Total page views: 218,037
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On AC since: 03.24.07
Bio:
Co- Director of South Texas Persian Rescue and all around animal lover.
Education/Experience:
too much but not enough-- perpetual student
Interests:
life
Motto:
It's Just Another Day
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If you do not immediately identify with Betsy, then as you read on you will find yourself identifying with one of her friends.
What can I do without infringing on the personal emotion that is grief? Without coming across as too pushy or thoughtless?
That sounds fairly easy when you first hear it. The kids thought all they had to so was *empty* the trashcans. Sorry kids, emptying does not equate cleaning.
A guide to keep the guestroom organized for guests but still "cozy" enough to know where things are in the "down months".
Whether someone is self-taught or class educated makes no difference to the internal hard drive of a computer
This week, our joint health update email from mom was about getting physical behind the wheel.
If a person becomes sunburned in an attempt to tan, it is best to remember that sunburn affects the body's natural cooling process.
My niece has a birthday next month... thirteen! Where does the time go? She loves marshmallows. I know... weird. Nevertheless, she absolutely loves them.
Let me see, I am going to look through all the unopened boxes of all this exercise equipment and see if any of it is still any good... or do I need to simply go shopping? That I can do with nary a worry or complaint.
Another favorite series of mine which in one of my absolute favorites is The Dresden Files by the fantabulous author, Jim Butcher.
Want to escape and view the world from the perspective of a kick-ass red head heroine? Look to Australian author Keri Arthur as your ideal break.
Summer time is all about what can I jazz up with berries before they go bad and before I run out of room in both my refrigerator and freezer.
We wait all year for a two week respite from the daily grind of our wonderful and enriching lives.
Here are five ways to conduct household cleaning with a toothbrush.
One of my co- workers is one of my closest friends. She and I go out to eat for lunch all the time to a restaurant called The Egg and I. She orders the vegetarian omelet and I ordered biscuits, sausage, and gravy.
Hindsight is 20/20 right? Well, what about right now, how is your eyesight? Are you taking care of your eyes? There are certain things we can do to assure the care and health of our eyes.
The title just did not entice me to want to read it... the author did.
Twilight Smilight...okay, not really. However, I have discovered a trilogy of young adult books that, to me, far surpasses the Twilight books.
One such secret I have discovered is Snowflake Donuts in Boerne, Texas.
The average woman carries an extra ten pounds of weight on her frame.
These books are a joy to read.
Times are tough and we all can benefit from a few common sense money saving tips.
These are the best tips I am choosing to share with you as well as keep for myself.
I am going to use it for more than a disinfectant cleanser and laundry additive.
Burn out is typically described as a phase of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion.
I found five... FIVE... partially used tubes in my kids' bathroom last week.
Has a coworker, friend, relative, spouse or even a stranger ever crinkled their nose up at you when you were too close?
Right now with so many of us concerned with finances, me included, saving money is the optimal choice. Yes, the salt was purchased on sale, and salt is so inexpensive to bring with... is it really worth saving?
One of the things I discovered whilst organizing is that I had four boxes of dryer sheets. There must have been a sale.
Additional herbs as well as vegetables, I am going to add to my recipe repertoire are cardamom, carrot, radishes, and tomatoes.
Employee Spirit? Who needs it? Who had it? Who benefits from it? How does one go about getting it? Where would one apply for some? Oh... and what is it to begin with?
"You can do it Brucie!"
February is National Adopt a Rabbit Month. How wonderful is that?
Maybe because it is the shortest month of the year that February was chosen. February is National Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month.
Alka Seltzer is no longer only used to be consumed in a juice glass full of water. It can also be used in several other ways.
Her father has a history of heart problems... three heart attacks in almost as many years. She is a bit of a worrywart.
As we sat there working on the four new cats, we began to discuss what could have happened to all those cotton swabs.
Today is the day... a final and a huge presentation at work (or anything situation similar to equal a very important day). However, upon awaking this morning, you discovered that you have a pounding headache.
How often does our medical doctor encourage us to see a dentist? On a regular basis?
