“Spare an Inch” Part II and a thanks to Diet Coke!

When we left off I was wondering what to do with the cat and myself at around 1:30 am.  I tried to pick the kitty up ever so gently and go to the sofa.  After I get there she takes off 

“Fine, be that way!”  I think is what I muttered.

I laid on the sofa for a few minutes and realized I can hear car sounds from the freeway nearby.  I don’t know why but I don’t like that sound.  Or maybe it was the fact that it isn’t the sounds I am use to.  Whatever it is I didn’t like it.

“It isn’t dark enough in this part of the house for me to sleep”, I think to myself.

As I lay on the sofa, for a few SECONDS, my mind continues to race.   

I get up and start to write, in our family notebooks where we write letters to each other, notes to everyone in the family.

“Don’t forget to plan the I Love You More” note for hubby.  See hubby and I have a little contest to see who can say I love you more for that day. 

Get up and find a note to write it and put it on the garage door for him to find in the morning.

It doesn’t stick to the door so now I need to find tape in the dark. 

“That’s what I get for getting these generic post-it’s.”  “Should have got the real thing, Debbie!”

“Am I yelling at myself?”

Then I wonder if I should start a draft with this newest part of the story.

“No, you think you have issues now, that would be ridiculous.  Stay off the computer!!!”

“Should I start some laundry?”

“No, go back to bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You are going to be too tired in the morning.”

Ok, I am going to sneak back in and see if I can get back into bed without waking hubby.

I start heading back and hear the snores.  I turn back around and go the other way.

“Just go back, you need the sleep!”

I tip toe my way back in and run into the corner of the wall.

“Who put that wall there?  I could have sworn it was a good foot the other way.”

I make it back into the room and gently climb back into bed.  Hubby is still sleeping so that’s good.

I still am not wanting to toss and turn to get comfortable so I lay and think some more…yippy!

I contemplate the evening and then it dawns on me…DIET COKE.

See I don’t drink coffee or tea.  I drink very little soda and when I do it’s caffeine free.  We went to a restaurant and they had Diet Coke -not caffeine free!!!!  I didn’t finish the soda there so I took it home with me.  I ended up drinking a a few swigs at around 11:00.   HELLO!!!!

I finally get to sleep and didn’t wake up until 9:30 am.  That is VERY late for me.  I am surprised that my children didn’t think I was dead.

“911 -What your emergency”

“I think my Mom is dead.”

“Check her breathing.  Is she breathing?”

“Yes, I think she is and I can also smell Diet Coke.”

“OK, I think she will be just fine.  Let her sleep it off.”

I got to my oldest room’s first and tell him I am sorry and that I was up late trying to let Dad get some sleep.  He was kind to forgive me, but I don’t think he even noticed or cared that I wasn’t up yet.  My little one laid in bed.  Maybe they were thankful for some time just to rest???

Thanks Diet Coke!

Have a “Caffeine-Free” Day!

 

“B”

B

The “B” tip for the day will be for BEAUTY. 

Take time for a Mom Spa Night.  Either do by yourself or with some friends.

Gather up –

• A Robe (if you own one)
• Slippers
• Pitcher of Water with Lemon Slices (clean the skin of the lemon first) and maybe some Tea
• Some Light Food such as Fruit, Veggies, Bread/Crackers, and Cheese
• Soft Music
• Candles or Soften the lights
• A Journal (if alone) and make sure to write down 10 of your Blessings if with some friends have everyone go around the room to give their list of blessings
• Powdered Milk or 5 tea bags for a nice bath (if it’s just you)
• Something to soak your feet in
• Make a homemade beauty product to try (I have a couple of recipes below that you can try)
• Items for a manicure or pedicure
• Maybe a Chick Flick
• Lotion (get your favorite)

Fresh Face Cleanser

1 Tbsp Plain or Vanilla Yogurt

3/4 c Lemon Juice

Mix together and ally to face.  Rinse with warm water

Hand Softner

Wash hands in warm water.

1 Tbsp Honey

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Massage into hands.  Cover hands with saran wrap, baggies, or cotton gloves for 30 min.

