Race for the Cure – In Alabama!

On February 2, 2012 the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, in partnership with the Alabama Broadcasters Association, is taking one day to harness the power of individual contributions statewide. Never before in our state have Alabamians had the opportunity to come together in such a unique and synergized way to support hundreds of nonprofits like ours during a dedicated day of giving.

Alabama Gives Day aims to make history by connecting new and existing donors with hundreds of Alabama nonprofits in just 24 hours.North Central Alabama Susan G. Komen for the Cure needs your support on this special day!

How does Alabama Gives Day work? On February 2^nd, from midnight to 11:59pm, Alabamians will be driven to a dedicated online giving portal powered by Razoo at www.alabamagivesday.org where they will choose to make a gift to one or more of the hundreds of participating nonprofits. To make your donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure simply search for us by name, choose from the list of interest, or make it easier and simply  go directly to our page http://algives.razoo.com/story/Susan-G-Komen-Breast-Cancer-Foundation-52

Non-Profit Information

NAME: SUSAN G KOMEN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

PHONE: 205.263.1700

ADDRESS: 1909 27th Avenue S

Birmingham, AL 35209

EIN: 752844656

WEB: http://komenncalabama.org/

EMAIL: info@komenNCalabama.org

SUMMARY: To save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

REPORTS: Guidestar

To Donate, click below:

 For participation and other information:

• Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/NCAlabama

• Komen of North Central Alabama: http://www.komenncalabama.org

• Alabama Gives Day: http://algives.razoo.com

• Yoga for Survivors and Co-Survivors: Every Monday 6 p.m. free of charge at our community office in Homewood, AL. Linda Carpenter leads the group as a certified Yoga Instructor who is dedicated to working with survivors for a fun and healthy activity. For more information please email mheard@komenNCalabama.org or call 205.263.1700

• Circle of Promise: http://www.circleofpromise.org

• Shop Komen Merchandise: http://www.shopkomen.com

• Show Support on a Global Scale: http://ww5.komen.org/includecancer.html

• Breast Cancer Org: http://www.breastcancer.org

WASH YOUR HANDS! The Miracle of Soap & Water

Each new flu season we seem to be bombarded with endless suggestions on ways to keep the bugs at bay: vitamins, herbs, sanitizers, vaccines–you name it. But the most effective way to prevent illness (which usually escapes us because it is so simple) is to wash your hands! 

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand washing is the best way to prevent infection and illness. It’s easy, cheap, it doesn’t hurt the environment, and there is no question about negative implications for our own health. It’s a definite win-win.

The CDC recommends that we wash our hands before and after any activity, especially preparing or handling uncooked food and after using the bathroom. It’s important to point out that changing diapers, coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose into a tissue are also times of necessary hand-washing. Most people don’t realize they are touching their running nose or picking the sock lint out of their toes and moments later they’re in the kitchen making You a snack to eat!

In my opinion, hand washing should be taught at an early age so this practice can become a regular routine in adult life. To do so, as soon as you or your children come home from school, work, errands or playing, the first thing to be done upon entering the house is a beeline to the bathroom! Please teach by example!

October 15 was Global Hand Washing Day – it’s serious when a special day has to be designated for something as simple as good hygiene; it’s a serious matter because Clean Hands Save Lives!

A study published by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine indicates that less than one-third of men and two-thirds of women wash their hands with soap after using the restroom! DISGUSTING! Researchers studied the behavior of a quarter of a million people using restrooms in Britain and used sensors to monitor soap use.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hand washing is the simplest and cheapest way to avoid getting sick, prevent the common cold, diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, MRSA, food-borne illnesses such as salmonella and E. coli, and of course, the swine flu (H1N1), among other things.

Believe it or not, there’s a right way and a wrong way to wash your hands. The wrong way would be to give your hands an obligatory rinse with water because no one is looking. The right way, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is:

 Effective Hand Washing Procedure:

    * Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
    * Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces, including wrists & under the nails.
    * Continue rubbing hands for 15-20 seconds. (for children, have them sing the Happy Birthday song)
    * Rinse hands well under running water.
    * Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off faucet.
    * Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast-acting. When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

    * Apply product to the palm of one hand.
    * Rub hands together.
    * Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

 IF – THEN Statements:

~If we wash frequently in the home, then we can prevent germs from spreading to other family members (especially babies & elders).