'Nothing changes if nothing changes.' If one is not willing to make changes then simply wishing for them will not make them occur.
This is a discussion on other ways to use wrapping paper scraps.
I realized the other day as I talking with a friend over coffee... that I was becoming older. Not many people of the two generations after me know what a kazoo is.
This article offers tips to alleviate sinus pain.
My sister relocated to Maine a couple of years ago. Maine is beautiful. The whole family enjoys going to visit there. However, one thing we have learned is that it is a different kind of cold up there.
On the first day of Christmas...
The Holidays are here. Are you ready to have "Blue Christmas" or a "Merry Christmas"? I hope you chose Merry... However, even if you chose Blue the following suggestions are sure to help even the "blues" have a Merry Christmas this year.
Bolt should be mandatory viewing for anyone wanting to adopt a cat... and anyone wanting to declaw their precious kitty should have to view it twice... the second time in an animal shelter.
Face it, my friends, we are growing older each day. There are numerous cosmetic ways with which to slow the progressive signs of aging.
Exploitation is a dirty business and not healthy in any way.
Why does it seem that gifts for grandparents and other seniors in our lives are always last on our "completed check gift list"? Why do we make gift giving to someone above our generation so difficult... it is not.
How did this observance week come to be in existence?
After all, all I really knew about pistachios was I enjoyed them in ice-cream. An issue of the December 2007 First Magazine accompanied my nut gift and this was an article I read from the magazine.
Could that be the reason my feet are always smarting by the end of the day. The thought of one more errand makes me cringe in anticipatory pain as I know I will have to do more walking in my favorite boots.
Here is it... What you attempted so hard to refrain from happening has, in fact, happened. You are in dire need of a few last minute gifts!
(The mind tends to become forgetful during this time) and I began to wonder what else I can I use cooking spray for, since, after all, I had three cans.
You know because you took care and consideration with each gift, as well as even having a few "surprise" gifts for unexpected guests who come over.
Some activities they may engage in, during the winter break as well as every day may concern you, but as long as you monitor the time spent on each activity; the activity may not be a complete waste of time.
Now this is a big bag of oranges, so I thought to myself am I really going to eat all of these before they go bad? What else can I do with them?
We need it to be healthy and working in order for us to stay healthy and working.
Military families with their families overseas are in need of our giving.
This time of year, people not only suffer from sinusitis, but also bronchitis.
You have run out of options... and decided to go with gift cards or e gifts this year. Not such a bad idea after all.
Do you know any single moms? Are you a single mom? Imagine the holidays with your children if it was just you...
However sometimes, plain old gravy is plain old boring. Let's see if we can jazz gravy up.
Okay, so you have the perfect holiday dress and the perfect holiday accessories... but what about the perfect holiday shoes?
In an attempt to find time to bake, shop, attend parties, write out Christmas cards, wrap gifts, and visit family along with every day responsibilities, stress can creep up on a person quick.
Do you have a drawer full of makeup and most of it you seldom if ever wear because you have had it for forever?
I have a Christmas party to go to next week and I wanted to wear my velvet jacket. It looks dressy and is appropriate holiday wear at the same time. Moreover, and most important, it is quite comfortable.
Do you know someone that is all alone for the holiday's... maybe not for Christmas itself, but for the majority of the month?
The holidays are a time for giving... giving tips, as I am so prone to do. I decided to write some tips about alternate uses for cornstarch, because, quite frankly, I do not make cornbread all that much.
Not only are the holidays here, but sinusitis is here as well. Winter can bring about the worst cases of sinusitis.
A friend of mine called me in a panic yesterday: she has to attend her husband's office Christmas party and she had nothing to wear.
We do not wish to run into difficulties with our garbage disposal. I know I do not. That one lone gadget is a mighty important facet of our kitchen.
Cold weather is here! What does that mean? Sweater time! As you take your sweaters out from whatever storage container you keep them in, do a quick inspection of each one.
Holidays are typically the time of year when we dress up more, wear more jewelry. We love the glitter and glitz of our silver and gold necklaces, and earrings. However, what about our bracelets?
Did you pull out a great huge basket, or tray or tub, or bag filled with nail polish this week in order to paint your nails for Thanksgiving?
