Tuesday, March 29, 2011

He Likes Me!



Last weekend Prince Charming and I were talking about our likes and dislikes. Mostly TV shows, actors and actresses. Oh there were some other subjects but it's been a few days now so I can't really remember what they were. Must not have been important right? There really is a point to this story (it's gonna be a short one).

When Prince Charming and I walk past each other in the kitchen or wherever it may be, we almost always give a quick kiss and say I love you. So after our conversation about likes and dislikes I was standing at the kitchen counter. He walks by me, gives me a kiss and says "I like you" but really meant to say "I love you". Ha...so now we have come to like each other instead of loving each other. LOL

Monday, March 28, 2011

The Steam Team *Review*

If you live in Austin or the surrounding area I know a company that can help you out! The Steam Team have many different areas of expertise and can help you with almost any cleaning you need done.

It's that time of year where we start to do our Spring Cleaning. We want everything spotless top to bottom. That includes our air ducts because it's allergy season and lets face it, those air ducts can really add to the problem. With pro air duct cleaning it can help to eliminate part of that problem. Who doesn't want to breathe a little easier right?

While you are getting those air ducts taken care of you can get carpet and upholstery taken care of. We all know those of course are another great allergy inducer, especially if you have pets. My husband is allergic to pet dander and professional carpet and upholstery cleaning can really help to reduce the amount in the house. They also provide a pet odor removal service.


Make sure to visit The Steam Team and see all their many areas of expertise. They repair smoke damage, water damage, power washes and even ozone cleaning. If you are looking for professional carpet cleaning reviews you can find that on their website as well.


So when you are thinking about all that spring cleaning you need to do, also think about how great it would be to have someone do all the deep cleaning for you. You can relax and enjoy the day while someone else climbs in all those little crevices and gets the job done!

It Only Flies When You Don't Want It To

I just don't get it! When I'm waiting for vacation time to arrive, time drags by. When I'm waiting on something to arrive in the mail, time drags by. It seems it takes forever to move on. The work week, it drags on.

Weekends though, oh they go flying right by. Before I know it my weekend is over and it's back to another work week. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I appreciate having one. But man I want my weekend hours to go a little slower. When I have my son with me, I want time to creep by. To stand still. But it zips by in a hurry. When the kids are growing it seems to come out of nowhere. I mean, how did my daughter make it to almost 16 (hysterical sobbing here) and my baby is 12. What happened to those years? I swear I blinked and *poof* they are teens. Oh but don't forget that as a teen they have the answers to the worlds problems so make sure you ask them to write them down before they become adults and forget all those answers.

So I'm thinking we need to have a chat with time.We need to let time know when it is and isn't ok to fly by. When we need it to hurry along and when we need it to stand still. This can't possibly be that hard. I tried turning the hands back on the clock....but it didn't do anything for me.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Skin MD Lotion *Review*

If you haven't heard me complain before I have terribly dry skin, especially in the winter time. I have even scratched my legs until they bleed from the itching. Terrible I know. I have found some lotions that provide me with relief, but I have to use a lot of it and end up spending a lot of money just to keep my skin hydrated. I also take extremely hot showers which I know is not good for my skin, but it's just not something that is going to change. 
Skin MD is manufactured in the United States using 100% solar power, free of animal products and animal testing. If that is not impressive enough it's also made with all natural ingredients. 
Every day your skin is bombarded by chemicals and irritants that strip away the skin's natural protective barrier. Most soaps and cleansers contain fragrances, colorants, antibacterial agents and many other ingredients that damage the skin's natural barrier. Daily use of these soaps and cleansers can greatly reduce your skin's natural ability to repel the thousands of irritants and toxins that are commonly found in the home and work place. Applying a shielding lotion will keep skin hydrated and protected against irritants that cause dry skin.

