tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7384668028276072332012-01-23T22:51:48.017-05:00A blog about life, my life, and all the stuff that comes with it from the perspective of a wife, mother of 3, business owner, WAHM, and wannabe inventor/entrepeneur.LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-15943397195570438702009-12-23T13:47:00.003-05:002009-12-23T13:56:29.094-05:00

I have no idea what week number I'm on at this point in my dieting quest, and as you can imagine, things have just gotten extremely crazy due to birthdays and holidays. In order to exercise and eat right, some things had to go so that my goals did not suffer.Since we are so close to the end of this year at this point and I previously created a blog entry regarding how I was to meet my New Year's

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-21771289439522700672009-10-06T22:12:00.004-04:002009-10-09T20:04:48.788-04:00

Not good at all. In short, you know when people say I was on the run? Well, I was, only literally. No exaggeration at all. I spent an entire day coming and going with about 15-20 minutes at a time in the house in between trips. Crises included trips back home, family emergencies, dealing with the lice followup to ensure no new nits were found, etc. I ate fast food once daily while on the road,

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-72263344600731144992009-09-28T13:21:00.006-04:002009-10-02T14:06:08.594-04:00

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: I weighed myself on Saturday and the scale had actually moved. Hopeful that it was because of the DOMS because my soreness is gone. Made it all the way through the Start It Up program today (Sat) with a mile on the treadmill. All is well this Saturday. Tomorrow, Sunday, I only plan on doing my points system and taking a day off from the working out, which I hear is a good thing

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-87592598392461951802009-09-24T12:58:00.008-04:002009-09-25T12:48:18.743-04:00

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Last weekend was a bad one. I didn't eat particularly bad things, rather I didn't slow down enough to eat but once a day. I still made that a healthy choice, but I'm sure it will affect my number drop this week. It seems it was a blur due to my hubbie working overtime on his days off. The poor guy hasn't had a day off in.....I don't even know without checking the calendar.

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-88995351511513338422009-09-18T11:20:00.004-04:002009-09-19T14:32:52.011-04:00

So I officially began my weight loss journey in earnest last Saturday. I decided to use my old Weight Watcher's points tracking system and to commit to exercising once again. I had my husband take photos of me from the front, side, and back. It was a monumental moment for me, as I avoid pictures of myself at all costs these days. Firstly, I can't believe how deconditioned I am, so I decided to

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-2730547203456422702009-09-11T12:18:00.003-04:002009-09-11T12:41:33.529-04:00

Eight years ago today was my oldest son's first day of preschool. It was a co-op preschool, and since I was in charge of scheduling parents, I scheduled myself to spend this day with him working in the classroom. The kids were loud and squirrely as they were exposed to the new school structure setting for the first time in their little lives. The father that was assigned to work with the teacher

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-91607064173140917062009-09-10T16:41:00.002-04:002009-09-10T17:13:22.813-04:00

In many ways, it is a relief, and in others, not so much. Is it just that I "like" to gripe? Nah. Each season has its pros and cons. The kids are back in school now for 2 days. The summer running and madness has ceased only to be replaced with school running and mounds of paper. Right now I believe the quiet house to be the blessing simply because I'm more able to get down to work when needed,

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-26779785788586615522009-07-01T12:34:00.003-04:002009-07-01T12:49:42.517-04:00

Really. I couldn't be happier for you. I've seen and heard comment after comment from people who believe they are superior to others because they aren't or weren't scared of a little swine flu. It cracks me up. I suppose since I am one of those people who did understand what it meant to get the swine flu, that it was more like the regular flu, and yet I still planned on pulling my kids out of

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-56353539562374924522009-06-24T11:09:00.007-04:002009-06-28T20:40:47.381-04:00

I'm starting to notice a problem here....either I've turned into a certain ex-Vice President's wife, or something is very wrong with perception these days in general. Last year my husband and I could hardly stand the wait for the newest Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull movie. We were really excited about seeing the movie, as it was one of our favorite action series as children ourselves. The

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-66265457026223948492009-06-18T01:32:00.007-04:002009-06-18T12:43:42.740-04:00

In the past, in all my haste, during my on-a-mission, get-in-and-get-the-hell-out as fast I can style grocery shopping excursions, I had grabbed buggies other than my own causing panic in other patrons. It was only a couple times (so far), as I've learned to pause a sec to avoid this situation. I was dubbed the "buggy bandit" by my husband. The first time this happened I was in the dairy section.