~If doctors, clinics and hospitals frequently wash & sanitize (hands & equipment), then they prevent deadly infections from spreading among co-workers and patients.

~If restaurants & fast food workers wash frequently & wear gloves, then they minimize the contact of their own germs (or spoiled /raw foods) from contaminating food upon preparation.

We’ve known about the benefits of hand washing for a long time, but people still don’t wash as often as they should. Not understanding the need for washing regularly, poses significant problems in other areas of life, i.e. the recent epidemic of bed bugs in this country!

 

 

 

 

 

Because, if hand washing doesn’t seem important to some people, chances are these same people live in a very dirty environment. People who are not bothered to keep a clean & healthy home for themselves or their families, are usually the main reason why the spreading of germs, bugs and parasites on the rise!

There’s a direct correlation between being clean and being healthy. Unfortunately this notion doesn’t come natural for many people. Education at school can only go as far as to make a scientific point to the merits of keeping clean habits, but it is in the home where this lesson must take root!  Here is a partial list of what constitutes proper grooming, cleanliness and etiquette. {excerpt from How To Avoid Common Hygiene Mistakes}

HEAD & FACE

1. 1
   Brush your Teeth. Brush Your Teeth 2-3 times daily, rinse out your mouth and spit. With the remaining toothpaste in your mouth and brush, brush your tongue. Place brush on the back of your tongue and scrape forward. This will significantly reduce bad breath. Flossing also reduces oral bacteria and removes solid food particles to freshen breath.
2. 2
   Take care of your face. Wash your face every morning and night. If your face is very oily, do it 3 times a day. Make sure to pay attention to the sleep that gathers in the corners of the eyes.
3. 3
   Cover your mouth or turn away from people when you cough and sneeze. It's not just manners, as you could spread illness even when healthy. It is now being taught to cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow/sleeve. This keeps germs from your hands which might contaminate others before you get an opportunity to wash.
4. 4
   Wash your Hair. Make sure you wash your hair on a regular basis. You may not realize it but your hair can hold odors that others find offensive. Also brush your hair daily, especially when you are going to be in public.

 

BODY

1. 1
   Shower daily. Shower or bathe daily. Many people fail to do this and are incorrect when assuming they do not smell. What happens is your nose gets fatigued thereby, not being able to smell your odor. This effect occurs with car air fresheners as well. You won't smell it after a time, while others will smell it right away.
2. 2
   Wear deodorant. It doesn't matter if you think you don't smell or barely sweat. Just buy deodorant and use it. The issue mentioned above applies here too. You may stink of sour or musky sweat and not realize it. It's better to be safe than sorry, as it's cheap and convenient to apply. At worst, you go from smelling like nothing to smelling lightly of deodorant. At best, you go from driving people away to smelling better.
3. 3
   Do not over-apply perfume or cologne. Many people are allergic to perfumes and you will, unknowingly, cause a reaction. Plus, there is no reason for people to "smell you coming" or smell you once you've left the room. Dab a little on your wrists or neck for a subtle smell.
4. 4
   Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before eating and after possible contamination. Whenever possible, wash your hands and use a towel to dry them. When washing hands it is recommended that you use soap, and lather the soap in warm water for at least 15 seconds. You can sing Happy Birthday in this amount of time.
5. 5
   Clip your nails. Clip and clean your fingernails and toenails at least once every week or once every two weeks, it depends on how much your nails grow.
6. 6
   Wash and change your clothes. You don't have to throw clothes into the wash after one usage (with the exception of underwear). But know when to throw clothes into the wash. If you stain your clothes or sweat during the day, then wash them. Dirty clothes are another source of bad odor.
7. 7
   Practice good bathroom hygiene. Always wipe yourself clean and wash your hands using plenty of soap and warm water.

Personally, I’m appalled that this list has to exist in the first place! But I imagine people need to get this information one way or another. It is important to remember that we don’t need to be rich or have fancy clothes to make ourselves clean and presentable. Self-worth & self-respect is above all that! Let’s not give reason to others to frown at us with disdain, avoid us in disgust, or treat us with dread! Being clean is a social responsibility and we ought to do our best not only for our sake but for the safety of everyone else around us.

Cleaning Agents for Disinfecting commonly used items:

1. Clorox Liquid – Use 1/2 cup of liquid Clorox in a bucket of warm water to soak children’s plastic toys.  1 cup of liquid Clorox in toilet bowl for 1/2 hour. Half cup Clorox in sheets & towels during wash cycle to kill bacteria & parasites.

