Author Archive

Do you have sensitive skin?

Do you have dark spots and/or have scar(s) on your face?

Have you already tried over the counter micro-abrasion products (i.e. Susan Lucci’s Youthful Essence or L’Oreal or Neutrogena) that were less than what you expected?

Are you reluctant to go see dermatologist to get professional micro-abrasion procedure done that would cost you hundreds of dollars?

Like most you of ladies (and gents) I have similar problems and concerns.  Not only these professional procedures, whether it’s micro-abrasion or chemical peels, are expensive but it’s really not that practical.

I have three dark spots (scars actually) on my face and it drove me crazy for five years.  I have best tried to cover these spots with concealers (from green to peach to lighter shade beige colors) and extra powder makeup; but unfortunately, when people look at my face they automatically think it’s age spots.

I think I can live with these so-called “age spots” on my face, but people careless add additional 5 to 10 years to my age.

I don’t know about you ladies and gents out there, but ever since I reached my thirties everything seems to be falling apart.  It just happened one day … I woke up and looked at my face and asked myself “what the heck did you do to yourself? “

I used to be vibrant, young, and didn’t have wrinkles on my face, but now I have uneven skin pigmentation, freckles to choke a leprechaun, wrinkles around my eyes and forehead, and so on.  I wish I can trade-in my body for a younger and tighter body!  A girl can dream right?

My turning point to see a dermatologist happened when a male sales associate, in the mall, pointed out my “age spots” (even though I thought I have successfully covered it up with my makeup) and said “You must be in your forties!  Why don’t you try one of our products?”  I was in utter shock when he told me that.

The disturbing thing is that not only I am not in my forties, but the spots on my face are not “age spots,” but scars from squeezing my zits too hard until layers of skin came off.  Yes I know … I have a sickness here!

Unfortunately I have my mother’s very sensitive skin – I scar very easily and I hold onto my scars for years.  I am still carrying my scars on my legs, from my teens, when I fell and scraped it – the scraped areas didn’t even bleed, but it’s dark and big – I think you know where I am getting here.

Anyhow … back to my story here.  So I finally had the courage to go see a dermatologist to see my options to get rid of these “spots” and get some advice for my skin.

The technician educated me on my options – micro-abrasion, chemical peels and bleaching creams.  The micro-abrasion and chemical peels were only practical when you buy a package bundle from them because I would save about $100 or so — (six treatments for $600).

But … and there is a but here.

You have to have “touch up” or “maintenance” session every four to six weeks to sustain the “glow” on your face.

I don’t know about you ladies, but I am not ready to have such committed “treatments” every month to maintain my thirties look.

I know I am not in my twenties and I know I will never look like I am in my twenties; and frankly I don’t want to.

There is a famous Chinese proverb “Men grow old, pearls grow yellow, there is no cure for it (HeartQuotes),” and my favorite by an unknown author “do not regret growing older.  It is a privilege denied to many (QuoteGarden).”

Don’t get me wrong here … I want to look my best for my age, but I don’t want to look or try so hard to fool people to think that I am in my twenties.

So with that said I had eliminated the micro-abrasion and chemical peel options for now, thus I went forward to using the Lustra-Ultra (Hydroquinone USP 4%) cream.

Like I have mentioned before I have been using the cream for three weeks now – one application in the morning and the second application before I go to bed; and what a difference!!!

At first my “spots” looked darker and I was really hesitant to continue with the treatment, but the technician told me that I have to use it for couple of months to see the difference.

Thank goodness I continued using it because it really lightened my spots!!!

I no longer have to cover the spots with extra cream concealers or extra powder.  One powder application and bada-boom it’s all covered up!

However, it is important to mention it to you guys, but the applied areas of the skin tend to peel – well, that’s what happened to my skin.  I didn’t really notice the peeling until I put on my powder foundation – boy, it was ugly!  So every morning I scrub my face and my face looks awesome.

I think it’s amazing and the technician was really surprised that my “dark spots” lightened up that quickly – I guess my sensitive skin did have some blessing in the end.

So ladies and gentleman … try the bleaching creams before running to your local dermatologist and spend hundreds of dollars on micro-abrasion treatments or chemical peels.

With that said … I might go take advantage of micro-abrasions in the future.  Who knows … if I win the jack pot soon I might get it done sooner than expected.

Here are some pros and cons – reviews from me and others online.

Pros:
1)    Lightens up the spots – can see the result as soon as couple of weeks
2)    An individual mentioned that it lightened up her dark patches from Melasma
3)    The bottle looks really small, but if you have small areas to take care then it’ll last you forever!   I have three dime size dark spots on my face and all I need is a small dab on very top of the q-tip.
4)    Cream is thick enough that it doesn’t run off
5)    The cream has been working very well with my existing anti-aging face lotion – ProVectin

Cons:
1)    Expensive – our local Walgreens charged me $145 (and some change); however, the company does have mail in rebate of $50
2)    Have to go see a dermatologist/physician to get the prescription
3)    There is no real generic form of this specific bleach cream – there are products that have 4% hydroquinone and sunscreen, but do not have vitamins E and c and some other stuff – So it’s not identical – that’s what my pharmacist told me.
4)    Some say it has a bad smell to it (mine doesn’t smell or I can’t smell it because I use so little on my face).
5)    Hydroquinone is under fire by the FDA
6)    There is no money back guarantee if the cream doesn’t work – on the other hand what other medicine does; right?  If my antibiotics do not work I can’t take it back to the pharmacist and ask for money back and etc.  So I think this negative pointer is flawed.
7)    Individuals with sensitive skin types should test the product before using because it can peel skin off; but I think that’s the whole purpose of it – Not sure.

With all that said … I love it because it has drastically lightened up my scars!!  I would definitely recommend to my friends and family.

Reference:

HeartQuotes: Quotes of the Heart.  http://www.heartquotes.net/age.html

QuoteGarden.  http://www.quotegarden.com/age.html

Popularity: 2% [?]

Don’t know about you guys, but can you imagine spending $350 for a headphone?  Well … these headphones run between $269.00 to $349.99 — depending on who you order it from.

Like many of you guys I have responsibilities to children, to our spouse, pets, and bills.

I have been so fascinated by the Bose headphones for a while now, but when I checked out the price online I couldn’t believe how much they were asking!!!

I did try few different ear-buds and ear-phones, behind the ear headphones, and traditional headphones, but I have not found a product that suits my need.  I think … as of now I have spent about $30 on them.

The ear-buds made me hear too much (body movements, frictions and etc), the ear-phones made my ears sore, and the headphones were just uncomfortable (especially since I have a huge head).

Anyhow, my husband recently brought home a Sony’s noise-cancelling headphone for $60 (including tax) and I almost killed him when he came home with it.

Not only it cost that much, but I am not a huge fan of headphones!  Did you know there are increasing number of hearing losses among younger generation because of headphones or loud music in the car or tv’s?

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, “Although 10 million Americans suffer irreversible noise-

induced hearing loss, with 30 million more exposed to dangerous noise levels each day … (Fact Sheet: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children).”

Kids are attending more music concerts without wearing ear plugs, digital portable players such as MP3 players are so readily available to kids, many games allow kids to use headsets to communicate with other online players when playing video games, and cells phones are common among teens as well.

An “ear specialists say a whisper is 30 decibels and that a normal conversation is 60 decibels.  The sound from an iPod Shuffle has been measured at 115 decibels … that about 25 percent of people using portable stereos had daily noise exposures high enough to cause hearing damage (Fact Sheet: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children).”

Back to my husband’s purchase … I was about to send him back out to return it, but he is the type of a guy who doesn’t buy stuff often for himself – it’s always for the family.

So, I tried the headphone last night and it is awesome.  I honestly can’t compare our Sony’ to the Bose because I have never tried it and don’t know personally anyone who owns it; but hey, whatever suits their boat.  Maybe I need to have richer friends … what do you guys think?  Haha

Well … with that said … here is a great review I came across, from cnet website by David Carnoy on 6/24/2003, regarding the Bose headphone.

Good:
1)    Super comfortable
2)    Effective noise-canceling
3)    Easy storage since the device folds and comes with its own carrying case
4)    30-day home trial

Bad:
1)    Expensive
2)    Music dies when the batteries die

Bottom line:
1)    Great product
2)    Editors rating – 4 out of 5 stars; average user rating (out of 178 reviews) of 3 ½ star out of 5

Here is a review by Jasmine France (12/5/2008) on Sony’s headphone.

Good:
1)    Affordable
2)    Earpads are soft
3)    Include airline adapter and pouch
4)    Nice looking

Bad:
1)     Headphones tends to chafe
2)    Bass is lacking
3)    Not really effective on noise canceling

Bottom line:
It’s good for traveling, and if you are on strict budget.

I agree with most of what France said about the headphone, but I would like to share what I think about the headphone.

1)     It is relatively light even though it looks heavy and bulky.
2)    It folds for easy storage
3)    Has a long cord; which is awesome because other headphones restricted my movements.
4)    Sound is great; especially since I don’t put the volume too loud – I have very sensitive hearing, but it doesn’t leave a loud ringing in my ears.
5)    Because it comes with the extra large plug thing (sorry don’t know the technical term for it) I let my child use it to plug into the keyboard while they play around.

Now here is the bad part.

1)     It is still kind of expensive for my preference.
2)    It does have the bulky feeling – so I can’t take it with me when I am walking my dogs; so I still use my earphone with my Apple iPod.
3)    The head pieces moves too much when I try to fold it back in.
4)    I personally don’t think it’s ideal using it with your laptop because you have to drag that thing every time you move – I think it’s great for a desk top because you can put it on your desk when you want to take it off.  This is just a personal feeling about the product.

All-in-all I can’t really compare because I don’t use it for reducing noise in the airplane or cars or sleeping or anything like that.  And I don’t use it to play loud music that requires lots of bass support to fully enjoy the music.

I am happy with it, but I would be more happy with it if my husband ONLY paid $20 for it!

Reference:

Carnoy , D. (2003)  Bose QuiteComfort 2.  Cnet reviews.  Retrieved from http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-2/4505-7877_7-21165521.html 9/1/2009.

Fact Sheet: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children.  American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.  Retrieved from http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Noise-Induced-Hearing-Loss-in-Children.cfm  on 9/9/2009.

France, J.  (2008)  Sony MDRNC7 headphones (black).  Cnet reviews.  Retrieved from http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/sony-mdr-nc7-headphones/4505-7877_7-33352178.html  on 9/9/2009

Popularity: 1% [?]

If you guys are thinking about buying a sauna than you NEED to check into infrared saunas.

Infrared Sauna

When my husband was talking about a saunas I was under the impression he was talking about one of those old fashion steam/water saunas or those ones that have heating rocks in them and/or ones with steam coming out of the units and etc.

What the heck do I know about a saunas?  Honestly, owning a sauna was the last thing on my mind.

