Back to a Previous Thought

I know that you're all going to find this hard to believe, but my house has been under seige of a horrendous stomach virus....I swear I'm gonna burn the damn house....I"ve been sick for over a month now.
Anyway, since I had previously discussed "Cold Weather", I thought that you all might be interested in the following, which I received from a friend.


Can't read this newsletter? Links don't work? Go to: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=yk94tpbab.0.ckmey9n6.c7xthsn6.190553&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thisoldhouse.com%2Ftoh%2Fhtml%2Falmanac
October 19, 2005
Heating Your House for Less

If the heat isn't on yet, it soon will be, and it's going to cost us dearly this year. According to a new government report, we'll be paying about a third more to keep warm this winter. That 30% increase could actually rise to 50% if winter is as unusually cold as it's predicted to be.
NBC's Today show invited TOH general contractor Tom Silva on to dispense simple suggestions for saving energy. Here are some tips you might want to consider: + Service and clean gas and oil furnaces at least once a year. Changing the oil filter greatly effects its efficiency. + Give water heaters a once-over as well. They're responsible for nearly 15% of your energy use. + Make sure vents for appliances have louvers that close so air can't get in. + Invest in quality storm windows and add weatherstripping to windows and doors. Heat escaping through windows accounts for 10% to 25% of your heating costs. Here are some more ways you can thicken your cocoon.
12 Simple Ways to Cut Heating Bills
Each degree you lower your thermostat cuts your fuel bill by 3%. Turn it down. Open fireplace flues let out the same amount of hot air as a 48-inch window. Close them. Learn 10 more tips here.
6 Medium-Sized Projects That Will Shrink Your Energy Costs
Sealing attic and furnace ducts using materials that cost less than $50 will slash 30% from your energy bill. Also consider a professional energy audit. Read about another four projects here.
Fall Furnace Maintenance (subscribers only)
TOH plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how a professional should service an oil-burning, forced-air furnace (and the basics are similar for a gas system).
A Pro's Take on State-of-the-Art Heating
Live in a climate where temps are below 70° F for more than half the year? Rich Trethewey recommends a single, fuel-stingy boiler to supply both heat and hot water for maximum comfort and efficiency. He's also hot on radiant floors. The heat is gentler and more efficient.
Space Heaters Can Make Sense—But Not Often
In a small, tight house, an efficient gas furnace is cheaper to run than a pair of space heaters. Here's how to figure the cost of running a portable heater — and how to use one safely.
Heating With a Wood or Pellet Stove (subscribers only)
Are you ready to remove ashes, lug wood or pellets, and tend the fire? Do a cost-benefit analysis before buying one of these babies.
The Skinny on Flat-Panel Radiators
More common in Europe than here, flat-panel radiators are unobtrusive and quiet, while providing comfortable, customizable heat in every room.
Videos on Demand:Draft-Proofing Old WindowsInstalling a Programmable ThermostatMaintaining a Steam Radiator
More Know-How
Winterizing Evergreens
What's the best product to feed hemlocks? Any one that's designed specifically for evergreens — and the time to nourish 'em is now! Roger Cook shares his tips for keeping trees healthy through the winter.
Some Commonsense Rules for Maintaining a Flat Roof
Flat roofs demand more attention than pitched roofs, but depending on your situation, flat might be the better bet.
Picking House Paint
You can tell a good paint by its can if you know what to look for.
Choosing and Installing a New Showerhead
There are dozens of new ones that will make your morning nicer and conserve water. Check out the latest models. Plus: installation instructions
Set Up a Wireless Computer Network
Set up your Wi-Fi network so you can surf the Web without interruption.
Video On Demand: Installing a Deadbolt Lock
4 Ways to Eliminate Dimmer Buzz
A dimmer switch actually turns a light on and off up to 120 times per second, which can cause a bulb's filament to vibrate and buzz. Here's how to eliminate the noise.
Send Us Your Remodeling Tips
The Ask This Old House TV crew is looking for tips on tools, materials, and processes — anything related to home repair and remodeling. Send a tip now.
Let Us Lease You an '06 Ford F-150!
It's our Meet This Old House Tour sweepstakes! Enter now for your chance at a two-year lease on the F-150, a $5,000 Home Depot gift card, a $3,000 Discover gift card, or a trip for two to the set of This Old House!
Sweepstakes: Win $25,000 for Your Next Project
Enter now for a chance to win $25,000 toward your next home improvement project.
Spend Some Time With This Old House Crewmembers!
Master carpenter Norm Abram and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey will storm Atlanta Oct. 20 to visit with you on this, their last tour stop this year.