2. Redi Wipes - Use wipes to clean countertops in kitchen, faucets & toilet seats. Use wipes to clean up body fluids (urine, diarrhea, vomit, or blood). Use to clean shopping carts, locker rooms, exercise equipment and anything used by the public.

3. Lysol – Use Lysol spray on telephones & door knobs to rid germs. Spray Lysol in shoes to rid odor & athlete’s foot. Use as a room deodorizer to kill 99.9% of airborne bacteria & viruses, pet odor, and cigarette smoke. Spray in closets, baseboards, bed frames to eliminate mold & mildew.

4. Purell – Use liquid sanitizer on hands when soap & water is not available. Use wipes to clean shopping carts, public phones & door handles. Use liquid Purell even when hands are not visibly dirty, especially after visiting public places, restrooms, gas stations, supermarkets, schools, hospitals, movie theaters, shopping mall, etc.

*kills & prevents: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Avian Flu, Swine Flu, Listeria, E.Coli, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Herpes Simplex 1 & 2, Rhinovirus, Rotavirus, Streptococcus, Mold, Mildew, Fungus, Hong Kong flu, H1N1 flu, and much more.

MYTH – Regular disinfecting or sanitizing makes bacteria resistant and more aggressive to future eradication!

FALSE - Laboratory testing has never shown any evidence that organisms adapt and become immune to the active ingredients in antimicrobial products. Disinfectant products are used to prevent the spread of infectious organisms such as viruses and bacteria that can cause illness and disease. Disinfectants and sanitizers are used to kill disease carrying organisms before they become a problem.

It Does The Body Good!

12 Things I Learned from Couponing – The Beginnings of Saving Money

When we were still a military family, coupons were hardly used by any of us because shopping at the commissary was like shopping at Sam’s club for a 1/4 of the price!

Today I’ve come to value coupons not only because the world has fallen into an economical crisis but also because I no longer live near a military base.

I am very happy with my progress in the last three months I’ve been clipping coupons; my best yet shopping experience was going to Publix on a BOGO day and coming out with $162 in groceries for only $58!!!

Of course that doesn’t happen every time I go shopping and many people end up buying stuff they really don’t need.

So here are some important tips I’ve picked up about couponing:

1. no need for “brand” shopping; loyalty goes out the window.
2. buy what’s on sale
3. compare ads from other stores to get price match
4. visit manufacturer’s website to get coupons
5. get Sunday insert in local paper for coupons
6. shop at discount stores like Dollar General
7. use coupons.com, redplum, smart-source to print legit coupons
8. look for buy1- get1 sales are supermarket
9. store coupons & mfr coupons can be stacked on same item
10. just because something is on sale, it doesn’t mean i should buy it
11. “bulk” shopping doesn’t always mean better prices; check price by weight to compare
12. if you stockpile, check expiration dates & use FIFO system (first in, first out) 

 

I HEART THE MART

If you have a Super Walmart in your area, that would be the best place to get most of your food shopping done. I know they don’t have a large variety but they do have the right prices AND they will match any deal in town if you bring the ads with you! Look for Great Value, Equate, Sam’s Choice, Parents Choice, Marketside and Mainstay. These are some of Walmart’s well-known generic brands and they make great alternatives to expensive name brands.

If you’re looking for buy1 get1 deals (BOGO), Publix is well known for offering a large variety such as spaghetti sauce, breakfast cereals, olive oil, sodas, frozen meals, vitamin water, baking,cleaning and barbeque items. Don’t forget to bring your coupons to get additional savings. Also, visit publix.com to get weekly ads in your mailbox!

Don’t forget CVS & Target. They each have their own reward system, in-store coupons, and redeemable points & cash. For these stores and many more including Walgreens, Food Lion, and Kroger, visit: I HEART SAVING MONEY and look for rebates, freebies and daily deals too!

 FREE SAMPLES

Free samples are great because you can try a product to see if you like it before paying full price for it! I’ve received several free samples in the last 6 weeks and I didn’t have to pay for shipping. And to sweeten the deal they also include a coupon in the pack. I’ve signed up with Freeflys, WomenFreebies, FreeSamples4All, and GetItFree.us. 

