn't want the attention...I actually would hide my problems from my family and friends until I would be in so much pain and agony that I had to reach out...I wanted to be normal...I was scared that I wouldn't live...I was a complete mess...Until I went to a new doctor a few weeks ago...He told me I wasn't going crazy that I had Fibromyalgia...an auto-immune disease...inflammation of the muscles,ligaments, and tendons...And all my symptoms were all apart of the disease...He said there was no cure and they were not sure what causes it...I was devastated...but also relieved that I finally knew what was wrong...I broke the news to family and friends... A family member who is a health nut, told me to talk to her herbalist...I am so glad I did, honey!...It was a miracle to me...The Herbalist told me that she was 99% sure it was caused from a bacterial infection....She thought that the bacteria was in my stomach ( The bacteria can be located anywhere in the body...Mine originated in my stomach)...I had stomach pain and ulcers for years...I was having gallbladder problems...and the itch all over my body was a sign of infection...She told me that the doctors would tell me there was no cure and put me on medications that would hurt my kidneys and liver even more...And then she told me that she was sure I could be cured...And her angelic voice then told me what to do...Well, most of my symptoms are gone...no stomach pain, all the itching and muscle pains are gone, the fatigue completely disappeared...and it has only been a few weeks! I can't wait to see how I will feel in a few months...I have myself back...I wanted to share my story because literally there are millions of people who are going through what I have been through...I want to let them know that most diseases are curable...and that sometimes you have to think outside of the box...Even though I know how hard it is when you feel so bad...I'm going to share what helped me get myself back...You should consult with your doctor or alternative doctor before trying anything...



Purest form of Olive Leaf....It is a natural antibiotic that treats viral, bacterial and fungus infections....It is a wonder herb...Study up on it...It literally stops the bacteria from reproducing...It helps a lot of different ailments...Even common ones like the flu and colds...I took 2 pills twice a day...This is the herb that took all the itching and pain away and within a few weeks I was new person.... I will be on this for about 3-4 months...You will have mucus that coming up...It is ridding your body of the toxins...


Pure Aussie Sea Minerals...It is a liquid...And it tastes horrible...You mix it with a juice and drink it...It helps a lot of different things as well...And you will sleep like a baby!!! Caution: I go crossed eyed 20 minutes after taking this stuff! :)


I then went to my local health food store and shared what the herbalist had told me...She totally agreed and suggested a cleansing to get all the toxins out of my body...This is what actually sped
it up...She told me that this cleanse was a safer one and that it would give me all the nutrients and minerals I needed...I bought the book and read it...It is called "The Master Cleanser With Special Needs and Problems" by Stanley Burroughs...All you need is things from the grocery store and will power......And literally I am going full speed...I have energy and a sense of well being... Get the book...It is a great natural cleanse that you can do for up to 40 days...I did the cleanse for five straight days...I have decided to cleanse for the straight 10 days, like the book suggests to completely heal stomach ulcers...I will start next week...




Here is the recipe to the cleanse...I do recommend that you buy the book...It was only $7.00...It is a small book...But it is a great read and very informational...






  • 2 tbsp of lemon or lime juice ( about 1/2 lemon) ...he says lemons and limes are one of most nutritious fruits...he suggests organic...which I did used...If you use organic blend a part of the skin and pulp with it...for even more cleansing and laxative benefits...




  • 2 tbsp of genuine maple syrup...the darker the better...I used grade B organic...he says that maple syrup will keep our energy up...It has potassium, calcium, magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Phosphorus, sulfur, Vit A, B1,B2, B6,C, and Pantothenic Acid (B5)...




  • 1/10 tsp of Cayenne Pepper....or to taste...It will help pull the mucus and toxins out...




  • 10 oz. glass of medium to hot purified or spring water

Drink 6 - 12 glasses a day...Or when you are hungry...It will fill you up...You can drink water and have mint tea to change it up... by the 3rd day I was jumping out of bed at 4 am ready to start the day...I didn't even crave coffee...The book does say it helps rid your body of addictions...smoking,alcohol,etc ....

The night before you start...drink a laxative tea...It is natural and will not hurt you like laxatives...In the morning cleanse your body with a Internal Salt water Bath (I know it sounds weird but it helped)......the book suggests to have the lax tea in the evening...I had the lax tea and drank the sea water bath too...The bath was healing my stomach....Every morning I had the salt bath before getting on with my day...It will rinse your entire track in one hour....





  • A full quart of warm water and two level teaspoons of uniodized sea salt....Drink entire quart on an empty stomach first thing in the morning...The salt and water will not separate...which means the kidneys can't pick up the water and the salt can't pick up the salt... and will thoroughly cleanse your entire tract in about an hour...He says that this is a superior method to cleansing..and it is not harmful like the colonics and enemas...The colonics and enemas only clean a small part of the digestive tract...