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-79695426811292371942009-05-28T15:06:00.014-04:002009-05-28T15:38:15.330-04:00

Now I know I've mentioned in the past that I don't like to share forum sites for inventors to cut down on the clutter, chaos, and bickering that inevitably occurs on them, but here is a new forum/library where an online acquaintance of mine, Tania Reynaert, is bringing together serious, new independent inventors who can always certainly use a little guidance from those who've already been there

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-12304490050848573412009-05-28T08:00:00.001-04:002009-05-28T08:00:21.555-04:00

So both hubbie and I wound up in the nincompoop corner, but oh well, it made for a great laugh. I bought some new Thomas the Tank Engine sheets for my 3-year-old's new big boy bed, which is a twin bed. I put them in the washing machine and hubbie promptly pulled them out to make that bed for the anxious toddler who nagged and nagged for his bed to be made while waiting for them to finish the

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-65784876813428858332009-05-27T14:23:00.001-04:002009-05-27T14:23:33.919-04:00

So, as an independent contractor (IC) you have a couple of options. You can decide to either work directly with the providers for whom you transcribe as an independent contractor as direct clients or you can choose to work for a transcription service in the capacity of a subcontractor (SC). Either way, YOU are your OWN business. As an IC it is not your client's responsibility to ensure you

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-90221914517955820732009-05-26T13:21:00.002-04:002009-05-26T13:24:14.994-04:00

Why is it that you wouldn't dream of putting on the same pair of socks 2 days in a row and yet you think nothing of putting your feet into the same pair of shoes day after day after day? I've been putting my feet into the same set of sneakers for over 1000 days now.

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-31835140337968401082009-05-26T00:59:00.006-04:002009-05-26T01:29:47.172-04:00

This is how I refer to it. Even though school is still in, when the weather warms, my home becomes the child magnet. It seems much more difficult with a 3-1/2-year-old however I have to say. He wants so badly to play with all the bigger kids and to keep up. Back when my first two, now 9 and 11, were this young, my home was completely child proofed. Not so any longer. It is to a certain degree--to

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-35512413879702240662009-05-07T10:32:00.011-04:002009-05-07T11:01:56.213-04:00

My 3-year-old made this candle holder. All the kids enjoy making these to give away as gifts. They make great gifts for grandparents, aunts, and uncles, etc. Great project idea to offer up to Dad for making mother's day gifts as well. You'll need a small GLASS jar with an opening large enough to accommodate a tea-light candle. Dijon mustard jars, maraschino cherry jars, and babyfood jars are

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-3745913191331531872009-04-24T21:27:00.005-04:002009-04-24T21:43:04.252-04:00

So, after all this time, I was finally able to talk to someone actually experienced in the field of inventing and bringing products to market, and notice I put product*s*, as in plural. You see, each product can require a different approach, each inventor may work better with one approach over another - there isn't only one way to do this is what I have learned over the past 2 years. Yes, I am

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-60836493327958131142009-04-20T08:00:00.003-04:002009-04-20T16:59:43.516-04:00

This project is as easy as pie. Three-year-olds seem to enjoy smashing the colored O's especially. Use either a rolling pin or a large spoon. They also don't mind the sorting so much either. Great for learning to sort by color, color recognition, counting, etc. Use your imagination. Using some of the recycled applesauce, pudding, or yogurt cups, place the color assortment surrounding the

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-64599343532212581282009-04-13T08:00:00.004-04:002009-04-14T10:14:45.022-04:00

(Excuse the mess in the background, as I had to assemble and run and then clean up after I returned home. I also didn't cover all skewers with the green onions as I should have and therefore 'painted' them green with my photo editor this time.)(Note: Breadsticks had not yet been inserted.)This is a smash hit every time I've made one, which has only been twice because it is time consuming and a

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-80526340047105386682009-04-12T22:25:00.004-04:002009-04-12T22:34:27.026-04:00