 

del.icio.us Tags: coupons,savings,shopping,discounts,BOGO,stockpiling,samples,freebies

 

Coupon Lingo? Yes! If you come across certain abbreviations or code words during your coupon hunt, this is what they all mean…

SS = Smart Source Insert
RP = Red Plum Insert
P&G = Proctor & Gamble Insert
GM = General Mills Insert
BOGO/B1G1 = Buy One Get One Free
MQ = Manufacturer Coupon
IP = Internet Printable
OOP = Out of Pocket
WYB = When you Buy
EXP = Expiration date
DND = Do Not Double
RR = Register Rewards @ Walgreens
ECB = Extra Care Bucks @ CVS
$1/3 = $1.00 off the purchase of 3 items
Blinkie = coupons from the machine in the aisles with the 'blinkie' red light.
Peelie = the coupons you peel off the product
Hangtag = coupons hanging on product
(IE) = Internet Explorer
(FF) = FireFox

Never Pay Full Price with These Coupon-Based iPhone apps!

by Megan O'Neil | Appolicious ™ 

According to Megan O'Neil | Appolicious ™ this is a list of the very best coupon related-iPhone apps that will keep your phone in your hand and your money in your pocket!

Groupon (free) is designed not only to connect you with discount products and experiences, but also to share with friends and family. You can buy a deal yourself – like a $19 whitewater rafting trip – and then refer it to someone else, or you can buy it directly for someone else as a gift. When you refer an item to a friend, you can earn Groupon dollars, saving yourself even more money. And when you go to use your coupons, you don’t have to print anything off. Just carry your iPhone with you.

Related: Mom’s With Apps!

Similarly, the free LivingSocial app uses location-based software to create a list of discounts and deals in your area that are then emailed to you. But this app has an additional feature that is designed specifically to connect you with great – and discounted – vacations. For example, I came across a package for a two-night stay at a winery in Napa, breakfast included, for $300 bucks.

Coupon Sherpa (free) is the app to have for those who shop by habit. That’s because the app allows you to shop for coupons and discounts by store, and by product category. So if you are heading to Target anyway, open up the Coupon Sherpa and see if any of your favorite items are on sale. It is always fun to save money, even if it’s only $5 off some kitty litter.

The free MobiQpons app is lighter on the exotic vacations, and heavier on deals for the local drugstore. It is probably best used when you are heading out for some local errands and need an oil change – $5 off at Jiffy Lube – or an ice cream - $3 off any cake at Baskin Robbins. Deals can also be searched for by store and by category, and there is something for everyone. One additional cool feature is a savings tab: it tallies up exactly how many coupon dollars you have logged.

Checking multiple coupon apps for the best deals can get a little time consuming. For those who are eager to get straight to the point, there are a couple of handy discount aggregators. The Daily Shopper app (free) allows you to construct a list of stores that you want to see coupons from. If, for example, you get all of your children’s toys from WalMart, you can sign up for notifications from that store alone. Similarly, the free iDealyzer Pro app pulls deals and coupons from discount sites such as Woot! and Groupon so you can review them all in one spot.

Download the free Appolicious iPhone app

del.icio.us Tags: shopoholics,coupons,daily-deals,groupon,livingSocial,discounts,iphone-app,apps

Tuscaloosa AL Important Information on How To Give Help & Where to Get Help

Volunteer Locations
Tuscaloosa: St. Mathias Episcopal Church, across from Walmart at 2310 Skyland Blvd. East Contact Nancy Green (205)561-4169
(noon - 9 p.m.)

United Way of West Alabama, 2720 Sixth St. No. 100, between Lurleen Wallace Boulevard and Capitol Park, 205-345-6640. Needs nonperishable food items, all clothes, tarps (blue or black), ladies' hygiene products (to be distributed by the Red Cross), cash donations by credit card at www.uwwa.org (100 percent stays local)

Valley View Baptist Church, 8820 Hwy 69 S., 205-752-0977. Needs clothes, cash to be distributed by the State Baptist Disaster Relief.

St. Mark United Methodist Church, 1421 McFarland Blvd., Northport, 205-339-5990, shelter for displaced people available. Needs nonperishable food, clothes, volunteers with medical experience.

Red Cross at Belk Activity Center, Bowers Park, shelter for displaced people available. Needs clothes, towels, washcloths, socks.

Alabama Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Agency, www.alsbom.org/feature5 Needs money for local relief and rebuilding churches.

