Saturday, July 30, 2011

Made in the USA!

I can't take credit for this one... I received this in an email from my mother-in-law but thought it carries such a good message that I wanted to share.  Personally, I have been trying to do my part for a few years now.  I shop at Wal-mart as little as possible, I try to make sure that my girls' toys and clothes are made in the USA, or at least not in China, and all of my personal care and home care items are developed and produced by Melaleuca, a US company.  It's actually a lot easier to do than most people would think.  Let's all give this a try!


Well over 50 yrs ago I knew a lady who would not buy Christmas gifts if they were made in China. Her daughter will recognize her in the following.

Did y'all see Diane Sawyer's special report? They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family's home that were not made in the USA .

There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink. Literally. During the special they showed truckloads of items - USA made - being brought in to replace everything and talked about how to find these items and the difference in price etc..

It was interesting that Diane said if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs!

I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART and ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA '

FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '

I WAS SHOCKED SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIF.

Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think. The Chinese, knowingly and intentionally, export inferior and even toxic products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets.

70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended.

Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges? DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA !!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.

Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example. The point is do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own.

THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans each refuse to buy just $20 of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!!

Send this to everybody you know. Pass it on, America ...

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Playing it Safe in the Sun!

I saw a news clip tonight about sun safety.  The reporter said that the SPF isn't as important as having protection from both UVA and UVB rays.  It was said that having zinc oxide as an ingredient is very helpful when it comes to this.  I know that my sunscreen has zinc in it, but I wanted to double-check the broad spectrum part of it.  I immediately looked up the information, and this is what I found:

  • The healthy sunscreen for healthier skin
  • SPF 30+
  • Rubs in clear and doesn’t leave your skin looking chalky or pasty
Sun Shades Mineral Plus SPF 30+ Sunscreen is the healthy choice for healthier skin. It features a unique form of zinc oxide dispersion that rubs in clear and provides you with full-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Mineral Plus sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin and for skin that wishes to be pampered with skin-stimulating, natural minerals. Give your skin the best with Sun Shades Mineral Plus. 

My 3 yr old doesn't burn very easily, but I still want to protect her skin from as much sun damage as possible.  My 7 month old has a VERY fair complexion, and she turned pink from just a few minutes in the sun during intermission at the circus when I didn't think to put sunscreen on her.  We've gone to the pool a couple times already this year, and I used the Sun Shades Mineral Plus sunscreen both times.  My girls don't even have tan lines, and they have literally spent hours in the sun!  :)  I love knowing that products I use on my children are keeping them safe!!  Yay for Melaleuca!!!

I Tried to Climb the Mountain Today

by Gary Barnes

I tried to climb the mountain today. As I inched my way up the path, I felt overwhelmed, so I had to turn back.

I tried to climb the mountain today. On my journey, darkness started to fall, and I was full of fear, so I had to return to a safe place.

I was ready to climb the mountain today - but it was so hot outside, I thought I better stay in my nice air-conditioned house and rest up for tomorrow's attempt.

I was about to climb the mountain today - but I had so many other things to do, so instead of climbing the mountain I took care of much more important tasks. I washed my car, mowed the grass and watched the big game. Today the mountain will just have to wait.

I was going to climb the mountain today - but as I stared at the mountain in it's majestic beauty, I knew I stood no chance of making it to the top, so I figured why even bother trying.

I have forgotten about climbing the mountain today; until a friend came by and asked me what I was up to lately. I told him I was thinking about climbing that mountain some day. I went on and on about how I was going to accomplish this task.

Finally, he said, "I just got back from climbing the mountain. For the longest time I told myself I was trying to climb the mountain but never made any progress. I almost let the dream of making it to the top die. I came up with every excuse of why I could not make it up the mountain, but never once did I give myself a reason why I could. One day as I stared at the mountain and pondered, I realized that if I didn't make an attempt at this dream all my dreams will eventually die."

"The next morning, I started my climb."

He continued, "It was not easy, and at times I wanted to quit. But no matter what I faced, I placed one foot in front of the other, keeping a steady pace. When the wind tried to blow me over the edge, I kept walking. When the voices inside my head screamed "Stop!" I focused on my goal never letting it out of sight, and I kept moving forward. At times, I was ready to quit, but I knew I had come too far. Time and time again, I reassured myself that I was going to finish this journey. I struggled to make it to the top, but I climbed the mountain!"

"I have to be going," my friend said. "Tomorrow is a new day to accomplish more dreams. By the way, what are you going to do tomorrow?"

I looked at him, with intensity and confidence in my eyes, and said, "I have a mountain to climb."

Monday, June 20, 2011

My Decision to Work at Home

I feel unbelievably lucky to be able to work at home so that I can be here with my young daughters all day, every day.

When I became pregnant with my first child, I was working full-time as a school counselor.  My baby was due near the end of August, so that meant I would be on maternity leave at the beginning of the school year.  To make a long story short, the administration gave me a really hard time about being on maternity leave at the beginning of the school year and about wanting to take the full 12 weeks I was entitled to.  Dealing with the frustration of this, as well as the guilt of leaving my daughter in daycare once I did go back to work (after only eight weeks) was really rough.  I felt like I was not living up to my expectations of myself in my roles as a wife, mother, or counselor.

After about three months of feeling like this, I decided I needed to make a change.  I started searching for a way to work from home.  I had tried a few work at home businesses in the past, but they were not the right fit for me.  I didn't want to have to carry inventory or to take orders, deliver products, or have parties.

I ran across on ad online that caught my attention.  Not long after being presented with an amazing opportunity, I gave my notice at work and made the choice to become part of a wonderful team that has fully supported me ever since.  It is great to be able to share ideas with my team members and to really feel appreciated for what I do.  

Well, that was August of 2008.  I am still working from home, and I love it!  My husband and I have now been married for six years, our oldest daughter will be four years old this summer, and we also have a seven month old daughter.  I am thrilled to be able to raise my children myself while still having my own career.  My relationship with my husband has even improved because I feel that I am doing what I am meant to do.  I feel fulfilled and successful in my roles as wife, mother, and professional, and that is amazing!

I truly wish that everyone could find something that works as well for them as this does for me.  Making the decision to work from home is the best thing I ever could have done for my family.  I am home with my girls, I am here for my husband, and I am building a solid financial future for us all.  Life really doesn't get any better than this!