Thursday, October 28, 2010

TC's Christmas list

TC said...
Oh, this reminds me I should send you my list. :-D

- personalized return-address labels (I really love the square ones on The Stationary Studio)
- stamps, photostamps
- fondue set
- "The best day of someone else's life" - Kerry Reichs
- "Hungry Girl: 1-2-3" cookbook
- "Weight Watchers: Take-out tonight!" cookbook
- "Where Men Win Glory" - Krakauer
- Video-editing software
- "My Boys" Seasons 1, 2 and 3
- Gift cards: gas, barnes & noble, victoria's secret, noodles, sonic, qdoba, wal-mart, target, applebees
- neck pillow for flights
- Hoops 'n YoYo apron
- Long button-up sweater to wear over stuff
- good electric toothbrush
- Socks (not "funny" ones, but more work ones. Including some tall - knee high - ones. Not trouser socks, though.)
- tri-fold black wallet

Friday, October 22, 2010

Darly’s Christmas Wish list

1.  A Basket ball
13. Josafina’s books 3-6 (AG) note: I only linked one of the books here.

Please let me know if you're getting Darly any of this, so I know what I don't have to buy her.  Honestly even though she said this was her last list, I know there's more.  ugh!  and NOPE, I'm not buying all of this.  LOL, she can keep on dreaming.

Dannon Cups of Hope


In case you’ve been living under a rock somewhere or something, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  There are some really simple things you can do to help out.  First, check your “girls” on a regular basis.  Ya wanna make sure you know what healthy is so you also know what’s different.

Another thing you can do is if you like Dannon Yogurt you can enter the codes under the lids to help support Cancer research.

Throughout September and October, a variety of Dannon products will help support the cause, not only by raising money, but also by increasing awareness for a disease that affects women and families at a staggering rate - with more than 290,000 women diagnosed every year. Dannon pledges to donate at least $500,000 dollars to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, but they hope to increase that donation to $1.5 million dollars this year.

Under the lid of specially-marked Dannon products you will find a unique code. With each code entered at www.cupsofhope.com by November 30, 10 cents will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. ® (NBCF). The money raised will go to the NBCF, to provide women free mammograms and support breast cancer research nationwide.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Dannon. In addition, I received a gift certificate and products to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Weekend update!


In the tradition of many of my blogger friends, I've decided that I should do a weekend update.  So that you can all see the fun that is the fefyfomanna house.  LOL!  

So our weekend began bright and early as Darly had a Girl Scout thing to go to, on the other side of town.  Supposedly…  See the info we received said that the even started at 9am but to please be there early to check in at 8:30AM!  The location of the event was 45 min away.  ARGH!  So I inhaled my coffee and off we go.  We arrived early, cuz I’m just that good…and then we learned that the info THEY had said that we were supposed to check in at 9am, and start at 9:30!  WHAT?  I could have slept another half hour???  Argh!  I could have been on Facebook for that half hour, I could have done a lot of things with that half hour…alas, it was not to be.  Oh and guess what!  The gal from Girl Scouts didn’t even show up (said she was sick) the poor venue had to deal with us all by themselves.

The event was a field trip & tour of a local Vet’s office.  The girls were going to learn about pet care, talk to a woman vet, talk to a woman vet tech and get a tour of the vet’s office.  This isn’t your normal vet’s office either…it’s one of the major offices that provide care for pets who’s owners cannot afford to pay full price.  The rest of the money is supplied by donors.  The girls were all asked to bring in donations of supplies…they got a nice haul.
Our group got to tour the office first.  We got to meet a poor puppy with a broken leg, a cat who was in for blood work (no touching please!) and a lab who had had a very large abdominal mass removed and was having her bandages changed.  The girls got to see jars of stuff removed from pets (blech!) and read some radiographs (x-rays).  The vet tech told us where she went to school and about her job, what a typical day looks like…etc.  It was very cool.