First United Methodist Church, 800 Greensboro Ave., 205-345-7261. Needs cash donations, staging area for relief organizations coming into town. Compassionate Coalition, 205-561-4169, 205-349-2797 Needs volunteers for debris cleanup, help filling out insurance and FEMA paperwork for elderly, disabled and low-income people.

Capstone Church, 1907 University Blvd., 205-366-1581, Needs nonperishable foods, water, diapers, baby food.

Temporary Emergency Services, 1705 15th St., 205-758-5535. Needs: toiletries, bottled water, clothing.

Tuscaloosa Academy, 420 Rice Valley Rd. N. Needs clothing.

Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe, 2208 University Blvd, 205-758-3065. Items needed: water, canned goods, diapers, children's clothing, etc. Drop off between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

TourismCARES, 1305 Greensboro Avenue, will begin accepting donations on Monday. Canned goods, money, clothes, etc. They are working with the local Red Cross and United Way.

Need of Any Kind (medical or otherwise) go to:

-Leland Shopping Center at 2601 University Blvd
-Lockleer Dodge at 3200 10th Ave
-Fire and Logistics Building in front of Bruno's on McFarland
-Skyland Elementary at 408 Skyland Blvd East

Shelter Locations:

The Belk Center is located at 2101 Bowers Park Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.

The University of Alabama Rec Center is available for shelter for students who have had damage done to their residence. The shelter should not be used by students who are only without power.

Blood Drives:

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will be collecting ALL BLOOD TYPES at the following locations:

NorthRidge Fitness- Tuscaloosa 10am-7pm

 

Donation Sites: items to donate to the victims here:

Tuscaloosa: Image Makers Salon on University Blvd is an accepting location for United Way. Bottled Water, snacks, small meals (no cooking required), personal care items (deodorant, shampoo, soap, tooth brushes and tooth pastes, etc). Call (205) 366-1986

Tuscaloosa: Academy Sports + Outdoors will be giving out bottled water to residents in need at its Tuscaloosa store at 710 Skyland Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 29.

Food and other giveaways:

11:00 AM - CVS/pharmacy, 808 15th Street E, Tuscaloosa

Send Money To:

The American Red Cross has more than 30 emergency response vehicles en route to provide food and to hand out clean-up and comfort kits. Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation or visit the website to donate, give blood or volunteer. http://www.redcross.org/

At the BJCC: Donation barrels will be placed at the Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil festival site to collect donations for the Mid Alabama Region of the American Red Cross for Alabama tornado relief efforts.  Community volunteers will also be present to assist with the fundraising efforts. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday, April 29 for the weekend event at the BJCC.

Volunteers of America Southeast is accepting monetary donations to aid victims of the tornadoes. Text VOA to 27722 from your mobile phone or visit www.voase.org to donate online or to send a check. One hundred percent of all monies received by Volunteers of America Southeast will be used by VOA provide food, water, medical, and other humanitarian aid to the people directly affected by this disaster. All funds will be used directly for relief efforts. Volunteers are also needed. For more info or to volunteer to help, call Paul McLendon at 251-422-7729

Any Regions Bank: donations for the American Red Cross’ Tornado Disaster Relief Fund will be accepted from the general public at all Regions Bank branches in the 16 states the company serves.

Follow The Salvation Army's blog ( http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/)for updates, visit its website (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf) or text "GIVE" to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the organization's relief efforts. It will show up on your next mobile phone bill.

Visit Samaritan's Purse online to volunteer or make a donation to help the storm victims. They have already dispatched two disaster relief units, tractor trailers stocked with emergency supplies and tools,   http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

 

Pets:

If you are missing your pet or have found one, use the lost and found tool on the GBHS website, visit: http://www.gbhs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=LF_Lost_Dogs

Tuscaloosa: Dr. Canant on Watermelon Road has offered to treat animals injured in the storms free of charge. PLEASE, only those injured in the storms.

Doctors and Nurses Needed:

If you are an EMT, RN, Dr. or in the medical profession, please contact DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa or go there with your LICENSE to offer assistance (205.759.7111)

What to do with injured wildlife:

If you find an injured bird in your yard among the storm debris, call the Alabama Wildlife Center’s Wildlife Help Line at (205) 663-7930, extension 2 and leave a brief message that includes name and telephone number with area code. A trained specialist monitors the line from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. every day, and returns calls within the hour to give advice on what to do next.

