REPOST: FATHER

THIS IS TWO PREVIOUS POSTS
TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN MY FATHER'S 80th birthday
1935-1993

Scar Gel & Youth Express Eye Gel #Review

Product Description

Our Scar Gel contains a potent blend of ingredients designed to help diminish the appearance of scars. This includes Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) – a naturally occurring protein – which stimulates the healing process. Gotu Kola also aids in restoring healthy skin, while Green Tea, Fucoxanthin, Astaxanthin and Sea Kelp fortify the skin with antioxidants to minimize external damage. Your skin will be unconditionally moisturized as the visibilities of scars are reduced, resulting a healthier, more uniform appearance.

Key Ingredients:
+ Epidermal Growth Factor
+ Sea Kelp Bioferment
+ Fucoxanthin
+ Astaxanthin
+ Green Tea
+ Gotu Kola

Almond and Coconut flour #review & #giveaway

Hey guys. I have a giveaway for you today. It's from morningpep. This same company if you recall the Xylitol Sweetener giveaway I had.

Now I would like to tell you about some flour I received from this company. This is for Almond Flour and Coconut flour. I received a 2lb bag and 4lb bag sizes of the Almond flour and a 1lb bag and 4lb bag of Coconut flour.

Firmoo.com #Review

Hey guys, I am really behind on a lot of reviews I'm supposed to do. So I wanted to quickly let you know about one of them now.

It is Firmoo.com. You may recall my previous posts on this. If not search my site and you can see other posts on it. But in case you are not familiar with Firmoo.com, here is some information:

Firmoo.com is the world's most popular online eyeglasses store. Years of expertise in optical industry enable Firmoo.com to offer varieties of prescription eyewear to the consuming public in high quality yet at extremely affordable prices. Firmoo.com started conducting a survey concerning the efficiency of the optical industry in the United States...

firmoo.com

Finding Washington DC Hotel Deals Requires Some Planning

Few cities can boast as many tourist attractions as Washington DC. Everything from massive museums to marvelous monuments to some inspiring views is available for the delight of visitors. The downside of such a tremendous draw reflects itself in expensive lodging. However, finding 
cheap hotels in Washington DC is a pretty reasonable task. With the help of online travel guides, considering alternative accommodations, and timing saving money on a great hotel in this destination city can actually be a fairly simple task.

Online Travel Guides
The internet has been a boom for travelers thanks to the horde of information it has unleashed. Finding great places to stay that are off the beaten path, even in a city as large as DC, can be a treat that helps visitors experience the city in a different way. Taking a bit of time to research a few of the many available webpages dedicated to visiting the area is a great way to uncover some hidden gems.

Alternative Accommodations
Inexpensive lodging in Washington DC could include some alternatives to traditional hotels. Hostels and apartments are regularly rented out at rates that are far cheaper than any hotel in the downtown area. Of course, staying a bit farther away from the city and utilizing the public transportation system of the area also provides significant savings. Before ruling out the hostel idea, travelers should check out just how much money will be saved by taking a different look on lodging, especially if traveling with a large group.

Timing
Washington DC is a busy town. Spring tends to be busy with school field trips, and early summer and early fall are usually key times for government officials to start packing the area with staff, which means prices get pushed up quickly. Planning to visit during winter months is risky because of snow, but this time of year can present some pretty serious savings on hotel rates. Plus, weekend rates tend drift a little higher simply because of the flurry of activity, which means staying during the week off peak season will probably reveal a better hotel deal.

In the end, Washington DC has a lot of attractions. Fitting everything the city has to offer into a short vacation is nearly impossible, but scoring a great hotel rate on a property within walking distance to many activities will probably mean another trip. In the end, saving money by researching the area with online travel guides, checking into non-traditional lodging options, and careful timing will delight even the most frugal of travelers.

Don’t Be Intimidated Fighting Scorpions

Scorpions are some of the most bothersome pests in Arizona. However, they have an underserved reputation of being extremely lethal creatures. The truth is that most people that get stung recover just fine. You should still be diligent about fighting them, but try not to let them intimidate you.

How Dangerous Are Scorpions?

Many people believe that all scorpions are lethal pests that need to be treated with extreme caution. While scorpions are undoubtedly dangerous, they are very rarely deadly.

