The Best Baby Shower: Handmade Invitation Do’s and Don’ts

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The first step to throwing a baby shower is deciding on the invitations.  Once you have the guest list, it's time to start planning. There's a special place in my heart for handmade invitations, and you can really get creative here.  Plus, it's the first indication of the good times that will be had at the party, so wouldn't you want to make a statement? I love this adorable onesie invitation by Becky of StampThat.com.  This could work for a boy or a girl by changing up the colors and … [Read more...]

Preparing for a Hurricane

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Hurricane Irene is making her way up the East Coast.   It seems she's been downgraded to a category 2 but is an extremely powerful storm nonetheless.  It's always best to err on the side of caution.   Protecting your home: • Secure your property and outside items, move loose items indoors if possible or weigh them down. • If you are in a coastal area, board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood or permanent shutters. • Make sure trees and shrubs around your home are … [Read more...]

How Green Is Your Home? (Easy changes anyone can make)

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Tips for a Green Home 1. Your screen saver is not an energy saver, so be sure to turn off your computer when you’re not using it. 2. Unplug appliances and electronics when you are not using them. Many use energy even when they are not turned on (the “leaking electricity problem”). 3. Swap your incandescent light bulbs for more energy efficient ones, like LEDs. They can cut your homes’ energy usage by up to 80% and last an average of 25 times longer. 4. Every six months or … [Read more...]

What’s in a number?

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Let's talk woman to woman.  What's is up with the number on a scale making us feel a certain way about ourselves?  Let me share a short anecdote:  this morning, I was in my kitchen with my sister, who is in town visiting before her wedding this weekend (woo hoo - so proud!).  We were discussing her recent interest in running and the resultant weight loss.  (She looks amazing!)  We touched upon her dissatisfaction with her pre-running figure, and she loudly … [Read more...]

The Case of the Missing Pesto

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Last week I posted this question on my Facebook wall: Have you ever switched doctors or stopped going to a restaurant due to rude staff? I think I hit a nerve.  A few of you had stories to share.  Here's one of the stories that prompted my question. On our way home from the Pocono's a few weeks ago, we decided to stop at a famous New Jersey Diner.  It also happens to be the place where Kevin and I first met.  The idea to stop for lunch was kind of romantic because our 6-year … [Read more...]

How to Start Composting: An Easy Way to Go Green for Earth Day

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Last weekend, Kevin and I finally finished putting together our compost tumbler.  About 6 weeks ago I found an amazing deal on it at Costco for only $99.  I was so excited, since I’ve been wanting one for years now. Isn’t she purty? Why compost?  There are so many reasons.  For one, it’ll save you money by making your own nutrient-rich soil that your plants will love.  But more importantly, it’s recycling in its most basic form.  You’re taking materials … [Read more...]

How to lose weight by drinking water

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Almost every diet I have ever been on has required that I drink 8 glasses of agua daily.  This can be hard at first, when you’re not used to making so many trips to the john, but your body will adjust once you get used to the increased amount. Some people hate the taste of water.  That’s certainly not my problem because that’s usually all I drink.  No, I am plagued with forgetfulness. We all know that our bodies require water to survive; it composes a significant portion of … [Read more...]

The other side of Ted Williams’ comeback story

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When I first heard the story of the ex-radio announcer discovered holding a cardboard sign on the side of the road, I was in awe.  His voice is nothing short of amazing.  It’s what I like to imagine God’s voice sounds like.  Plus, who doesn’t love a comeback story?  It’s another overnight success courtesy of the YouTube platform, and of course the man who made it all happen by filming this brief video.  How many people do you know who would stop and interview … [Read more...]

How to freeze garden fresh basil

When I planted my basil and tomatoes in the Spring, I imagined the tomato salad I’d make in the summer: Unfortunately this year my tomato crops were sabotaged, and I only had a few small fruits to pick from the plant.  As for the basil, I had the opposite problem.  That fragrant plant grew like a wildfire.  I hate to waste food, and I couldn’t just sit here and watch it die. There was a TON of basil left, and I couldn’t use it fast enough.  When you’ve got lots of … [Read more...]

How to wear a backpack

When I was in school, I remember the “cool” way to wear your backpack was over one shoulder.  No wonder my back started hurting at such an early age.  That weight takes a toll on young backs, and from what I hear, the books have gotten heavier and more plentiful over the years. Dr. Andrew Casden is the associate director of Beth Israel’s Spine Institute.   Here are his 5 tips for children so that they can save themselves from backpack induced back pain. · Reduce the … [Read more...]