Get a jump on Spring cleaning this year
Let the internet help you rid your house of clutter
Wheter its clothes,books or cell phones, I have listed below how to recycle your unwanted items
Find a new home for that old computerInstead of tossing it contact the National Cristina Foundation (www.cristina.org)They will match you with a school or organization that'll be happy to take it
Clear the closetYou can donate old prom dresses for low income girls at www.fairygodmothersinc.com)And your old business suits can helpout of work women interview for jobs if you donate them to(www.dressforsuccess.org)
Got an old cellphone?The wireless foundation reprograms phones and gives them to women at risk for domestic violenceVisit (www.calltoprotect.org or www.charitablerecyclng.org) for locations by you
Kids Outgrown their books?Donate them to (www.readertoreader.org) which will send them to kids all over the country
Let your unused electronics help save livesOld TVs,PDAs,cameras,and MP3 players can find a new home at (www.recycleforbreastcancer.org)The group will recycle your goods for a profit and donate the money to a national breast cancer charity
Let your old glasses help someone else seePrescription glassess or sunglasses are welcomed by (www.givethegiftofsight.com)They'll clean them up and send them to people in developing countries with similar vision needs
Monday, February 18, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Just A Spoonful
Discount Dishwashing Detergent
I learned this tip from my grandmama when I moved into my first apartment a few years back- it is so good and works so well- I had to share with all of you
In your dishwasher, use baking soda in the first detergent dispenser and dish washing detergent in the other. You won't need more than a heaping tablespoon full. Your dishes, pots and pans will be spotless and there will be no need to use the liquid rinses.
I learned this tip from my grandmama when I moved into my first apartment a few years back- it is so good and works so well- I had to share with all of you
In your dishwasher, use baking soda in the first detergent dispenser and dish washing detergent in the other. You won't need more than a heaping tablespoon full. Your dishes, pots and pans will be spotless and there will be no need to use the liquid rinses.
Benefits of Car Donation (pt.1 )
Donating Your Car To Charity – Part I
All these appeals! What actually happens to the old, used cars that are donated to charities? I know, I know, giving your unloved vehicle to a charity is supposed to be a wonderful thing. And it can be. But often for the wrong people. In many cases, too many cases (some, actual court-type cases), well-meaning donors of used cars to charities are aiding and abetting a rapidly growing mini-industry in charity-blessed scams. What started out as an innocent, well-meaning way to raise a few bucks for established religious, medical, and public welfare charitable organizations, has – in a number of cases – become a great groaning board of free lunch for the operators, the opportunists and even the downright dishonest. For a number of years now, tax season has become peak season for donating the unloved, the abandoned, and the broken vehicles to good causes – especially good causes like a good, healthy tax deduction. Charitable groups now report that an increasing number of vehicles are being donated all year around. Unfortunately, regardless of how generous the vehicular gift, only a percentage of the value goes to good works, the rest goes to people working the system. Donors are deliberately misled by these scammers to believe that their contribution is going to help hungry orphans, or kidney transplants, or remedial schools, or the disabled -- when actually only a percentage of the car's worth actually gets to the charity. In fact, the invasion of the commercial fundraising money-snatchers has become so blatant that in 1999, the state of California initiated some heavy-duty legislation to start controlling some of the charity-cloaked cons. So bad had their incursion been into charity donation coffers that a couple of years back, financial papers turned in to the state attorney general's office by eleven fund raisers showed that only 20 cents out of every dollar collected actually went to the charities.
Tomorrow: Part II. Where your car donation money goes…
All these appeals! What actually happens to the old, used cars that are donated to charities? I know, I know, giving your unloved vehicle to a charity is supposed to be a wonderful thing. And it can be. But often for the wrong people. In many cases, too many cases (some, actual court-type cases), well-meaning donors of used cars to charities are aiding and abetting a rapidly growing mini-industry in charity-blessed scams. What started out as an innocent, well-meaning way to raise a few bucks for established religious, medical, and public welfare charitable organizations, has – in a number of cases – become a great groaning board of free lunch for the operators, the opportunists and even the downright dishonest. For a number of years now, tax season has become peak season for donating the unloved, the abandoned, and the broken vehicles to good causes – especially good causes like a good, healthy tax deduction. Charitable groups now report that an increasing number of vehicles are being donated all year around. Unfortunately, regardless of how generous the vehicular gift, only a percentage of the value goes to good works, the rest goes to people working the system. Donors are deliberately misled by these scammers to believe that their contribution is going to help hungry orphans, or kidney transplants, or remedial schools, or the disabled -- when actually only a percentage of the car's worth actually gets to the charity. In fact, the invasion of the commercial fundraising money-snatchers has become so blatant that in 1999, the state of California initiated some heavy-duty legislation to start controlling some of the charity-cloaked cons. So bad had their incursion been into charity donation coffers that a couple of years back, financial papers turned in to the state attorney general's office by eleven fund raisers showed that only 20 cents out of every dollar collected actually went to the charities.