BE AFRAID, VERY AFRAID....Like most full-time working mothers who only get 1 weekend a month kid-free to sneak in secret shopping trips, I made a rush trip at only 1 store to gather my Easter basket supplies. I can't tell you who made these cookies or what brand they were, as I tore off the tags for obvious reasons, and while I could tell you where I bought them, I won't, in case someone doesn't

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-9965643504597036752009-04-01T14:44:00.001-04:002009-04-13T00:52:42.958-04:00

With the help of an adult that is.We made these baskets 4 years ago. They've held up pretty well. We store them in paper ream boxes, 1 per box.While we all treasure them now that they are done......it wasn't exactly an ideal project for kids of 5 and 7....at least until we got past pasting the plaster strips onto the balloons. I would now recommend that the parents of younger children apply the

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-31746514511249599952009-03-23T17:08:00.003-04:002009-03-23T22:54:21.056-04:00

Doctor dictates: "The patient is asking for a 'scope' patch for an upcoming cruise."A bad MT hears and types "scope".A good MT hears the same thing but stops to think......is there a drug on the market containing the word scope for motion sickness/seasickness? Even if the MT has never heard of the generic drug name scopolamine, let alone a brand name such as Transderp Scop, he or she will set off

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-64925752596368286982009-03-21T00:32:00.007-04:002009-03-21T00:51:42.850-04:00

You will encounter many different containers ranging from single-serve applesauce cups to yogurt containers that can serve as craft accessory dispensers/holders.Here I have pictured Italian ice cups that we use to hold tempera paint. Easily washable and reusable and amount to less paint waste. Also easily rinsed and recycled via the recycle bin if you so desire.I have never once in the 11 years

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-15773517221314108752009-03-17T09:52:00.003-04:002009-03-17T09:55:21.823-04:00

So we bought a headband while grocery shopping last night. Daughter looks at me and says, "I'm a bit confused about something mom." I ask her about what. She shows me this leprochaun, which I really looked at for the first time at this point. I told her I'm a bit confused about that too. I really don't know what this is. Anybody?

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-63561938576365447202009-03-02T23:10:00.010-05:002009-03-02T23:50:50.847-05:00

I'm going to post the pics I started taking somewhere about an hour into Florida. These signs had been freckled throughout the countryside for states at that point. They weren't all for one single club as the pics I did happen to take indicate. They were spaced out about every 3-4 miles. Each picture shown here is a new picture of a new sign.....Do you have children who can read? Do you have

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-81975497721827144792009-02-23T11:00:00.005-05:002009-02-23T11:34:33.066-05:00

This batch of noodles has lasted us around 8 years. We reintroduce the buckets of colored pasta here and there, and each time it receives a warm reception. You can utilize the colored pasta for a variety of activities. There is a wide variety of pasta shapes.It is excellent at developing their shape and color recognition skills by having them help sort the shapes or colors into separate

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-86199553792070426942009-02-16T14:41:00.035-05:002009-02-16T18:45:51.022-05:00

Kids Room art is becoming more and more readily available these days, but don't despair if you aren't able to find something that fits just so for you.Here are some pics of the art I created myself for my then 4-year-old's room. She chose butterflies, which were scarce 5 years ago, so we went out and about in search of ideas.I bought a brown-wrought-iron-rustic-looking butterfly and dragonfly and

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-82672642875529694002009-02-13T15:59:00.002-05:002009-02-13T16:03:28.183-05:00

I've decided to blog about some inaccurate information I encounter floating around on the net. It mostly bothers me because I've been witness to misinformation being spread for eons as a result of belonging to many parenting groups on varying topics. One person says it with some sort of authority and it gets repeated and repeated and repeated as fact, black and white, no gray areas, either/or.The

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-20887864009595168222009-02-12T08:57:00.005-05:002009-02-12T09:00:57.866-05:00

This is a good recipe for the Taco-Bell/ Nacho enthusiast in your home. Two of my three kids enjoy this recipe as well, which is always a plus when trying to eat something that fits into your weight-loss plan or lifestyle change. You can make a double batch and freeze individual servings as well to save time the next time you plan to serve up this meal or for a quick grab when in a pinch. TEX-MEX

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-45779142508774071212009-02-11T11:47:00.000-05:002009-02-11T12:21:05.781-05:00