I used to join Gold’s Gym when I was in college and I did use their sauna facility all the time.  I am not a work out person, and I really don’t like group exercise classes because I was always surrounded by skins young kids with skimpy workout outfits – they just made me look “bad.”

Anyhow … my brilliant husband said we (and yes, he said “we”) need to get a sauna for our health.  Health?  Are you serious?  What the heck is that sauna going to do for our health?

When he told me that I told him to take the dogs for a walk! Or taking the kids to the park!  Or go outside and cut the grass!  Or clean out the garage!  And etc.  Boy, I gave him so many options to get those sweating going.

Sadly … that was not the “fitness exercise” he was looking for.

Okay … back to these infrared saunas.  These saunas use infrared heaters and emit infrared radiant heat.  Apparently, these saunas are better for people because this type of heat is directly absorbed into the human body; unlike traditional saunas where the heat heats the body indirectly through air or steam.

Wiki described the infrared saunas:

“An infrared sauna is usually a small portable room containing several infrared heaters.  In an infrared sauna, the infrared heater produces

Infrared vs. Traditional

radiant energy, which is the same as the heat from the sun, only without the harmful ultraviolet rays.  Most of these heaters draw on technology developed in 1965 by Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical (Wiki).”

Moreover, infrared sauna’s benefits include, but are not limited to …

1)     Heat penetrates more than 1.5 inches into the body
2)     Increase circulation in the body
3)     Benefits to patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondlitis – decrease pain and stiffness, decrease fatigue, and etc
4)     Some websites claim that these saunas will help you with weight loss; but I think it’s a BS
5)     Helps out with acne
6)     Detoxifies your body
7)     Helps treat bronchitis

Also … it’s relatively cheap to run these saunas — according to our sauna’s manufacturer it uses same amount of energy as a household toaster.

It’s important to mention that there are so many “benefits” to the infrared saunaS, but I am little bit skeptical about “ALL” the benefits that some websites promises and claimes.

Well it’s been couple of months now since we bought the sauna, and we have used it every other day.  I have noticed that my face skin seems to be cleared out – the blackheads on my nose seems lighter.

However, it has interfered with my overall skin textures – I keep on getting little bumps/zits on back of my arms and side of my legs.

I have not called my doctor about the conditions, yet, but it’s not so bad that I have to stop using it.

I am going to use it couple of more weeks to see if there are some correlation between my general skin texture and the sauna.

I will keep you guys up-to-date about the sauna.

——————————————————————————————–

Reference:

Infrared sauna.  Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia.  Retrieved 7/6/2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_sauna

Popularity: 1% [?]

Trying to find an affordable, yet “appropriate,” floors for basement is very difficult; especially when the most logical materials for the basement is SO expensive.

We have concrete subfloor or concrete basement (pardon my technical terms if I misuse it) so there were very limited flooring options for us.

We do currently have carpet in the basement (it’s only year and a half years old), but between the kids and the animals (dragging in dirt and God knows what), and the nature of basement (dampness) it made our living space almost unbearable for me – dirt and smell.

Unfortunately, I have been cursed with acute sense of smell.  Since I can smell everything and anything, for good or bad, the smells are amplified by ten folds for me.

According to Home Construction & Improvement website, “Whether … basement is fairly new or old … Concrete basements by nature are a very damp environment … has a moisture content of between 2% and 8% … (Todd).”

In Todd’s opinion he does prefer ceramic or porcelain tiles, but you can still use engineered wood floors and carpet (only if basement has history of being dry).

However, when I did talked with local contractors and flooring “experts,” tiles are not great solutions for the basement because if concrete floor cracks (guess, eventually most concrete subfloors will have crack lines due to moisture) it will transfer the problems to the grout and tiles on top.

If I understood it correctly, having tiles in small areas are fine (e.g. around the bar areas or entrance/exit areas by the door and etc), but trying to lay tiles on over 1500 sq. ft areas is not a great option for basement floor.

Laminate wood floors are not viable option for us because of the price and durability.  Even though laminate floor are known to be durable if possible scratches were to happen by animals (we have very destructive dogs – I don’t even want to go into this topic because if I do I will give those dogs up!) or kids you cannot sand it down and fix it  – basically, you will have to live with damages.

Also, even though laminate floors will be glued down for us, if dogs were to urinate or kids were to drop liquid onto the floor there are possibilities of liquid going through the joint lines.  Actually, my cousin has installed laminate floor in his basement and I have noticed joint lines showing up more and more – don’t know it’s due to moisture in the basement or his puppies leaving accidents or what?  Didn’t really ask.

So, with that said.  I did receive numerous estimates for my basement floor (including materials, removal of carpet, fixing up holes and things, and installation) for tile and laminate wood flooring.

Remind you that I only chose these options to share with you guys because of the price.  There were many other flooring options, but they wanted over $9,000 for the basement (no glue or installation or  taxes included) !!!  Forget that!

Lowes wanted $4485 (not the best line I remind you) for the materials plus $2385 for installation; total of $6870 without price of the glue, taxes, and etc.

My local store said they would do it for $6500 (including glue, installation, and glue).

For tiles I found a company who would lay the tiles for me for $5000 or so; but these tiles are ugly!!!

I came home very disappointed, and my husband asked me “why don’t we put vinyl?  Honestly, I was shocked and applaud by his comment.  Come on vinyl floors?  They are so ugly!

Even with such reservation I went along with him to the store to look for vinyl floors.

Wow, vinyl floors have come along away.  When you probably think about vinyl floors you are probably thinking about floor your parents had in their kitchen or entry way and etc.

However, vinyl floor come in many styles and pattern – it’s endless.

Anyhow, we were educated with FiberFfloors made by Tarkett Company.  You might be asking what the heck is FiberFloor?

Well, FiberFloor is a resilient flooring with “… convenience combining the comfort of carpet with the easy maintenance of resilient flooring (Flooring Trends).”

These floors are easy to install and clean, comes in endless patterns and color (look of wood to slate), it’s cushiony and warm to underfoot, flexible and bendable, indentation resistant, reduces impact noise and sound, will not expand, contract, crack or curl, engineered to lay flat and stay slat, glueless installation, and consumers only need to measure the room, cut and lay.

If you do hire a professional to lay such flooring they “heat glue” the seams so the vinyl floor looks like a one huge piece – you will not see any seam lines.

After learning about this product I just fell in love with the bamboo look FiberFloor.  The product usually cost $3.50 sq ft, but we got such great deal from the local flooring store — $1.85.

So … even with installation fee, removal of carpet and other materials to finish up the floor we are actually going to pay couple of thousand dollars less than laminate and ceramic tiles.

I just can’t wait to get the flooring next week!

——————————————————————-

Reference:

Flooring Trends.  Flooring-trends.com  Retrieved on 4/4/2009 from http://www.flooring-trends.com/fiberfloor.html
Todd.  Basement Flooring Options.  Homeconstructionimprovement.com  Retrieved on 4/4/2009 from http://www.homeconstructionimprovement.com/2008/07/basement-flooring-options.html

Popularity: 4% [?]

Online coupons!!

Am I the only person in the world having problems with online coupon services?

Economy is in trouble, and like most of you our pocket books are getting squeezed as well – it seems like we are getting punched every which way.

I am now starting to look through grocery store advertisement pamphlets that come in the newspaper, and started to jot down things that are on sale – going to the stores to purchase “on-sale” items only.

Guess roaming through the store to just fill up the shopping cart days are clearly over.  Don’t get me wrong I still do buy things that are not on-sale (sorry, I am not that discipline), but I need to start saving money here and there.

About a year ago or so I used to load up a cart with grocery, and would probably pay around $250 to maximum of $300 – reminds you that this included basic staple items as well as “luxury” items(not on sale) that would last us for five days or so.

However, when I went to the store to get grocery for the week I spent over $350!!!  AND I didn’t really spend money on the luxury food items!

When I say luxury items I mean beef jerky, Haagen-Dazs, conveniently packaged snacks , filet mignons, leg of a lamb, imported cheese or specialty cheese, deli meats (where you pay $8.99/lb for turkey meat), and etc.

So, when I came home I searched through bags of grocery, and studied my receipt to see what I bought from the store — I couldn’t find anything overly “shocking.”

I didn’t buy the top of the line meat selections, bought generic ice cream cones for the kids, bought large bags of cookies and pretzels (so I can pack them in individual snack bags to save money), stocked up on canned sauces (tomato pastes, sauce, and etc), bought fruits that were on sale for $1.99/lb or less, and etc.

From the receipt, it was $1.99 here, $0.59 here, $1.45 there, but when I added up the receipt it was closed to $350!

I couldn’t believe it – when did food get THAT expensive? 

With this shocking revelation I decided to subscribe to online coupon “stores” – coolsavings.com, Pillsbury.com, clipngocoupons.com, and coupons.com.

Unfortunately — I guess I am an idiot — I couldn’t get those coupons to print even after installing the printer software onto my computer.

I followed every step carefully, but no success!

Here are the problems I have encounter.

In the Coolsavings.com website, I couldn’t complete the printing process – menu to install printer function did not function … so, it was in idle mode.

In clipngocoupons.com, even after I sign in as a member, I kept getting the survey page – come on, I already did that!

With coupons.com and Phillsbury.com sites I did successfully pick the coupons I wanted, but even though it said “print successful” my printer didn’t print out the coupons – yes, I did check if my printer was on and there were sufficient amount of ink.

So .. to make sure my printer was working properly I did print couple of pages of documents; which was successful (but not the coupons).

Bottom line – my attempt to shop “smarter” didn’t quite work well.  I guess I am going to cut out coupons that come in the newspaper.

Popularity: 3% [?]

My neighbor and I were talking this morning about mosquitoes; exciting conversation right?

Anyhow her house backs up to a ravine, but they had little (almost minimal) problem dealing with mosquitoes last year.

Granted they have a screen porch in the backyard I see them all the time playing with their children and dogs outside on the grass – same time we are outside enjoying the summer days.

We spray on insect repellants, burn candles, wear “protective” clothes (light long sleeved shirts) and etc., but we are still eaten ALIVE!!!
I don’t know what to do anymore!

I saw a segment, in one of those HGTV shows, about mosquito misting spray or MistAway Systems where the company strategically places each misting nozzle sprays to create a “dome” or “shield.”

Mosquito Mist Away System is an automated system to control insects like spiders, mosquitoes, gnats, fleas and flies.

These nozzles are installed around the perimeter of your house (e.g. fence lines, decks, on trees, flowerbeds and etc.) to give most efficient and effective protection of your family.

I would love to have this system installed around our fences (so we can REALLY enjoy our backyard), but unfortunately I couldn’t find local companies offering such services around us – poor me!

Also, I couldn’t find the average cost of installing such device – I am not asking for an exact number, but the general idea of what would cost me.

SO … since I didn’t win the lotto, and the money tree I have planted last year didn’t grow so well I opt for cheaper alternative ways to control mosquito infestation.