Skin MD Natural uses a blend of natural ingredients in combination with significant recent scientific advances to hydrate and help heal dry skin without any greasy residue, harsh fragrances, or other potentially toxic ingredients. Conventional lotions simply attempt to replace lost moisture with artificial moisture.
Skin MD Natural works differently by helping keep moisture-robbing irritants away thus enhancing the skin's inherent ability to moisturize itself. This easy-to-apply, fast-absorbing lotion helps protect against many household, cosmetic and other commonly used products that can lead to skin disorders or just plain dry cracked skin.

My take on it:

I used this lotion for a little over a week. As with any product I try I want to be able to give a fair and honest review.

This lotion goes on so smoothly and gets a 100% grade for being non greasy. I only needed to use a very small amount to completely coat me. It's as smooth as water! I'm used to using thick lotions so that they protect my skin, but Skin MD not only shields it but my skin absorbs it. My skin feels so much softer after applying it.

The only complaint I have with Skin MD is that I did have to reapply it during the day. I had hoped that it would last for 24 hours. It may be that my skin is in such terrible condition. I have noticed improvement to my skin, I don't have to apply it nearly as often as I had to at first and it is more hydrated than it has been in a long time.

Lexi was just diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. I will be using the lotion on her arms and taking pictures over a week period to show you the results.

If you have dry skin, and looking for a lotion to hydrate your skin then I would definitely recommend Skin MD.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

So I Disappeared

Yes, as you know I'm bipolar! Yay me! That means sometimes I disappear into my own little world, where I feel safe (or not). Well this past week has been one of those times. I have disappeared into my world. My world where there is an emotional roller coaster around any corner, or hanging on any word. But that is how my world works. Does it suck, yes sometimes, but it's my world and I'm learning slowly to live with it.

This time of year is a tough time. It's been 8 years since my mom passed and that is hard on me. So when we come upon this time of year it tears me apart and I go in my world and I lock the door. I do my best not to lash out on the ones I love, though it's so easy for me to do.

So I promise next week to try to pull myself out and be back to posting and visiting your blogs!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

That Advertising Company *Review*

I've told you about them before and because I think their site is awesome I'm going to tell you about them again.
If you are looking for a company to advertise your business or your product then this advertising agency may be exactly what you are looking for in and advertising company.

This advertising agency is very knowledgeable when it comes to digital media. It's safe to say they are experts at what they do. Let them help you and your business head in the right direction by tracking your campaigns for you. Not only will they track those campaigns for you, but they will ensure that you are getting the most for your money and that the campaigns you are using are the most effective for your business. Don't waste money when an expert can help you.

Their team of professionals are highly motivated and extremely creative when it comes to creating a campaign that will benefit you and meet your specific needs. This advertising company will help you make the best profit and increase your income. They will help you get full knowledge about the type of marketing you are using now and see if it's the most effective for your business needs.

The site is completely user friendly to use, and very easy to navigate. Gain the full knowledge of these experts, see how budget friendly they are for you and your company. Check out the work they have already done and see how effective they have been in other campaigns. Request more information so you can see for yourself that this company will help you and your business become a bigger and better success.

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Man Who Has It All


What more could PC ask for? He has me...he has it all right? Ok really though he does. When it comes to birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries I am always so stumped as to what to buy him. If he wants something he goes out and buys it.

Well it's almost that time of year again. Our anniversary is in May and this is about the time I start freaking out about what to get him. A few weeks ago he tells me he needs a new toolbox and tools, so there I know what to get him. Romantic huh? He always preaches to buy something practical...something he can use. So here I am planning on getting him a toolbox and all that stuff to go with it. Asking all the guys at work what kind is good, what do they want in one...etc.

Well I had to take his car somewhere the other day, he tells me to get the stuff out of the back and guess what was included in that stuff?? Yes, I'm sure you got it right...a TOOLBOX!!! WTF? Uhm...didn't he just tell me that is what he wanted me to get for our anniversary? How am I supposed to do that now?