'Tis the Season

I hate to be the one to say it outloud, but 'tis the season...............for germs.
While I am still battling with my "mild case" of pnemonia, the rest of my little household is sneezin', wheezin' and coughing.

I have two words for everyone

Lysol

Purell

Arm yourselves people, the germ season has offically begun.

Ok, so I have OCD and should probably get a life.

The Causes of my Swifer Addiction







Since I have already disclosed to the world, via this blog, that I have issues, no one should be surprised by this:

After weeks of "jonesing" for this one particular product, this past Saturday, I finally got it. What is "IT"???

THE SWIFER SWEEP & VAC

I know you all think I'm crazy, but I have to tell you, having two cats, a dog and a pre-schooler, this purchase made me so happy that words can not express my joy. As I have divulged in a previous post, I am a Swifer addict. Yes, I admit it...I need a Swifer intervention and this latest Swifer purchase has made my addiction that much more intense.

Not only am I able to sweep up every minute little hair and particle by using my "used dryer sheet trick", but NOW I don't even need the darn dustpan.....THIS SWIFER WILL VACUUM UP ALL MY LITTLE PILES!!!

Yes people, I may need help, but trust me, this Swifer product will make addicts out of all who purchase it.

Just to forewarn you all, I am contemplating purchasing the Swifer Carpet Flick, so be prepared!!!

Beauty "Tips"

Although I am freakish about my face, I am NOT a make-up master, but I do KNOW that the following tips are tried and true.

Let me start at the top....the top of your head that is.

• Hair - As I've mentioned, I happen to have very curly hair that, during the cooler months, I straighten using a straight iron. Well, this does not mean that my hair CARE needs have changed. My hair, naturally, is curly which means that despite my hair STYLE, I should still use hair CARE products for curly hair. Curly hair usually needs more moisture than straight hair to control "the frizzies" . Lesson.....use hair CARE products for your hair type, NOT your hair STYLE. Use hair STYLING products for your hair style. Also, for extra conditioning that doesn't require a lot of time, try this: After shampooing, apply conditioner, comb through hair and then tie hair up in a ponytail. Continure your normal shower routine and then, don't rinse out all the conditioner. Leave just a little in. This little trick helps to keep split ends at bay and also helps to reduce damage caused by heat styling.
• Eyebrows - As a woman of Italian decent, trust me, I KNOW about eyebrows.

1. First, the length of your eyebrow. To determine where your eyebrow should "begin", place your finger on top of your tear duct and follow it straight up. Any hair that is before this point should be removed. To determine the where your eyebrow should "end", place your finger at the outer most corner where your top and lower eye lids meet and follow this point up on the diagnal. Any hair after this point, should also be removed.
2. I know that these thin, clown like eyebrows may be the "in" thing, but c'mon ladies, it just doesn't look natural. Personal preference is really going to determine this one, but for the sake of looking natural, don't thin them out much more than just above the brow bone. If you want to look like a surprised clown, by all means, go right ahead, but peronally, I prefer a more natural look.
3. Tweezing - Try to tweeze ONLY after showering. The warmth of the water softens both the skin and hair making it much easier to complete this task. Also, don't forget to tweeze those straglers that are hanging out above your eyebrow.
4. Trimming - If the hair in your eyebrows is beginning to bend and/or curl, trim them. Really, they aren't SUPPSOSE to do that. This task is easily accomplished with your man's mustache scissors....SSSSSSSHHHHH, it's our little secret.