Last night I searched online to see our local nurseries carry citronella plants, and found bunch of information about natural (and effective) ways to repel mosquitoes.

This is basically what I learned …

Pelargonium citronellas are known as the mosquito plant and looks like lemon grass

Citronellas are also known as cymbopogon nardus

There are citronella scented geraniums in the market – works very well against those pesky insects

There are other alternative plants:
1.    Horsemint — grown in most eastern US, Mexico, and up to Minnesota to Vermont
2.    Herbs like Rosemary are natural mosquito repellants
3.    Marigolds
4.    Ageratum — contains coumarin; which mosquitoes detests, but don’t rub it against your skin
5.     Mosquito plant — lso known as agastache cana or Texas hummingbird mint or bubblegum mint, or giant hyssop or giant hummingbird mint
6.    Catnips — most powerful mosquito repellant – 10 times more effective than DEET; but short lived perennials

I have also read, from online reviews, that these plants don’t work or doesn’t work that well against mosquitoes.

Apparently, Pelargonium citronella plant(s) must be shaken by the wind to distribute the citronella fragrance, and all the other plants’ leaves must be crushed to release their aroma – that’s the trick.

You just can’t have these plants on the table or plant stands or in baskets to repel these blood thirsty insects – you have to initialize the repellant process by releasing the plants aroma.

I guess it’s really not that difficult to do.  Hey, if I get five less mosquito bites a night I’ll crushed those dang thing for hours.

Reference:

Johnson, S.  Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!  thefrugallife.com
Retrieved on 4/1/2009 from  http://www.thefrugallife.com/mosquitoesgarden.html

Plantfiles: citronella grass, Nardu, Capim Santo Cymbopogon nardus.  Davesgarden.com  Retrieved on 4/1/2009 from http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/62172/

Popularity: 3% [?]

I hate mosquitoes!!!!!!!!

I can live with mosquito if and only if they bite me on soft flesh areas — my legs and arms, but they always bite me on my knees or toes or on my knuckles.  It is impossible to scratch to satisfaction, and the itch electrifies through every nerves of my body.

If you haven’t been bitten on those areas I have mentioned you are truly LUCKY as heck; however, if you have than you know what I am talking about.

Last year alone we have spent over $350 on buying and stocking up on Cutter’s Citronella candles (the large bucket ones) for pest control purpose– we usually burn the candle around 4 o’clock at night and just let it burn through the night—we are constantly in and out of the house constantly (kids playing and taking the dogs out to their business).

SO .. I recently went t our local Walmart store and saw the employees stocking up spring items onto the shelves – seeds, plants, gardening equipment, and of course, citronella candles!!

I couldn’t believe it – the company drastically reduced the size of the product!

Honestly, I think it’s about the half of the size as the ones I bought last year for the same price.  I know the times are tough, the economy is not that great, and many companies are using different strategies (price increase or less amount of goods in product for the same price as before or minimizing substitutes, and etc) to sustain their product sales; but come on – they didn’t even bother to “trick” us!

According to Lennon – editor in chief of The Daily Anchor, “… companies decreasing the size of their products in grocery stores while maintain the same price, effectively raising prices on the sly (Groceries: Same Prices, Less Product).”

For instance, Kellogg’s breakfast cereals from 14.5 oz to 12.1 oz, Edy’s Ice Cream from 1.75 quarts to 1.5 quarts, and Purina One dog food from 20lb to 18 lb.  In another words, food is getting more expensive!

One of the main reasons why companies are choosing this creative marketing strategy is to avoid layoffs, and keep their balance book in check.

The bad thing about this is that they are deceiving their consumers – their bread and butter!  American consumers might be many things, but we do not like to be deceived – it’s big no-no in my book; don’t know about you guys.

Here is another excerpt from marketplace.publicradio.org:

With the price commodities going up this year Luby says shrinking containers might be the lesser of three evils. The other two being cheaper ingredients, which would change the taste of your peanut butter, or alienating even the most loyal consumers with higher shelf prices. Now, Skippy is made by Unilever, a food conglomerate that also put a dent in the bottom of Hellmann’s mayonnaise and shrank your carton of Breyer’s ice cream. No one there would go on tape but when I raised the deception question, a spokesman said the new weight is clearly marked on the package. And Frank Luby says the per ounce and per pound labels on the grocery shelf really help.

Spending same amount of money to get les – it’s really hard to swallow, but what can you do right?

I have become more aware of “price/oz” labels, and I shop strictly with that information – it does make shopping so much easier.  I would pay little bit more initially for a bigger product, but at the end it comes out cheaper – if you go by price/oz information.

Reference:

Lennon, A.  The Daily Anchor.  Retrieved on 4/1/2009 from http://www.thedailyanchor.com/2009/02/18/groceries-same-price-less-product/

Less product, same price.  Marketplace: American Public Media.  Retrieved 4/1/2009 from http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/01/08/pm_deceptive_packaging/#fbFormContainer

Popularity: 3% [?]

Like most of you ladies out there I have become semi-desperate to look youthful again.

Unfortunately, I have been a sun LOVER in my younger days – SO … not only I have fine lines all over my face from the sun damage, but my face is covered with freckles (big and little ones) as well.

I have tried so many different anti-aging lotion and cream products (“reasonable” priced products), but I have YET found my “fountain of youth” product.

Provectin

While I was at my local Walgreen store I encountered a Provectin cream – copy of the famous StriVectin lotion.

If you didn’t already know this, but the discovery of StriVectin-SD was a pure “dumb luck” according to Gina Gay, Spokesperson of Klein-Becker, StriVectin-SD’s exclusive distributor.

StriVectin was formulated to diminish stretch marks, however, it works miraculously well on decreasing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.

Well, I have been using Provectin lotion for three weeks now (two times a day – morning under my makeup, and night time before I go to bed), and I am quite happy with it.

My husband even told me that I had the “glow.”  The lotion brightened my skin so much that he thought I was pregnant; which I wasn’t.

Provectin has the clean smell to it (but my husband is not too crazy about the smell though), it is very light, and it hasn’t given me zits (or any other skin break outs).

However, I haven’t REALLY noticed the disappearance or decreases in fine lines on my face though – I think!

The bottom line review from me – I am happy with it and I am going to keep on using it.

I did use Dermitage (got it as a gift), BUT I was really disappointed with it – I had such bad breakouts (zits and whiteheads all over my face) – I stopped using it after three days.  AND it took me over two weeks to clear my skin!!!  I will write a review about Dermitage on another post.

Online “Export” reviews were:

Good – available in many stores (brick and mortar and online stores), no commitment from website to buy; inexpensive “treatment” product on the market.

Bad – No official manufacturer; paraben preservative present in the product; no money back guarantee (however, Walgreens do take their products back if you are not happy with it, and have the original receipt upon refund).

On the other hand, consumer reviews are rather more positive – Honestly, I take consumer reviews more seriously than the “experts” because expert reviews might biased … you know what I mean.

Pros :
1.     Clean feel
2.    Gentle and refreshing
3.    Younger looking skin
4.    Great on sensitive skin
5.    Face feels firmer
6.    Face look more radiant
7.    Evens out skin tone
8.    Easy to use

Cons:
1.     Contained paraben

All-in-all, out of five stars it was rated between 4 star to 5 stars – there were so many satisfied customers – of all the online reviews I have looked into there were no one person NOT happy with the product.

The con item came from one of the websites I looked at and he/she just paraphrased the Performance leader website review on the product regarding paraben preservative.

So there it is ladies – use it and if you are not satisfied with it just return it – it’s only $29.99.

Reference:

Buzziollions.com  Retrieved on 3/28/2009 from http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_216278_skin_essentials_provectin_plus_advanced_reviews?prRo=5#bz-model-reviewTitle

The Performance Leader: in-depth health & beauty product reviews.  Theperformanceleader.com  Retrieved on 3/28/2009 from http://www.theperformanceleader.com/provectin-review

Walgreens Product review.  Retrieved on 3/28/2009 from http://www.walgreens.com/reviews/pwr/product-reviews/Beauty-Spa/Skin-Care-Hand-Body/Skin-Firming-Products/Skin-Essentials/p/prod1401617-ProVectin-Plus-Advanced-Wrinkle-Repair-For-Fine-Lines-and-Deep-Wrinkles.html

Popularity: 3% [?]

I can be a real SUCKER for beauty products; especially if they claim to make you look younger.

The older I am getting the more desperate I am becoming.

In the Economist magazine “Medieval noblewomen swallowed arsenic and dabbed on bats’ blood to improve their complexions; 18th-century Americans prized the warm urine of young boys to erase their freckles … The pain has not stopped the passion  from creating a $160 billion-a-year global industry … and … Americans spend more each year on beauty than they do on education (The beauty business).”

I am not that desperate to put urine on my face, but I would probably save lots of money by just getting a cosmetic and plastic surgery once rather than spending my money on different beauty products every few weeks or so – it’s just trial and error thing.

I have used and tried many products, by word of mouth by my friends or neighbors or beauty consultants and etc., but I really didn’t see significant difference to continue using the product – I haven’t said “wow, I found youth in a bottle” yet.

Yes, there are many products I am happy with, but in not in LOVE with.

Alright, back to the beauty stuff …

Youthful Essence

I have tried Susan Lucci’s Youthful Essence — basically, it a microdermabrasion home-kit skin care like Neutrogena and Lorel’s, but bit more expensive.

First of all, Youthful Essence is delivered to you automatically to your home every 90 days, but the funds are withdrawn from your checking account or credit card every month – amount of $35 (including shipping/handling charge).

I was really excited to use it for the first two weeks (honestly, my face felt like a baby’s butt on the first day), but I didn’t see any real difference in two weeks of usage.

My darkened skin (from scars) areas didn’t lighten up or “disappeared,” my wrinkles didn’t smooth away or diminished the look of wrinkles, and etc.

Susan Lucci claimed in the “Youthful Essence website “Polish away the years … you’re going to love the results!”  Youthful Essence

Well, not so much Lucci!

It’s really easy to fall for her advertisements and video comments because she looks so dang good – she hasn’t changed at all!  Of course, being really desperate doesn’t allow you to make rational choices either!

Basically all the pros and cons are similar all across the board –

Pros:
1)    Money back guarantee from official website
2)    Skin feels softer and smoother
3)    Disappearance of fine lines

Cons:
1)    Resurfacing cream crystals are hard to wash off
2)    Price
3)    Smell is not that great
4)    Have to join the club
5)    Can irritate real sensitive skin
6)    Complicated application procedure (use it every day for 3-5 days in a row, skip a week, and every day new facial areas are washed only)
7)    Some discoloration may occur
8)    Poor customer service – many claimed to have difficult time returning their products
9)    After returning it successfully some found additional charges from youthfulessence company – which took additional weeks to clear out

Even though there are more cons than pros here there are more number of people who are happy with the product than disappointed – average rating of 3 stars out of 5.