With the holidays having arrived, the one thing many of us have in common is gift baskets. We have been recipients of as well as bestowed gift baskets ourselves upon friends and family.
Winter is fast approaching- my sister reported snowfall in her town in Maine and my mom is one to feel that here is Texas- anything under 70 degrees constitutes winter weather.
Did you have your fill of mashed potatoes this holiday? Do you simply not want to have potatoes for quite some time (until Christmas and New Year's anyway).
I love the fragrance of cinnamon. I love the taste of cinnamon. I began to wonder what are some ways that we can use cinnamon in our day-to-day life.
Some people are set to have a Merry Christmas, others might be feeling a little like Elvis and have a Blue Christmas. However, that does not have to be the case with all...
There are three known facts about apples- an apple a day keeps the doctor away, Snow White ate a poisoned one, and they are associated with schoolteachers.
The holidays are here: for some they not only bring cheer, but stress. Who wants to enjoy the holidays whilst feeling stressed? I know I do not. What to do then? Are they ways to bring about calm in the midst of chaos? Yes!
Olivia Newton John asks have you even been mellow. However, what if more people asked if you have ever been S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder)?
Do you remember as a child brown bagging your lunch to school every day, except on pizza day? Nowadays paper bags do not get a great deal of use from us.
With the holidays here, the one thing we can almost guarantee is that we will eat more. There will be such a plethora of yummy, delicious treats to taste over these next couple of months.
Cold weather is right around the corner, or already here, depending on where you reside. The last thing I want is a cold glass of tea- or juice, or soda.
Cornstastic! That is how corn can make us feel. What am I talking about? Corn can make us feel good? Most people know corn as the vegetable than can be served a multitude of ways, but are not aware of the positive health benefits of corn.
Are you a four eyes? I am. Have been since the tender age of seven. Are you one of the lucky ones, who have been able to literally read fine print anywhere without any assistance?
It is Wednesday evening, Thanksgiving Eve... overnight guests will be arriving shortly: you have just finished preparing dinner for your nuclear family. You walk into the kitchen and .... Oh dear.
The holidays are here. You may be ready (and you would be in the minority) but is your home ready? In all the hustle and bustle of preparing for big day dinners such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, sometimes the home only gets cleaned and that is it.
Have you ever purchased a hair conditioner and did not like how it worked? Are you like me, and end up with several bottles of conditioner underneath your sink or in your bathroom cupboard just taking up space?
We all have it: we all use it. It is great for problem solving, and making life choices. But do we nurture it? Do we try and improve on it? What is this it to which I am referring? Our intuition, of course.
Christmas is next month? Where did the year go? Will there be enough time to accomplish everything you want to do? Will you have enough money to get everyone gifts?
Each night jot down all the tasks you have lined up for the next day along with any worries you might have. Leave them be in that notebook and shut it.
Winter time is fast approaching and that means no more open windows- no more fresh air. Will you be one to break out air purifiers and place throughout your home or office?
What do you do with the grounds from your morning pot (or two) of coffee? Do you simply toss them into the trash and forget about them?
Are you or do you know someone whom reminds you of a reptile? Always complaining about being cold and wearing sweaters and jackets indoors?
Pets can suffer from seasonal allergies just like we can. Our vet actually has a print out with the last cure for a pet's seasonal allegories is to move out of Texas!!!
As a parent, do you often become weary of repeating yourself? How many times over how many meals have you been repetitious with the phrase; "eat your vegetables"?
Have you ever been given an assignment with the thought that completing it would be no problem? After all, you are creative, productive, focused- no problem right?
With the holidays being here, I have started "stocking up" on essential items that I will be using in abundance these next three months. One such item is wax paper.
For her birthday and Christmas every year, I present a gift of lavender to a dear friend of mine. She loves the fragrance and feels that its smoothing aroma is a natural stress reliever.
woke up this morning singing a line from an old commercial from my childhood: "Where do artificial lemons grow? Do they grow in lemons factories?" I cannot even recall what the commercial was advertising.