According to MedScape, 1.2 million people are stung by scorpions around the world each year, but only 3,250 of them lead to death. Deaths are particularly uncommon in the United States. There are only four reported scorpion deaths in nearly a dozen years.

The Arizona bark scorpion is the only one in the United States that has venom poisonous enough to kill a human being. Even most bark scorpion stings aren’t lethal, but people still need to take the right precautions.

What to Do After a Scorpion Sting

What should you do if you are ever stung by a scorpion? The exact measures depend on the type of scorpion and the state of the victim.

Most scorpion stings don’t require emergency medical attention. According to the doctors that Sarah Powers of Scottsdale Mom’s Blog spoke with, if a young baby was stung by most scorpions, then it should be taken to the emergency room as a precaution. However, anyone over two years old generally won’t need to visit the ER, unless they were stung by a bark scorpion. They can generally reduce swelling by taking some Benadryl.

Prevent Scorpions from the Onset

While scorpions may not deserve the fearful reputation that they have been given, they are still dangerous pests that need to be eliminated from your home. Here are some things that you should do:

• Clean up papers, wood chips and other debris that scorpions can nest in
• Call an exterminator if you need to kill any Arizona bark scorpions near your home
• Seal your home carefully so that scorpions won’t be able to enter
• Consider using natural repellants such as lavender and cedar essential oil
• If a less dangerous scorpion actually enters your home, you can use diatomaceous earth to kill them

There are a number of ways to keep scorpions away from your home. You will need to be proactive, because they can be very persistent if they are allowed to infest your property.

THE WITCH OF PAINTED SORROWS Blog Tour & #Giveaway

New York Times bestselling novelist M. J. Rose creates her most provocative spellbinder to date in this gothic novel,THE WITCH OF PAINTED SORROWS (Atria, March 17, 2015) set against the lavish backdrop of Belle Époque Paris.

New York socialite Sandrine Salome flees an abusive husband for her grandmother’s Paris mansion, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is closed and under renovation. Her grandmother insists it’s too dangerous to visit but Sandrine defies her– an unexplainable force is drawing her home.

There she meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing architect, who introduces her to the City of Lights – its art world, forbidden occult underground, nightclubs – and to her own untapped desires.

From a mysterious fire at the Palais Garnier opera house, to a terrifying accident at the Eiffel tower and classes with Gustav Moreau at the École des Beaux-Arts, Sandrine’s experiences awaken her passions. Among the bohemians and demi-monde, Sandrine uncovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter.

Then more ominous influences threaten – her husband is tracking her down and something insidious is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s overcome by the spirit of La Lune, a witch, a legendary sixteenth-century courtesan, and an unsung artist in her own right, who exposes Sandrine to a darkness that could be a gift or a curse.

This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul,” her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love and witchery, and not until she resolves a tragic love story and family curse will she be free of the ghost’s possession.

Effortlessly absorbing and richly imagined, with sumptuous detail and spellbinding suspense, THE WITCH OF PAINTED SORROWS conjures the brilliance and intrigue of Belle Époque Paris and illuminates the fine line between explosive passion, and complete ruination.

M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She is the author of more than a dozen novels, the co-president and founding board member of International Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz.com. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut. Visit her online at MJRose.com.

The Witch of Painted Sorrows

By M.J. Rose

Atria Books; March 17, 2015

$25.00 (US)/ $29.99 (Can.); 384 pages

ISBN: 978-1-4767-7806-8

Read on for an exclusive excerpt from the book:

4 Leading Causes of Cataracts

We are all susceptible to developing eye problems over time. There are a number of different types of ophthalmologic disorders, but cataracts are probably the most common. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that 22 million Americans over the age of 40 suffer from cataracts and over half of Americans over the age of 80 suffer from the disease. While the risk inevitably increases over time, it can be reduced considerably if you know the risk factors.

What Are the Primary Causes of Cataracts?

There are a number of reasons that Americans develop cataracts over time. Here are some of the biggest risk factors that you will need to be aware of.

UV Light

Ultraviolet light can gradually damage the lens of your eye over time, which can lead to cataract formation. You can reduce the risk by minimizing your exposure to sunlight, wearing sunglasses and avoiding looking at electronic screens for extended periods of time.

Other Health Problems

Research has found a strong correlation between cataracts and other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. The exact relationship between cataracts and these other health problems is still unclear, but existing studies such as this one from Kaiser suggest that cataract risks can be minimized by receiving treatment for these problems.

