Get your BOO on

Today is Halloween so get dressed in a costume, give out candy to trick-or-treaters, eat Chili or Carmel apples, drink apple cider, carve a pumpkin and watch a scary movie!  BOO!

Clean your Gutters

The leaves are coming down at our house and the gutters are filling up.  I need DH to clean them out so they'll flow properly this winter.  If you don't have a handyman to clean out your gutters and you are unable to do them yourself, please consider hiring someone to remove the dead leave (or perhaps live plants) from your gutters to maintain the health and wellbeing of your roof and home!

Issues Caused by Clogged Gutters

1. Leaking Basements and Cracked Foundations: Clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems. Roof water overflows and accumulates around the foundation. If this happens, basement leaks may be moments away, and excess water against the foundation can weaken the footings and lead to cracks.
2. Rotted Wood: When gutters have debris piled up above the flashing or shingle line, the debris can hold moisture on the fascia board. The moisture can also affect the roof sheathing and framing beyond the fascia. The debris acts like a wick and brings water in the bottom of the gutter up to the fascia. Many homeowners have spent THOUSANDS of dollars replacing rotted wood that an inexpensive professional gutter cleaning by Action Gutter could have prevented.
3. Animals and Wood Destroying Insects: Lack of cleaning will also cause water to pond in areas dammed by debris. This condition is ideal for breeding mosquitoes. Bugs love moisture. Plants, birds, insects and even mice will make a home in gutter debris.
4. Sagging Driveways: Clogged gutters and downspouts can also cause driveway and walkways to sag and crack.
5. Mold Prevention: Mold is a huge issue today and this is yet another problem that clogged gutters can pose.

Carve your Pumpkin

We always carve a pumpkin for HalloweenHere is a great site for some free down loadable patterns:  traditional, , cartoons or famous people, animals, etc.
I am sure you'll find a pattern you want to use this Halloween!  Along with the instructions for carving your best pumpkin ever!

 http://www.pumpkinpile.com/patterns.php

Happy Carving!

Save your receipts

Walmart, the world's largest retailer announced a new holiday policy price-matching strategy. They'll guarantee the lowest price of any competitor, no matter when you buy during the season.

Here is how it works
Make a purchase at Walmart November 1-December 25
Save your receipts
If you see an identical item for less at any store, bring the flyer AND your original receipt to Walmart and you'll be issued a gift card for the difference in price.
NO gift cards will be issued after December 25th!

Internet retailers are excluded from this offer.

Get a Flu shot

Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

There are two types of vaccines:

• The “flu shot” — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
  
  There are three different flu shots available:
  • a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older
  • a high-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older, and
  • an intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 64 years of age.
• The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that is given as a nasal spray (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu. LAIV is approved for use in healthy* people 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The viruses in the vaccine can change each year based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against the influenza viruses in the vaccine develop in the body. Information specific to the 2011-2012 season, including the vaccine formulation, can be found at 2011-2012 Flu Season.

When to Get Vaccinated

CDC recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as vaccine becomes available in their community. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest. CDC continues to encourage people to get vaccinated throughout the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Over the course of the flu season, many different influenza viruses can circulate at different times and in different places. As long as flu viruses are still spreading in the community, vaccination can provide protective benefit.

Where to Get Vaccinated

Flu vaccine shipments began in August and will continue throughout September and October until all vaccine is distributed. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients as soon as flu vaccine is available in their area, even as early as August. See your doctor or nurse to get the flu vaccine, or seek out other locations where vaccine is being offered. The following flu clinic locator is a useful tool for finding vaccine in your area.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.
While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications:

1. Pregnant women
2. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
   1. Health care workers
   2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
   3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Top

Use of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

It should be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is always an option for healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
• Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
• People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

Vaccine Effectiveness

The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the viruses or virus in the vaccine and those in circulation. For more information about vaccine effectiveness see How Well Do Flu Vaccines Work?

Vaccine Side Effects (What to Expect)

Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV.
The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. As of July 1, 2005, people who think that they have been injured by the flu shot can file a claim for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
The nasal spray (also called LAIV or FluMist®): The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. (In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely.)
In children, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include:

• runny nose
• wheezing
• headache
• vomiting
• muscle aches
• fever

In adults, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include

• runny nose
• headache
• sore throat
• cough

More information about the safety of flu vaccines is available at Influenza Vaccine Safety.