Winter is right around the corner. It is time to take your winter clothes and accessories out from storage bins to be placed front and center in your closet. After all, winter accessories are important. Hats and scarves do best if they match or at least "go together."
In a previous article, I discussed ways to curb afternoon hunger and sugar cravings. But what about the afternoon blahs, the slumps where it is all you can do to not watch the clock while periodically laying your head down on your desk.
Have you ever wavered on calling in sick or just toughing it out and go in to work?
The holidays are here. I love these three months, not because of the receiving, but in the giving comes the joy, the elation I hold so dear.
The clock reads 2:00 P.M. You grab some change from your desk drawer-oops-all out; dig for some in your purse or count out some from your pants pocket. Just enough! You head down the hall and pop those coins through the coin slot in the vending machine.
Are you from the South? Do you have friends and family from/or residing in the South? If so, then more than likely you have tasted southern cooking. Baking with a southern flair takes style, a love of butter and a stocked pantry.
Hello. I am your tour guide into the wonderful world of southern desserts. Let us begin with a bit of basic information to assist us on this delectable journey. All good southern desserts taste well with either ice tea or milk.
To "go green" does not imply jealousy or envy. To go green does not imply being grumpy like Oscar the Grouch. To go green does not imply to date only folks whom are Irish. It does not even mean to take a leap of faith and begin kissing all the Kermits in the world.
A friend of mine asked me today if I thought dog breeders or dog owners were responsible for the inhumane number of dogs being "dumped" at various shelters and animal controls. What are dog breeders if not dog owners? They are both.
If you have been reading my last few articles, you will know that for this year I have elected to use caramel as my baking theme. Why caramel? So wonderful, so yummy.
What can we do to make our home more inviting? Well, in October we can bake and decorate. Why? It is National Bake and Decorate Month!
The Holidays are fast approaching. Every year so many of us state that we will have a budget and still to it 'this year' and every year so many of us become self professed liars.
What is your favorite type of chocolate? Were you aware that there are several types from which to choose your favorite? You will not be able to identify your favorite without first trying all them.
I am going to share one with you now... Are you prepared? It will change your entire world. Your entire way of thinking will be altered with these next few words... Chocolate is not an addition!
What do feral and domesticated animals have in common this month? What do house companions and four legged (although sometimes tripod as well) family members and wild life animals have in common this month? October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month.
October is Halloween Safety Month. (What- you're surprised?). What are some simple tips we can apply to make sure that we not only have a frightful good time this month, but remain safe as well?
September is Mold Awareness Month. Are you aware of how to identify mold? How to clean mold? Health impairments due to mold? Molds produce spores that reproduce and grow. Let us learn a few basic facts about mold.
What do a black bra and your doctor have in common? Menopause of course! September is National Menopause Awareness Month.
Three years ago my best friend underwent surgery for ovarian cancer. She beat the odds and is doing great. One way I show her how happy I am that she is so blessed and such a fighter is to go a bit overboard on her birthday every year. Another is to spread the word.
October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Were you aware that millions of dogs are euthanized every year? Why? For the simple reason that there are not enough caring and responsible homes that welcome them as family members.
Line Dance Week is observed from September 10- 15th. What do you know about line dancing? I know nothing, other than when I witnessed (and all right participated in) one, people were line dancing to Billy Ray Cyrus and his "Achy Breaky Heart."
Another national observance this month is Self Awareness. International Self Awareness Month. This one can be a toughie for some, just another day for others. Are you aware?
Have you heard or watched the show airing on A&E - Intervention? We were talking about it when a commercial aired showing a women stumbling all around, intoxicated.
September is Hug Texas Chef Month. Is the size of Texas lost on some folks? Have they realized just how big Texas is and how many chefs we claim to have? Especially since, being from Texas, it is all about being able to season and to use a grill.
September is National Mushroom Month. What do we really know about mushrooms?
What do football and books have in common this month? The American Library Association has named the 2006 Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roathlisberger as spokesperson for National Library Card Sign Up Month.
National Waffle Week is the week of September 2-8. Were you conscious of this little known week long salute? Okay, the majority of us were not aware, but I am here to change that. Waffles lovers throughout the world unite!