Tomorrow: Part II. Where your car donation money goes…
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Valentines Night
Bedroom Antics
You will need several small index cards to make this playing deck. Split the cards into two equal piles. On one pile write romantic actions (kiss, massage). On the other set, write body parts. The more unusual the suggestions, the better! Keep the two piles separate. Each partner takes their turn to choose one card from each pile, and whatever combination they get, they have to perform what it suggests on their partner. Have fun!
You will need several small index cards to make this playing deck. Split the cards into two equal piles. On one pile write romantic actions (kiss, massage). On the other set, write body parts. The more unusual the suggestions, the better! Keep the two piles separate. Each partner takes their turn to choose one card from each pile, and whatever combination they get, they have to perform what it suggests on their partner. Have fun!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Bottle Of Bliss
Before Dinner Sampler
I wanted to surprise my boyfriend before we went out for dinner one night, but I didn't have much cash, so I went to the store and got a bottle of massage oil and 2 bags of Hershey’s kisses. I spelled out "I LOVE YOU" with the kisses on the bed. I put the massage oil in the middle of a whole bunch of hugs and kisses. Then I turned off all the lights in the room and lit a whole bunch of candles. I also put some nice, soothing piano music on. So he thought he was coming over to take a nap before dinner, and he was surprised with a nice massage. He loved it.
I wanted to surprise my boyfriend before we went out for dinner one night, but I didn't have much cash, so I went to the store and got a bottle of massage oil and 2 bags of Hershey’s kisses. I spelled out "I LOVE YOU" with the kisses on the bed. I put the massage oil in the middle of a whole bunch of hugs and kisses. Then I turned off all the lights in the room and lit a whole bunch of candles. I also put some nice, soothing piano music on. So he thought he was coming over to take a nap before dinner, and he was surprised with a nice massage. He loved it.
Hershey Kissed
I Can't Wait
I wanted to do something to let my sugar pie know that I’m thinking about him. First, I bought a large bag of Hershey’s kisses. Next, on the outside of the package, I taped the message “I CAN'T WAIT TO...” Then, on each kiss, I taped a little message of special things I want to do with him. I made some romantic, some funny, some serious, etc. He is now waiting with tremendous anticipation to cash in all 127 of them! I suggest trying this for Valentines Day
it is perfect with the festive kisses candies and the sentiment of the special day- good luck!
I wanted to do something to let my sugar pie know that I’m thinking about him. First, I bought a large bag of Hershey’s kisses. Next, on the outside of the package, I taped the message “I CAN'T WAIT TO...” Then, on each kiss, I taped a little message of special things I want to do with him. I made some romantic, some funny, some serious, etc. He is now waiting with tremendous anticipation to cash in all 127 of them! I suggest trying this for Valentines Day
it is perfect with the festive kisses candies and the sentiment of the special day- good luck!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Cholesterol Cut
Take the Stairs
If you're tired of waiting for the elevator at work, take the stairs – and cut your cholesterol.
The University of Ulster at Jordanstown in the United Kingdom enrolled 22 women in a study to evaluate the effects of short periods of exercise on overall health. One group made no changes in their lifestyles, while the other stopped using the elevator and started taking the stairs.
Using a rather long staircase -- 199 stairs -- the study group started with one ascent a day, and at the end of seven weeks was going up the stairs six or seven times each day.
At the end of the seven-week study, the control group's health hadn't changed. But the study group had lower overall cholesterol, a higher HDL (good cholesterol) level and could climb the stairs with lower oxygen consumption and a slower heart rate.
If you're tired of waiting for the elevator at work, take the stairs – and cut your cholesterol.
The University of Ulster at Jordanstown in the United Kingdom enrolled 22 women in a study to evaluate the effects of short periods of exercise on overall health. One group made no changes in their lifestyles, while the other stopped using the elevator and started taking the stairs.
Using a rather long staircase -- 199 stairs -- the study group started with one ascent a day, and at the end of seven weeks was going up the stairs six or seven times each day.
At the end of the seven-week study, the control group's health hadn't changed. But the study group had lower overall cholesterol, a higher HDL (good cholesterol) level and could climb the stairs with lower oxygen consumption and a slower heart rate.
Improving Your Car's Fuel Efficiency: Part 2
Purchasing a Vehicle
When showing for a car, people need to decide between purchasing a new or used vehicle. But what people should really focus on is the average miles per gallon a vehicle gets, whether it is old or new. A car or truck that gets high gas mileage will save thousands of dollars in fuel bills over the lifetime of a vehicle compared to a vehicle with low gas mileage. This vehicle will also reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As you may now realize, there are many opportunities to reduce your car's fuel economy. So take some time to explore which ones work for you and you will soon be saving money and reducing wear on your vehicle. Just say no to "gas guzzlers"
you'll be better off,car and wallet too.