I asked him about it, why did he get it...wanna know his answer? He needed a leveler. Really, because I was pretty sure they sold those separately! Does he do this because he hates me? Because he likes to see me freaking out about it? Is it the stress lines I get because I want to do something nice for him, get him what he wants but he goes out and does it himself. MEN!

So now I am back to square one, I don't know what to get him. What do you get the man who has it all?

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Walgreens Deals 3/20/11

These are few of my favorite deals this week. You can find the whole list @Deal Seeking Mom


Plackers Flosser (90 pk.), $2 
Get $2 RRs
FREE after RRs!
Always With Odor-Lock Feminine Care, $2.99 
Get $2 RRs 
-- Dri-Liners Plus (30 pk.)
--LeakGuard Plus Pads (22 pk.)
$2/1 Always Pads, exp. 9-30-11 (P&G Sampler)
$1/1 Always Product, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G Everyday Savings Book)
$1/1 Always Pads, exp. 12-31-11 (P&G Sampler)
$0.50/1 Select Always Items, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
Better than FREE after coupon and RRs!
Comet Cleanser (14 oz.), 2/$1 (with in-ad coupon)
$0.35/1 Comet Cleanser or Comet Spray, exp. 3-31-11 (SS 01/23/11)
$1/2 Comet Soft Cleanser or Comet Spray, exp. 3-31-11 (SS 01/23/11)
As low as FREE after stacked coupons!
Reach Floss (55 yds.), $0.99 (with in-ad coupon)$1/1 Reach Toothbrush or Floss Product printable
$1/1 Reach Floss, Flosser or Toothbrush, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 10/10/10)
FREE after stacked coupons!
Reach Crystal Clean Toothbrush, $0.99 (with in-ad coupon) (monthly deal)
**through 3/29
Get $1 RR wyb 2
Get $2 RR wyb 3
Get $4 RR wyb 4 or more
$1/1 Reach Toothbrush or Floss Product printable
$1/1 Reach Floss, Flosser or Toothbrush, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 10/10/10)
Suggested Scenario

Buy (4) Reach Crystal Clean Toothbrushes, $0.99 ($3.96)
Get $4 RRs wyb 4
Use (4) $1/1 Reach Floss, Flosser or Toothbrush, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 10/10/10)
$4 money maker after coupons and RRs!
Method Hand Soap (12 oz), $2.99
Get $2 RRs$0.99 ea. after RRs!



Schick Quattro or Intuition, $8.99
Get $3 RRs
--Razor System
--Cartridges (3 or 4 pk.)

$3/1 Select Schick Quattro Products, exp. 5-1-11 (SS 03/20/11)
$2/1 Schick Intuition Razor or Refill, exp. 5-1-11 (SS 03/20/11)
As low as $2.99 ea. after coupon and RRs!


CVS Deals 3/20/11

These are few of my favorite deals this week. You can find the whole list @Deal Seeking Mom

Select Crest or Oral-B Products, $3.49
Get $2.50 ECBs (Limit 2)
–Crest or OralB Pro-Health Complete Rinse (16.9 oz.)
– Clinical Gum Toothpaste (4 oz.)

$0.50/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 03/13/11)
$1/1 Crest or Liquid Gel, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
$0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
$1/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 4-30 (P&G Book)
$1/1 Crest Toothpaste, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G Ebony Magazine Insert, March)
– Glide Clinical Protection Floss (38.2 yd.)
$0.75/1 Oral-B Floss or Floss Picks, exp. 3-31 (P&G 02/27/11)
$1/1 Select Oral-B or Glide Items, exp. 4-30 (P&G Ebony Insert, March)
As low as FREE after coupon and ECBs!


Dawn, $0.97
$0.25/1 Dawn Product, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
$0.50/1 Dawn Product, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G Everyday Savings Book)
$0.25/1 Dawn Product, exp. 10-31-11 (Organize In Style)
$1/1 Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Liquid, exp. 4-30-11 (Organize In Style)
$1/1 Dawn Hand Renewal inside Charmin packs
FREE after coupon!