(This is a pic of the pool at our rental house this year.)Last night I attended the parent orientation for middle school. Yes, my first baby is entering middle school next year. Where has the time gone?Not many people asked questions, but those that did asked questions pertaining to the curriculum, homework loads, etc. Not me. I must be a slacker mom or something, or at least that was

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-54451565740430489932009-02-09T12:03:00.000-05:002009-02-09T23:43:27.884-05:00

Over the years, it becomes painfully obvious how much stuff you accumulate as a parent. If you are like me, you don't necessarily like to throw out the 2 good paint-pens just because the other 8 are done for. As your brood grows, so does your arsenal of activity supplies that you use to stimulate your younger children and to encourage and fine-tune development of their fine-motor skills, etc.,

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-10632300504407455432009-02-08T20:42:00.001-05:002009-02-08T20:49:51.669-05:00

I've decided to create a family rating system to more easily convey what's a smash hit in our house or a total flop since everyone has an opinion and we all would rather find something pleasurable for the majority. I'll be placing a red X over the representative face of each of our family members who do not approve or dislikes the item we are rating. I'll also include a red number of 1, 2, 3, 4,

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-43294191126437751902009-02-07T14:48:00.001-05:002009-02-08T01:44:50.619-05:00

Over half, yes that is less than half left in the picture, of our snow has melted overnight. It is so nice out at 51 degrees that my front door is open with the screen door allowing in some fresh air. Everyone is outside playing in fall jackets in the sunshine! I just took this picture in my bare feet on the wet pavement during a Michigan winter! It just feels great!After posting this today, a

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-68338010023859446252009-02-03T14:35:00.000-05:002009-02-08T01:45:20.595-05:00

Life got a little more complicated after having our third baby with the older 2 already being 6 and 8. It was an adjustment for all of us, even though I couldn't have been more pleased with our new addition. Communicating became more challenging between us as parents and the older kids. So they wouldn't feel completely ignored during the adjustment period where they learned to understand that the

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-79701880833386954122009-02-02T01:59:00.000-05:002009-02-02T12:07:03.624-05:00

This has been bothering me all day....Most of us saw the little clip via commercial promo of Oprah indicating a man was going to have a baby, and some of us tuned in as if we were going to be witness to a real life miracle or freak of nature. I missed it, but looked it up online. "Tacky" is my first thought, and not at the woman turned man, but at the way it was set up by Oprah, and subsequently

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-45719953865340188522009-01-30T13:40:00.000-05:002009-02-08T01:48:34.419-05:00

(Note: The baby gates we use to keep the youngest out of the older kids' rooms takes the paint off of the door jams, and I have no idea why Dh's sweatshirt is hanging on the linen closet door. I just stumbled upon this sitting there.)I think you can figure out which member of my household this bad habit belongs to......leaving the laundry in the basket......by process of elimination......I had

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-32939728357007056592009-01-29T11:08:00.000-05:002009-01-29T16:13:43.356-05:00

Well, I've been saying it for a long time....until you can truly be heard and speak in such a way that the standard Joe or Jane can understand, they will NOT hear you, nor will they take time out of their precious day to try to understand you. See this blog entry: UninformedI admit it. I'm still trying to decipher the whole deal, but I have the basics down, after reading that entire document.This

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-19018557362445682162009-01-28T00:06:00.001-05:002009-02-08T01:50:09.943-05:00

The time has come! My 3 older children, husband included in this number, have been taken by surprise. It's actually a bit comical and it only took one explanation......if you turn your clothing inside out and then throw it down the laundry chute that way, then that is the way it stays. If one arm is inside out and the other right side in, while it makes for an interesting fold, that's the way it

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-65443790866953306332009-01-27T22:47:00.001-05:002009-02-08T01:51:06.149-05:00

I've encountered more than a few people lately sharing their vitamin D levels were too low and that they were therefore instructed to supplement.If you are like me, you don't get to watch much TV or have time for reading a newspaper to keep abreast of the latest headlines, so when I hear something that is worth sharing, I'll share it, especially if it touches people I know, so here it is......an

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-1772687426837073122009-01-27T21:46:00.000-05:002009-02-08T01:52:00.540-05:00

The age of 3, what can I say? It's my third time experiencing the age of 3 with my children, and I'd have to say that while it is one of the most frustrating ages, it is definitely one of the funniest. Terrible 2's? Didn't have them at my house. Don't know if we are just blessed or what.I seem to still be in denial that a 3-year-old must absolutely interact with me verbally every moment of every