When showing for a car, people need to decide between purchasing a new or used vehicle. But what people should really focus on is the average miles per gallon a vehicle gets, whether it is old or new. A car or truck that gets high gas mileage will save thousands of dollars in fuel bills over the lifetime of a vehicle compared to a vehicle with low gas mileage. This vehicle will also reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As you may now realize, there are many opportunities to reduce your car's fuel economy. So take some time to explore which ones work for you and you will soon be saving money and reducing wear on your vehicle. Just say no to "gas guzzlers"
you'll be better off,car and wallet too.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Improving Your Car's Fuel Efficiency: Part 1
Maintaining Your Vehicle
There was a recent study that says a majority of the vehicles on the road today are riding on under-inflated tires. Not only do under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy, but they also wear quicker and can make it more difficult to handle your vehicle. One of the easiest things you can do to improve your car's fuel economy is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. If you are unsure of the proper tire pressure for your vehicle, consult the owner's manual. Also, if you have them, remove snow tires during good weather seasons. These deep-tread tires reduce fuel economy. Changing your car's oil on a regular basis will also help improve fuel economy by increasing the life of the engine. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and also removes dirt and grime from the engine. A clean air filter will also improve fuel economy and protect your engine. A properly tuned engine will also help lower fuel costs. Consult the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for tune-ups and you will help your car save fuel and run better. It's also a good idea to buy gas from a high-volume station. Since its tanks are refilled often, there is less chance of the fuel having impurities such as water or rust. In addition, don't waste money on premium fuel if your vehicle doesn't need it.
There was a recent study that says a majority of the vehicles on the road today are riding on under-inflated tires. Not only do under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy, but they also wear quicker and can make it more difficult to handle your vehicle. One of the easiest things you can do to improve your car's fuel economy is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. If you are unsure of the proper tire pressure for your vehicle, consult the owner's manual. Also, if you have them, remove snow tires during good weather seasons. These deep-tread tires reduce fuel economy. Changing your car's oil on a regular basis will also help improve fuel economy by increasing the life of the engine. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and also removes dirt and grime from the engine. A clean air filter will also improve fuel economy and protect your engine. A properly tuned engine will also help lower fuel costs. Consult the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for tune-ups and you will help your car save fuel and run better. It's also a good idea to buy gas from a high-volume station. Since its tanks are refilled often, there is less chance of the fuel having impurities such as water or rust. In addition, don't waste money on premium fuel if your vehicle doesn't need it.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Meatless Meals
If you go to the market and have noticed that meat has become pricier than ever,(I know I have) Here is a quick tip for you and your budget. Try to have 2-3 times a week, a meatless meal. Eating a dinner consisting of just vegetables is extremely budget friendly, as well as very healthy. I have listed below a meatless recipe that is cheap, delicious,and simple to make. I also like it because it uses a vegetable people usually seem to skip over,eggplant-bon appetite!
Eggplant Gratin
Good olive oil, for frying
3/4 pound eggplant, unpeeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 extra-large egg
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good bottled marinara sauce
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat about 1/8-inch of olive oil in a very large frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is almost smoking, add several slices of eggplant and cook, turning once, until they are evenly browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Be careful, it splatters! Transfer the cooked eggplant slices to paper towels to drain. Add more oil, heat, and add more eggplant until all the slices are cooked.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, half-and-half, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
In each of 2 individual gratin dishes, place a layer of eggplant slices, then sprinkle with Parmesan, salt and pepper and spoon 1/2 of the marinara sauce. Next, add a second layer of eggplant, more salt and pepper, half the ricotta mixture, and finally 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan on top.
Place the gratins on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the custard sets and the top is browned. Serve warm. ll usually skip over: eggplant- bon appetite!Give me courage to face anything, to endure everything--with you by my side.
-courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com
Eggplant Gratin
Good olive oil, for frying
3/4 pound eggplant, unpeeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 extra-large egg
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good bottled marinara sauce
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat about 1/8-inch of olive oil in a very large frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is almost smoking, add several slices of eggplant and cook, turning once, until they are evenly browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Be careful, it splatters! Transfer the cooked eggplant slices to paper towels to drain. Add more oil, heat, and add more eggplant until all the slices are cooked.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, half-and-half, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
In each of 2 individual gratin dishes, place a layer of eggplant slices, then sprinkle with Parmesan, salt and pepper and spoon 1/2 of the marinara sauce. Next, add a second layer of eggplant, more salt and pepper, half the ricotta mixture, and finally 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan on top.
Place the gratins on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the custard sets and the top is browned. Serve warm. ll usually skip over: eggplant- bon appetite!Give me courage to face anything, to endure everything--with you by my side.
-courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Best Part Of Waking Up
Morning Romance
Try this very early in the morning ( around 5:30 am) to surprise your sweetheart. Wake and tell them
to hurry and come out of the house. On the lawn have a blanket thrown out with little scented candles, fruits, cheese, coffee, croissants and muffins, and have breakfast on the front lawn watching the sunrise. It is so beautiful, romantic and totally unexpected- no doubt your face will be covered in smooches!
Try this very early in the morning ( around 5:30 am) to surprise your sweetheart. Wake and tell them
to hurry and come out of the house. On the lawn have a blanket thrown out with little scented candles, fruits, cheese, coffee, croissants and muffins, and have breakfast on the front lawn watching the sunrise. It is so beautiful, romantic and totally unexpected- no doubt your face will be covered in smooches!
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