Make a Pot of Chili and enjoy some weekend Football

The weather has finally changed and instead of being in the 80s we are in the 60s...so I made a pot of chili and we'll enjoy (relative since we are 2-4 this season with not much hope) some Louisville Cardinal Football tonight (against Rutgers)

 Diana's Chili

Brown about 1 1/3 pounds of ground beef
Add some diced onions to the pan and cooking until translucent.
Drain grease
Add 4 cans kidney beans (I like both dark and light for the color contrast)
Add one large can petite diced tomatoes and one large can tomato sauce (28 ounce cans)
Season with salt and pepper, cayenne pepper and a liberal sprinkling of chili powder.
Allow to simmer (not boil) for a couple of hours
Enjoy with cooked spaghetti, diced onions, grated cheese and sour cream plus some oyster crackers.


GO CARDS!

Read a non-fiction book

I am currently reading Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey --it is about practical business leadership

Quote from the pages I read today

"I realized my job was to awaken the possibility in other people"

Eat a Candy Apple

When I was a girl the only candy apple that existed were those dipped in the hard red candy shell.  Now, you can have your apple any way you want it and then some.
How do you like these apples?

Cookies and Cream
use a tart apple and (like green Granny-Smith) dipped in white chocolate and topped with crushed Oreos

Toffee Coffee
Dip your apple in in traditional Carmel and top with chocolate covered Espresso beans (and/or chopped heath bars)

Cinnamon Crunch
combine 2 cups of red hot cinnamon candies and 4 tablespoons water.  Microwave for about 4 minutes , stirring every 30 seconds until melted.  Dip and then top with red sprinkles

Granola Nuts
Microwave 1 1/2 cups peanut butter flavored CHIPS and 1 tablespoon shortening for 1 minute.  Add 2 bags of unwrapped Carmel's and 3 Tablespoons water and continue microwaving until melted, about 3 minutes.  Dip and then top with chopped nuts, chopped dried fruits of your choice!

Use left over Halloween candy that you've chopped as a topping for apples, ice cream or frozen yogurt!

Give a compliment

Practice saying something nice or not at all--

Perform a self breast exam

To perform a self-breast exam follow the steps described below.

In the mirror:

1. Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Look at your breasts. Don't be alarmed if they do not look equal in size or shape. Most women's breasts aren't. With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape, or position, or any changes to the skin of the breasts. Look for any skin puckering, dimpling, sores, or discoloration. Inspect your nipples and look for any sores, peeling, or change in the direction of the nipples.
2. Next, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts. Turn from side to side so you can inspect the outer part of your breasts.
3. Then bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breasts will fall forward. Look for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.
4. Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions. Remember to inspect the border underneath your breasts. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see this area.
5. Check your nipples for discharge (fluid). Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple. Look for any discharge. Repeat on your other breast. In the shower:
6. Now, it's time to feel for changes in the breast. It is helpful to have your hands slippery with soap and water. Check for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area. Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to feel in the left armpit. Repeat on the other side.
7. Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your collarbone.
8. With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue. Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down pattern along the breast, moving from bra line to collarbone. Continue the pattern until you have covered the entire breast. Repeat on the other side. Lying down:
9. Next, lie down and place a small pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head. Place your left hand on the upper portion of your right breast with fingers together and flat. Body lotion may help to make this part of the exam easier.
10. Think of your breast as a face on a clock. Start at 12 o'clock and move toward 1 o'clock in small circular motions. Continue around the entire circle until you reach 12 o'clock again. Keep your fingers flat and in constant contact with your breast. When the circle is complete, move in one inch toward the nipple and complete another circle around the clock. Continue in this pattern until you've felt the entire breast. Make sure to feel the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit.
11. Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple. Feel beneath the nipple for any changes. Gently press your nipple inward. It should move easily.

Schedule your Mammogram

It's breast Cancer awareness month.  Time to schedule your mammogram if you haven't already had one done this year!

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer.

Why should I get a mammogram?

Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. When their breast cancer is found early, many women go on to live long and healthy lives.

When should I get a mammogram?

Women should have mammograms every two years from age 50 to 74 years. Talk to your health professional if you have any symptoms or changes in your breast, or if breast cancer runs in your family. He or she may recommend that you have mammograms before age 50 or more often than usual.

How is a mammogram done?

You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technologist will place your breast on a clear plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. You will feel some pressure. The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way. The steps are then repeated to make a side view of each breast. You will then wait while the technologist checks the four X-rays to make sure the pictures do not need to be re-done. Keep in mind that the technologist cannot tell you the results of your mammogram.

What does having a mammogram feel like?