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-41846837475343517612009-01-26T04:00:00.000-05:002009-02-08T01:53:10.786-05:00

We were discussing consumerism and companies who design products to fail quickly so that you have to buy another sooner.....In discussing it with my husband, he shared with me an article he read in National Geographic about where all of our electronic waste goes. I wanted to read it. I found it easily enough on a search of my own. Click the link and be sure to click the other links within this

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-12669496032591875932009-01-25T15:01:00.001-05:002009-02-08T01:55:50.773-05:00

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-55771591457474171142009-01-23T23:38:00.000-05:002009-02-08T01:57:52.147-05:00

Should I be worried that at just over 3 years of age he still thinks I can't see him if he can't see me? It's still too cute to care.G in a muffled voice: "Come and find me momma!"Me: "K. Where ever can my handsome boy be?" (seeing him immediately) "Hmmmm, could he be over here by the door? No. Over here by the table? No....." (as I grab the camera on the fridge right next to him)G still muffled

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-1534314986281395572009-01-22T09:00:00.000-05:002009-02-08T01:58:41.192-05:00

I bought these for my 3-year-old as a stocking stuffer for Christmas this year. I got it out of the $1 bin at my local Target without a second thought.What do you think? Lead threat or not? Should this item be tested or not? I think children's eating utensils should be tested. Questionable Item #1

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-44720756328815376522009-01-19T19:25:00.000-05:002009-02-08T01:59:28.173-05:00

Mary Diaz of Racquet Girls recently indicated that while the original vision for her company was to offer hip, fashionable, and modernized athletic wear geared for children, tweens, and teens, she now fully expects to have to include a disclaimer clarifying her garments are not intended for children under 12. With her products not being intended for use by children 12 and under, she will have to

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-24293861412079041512009-01-19T17:23:00.000-05:002009-02-08T02:01:03.179-05:00

Soooo, now that there has been all this talk of lead and phthalate testing, I find myself pinpointing questionable items as I look at all things and try to imagine the extensive testing on the items already in my possession (Legos and Transformers--all those shapes and parts--I can't even imagine how much more expensive these items will become, as they are already expensive. I don't even know for

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-5919809673598225632009-01-14T23:02:00.000-05:002009-02-08T02:01:36.223-05:00

I'm asking that as many people as possible circulate the following information via e-mail ASAP to reach as many people as possible. Thanks for your help if you are so inclined.This is important to note: The following information is in no way a call to reform the current Consumer Product Safety Information Act legislation in a way that promotes harm to, encourages harm to, or ignores those who do

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-57171912181343804212009-01-10T16:00:00.000-05:002009-02-08T02:02:28.616-05:00

Here it is......my organizational anal tendencies at their best.....my cleaning schedule.This schedule helps me to have a house that appears clean at all times, minus toys/activities the kids are currently engaged in at the moment. I thought it up one day when a neighbor's little boy needed to use the bathroom. I was so worried about what the underside of the toilet seat looked like due to having

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-16905837129319775862009-01-10T02:19:00.000-05:002009-01-12T23:19:55.715-05:00

I have many head-scratching moments that cause me to bite my tongue many times a day it seems.Tonight, our whole family went out to eat at the new restaurant in town that has been too busy for us to put up with waiting for hours to be served. Really good snow day today meant it would probably be available. Before we left I asked my husband if he had any cash on him for tipping the waitstaff. He

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-22399468018666831242009-01-09T22:26:00.000-05:002009-01-12T23:20:46.309-05:00

I've been trying for weeks to find a way to formulate an informative post or e-mail that everyone can understand, everyone who believes the new CPSIA testing requirements are nothing short of awesome -- still working on it. In the meantime, for those of you who understand what it is and why you should be very afraid of it, vote! Get vocal! Find a way to make it applicable to an everyday consumer

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-43868806407017996052009-01-08T16:26:00.000-05:002009-02-08T20:59:08.796-05:00

Recently I shared a recipe with a fellow Twitterer when they Tweeted about a brownie crisis of sorts, so I made myself some, even though I haven't technically restarted my program due to issues I need to resolve prior for more success, i.e. when I can focus on the diet specifically. I still cook the foods I discovered I liked when in the Weight Watchers program full force a few years ago, so as I