Poor Diet and Alcohol Use

Following a poor diet and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can both increase the risk of developing a cataract. This is another reason to consider losing weight and reducing your alcohol consumption if you are already concerned about developing other health problems.

Corticosteroid Medications

Corticosteroid medications such as Benadryl are often used to reduce swelling and other inflammation. Unfortunately, these medications have also been linked to the development of cataracts for many patients. You will need to monitor your usage of these medications. They should only be used either for temporary problems or if long-term use is directed by your doctor. You should try natural solutions to deal with swelling first, such as ice, reducing weight and changing your diet.

Take All Steps to Avoid Cataract Risks

Cataracts are serious problems that affect millions of Americans. They can only be reversed by seeing a premier cataract surgeon. However, there are a number of ways to prevent them or slow their progression. If you are worried about developing cataracts, then you should be aware of the risk factors outlined above. Other factors such as previous eye injuries and genetics aren’t avoidable, but you can still minimize the risks of cataracts by taking these steps.

Gift Ideas for the New Mom and Baby

If you are looking for a great gift idea for new moms and baby, then you should consider some monogrammed baby gifts. These are so cute and would be perfect for moms and their babies. Like the personalized baby blanket pictured above. Isn't that just precious? I absolutely love the color of this too.

At BabyBlankets.com you can find a large variety of popular baby blankets. If you are looking for stylish and high quality baby blankets then BabyBlankets.com is where you should look. The baby blankets can be personalized and their variety is unmatched. You can also find really nice swaddle blankets on the site.

Great Hobbies to Take Up in a Retirement Home

Living in a nursing home can either be very pleasant or very boring. It is all about what you choose to make of it. If you have a positive attitude, then you will see it as a time to learn fun new hobbies to pass the time.

Why Should You Stay Active in a Nursing Home?

Staying mentally and physically active during retirement is very important. A study from the Weizmann Institute of Science found that taking up activities during retirement boosts physical health and reduces the risk of dementia.

Many residents have a more difficult time staying active in a nursing home. Fortunately, more of these facilities are expanding the types of services available to their residents so that they can stay active and healthy in retirement.

Hobbies to Practice During Retirement?

What types of activities can you do while living in a retirement home? Here are some great ideas worth trying.

Woodworking

Some retirement homes offer woodworking classes to their residents. You can learn build replicas of buildings, model airplanes and a number of other projects.

Creative Writing

You have lived a lifetime, which has given you many exceptional experiences that you have learned from. You can take your retirement to reflect on these experiences through creative writing. Writing poetry and short stories can be a great way to pass the time and cope with any residual stress from your prior life.

Gardening

Many retirement communities have gardens that their residents can participate in. Gardening can be a very relaxing way to spend your time. It can also be a good way to bond with other residents, since it will probably be an activity that many other people are participating in as well.

Playing Cards

Card games are unquestionably one of the most relaxing ways to kill time.  Rummy, solitaire and other card games are all very popular activities in nursing homes. Deborah Durham recently posted a great list of activities on Pinterest that seniors can play to keep themselves occupied. You can spend hours playing these games with the staff and other residents to keep yourself entertained.

Walking

Staying physically active is very important during retirement. You may not have the same energy that you used to, but you may be surprised by what you can accomplish if you are willing to push yourself. Many communities encourage residents to go on regular walks, which is a good way to stay fit and improve your mental health.

Preview Dance Costumes

This past weekend was spent getting daughter's pictures taken professionally for the dance program. For the recital that is in May. So 4 costume changes and two days and multiple hours were involved.

I will get those pictures at recital. Here is preview of costumes with some pictures I took myself.

All That Jazz (theater jazz costume) 

The Most Important Wedding Moments to Capture

Your wedding day will probably be the most special day of your life. Most people hire a professional photographer to capture the beautiful moments. However, you may not have the budget to take pictures of the entire event, so you will want to prioritize.

The Best Moments to Photograph

Some parts of your wedding will only last a couple of minutes, but you will remember them for the rest of your life. It is a great to have photographs to document them. Here are some of the most memorable parts of the day that you will want to have your San Luis Obispo wedding photographer take pictures of.