I feel so good...I hope that this helps you...Even if you feel run down...It is a great way to get back to normal...:)



Written by Screaming Meme....Editor In Chief


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"Mini Vacation' @ Home


I used to say that fall was my favorite season...But I have come to learn that I love the changes of each season...It stirs the soul and awakens new hope and possibilities...I love Spring...the flowers are in bloom, the cool air slowly changing to a warmer breeze...There is a sense of magic that comes with spring...I dream of relaxing outside with tea in one hand and a magazine in another...I can feel the warmth of Spring warming my back as I rock away my fears and concerns...For at least a moment I am safe and sound...I want to focus on making my porch a ""mini vacation"...Here are some ideas that may help all of us to create at home retreat....

Clean it!
Your porch is probably much dirtier than you realize! While you may think a good sweeping is good enough, a good old hosing is probably needed.... After removing everything from your porch, hose down the entire area! Take your screens off the windows and spray them well. Hose off your door too..... any railings, posts, or shutters, take a scrub brush to them to remove any stuck on dirt and debris.... Knock the cobwebs down from the corners. Shake your mats; toss them if they are beyond saving. You'll be surprised how much this area sparkles when you've finished!


Look At The Area....
If there is a bush in the way of a beautiful view...trim it...Think about the items you are going to put back on the porch...How do you want to enjoy it...Think about the seating arrangement and the accessories you will want to add to embellish it...Shop your house...scour your thrift stores and garage sales...Make a list of things you want to add...when you see them, pick them up...Don't clutter your "mini vacation" porch...You want to feel calm and relaxed in the space....Add whimsy and fun to it, as well...A palm tree? A mini bar with a cocktail sign? Why not! Make it fun! And make it you!

Lighting
Lighting is important in any space...Why not change out the dated lighting for something more trendy...They start at only $25.00...That is cheap! Add tiki lights or pathways lighting too...Or a mini firwplace....If you don't have the extra cash...Make your own out of jars and candles...

Welcome Mats
They help you with dirt...but they are also a great way to warm up the porch! Can't afford a new one? Paint it! Add your initial, hand prints, stencils...Add your own personal touch to it...Spray it with polyurethane to make it last longer...

Artwork Outside?
What about wall space by your front door? You can certainly hang artwork outside - just make sure it's weatherproof! You can hang anything that you want! Wow...Breaking the rules never felt so good, huh? :)

Sounds
Chimes, water fall, a radio or cd player hidden...Get creative...It will inspire your space even more!

Inside furniture
Don't have wicker or weather proof furniture...Who cares...Take you old furniture outside...It will weather beautifully and add a whimsicial touch! :)


Most importantly I want to you FEEL good on your porch...It will help you relax and enjoy life more....

Written By...Screaming Meme...Editor In Chief

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add a button scroll box

i owe you guys...big time!

one of our faithful followers reminded me that i owed you guys the scroll box for the fab buttons you guys made on your own from the tutorial here. so, since i can't buy you pop...that's how we repay around these parts...i'll just post and smile!

here it is...so simple that you will def have time to get a pop for yourself when you are done!

add a gadget...and select HTML box, just like before.

locate your blog home page: ours is http://projectcreateahome.blogspot.com; then locate where your actual image is for your button...remember? if you don't know how to do that, look at this.

in the HTML box, type in the following (click it to see it bigger):

substituting YOURBLOGNAME with {wait for it}, your own blog name/location and your real image location in it's appropriate spot.

viola...now, get a pop and get some followers!!!

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

When Cowboys Outgrow Their Boots


My two little cowboys have been growing quickly these last couple years.

One thing that we splurge on around here is cowboy boots.

I usually buy them 1 or 2 sizes bigger than their current size, to get good wear out of them, but at some point, they are too small and we move onto the next bigger size.

It hurt to think of giving their little boots away, so I came up with a way to keep them around the house, just a little longer.


I filled them with plaster of paris.

I put a plastic frozen juice container in one boot to make a vase.


Another boot, I use as a bookend.

Its mate is a doorstop.
When I'm not here, you can find me at BlueCastle, where I share frugal decorating tips and my life with two little cowboys.

Be sure to scroll down and look around The Project for more awesome ideas!



Tuesday, February 24, 2009

car games

i have very active girlies...i'm not even going to try and hide that. car trips are always interesting...especially if you don't drone them out with constant movies and food.

so, here's a few ways to entertain the kiddos while giving them some actual mind stimulation at the same time:

seek and find bags...one of my fav things in the world for my girls (and me, i'm not gonna lie). i found these beautiful bags on etsy.com from Baby Love Blankies and my girlies are obsessed. i picked cute fabric and ordered them right up. we have uber seek and find love in our cars now. {oh, did i mention that there's a discount over at BLB store on etsy if you mention our blog?}

a crayon roll for keeping the budding artists still "arting" and not getting your car all melted crayoned up. i totally am ready to make these for easter baskets this year for the 4 and 5 year old...it will be a monster redo to the fabulous ziploc bags of crayons we are currently using. and skip to my lou has an uber fab tutorial here. not up for making it yourself, there's all kinds of finds on etsy here for $10 and under.


reusable snack bags!!! they are super cute and reusable, which is a plus for the environment and your pocket book. i just ordered 3 of these to use in the car for my girls. each one is $7.50...WasteNotSaks says, "It has been estimated that a family of four could save as much as $3,000 per year by avoiding disposable containers and single-serving size packages!!". that's nuts!!!

so start planning that spring break road tip. you have great tips for us??? let us know!


you wanna see more of me and my crazy kids...jump on over to a thorn among roses!