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-75398897439299084522009-01-05T14:12:00.000-05:002009-02-08T02:05:17.886-05:00

I have made a single resolution this year, despite the fact that I want to lose weight, correct some self-defeating behaviors, and break some bad habits, etc. all at the same time. I really need to have about five resolutions. You see, this one single resolution will put all the other "usual" resolutions into line. My resolution is to set things straight, all the things that enable me to make

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-18860725689012435162008-12-31T20:10:00.000-05:002009-02-08T02:06:45.535-05:00

Well, I had to skip creating any new blog posts in lieu of tending to all that Christmas entails. I jotted down numerous notes on new ideas and topics, but things are still going.The day after Christmas, my husband took our 3 children to his mother's house for 3 days. Exciting stuff. I organized and accomplished much on my To-Do list--stuff that I need to get done to place myself onto the top of

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-85977205270613634802008-12-17T20:05:00.000-05:002009-02-08T02:08:12.629-05:00

Okay, so a little background.....my hubby is terrible at gift-giving.....well maybe not for every gift, but hearing me drop hints and even directly pointing out the item I would love to have, he seems to miss the mark.I should've realized this would be a lifelong issue throughout our marriage the moment he proposed with the ring that I had specifically said "No, I don't like that one. In fact, I

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-21946463552552647512008-12-09T17:16:00.000-05:002009-02-08T02:09:22.805-05:00

So many fathers like to label us mothers as crazy or half deranged raving lunatics when it comes to some of the things we encounter at school or the demands our children's schools can place on us, so it's been particularly entertaining listening to my husband's rant this evening.He's managed to cover many of the concerns I've shared with him over the years as if his expression of them is the

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-38437492117537971472008-12-08T12:29:00.000-05:002009-02-08T02:10:48.360-05:00

What I found this time gearing up to eat a meal was disturbing - what is it exactly? So, it's round and shaped like the rest of the meatballs.....but.....black? Is it a burnt meatball? It doesn't smell burnt? It doesn't really look burnt, other than it being black......Had this rolled into the pan anywhere near the day I already cooked up and eaten a batch of turkey meatballs for my family, I

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-25394537884232864152008-11-30T21:26:00.001-05:002008-11-30T22:11:33.304-05:00

Despite being very thankful for the health and well being of all of my loved ones first and foremost, among the other many things I am thankful for, I found myself being extremely thankful this Thanksgiving.....one of the "funny" stories I have permission to share? Not sure yet -- maybe funny in a couple of months....I was doing the usual running around all Thanksgiving morning trying to pack a

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-85777105352547383122008-11-23T23:04:00.000-05:002009-02-08T01:34:50.320-05:00

Well, I admittedly went off on a huge rant about not being able to easily locate and purchase things that magically appear in excess on E-bay....I got my undies in such a bunch I forgot to share how I deal with not being able to locate and purchase that one item the kids have specifically asked Santa for....Create a letter on your computer in a really cute font that you feel best represents the

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-36239217391260780662008-11-18T00:39:00.000-05:002008-11-21T00:58:56.350-05:00

I don't know about anybody else, but putting aside the free enterprise BS, those e-Bayer sellers who constantly run around buying up products just because they know they are the "in" product, or discontinued product, or the last item in a series so they can grossly overcharge an innocent consumer who wants nothing more than to see their child's eyes light up upon discovering that much-coveted toy

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-7518991988510391892008-11-05T18:49:00.000-05:002008-11-05T20:56:21.403-05:00

What happens when your husband lands a new job 100 miles (and more) from all of your friends and family just before you give birth to your first child and quit your full-time office job to move that far away with him?You run the risk of people acting like you live on another continent altogether. People hardly come to visit. Over the years friends have even reverted to e-mail contact rather than

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-47158249973323420692008-11-04T14:34:00.000-05:002008-11-04T19:05:41.753-05:00

It's been crazy here lately. I've been getting lectured by other working mothers about how I should just buy a store-made cake, store-made costume, etc., but the fact of the matter is that I WANT to do these things. I actually ENJOY them. I actually believe I was meant to do them. I get such satisfaction from doing them as well. I hate that my "life-n-stuff" gets in the way. I do the best I can.I