Sucan Lucci

My wonderful husband told me after I returned Lucci’s products, with tremendous disappointments, that Lucci gets the best of the best: i.e. personal trainers, weekly/monthly salons and spas, professional beauty treatments, and she doesn’t have to chase after three kids, driving the kids to different activities, cleaning up the house, cooking for the family, and etc.

After he assured me how beautiful I was I started to think “dang, he is right!”

She doesn’t have to all the things we have to do, and if I had less stress and all the money in the world to “take care of myself” than I would look real good to!

The beauty business.  The Economist.  May 22, 2003.  Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/printedition/displaystory.cfm?story_id=1795852 on February 26, 2009.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Imaginarium Train Set

We recently purchased an Imaginarium Classic Train Table with Roundhouse Wooden Train Set by Toys R Us for $159.99 (+ tax).

I have been looking around the town and on internet to purchase a reasonably priced Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends train table and trains, but it’s SO overpriced (even if you buy it on sale)!

My youngest is a boy and he LOVES trains – he says “play choo-choo” every single time we go to our local Barnes and Noble store.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t play or share well with others – he’s gotten so used to his older sibling’s generosity to share that he thinks everything is his.

So … between getting sick and tired of going to our local B&N and my son screaming “mine,” we decided to buy a train table.

I have seen Imaginarium wooden train table and trains before in the store, but I felt I SHOULD get him Thomas product – honestly, I felt I was cheating him out of something if I bought him something less than Thomas trains.

Luckily some sanity kicked in … why in the heck am I going to spend hundreds of dollars on wooden trains; especially when they had problems with their Chinese manufacturers using lead paints on Thomas trains!!!!

I think I made a wise decision buying the generic train table and train rather than the brand name.

Here is the breakdown of reasons why I went generic vs named brand.

With Imaginarium brand you get:
23 feet track
fueling station
airport tunnel
bridge
crane
tunnel
roundhouse
turntable
playboard
train table,
4- people
4- street sings
7- trees
4- street lamps
Helicopter
1- truck
1- car
8- train cars
12- pieces of cargo

I did some math, and if you ONLY get the tracks, bridge, crane, roundhouse, helicopter, 8 train cars, and table you are going to pay about $487 – this is without consider the taxes and other accessories Thomas and Friends offer.

I just can’t believe how much these companies are extorting parents!!

I have to say even thought the Imaginarium product was reasonably priced and there are many pieces included in the package I do have some disappointment.

I have most of the pieces glued onto the board (it’s only $150 and if I have to replace it in couple of years I am not going to cry over it) since my little man moves everything and disassembles everything – I am not about to put tracks down 100 times a day – you know what I mean?

The plastic bridge was quite hard to glue onto the board since it doesn’t have a large surface area to glue it down to the board.

Also the drawers get stuck sometimes, but I guess I can fix it by using some candles on the board.

Other than that I am quite happy with the purchase, and I have not given my dogs away when they ate some train pieces (tress and signs).

Can you imagine if your dogs ate Thomas and Friends pieces?

Popularity: 5% [?]

As you know we have a large dog at home, and he can be a pain in the butt.

Dog digging

He digs in places where he is not supposed to, bark at things that are not irrelevant (trees and falling leaves), and is very hyper around new people (he just wants attentions from people).

We did take him to training classes and he did well for a while, but it is very difficult to stop him from digging; especially when our back yard is quite large.

I tried to stop him by yelling at him or just saying “no” or run after him or putting his fecal matter in places where he digged , but he thought I was joking/playing so he runs around barking and wagging his tail.

So, I read many reviews and talked with a dog trainer about getting my dog a training collar – the one with beeping warning sound option and “shocking” option.

My trainer didn’t believe in punishing the dog – she was all about positive reinforcement and gave me plenty of advice and instruction, but it’s not her backyard that he’s digging.

Last year we spent over $3,500 for re-sodding our backyard, and we had to call our lawn service people to fix AREAS where he destroyed.

I am pro-animals, but I am not pro-wasting money either – we work very hard for our money!  We had to save our money to pay for our outdoor renovations.

Alright, back to the shock collar.

PetSafe

First I went to Petco store and purchased PetSafe Delux Big Dog Trainer for $149.00 (even with my 15% discount coupon), and discovered it was not waterproof (it didn’t say anything about being waterproof so I just presumed it wasn’t).

I take our dogs to our local park all the time so it would defeats the purpose since they go into the water all the time.

Furthermore, it didn’t have a great distance/range control – according to the manual it has a range up to 100 yards, but I couldn’t initiate the warning sounds to my dog.

Also, the buttons would stick.  One day I was out in the back yard with my dog and the dog ran towards the fence and started to scratch up the fence to get to the squirrel.

I gave him a warning sound couple of time, and decided to sit on my deck; little to my knowledge that the button was stuck and started to beep at the dog for no good reason.

Unfortunately, I was at a distance where I couldn’t hear the sound, but my dog head his head low and looked at me with those puppy eyes.

Finally I noticed that the receiver’s light was on and had to literally dig the button out – it was pain in the butt.
So, for a product that closes to $150 I was really disappointed.

Fortunately, Petco has an awesome return policy so I returned the product and got my money back.

I have read many people are very happy with this product, but for me I was quite disappointed.

Popularity: 3% [?]

I have tried many different brands of diapers (disposable) for my children which includes Huggies, Pampers, Members Mark (private Sam’s Club brand), and Luvs.

Luvs Diapers

However, of the four brands I have tried for all of my children, I love the Luvs brand the best– not only it’s economical, but it outperformed and surpassed my expectations!

Huggies left “crystal-like” remnants on my children’s butt and it was really impossible to get rid of it (except giving them baths/showers – honestly, who want to do that all day long?).

I have to tell you first-hand that I change diapers VERY frequently – if it is wet than it was time for a diaper change.

When my aunt came to visit us she couldn’t believe how clean my children’s butts were – there were no rashes, red marks of any kind, and etc.

She further continued complimenting me by telling me stories of her visits to her children.  She told me that when she visited her grandchildren she discovered that all of her grandchildren had some sort of rashes.

Of course, I did tell her that my children’s butts didn’t stay clean by accident, but we spend great deal of money on their diapers.

At that that, between the three kids, we were going through about 3-4 boxes of econ-sized (comes between 125-108 diapers per box) diapers which is equivalent to about 350-450 or so diapers a month.

I am just grateful that two of my children grew out of the diaper stage – I am saving SO much money now!  Honestly, my husband and I are very HAPPY!

I have heard and read reviews that Luvs diapers are not as absorbent as HUGGIES or Pampers, but frankly who wants that?

Diaper Rash

Think about it – if it is that absorbent your baby’s waste(s) (#1 or #2) are rubbing against their sensitive skin, and the moisture is literally trapped in there – that’s how you get rashes!!

Moreover, from personally speaking here, Luvs are not as bulky as HGGIES which allow babies (especially the crawlers and walkers) to move more freely.

Also, I have noticed that HUGGIES sags and falls down – it looks like they pooped, but it’s just the gravity taking its toll on the diapers – it’s just a bummer.

Here is a comment from P. Vaughn who commented on Luvs product on Amazon’s website:

*”These diapers are great, they are of the same quality as Pampers, only about $6-7 cheaper for the same amount. They have the stretchy sides that are exactly the same type as Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers. They have a babypowder scent to them, which is a little stronger than the Swaddlers, but not to where it bothers anyone. So far I’ve tried Target, Wal-Mart brands, Huggies, Pampers and Luvs. From my experience they ALL leak, no matter what they say. Especially when my breastfed baby has an explosive poop while not laying on his back — this makes the liquid come out from the back of the diaper. But these don’t leak as much as Huggies and generic brands. They are also not as rough as Huggies. Like I said, I would compare these to Pampers, I really think they stole their design ”

I can keep writing about Luvs product, but it is up to the parents and how it works with individual child.  No child is the same and unfortunately you have to try different baby products to find the PERFECT brand for you.

However, do not disregard Luvs product because it has made more parents happy (saving money and quality) than disappointed.

——————————–

*http://www.amazon.com/Luvs-Premium-Stretch-Diapers-Size/review/product/B0012M73LE/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Two Thumbs Up

Popularity: 5% [?]

We have been looking for a decent wood swing set for couple of years.  As you probably already know these playsets are very expensive; especially those Rainbow Play Systems and Cedar-Works swing sets.

If you already have Rainbow or Cedar-Works swing sets than I congrats you – you can afford it, but most of us can’t.

Rainbow and Cedar-Works swing systems have been in business for over 20 years, and Cedar-Works have won numerous awards including Parents’ Choice Award, Oppenheim toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, and etc.

However, most of us working people (or families with one income) have to sacrifice known brand names to realistic substitutes.

Swing Set

So, we went to Sam’s Club and picked out Woodridge Wooden Swing Set with Slide for $1,100.00 (without tax) – our local Sam’s Club had an awesome sale – YEAH for US!!!

Of course, before we bought the item I did an extensive research on this product: i.e. reading reviews, price comparisons, construction information, dimensions, other available substitute, and etc.

After thinking through what I have learned I was still hesitant about buying this swing set – it’s still $1,100.00!!!!  I just can’t believe outdoor play equipments are SO expensive!

But, in the end we went with Sam’s Club swing set over Toys R Us swing sets and Lowe’s swing sets.

If you read reviews on Sam’s swing set you might come across many comments about difficulty putting the item together.

My husband and I are not handy people what-so-ever, so before I bought the set I talked with a gentleman who put the swing set for the store – he was an employee of the stores.

His rate was reasonable, $400, and it was worth every penny!!!  Also, you can hire commercial contractors to put the swing set together as well — they might just cost little more, but you will have the companies work warranties for their jobs though.

Pulling Hair Out

If you break your time down to put the swing set for yourself it would have cost you more money (than $400), and have gotten TONS of headaches.

Also, to ensure stability to the structure itself I asked the “handy man” to put extra support (including the support system that came with the swing set) by putting 4×4 post timber followed by putting it concrete under the balcony area.

If you decide to buy this system I think it would be very wise to put extra support for your kids, and their friend’s kids (and you) – I want to ensure safety for myself.

We have enjoyed the swing set for over 8 months, and I think it was a great buy!

___________________________________________

Thumbs Up

Popularity: 6% [?]

I don’t like to exercise, and I love to eat – lots and lots of food that’s not good for my body: i.e. chips, desserts (especially cheesecake), pop, French fries, and etc – I think you know where I am going with here.

After three beautiful kids, I still have over 35 pounds of “baby fat” to shed.  At one point I did get it down to 25 pounds, but I guess I am not that disciplined.

I guess my luck changed when I came across an article about Tracy Anderson, and some hope came to me.
I really want to tone my body; honestly, I don’t have to lose 35 pounds, but I want to look toned rather than “floppy.”