Head & Shoulders and Pantene Products, $4.99
Get $2.50 ECBs (Limit 1)
–Head & Shoulders (14.2 oz.)

$1/1 Head & Shoulders Shampoo/Conditioner, exp. 3-31 (P&G 02/27/11)
$2/1 Head & Shoulders Shampoo, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G Ebony Insert, March)
$2/1 Head & Shoulders, exp. 4-30 (Essence Magazine, Mar)
–All Pantene Expressions, Restoratives Shampoo, Conditioners or Treatments$1/1 Pantene Product, exp. 3-31-11 (P&G 02/27/11)
$2/1 Pantene Product, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G Ebony Magazine Insert, March)
$2/2 Pantene Product, exp. 6-30-11 (P&G Brandsaver, March)
As low as $0.49 ea. after coupon and ECBs!
Select Colgate Products, $2.99
Get $2 ECBs (Limit 2)
–Colgate MaxFresh, MaxWhite or MaxClean Toothpaste (6 oz.)
$0.75/1 Colgate Toothpaste, exp. 3-19-11 (SS 02/27/11)
$0.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste (SS 02/13/11)
–Colgate 360 Surround Toothbrush (1 ct.)
$0.75/1 Colgate Manual Toothbrush, exp. 3-19-11 (SS 02/27/11)
As low as $0.24 ea. after coupon and ECBs!
Select Schick Razors or Cartridges, $8.79
Get $4 ECBs (Limit 1)
–Schick Intuition Razor or Cartridge (4 ct.)
$2/1 Schick Intuition Razor or Refill, (SS 3/20/11)
–Schick Quattro For Men or Women Razor or Cartridge (4 ct.)$3/1 Schick Quattro Razor, Trimmer or Refill (4 or 8 ct.), (SS 3/20/11)
As low as $1.79 ea. after coupon and ECBs!
Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Toothbrush (1 ct.) or Brush Heads (2 ct.), $6.49
Get $2 ECBs (Limit 1)
$3/1 Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Toothbrush, exp. 3-31 (SS 12/5/10)
$1/1 Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Product, exp. 3-31-11 (SS 12/05/10)
As low as $1.49 ea. after coupon and ECBs!
Suave Products
Get $3 ECBs wyb $12 (Limit 1)
–Suave Invisible Solid Deodorant (1.4 oz.), $1
$0.50/1 Suave Deodorant Product, exp. 4-17-11 (RP 03/20/11)
–Suave Body Wash (12 oz.), $2
B2G1 Suave Body Wash Product, exp. 4-17-11 (RP 03/20/11)
–Suave Shampoo or Conditioner (12-22.5 oz.), Styler (9-11 oz.), 3/$5
$0.50/2 Suave Professionals Styling Product, exp. 4-17 (RP 03/20/11)
Suggested Scenarios
Buy (12) Suave Deodorants at $1
Use (12) $0.50/1 Suave Deodorant Product, exp. 4-17-11 (RP 03/20/11)
$0.25 ea. after coupons and ECBs!
or
Buy (6) Suave Body Wash at $2
Use (2) B2G1 Suave Body Wash Product, exp. 4-17-11 (RP 03/20/11)
$0.83 ea. after coupons and ECBs!







Friday, March 18, 2011

Funny Things Friday

I haven't had any funny conversations with people at work, but my kids have cracked me up this week! So here are some snippets of conversations:

Lexi: So, I'm not the brightest cookie in the jar! (Ok I think you got that one a little mixed up kiddo)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

My Mini Vaca - Part 2

I know I know, I promised this last week, but well...yeah I didn't get to it. So my sister has been nagging me to get the post up. Yeah she hasn't even seen the pics.