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white vinegar cleaning

undiluted white vinegar is a miracle cleaner...i hate the way it smells, but it cleans like a banshee!

use it straight form the bottle to remove hard water deposits and soap scum. no harmful chemicals in your kids bathtub or showers.

Got clogs??? Clean shower heads that have been clogged with mineral deposits. Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag, and secure the bag to the shower head with a rubber band. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture to a shiny finish.

sensitive skin laundry tip...

Add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent residue. wanna see more of me and my clan...we're at a thorn among roses.

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A lesson in spontaneity for perpetual planners!


I am a planner by nature.

I don't do much without thinking it through and checking my calendar.

Living this way, life becomes rigid, and spontaneous moments never seem to happen without a day planner to dictate them.

My mom recently passed away and there is so much to do when it comes to closing the chapter to someone's life. I was feeling tired and ready for a change from the sadness of grief, so I did something new to me. Today, in the middle of phone calls, faxing death certificates, etc...etc... I did something I have never done before.

I did something spontaneously.

I didn't plan it a week in advance. I didn't run errands first, or think through all the ramifications of leaving my many tasks undone...

I just stopped everything.

And, in the middle of the day, all by myself, I went to the movies!

I bought popcorn and a soda, and sat by myself right where I wanted.

I watched a movie I've been anxious to see, but had never found the time to find a sitter, or plan for it. I watched 3 hours of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" with only 8 other people in the theater!

And you know what? It was OK that I left my tasks undone. It was OK that the laundry sat, and that the dishes were left dirty in the sink. It was OK that the floor didn't get swept, and that I didn't get the closet cleaned that I intended.

There were decisions to be made, and phone calls to make, and e-mails to answer, and none of that got done. I let myself do something fun without feeling guilty that I wasn't grieving, or being productive, or doing something worthwhile with my time. I was just spontaneous, without a reason. And, it was OK. No, it was better than OK, it was good!

Today I lived fully. I savored the moment. And, I am glad! I hope YOU will find time to do the same...today!

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Monday, February 23, 2009

Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos

Good Monday morning everyone! I don't know about you but I LOVE jalapenos. Especially with Mexican food. These stuffed jalapenos are one of my favorite appetizers ever. They are amazingly good and the sausage in them adds such a good flavor. We make these every year for New Years Eve, can't imagine New Year's Eve without these. A huge hit around here. For more recipes visit: Priscilla's Baking Adventures.


Sausage-Stuffed Jalapenos
Ingredients:

1 pound bulk pork sausage

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese

22 large jalapeno pepper, halved lengthwise and seeded

Ranch salad dressing, optional
DIRECTIONS:

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese; fold in sausage. Spoon about 1 tablespoonful into each jalapeno half. Place in two ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 15-20 minutes or until filling is lightly browned and bubbly. Serve with ranch dressing if desired. Yield: 44 appetizers.


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family time and food

one of the super fun things i remember growing up was having pizza and a pop on friday night with the family and watching the dukes of hazzard {sad, i know...but you that john schneider back in the day...} or a movie.

well, in that spirit, my fam now has pizza making night...and it's, of course, the easy peasy way.

what you need:

refrigerator pizza dough and/or refrigerator biscuits

pizza sauce {can or bottle}

toppings of your choice {onion, green pepper, sausage, pepperoni, etc}

one large bag of shredded italian or pizza cheese

we make a big pizza and each of the kiddos get to make their own too. the refrig biscuits are for the personal pizzas. take two biscuits and smash them together...and you have personal pan dough. add toppings and bake per the instructions on the bisuits (425 for like 12 minutes)

for the big fam pizza, roll our the dough on a cookie sheet or pizza stone. add toppings and bake per dough instructions.

in the end, we add a salad and some pop and we have a little feast...all done together. it takes super yummy, the kids are helping and it's all for under $5.

happy pizza friday!

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Saturday, February 21, 2009

spicy blog


ever wonder how some people have something other than "comment" to click on for their bloggy friends to leave some love? well, it's time for you to become one of the cool kids!!

if you are a blogspot blogger, hit the orange B on the top left corner of your blog page. head on over to the third little clicky, to "settings". once inside the setting menu, select "comments" tab.

hang on...we are almost done already. grab some gatorade and refresh. {ready??}

scroll down to near the bottom of the page and there is a section titled "comment form message". there will be an empty box next to it...

get all creative and inspired and type in the box what you'd like for your "comment" to say. ours here says, "what did you think? leave us your comment!"

hit save {orange button at the bottom} and then go check out your spicy blog to see how it looks! yeah!!!!

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