September is National Chicken Month. Give a cluck cluck and celebrate. How exactly does one observe this month? Is the fact that it is National Chicken Month making it defiant to consume chicken?
September is National Biscuit Month. Yes, it is!! Do you enjoy biscuits? I know I do.
Do you know what August 30th is? Do you? It is-are you ready? It is National Toasted Marshmallow Day!!!! Now that is a day to celebrate. I do not mean that it should be regaled as a National Holiday
September is National Backpack Safety Month. I am not making this up. With this in mind, let us focus on backpacks and why there must be month promoting the safety of them. One conclusion is that without proper safety guidelines, injuries could occur.
September is National Honey Month. Now I know most of us think of Winnie the Pooh when we think of honey. What? You do not think of Pooh and his many adventures to secure honey for his honey pots? What do you think about then when you think or see honey?
Hallmark -'we don't need no stinking Hallmark'. All right, the grammar in that sentence even hurt me just to type it. Nevertheless, with computers, software, and imagination at the ready, our family designs our own greeting cards.
Have you started thinking about the holidays yet? I have. Not about what I want and wish for, but about my children and what gifts they can create each year. Family members much prefer handcrafted to store bought.
Some we have not wanted to part with, because we, ourselves, fell in love. The Burmese we have been blessed enough to rescue fit into this category. Alas, we did adopt them out to wonderful forever homes, because we know we simply cannot keep them all.
Halloween is around the corner. Are you ready to be scared? Are you ready to party? How about both? My soon to be nine year old niece wants to have a haunted house slumber party for her birthday this year and I am all for it.
Another favorite breed of mine is the Munchkin breed. We once rescued a momma and her two babies. They were so precious and cute.
Looking for a laid-back cat? Look no further than the ragdoll. I know the name ragdoll can conjure up pictures of Raggedy Ann and Andy, but this beautiful feline is not adorned in patched work clothes nor has curly red hair.
Okay, you have finally mowed the lawn and it looks great. Now what? What are some tips to help maintain a nice looking lawn?
I have been told that to mow one's lawn is the ultimate in creative leisure time for some. Well, let me tell you I am not presently in the "some" category.
Look in your freezer. Do you know that there is a handy multi-use tool in your freezer? There is- your ice cube trays. They are not just for making ice cubes. Ten alternate uses for ice cube trays.
When is a Persian cat not a Persian cat? When it is an Exotic Short hair. This breed is my absolute favorite feline breed.
Rescues are always seeking out donations from outside sources. How can you help? What can you do?
Cat Scratch Fever is not only a song (a classic at that!) but also an infectious bacteria disease most commonly brought on by a bite or scratch by a feline.
Cats are not complainers. They do not come up to you and show you an injury, or come to you when in pain. Their meows do not often convey discomfort.
Are all hairless cats classified as Sphynx cats? No! The Peterbald breed is a hairless cat from emanating from Russia. What? Another hairless breed? Here are ten interesting facts about this breed.
Too many people and too much of our society have placed proper etiquette coupled with essential table manners not just on a back burner, but completely left it off the stove!
San Antonio has the World Champion SPURS! However, this wonderful city has additional activities to enjoy.
Summer is here. What goes with summer? Ice cream, of course. Nothing says summertime quite like a trip to Dairy Queen.
How did the Maine Coon come to have its name? Several tales are floating about regarding the derivation of the name. One stems from a legend of a domestic cat released outside (released or escaped is what I still am wondering...)
Did Miss Scarlet or Professor Plum commit the murder in the conservatory or the hall? Was the murder weapon a knife or a wrench? Is Clue still one the best board games around?
Persians were named Persians after what some consider to be their "country of origin" (Persia).
From three years old to ninety- three year old this game is easy and fun to play!
These canines are aristocratic and royal.
Summer time is here. We travel more during the summer than any other season.
We love this game. It is so much fun and the whole family can play.
Someone close to you has a birthday coming up and that someone loves history. What would make an apprpiate gift? A coffe pot? No, not for this someone. A popcorn popper? No, still not quite right yet.