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-74236738268480952202008-10-27T23:09:00.000-04:002008-11-04T19:07:39.018-05:00

We survived the strep and pinkeye with only 1 of 3 children catching it.Obviously, I go from room to room with bleach disinfecting all commonly touched items such as toilet handles, doorknobs, faucets, and light switches, and I even still take the toothbrushes, the toothbrush holder, etc. and place them in the dishwasher as soon as diagnosis occurs or meds are started, but even that never stopped

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-58530808973705229542008-10-24T11:00:00.000-04:002008-10-24T11:15:16.065-04:00

When I was 14, my baby sister came into this world 3 months early. I also have 2 nephews who were micro-preemies, one born at 28 weeks.The March of Dimes proves to be the champions fighting for preemies and research regarding the causes of premature birth.Sign the Petition for Preemies urging support from the federal government, federal and state policy makers, hospitals and healthcare

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-26591322467148932822008-10-24T00:25:00.000-04:002008-10-24T00:40:30.668-04:00

As a work-at-home mom, I work in the basement. Despite having heating vents down here, it is cold as all get out. In the summer, I frequently wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts, but am able to forego the slippers. Not in the winter. In fact, I sometimes add a blanket over my shoulders and a heating pad underneath my slippers in the winter. My feet still get cold, probably due to the concrete

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-56229233543007790672008-10-23T02:19:00.000-04:002008-10-23T02:46:44.410-04:00

Try as I might, I'm not able to find anything positive in this one. This is a photo of items that had been neatly organized and labeled into our storage room. Only a few have been removed so far too, the most important items. The rest is yet to come.Why are they no longer neatly resting on the shelves from which they came? Because the toilet located on the floor just above them in our half

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-88067232274862159212008-10-20T22:49:00.000-04:002008-10-20T23:03:25.043-04:00

Three guesses what this picture is of!This is a picture of me extracting some vampire teeth from my purse after blindly fishing for my keys and discovering their presence upon taking a peek inside. What's the big deal, right? Well, my son received these at a party the night before the discovery. The day OF the discovery he was diagnosed with strep throat AND pinkeye!Ah well, I guess it's still

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-85784018327414660712008-10-18T12:23:00.001-04:002008-10-18T12:31:25.466-04:00

Hubbie took all 3 kids to visit relatives today ALL BY HIMSELF! Woo hoo! I can get soooo much done so quickly when I'm alone, cleaning or otherwise--anything. I know it makes you feel neglectful when you don't accompany your husband and kids on a trip to visit your in-laws, but I'm tellin' you, sitting my husband down and asking him to be adventuresome and take the kids to visit his family more

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-24164024203360915272008-10-17T13:48:00.000-04:002008-10-17T14:51:17.510-04:00

I watch The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch whenever I am able to. They have a new segment where they challenge 3 people to pitch their ideas in 30 seconds that we, as consumers, fellow inventors, family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. can vote on as being the best of the 3 ideas.One of the things that bothers me with running contests in this manner, is that one factor in particular can skew

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-60506337490346452512008-10-17T11:47:00.001-04:002008-10-17T12:18:13.688-04:00

These cookies are a family favorite and they look forward to them every year now. It definitely takes some time, and although it looks like a fun project for the kids to work with you on, proceed at your own risk! I have let them help twice in the past, and I'm sure it would only get better each passing year, but now that I have an almost 3-year-old who must participate in everything, I will

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-56472865839647295532008-10-10T23:38:00.000-04:002008-10-10T23:52:41.622-04:00

Yes, he is almost 3 and, yes, he does use the potty. We have a number of diaper boxes we keep on hand for sorting, storage, etc. Use a karate belt to put through the handle holes of the box and make some choo-choo noises....pull slowly throughout the house.....and you have an imaginary train! There were frequent "All Aboards" as well, and each room was a station. I imagine if you have the time or

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-57160611434163917632008-10-09T18:34:00.000-04:002008-10-09T23:06:32.927-04:00

I've recently felt the need to draw upon the days where I was required to keep CEOs organized, and the days where I had to keep 4 worldwide corporate headquarters executives organized simultaneously......if I could do it for them, shouldn't I be able to do it here?I'm giving it a shot in my best problem-solving and practical way. No more sacrifices over here. No more making due with makeshift