It may seem like this is bigger than just a tip but the point is to take time for yourself.  Our Mom job require us to be refreshed and feeling good about ourselves.  So plan your day now and put it on the calendar!  That’s an order 🙂

DON’T FORGET – If you ping or link back to my post on your blog (any tip A-Z) you will enter for a chance to win in my first contest.  If you don’t have a blog, leave a comment and let me know that you don’t have a blog and I will put you in the running.

Have a “Beautiful” Day

 

Medical History

My mother passed away with cancer when I was 17.  She almost died from this disease when I was 9 so I grew up with cancer and it’s affects most of my life.  Cancer runs in my mother’s side of the family so it’s a big part of my medical history.  This was very apparent not too long ago when I had some precancerous treatment on my lip.  Now I am a mom and it’s very scary to think of this is my life.  I really do try to keep in mind when making choices like when to go in the sun, sunscreen, but also chemicals in my home.

I am very interested in some natural treatments that we can do in our everyday life as I think there are a lot of chemicals we could do without (ALL around us).  Now, I am not an extremist, yet :), but  I would just like to use less in my life and home.

Here are just a few simple tips I keep on hand for natural healing.  Of course, there is not a substitute for medial advise and I hold no medical degree! 

• Ginger (try a couple of pieces of candied ginger or tea), chamomile, or peppermint for an upset tummy.
• Oatmeal, milk, or (cooled) tea for sunburns.
• Tea Tree Oil for athlete’s foot, cuts and scrapes, and dandruff.
• Fluoride Toothpaste for acne (white and a little dab will do ya)
• Duct Tape for Warts
• Cinnamon has been reported to help lower cholesterol and blood sugar (and no I do not mean a Cinnamon Roll!!!)
• Oregano is thought to be a Cancer Fighter

If you are interested in natural cures there are many resources on-line and in book form just really get to know your sources.

Here are a few web-links to help with medical issues:

www.healthfinder.gov   – Research your symptoms or current medical trends.  The kid section has links for nutrition.

www.cancer.org  – American Cancer Society

http://womenshealth.about.com/od/surgeryforgyndiseases/a/medicaltests.htm  –  A run down of tests women need to get.

BOOKS:

Amazing Kitchen Cures, by Joey Green

Clean House, Clean Planet, by Karen Logan (If you are interested in natural cleaning – helps save on money as well.)

Also, I would recommend everyone to have a medical journal for you and your family members.  You can keep immunizations, all doctor info, medical history, etc in it.  Also, log all symptoms with dates so that you are ready when you or a family member goes to the doctor.  It is so hard to remember what happened and when.  Or is that just me?

I was just talking with a friend of mine about how are pediatricians know our children but we don’t know our doctors at all (or don’t have a primary care physician).  But kids go to the doctor at least once a year for a well-check.  And I know I am not the only one who’s children go way more than that!  How often do we go?  Our doctors don’t know us!  If we are healthy we may only go once a year or every few years…right?  They will only know what we provide.  So keep up regular visits with your primary care doctor and keep a journal.  They are good at what they do but last time I checked they aren’t mind readers.

Have a ‘Healthy’ Day!!!

 

DO NOT FORGET TO THINK LIKE A 3 YEAR OLD

My friend sent this to me and I thought it was too funny:

One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me and my brother who
is four years older than I am. I was maybe 3 and a half years old and had
just recovered from an accident in which my arm had been broken among other
injuries. 

Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of
my favorite toys. Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news
and my brother was playing nearby in the living room when I brought Daddy a
little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and
lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home. My Dad made her wait in
the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the
cutest thing!!' 

My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea
for Daddy and she watches him drink it up, then she says to him, 'Did it
ever occur to you that the only place that baby can reach to get water is
the toilet??' 

....Mothers know (author unknown)

Real World Martha Mom Tip – Did you know that you you can use tang  overnight to clean your toilet? (Just in case.)