Then it was time to talk with the Vet and learn about how she became a vet, via being a Country singer.  She didn’t go into details.  LOL!  She also told us that she has 7 dogs, a cat, & 14 birds…but didn’t tell us how many pets she’s allowed to have where she lives.  I bit my tongue about how that many pets is an occupational hazard for vets. ;)
Since we started our tour so early, we decided to go with our friends to one of our favorite museums.  I was worried that it might be crowded, but it wasn’t that bad.  Started off in the health section of the museum and learned about the sugar content of some cereals.  Then Darly wanted to do the age progression simulation.  She wasn’t happy to learn that she might look like her great grandmother.  He he

Then we headed to the IMAX to see Under the Sea in 3-D!  That was very cool.  I thought I might have nightmares from the sea snakes, but it wasn’t that bad.  :D  Next we went for a visit to the Amazon exhibit.  They had REAL piranha that we could watch…looked like normal fish, although these were the kind that will swarm.

Then it was time to head home…we beat DH home.

Well that was Saturday.   

On Sunday, Darly had to Acolyte at Church…so we had to be there early…(what’s up with all these early mornings???)  We get there and there’s a man outside taking pictures.  I didn’t think too much of it and we went inside.  A minute later, he comes in and introduces himself.  Seems his friends invited him, but he got there way too early.  So I show him around…he’s quite the talker.  After I managed to ditch er get him someone else to talk to he somehow found his way to DH too!  After Church service he ended up taking our picture.  Ne ne ne neeeeh!

We had brunch at Egg & I, and went to the library.  And that’s about it.

See so very exciting here.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Help Stop MRSA Now


Like all parents the most important thing is keeping my child safe.  And there are so many things out there that we need to protect our kids from.  Some things are really scary and life-threatening.   Our kids get exposed to so much even when we have them in our site all the time.  I’m of course, talking about things like germs and infections.  I feel so fortunate that Darly is so conscientious about germs.  Okay, okay I’ve managed to train her to be another germophobe!   But…

Skin infections like MRSA, a potentially life-threatening antibiotic resistant Staph infection, are the cause of 56 percent of all outbreaks of infectious diseases in competitive sports in the U.S.  

Luckily, simple preventative steps like scrubbing hands frequently, wiping down hard surfaces with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 gallon of water), covering cuts and regularly cleaning, laundering and disinfecting sports equipment can reduce the spread of bacteria. And funny enough, these steps also help stop the spread of other germs like the common cold and the flu!

S.T.O.P. MRSA Now Coalition, Swap Me Sports, professional basketball star Grant Hill, who was affected by MRSA, and The Clorox Company are teaming up to educate families and coaches through Equip Them Well, a program to help teach families and sports teams about practical MRSA prevention steps .  Through the program, parents can also collect, disinfect and donate used youth sports equipment to communities in need.  

Plus, each individual who enters the sweepstakes on www.StopMRSAnow.org will score a chance to win a trip to Phoenix for a Suns game and an exclusive “meet-and-greet” with Grant Hill. 

Professional Basketball Star Grant Hill Coaches Parents in MRSA Defense
--Stop MRSA Now Coalition Member Focuses on Disinfecting Sports Equipment and Other Shared Items to Help Prevent the Spread of MRSA-- 

            September 13, 2010 WASHINGTON – Skin infections like MRSA, which spread through skin to skin contact as well as contact with equipment and shared items, are the cause of 56 percent of all outbreaks of infectious diseases in competitive sports in the U.S.[1],[2] – but simple steps parents can take can help prevent the spread.  MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a potentially life-threatening antibiotic resistant Staph bacteria that has increasingly been found in community and youth sports settings.3

The Stop MRSA Now Coalition in partnership with The Clorox Company and SwapMeSports.com, has teamed up with professional basketball star Grant Hill to launch Equip them Well, a program to help teach families and sports teams about practical MRSA prevention steps, such as washing hands and disinfecting equipment with a bleach solution.  Like so many others who have been affected by the threat of MRSA, Hill understands the importance of prevention, both in the locker room and on the court.

