Happy Pumpkin Carving
Well, it’s that time of year again. And even though we don’t go “all out” and celebrate 
Halloween, I do love fall and many of the fall activites. This year we went to a pumpkin patch, and each got a small pie pumpkin as part of the deal. Well, my daughter has been on me all week to carve the pumpkins, so I finally gave in. After carving the usual triangle eyes, triangle nose and toothy grin, I decided that I needed a little help on my son’s pumpkin. For those of you who want to be the coolest mom on the block, visit JamminPumpkins. It’s a really cool site with patterns for amazing pumpkin designs. At only $2 a pattern (and a few available for free), you’ll be glad you did!
Beware of Junk Foods Being Promoted As Health Food - HFCS is Not Healthy
Beware of Junk Foods Being Promoted As Health Food - HFCS is Not Healthy
By Mike Geary
You may have seen a whole new slew of advertisements online and on television trying to revamp the poor image of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). They are basically trying to promote this junk food additive as “healthy”.
The advertising campaigns don’t come right out and make the claim that high fructose corn syrup is “health food”, but they do try to get clever and fool people into thinking that it’s not bad for your health. In fact, they make these misleading claims:
“It’s all natural”
“It’s no worse for you than table sugar”
“It’s made from corn”
“It has the same calories as table sugar”
As you can see, these ads are trying to deceive us into thinking that HFCS isn’t so bad after all… I mean, they do say that it’s “all natural” and “made from corn”. These ads are pure sleaze!
In my opinion, these ads are highly immoral. For one, as if our nation, and the world for that matter, wasn’t already suffering an obesity epidemic, as well as skyrocketing degenerative diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Now, they’re trying to make matters worse by fooling innocent people into thinking that high fructose corn syrup is somehow healthy. Meanwhile, as society and our kids get fatter and more unhealthy, they’re lining their pockets with massive profits since HFCS is in the majority of processed food.
As for their claim that HFCS is “no worse for you than sugar”… I’m not even going to discusss any of the science about how HFCS affects the leptin and insulin process in your body, your blood sugar process, appetite levels, etc. Instead, I want to make a more important point:
Who cares if HFCS is “no worse for you than sugar”… because sugar is one of the worst things you can ingest in your body anyway, so it is not even a valid argument!
The point you need to understand is that if you want to be lean and healthy for life, you should be minimizing, or even eliminating all sugar and high fructose corn syrup. In fact, most processed food should be eliminated altogether if you want to be serious about getting lean.
As for their claim that HFCS is “all-natural”… don’t even get me started! It’s just a ridiculous statement to begin with. I don’t care if you call it “natural” or artificial, the bottom line is that it’s a highly processed, refined substance that makes you fat!
So the next time you’re thinking about drinking that can of soda, or eating that candy bar or cupcakes, just think about how that is only going directly against your efforts to lose body fat and can even lead to other health problems in excess.
If you want to lose your stubborn belly fat, check out these strategic workouts and diet tips at Ab Exercise Workouts
Also, learn some of the best tricks to live healthy and enjoy life while also losing body fat at Healthy Fat Loss Tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Geary
http://EzineArticles.com/?Beware-of-Junk-Foods-Being-Promoted-As-Health-Food—HFCS-is-Not-Healthy&id=1496917
A New Twist on Family Movie Night
Family Movie Night
When I was growing up, every Friday was Family Night. We would make pizza, go rent a movie, and hang out and eat pizza, popcorn and soda all night (or at least until about 10 o’clock which seemed like all night to a 3rd grader!)
So of course, I started Family Night with my own kids. However, I quickly realized that by the time I got all three kids bundled up, in the car, and drove to the video store, battled them over what to pick, hoped they weren’t watching the previews of shows I would rather them not know about, and convince them that we really don’t need to spend $5 on a giant gummy snake, that I was pretty much too exhausted to enjoy family night!
Then, high tech came to the rescue! Enter “download a movie” websites! Woo Hoo! Now I can order pizza, sit at the computer, select some appropriate “choices” for my kids, and order the movie - to be downloaded to my PC all without the fights, distractions, r-rated trailers, or excessive candy temptations! And best of all - it doesn’t matter if the weather is cold, rainy, or whatever!
So, why not start a family night at your house, and try out one of these “download a movie” services! Order a pizza, sit back, and relax!