• Eye Care - I picked up this little tidbit on a TLC show. In order to get maximum results from any eye cream, apply the cream on the upper and underside of the eye as well as the inner corner. This way, whatever lessing of lines or smoothness in texture you experience, you're entire eye benefits. This entire eye benefit, makes eyses brighter and perkier. (As a full time wife, mother and housekeeper and part-time administrator and consultant, I swear by this trick. It also applies to any concealer, foundation, or white eye shadow you may apply.)
• Lips - I must admit that my lips are my worst feature, but to keep them in the best possible condition, I use a lip conditioning balm. Use daily and nightly. Most especially use while sunbathing and while outside during the colder months.
• Shaving - Aaaaaahhhhh, isn't it great to be a woman??? I mistakenly discovered this one. One morning while showering, I went to reach for the shaving cream and lo and behold....there was none to be found. I happened to have Olay Moisturerinse in the shower. I had purchased a bottle to try and although I didn't really like the greasy mess it left behind, I never discarded it. Anyway, I HAD to shave...you ladies KNOW what I mean, so I grabbed the Olay stuff, applied a THIN layer of it (so I didn't clog up my razor) and proceeded to shave. Well, that was the closest shave I've ever had. Not only that, but I had absolutely no nics and no razor burn, not even in that sensitive bikini area. Take my word for it ladies, this one is worth a try. Just be sure not to overdo the application or you're bound to clog up your razor.
• Foot care - I never understood the obsession with this until I tried it myself. It is amazing how good you feel when you're tootsies are well cared for. No need to trek to the nail salon, a "quickie" in the shower can be just as wonderful. Requirements...Foot scrub (gotta buy the foot scrub, body scrub just isn't the same....REALLY!) and a pumice stone. Do I really need to tell you more than that.
• Body care - A good body scrub two or three times a week and a daily, NON-GREASY body lotion is really all you need to keep soft, smooth and SIIIIIIIILLLLLLLKY!
• Cosmetics - Listen, I'm KNOWN to be "rough around the edges", but would you rather I lie? I'm the friend you take clothes shopping because you know if what you try on looks like crap, I'm going to tell you "That looks like crap". With that said; cosmetics are suppose to ENHANCE your features, not change them, completely cover them, or change your skin color. So, apply with a light hand, unless of course you're going to the "Limelight", want to look like a......(you get where I'm going with that one.) or just don't care. Foundation is suppose to even out skin tone, pick one that's as close to your natural skin tone as possilbe. And for the love of God, blend it at your jaw line. Eyeshadow should complement or draw attention to your eyes.....use sparingly and please heed the day & eveing application rules. Blush should be applied to the apples of your cheeks and a LIGHT dusting at the temples, forehead and chin. Again, unless you are showcasing for a burlesque show, or circus, BLEND, and EASY on the color. Same applies to lipstick. Listen, it's better to ask for help or an opinion than to run around looking like the poster child for make-up remover. Everyone has a friend or acquaintance that's "rough around the edges", this would be the time to make use of that friendship or acquaintance.

Hope you've found these "tips" useful. I would LOVE to hear YOUR opinions.....HINT, HINT!!!

Wishing you all a WONDERFUL weekend.

Tips compliments of:

http://www.HMaggio-Pure-Skin-Care.com

Real Quick

Good evening to all!!!
Sorry I haven't posted, been a little under the weather.
Promise to post tomorrow....make sure to visit, I'll have some beauty tips.
In the mean time, please check out the following:

http://www.HMaggio-Pure-Skin-Care.com

Morning Madness Shortcuts

Some of these "shortcuts" are geared more towards the ladies, but you guys may like one or two of them.

• Moms, this one probably goes without saying, but there may be a new mom or two that will benefit.....Try to get as much of your children's stuff done at night, after they go to bed so that when they pull the morning lazies, which they ALWAYS do, you have allowed for time.
• Hair, Hair, and more Hair - I happen to have long curly hair and like most women, want the opposite. Thanks to, (or curse them, depending on my mood and how my morning is unfolding) the beauty industry this is now a possibility.....................the straight iron. Let me just tell you, straightening my hair is no easy task, but I have learned the following....in order to save time and cut down on the amount of damage done to my hair, I wash my hair at night, let it air dry, and then straighten it before I go to bed. This way, even if the diva, aka my 4yr old, decides that she absolutely MUST shower before school, I just hop in, wash her up and then just touch up my hair with the straight iron.
• I happen to be FREAKISHLY obsessed with skin care, yes, the tattoo queen is freakish with skin care, go figure. Anyway, I happen to have very oily skin and use a clay masque almost every morning. How, you may ask, do I have time? I wash my face with my cleanser du jour (I alternate between an acne wash and oil free wash) throw the masque on my face, clean out the litter box and brush my teeth. By the time I'm done brushing my teeth, the masque has dried and it's time to remove it.
• Another little trick I've learned to keep the bathroom clean without spending the weekend cleaning it......................Everybody say Mr. Clean Reach. Not only do I love this thing because I am 4'6 and can hardly reach the majority of the tile in my shower, but it also does a very good job cleaning. I do a quick clean after every shower.
• To help the Mr. with his morning routine, I take out his work clothes out at night and hang them in the bathroom.
• Another tip for the guys...get a fog free mirror for the shower. Not only does it save him a step, but he gets to stay nice and warm and his facial hair is softer because he shaves in the shower.
• If you aren't raising a diva as I am, you can also do the whole putting out the clothes at night with your children too. This perticular step doesn't cut the mustard with the diva because she says she's not sure what she's going to be in the mood to wear tomorrow...........hey, I pick my battles...cut me some slack.