Sunday morning I woke up, my lip was hurting really bad and I couldn't figure out why my face felt so funny. Turns out I had been bitten by a bug and this is what I looked like:
Stop laughing now! My lip was huge, my face was swollen and my eye was almost blackened. It sucked! I was not happy! How was I supposed to walk around looking like that?? I sucked it up!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Awareness Wednesday - Mental Retardation

 March is among other awareness is Mental Retardation month. I have always had so much compassion for a person who is mentally challenged in any way. All through school I wouldn't allow them to be bullied or picked on. I am proud to say that my daughter has the same compassion and stands up for those that can't or won't stand up for themselves. There are 2 children with downs syndrome in her school, those 2 children have to be escorted through the halls because of a few students who are horribly mean children. My daughter and her friends allow these 2 beautiful souls to sit with them during lunch. My daughter came home so upset one day because some kids were being mean calling them "retards" among other horrible names. My daughter and her friend both freshman in high school chose to stand up and say something to these kids. A teacher yelled at them for making too much noise. When they explained to the teacher what had happened and why they made all the "noise" she told them they had to mind their business and keep it down or they'd be sent to the office. I myself dare a teacher to send my daughter to the office, or the office do something to her for her standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Guest Post - Written by Kim Rogers

Guest post written by Kim Rogers

Once I have my mind set on buying something, it's like I have a one track mind and I can't concentrate on anything else. That's probably the big reason why I go shopping so much. But I do have really good taste though and I buy pieces that I do actually end up wearing a whole lot. It's just that I kind of have a large rotation so I don't wear stuff as often as I should because I try and wear all the clothes that I do have. But the thing lately that I've really been concentrating on is getting a black faux fur vest.

I saw this girl in one of my favorite stores about a week or so ago wearing one and when I asked her where she got it she said that it was vintage, which meant that I wouldn't be able to find another one like it. So I used my Satellite Internet Provider when I got home to start looking up vests like that online, but I didn't have nearly as much like with it as I had hoped.

I found a few vintage shops that I've never been in looking for a black faux fur vest, but I actually found one at Target!

Nursing Uniforms

I dream of one day going to medical school and becoming a nurse. I love taking care of people and have always thought about it. Often times I look at nursing scrubs and think I should have done it. Some days I swear I will still do it. Never too late right?

So for those of you who are nurses and are looking for some cheap scrubs that look nice and professional Blue Sky offers just that. They are clean cut, and have a nice slimming fit. Not the normal box cut scrubs that are meant for both men and women, these are designed to fit a woman. They offer bother original scrubs and simple scrubs. They are both made from the same high quality material the difference is the original has some beautiful stitching along the seems and if that's not for you then the simple scrubs may make you happier. Either way they are superbly priced.

Blue Sky also sells the scrub top and scrub pants separately or together. At such an affordable price and quality uniforms you should definitely take a look at their site and find exactly what you are looking for. Look professional and be comfortable at the same time!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Purex Crystals *Review*

 
I have become a Purex Insider and I can't tell you how excited I am to be given the opportunity to try their new products. A few weeks ago I received the Purex Crystals to use. I wanted to try this product for a few weeks to make sure I could give you a fair and honest review.


Purex Crystals are 92% natural and works differently than the oil based softeners that leave an oily residue on clothes. In addition you don't have to wait for the rinse cycle to add your softener. You add the crystals in at the beginning of the wash cycle.

Purex Crystals are safe for all your laundry. They don't break down the materials or leave a residue on them. The crystals preserve the flame retardant benefits on your childrens clothing and won't yellow or gray your whites as some oil based softeners do.

Purex Crystals are also affordable with a suggested retail price of $3.99 to $5.99 depending on the retailer.

Now for my opinion:
I love my clothes to smell good. I always waited for the rinse cycle of my laundry to add my liquid softeners because I felt putting them in the ball didn't make them smell as good. I also didn't like that after drying them in the dryer the scent usually wasn't as strong and didn't last until I wore them. There is nothing better than to crawl into bed and have good smelling sheets to cover up with.

I have to admit I was a little worried about Purex Crystals because you add them in before you put your laundry in. I was certain that the crystals would dissolve before they got the chance to soften my clothes and make them smell fresh.

