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Simple Home Tips and Solutions

The Itsy Bitsy Spider Is a Motivational Song

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I learned the song Itsy Bitsy Spider when I was in the 3rd grade. I loved singing it and sill remember all of the hand signals that go with it.

I can’t believe it took this long to realize I was singing one of my very first motivational songs. It’s a song for children about perseverance — it’s telling them to never give up.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider Went Up the Water Spout
You’re happily going about your business, making your way along your path, living your life.

Down Came the Rain and Washed the Spider Out
A trial, challenge, obstacle or tragedy happens in your life that brings you down. You’re devastated because it feels like all of your hard work has been erased or is meaningless.

Out Came the Sun and Dried Up All the Rain
Despite our challenges, there always seems to be a ray of light that eventually appears when we hold on and stay strong.

And the Itsy Bitsy Spider Went Up the Spout Again
We fall down, but we get up. Despite what the spider has been through in this little story, she still gets back up on that spout and starts climbing again.

It’s never hopeless — don’t let anything or anyone stop you from pursuing your goals in life.

Posted by: Jasmine

Dating As a Single Parent

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Mother and child
© 1_womans_dream | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Dating as a single parent can be a lot more challenging than it first seems. I had experienced several dating failures — dating experiences that I believed were going to turn into serious relationships. My problem was that I introduced my children to my mate and was concerned about there emotional well being. I wanted them to mature and have healthy dating experiences of their own.

Since most of their behavior is learned from what they see and experience, I had to make drastic changes, immediately. So for me, the best way to devise a plan, was to ask myself two very important questions, answer them and then follow those answers to utter perfection. The questions were:

1- When do I discuss with my children that I am dating?

2- When do I tell my date, that I have children?

After hours of contemplation, I realized the answer to both my questions. The first questions answer was to only have a discussion with my kids when I was secure that the “dating” had successfully transitioned into a relationship. Then and only then, introductions would occur.

As for the second question, I made the decision from my heart. I am proud of and have unconditional love and respect for my children and I would NEVER exclude their existence in this world. So at each first date I would speak of my children with great admiration. I would then discuss my boundaries with regards to my children, should the dating turn into a serious relationship.

I found that by making these changes, I became more comfortable and secure when dating. I also developed confidence, that I could maintain a life outside of being a mother.

Posted by Eve

 

Tips for Organizing Your Closet

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Keeping your closet organized is easier than you may think. With a little time and effort you will soon be enjoying your clean, well-organized closet. Maybe you’ll actually be able to find something in there!

First, go through each clothing item that you have on hangers and pull out any unworn items for the past year and place them on your bed. These unworn items can possibly be donated to your local Goodwill. I personally, think that just the idea of helping someone in need makes it easier to part with the unworn clothing.

Next, take out clothes that are out of season. If you have shelving units in your closet, fold the out-of-season clothing neatly and place on the shelf. These items are only taking up the room required for your clothes that are in season. If you don’t have any shelving system, you may want to purchase storage bins that fit under your bed. Just slide them under there until you need them in the future.

If you have a fairly roomy, tall closet space, you might want to invest in what is called a Closet Doubler. These allow you to hang two rows of clothing on your rack instead of just one.

Second, let’s deal with your shoes, belts and scarfs. Remove your shoes, boots and other accessories from the closet. Examine your shoes — if they have not been worn in a year or so, donate them. Only return shoes that you wear regularly back to the closet on a hanging shoe rack or the floor. Next, store any out of season footwear in bins and put them under your bed or on top of the shelves in your closet. As for belts and scarfs, purchase another over the door rack to hang these items neatly. Another simple idea is to simply tie several scarfs on one hanger and loop your belts onto the hanger hook..


When you’re all done organizing your closet, give it a fresh smell by adding a few of your favorite dryer sheets to the shelves and on the floor in the back.

If you follow these simple tips at the end of every season, your closet will always be a place where you can not only store stuff, but actually FIND stuff to use or wear!

Just Beautiful Campaign for Non-Toxic Makeup Products

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The Just Beautiful campaign seeks to raise awareness about potentially harmful substances in cosmetics.

Eye linerWhen you pick up your favorite makeup or beauty product from your local pharmacy or department store, you just want to know how it will look on your face. How it will complement your eyes? How it will match your skin tone? How it will make your hair smell and feel?

The last thing on your mind is whether or not it may contain toxic ingredients that could harm your face or damage your health.

Environmental Defence, a public interest group based in Canada, wants to raise awareness of the poisons that exist in some makeup and beauty products. They’re doing so with an aggressive campaign called “Just Beautiful.” It includes commercials and online media.

The main focus is on what the agency calls the “Toxic 10” : BHA/BHT, coal tar-derived colors, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde-releasing agents, fragrance, parabens, petrolatum, siloxanes, sodium laureth sulfate and the closely related chemical sodium lauryl sulfate, and triclosan.

The Just Beautiful campaign wants to convince manufacturers to eliminate these ingredients from their products and seeks to direct consumers to safer alternatives. The group has also published a list of safer products, dubbed the “Just Beautiful Campaign Cabinet,” on its website JustBeautiful.ca.