I Think The Spirit Is Calling Me
I’ve been wanting to blog a bit about my spiritual journey, after all, that’s a big component of why I felt compelled to start this site. But for one reason or another, I always chose to write on other topics. However, I recently started a Beth Moore study on the Fruit of the Spirit, and I absolutely love it! But, still I struggle a bit, as i never really grew up in a “Holy Spirit” family. We were believers, but more of a Sunday-only type of family, and of course we’d say grace before meals, but that was about it.
Well, life has been happening, and it hasn’t been pretty, and I almost missed a week of the study, which was all about the Holy Spirit. I knew that what I heard that evening was what I wanted in my life. Then, just today, our new Sunday School teacher started his lesson on the Fruit of the Spirit and was talking about what is NOT the fruit of the Spirit, and it hit me square in the face. I was definately not living in the Spirit these last two weeks.
So I apologized to my kids for yelling at them (not for correcting or disciplining them, but for raising my voice so much when I was doing it) and resolved to try more deliberately to live in the Spirit.
The next few weeks I will comment on some of the tough lessons that I learn during my double whammy instruction on the Fruit of the Spirit. In the meantime, you may want to pick up a copy of Beth Moore’s book “Living Beyond Yourself” or any other book on the Fruit of the Spirit and see what we can learn together for the Glory of God! Amen!
Ready, Set, Start Over!
Well, I’d like to weigh in and say I’ve lost at least SOME weight! But the simple fact is that, well, it’s been a stressful couple of weeks, and so I’ve actually gained a pound!
I’ve actually heard that the stress of trying to lose weight can make one gain weight, and I’d believe it. I was simply pushed over my stress threshold, and resorted back to my comfort eating. Although, interestingly enough, I’ve taken on a new comfort food. Usually it’s just chocolate and Coca-cola. But this time it’s been Hostess cinnamon swirl cakes and crystal light raspberry tea! Go figure!
And my hips haven’t moved since about 3 days after my Core Rhythms review!
But not one to give up just yet, I will start again.
After all, I just drank the last Coke, and I only have 3 snack cakes left!
So, if you’ve started on a weight loss and fitness journey - how’s it going?
Deuteronomy 30:11
“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.” Deut 30:11
I just love it when God speaks to me clearly! I’ve been attending a Beth Moore Bible study at church, and when Beth mentioned this verse, I just had to write it down! Oh, how I needed to hear those words! So often it feels like what I am expected to do is way beyond me. And then, out of the blue, I get a word from the Lord such as this one. He just can’t be more clear than that, can he?
But beyond the obvious, it’s not too difficult for me thing, the other thing that I like, is that if God felt that it was important to mention that it’s not too difficult, apparently, way back thousands of years ago, there were people like me who were having the same thoughts and feelings about living a life that is pleasing before God! So even though I may feel like I’m the only one “not getting it”, apparently there are plenty more of our brothers and sisters in Christ, who also aren’t “getting it” or think that it is beyond them!
I’ve decided to type up these words and place them by my bedside so that when I get up, I realize that whatever God asks of me that day, it won’t be too difficult or beyond my reach. As a matter of fact, I’d better keep a copy in my purse, because I know I’m going to need it!
What does this verse mean to you?
Tips for Teaching Kids to Cook
What woman wouldn’t love having a sous chef to help her in the kitchen? Well, if you have children, you may have a sous chef in the making. These tips for teaching kids to cook may help you to help yourself by allowing them to take over some of the kitchen duties.
- Before teaching your children anything about working in a kitchen, teach them about cleanliness above all else. Basic safety rules like washing your hands before you begin, not licking your fingers while preparing food, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate will go a long way toward keeping family members healthy. Teaching them to cook foods to the proper temperature is also important.
- Read the entire recipe before you start so you’ll be sure that you understand the directions and know which utensils and ingredients you’ll need. Gather everything together. If you can, measure out the ingredients ahead of time. This will make the actual preparation go smoother. Follow the directions exactly to get the best results from your efforts.
- Explain to them what each appliance is, how it works, and what it’s used for. If you have hand appliances, explain those as well. You don’t have to give them the theories behind electricity, but you do want them to know how to handle each appliance in a safe manner.
- Always use hot pads to remove items from the stove, microwave, or oven. Don’t lick hot spoons or handle food while it is still hot. Doing so could result in a serious burn. Teach your child the proper way to remove hot items, what to do if they do burn themselves, and where the first aid is kept in the kitchen.