I have used Purex Crystals for the past 2 weeks and I.LOVE.THEM!!! My sheets smell so good as soon as they come out of the dryer and stay smelling fresh through out the week until I wash them again. They stay soft and smooth. My work clothes still smell fresh at the end of the week when I finally use them. They have kept the smell and the softness on them hanging in the closet. My towels...wow! I have had a problem with my towels smelling funny even after they were washed. When I used the Purex Crystals the smell was gone and they were so soft. I almost wanted to cuddle with them.

I have a High Efficiency washer and dryer, the Purex Crystals are safe for both HE washers and standard washers. They have left no sort of residue in my washer. I add the crystals to the washer before I add my laundry. 

This is a product I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to preserve the quality of their laundry and have them always smelling fresh no matter when you go to use them. Thank you Purex for giving me the opportunity to use your product.

**I was given the Purex Crystals to try. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.**

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Truth About Dating, Love, and Just Being Friends by Chad Eastham *Book Review*


I first had Lexi read this book so I could get her reaction on it. With her being 15 and in high school I really don't know how to tackle some of these subjects and really get through to her. 

The first night I gave her this book to read I heard her upstairs laughing hysterically. I thought certainly she was watching a funny movie. A few minutes later another huge burst of laughter, and then feet stomping down the stairs to come tell me about the book. What is so funny you ask? He talks about an Ostrich burying it's head in the sand. He explains that they don't actually bury their head in the sand and what they are really doing. He also explains how this belief of the Ostrich came about and another very funny thing this man believed. I quote from the book **please don't have a drink in your mouth**
Pliny also thought that the ostrich could stare at its eggs with such intensity that it would make them hatch. Really, man? 'Cause that seems logical.
This statement had my daughter bursting with laughter. Then he goes on to explaining why the point of the ostrich was important. It's because we all make observations, whether they are right or wrong we make them.

He talks about dating, dating mistakes, how to be just friends, why some teens are happy and some are miserable, and the problem with falling in love with mythical creatures. Can you believe he thinks my being in love with a vampire is a little crazy?

Not only does he talk about these very important subjects, but he does it in their language, one that they can understand and relate to. He does it so that it's fun to read and informational at the same time. He shares letters and emails he has received from teens and his response to them.

After she read the book I did. Not just so I could do the review but because I wanted to know what was so funny to my daughter. I have to admit, I think I enjoyed this book just as much as she did. It was a great read and one that I would highly recommend to any parent with a teen or preteen. I give this book 5 stars! I couldn't have been happier with a book for my daughter to read and get good information from.

Chad Eastham is a fantastic author with a very special talent of relating to teens and teen issues. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

My Mini Vacation - Part 1

As promised I am going to tell you all about my mini vacation and sorry but you are going have to do this in 2 parts, but I promise only 2!

So on Saturday we woke up and got on the road to Chattanooga:
 
So we drove....errr...uhm...Prince Charming drove in the down pouring rain and crazy weather. Thank goodness it was only a 2 1/2 hour drive or he may have indented the steering wheel with his death grip and complete concentration.

Awareness Wednesday *Kidneys*

Did you know that March is National Kidney Month?
This you will find is a subject that hits close to home with me. I have had 1 family member die from kidney failure and another that kidney failure played a big role in her death. So I come armed today with information from the National Kidney Foundation. If you don't get enough information here today make sure to visit their site for more.

So first a story: My Grandma (dad's mom) passed away from kidney failure years ago. Now I wasn't close to her and barely seen her through out my life so her loss in our family wasn't one that impacted me greatly. Yes, I know that sounds horrible but it is what it is and there is a more personal story behind that. Maybe another post some day.
My mom also suffered kidney failure as well. Hers stemmed from her diabetes because she didn't take care of herself the way she should have. The loss of my mom was a great one. One that impacted my life so much I didn't know how I would ever breathe with out her. Most days I went over and did her dialysis for her, she hated doing it and had to have someone hold her hand to be sure she did. But one this particular day I didn't get to go over, I had to work over time and well I really needed the money at the time so I did it. My mom was fine that morning when I went to work. We had gone out for our usual Friday brunch and I went off to work. Later that day she had a heart attack which led to her untimely death at the age of 49. All of this related to diabetes and her kidneys.