That's all I got for now, but if any of you have any of your own morning shortcuts, lay 'em on me. Better yet....post 'em.

For your viewing pleasure, I present..............The Diva, The Queen, MY BABY!!!!

Worthy Websites

These are some websites that I have found to be the cream of the crop:

• Web-based business advice: www.AdlandPro.com Great place to network and get great advice from friendly, knowledgable people.
• E-Mail Campaigns: www.ConstantContact.com Offers a 60-day FREE trial. Great templates and features and very user-friendly.
• Website Design, Hosting & Promotion: www.BengalMarketing.com There is nothing that is beyond the scope of Linda and Peter's internet knowledge. Great, friendly people too.
• Music downloads: www.Napster.com For a nominal $9.95 per month, you can download as many tracks as your computer can handle. Addtional charge(s) to burn the tracks, but a great site.
• Health & Beauty products: www.HMaggio-pure-skin-care.com Offering skin care products, product sets for all skin care types/needs as well as: Body care, Cosmetic, Weight Loss, Nutrition and Aromatherapy products.
• Great bargains on clothes: www.ClassicCloseouts.com You WON'T believe the prices.
• Children's clothing: http://Debs-Kids.com ASTONISHING prices. I have a 4-year old, trust me on this one.
• Automobiles: www.CKautos.com You can't believe how affordably you can get a high-line car.
• Photography: www.KathysGallery.com Be SURE to view the pictures. You've never seen wedding pictures and portraits like this before. EXTREMELY reasonable priced.
• Tattoos: www.Tattos4U.com Great place to get ideas and stencils.
• Online Mall: www.TheHomeShow.org If it's for sale on the internet, THIS is the place to find it.
• Advertising for work at home moms: www.AdvertisingMoms.com Great place for moms to gather, trade oppertunities and ads.
• Business cards: www.VistaPrint.com Great products for RIDICULOUSLY low prices. Business cards, business magnets, greeting cards, the works.
• Diet and Fitness advice: www.EDiets.com Great place to get exercise plans and diet tips.

If anyone has any other suggestions for sites that are just to good to pass by, please feel free to add them.

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!!! And for goodness sakes people.....BLOG with me, I'm getting lonely out here.

Cold Weather "Advice"

With the colder weather fastly approaching, I'd like to share a few things that I change to help cope with the colder temps:

• First and foremost, cold weather all on it's own can sap the moisture from both your body and skin. With the increase of people who have converted to central air/forced hot air, PLEASE take my advice on this one, it is ABSOLUTELY essential to both your sinuses and skin to invest in a cool mist humidifier. Additionally, you MUST change your skin care products. Even I, whom happens to posses the world's oilest skin, encounter dry skin during the colder months. Invest in a good face and body moisturizer. Most people need to switch to a richer moisturizer than the one they use during the spring and fall months.
• (I'm shelling out this "advice" in no particular order, so bear with me please!!!) Shoveling, the world's most hated chore, should be done frequently in order to avoid bone chill, hypotherma, back strain, and all the other multitudes of lovley ailments that shoveling can provide. Personally, my husband snow plows, and like the shoemaker whose family is shoeless, the last thing my husband wants to do when he returns home is move more snow, so I have become quite the little shoveling expert. I suggest a light PLASTIC shovel and depending on how quickly the snow is accumulating, I suggest going out every time the ground gets recovered.
• Sounds dumb I know, but for the love of God people, invest in those extremely ugly waterproof boots. Wear some hats and gloves. Why mess with the germ demons. So you look like a dork, you think the hottie down the street looks any better bundled up like the Michelin man. Put your vanitly aside. TRUST me on this one.
• LIP BALM.....LEARN, LIVE IT, LOVE IT!!! Sorry folks, but dry, cracked bloodied lips....don't care who you are, they're down right disgusting.
• Another tidbit of "advice" worth heeding........................turn down the heat at night. Having a four year old, which by definition means I spend more time in the doctor's office, has at least taught me that much. Not only does this move save your sinuses and skin, but it also provides a more restful night's sleep. Your body naturally warms itself while sleeping and the pediatrician swears that having the heat NO HIGHER than 69 degrees at night will also lessen the incidence of colds. The heat dries out nasal passages leaving them more prone to infection.
• Another "duh" tidbit, but if you are able, warm up the car 10-15 minutes before you head out. Not just for your comfort, but also for the "comfort of your engine". This little tidbit comes compliments of Mr. Doron Sauer, my boss.
• Also compliments of Mr. Sauer, be sure to check the tires on your vehicle before snow season begins, nobody wants to have to purchase snow tires in the height of snow season.
• In order to cut down on utility costs, invest in a programable thermostat. My house has two serperate climate control zones, so when I leave for work, I have my upstairs thermostat programmed to drop the temperature. Who the heck is up there all day???? Why waste the money heating it. Likewise, I have the thermostat programmed to turn the heat up around 6pm so that when it's time for bed, it's nice and cozy in the bedrooms. (Yes, I follow my advice, the thermostat is programmed to turn the heat back down at 10pm and then up again a 4:30am)
• If you own an older home that has plaster walls, consider having insulation "blown-in". This is somewhat costly, but is well worth the investment. My husband and I had this done last spring and can not be happier with the results.