- Sharp knives work better than dull ones, so keep your kitchen knives sharp. Teach your child the proper way to hold a knife, how to slice food without cutting themselves, and how to care for and store knives. Never put knives into soapy water; that way no one gets cut.
- Don’t throw water onto a kitchen fire. It could make matters worse. Teach your child to call an adult immediately to see if they can extinguish the fire. If it gets out of control, make sure everyone leaves the house, go to your nearest neighbors, and call 911.
- As much as you’re tempted, don’t taste food that hasn’t been cooked. While your parents may have been able to eat raw cookie dough, it isn’t recommended today. If you must taste food that is cooking, use a clean spoon and allow it to cool first. Refrain from using the same spoon to taste and cook; by doing so you’ll be less likely to contaminate the food.
- Instead of leaving dishes until you’re finished, clean while you cook. Put ingredients away when you’re done with them. Run a sink of hot, soapy water and place dishes and utensils (except sharp knives) in the sink until you can get to them to wash them. Wipe up any spills you may have made. Turn off and unplug any hand appliances.
Allow your children to watch you cook from an early age, and then begin allowing them to help. When you feel confident that they understand the rules for your kitchen and can handle things on their own, let them do just that. You may be surprised to find that you have a little chef in the making.
Hermit Crabs are Social Pets
Hermit crabs, despite what the name implies, are neither solitary animals nor true crabs. The hermit crabs are social animals and live in large groups in the wild. They have a long abdomen and no hard covering (two things that make them different from true crabs), which is the reason they must live in leftover snail shells.
Although hermit crabs are advertised or thought of as cheap and easy to maintain, there are some things that are important to consider if you want to keep your hermit crabs happy and healthy. When kept at the proper conditions and in the right environment, hermit crabs have been known to live for 6 to 15 years. Most, unfortunately, will only live for about 6 to 12 months.
A glass terrarium makes the best choice for the hermit crabs. The glass helps to keep the temperature and humidity at the proper level. There should also be a proper airflow to help cut down on mold and bacteria.
Inside the terrarium there should be enough suitable material lining the bottom to allow the largest hermit crab to dig down, about twice the height of the crab should be sufficient. Materials that you can use include sanitized beach sand, quality play sand (not used for construction), crushed coral, fine river pebble, and damp coconut fiber.
You will also need to create two different ponds for your hermit crab by using non-metallic, non-porous dishes. One is for fresh water and one is for ocean water. Adding sea sponges to the water dishes will help maintain the humidity and moisture in the hermit crabs’ environment.
Under the tank you will need to place a heat pad made especially for small animals and reptiles. It gently warms the glass and sand, but you will still need to regulate the temperature of the sand by installing a thermostat at sand level.
Hermit crabs are nocturnal animals and therefore are most active at night and least active around noon. They do not bite, but will pinch using their strong front claws. These same claws are used for climbing, so hermit crabs are proven escape artists. Be sure that your enclosure does not offer them any chance to break free.
Because the hermit crab has no natural outer protection, you need to provide shells for the molting process. Young hermit crabs may molt several times a year, otherwise the molting typically will occur about once every 12 to 18 months. Molting crabs often bury themselves in the substrate and will remain buried for the entire process. Do not disturb molting crabs.
There are two varieties of hermit crabs most often sold in stores. The Purple Claw Crab is usually the more aggressive and can be prone to pinching. The Ecuadorian Crab is the sweeter choice.
Although the hermit crab may seem to be the easiest pet around, it does require some care and special housing. If you are able to meet these needs then the hermit crab is a fun and entertaining addition to any home.
Have Fun with Fish
Fish can be a relaxing addition to the home environment. When it comes to putting an aquarium in your home, you have many choices in sizes, designs and especially in the wildlife that will inhabit the tank. A good rule of thumb is that for every one inch of fish you will need one gallon of water (but don’t forget that the plants and other decorations will also take up space).
Freshwater aquariums are generally the least expensive and easiest to maintain. The smallest size to start out with is probably a good 20 gallon tank. Be sure to use water that is non-chlorinated. Fish should be added no more than two at a time and then time given for the water (and good bacteria) to adjust to the new occupants – this is known as cycling.
Maintaining good water quality is the key to healthy and happy fish. It requires the optimal filtration system for the size tank and the number of fish. You will also need to purchase lights and accessories for the tank. All together, the start-up costs for a freshwater tank can run from about $200 and go up from there.
