How to video: Makeup tips for beautiful brows

I found a makeup tutorial video on how to get Perfect Eye Brows at home with Tween Teens Moms Fashion Etc: http://www.cambio.com/shows/cambio-style/makeup-diaries-beautiful-brows

Happy primping ;)

Sanitize That Dolce and Gabbana Handbag Ladies!

Where do you set your handbag?

Do you hang it on the chair at the restaurant? Set it on the floor? What about the grocery cart?

At some point in time you place it where it isn't necessarily clean. So don't come home and put your handbag down on the kitchen counter! PLEASE!

Take a minute to sanitize your purse or handbag. Grab a sanitizing wipe and wipe down the bag, handle, sides and most of all the bottom.

I always look for the large canister of wipes most grocery stores have available next to the shopping carts and wipe down the handle and the section of the seat where I put my handbag.

Happy Shopping ;)

Tweens and Teens Self Esteem?

Watching the multiple morning shows this morning one jumped out with a guest author of "Operation Beautiful".

The author stated that young girls actually start dieting at age (8) eight. Bulimia, anorexia and many other eating disorders are effecting children at younger and younger ages in today's world.

I have noticed that my "Tween" has become concerned about what she eats. She has even stated at one point that she is a vegetarian! My remark: "where did you get that from?" I corrected her right away and told her I am not going to make separate dinners because at the age of eight you have decided that you are a vegetarian.

We then had the conversation that she is beautiful, there is nothing wrong with the way she looks what so ever. Oh, and the fact that if she is a vegetarian she cannot eat all the wonderful fun things for dessert or some of her favorite foods. She frowned and started to think about it.

We eat very healthy and get lots of exercise. The kids swim on the swim team year round, ride bikes, play golf, tennis and play outside. The fridge in our home is mostly organic or as close to the farm as we can get. I have even planted a huge herb garden that actually started out as a small one but the herbs have even taken over the yard! Hubby has an issue with mowing the grass around it.

So back to my Tween. She does read labels, which is a good thing I think. She is learning what is good for you and what is not. And, that it is okay to eat certain things in moderation. Yes, she eats full fat ranch dressing on her salad.... but a very small amount. She is eating a salad loaded with tons of her favorite veggie toppings. Sometimes she doesn't even use dressing.

I will be reading up on this growing issue and will be posting more information to help bring awareness to you Mother's out there going through the Tween and Teen years!

Happy Parenting!

Online Game Playing Is Fun But Be Careful!

Online gaming has become a really big deal. Just as big or not bigger than Facebook.

There is no longer any need to hop on plane to Vegas or the local Indian Reserve to stick the coins in the slots. All you have to do now is turn on your computer.

Online slots games and many many others are so easily accessible it can be a bit overwhelming. Make sure you do your home work first prior to signing up and for heaven's sake handing over that little plastic card you carry around in your wallet.

Play to have fun not lose your savings. Playing the online slots can be thrilling and tons of fun as long as you play within your means. Set a limit for you self and or your spouse before starting to log in. If you win wonderful.... remember to walk away. If can't do that then don't even start. Find the slots that don't take money to play if you have no self control.

Most important.. don't let the kids play! This will not do anything but cause trouble. Minors shouldn't play and are not allowed to play. Keep them on the Wii or Nintendo.

There are many different levels from beginner all the way up to VIP. Take the tutorials to learn how to play. This is a great advantage to learning ahead of time before you start.

Be careful!

Be careful and have fun....

Happy Gaming :)

Do Not Advertise Your Trip

Guest blog post from Janet Monrad

We are a house full of internet junkies and the one thing I tell my kids is that when we are going away, do not post anything about it online. With all of my children on Facebook and all of their 400 friends, I do not want them telling the world that we are leaving to go on vacation and how long we will be there. Of course, they do not like this and all of their 400 friends are trustworthy (yeah, right!). So, I tell them they can post pictures and talk about their vacation when we get back.

Of course, we also have an ADT Security alarm we set before leaving and we do other things to make it look like someone is at the house. We have timers set to turn lights and a radio on. We also use a timer to turn the back porch lights on. This, we feel, may deter an intruder if they feel they might be seen by others.

We make sure all windows and doors are locked, even basement windows and doors. We make sure to put away any ladders that may help an intruder reach upper windows and any tools that may enable a break-in.

How To Make Your Own Center Piece's For Parties!

Hop on over to Karen B's Cooking Made Easy! for a quick class on how to make your own party center piece's! It's easy and fun, the best part it saves you tons of money ;)

Click the link here to get started:

How To Make Your Own Center Piece's For Parties!

Happy Decorating!

Hair Styles For Any Shaped Face

If you have round, square, heart shaped or oval there is a hair style for you!

Watch the video below and see what you think:

Hairstyles to flatter your face shape on Shine

Try the styles out and let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you as will Chloe' our Tween stylista.

Happy Winter ;)

Great Quotes: No Time For Drama

Reading a blog today Suzanne from

My life

Says:

I have no regrets, no disappointments, and NO DRAMA, I have no time for that!. People who create drama just aren't happy in their own lives and feel the need to tamper with the happiness of others.