Tracy Anderson

If you guys are not familiar with her here is some information about her –

1.     Tracy Anderson is a dancer
2.    At age 18 she moved from her Midwest hometown to New York
3.    After gaining considerable weight she created her own workout methods
4.    She developed a “computer software program for training to guide her and allow her to keep the balance between weight loss and a healthy body (tracyandersonmethod.com).”
5.    She has been covered in numerous articles/magazines and e-zines – Cookie, Health, Marie Claire, Bazzar, Self, Elle, Allure, Parade, People, US, and etc
6.    Anderson’s clients, for personal training, includes Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow

I have read many reviews online, and it seems like most are happy with Anderson’s workout DVDs; especially “The Tracy Anderson Method presents Post Pregnancy Workout DVD.”

So, after reading reviews after reviews I decided to buy one for myself – I think I deserve it!

I don’t want to diet and I don’t want my children to grow up in an environment where mommy has to count points or calories, eat prepared meals, and etc – I DON’T WANT TO DEVELOP COMPLEX FOR THEM.

Today, there are so many young girls dieting or having eating disorders, and their self images of themselves are horrifying – how did we come to this where kids young as eight years old says they are overweight or they are fat or they don’t look like the models, and etc!!!

Well, I guess it’s another discussion forum right there.

Back to the point, I bought it on Amazon.com for $29.95 (I thought I could buy it cheaper on ebay, but the cheapest one was selling for $39.95; so that’s no go) plus $3.95 overnight shipping.

Yes, I said $3.95 overnight shipping – Amazon offer Amazon Prime for free for a month so I took advantage of it.

It is supposed to come by Tuesday, and I can’t wait to try it out.

Alright ladies (and gents maybe) I will try it out and let you know ASAP.

Popularity: 7% [?]

I have been debating for over a month if I should purchase Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealing System gadets and try it out.  I really have my eyes on the Food Saver V2440 Vacuum Packaging system, but it is just so expensive.

FoodSaver

If you check out Sam’s Club website, they sell the system for $99.84 and $39.74 for the Food Saver Combination Bags and Roll – four 11”X18” and two 8”X22” rolls.

I have heard many good things about the Food Saver products – actually one of my friends have it and she just loves it.

She buys bulk groceries, including meats (chicken, beef, pork, sea foods, and etc), and she marinates all of her meat product before putting it in the freezer.

According to her the marinade penetrates through the meat fibers before finally freezing in the freezer, and when you defrost the meat it defrosts in the marinade – double whammy.

Moreover, if you have fresh meat you can marinate it in the Food Saver bags for only ½ hour (yes, there are marinating sauces that, but the vacuum bags actually presses the marinade into the fiber effectively.

Well, back to my Handi-Vac system – what a waste of money!!!

I only lost $8.00 (Vacu-Seal Starter Kit with Handheld Vacuum Sealer and Bags) plus $3.00 (gallon bags) plus tax – So, I lost about $12.00.

I cannot personally compare and review pros and cons of Food Saver product, however, I do have friends who own it and they frequently uses it – in simple terms they LOVE it.

Handi-Vac

On the other hand, I can personally give you my consumer opinion on Handi-Vac product – it is piece of GARBAGE!

If you already own one and it works for you than you probably spent the best $12 of your budget.

As for me, I couldn’t completely vacuum out the air out of the bag (the top of the bag was pretty vacuumed out, but the bottom of the bag was all bubbly.

Also, it took me good minute or two get the air out of the bag, and I had to press the handheld device against the bag pretty firmly – it was a problem for me because I have arthritis on my right hand, so it was pretty painful after couple of bags.

All-in-all, it was a tedious work, and took me pretty long to complete the bags of meat I had to vacuum out – I think I spent extra 15 minutes in the kitchen.

I am going to work my household budget this month so I can buy the Food Saver machine – I think it’s going to relieve my headaches.

Thumbs Down

Popularity: 4% [?]

I just bought “mi-self” a Hamilton Beach 6 Speed Classic Hand Mixer at my local Wal-Mart store for $29.99 (well, plus the tax – can’t forget Uncle Sam; right?).

Everyday Italian

Anyhow, I love watching Food Network shows; especially Giada de Laurentiis’ show Everyday Italian.
She has such a bubbly personality along with her wide perfect smile, and let’s not forget her irresistible Italian dishes.

I must confess – I am not an Italian nor married to an Italian, but I love the pasta, the creamy sauces, the herbs, the breads, and etc – anything that can make you fat from eating Italian dishes (from all the carbohydrate ingredients) the more I love them.

I really do make attempts to make or cook food for my family, but I just don’t have the gift in the kitchen – I think it took me over three years to boil a pot of water on the stove

I remember cooking for my husband (when we first got married), and I would spend hours in the kitchen chopping, scrapping, sautéing, and etc.

By the time my husband came home from hard day at work I would have the table ready for dinner for two – have couple of candles lit up on the table, neatly position all necessary utensils and dishes set up, strategically place the entrée front of him, and etc.

I would just sit on my chair anxiously waiting (like a school girl) for him to take the first bite, and overwhelm his taste buds.

I remember doing this for him day after day – making him eat my food – I honestly, thought my cooking was great and I was doing him a favor.

Well, after 13 years of marriage I discovered that I made that poor man eat my crappy food for the first six or so years of our marriage.

He always told me it was great, and always finished his plate – not knowing how he really felt I gave him second servings too!

Cuisine Art

Well, back to Giada … I always see her using Cuisine Art hand mixer to make whip creams to cake mixes and etc.

I had the generic cheap handheld mixer that I bought it for $8.00 and it did serve my needs (making mashed potatoes) for past three years, but I wanted to trade up.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have $70 (nor wanted to even spend that much money even if I had the money) to buy Cuisine Art handheld mixer.

Thankfully I came across the Hamilton Beach hand mixer for $30 – that I could live with, and not going to lose my sleep over.

There are reviews written about the product, and they are generally satisfying one – I have not used it yet, but some of the things written about HB mixer are:

Hamilton Beach -- White

1)    It is quite
2)    All the attachments are stored in snap on storage case
3)    Five attachments included (traditional beaters, wire beaters, and a whisk
4)    It’s rather powerful
5)    Brushed stainless steel

Like I said I haven’t used it yet, but wish me luck ladies and gents – I am going to bake some cookies tomorrow, and let’s see if it is good as they say.

Popularity: 4% [?]

I have been sick for past three days, and I feel like I am going to die!

I had the basic “severe” cold symptoms: i.e. headaches, body aches, stiff neck, sore throat, sinus pressure, congestion, vomiting, and etc.

Sick in Bed

I don’t know about you guys, but I can be a hypocondriate – So, I told my husband I feel like I had meningitis.

The symptoms of meningitis are so similar to severe cold – so I always expect the worst.

Alright, I shouldn’t flatter myself – I am not a college student or in my late teens or in twenties, I don’t randomly kiss strangers I meet at parties, or are exposed to young people.

So as a “drama queen,” I told my husband that I was dying, I gave him a blessing to marry another woman after I die (BUT he has to wait a year before remarrying – I want him to mourn me), make sure the “step mom” takes care of children, and etc.

Wow, right?  I did mention I was a “drama queen!”

Of course, my husband started to laugh at my statements, and gave me two Alka-Seltzer Plus capsules along with a bottle of water.

Within few minutes after taking my medicine I fell right asleep on the couch.  The next morning I gave my husband a great hug, thanked him for taking great care of me while I was sick, and took everything back about him getting remarrying.

Haha … what people say when they think they are dying!  Unfortunately, every single time I get sick I tell him that too, and the next morning I usually take it back – my husband is so adorable!!

Alright, back to meningitis.

Meningitis is an “infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain (Meningococcal Disease).”

Bacteria: meningitis

Unfortunately, this bacterial infection discriminate against toddlers, adolescent, and young adults – infection affect about 3,000 Americans and out of that number 10- 12% will die.

Moreover, 20% of meningococcal disease survivors will have permanent disabilities – i.e. brain damage, kidney disease, hearing loss or loss of limbs.

Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, stiff neck (anyone over 2 years of age), headaches, nausea, vomiting, can’t look at bright lights without discomfort, confusion, and sleepiness.

These symptoms can develop rather quickly (matter of hours) or develop quite slowly (1 – 2 days) – See, now you can understand why I was freaking out?

Early diagnosis is important, but many do not go see their doctors because it does have similar symptoms as the common cold; however, it is treatable with antibiotics if detected early.

It is important to understand that some form of meningitis bacteria are contagious, and spread through coughing or kissing.  Just check out the CDC website for full description and information on meningitis.

I recently saw a commercial about a new vaccinations against meningitis for teens between ages 11 to 18 called Menactra: Meningococcal (Groups A,C, Y and W-135) Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vacciine.

Menactra

According to Sanofi Pasteur Inc website the vaccine helps protect children against most common meningitis bacterial strains – A, C, Y and W-135, it is a single shot, and CDC recommends the shot.

Of course, it is all up to individual parents to give or not to give such vaccine to their children – as for me, I will give it to my children when they turn requirement age.

————————————————-

Meningococcal Disease: Frequently Asked Questions.  CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial/faqs.htm (1/31/09).

Popularity: 3% [?]

Electric Fireplace

We have a portable indoor fireplace (compact all-in-one electric fireplace bought it at Lowe’s a year ago for about $260 + tax) downstairs and we put the sucker on at night time.

During winter nights, after we put the kids into their designated beds, my husband and I like to just lie down on our couch and vegetate.

Even though the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature it still gets very cold downstairs; especially when you are not moving around the house chasing or cleaning up after the kids and/or animals.

I went to our local Lowe’s store and tried to find a “Energy Efficiency” portable fireplaces (not a space heater) to replace our current fireplace; however, the salesperson told me that they do NOT carry such items.

Our current heater specification says it uses 1,350 watts and 4,600 BTU, but the smaller space heaters sometimes do not include wattage usage or has a higher wattage use: i.e. 1500 watt Energy-efficient silent operation.

Don’t know about you guys, but it’s really energy-efficient; is it?

Furthermore, the sales person told me that space heaters that are oil-filled are more efficient than others; however, I couldn’t find the exact specifications online.

Well, after doing some research on my own, and talking with the sales associates I decided to keep the one I have at home.

Here are some reasons why I decided to keep mine (A) vs. the oil-filled space heater (B):

1)     A – is prettier or better looking in the room
2)    A – provides evenly distributed heat – the vent is in the middle
3)    It has faux “flames”
4)    A- heats up 900 sq. ft. room comfortably
5)    A- is little bit louder though (However, I don’t know if B is loud either)
6)    I didn’t want to spend additional money on “non” energy efficient heater

All-in-all I am happy with it, but I just wanted to save some money on my electric bill – Don’t know if your electric company has raised their rates or not, but ours did – great, like I don’t have other things to worry about.

Popularity: 3% [?]

I am taking a class with my youngest child – a Mommy and Me Swim Class.