“We need to get more kids in the game with youth sports – but I also know firsthand that MRSA is a tough opponent that many young athletes may face,” said Hill, MRSA survivor and Stop MRSA Now Coalition member.  “That is why I am excited about the Equip Them Well program to inform parents and coaches that we all play a part in MRSA prevention.”

Donate Used Sports Equipment and Score a Chance to Meet Grant Hill
In addition to educating parents about MRSA prevention, the Equip Them Well program is committed to providing the resources necessary for kids from all communities to take part in youth sports. Parents can collect, disinfect and donate used youth sports equipment to communities in need through the Equip Them Well page on StopMRSANow.org

Each family that visits StopMRSANow.org and enters the sweepstakes will score a chance to win a trip to Phoenix for a Suns game and exclusive “meet-and-greet” with Hill.

Equip Them Well – With Simple Equipment Wellness Steps
MRSA is generally spread by skin to skin contact and by touching surfaces that have come in contact with a person’s infection. The following steps can help prevent the spread in community settings:

  • Scrub up – Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer.  
  • Wipe it down – Use a disinfecting bleach solution to wipe down and disinfect hard surfaces. (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 gallon of water or as directed on label)
  • Cover your cuts – Keep any nicks or wounds covered with a clean, dry bandage until healed.
  • Keep to yourself – Do not share personal items, like towels or razors, that come into contact with bare skin.
  • Use a barrier – Keep a towel or clothing between skin and shared equipment.
  • Don’t play dirty – Wash children’s athletic clothing after each use, using the warmest wash recommended and adding bleach when appropriate.

All teams know that sports equipment is often shared among teammates. That makes “equipment wellness” another important part of preventing the spread of MRSA in youth sports settings. It is important to:
  • Regularly clean and disinfect sports equipment like balls, racket grips and bats.
  • Pay particular attention to disinfecting or properly laundering sports equipment that comes into direct contact with the skin of the players, such as headgear/helmets, mats, and body armor. [3],[4]
  • Avoid using tape to wrap gripping areas of rackets, bar bells, or to repair rips and tears on other sports equipment. This may provide an environment for germs to thrive and may interfere with the disinfectant process.

Parents can read and download practical prevention steps online at www.stopmrsanow.org.

About STOP MRSA NOW
STOP MRSA Now is a coalition of community members who have experienced first-hand the threat of MRSA and MRSA experts who are committed to working together to reduce the spread of MRSA in community settings and to educate community members on MRSA prevention.

MRSA is a potentially life-threatening antibiotic resistant Staph infection. The MRSA bacteria is carried by up to 5 percent of the population, especially in younger people.[5] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2005, nearly 19,000 Americans died from MRSA infections.[6]  During the same year, there were 134 cases of MRSA in children.[7]
  
About SwapMeSports.com
SwapMeSports.com is a free community website that allows parents to buy, sell, trade or donate used sports equipment.  The organization facilitates the donation of equipment to organizations, schools and leagues through its community giving program. All donated equipment benefits the many children who would like to participate in sports but cannot afford to. SwapMeSports.com’s sponsorship of Equip Them Well encourages families and teams to collect, disinfect and donate used sports equipment, while educating them on MRSA prevention.  For more information, visit www.swapmesports.com.

About The Clorox Company
The Clorox Company is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, with fiscal year 2010 revenues of $5.53 billion.  Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products; Pine-Sol® cleaners; Green Works® natural home care products; Brita® water-filtration systems; Burt’s Bees® natural personal care products; Kingsford® charcoal; Hidden Valley® and K C Masterpiece® dressings and sauces; Glad® bags, wraps and containers; Fresh Step® and Scoop Away® cat litter; and Armor All® and STP® auto-care products. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $80 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges. In fiscal 2010 alone, the foundation awarded $3.5 million in cash grants, and Clorox made product donations valued at $8.8 million.  For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com.

The Clorox Company sent me information about the Equip them Well program not intended to solicit product claims.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A daughter in mourning...

IM convo cuz we're both on computers...only 20 feet apart.