The Vows

The bride and groom delivering their vows to each other is possibly the single biggest moment of any wedding. You may want to have a videographer so that you can record audio for this portion of the event.

Groom Waiting for the Bride

One of the most unforgettable parts of the wedding is the groom waiting for his bride. Nicholas Donner of Crafty said that many clients hire two photographers to capture the groom from different angles, because they feel that this is such an important part of the wedding.

Bride with Father

The bride and groom are the central figures of the wedding, but other family members play essential roles as well. The bride typically walks down the aisle with her father or older brother before giving her vows.  You may want to photograph this moment to show gratitude for the bride’s father for his role in the ceremony and everything else that he has done.

First Dances

The bride and groom will usually have the first dance during the beginning of the reception. They will often act like they are sharing a private moment, which can be an excellent opportunity to take some great photographs.

Speeches

Couples typically ask certain guests to make speeches during the ceremony. These are also great moments to capture on audio if possible, because some guests make exceptional speeches worth remembering.

The After Party

While the most touching moments usually occur during the reception, more lighthearted and silly events may take place during the after party. The bride, groom and guests may have taken a few shots, so they will probably be a bit more uninhibited, which can make for some very interesting moments. The band is usually also playing during this time, so it can be a good time to photograph their performance.

Blog Tour: SPY INTERRUPTED: THE WAITING WIFE #Giveaway

SPY, INTERRUPTED:

THE WAITING WIFE

By T. Dasu

Love, intrigue and danger mark T. Dasu’s thrilling debut novel

After a whirlwind romance and a clandestine wedding that shocks friends and family, Nina thinks she’s settling into a quiet, normal life with her husband, Stephen. Little does she know of the violent alter ego that lurks behind Stephen’s mysterious calm—or his ulterior motive for marrying her in SPY INTERRUPTED: THE WAITING WIFE by T. Dasu (IndiaWrites Publishers, Inc.; Paperback $10.92).That is, until an ordinary business trip to India turns her world upside down and puts her life in jeopardy. Now, as the newlyweds run for their lives and Stephen tries to help the government unravel a possible terrorist plot, the facts surrounding his true identity come surging to the surface. Can Nina move past the deception and accept all of her husband’s secrets? And, more importantly, can Stephen protect the couple from the men who are out to destroy them?

T. Dasu’s impressionable years were spent on multiple continents, and it is these richly varied experiences that serve as inspiration for Dasu’s writing. In addition to being a published author of both fiction and nonfiction works, Dasu also translates regional Indian fiction into English. Dasu enjoys classic stories of love and longing like Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera, and literary espionage exemplified by Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana.

###

SPY, INTERRUPTED: THE WAITING WIFE
by T. Dasu
IndiaWrites Publishers, Inc.
335 pages; $10.92 U.S.
ISBN- 978-0692320297

Joy & Karma Products #Giveaway - 2 winners

Hi guys. I have a really cool giveaway for you today. There will be 2 winners in the giveaway. One person will win a bottle of the Vitamin C Serum and another person will win the Hyaluronic Acid. Both of these products are from the company Joy & Karma.

I was able to try out the Vitamin C Serum for myself recently, through a different promotion. And I really like it.  It is packed with all kinds of ingredients, and is an awesome serum. It helps with sun and dark spots and wrinkle repair and more. I have really been enjoying testing this out.

Sleep tips to prepare for DST from Sleep Number

Hey guys! Are you excited about Daylight Savings Time (DST)? Well in case you didn't know, I wanted to tell you DST begins this Sunday, March 8th.

I actually love the long term benefits of DST, longer days, etc. I love how it will start staying so light later in the day. It also makes me feel that Spring is just around the corner along with some warmer weather.

But of course there's the first day to get used to the time change. And if you're like me it can seem like at least a week before you get used to DST again. maybe more. Do you guys feel that way?

Update to #DisneySide and Daughter's Birthday Too!

If you remember my previous post here, I was to host a #DisneySide party.


This past Saturday, was my daughter's birthday. She turned 15! I can't believe it.

Here she is on her 15th Birthday(before party):

Coosh CBS001B Precision Digital Bathroom Scale #Review

(c) stay at home mom

Product Description

• 8mm Tempered Glass Platform
  .02lb Precision
  Wide 39cm Platform for Ease-of-use
  Auto-Tap to Start
  4.5" LCD Display Ideal for Visually Impaired Users