Most people know that a major function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. These waste products and excess fluid are removed through the urine. The production of urine involves highly complex steps of excretion and reabsorption. This process is necessary to maintain a stable balance of body chemicals.
The critical regulation of the body's salt, potassium and acid content is performed by the kidneys. The kidneys also produce hormones that affect the function of other organs. For example, a hormone produced by the kidneys stimulates red blood cell production. Other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism.

Kidney disease usually affects both kidneys. If the kidneys' ability to filter the blood is seriously damaged by disease, wastes and excess fluid may build up in the body. Although many forms of kidney disease do not produce symptoms until late in the course of the disease, there are six warning signs of kidney disease:
  1. High blood pressure.
  2. Blood and/or protein in the urine.
  3. A creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) blood test, outside the normal range. BUN and creatinine are waste that build up in your blood when your kidney function is reduced.
  4. A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60. GFR is a measure of kidney function.
  5. More frequent urination, particularly at night; difficult or painful urination.
  6. Puffiness around eyes, swelling of hands and feet.
The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP®) offers free screening for those at risk - anyone 18 years and older with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. It is designed to raise awareness about kidney disease among high risk individuals and provide free testing and educational information, so that kidney disease and its complications can be prevented or delayed.


Find a screening near you here.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

I Promise....

I promise on Thursday I will have a post up about my weekend vacation. I am not going to lie...I was too lazy to do a post yesterday and today is a 12 hour day at work and I don't have my photos. So today I am going to play catch up on all your blogs. Tomorrow will be the usual Wednesday Awareness and Thursday I will have you a post to read all about my vacation!
So here's to a lazy day yesterday and a slow catch up day today!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Funny Things Friday

Yes my lovely readers it is BACK! I have funny things to tell you again. I hope that you find as much humor in these people as I do. Just as a reminder:
**I answer phones at work so I am constantly hearing funny things. There is only 1 of the companies I work for where I live so I will not directly refer to that company but instead will call it XYZ. What I will tell you is I am a receptionist for a car dealership. That is very important to keep in mind as you hear these things. Some make me laugh and some well they just irritate the hell out of me. All stories are true events! Names will be changed for privacy purposes.

Me:  Thank you for calling XYZ how may I direct your call?
Caller: Dees Jose
Me: Yes sir, and how may I direct your call?
Caller: Dees Jose
Me: I understand that sir, which department do you need?
Caller: Dees Jose
Me: Sir do you have your car at our dealership?
Caller: Dees Jose
Me: **click**

Ok so you have to make up your best "I don't really speak English" accent because this was hilarious! Though very annoying at the time because I was sick of being told "Dees Jose" and I still don't know if he was needing something or someone or if "dees" meant something I didn't know.

Me: Good morning thanks for calling XYZ how may I direct your call?
Caller: Yes ma'am I'm not sure if you know the person I'm looking for, but we are having a reunion and a person we are looking to invite used to work there.
Me: Ok what is the name and I'll be able to see if he's still here?
Caller: His name is Joe Smith
Me: Nope, no Joe Smith working here now. How long ago did he work here? Maybe someone who works here now may know who he is?
Caller: Oh he worked there in 1959 and we really want to find him for this reunion!
Me: **Crickets** 1959??? (Does she know what year this is?)
Caller: Yes ma'am it was 1959 and this is the last place I know he worked at.
Me: (after asking the one person who I know has worked there for 25 years) Ma'am nobody here is aware of Joe Smith or anyone else that may have worked here in 1959.
Caller: Oh well do you know how I can get a hold of him because we really want him to come to this reunion.
Me: (shaking my head shamelessly for the horrible thoughts that I was having) No ma'am I don't know how to locate him. Nobody here knows him.
Caller: Are you sure?
Me: Ugh...yeah pretty sure!