Having a mammogram is uncomfortable for most women. Some women find it painful. A mammogram takes only a few moments, though, and the discomfort is over soon. What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period.

Before you get a mammogram, you may want to ask the following questions—

• What will happen? How long will I be there?
• Do you have my previous mammograms?
• When will my doctor get the results?
• When and how will I learn about the results?
• When will I need to have my next mammogram?

What does a mammogram look like?

An example of a normal mammogram is shown here. Each woman's mammogram may look a little different because all breasts are a little different. A doctor with special training, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram. He or she will look at the X-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems.

When will I get the results of my mammogram?

You will usually get the results within a few weeks, although it depends on the facility. A radiologist reads your mammogram and then reports the results to you or your doctor. If there is a concern, you will hear from the mammography facility earlier. Contact your health professional or the mammography facility if you do not receive a report of your results within 30 days.

Tips for getting a mammogram—

• Try not to have your mammogram the week before you get your period or during your period. Your breasts may be tender or swollen then.
• On the day of your mammogram, don't wear deodorant, perfume, or powder. These products can show up as white spots on the X-ray.
• Some women prefer to wear a top with a skirt or pants, instead of a dress. You will need to undress from your waist up for the mammogram.

What happens if my mammogram is normal?

Continue to get regular mammograms. Mammograms work best when they can be compared with previous ones. This allows your doctor to compare them to look for changes in your breasts.

What happens if my mammogram is abnormal?

If it is abnormal, do not panic. An abnormal mammogram does not always mean that there is cancer. But you will need to have additional mammograms, tests, or exams before the doctor can tell for sure. You may also be referred to a breast specialist or a surgeon. It does not necessarily mean you have cancer or need surgery. These doctors are experts in diagnosing breast problems.

Where can I get a mammogram and who can I talk to if I have questions?

• If you have a regular doctor, talk to him or her.
• Call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). For TTY: 1-800-332-8615.
• For Medicare information, you can call 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a program called the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which works with health departments and other groups to provide low-cost or free mammogramslow-cost or free mammograms to women who qualify. Find out if you qualify

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm

Try a new recipe for dinner tonight

I love to read cooking magazines and cookbooks and often clip recipes out , which I place in a file to try at a later date.  Now that the weather is changing I sorted through a pile of recipes and selected a few that I will create over the coming cooler months.  For some easy but delicious recipe ideas check out my other blog
http://dining-with-diana.blogspot.com/
Bon appetite!

Exercise

I just signed up to participate in a half marathon--now before you stop reading let me remind you that I've never RUN more than a 5 K (3.2 miles) so this is a huge undertaking for me.  Nor do I plan on running 13.1 miles-I only plan on FINISHING 13.1 miles (using a combination of running and walking).  As my pals have encouraged me "It's not about the LENGTH of TIME it takes to finish...and you can't finish what you don't start!"  SO...on 11-12 I will do a 13.1 (get it...11.12.13.1)

If you'd like to add exercise to your day here are some suggestions

Needless to say, don't begin any exercise plan with out the express consent of your health care professional

 

Make a list of activities you enjoy doing-

Walking, dancing, an exercise class, mowing the lawn, walking the dog, swimming, ballet, gardening etc.

Any activity that gets you off the couch is likely to be some form of exercise.

Sustainable activity must be enjoyable.

 

Get exercise by doing the things you are already doing-

Be more active during the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Park in the back of the parking lot

Carry in your own groceries

Ask a friend to exercise with you or join an exercise class. This will  help to keep you accountable-

We'd jump in the pool at the end of a hot day
Eat a cold, sweet (low calorie) Popsicle
Take a warm (not hot) bubble bath and pamper your muscles 
I also sleep better on the days I was active

Good Luck, Get Going!  Exercise leads to weight loss, but don’t reward yourself after a good workout with food-

We invite other parents to walk with us at practice and even maintained summer sessions.  We remained active during the heat of the summer, when we didn't feel like it, because we knew people were depending on us to be there! 

We jumped in the pool to cool off or rewarded ourselves with a Popsicle (sweet, refreshing and low calorie)

Want to walk?

But unable to walk continuously for 30 minutes, try 15 minutes of walking in the morning and 15 minutes on your lunch break. Start slowly and work yourself up to your goal.

Want to Run?

Set your eye on a goal (mine is the half marathon in October.  I doubt I'll be ready to run 13.1 miles...but I practice each week with that goal in mind.

Invest in some good shoes, you'll be glad you did!

Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week-
Put it on the calendar
Incorporate it with other activities, such as your child's sports practice.
But don't beat yourself up when family obligations prevent you from getting in a workout

See you at the finish line!

Have a Safe Halloween Celebration

Keeping Kids Safe

• make sure children can walk easily in costumes
• be careful of flowing costumes that could catch fire if they come in contact with a glowing pumpkin
• avoid masks, use face paint instead
• accompany children on their rounds
• stay on the road and sidewalks to avoid an unwanted fall, doggie doo-doo, etc.
• only approach homes that have "left the light on"
• don't eat any candy until you get home
• don't eat unwrapped candy, candy that is discolored or has tears in the wrappers or has been hand wrapped
• remove small items that could pose a choking hazard from small children
• feed your children before trick-or-treating so they won't be tempted to snack on their loot
• have kids brush their teeth after consuming Halloween candy

Throwing a party

• Keep food refrigerated until serving time
• throw food away that has been out of the refrigerator for 2 hours or more
• don't serve raw cookie dough or cake batter
• if bobbing for apples, wash the apples before consuming
• make sure apple cider has been pasteurized to remove bacteria

Plan your Halloween Costume

I love costume parties, but it can be a challenge coming up with an inexpensive costume that will weather the weather!
Here are some ideas I've used in the past

Dice--paint a large box white, attach dots, cut out arm and head holes, wear black pants/turtleneck
Bubble bath--large tub, attached with suspenders, filled with balloons, don a shower cap and Viola!
Spaghetti--wear red, use a colander as a hat, mop hair to which you've attached LARGE brown pom-pom "meatballs)
Artist and still life--Artist wears a beret and a fake mustache, carries an artist palate and paintbrush and speaks in a french accent.  Still life holds a picture frame in front of their face. 
Turn a hooded sweatsuit and a dismantled umbrella into a bat costume
Skeleton-black sweatsuit to which you've affixed bones cut from white fabric (time consuming but worth it)

Headbands make a great accessory for animal ears (cat, dog, devil), paried with a painted sweatshirt-quick, easy and cheap!

Organizing the Linen Closet

I cleaned the DDs linen closet (and bathroom) last week because I just couldn't take the mess any longer.
My linen closet is small so it is easily cluttered.
I first removed the items from the shelves and removed those items that were too work or frayed and placed them in the rag bag
Then, I refolded everything.  Bath towels, hand towels and washcloths were arranged neatly on shelves.
Sheets were folded and placed inside the corresponding pillow case to keep them neat and together. 
My linen closet also houses blankets, afghans and decorative seasonal pillows.  These were placed in blanket bags and stacked on the floor of the closet. 

Closet Cleaning-Day 6--all that other stuff

I have hats, belts, scarves and jewelry as well as electronic devices in my walk in closet.  I corral these items in various baskets, tubs and bins.  Not doing so apparently causes them to breed and create a tangled mess!  LOL
Speciality hangers can be found at your local super store or bath shop and I use them extensively for organization.  I have a hanger that has holes in it especially for my scarves, a belt hanger for belts, a tie hanger for ties (DH).

I use hardware containers and craft boxes for costume jewelry, bins from the dollar store for hats and mittens as well as the digital camera and the like.  Decorative photo boxes and something that looks like a little suitcase can be purchased at your local craft store and give a beautiful style to your organizing if you want to spend the extra dough! 

Viola!  Your closet is organized.  Don't you feel better?

Closet Cleaning-Day 5-Shoes

Now it's time to really get down to business and tackle the shoesI personally don't own as many shoes as the normal woman...but I still have a lot of shoes, flip-flops, boots and running shoes and they can create Closet Chaos!

Pull out all the shoes, boxes and all
Line them up and sort by color and style (all black flats together, all black heels together, etc)
This will help you see what you have and what you can get rid of

Start by keeping one of each style/season (this equals 6 pairs of shoes!)
For example you will keep one pair of black sandals, one pair of black flip-flops, one pair of black flats, one pair of black winter (suede), one pair of black pumps and one pair of black dressy.
Now repeat with other colors

Next you need to polish and clean any remaining pairs of shoes.  Vaseline works well as a cleaner on patent leather,  Replace frayed and dingy laces on your running shoes.  Any shoes that need to be re-heeled should be set aside and taken to the shoe repair place. 

I store my shoes in a cardboard shoe box that displays 9-12 pairs of shoes.  I keep dressy shoes that only see irregular use (the pink satin 3 inch heels for example) In their original boxes.