Catnip was given its name (the unofficial one) due to cats' fondness for this herb. (Think of how bones are often called dog bones.) Why do cats enjoy this plant show to such a degree? Because it pleasantly stimulates cats' pheromonic receptors
Boggle Jr, is a child of the game Boggle-a game I played as a child and still play today. Boggle Jr. is a wonderful first game for children ages three through six (and up!) to play until they are ready to graduate to Boggle.
For years, it has been just your cat and you. A routine has been established and adhered to both of your personalities and quirks. You have had quasi- relationships and dates come and go but both of you knew that it would not be long-lasting or permanent.
A dirty dishwasher creates lingering odors in your kitchen. So not only does a dirty dishwasher not clean your dishes effectively, it is now creating a problem throughout your entire kitchen.
But first and foremost- spay and neuter the animals
What an amazing candle company. They are an online company based in New York. We discovered them through the Website- www.candlefind.com.
Cancer sucks. It is not a pretty word. It is not a nice or friendly disease.
If you have children, have in your laundry arsenal hydrogen peroxide, a bottle of cheap shampoo and salt.
Oh, do you remember that distinctive sound of the dice in that plastic cup. It takes me back. Do you recall shaking the dice with your hand over the opening, trying not to let them spill over, and all about?
Boo! Did I scare you? Are your hiccups gone?
Should your cat begin to exhibit inappropriate litter box habits-do not think the worse or that you must "get rid" of the cat because once that type of behavior starts, it will not stop.
Children need to learn. Children need an education. An education begins with repetition and retention.
Sometimes less is more-but other times more is better. For that reason, having a membership to a warehouse retail store is a sound investment
Sleep- overs, slumber parties, pajama nights, overnighters, so many names for such a colossal event in a child's life. Remember when you hosted yours? Remember when you were invited but your friend was not? Remember when you were the one left home?
A geek is defined according to Wikipedia "as an individual who is fascinated by knowledge and imagination, usually electronic or virtual in nature. Geek may not always have the same meaning as the term nerd.
Oh, how I wish that the movie, Monsters, INC., had been around first when I was a young toddler and then when my son was.
Stress in humans is a major concern, but did you know that cats have a lower threshold for stress than humans?
"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
The more confident and secure a cat is the less likely litter box problems will arise.
Identify your abilities and weaknesses together, accept them, build on them and do the best with what you have.
Accidents happen. No one enjoys the aroma of cat urine. We have tried just about everything there is. Believe me, we have. We have tried the enzyme removers from pet stores.
I am a believer in animal rights, but I am a supporter of animal welfare.
Cats are difficult to train because they are too busy training us, their staff.
Why have I deemed Reese's peanut butter cups to be the best snack food? Because it is derived from my two all time favorite foods-- Chocolate and Peanut butter
You realize your home is lacking in something. You discuss it with your family and realize that what is absent from your complete and happy family is an animal.
Yes, summertime at the library!!! It can be done
What to do? Go to a breeder and pay thousands of dollars for what--- papers?
The alarm buzzes incessantly from soft to loud. The snooze button is hit. Not yet.
So you have a cat that scratches the furniture, drapes, tablecloths, etc... That is not a reason to harm your cat, lose your temper, wrack your nerves, etc.
I admit it- my pets are spoiled. They are treated like royalty. I love them. I adore them, really I do.
Strangers are perusing my words that I have strung together out of the same twenty six letters
Allow yourself the chance to grieve. Grief only dissipates with time.
Why are the morbidly obese treated so unfairly? So maliciously? So pathetically?
There is not a limit to the number of bread loaves (and they are the small round ones) a table can enjoy
No, I do not have any. But I do have several reasons I am in favor of euthanasia. But I'll play devil's advocate here and see where it leads me.
Believing in the impossible means believing in miracles.
Embrace your plus size self as I bet you have a heart to equal your size.
He has evolved. He has conquered. He is loved. What was I writing? Where did it go? He will watch my moving the mouse and then his paw will be on the screen going for the cursor.
Why is it so difficult? It's not really-- adults just have a tendency to forget to *keep it simple*
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