Let me tell you up front that I am not a lover of water what-so-ever – I don’t like swimming pools, ocean or even the beach.

Youth thrown in Water

I had a traumatic experience when I was a young child.  Don’t know who came up with the idea of just throwing your child into a pool – swim or sink concept.

Anyhow, of course I sank to the bottom of the pool floor before frantically emerging out to the surface of the pool flapping my arms and trying to gasp for air – I thought I was going to drown.

My father, along with my older brothers, laughed at my traumatic experience.  I cried to my mother in the locker room, and she gently assured me that I was okay and everything would be alright.

Well, there was a huge “fight” in my house when my mother finally confronted my father’s swim lesson technique (in the privacy of their bedroom), and grounded my brothers for a week for laughing at me.

You have to remember that I was only eight at the time, and I was already scared of the water – so this swim or sink concept totally didn’t work with me. 

On the other hand, my two older brothers swam like a fish – I think they are part fish anyhow (with their small brains and all – LOL) – hey, I can pick on them since they laughed at me at the pool.

After such bad incident at the pool I refused to go into the water until I was in late teens – I think I was 17 when I finally had the guts to reenter the water at my friend’s swim party.

Even though I entered the water with my friends I stayed very close to the edge of the pool, and made sure that no one was too close to my proximity (just in case they start throwing people, including me, in to the water).

I have taken couple of group swimming lessons for adults, and some private lessons, but I am still very uncomfortable with swimming.

So, in order to avoid such fear in my children I made sure that they started taking swim lessons at early age – my two oldest ones took their first swim lessons when they were 3 years old.

However, with my youngest one, I decided to take a Mommy and Me Class together – it makes me face my fear of water, and help develop my child’s kin relationship with the water – a win/win scenario. 

Baby Under Water

Today’s parents are keen of the idea of introducing their children to water at young age, and it has been estimated in 2000 that 5 to 10 million infants and pre-schoolers participate in some sort of water instruction programs in the U.S. 

However, American Academy of Pediatrics of Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness and Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention claims that “generally, children are not developmentally ready for swimming lessons until after their fourth birthday (Swimming Programs for Infants and toddlers).”

Downing is the leading unintentional injury and death in U.S., and highest among children between 1 through 2 years.  Even though aquatic safety programs, such as Mommy and Me Class, are great for initial introduction to swimming, it does not decrease drowning risks.

Actually, it has “… reported medical risks to infant and toddlers that involve being in the water include hypothermia, water intoxication, and the spread of communicable diseases (Swimming Programs for Infants and Toddlers).”

Moreover, “… a study published … demonstrated that chlorine byproducts common in treated summing pools can cause airway changes that predispose children to asthma later in childhood (Teed).”

Alright, with that said, I don’t know if I should still continue on with the lessons – my child loves the water, and maybe I am instilling false sense of security in my child’s head with water.

So, I don’t think I am going to continue with the lessons – a personal choice, and wait until summer time.

————————————————————-

Source:

Swimming Programs for Infants and Toddlers (2000).  AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS: Committee of Sports Medicine and Fitness and Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention.  April 2000 vol. 105 No. 4.  Retrieved from http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/pediatrics;105/4/868.pdf (1/27/09).

Teed, N. (2008).  When are kids ready for swimming lessons?  March 30, 2008.  Retrieved from http://www.parentdish.com/2008/03/30/when-are-kids-ready-for-swimming-lessons/ (1/27/09).

Popularity: 4% [?]

Giving a woman diamond jewelry “… profess a message of love and fidelity … (Winfrey).”

DeLeary wrote, “Diamond … capture the eye and heart of its beholder … as a symbol of love … for its timeless  beauty … (2008).”  Basically, diamonds carry a message of bravery, strength and everlasting love for a person; right?

Diamond

I think it’s in our nature, as women, to adore things that are shiny and pretty!  You might say and think, “You are stereotyping,” but come on ladies let’s be honest – I think diamond rings are so PRETTY (even today)!!

I used to have pretty one carat (well little bit over) diamond engagement ring, and I had it over four years before my husband and I decided to get rid of it.

You might be wondering why I got rid of it and let me assure you that I didn’t see the ring to pay our bills, but political and humane reason — “Blood Diamonds” or “Conflict Diamonds.”

It was a late evening when we watched a documentary on Blood Diamonds, and it changed our lives forever. 

Symbol of diamonds are simple – wealth, elegance and love; however, “… several African nations … means to power, reasons to terrorize millions of innocent civilians, and may have been helped finance some of the world’s most brutal terrorists (Blood Diamonds).”

In many instance, “Rebel armies have forced tens of thousands of people to mine diamonds in brutal, dangerous conditions under the threat of death, their pay as paltry as a cup of rice per day (Blood Diamonds).”

The worst things about this extortion of human lives are that many of these workers are children (especially young girls – no older than 8 years old) where many families sell their daughters to these mining companies.

Before I go on a personal journey to boycott diamonds, there has been legitimate diamonds (e.g. diamonds recovered in Canada ensuring human rights issues and not exploiting children, and etc) readily available in the market.

However, like anything else diamonds are exchanged and changed from one hand to other hand – it’s like illegal drugs; they’ll find ways.

With that said, “Certificate of Origin” regime ensures only legitimate diamonds reaches the market, and additional controls by Member States and the diamond industry (and online directories) to better ensure such process – BUT, I have my doubts. 

Sierra Leone

Alright, back to Conflict Diamonds in Sierra Leone (a atrocity of RUF)  – Intentional Mutilation of Non-Combatant Civilians of more than 20,000 people. 

The hands and legs were severed by axes and machete for the purpose of military strategies – to induce tectonic plate shift of population shift flow away from the diamond mines.

It’s heartbreaking to see men, women, and especially children walking (sometimes hobbling) about with one leg, or seeing a young girl with a missing hand(s) or an arm, and etc – it makes me stick.

My family and I try to incorporate and practice our religious beliefs with humanistic philosophy  — i.e. affectionate to other human beings, value human lives, make right and meaningful choices, threat others the way you wanted to be treated, and etc – basically, being a good person.

Thankfully, with global awareness of these conflict diamonds or blood diamonds, many men and women are boycotting against diamonds.

If you didn’t know, many are opting towards diamond alternatives such as man-made diamonds (Cubic Zirconia, Russian Diamonds, Moissanite, White Sapphire, and Gemisis Culture Diamond) because of price and social/political reasons.

Cecil Adams, award winning newspaper columnist, said “Diamonds are a con, pure and simple (Man-Made Diamonds, A Buyer’s Guide),” and many who can afford the real things are opting towards man-made or synthetic diamonds. 

Even today, diamonds are largely controlled by DeBeers, and they artificially inflate and control diamond scarcity; which in turn influences the cost of the diamonds.

Furthermore, studies show that 1 out of 3 diamonds sold in US are artificially inflated in value, or average couple paying 40% or more for their engagement rings – funny, huh?

Well there it is.  Sorry if I bummed you out, but it is important to know the truth – after you know the truth than you can make up your mind; whatever it maybe.

For me – I rather have a fake stone than a real stone – I rather sleep well at night, and hoping I saved a kid’s hand or arms or legs.

"NO" to Diamonds

———————————————-

Blood Diamonds.  History.com  Retrieved from http://www.history.com/minisites/blooddiamonds (1/26/09).
DeLeary, K.  Choose Romantic Diamond Jewelry.  http://gemstones.suite101.com/article.cfm/choose_romantic_diamond_jewelry (1/29/09).
Man-Made Diamonds, A Buyer’s Guide.  (2005)  Retrieved from http://www.diamondnexuslabs.com/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=1&newsdesk_id=3 (1/26/09).
Winfrey, M. With Diamond Engagement Rings the Message Could Not Be Clearer.  Retrieved from http://searchwarp.com/swa413846.htm (1/26/09).

Popularity: 4% [?]

Bendaroos

What’s up with these products?  My kids been begging and nagging at my husband to order these wax sticks for them, but my goodness it’s expensive!

If you didn’t get my last sentence, “they have been nagging at my HUSBAND!”  Like most households, dads are much easier to manipulate and trick than the moms – sorry guys, but I guess we are stronger (LOL)!

Honestly, I don’t mind spending the money on crafts for our children (especially if it doesn’t make TOO much mess – I despise finger painting, glitter stuff, markers and etc – yes, I am a terrible mother), but I got ripped off with Aqua Dots product.

After my children begged and promised my husband to take out the trash, cleaning their rooms, picking up their toys, and sun and the moon he spent more than $50 for those little Aqua Dots.

The most irrigating thing about it was that I wound up vacuuming those little suckers and later finding out on the news that child health was at risk; so we threw them out!

Yes, I would rather throw them away in the trash than my kids getting poisoned by it – couldn’t believe how many kids got sick from it!

I have done some initial research on Bendaroos construction crafts, and this is the general review on this product.

1)    Similar to Wikki Stick Fanatic, but more expensive than the Bandaroos — $10.00 (for 30 sticks) vs. $28.00 (+s/h) for 500+ sticks
2)    Bendaroo’s wax are thicker
3)    Bendaroos are NOT as messy as Wikki Sticks (picks up dust, dirt, and hair)
4)    Bendaroos have more color variations
5)    Bendaroos are made in CHINA – so beaware
6)    Takes about 6-weeks, but sometimes 2-3 weeks to get it (I don’t know if they have faster delivery options like Aqua Dots; which we spent extra $18 or so for faster delivery – still took over a week though).
7)    Some said they found at Walgreens, but you don’t get as much as internet orders
8)    There has been complaints, some reporting to Better Business Bureau,  about Bendaroos company regarding:
a.    false shipping confirmation promise
b.    deceptive website, and advertising
c.    unsecure website
d.    couldn’t reach customer service
e.    No confirmation of your order until it’s finished and submitted
f.    Order problems – for instance, an individual from Connecticut said, “I tried to order one set of these for my son for $19.95 + $6.95 S&H but after checkout it showed they were charging my card $56.00 for one set plus family pack (Bendaroos – Connecticut, Bridgeport), and Jackie from Wisconsin wrote “I too ordered online and by the time I was done my total was 89.76.  I then sent 4 emails to customer service within a week span and didn’t hear a thing back (Bendaroos – Wisconsin).”

There were many other similar complaints about Bendaroos Company, but not the product itself.  Apparently kids love it, but parents are getting the short end of the sick – as usual, right?

Anyhow, I am assuming that there were and are more please customers than the not; however, it is important for all customers to do their research and homework on your child’s toys and games before ordering anything from online.

Good luck, and I shall share my thoughts on this craft product with my husband – I guess, lucky kids!

——————————————————–

Bendaroos Complaints.  ComplaintsBoard.  Retrieved from http://www.complaintsboard.com/bycompany/bendaroos-a90636.html (1/25/09).

Popularity: 4% [?]

Sorry I didn’t post adoption blog yesterday, but my husband and I had our January date!