According to a report in the Calgary Herald, Maggie MacDonald, the toxic program manager of the Environmental Defence group, believes that safer alternatives are in demand by the public. Christian Mathieu of partnering agency Open, also based in Canada, agrees and thinks that ignorance of these ingredients is the main issue: “I think everyone in his right mind would balk at the notion that there are toxins in cosmetics. This is making people aware of the fact.”

The global lobby against harmful products in cosmetics is growing. Anti-toxin groups are using a number of tactics, including boycotts and informational campaigns like “Just Beautiful” to get the message through to corporations.

In the meantime, the next time you’re at the store buying makeup, you might check the ingredients to see if any of the “Toxic 10” show up on the list. Here are a few companies that offer non-toxic makeup products:

 

Josie Maran Products

 

Bite Beauty

 

Scotch Naturals

 

 

 

Photo courtesy: © Deadandliving | Dreamstime Stock Photos

 

 

 

How to Purchase an Oufit for Pennies on the Dollar

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Don’t count thrift stores out.

Woman squatting with shoulders exposed
© Sorsillo | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Buying a new wardrobe is a necessity, for many people. Many people are re-entering the work force and are required to have proper. So many Americans are forced to find employment in completely new fields due to the economy. For many, it is not possible to afford the prices for a new wardrobe at the mall. I have some ideas that can help you find more affordable clothing.

Have you every been to a thrift store? Check it out!! It is an eye opening experience. My favorite thrift store is the Salvation Army. Every Wednesday they offer a half off sale on all clothing in the store. Here’s an example of one of my purchase’s at the store. The average cost for a pair of dress slacks at the store is $4.99. A ladies blouse on average is $3.99. A blazer is approximately $5.99. That all adds up to $14.97. Remember, half off Wednesdays and your total is now amazingly $7.49 for basically a complete outfit!!!!

There are a lot of misconceptions about shopping at a thrift store. I have found them to be false. Over the years I have been able to find high end clothing for just a few bucks. It’s actually amazing that some of the clothes have been dry cleaned and/or still have the price tag attached. I highly recommend that you first carefully inspect the clothing for any rips, stains or for alterations. The next best aspect of the store is that they provide you with a fitting room. I most assuredly suggest that you try on all clothing that you like before purchasing them. I usually purchase neutral colors and stylish scarfs to enhance my outfit. It’s stunning that I bought a work outfit at a thrift store for a mere portion of what the mall or boutique would cost.

Another great place to shop is at the Goodwill store. I rather enjoy this thrift store because all prices are set. For, example, in my area, all jeans are $4.99 and the all t-shirts are $2.49. How great is that, when shopping on a budget. The staff keeps the store organized, helping you quickly locate the desired type of garment. There are clear sections in the store for ladies dress wear and casual wear. Keep in mind they also provide fitting rooms to all. So, on my. last visit to this store, I found a pair of high end designer dress slacks for $3.49 and a ladies designer blouse for under $4.00. How amazing is that!!!

Trust me! Research your area for your local thrift stores, you won’t regret it. Even if you find one item per visit, you will grow your wardrobe with stylish like new clothing, that will not cost a lot of money. Remember, to call or ask when visiting if they have any weekly specials.

 

Posted by Eve

Ways to Get Out of a Slump

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We all have bad days. At times, we face a period of days or weeks that get the best of us. For myself, a knee injury set me back and put me in a slump for a couple of months. I struggled but have found a few ways to get back to feeling like myself again.

Try Switching to Healthier Food Options
If you drink coffee with cream and sugar daily, like I did. Stop!! Instead, try drinking a hot cup of green tea with no additives. Green tea is full of antioxidants that does your body well. Also, give a smoothie or protein shake a try, rather than a breakfast bagel. For lunch, ditch the fast food menus. Try cooking at home a healthy, grilled chicken salad with a vinegar based dressing. As for dinner, switch from eating pasta to enjoying grilled fish with steamed veggies of your choice. By me making these simple adjustments to my eating habits, I felt re-energized and motivated to get out of my slump.

Drink Lots of Water
If you are a daily soda drinker, swap to a flavored seltzer water instead. The seltzer water gives you that same burst of carbonation as does soda but with no empty calories. In between drinking seltzer try consuming 8 glasses of water, daily. When your body is properly hydrated, you should automatically start to feel better. It is also, excellent for your digestive system. Your skin will look and feel better, too.

Get Some Fresh Air And Exercise
Simply taking a walk can be a mood enhancer. It releases the “feel good” endorphins in your brain. In the morning or after dinner, go for a twenty minute walk, for starters. If you are able to have a friend, pet or partner to walk with you and enjoy the fresh air, it would be beneficial. By walking with others, holds you accountable to someone other than yourself. If there is no one available to walk with you, walk by yourself. Using an MP3 player to listen to music, with one earpiece in (for safety) can be very relaxing while walking.

I did exactly what I wrote about and feel great. It was challenging at first, yet, overall the results are outstanding. My mood has changed and it has helped me to get out of my slump. I hope these tips helps someone to get out of their slump, as well.