Green Flowers Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

Everyone can do their part to recycle in 2010. This beautiful flower arrangement is made from plastic bottles. You can hardly tell until you get very close.

My Daughter actually made something similar to this at the Farmer's Market last Summer. There was a booth where the kids could go and make crafts and learn about recycling.

You just cut the bottle in half. Cut strips down the side of the bottle (with the opening still attached) and then spread or bend open to produce a flower. You can layer several to make colorful versions and connect them to a tree branch or old pieces of sticks or wood usually found in the yard or trash.

"Drinking water from a bottle may quench your thirst temporarily but the plastic stays in a landfill for your entire life".

Be kind "recycle"

Happy Recycling ;)

New York Times Interview With Make Up Founder Bobbie Brown

This Sunday's New York Times has a brilliant interview with Bobbie Brown, the Founder of Bobbie Brown cosmetics.

She is definitely her own person and after years of running her own company she has found that out.

Bobbie does not wear high heels she wears tennis shoes, that's what makes her comfortable "High Heels? They just don't fit" she says. High heels isn't what she is about as in they never felt right. She does however carry them just in case she needs them for photo shoots. She also mentions that she sits on the floor with her employees while working and is involved in every aspect of her company.

She hires people and also believes that you should start at the bottom. If you love a company and want to work there, if there is a receptionist job you get that job and "don't just sit there!" be an open sponge and work your way up.

My opinion is that this is so true. It would definitely make you appreciate what you worked so hard for.

Piano Lessons With Yokewong, Keep The Arts In Our Children's Lives

Music is such an important part of our lives especially to children. It is important for children to play, listen and even sing music. Being exposed to the arts during their adolescence years is such an important part of growth.

With most activities being cut from school's these days we need to find classes and activities and instruction after school which is not an easy task. Band is still (for now) in most schools. So we as parents need to find alternatives like piano lessons, singing even theater classes elsewhere.

I took piano lessons when I was around seven years old. I can say that I can still play the piano to this day! I may not remember all the notes but I can still belt out chopsticks, batman and others with a couple minutes practice. Yes and I can still read music also.

Keep your kids involved in the Arts and help keep the Arts in our schools, it is so important.

Happy Winter ;)

Not surprising that piano lessons are available even online these days. Fancy electric keyboards have replaced the old standard Baldwin or Reed & Sons wood and ivory elephants we learned on about thirty five years ago.

Holiday Decorations

A simple bow and ornament can spice up any greenery you have around the home.

Don't leave out the topiaries, use your own and save the cost of running out and buying pre-decorated versions that sit in storage eleven months out of the year ;)

Math Tutoring Available Online With Tutorvista.com

With the 2009 school year well under way many children will be needing some extra help to grasp a subject to be able to keep up. The last thing they need to do is to fall behind. It only gets harder not easier and if they are behind it isn't easy to caught back up.

The toughest subject for most children is math. Getting math help is not an easy task if both parents are working. You may need to get a online math tutor.

Getting online math tutoring is convenient and easy. There are sites like Tutorvista.com that offer online math help. Their site even offers free online math tutoring and free online math help demo's to help get you started.

Your children can get a online math tutor for his or her specific grade level. Shopping around is highly recommended. You should choose what is best for you and your child's needs.

Education is so important for your child's future. Don't let them fall behind. Help is available with out having to leave the house get help if you need to!

Happy Fall ;)

Prevent H1N1 Flu - Good Advice

Prevent H1N1 Flu - Good Advice Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee Hospital,Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W). The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu): 1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications). 2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap). 3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way,gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method. 4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water . *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yogaasanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.* Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive….under $15. 5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption. 6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm. I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know who might pay attention to it -- and STAY ALIVE because of it.

Keep Those Old Sweater Cardigans!

Sweater coats and cardigans are in for Fall. This is a perfect piece for your wardrobe during the transition from Summer to the brisk Fall weather.

Long knit belted cardigans and the shorter versions like this one are oh so cute with a pair of skinny jeans and boots.

The Sweater coats made of a much heavier knit are warm and comfy and can be worn any time day or night. There is such a large selection this year I don't know where to start. Old Navy to Nordstroms, Marshall's and TJ Max. They are everywhere.

I actually have two old long sweater cardigans that I have updated by just removing the knit belt that they came with and added a wide leather belt around the waist. You can also run out to Michael's or JoAnn Fabrics and grab some great new large wooden buttons that are in and switch out the old ones for a new updated look!

So "In with the old and In with the new!" Not "out with the old and in with the new!".

Happy Fall!

Karen B's Cooking Made Easy Blog

Check out our Sister Blog:

Karen B's Cooking Made Easy!

A great Blog about Cooking with easy recipes! Karen B's offers recipes, tips, products, wine reviews and other information to help enhance every one's culinary experience!

Check it out today ;)

Stop The Lice Use: Lice Free Zone Natural Leave In Conditioner

"No Lice here!"