If injured or orphaned mammals (squirrels, deer, raccoons, etc.) or reptiles and amphibians (snakes, lizards, frogs, etc.) are found, contact the Wild Mammal Care of Alabama at (205) 871-7803 or  Alabama Reptile Rescue Sanctuary at (205) 253-1283.

Returning personal documents/photographs found in debris:

-There's a Facebook page now dedicated to the recovery of documents, photos and other debris that people are finding in their yards back to their original owners. Search for "Pictures and Documents found after the April 27, 2011 Tornadoes" in Facebook or click that link. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pictures-and-Documents-found-after-the-April-27-2011-Tornadoes/162443980482277?sk=photos

Imposed Curfew:

-Mayor Maddox has imposed a curfew for Thursday, April 28th from 10 pm until 6 am. A curfew is also imposed for Friday, April 29th from 8 pm until 6 am.

Boil Water Alert:

-see here for instructions: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2315

Blog Bash 2011

There’s a lot of buzz going on about this event! The Blog Bash 2011 will take place June 22-June 24 but only the first 150 bloggers to sign up will be able to participate.

As of today (April 17th) there are 120 blogs on the list over at the Family Approve website! If you still want to get in on this, you really need to hurry up an email them to get approved!

(67 days left)

The idea behind an event such as this one is to meet new bloggers and get more followers. As people come by they will have to “blog hop” to all the participating blogs in order to submit an entry for each giveaway! For more information, please visit Family Approve to see the requirements for participating in this Bash.

I will not participate in the Blog Bash but I will be a sponsor. They are looking for people who have items to contribute to this event and in return they will do a feature post about my company/ website/ product.

This is great Advertising for me and it’s FREE!!!

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Here are the items I have for the giveaway:

1. Yoga DVD promoted by GAIAM
2. Hello Kitty Adult Watch w/ Leather Band
3. 4 Men’s Neck Ties w/ Ancient Greek Design (1st tie taken)
4. Tan Chicken Towel Hook
5. Brown Chicken Towel Hook
6. Green Chicken Towel Hook
7. Porn for Women (very funny, NOT pornographic!)
8. White Garden Lamp w/ Candle (taken)
9. Love Candle

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE!

Note: the Zeus Neck Tie is promised to Dinosaurs & Dandelions! the White Garden Lamp is promised to Airplanes & Dragonflies!

Please be advised that I will send the items to YOU if you want them for the giveaway on your blog! I don’t mind sending you some PayPal funds for you to ship it to the winner after the event is finished. I will be out of the country and won’t be able to mail the items directly to the winners. If you agree to this, email me: kryskreations@yahoo.com

I will prepare a small write-up about myself and provide my links & other information, so when you feature me on your blog as one of your sponsors, all you have to do is copy /paste! 

See you all at the Bash!!!

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del.icio.us Tags: blogger,giveaway,june,2011,family-approve,participation,followers,blog-hop,prizes

When & Why Should You Throw Out Your Makeup?

Most cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, nail polishes and all the beauty products ladies use on a daily basis, do not come with Expiration Dates! The FDA doesn’t require manufacturers to put expiration dates on cosmetics.

What does this mean for you? It means you must use caution, just as you would with expired /bad food or medications. They have the potential to be just as harmful, if not toxic!

SCENARIO

Three months ago, my cousin Eleni missed my mother’s birthday party, which is really unusual for her to miss any family event. After talking to her on the phone, she told me the most horrifying story about an eye infection she suddenly developed and couldn’t understand how she got it.

She described it as a “slight itchy feeling with some watering” in the eyes. At first she thought it was allergies perhaps from all the cleaning she had done at her mom’s house. The antihistamine didn’t do anything and the next day her eyes were slightly puffy and pink around the eye lashes. She said she couldn’t wear her contacts nor use any makeup and the itch became progressively worse.

She tried a home remedy with chamomile compresses to relieve the discomfort but that didn’t seem to help either. By the time the weekend rolled around (and my mom’s birthday), her eyes were fiery red, very tender with crusty eye lids and the itch was more then she could bear.

   http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/blepharitis

She didn’t know it at the time, but her friend who had just started a home business selling makeup had given her some samples to try…. they had already been used!!!

According to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in Illinois, the most common problems relating to infection, injury and visual loss among women occurs from using mascara, eye liners & lash curlers that are loaded with bacteria or are too old, flakey and dried out.

Conjunctivitis - allergic reaction of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) when allergens, flakey makeup or foreign substance enters the eye. 