There are an amazing variety of fish that live in fresh water, and they come in almost every shape and color that you can imagine. The fish that you choose should be able to live together and be comfortable in the space that you are willing to provide.
Dwarf Gourami are small, peaceful fish and can be found in several different colors. They are well suited to smaller aquariums and community aquariums.
The Red Eye Tetra is a great beginner fish and easily adapts to a community tank.
Angelfish are peaceful and easy to care for. They are a popular aquarium fish because of their great color variety. They make a good choice for the community aquarium.
Rainbowfish are small and colorful (as the name implies). They tend to swim at the top of the water and can fill a void in most tanks. They are hardy and active and can do well in a semi-aggressive aquarium. It is a schooling fish and prefers to live with six or more of the same species.
Bettas (Siamese Fighting Fish) will fight aggressively with one another, but will typically be okay in community tanks with other species of fish. They come in a beautiful array of colors and their long, flowing fins make them prized additions to the freshwater aquarium.
Swordtails can make a wonderful, and colorful, addition to the passive community aquarium. They are school fish and will do best in groups of five or more.
Fish can be a relaxing and entertaining addition to your home and your family. Although they are relatively easy to maintain, they do require some basic needs (like space and oxygen) that should be considered before you purchase your pets.
Hamsters and Gerbils and Rabbits – Oh My!
Rodents as pets?
Rodents may not be the first species you think about when you start considering a family pet, but they can be a great choice. Rabbits are easily house-trained and are very social animals. Gerbils and hamsters are fun and entertaining, but they do have very short lives compared with other household pets.
Hamsters
Hamsters are small (about 6 inches), typically solitary animals. They are nocturnal by nature, and may be temperamental when handled. Raising hamsters from babies is the best way to ensure they will be more agreeable, but they can still be biters - and the bites can be very painful. Most hamsters only live for about 2 to 3 years. But they make great first pets for older kids (3rd - 6th grade). I had about 3 hamsters when I was growing up. However their short life span may be an issue for those who are more sensitive about things like that.
Things to be concerned about when buying a hamster include:
- Hamsters with runny or sticky eyes, matted fur or runny nose.
- Pet store employees that cannot guarantee the sex of the hamster (you could end up buying a pregnant female - this happened to my sister once when she got a “male” hamster for Christmas, we had about 6 hamsters by New Years!)
- Cages that are overcrowded and not separated by sex (males should be in one cage and females in another).
Gerbils
Gerbils are even smaller than hamsters (about 4 inches), with long tails. They are very active and very social animals. They prefer to be with other gerbils, but putting a male and female together is one way to insure that you will get prolific breeding. Acquire your littermates when they are young to help them get used to one another. Gerbils can be quite tame, and a pair would be content in a small home (about 1 ft by 2 ft by 1 ft). Gerbils also have short lifespans - about 2 to 4 years.
Gerbils are best housed in a terrarium at least 10 inches by 18 inches (and 10 inches high). Gerbils are hoppers, so keep the top tightly covered with a mesh lid. They are also burrowers and need about 6 to 8 inches of material on the bottom (preferably a combination of straw and peat, or sawdust or wood shavings).
There is really only one breed of gerbil sold in stores today - the Mongolian gerbil. Hybrids of the breed have been developed over the past few years to introduce color variations. There are some rare, imported species (like the small Egyptian gerbil, the Indian gerbil or the Libyan gerbil or jird) that can occasionally be found in shops today.
Rabbits
Rabbits have traditionally been kept outside, alone, in a hutch. This is not the best place for such social animals. Rabbits make ideal indoor pets. They are friendly, like social interaction, and are typically easy to litter box train. You can also keep them indoors in a crate like those used for house-training dogs.
Both the female (doe) and the male (buck) can exhibit negative habits as they reach maturity. The does can become territorial and start nipping. The bucks can begin to spray their urine to try and attract a mate. The best way to avoid this is to have your rabbit spayed or neutered when it is at the right age. Rabbits also tend to chew, a lot. We had a rabbit for my teenage step-daughter, and would let him roam about the house sometimes. We lost countless barbie heads (he found them under the beds), one laptop computer cord, and several shoe laces! So be sure you keep a close eye, and everything is picked up (especially under the beds!)
Rodents like the gerbil, hamster and even the rabbit can make the perfect choice for a first pet. They are easy to care for and do not require a long-term commitment. There are plenty of choices when it comes to family pets. Be sure to pick the one that is best suited to your needs and your home life.