Hope these little tidbits have given you something to think about, and if anyone has anything else to contribute, by all means people, POST UP!!!!

To view the line of skin care products that I personally use, please visit:

www.HMaggio-pure-skin-care.com

To view the fine collection of quality, pre-owned automobiles that Mr. Sauer has available for sale, please visit:

www.CKAUTOS.COM

You'll be ABSOLUTELY AMAZED by what Mr. Sauer can provide you, for your money. CHECK IT OUT!!!

Girl Stuff

Now that I am only coughing and not dying (really, I WAS dying, I'm not being dramatic, I SWEAR it) here's a post that's actually a "Tips, Shortcuts & "Advice".
Sorry guys, but this is more geared toward the ladies.
Just so we are all clear, this is the most fly by the seat blog, so these are NOT in any order, heck, they may not even have any rhyme or reason..............I did forewarn you all.

Housecleaning (If my mother-in-law joins, she'll laugh her a** off at this one!)

I have learned by trial and error with my little person, who could care less about anything NOT centering around her, (I miss being 4 myself ) that clean it while you can. Once the little people invade, you really have to clean what and when you can, so here are a few of MY most favorite cleaning products (all are timesavers).

• Swifer - ANYTHING swifer....BUY IT. Buy 5 of them. I would be living in absolute filth if it were not for the Swifer. Personally, I own the original Swifer that you can sweep with or put wet cloths on to mop with, both Swifer Dusters (The small one and the telescoping wand one. Being 4'6, that telescoping wand is God sent. And, I swear they attract EVERYTHING. I have two cats, a dog and a four year old, would I lie about something so serious?), and the Wet Jet mop...........LOVE IT!!! (I have laminate flooring throughout my living and dining rooms and this is the ONLY cleaner I have found that has not streaked the laminate.) I am ABSOLUTELY DYING to own the Sweep and Vac, but I have had a difficult time finding it. Anyway, ALL the Swifer products are great for cutting cleaning time down.
• Wipes - Clorox Wipes, Lysol Wipes, Windex Wipes, Glass Plus Wipes................name one, and I've bought it. Personally, I prefer the Windex Vinegar Wipes (They clean most surfaces with little or no streaking and vinegar is a natural disinfectant) and the Lysol Disinfecting Wipes (I've found they work better than the Clorox, and they actually have a scrubbing pad on one variety). It sounds so ridiculous, but they REALLY DO cut down your cleaning time. Less stuff to carry around from room to room and no spray, wipe, damn where did I put the damn bottle, oh yeah found it, spray, wipe, etc.
• White Vinegar - Crazy? Yes, I am, but not because I use white vinegar to clean with. As previously mentioned, I have two cats, a dog, and laminate flooring. Well, dont' think those four legged creatures of mine are any less accident prone than the 4 year old. My brother-in-law Steven, who is a floor installer, saw that I was having a hard time finding something to clean up pet "accidents" and told me to use white vinegar. Swear to God, he's right. It's a natural disinfectant, kills orders on contact and doesn't streak. Have you noticed my MAJOR obsession with streaking yet?
• Lysol Toliet Bowl Brush - EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! As much as I love this product, I still hate cleaning the toliet just as much. Anyway, the cleaner is excellent and has a nice smell to it and the brush is pretty rough so it does a real good job on just about anything that's discoloring your potty.
• Febreeze - As with Swifer, buy ANYTHING that has the word Febreeze on it. Not only do I have issues with streaks, but I would die if I thought my house smelled.
• Airwick Plug-ins - At least I think that's what they are called. I know that they are made by Airwick, ok??? Anyway, see above (Febreeze). These plug-in things can be found in EVERY SINGLE room in my house....in some cases more than one in each room. So maybe I need therapy....no shame in that.