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-88418239950287059022008-10-08T13:23:00.000-04:002008-10-08T13:30:30.869-04:00

Being an entrepreneurial woman, I feel it is extremely important to support others! Together we can rule the world!I was pointed to Darlene's blog from Our Creative Life. She is having a link exchange today of women entrepreneurs on her blog. If you are a woman running a business or making and selling a product, run on over and add your link, but be sure to also leave a comment so that everyone

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-87929102224513538052008-10-03T00:25:00.000-04:002008-10-07T01:59:10.050-04:00

Growing up, I remember my mother saying (in reference to my grandmother's bum knees), "She spent XX years on her knees bathing children every single night."Now that I'm in my 11th year of giving nightly baths (only missing a few nights I can probably count on two hands due to children who love to run barefoot and get sweaty or dirty), I "get it" now.I look at my knees and the first thing that

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-41623517607153438222008-10-01T01:37:00.000-04:002008-10-01T02:02:40.979-04:00

I guess it turns out I have more to blog about than I originally thought!Anyway, I can't quit thinking about a situation a worker at our local library shared with me a week or so ago. I keep trying to think of a solution. Is there even a solution? I had no idea people did this. Am I too isolated working at home? The only solution I can think of is moms helping other moms, and as a result their

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-47693564009706120612008-09-29T19:29:00.000-04:002008-09-29T23:48:26.761-04:00

I have to admit that I don't get to follow the news much, as whenever I have a child-free or husband-free moment, as well as no domesticated task to tend to, it is spent on working my transcription business and working on my patent and all the future tasks coming 'round the bend involving this new venture.I had listened to a couple of friends and family members express how scared they were last

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-70058785039428784602008-09-26T19:28:00.001-04:002008-12-30T12:21:28.066-05:00

Compared to yesterday, today was an extremely productive day. I've both accomplished a little bit of everything and fully accomplished a few things.My PPA is reviewed and marked up with edits (lotsa typos) and questions for clarification (Can you hear the "cha-ching" that I did with each pen stroke? I don't think I should be charged for editing typos - do you? lol. Lawyers are expensive!) Of

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-1873214752986719072008-09-25T13:04:00.000-04:002008-09-28T01:44:40.696-04:00

Yes, I'm having a whiny day. I feel I have a right to feel whiny every once in a while. I am constantly working on so many different projects and working in so many different roles, and I feel that I could get it done if I had some help around here. Don't get me wrong, my husband does do some dishes, and he even does a little laundry and makes beds - he surface cleans here and there - but working

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-24110012599425069482008-09-25T00:12:00.000-04:002008-09-25T00:14:21.916-04:00

An unspoken prerequisite of being a mother is problem solving skills. Moms problem solve every single day. Let’s also not forget that there are many wonderful inventor dads out there as well though too! Inventor moms seem to target the problems other moms face, so they therefore become more well known amongst other mothers, the women who happen to be making the majority of purchases for their

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-56156335983191894792008-09-21T15:04:00.001-04:002008-09-28T01:45:49.419-04:00

Does this mean my clothes aren't really clean and I need a new washer?

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-48313577047441094262008-09-20T01:47:00.000-04:002008-09-28T01:46:35.764-04:00

So today my daughter really wanted to try her hand at fundraising, and here I was really excited that this year they were accepting donations in lieu of fundraising. I was prepared to donate $100 - $50/school-aged kid, which is more than the kids can earn the school via the fundraiser, but they can’t have both my time and my donation. Fitting in the time for a fundraiser is hard work around here,

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-34098719489887205902008-09-19T00:24:00.001-04:002008-09-28T01:47:21.063-04:00

So what's it like working at home? Here's a sample!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQZ8y1ZqDNE

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-738466802827607233.post-23621938120291704062008-09-19T00:24:00.000-04:002008-09-19T09:43:12.495-04:00

Me woman! (I talk caveman for my husband frequently - he seems to understand me better this way).What else is there to say? It means there is no stopping me and there is no limit to my capabilities. It means I am a master of multitasking and am spread real thin. It means that I don't always make the best decisions and that I have faults. It means I put everyone before myself (trying to change

LifeNStuffUSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067862391214744529noreply@blogger.com0