 

Gift Basket Ideas

OK, I have promised you some ideas for gift baskets.  I use to own a gift basket business so I feel like I have a few ideas but try whatever works for you:

                                                  

• Local Products – Give products that are made only in your town or state.  This can be a great way to support local businesses and show off your town/state to those you love.
• The Best of the Best – Oprah does it and so can you.  Gather up a few of your families favorite things and put them in a basket.  “These are a few of our favorite things.”  Think favorite movie, snacks, music, shampoo, etc.  Anything can be fun when they know it was the best you’ve tried.  Just make sure that it would be something that person would use.  This can be great to make several and give as a family gift.
• Favorite Products– If you know someone really well try to include all their favorite items.  Favorite soda, candy, etc.  I have done an inexpensive basket with just a 6 pack of favorite soda and their favorite snacks for under $10.
• Homemade Products– Have each person in the family make something and put them all together for a gift.  Picture frames, ornaments, beauty products (see my blog on homemade ones), etc.
• For the Reader – Pack up any of these items blanket, slippers, gift certificate, coupon for reading time (good for Mom) book, gift certificate, magazine, coffee, coffee mug tea for a wonderful gift.
• Beautiful – For someone into beauty take a list from a magazine of top beauty products and give the article as well as the products.  This is great for any lady but also works well for most teenage girls.
• Off to College– If you know someone who just went away to college for the first time they might enjoy stamps, quarters, laundry detergent, sewing kit, hangers, coupon for an oil change, etc.  Think practical as they usually don’t have much money.  Put it in a container that they can use (Rubbermaid or such) or a laundry basket and make it look terrific with a big bow and great tissue.
• Save the Planet– If you know someone who is wanting or starting to change their habits to protect the environment try a basket (from Goodwill) with a reusable cloth napkin, energy efficient bulbs, a plant, etc.  Check for Planet Friendly Products at www.goodhousekeeping.com (The best of Everything article had a list of options).
• Cooks Unlimited – Give your favorite recipe and the tools and non-perishable items to make it.
• BBQ Chef– In a Large oven mitt place some standard BBQ supplies like ketchup, mustard, wooden skewers, BBQ rubs or sauce, outdoor utensils, etc. 
• Beach Bum– Is someone going to a tropical location for the holidays or soon?  Give them sunscreen, reading material, aloe-vera lotion, and a photo album in a beach bag.
• Health Nut – This is very inexpensive but can’t be done ahead of time.  Gather a bunch of seasonal fruit along with some packaged or homemade granola and some nuts for your health nut!
• Christmas Morning Basket – Fill a mixing bowl or Christmas basket with goodies to eat Christmas Morning.  Prepackaged or homemade muffins, cookies, pancake mix, jam, wassail mix, syrup, fruit, coffee, tea or whatever you can think of to make sure Christmas breakfast will be fun and easy.  Don’t forget to write on the tag to open on Christmas Eve.

Remember the key is to keep a theme and think inexpensive items to go with it.  Don’t forget the packaging!  You can always use a standard basket (some of which you get via resale stores) but use other items as well such as pretty boxes, useful items, bowls, reusable plastic containers, colander, platter, cloth shopping bag, cookie sheet, pot for plants, metal bucket, etc.  Use tissue paper, towels, napkins, bandannas, etc for lining. 

These are just a few ideas.  I should have one more blog with ideas before the holidays are here so please check back.  If you need help with a person and want an idea, please leave a comment and I will do my best to see if I can come up with an idea.  Also, if you have some unusual ideas for people that are hard to buy for please leave your ideas for all of us to try.

Debbie aka The Real World Martha

 

Oolong Tea

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of Oolong tea…You will never look at a cup of Oolong the same way again.
                    

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed Oolong tea. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.

Then she ladled the Oolong out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see.”

“Carrots, eggs, and Oolong tea,” she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.  She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.  After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the Oolong. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma The daughter then asked, “What does it mean, mother?”

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.  The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting.  However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.  The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The Oolong tea was unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water’s color and taste.

“Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a Oolong tea?

Think of this: Which am I?  Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?  Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?   Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the Oolong tea? The tea actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the tea, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or Oolong tea?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.  The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can’t go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Live your life so at the end, you’re the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be OOLONG TEA  !!!!!!!!!

(Author unknown)