Well, these are my tidbits of knowledge for today, I'm sure tomorrow I will have something completely different to yak about.

Hope you enjoy.........and hope your realize you're NOT the only out there with issues (maybe we can get a group therapy discount, what do you think?)

One more OCD thing..................as a multiple animal owner and mom, I've learned that USED dryer sheets have a number of uses.

Yes, I said what you think I did.

Anyway, here's the few things I use them for:

1. Put one or two on the bottom of the swifer and you'll be AMAZED at what you can sweep up off of the floor............AMAZING, I promise. Something about the sheets being "charged" by being in the dryer.
2. Dust wood or laminate or whatever (NOT GLASS......MY GOD MAN IT WILL STREAK THE GLASS) furniture. The dryer sheet makes whatever you dust with it repel, yes repel, dust.
3. Wipe down fabric furniture and pillows. Removes pet hair, microscopic pieces of whatever AND leaves behind a nice scent.

Ok, I think that's it................no need to call Bergen Pines...........they are aware I'm running free.

Have a good night and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Ooops, I forgot to mention...

Along my last train of thought, I forgot to mention that another tool that I have found extremely helpful is www.CostantContact.com.
They provide a free trial of 60 days or 100 members for email campaigns and promotions. I have already utilized two email campaigns and I'm hoping to sqeak out a third before my trial membership is up and.................oh no,......................I'll have to PAY for it!!!

Assistance for Internet Commerce

As a "newbie" to selling on the internet, I have tried almost every free tool that the internet has to offer and I'd like to make a few suggestions:

Affiliate links- In my opinion, do nothing more than fill up your email with spam-like messages.

Banner Ads - Appear to be both highly visible and definitely more traffic driving, but in addition to getting
or creating a banner you have to find someplace to advertise it, which I have discovered in
my very short time trying to conduct business on the net, that can become quite costly.
Forums - Most are free, informative and friendly, but the BEST I have found thus far is DEFINITELY
Adland Pro. Most of the members are quite friendly and the Advisors are EXTREMELY
knowledgable. Of course, if you choose to, you may purchase a membership, but I have had
had a wonderful experience thus far with a free membership.

If anyone else out there is aware of any other resources that they have found helpful, please, by all means, post them.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Piece of Advice for the day....

Seeing as I am fighting a chest infection, am busier than a bee at work and my four year old could give a rat's behind about any of this, today's piece of advice holds true for every single woman, every single day....................................get as much sleep as you possilbly can.

Introduction

Let me first apologize that it has taken me so long to post.....Busy schedule and (poor me), I haven't been feeling all that well.
Anyway........I am (as all women) a multi-tasking extrodinare. I am a wife, a mom, a CEO (of none other than the ever chaotic Casa Di Maggio) and yes, you've probably figured it out, a woman.
Now I add that I am a woman, because most women can identify with losing their womanly identity once motherhood comes along. My daughter will be five in January, and it took me almost four years to actually remember that, oh yeah, I'm a woman. Mommy mode is absolutely absorbing.
I hope that the information provided within, as time allows me to provide said information, provides you with some assistance and a smile or also a smile or two.

Welcome

Welcome to Tips, Shortcuts and Daily "advice".

I use the term "advice" loosely.....who am I to give advice. Maybe I should have used the term opinion. Ah, whatever.
Welcome!!!!
I thought it might be neat to publish some tips and shortcuts that help me get through my own hectic days and to see what timesavers others may have put into place.
As the mother of a four year old, one whom is non-stop to the point of being ALMOST hyper-active, a part-time administrator for a car dealership, an independent consultant, a wife, a house-keeper, a maid, a cook, a financial "expert", etc. ( I could go on, but do I really need to? ) I've found that every minute saved is heaven sent and precious.

And to show you why it is that I have decided to implement shortcuts instead of physical harm, to myself or others,
I present...................my daughter.



I chose this picture as proof, to those who know her, that she REALLY does sleep...................on OCCASSION!!!!

How angelic???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTT!!!
But, she is beautiful, intelligent and the MOST amazing thing in my life.