Like most married people with children, we try to have at least one date for ourselves without the kids, dogs, or even friends – just him and me!

It was really nice – we saw a movie, ate Sushi, and got a midnight cap drink –Wow, it was so peaceful!  It was a real treat that no one was saying, “He’s touching my stuff,” or “When is our dinner coming?” or “Do we have to eat that?” or constant reminders to sit down and behave!

Anyhow, back to the topic of adoption.

My husband and I both have friends who were adopted (or have adopted children) from overseas and domestic (within U.S.).

Let me tell you that it is a long process and sometimes painful process (if the child you were going to adopt falls through – whatever the reason might be).

In addition to emotional and time consuming burden, it is a huge financial burden as well; especially if you adopt children from overseas.

Not only you, the parent(s), have to pay for domestic paper works, but you also have to pay for overseas work as well – it’s a double whammy, but sure is worth it when you see your child’s face.

Whatever the reasons might be (challenges of conceiving or adding to existing family or being a single mom or etc) giving the opportunity to save a child (in turn saving your life as well) is a blessing — from personal experience, it is wonderful!

However, before you decide to adopt you need to first decide if you are going to go for international adoptions or domestic adoptions.

There are both pros and cons to each adoption so you need to understand and have clear expectations of both adoptions.

Jolie & Pitt

Pros — International Adoptions:

1) More children available from different parts of the world: many countries

2) Need to get approved for homestudy – usually, once you are approved you are practically guaranteed a child

3) Parents/children matched either by adoption agency, country’s adoption committee, or in-country visit

4) Parents know the timeline – usually 12-18 months; however, does differ from the country you are adopting your children from

5) Birthmothers will not change her mind – children are usually orphans

6) Know the cost before the process starts

Cons – International Adoptions

1) You will probably have to travel (depends on the age of the children and country)

2) Chances to get a newborn infant is slim

3) Child’s medical and family history might not be available

4) No guarantee you’ll receive a “perfect” child – There’s a great possibility that the child might have developmental disabled (depending on the length of stays in the orphanage)

5) Lots of paper work

6) Higher costs

Pros – Domestic Adoption:

1) Cost may be “little” compared to international adoptions; especially if you go through your state or adoptions through foster care system

2) Little travel required

3) Chances of getting an infant is greater

Cons – Domestic Adoption:

1) May require you to take classes – usually 25 or more hours (e.g. in Kansas parents are required to attend Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) classes

2) Birth mothers/fathers can change their minds (for longer and later stages of adoption process)

3) Harder procedural guidelines and requirements to adopt a child (unfortunately, discriminated against based on gender, age, sexuality, and etc)

Of course, there are more “pros and cons” to both adoption process; however, they are neither bad nor good — it’s all up to the prospective parents needs and wants.  In another words, what’s good for one perspective parents might be good for the other parents, and vice versa.

Either way you choose to go, giving a child a CHANCE is the greatest thing a human being can do!

————————————————

Adoption Network: Law Center.  Retrieved from http://international.adoption.com/foreign/pros-cons-of-international-adoption.html  (1/24/09).

Craft, C. Deciding Between Domestic Adoption and International Adoption.  About.com  Retrieved from http://adoption.about.com/od/adopting/a/domint.htm (1/24/09).

Robin, W. The Pros and Cons of Domestic Adoptions.  Ezinearticles.  Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Pros-And-Cons-Of-Domestic-Adoptions&id=559304 (1/24/09).

Popularity: 4% [?]

I recently came across an interesting article, The Cost of Successful Delivery with in Vitro Fertilization, and I can’t believe how expensive it is.

IVF

I am aware of IVF Click Here! procedures, but I didn’t realize how expensive it was.

Of course, most health insurance companies do not cover it, and it’s a real pity that they won’t even partially reimburse the couples. 

According to Dr. Greenfield, cost of In Vitro fertilization “On Average, each cycle of treatment can cost $4,000 to $10,000.  And many couples take more than one cycle to get pregnant (Greenfild, M.D.)”

Since it is such an expensive procedure only about “5% of couples with infertility seek it out.  However, … IVF and other similar techniques have resulted in more than 200,000 babies (Mathis).”

Prices will differ depending on the states you live, amount of medications you might need, the number of IVF cycles you need, and the “amount your insurance company will pay toward the procedure (Mathis).”

Mathis also suggested, “…thoroughly investigate your insurance company’s coverage of IVF and ask for a written statement of your benefits.  Although some states have enacted laws requiring insurance companies to cover at least some of the costs of infertility treatment, many states haven’t.”

Read about this study and you’ll be amazed, and also grateful for your kids (how blessed you are to experience motherhood)!

The below contents are taken from Direct Excer from the journal:

 ABSTRACT

Background The use of in vitro fertilization has engendered considerable debate about who should have the procedure, whether health insurance should cover the cost, and if so, to what extent. We investigated the cost of a successful delivery with in vitro fertilization.

Methods We calculated the cost per successful delivery with in vitro fertilization (defined as at least one live birth) for a general population of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and for two subgroups: couples with a diagnosis of tubal disease (who have a better chance of success), and couples in which the woman is over the age of 40 years and the man has a low sperm count (who have a lower chance of success). Information on charges per cycle of in vitro fertilization was obtained from six facilities across the country; delivery rates with this procedure were estimated from the literature.

Results On average, the cost incurred per successful delivery with in vitro fertilization increases from $66,667 for the first cycle of in vitro fertilization to $114,286 by the sixth cycle. The cost increases because with each cycle in which fertilization fails, the probability that a subsequent effort will be successful declines. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the cost per delivery ranges from $44,000 to $211,940. For couples with a better chance of successful in vitro fertilization (i.e., those with a diagnosis of tubal disease), it costs $50,000 per delivery for the first cycle and $72,727 for the sixth. For couples in which the woman is older and there is a diagnosis of male-factor infertility, the cost rises from $160,000 for the first cycle to $800,000 for the sixth.

Conclusions The debate about insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization must take into account ethical judgments and social values. But analyses of costs and cost effectiveness help elucidate the economic implications of using in vitro fertilization and thus inform the policy discussion.

Interesting, huh?  I just can’t believe it!!  Tomorrow I am going to cover the cost of adoptions, and pros/cons of it as well.

Greenfield, M., M.D. The Cost of In Vitro Fertilization.  Drspock.com  Retrieved from http://www.drspock.com/faq/0,1511,10434,00.html (1/22/09).

Mathis, C. A Couple Guide: Trying to Conceive.  Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/in_vitro_fertilization (1/22/09).

Neumann, P.J., Gharib, S.D., and Weinstein, M.C.  The Cost a Successful Delivery with in Vitro Fertilization. The NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL of MEDICINE.  Vol 331:239-243 July 28, 1994 Number 4.

Popularity: 4% [?]

It has been few years since we had a “REAL” family vacation, so we decided to take one this year.  Wow, I didn’t realize how expensive it is to travel!!

Hawaii

We were thinking about going to Hawaii, since “it’s the destination of tranquility, scenery, love, and family.”

We have already been to Florida, California, New York and Jamaica, but we really wanted to go to Hawaii.

Alright, here’ the story of Hawaii … after we got married (13+ years ago) we really wanted a wonderful honeymoon – like most newlywed couple want.  

However, my husband and I were both working (and I was recently taken a position at this company) so I couldn’t take time off – didn’t have any vacation days or sick days saved up.

Also, we were newly married, we didn’t have two nickels (after the wedding) to rub it against each other; so we didn’t have the luxury to quite our jobs to have an awesome honeymoon.

Thus, we decided from that point that we’ll take our honeymoon in a year or so – this would have given us enough time to save up our money, and have some paid vacations days saved up at work.

Unfortunately, our plans didn’t go as we planned for ourselves.

My husband had some health related issues, and I had to help my parents to take care of our grandfather – he was diagnosed with an Alzheimer’s disease six months after we go married.  

Our family suspected that he had an Alzheimer’s disease (forgetting things, walking aimlessly and etc), but we were in denial.  

I remember my grandfather as a strong man, a helpful man, a funny man, and a lovely man – OKAY, enough with the sadness.

Anyhow, so the trip was out of the question – THEN the kids came (Yes, there were all planned – trip to Hawaii didn’t seem that important anymore).

However, since the kids are getting little bit older, and we are getting lot older SO a trip to Hawaii sounds great!!

I have used online ticket agencies (e.g. Travelocity, Orbitz, Cheaptickets, and etc), but the airlines tickets are

Online Air

 SOOOOO expensive!!!!!!!

I haven’t booked it yet, since I came across myairfaresecrets Click Here! website – I am in process of researching the materials out; however, if you have some info please let me know.

Thanks and wish me lots of luck!

Popularity: 6% [?]

A New Year – a new resolution (well, the same resolution as last year, and the year before that, and year before that)!

Scale

I need to shed 30 plus pounds of excess weight Click Here!, and like most of you I have little time and love food.  My doctor friend told me that “some eat to survive, and most live to eat!”

Wow, how true it that!  I love food (especially the junk foods), and food loves me – I have love handles, flabby arm wings, and Santa Claus belly.

Alright, it is not that bad, but bad enough to start worrying about it now.

My husband says to me all the time that I still look beautiful, and the extra weight does not bother him at all – “You look beautiful to me if you gain 100 pounds or lose 10 pounds!”

How sweet is that?  He is the best!

However, like most women in the world, I have some self-esteem issues – I never look pretty enough, or skinny enough, funny enough, and so on.  Honestly, it can be quite tiresome (even to me – this self pity party can be quite exhausting), and I don’t know how my husband puts up with it!

I should just come to terms with it – I love food, so I should both shut up (and eat whatever I want) or do something about it.  However, I think it’s easier to complain about it rather than disciplining my diet low fat cooking) and exercise.  

Junk Food

One of my friends works at a Jenny Craig’s store, and she has lost tons of weight eating their food – honestly, she looks GOOD!  

I know their system works (as long as you stick with their food), but it costs close to $500 a month for a single person.

So I did my math – I would need at least $1,500 to feed myself and my family – that’s quite expensive!

Did you know that according Sharyn Alfonsi, “Americans spend about $35 billion a year on weight-loss products (McNamara).”

I believe it … I am guilty of spending my hard earned money on weight loss programs, diet pills, that burn body fat – I just wanted to lose the weight without exercising or eating the right food.

Exercise

I am guilty of being lazy, but I am dedicated now.  I am going to make better decisions – eating healthy foods, avoid chips, minimize restaurant foods, join a fitness center and love myself.

There is no such a thing as a easy way out!  I am going to do it, and wish you lots of luck (if your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight).

McNamara, M. (2006).  Diet Industry Is Big Business.  CBS Evening News.  Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/01/eveningnews/main2222867.shtml  (1/20/2009).

Popularity: 3% [?]

Our family’s dog, Mojo, been eating his bed for a while now, and it is driving me NUTS!  