Blepharitis - a chronic inflammation of the eyelid, redness, itching, burning and a feeling that something is in the eyes.

NEWSFLASH

“A two-year study was conducted on public makeup testers. Researchers who evaluated makeup testers and applicators at cosmetic counters in department stores, drugstores and specialty stores during high-traffic Saturdays found staph, strep, E. coli bacteria on 100 percent of these makeup trials. They also found the catchy cold sore virus herpes and conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye on the testers.” by Caduceus Medical Group, April 27, 2010

IMPORTANT  TIPS  TO  REMEMBER:

1. Never use “samples” at cosmetic counters. The applicators have been used on many other eyes and infections can be transmitted. Do not share eye makeup with others.
2. Use crayon or liquid eye liners instead of pencils that need sharpening. Any time the tips get stiff they can break off into the eye. Wood shavings from sharpening can scratch the eye and injure the cornea.
3. Utensils used to curl, brush or separate lashes may contain nickel or other metals that cause irritation.
4. Mascara should be replaced ever 3 to 4 months. If eye infection occurs, replace all makeup  immediately including the applicators & brushes. Moisturizers & Lotions are good for up to 1 year.
5. Chemicals in makeup removers can cause irritation & temporary blurred vision.
6. Do not use saliva to thin clumps or wet mascara brush. Saliva contains bacteria which can infect your eyes.
7. Do not apply eye makeup while in moving vehicle. Even the slightest poke on the eyeball can become a serious injury.
8. Insert contact lenses before applying makeup and take them out prior to removing makeup. Any particles, oils or residue from makeup can  cause corneal abrasions or ulcers.
9. Avoid makeup that contains a metal sheen or glitter, especially in eye shadow. The glittery particles are sharp like broken glass.
10. Prefer non-waterproof eye makeup and wash it off every night before bedtime. Apply heaviest amount at the tips of lashes and nearly none at the roots. Do not apply new layers over days-old mascara.

Another common infection caused by bad cosmetics is Paronychia, an infection of the cuticles characterized as red, swollen and tenderness on and around the base of the nail bed. In severe cases, puss-filled blisters appear in the surrounding tissue of the nails.

Although there are several different reasons for this infection (illness, cleaning chemicals, and constant biting of nails), beauty products can also be a major source of inflammation.

Manicure tools such as cuticle scissors, buffers and nail files can sometimes be too harsh on the nail beds where the cuticles hug the nail and cause them to tear. Additionally, if the tools are not properly sanitized there is a high risk of infection.

When cuticles are dry and cracked or produce hang nails, people tend to pick the skin off by biting or pulling it off. The saliva in the bite is an instant invitation for a cuticle infection, but even if that doesn’t occur, the application of an old or “bad” nail polish will do the damage!

DATE  YOUR  COSMETICS!

Most women find it difficult to throw away cosmetics especially if they paid good money for them! If makeup containers are half full, ladies keep them much longer then they should and often forget the date they were purchased.

An easy solution is to mark the date you open them with a sticker or a sharpie marker.

COSMETIC  EXPIRATION  DATES

-concealer - up to 1 yr.
-eye liners - up to 3 yrs.
-eye shadow - up to 3 yrs.
-lip liner - up to 3 yrs.
-blush - up to 6 months
-mascara - up to 4 months
-lip stick - up to 2 yrs.
-nail polish - up to 2 yrs.
-make up brushes - wash every 3 months
-applicators w/ sponge tip - replace after 2 months

*IF your makeup is: crumbling, flaking, too stiff, too hard, smelly, gooey, oils separate, clumpy, too dry, lumpy, scratchy ---- DITCH  IT!!!

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“Community Leash” App for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad works like Amber Alert!

The first and only app that helps find your lost pet, or helps you find someone else’s.

Lost a pet?  Hit the alert. This notifies every Leash member in the area by immediately placing your pet’s profile on the ‘Recently Lost’ pets list.

See a lost pet?  Check ‘Lost Pets’ to search missing pets closest to you. If there’s a match, contact the person. If not, simply report the sighting. Community Leash will record the time and location for all other Leash members in the area.

Features
- Set up a pet profile and use a photo from your library.
- Community Leash shows you the lost pets closest to you.
- Use your camera to take pictures of potential lost pets.
- Browse other pet profiles in your area.
- Add any pet, not just dog or cat.

Note: for now this app can only do 1 pet at a time!

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Community Leash for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store

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