Darly says: OMW, there's an AMERICAN GIRL COMMERCiAL
RENEE says: on tv?
Darly says: no  the site, but I think it will be on tv soon
I HATE YOU MATTEL (owner of AG)
RENEE says: y b sick & cry (note: she had emocions for sick & crying) oh cuz they're cheapening the dollies?
Darly says: Cry cuz ag's going in the pitts,
RENEE says: sorry hun
Darly says: Sick because MATTEL IS SICK
RENEE says: you could boycott them  stop buying their stuff
Darly says: Soon they'll be all plastic, have gient boobs,
Huge butts,
RENEE says: gient?
Darly says: GIANT
RENEE says: they already have huge butts
Darly says: bigger butts
RENEE says: boycott, boycott
Darly says: Teeny itsy bitsy waists,
RENEE says: no more mattel stuff in my house
Darly says: I wisk  WISH
RENEE says: sounds like barbie
Darly says: exactly
RENEE says: life in plastic...it's fantastic!
Darly says: That's why i'm gonna go to the ag store, and SCREAM at everyone there that Mattel is DORKS
NO IT'S NOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT (in response to my life in plastic remark)
RENEE says: ummm I don't think I can take you to the AG store to make a scene  I thought you wanted to work there
Darly says: the whole point of AG's was NOT to be like barbies
Eh, DID
RENEE says: I know, but then the original owner sold out and made millions
Darly says: It was for them to be encouraging girls to make the best out of childhood
RENEE says: now Mattel is driving them into the ground
Darly says: NOW MY CHILDHOOD IS RUINED
RENEE says: like they do everything
Darly says: (crying emocion)
RENEE says: good thing you're all growed up now
Darly says: NO I'M NOIT
I'm 12 years old and I want to stay a little kid who loves her dolls
And can shut out the rest of the world when she's with them
RENEE says: la la la la
Darly says: I want to have a proper childhood
But that will never happen
My children will be born into plastic agony
And the world will expolde
RENEE says: ya know not every childhood includes over a thousand dollars worth of dolls
Darly says: Yes,
But the first AG's only cost like, $70 maybe less
RENEE says: are any of your dolls PC's (PC is for Pleasant Company, original owner of American Girl)
Darly says: one
wel, teo
Sandy, and niv=cki
NICKI
RENEE says:
you must be really ticked cuz you can't even spell like a cat!
Darly says: yes
And my shirt's all wet
RENEE says: WHAT?
Darly says: I'm crying
RENEE says: real tears?
Darly says: yes
RENEE says: ah hunny don't cry
Darly says: They're pure evil
RENEE says: yes
Darly says: They don't even care about girls anymore
RENEE says: well I guess I don't need that coupon for the personal shopper now
they never did
Darly says: All they want is bukoo bux
RENEE says: yup
Darly says: AG WASn'T ABOUT BUKOO BUX
RENEE says: until Mattel gave them bukoo bux to buy the name
I really think that they're shooting their nose off to spite their face though
opening stores everywhere will make the stores not so special
Darly says: All i want is the remnants of Pleasent company's past
RENEE says: so now I have to buy just from ebay

Darly says: Elizabeth, and Josafina
No,
I may get a few of the semi newer outfits
cuz I like a few of them
RENEE says: lol
Darly says: but then I will go off to some other doll brand
Maybe GBH
They're cute
Soon we'll be abel to buy AG's in target
for 1000000000000 dollars ofcourse
RENEE says:  and Walmart!
Darly says: Yes
And walmart
RENEE says: and KMart
and Smarty Mart
Darly says: Kmart LAYAWAY 
RENEE says: and quickie mart
Darly says: SMARTY MART??????????/
RENEE says: and doobie mart
Darly says: QUICKYMART/
RENEE says: and wookie mart
Darly says: what the
RENEE says: and petsmart
Darly says: Um
As dog toys?
RENEE says: and dingomart
Darly says: for 5000000000000000000000000000000000000 dollars?
RENEE says: and automart
and bippomart
Darly says:  And lemmie gues
Fartmart
RENEE says: LOL

I got her to stop crying over the commercial.  course I still think she wants me to buy her some more dolls.  ugh