Mastiff Puppy

He is a big dog (a Mastiff), and he eats everything; especially his bed.  

I have already replaced over dozen beds (trust me, buying these large beds are expensive — they run around $35-$50 a pop), buying many blankets, and pillows.

Fooey

Anyhow, I have already sewed vinyl material duvet cover over his beds, wrapping the comforters around the bed, spraying the bitter spray (including Fooey), and just giving the dog blankets only.

Yes, I bought whole bunch of toys for the dog (squeaky toys, plush toys, balls, and etc), bones, treats, and etc. 

Of course, he doesn’t destroy the bed when we are home (gotta give it to the dog he is not that dumb) – ONLY when we put him inside his crate when we leave the house.

So, if we leave the dog roaming around the house, when we are not home, I honestly don’t know what he is going to destroy, but I do know that he’ll destroy the bed (more likely) when he is in his crate.

Thus, my dilemma is, how can I prevent my dog from eating his bed or buying a bed that is dog proof without cashing out our savings account.

I checked out the internet for the answers.

There were so many beds specifically designed/engineered for large breed dogs so they don’t chew up their beds, but I can’t decide which one is better.

Kuranda

For instance, I have read great things about Kuranda Chew-Proof Beds, but I have also read it is not great for XXL dogs because of their weight.

Kuranda beds are like trampoline beds – patented orthopedic beds which the “…design provides firm, even support that no pillow or cushion can match, AND they are chew-proof (Dog Supplies).”

Also, I have read that Orvis dog beds are great since it is constructed from touch 1,000-denier Cordura nylon fabric; which is very tough to chew through.  

Moreover, I came across a Tuffies product from United Kingdom – these things are AWESOME!  Tuffies are thick, warm and waterproof (so you can take it outside and wash it with a hose), but also hairs don’t stick and mud dries up on the bed and falls off.

With that said … these beds run between $150 – $200 a piece, and I don’t know if I want to shallow such hefty price all at once; however, I am sick and tired of replacing beds and picking up pillow guts!

Any cheaper solutions for me?

Popularity: 3% [?]

I just had a parent-teacher conference few weeks ago, and I had to say I was dumbfounded about “conceptual mathematics” the school is teaching my child.

Numbers

I am not an “older” mom so I am going to try refrain myself from saying “back in the days when I was in school …”

So, with that said, I just can’t believe what the school is teaching my child … conceptual mathematics? 

If you didn’t know (not all schools teaches this type of mathematics skills – so don’t worry if you don’t know about this) it is supposed to promote math as a conceptual tool, and not limited to procedural thinking.

Basically, it promotes children to get general understanding of math rather than the specifics – “…places greater emphasis on formulating a solving problems, rather than getting the answer always right (Josh 2006).”

Honestly, what do you mean you don’t have to understand the specifics?  What do you mean they don’t have to get the answer always right?

Alright, I am not trying to say that my child should always get the answer correctly – I know I am not being realistic nor fair for my child to put through such harsh expectations, but kids should aim to get the answer correctly!

Alright with that said … when my husband and I went to the parent-teacher conference, the teacher told us that my child only received 2/4 points (in one of the math questions) because my child didn’t justify (the concept) the answer fully.

Remind you that my child had gotten the answer correctly to the question (1+3=4), but the answer wasn’t fully explained.

I don’t know about you, but 1+3 equal 4, and there shouldn’t be any other justification to the answer, but 4 … to me 1+3 equal 4, and only 4.

How are children supposed to learn math if the basics of math are not specified?  Never mind the fact that how in the heck are they going to balance the check book in the future? 

Are our children going to tell the bank manager that “well, when I was doing an accounting, I conceptualized my spending to be $250 and not $260.” 

Well, here comes the bank fees, bounce checks, and blah blah blah!  I am getting a headache from thinking about it!

I don’t know if it’s fortunate (or unfortunate), but I am not alone.  There are many parents out there as frustrated as we are, but who can afford private education these days?

However, my husband and I are really considering transferring our children to private schools – guess, I have to get a job!

I have heard this conceptual math will be taken out of school curriculum, but I don’t know when; however, I would like to see it sooner than later.

Josh.  Baicc Math – Conceptual Math.  AllExperts.  Retrieved from http://en.allexperts.com/q/Basic-Math-657/conceptual-math.htm (1/18/09).

Popularity: 3% [?]

After having three kids, my body doesn’t look and feel the same way as it used to be.

Oh, I Wish!

Before the kids, I was in size 8, I had six-packs, my thighs didn’t rub against each other, and definitely did not have excess belly skin – I used to wear two piece bathing suits!

 I wouldn’t trade any of my children to get my body back; however, I want to feel sexy and young again. 

I have done extensive research on body enhancement surgeries and procedures, but I am still torn between getting a tummy tuck or take advantage of Thermage procedure.

Most of you already know what’s involved in tummy tucks, but you might not know about Thermage.

Thermage

Before we get into the juicy part here is my problem.

I do have belly issues (after pregnancies), but it isn’t that BAD (but bad enough to wear a tummy control underwear).

I have three children so I don’t want to be bed-ridden for weeks to recover from the procedure, but I want to see the results and have the results for a long time.

Okay … my problems are on the table; so we’ll discuss both procedures.

With a tummy tuck and a liposuction the cosmetic and pastic surgeon removes excess skin to give you a tighter, flatter, and firmer belly (often times they also fix your abdominal muscles by stitching it back to its original position).

Another major benefit of TT is removing stretched mark skin (and flabby skin) when the surgeon pulls down your upper abdominal skin before stitching you back – I am not going to get into details since most of you are already aware of the procedure.

On the other hand, there are many side effects or cons of TT. 

For instance, it is a major surgery (and an expensive surgery – average cost $6,200), you need to find a qualified doctors (you have seen or heard horror stories of women getting butchered by some surgeons), there will be a serious scarring, and the procedures involves lengthy recovery time.

Now … let’s talk about Thermage.

Thermage is a non-invasive procedure using capacitive radiofrequency (RF) technology to stimulate existing collagen to promote new collagen to grow (up to six months following a single treatment), and average cost of this procedure is about $3,200.

The procedure takes about couple of hours to complete, and involves deep but brief heating sensation on your skin. 

Patient Receiving Thermage

The procedure is FDA cleared for non-invasive treatment (most patients return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure), and the results can last for years (depending on your skin condition and natural aging process).

It sounds all honky dory (and I was really excited about the procedure), but out of 132 reviews in realself.com 37% say it was worth it, and 63% said it was not worth it.

Generally, people said it can hurt as heck, and either didn’t see the result (within couple of months or so) or the results didn’t last long enough.

In some instances, the results were so minimal that they were told they might need to come in for another procedure/treatment – some patients come in every year to get the treatment done (so, the cost will accumulate eventually). 

All-in-all, 63% of the women said to save your money, and it was a waste of money! 

Patient education is important; so, what shall I do … what shall I do?

Popularity: 6% [?]

Is it me or am I the only person who can’t afford UGG boots?

Famous UGGs

We have been having snow for few days, and all the boots are coming out!  Everywhere I turn I see people wearing UGG boots – women, children, and even infant babies!

However, I have also seen people wearing their UGGs all year around!!

Misfit UGGs

I know I am that fashion conscious anymore, but it’s really funny to see people wearing their boots in 90 degrees weather!  I guess they have to show off what they have; right?

I was curious last night about the boots (and the price), and decide to Google it.  There were many websites selling them, but I decided to research UGG’s official webpage.

If you didn’t know about UGG products here are some information.

According to the company’s Product Statement, “…the finest materials are used … highest quality leathers and suedes, … the world’s finest sheepskin.  UGG Australia is the world’s largest purveyor of grade-A sheepskin (About Us).”

The boots I see more often than not is the “Women’s Ultimate Tall Braid boots;” which costs $200.00 (with

UGG

free domestic ground shipping on this item) – WOW!

Children’s “Kid’s Lo Pro button Tall” boots sells for $100.00, and the “Infant Boo” is priced at $50.00 – My goodness, when did everybody get so rich?

With house foreclosing, banks/investment companies go belly-up, public debt, unemployment rates increasing, and many other businesses going down how in the heck are people affording these things?

Yes, many Americans are living off of credit cards, but it is that important to have such pricy/luxury items?

I have a friend who buys everything with the plastic card: grocery, purses, gas, coffee, utility, and etc – everything and anything that costs money, she runs the card.

Charging

I know for a fact that her husband does not make that much (and she has told me that herself in non-confidential manner) and know she cannot afford it, but she tells everybody, “It makes me feel good to have these things!”

Honestly, who doesn’t want it?  Who doesn’t want to wear nice and pretty things?  Give me a break!

However, my motto is that “If you can afford it, and then go right ahead.  As for me I didn’t win the lotto yet!”

About Us.  UGG Australia.  Retrieved from http://www.uggaustralia.com/experience/aboutUs.aspx?p=ex (1/16/2009).

Popularity: 4% [?]

Are you confused which vacuum (bagged or bagless) will be efficient, effective, affordable, and make your life easier?

Well, I have both vacuum cleaners, and they both have pros and cons.

Eureka Boss Power Plus

My bagless vacuum is Eureka Boss Power Plus Upright Vacuum that I bought it for $49.00, and my bagged vacuum is Eureka Boss SmartVac Ultra HEPA Upright Vacuum.

If you have read my other posts you know I can be a cheap skate; so I always try to find the best substitute possible.  The two vacuums I have right now haven’t let me down yet; especially I run both of the vacuums every day.

Anyhow, I keep my “expensive” vacuum downstairs since we tend to live down there, and have animals downstairs (they are not allowed to come upstairs unless they are invited).

My cheaper vacuum is upstairs because there’s very little activity going on up there, and I just don’t have to physical power to drag the heavy vacuum up and down the stairs.

I read that “…short term Bagless vacuums offer better airflow through the vacuum, over the life of the vacuum you will get the same, or better, performance in a bagged filter system.  (To Bag or Not To Bag).”

To eliminate the scientific mumble jumble, this is what I feel towards both of the products.

Pros of bagless:
1) Generally “lighter:
2) Can see the stuff you pick up off the floor – it’s really disgusting.
3) Do not need to buy bags (I go through three vacuum bags in two weeks; so $10 every month)

Cons of bagless:

Emptying

1) Hard to keep clean (you think you just need to take the canister and dump it in to the garbage bag – WRONG!  All the little dirt and crap gets all stuck in between the filter) 

2) Dust and dirt flies everywhere when you empty it into the garbage can

Pros of Bagged:
1) Convenient cleaning systems – take the bag and put the new one in!

Cons of Bagged:
1) Can be expensive – keep on replaying bags.  If you leave the vacuum bag long enough in the vacuum it starts to smell – yuck!

To Bag or Not To Bag.  Vacdepot.com  Retrieved from http://www.vacdepot.com/article/126 on (1/15/2009).

Popularity: 4% [?]