Lice hanging around your child's school?  It is at ours!  Yes the last couple days of school and it's going around like wildfire!

I use this product on my kids. Lice Free Zone Leave In Conditioner.

• It REPELS Lice & other insects naturally from hair.
• Infused with Tea Tree & Andiroba Oils.
• Moisturizes and De tangles
• Kid friendly Lavender scent!

You can find it online at Circle of Friends site:  http://www.cofbath.com/

Check it out today!  They also have other products available.  I have been using this for the last three years and we have not had a case of lice yet!

Happy Summer :)

Daily Tip! Planting Spring Flowers & Mothers Day

Remember Mother's Day is early this year!

I went to Bordine Nursery yesterday to grab my carload of flats to plant next week. Thought that I would get a head start this year. Nope!

When I walked in I was needless to say over whelmed with all the flowers and the varieties of colors to choose from. Remember when there was just three basic colors of Impatiens? Red, pink or white. There was every color in the rainbow and then some. Flash Mix, Xtreme Hot Mix, Stardust Mix and for their 70th year anniversary a Mrs. B's Anniversary Impatien Mix!

You also have your Double Impatiens and New Guinea to choose from. I was a bit taken back and had to call for backup. So I hunted down my Sister In Law Sharon, a longtime employee and Manager at the store. After sifting through all the choices and colors we came up with a pallet that would work! All one splash of color. Impatiens with Begonia's in a salmon pink color scheme.

My Son at that point pushed the plant cart across the isle and away it went! Like a bad dream picking up speed heading right towards a plant display! It crashed 1/2 inch short of disaster! Everyone looked and then turned to see where his parent was! I told Sharon "you don't have to admit that we are related". She just laughed and said "remember I have a son too!".

So with color spikes in hand just as I started to load up the cart Sharon asked "your not planting these now are you?" I said "no, next week it's Mother Day Weekend". She said "remember this year Mother's Day is early!". So she sent me home flat less! I was told to come back in another couple weeks. The frost threat is still present. She also said that until the earth is warm to touch the plants are just going to sit there and do nothing.

It's better to wait then take the risk and get a fresh batch that will thrive as soon as you plant.

Happy Spring!

Kim T. said...
Good info to know. Thanks! I knew there was a reason I check your blog.
May 3, 2009 10:08 AM

Food Safety Tips Prevent Illness In Your Kitchen No Swine Flu Here!

With the Swine Flu running around the world it does bring attention to how we handle cleanliness. I have decided along time ago to make an effort to protect my family from the flu and food borne illnesses. My guess is that it came to me the day my first child was born.

For years I have used bleach to keep the restaurant sanitized as well as my home. Needless to say I have lost count of how many articles of clothing I have ruined due to the bleach spattering out of control while trying to clean.

It is very important to make sure you keep your cutting boards clean and sanitized! I watched a show the other day and was horrified on how new and old cutting boards grew bacteria from chicken even after they were washed. The boards were rubbed with raw chicken, let set a few minutes, then washed with hot water and soap. After that samples were taken with a swab for several days after. Even on the new board there was significant bacteria growth! The older wood cutting boards did show less bacteria growth due to the wood soaking in the moisture and bacteria away from the surface. That creeped me out knowing that the inside of the board was filled with who knows what!

To keep your cutting boards and work areas safe here are a few tips to protect you and your family from unwanted bacteria.

• 
  Wash all cutting boards with hot water, soap and then sanitize.
• 
  If wood boards have deep knife cuts replace or sand down the surface.
• 
  Do use separate boards for raw meats and vegetables.
• 
  You can put most plastic boards in the dishwasher, but they still need sanitizing.

Sanitizing:

You can sanitize kitchen utensils and cutting boards with bleach diluted with water or white vinegar and water. I keep vinegar and water in a plastic spray bottle on the counter next to the sink at all times. I prefer the vinegar over the bleach (it doesn't ruin clothing, wash rags, towels etc.).

For every one cup of water I add 2 tablespoons White Vinegar. This is also environmentally safe! Safe to use around children and pets!

You can take your cleaned boards, spray them down with sanitizer and let them sit for a while, then rinse.

Happy Cooking :)

Removing Stress From Your Day!

Daily stress takes a toll on your mind and body. It's like a car running 80 miles an hour all the time, eventually it will run down.

You need to treat your stress on a daily basis. Just like going to the gym to build your muscles. It does not happen in one day. You have to work on it every day.

Try taking your bad thoughts when ever they pop up and turn those bad thoughts into something positive. Focus on those positive thoughts and feelings. Every time the bad pops up turn it around. This takes daily practice.

Most of the time things usually seem worse than what they really are.

Make sure you retrain your self to get some sleep. You need enough sleep to reset your mind, body and soul. When you wake in the morning take a couple minutes to breath, focus and meditate. You need to start out your day strong, it will help you handle the rest of the day much better.

Remember: Think positive! Positive thoughts! Positive, positive, positive!

Happy Spring!