I feel so bad for the old lady...she really wanted that man there. Must have been her high school sweet heart right?

So this was my favorite call this week.....drum roll please.....

Me: Thank you for calling XYZ how may I direct your call?
Caller: Oh my God you give good phone!!!
Me: **blink, blink** I give good phone?
Caller: Oh yes you have a fantastic phone voice!
Me: Ugh Thanks!
Caller: Can I talk to Ben now please?
Me: One minute please.

So my dear readers....I GIVE GOOD PHONE!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

T Shirt Printing *Review*

I received a printed T Shirt from T Shirt Printing for review. I got one adult sized medium shirt to wear and give my opinion on. Because I love shirts with prints on them I was super excited to do this review. I took a little over a week to review this shirt because I wanted to be able to wear it and wash it a few times. Wear and tear are important when selecting our clothing right?

The Fit: When selecting clothing online the scariest part is knowing you are getting the right size. Small doesn't always mean small to the same people and well large can sometimes mean small as well. So I ordered a medium because when I shop in a store that is what I typically buy for myself. The fit was perfect! Exactly what I would have wanted and needed in a t shirt. It wasn't too tight and wasn't too baggy.

The Quality: I couldn't have asked for better. The t shirt material is good quality, not the cheap kind that is going to lint out with the first few washes. The stitching is good quality so you don't have to worry about the seams coming out in a few washes. I am completely satisfied with the quality of the t shirt as well.

The Print: As you can see in the pictures below I received a t shirt with their company logo print. (OK so I am a little biased when it comes to monkeys!) It is honestly one of the best quality prints I have seen on a t shirt in a long time. The logo feels firmly placed and place perfectly on the shirt. There isn't any off setting at all. My only suggestion I have, and it's a rule of thumb I have for any clothing with print on it is not to dry it. Dryers tend to heat the plastic up and make them crack and peel quickly.

I took these pictures of the t shirt I received. I have worn and washed this shirt 4 times (yes I know that is a lot in a 10 day span, but I wanted to be able to give a fair and honest review). As you can see there is no cracking or peeling of the print. I did not put this shirt in the dryer because it isn't how I would have laundered any of my other clothing.

If you are looking to have anything printed on a t shirt I would definitely recommend TShirtPrinting.net to get it done. They get 5 stars from me!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Soooo Excited!

In just 4 days I will be going to Chattanooga, TN for a mini vacation. Ok well it's more like a weekend getaway but I'm excited just the same. I can not wait to go! Oh and I'm taking my new camera so be prepared when I get back for a ton of pictures. Just me and hubby going away by ourselves!

We plan to visit Ruby Falls and I have looked at a ton of pictures. They promise for me to see this:
**image courtesy of rubyfalls.com**
Is that not the most amazing water fall ever! Oh it better look like that because my expectations are high. I can not wait to see that. I'm really going to be brave and go down in the cave to see this...so it better be this spectacular. Oh and I'll have my own pics to post then.

We are also planning a visit to Rock City. They are going to provide me wonderful views of the mountains and at one point I'll be able to see 7 states at one time...yeah 7!
 **image courtesy of seerockcity.com**
That is gonna be so cool because I've only seen one state a time. In my mind I will travel to all 7 at the same time!

After all that fun we are going to do the Incline Railway. This is where I get really brave (or sedated) because it's steep. I'm so afraid of heights. It is a 72.7% grade...Oh pray I don't have an anxiety attack! I will have my anxiety meds on hand because thinking about it is bringing on an attack. I would love to show you pictures but I couldn't find any on their website so you'll have to be happy with mine when I get back. In the mean time pray for me cause that is going to be scary. 

So on a mini vaca to relax I am doing 3 things that are going to have me terrified! Ruby Falls...I am claustrophobic...Lookout Mountain (Rock City)...I am deathly afraid of heights and the Incline Railway falls into the heights category. I can do this!