Search Results for: blog staying put

Staying Safe in the Winter

Winter brings its own set of hazards to our families. For example, did you know that sledding accidents will injure 20,000 kids this year? This is only the number that are serious enough to be reported through a hospital or visit to the doctor’s office. Short of putting our kids in bubble suits or making them stay indoors all day, what can we do to make sure that our kids stay safe in the winter? Here are some winter safety tips. Make Sure Kids Have the Right Stuff Before your child heads out the door in the winter, make sure … Continue reading →

Staying Cool with Kids

It’s so hot… my neighbor’s chickens are laying omelets. It’s so hot… squirrels are picking up nuts with potholders. It’s so hot… you can wash and dry your clothes at the same time. It’s so hot… you can catch fried fish in the lake. The last one’s no joke. The heat wave that has blanketed much of the nation, including here in Wisconsin, has caused a rash of deaths among local fish. Thousands of Northern Pike and Perch are dying in area waters because of the recent string of record breaking hot temperatures. DNR officials say the fish can’t survive … Continue reading →

Staying Motivated

My biggest problem with freelance writing is staying motivated. Some days, the words just don’t come. When that happens I want to turn off the computer and go do something else. Being a freelancer I have the flexibility to do that but I’ve found that if I let myself walk away it’s harder to get back and easier to walk away the next time. So, I have to find ways to motivate myself. At first, I used rewards, just like I did with my daughter when she was younger, but then the combination of sitting at the computer and all … Continue reading →

Staying Active Despite Your Desk Job

If there is one detriment to maintaining an active lifestyle it is a desk job. Some people, me included, spend hours sitting in a chair staring at a computer screen. Apparently there are some offices who have found a way to work around this; workstations that fit over treadmills. What a great idea. The original concept of this came from a man who suffered a leg injury in 2008. Up until then he had been active. So he came up with what is called the “TrekDesk.” He was able to continue working, walk off 26 pounds, get better sleep and … Continue reading →

Staying Active While Watching Television

I have a confession to make…I LOVE watching television. Not everyone will readily admit to such a thing, but I will. I love watching docudramas. I love watching shows that educate you about particular issues of interest. I love shows where dreams come true (“American Idol,” “X Factor,” “America’s Got Talent”). I love “Cake Boss” and Fox News. But I also love to curl up on the couch with a blanket and snuggle in for a good movie. Maybe you are a TV lover as well. It can easily become a good excuse to keep your bum on the couch … Continue reading →

Staying Put

I made my first scrapbook in 1988. I still have the lavender and white memory book filled with photos and souvenirs from my first cross country road trip, but the interior has seen better days. Twenty-three years ago scrapbook supplies were not exactly plentiful and they were certainly not as advanced as they are today. One of the biggest issues facing my first scrapbook has to do with the photo corners I used. Many of them simply lost their staying power and have detached from the page leaving my pictures in a heap at the bottom of the layout. It’s … Continue reading →

Staying On Task….Or Not

I used to clean houses, it was how I earned a living for about eight years. During that time I learned lots of tips and tricks to make things go faster. I also learned to never mix ammonia and bleach. Back in the 80’s we weren’t very green, I used to use oven cleaner on glass shower doors. It worked great as long as you kept it off the metal but it definitely wasn’t the green way to clean! When I cleaned houses I could clean a large house, top to bottom in three hours or less. Why can’t I … Continue reading →

Staying On Task

I love having a clean house, it is relaxing to me, mind and body. Unfortunately it is so much work to get it done that I used to frequently give up. My housecleaning method sounded like a really bad version of “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.” This is how it typically went for me: I’m off to a good start, excited about having a clean house. I’m dusting the front room and I pull Hailey’s shoes out from under the coffee table. I set the dust cloth on the table and head downstairs to put the shoes away. … Continue reading →

Staying On Atkins At the Buffet

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The Atkins diet allows for a fairly wide variety of food choices. There are limitations, however, especially when you are still in Phase 1 of the diet. I found it was much easier to eat at home, then to try to stay on Atkins while dining out. Going to a buffet can be challenging, but it is manageable. I was on the fourth week of the Atkins diet when my husband and I decided to eat at a buffet. This was something we did on occasion before I started the Atkins diet. I believe it was me who suggested it. … Continue reading →

Staying Motivated While Using an Elliptical Machine

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I started using an elliptical machine when I was a teenager. Now I am on my second machine and I still love it. Elliptical machines are a great addition for your at-home gym. They can seem a bit pricey but they last 5-10 years. The best thing is that it is great for days when you don’t want to workout outside. My elliptical has a built-in fan that is especially useful for hot days. Here are some ideas to keep you motivated while working out on your elliptical machine. This can be applied to other indoor cardio machines as well. … Continue reading →