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Yes I admit it, I watch wrestling

February 26, 2009 By

wrestlingI don’t know if it is just remembering back to when I was a kid or what it is but every week I record WWE Monday night. I don’t know why I like it, it is after all fake and pro vides no real value to my life. I jokingly call it my guy soap opera to my wife.

If you think about it that is what it is, there are multiple storylines that are ever changing. They are always doing things to surprise you, and when it is over you for the most part feel dumber than when you started watching it.

I watch it when my kids are napping and my wife is at work so no one else is subject to the ignorance. My wife makes fun of me for watching it and thinks it is stupid (this from the woman who watches reality shows on VH1).

I do however know a lot of guys that watch it as much or more than I do, we all know it is fake and don’t know why we watch it but we do. I think it is just one of those things that you just have to accept as just that . Women please be nice to your significant other if they watch it, I truly believe we can’t help it.

Filed Under: Schmoozin on Moms

Boys Clothing Can be Just as Fashionable as Girls

February 26, 2009 By

by Katie Wilber

Early in the 20th century little boys were dressed up just as much as little girls were. Believe it or not, in the early 1900′s it was not uncommon to find baby boys in dresses. They were wearing silk and lace, along with a sailor outfit here and there. Somewhere in the middle of the century, boys clothing got less formal and just plain bleak.

Boys went from dresses to jeans, khakis, t-shirts, and baseball caps. Mothers-to-be were wishing for little girls so they could have options to dress their babies up. The common thought was, “Dressing boys is no fun.”

Boys clothing used to be made in simple fabrics with very limited color schemes. Finding anything cute or out of the ordinary was a very difficult task. We may not put boys in dresses or pigtails anymore, but the options available to them have come a very long way in the last decade.

Boys can be just as fashionable as girls these days. With kids becoming independent thinkers early than ever, designers are standing up and taking notice. Long gone are the days of focusing on just the young girls. Boys want to have their own style, and the designers are giving them options. Now you can find original, quirky, colorful clothes for both sexes.

The clothing industry and clothing stores have taken notice of the need of fashionable clothing for boys. Mainstream stores like Target and Sears have growing boys sections. Meanwhile boutique designers like Sweet Potatoes and Knuckleheads are also giving boys more options than ever before. No one can say that shopping for boys is no fun.

If there’s a mini rock-and-roller in your family, there should be no issue finding him clothing that fits with his interests and personality. It’s very common to walk into any department store and find rock star and graphic t-shirts for young boys. A stroll through the boy’s jean section will lead to up-to-date jeans that rival the style and selection of the young girl’s choices.

Sports jerseys used to be for athletes while on the field. Not anymore. Now boys are in style if they walk around sporting the athletic wear. The good news is they don’t even need to actually play on a team to get the proper gear. Stores are stocked to the max with sport inspired t-shirts, hoodies, and even less causal polo shirts. Boys can even pick up their favorite team’s jersey in local shopping malls. Sports inspired newborn clothes are also becoming a popular fashion trend.

Boy’s fashion choices aren’t limited to just clothing either. Now there are lines of shoes and accessories pretty equal to the amount of choices that girls have.

To find fashionable shoes look no further than local department stores, chain shoe stores, and even online stores. From casual shoes to boots and skating (skateboarding) shoes, there is no shortage of styles to pick from whether shopping in stores or online.

From cargo pants to athletic wear, and from rocker t-shirts to sweaters, young boys have nearly as many style choices as young girls. Boys can still run around in their t-shirts, jeans, and baseball caps if they want, but at least now they have options.

Looking for fashionable items for your little guy? Kate Marie Wilber is the owner of Barefoot Bella Children’s Boutique, your premium source for boys boutique clothing from infant to size 14. Visit www.BarefootBella.net for the perfect items for the stylish boy in your life.

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Delicious Barbecue Chicken Recipe

February 26, 2009 By

In our house, we grill on the barbecue all year – but if you’re looking for the flavor of barbecue indoors, here’s a simple chicken recipe you can use.

Ingredients

1 cup flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 to 3 pound broiler-fryer, cut-up
1/4 cup butter
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1 medium onion, finely sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoons pepper

Process

• Combine flour, paprika, salt and pepper and mix well.
• Cover chicken in flour mixture.
• Coat baking pan with butter.
• Arrange chicken in pan, skin side down.
• Bake the chicken at 350°F for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan and mix well.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from oven, and turn.
• Spoon sauce over chicken and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Filed Under: Schmoozin on Moms

What are Acupuncture Meridians & What Do They Mean

February 26, 2009 By

by Deborah Lindholm

Dating back to 3000BC or perhaps as far back as the Stone Age, there has been said that acupuncture is in fact one of the oldest means of medical care on the planet. Acupuncture and meridians being confusing enough, trying to figure out the reason why they contribute to better health can be quite the task. We will take a look at the exact nature of this practice by asking and answering some questions, specifically those surrounding acupuncture meridians.

The Meaning of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practice of using very fine needles to access and manipulate the energy in your body. The energy system flows throughout your body connecting everything. It can be accessed and influenced through 500 various acupuncture points connected by specific points called meridians. They are the pathways of your positive, and negative energy that influence every system and function in your body. This energy can become blocked or imbalanced and it is the practice of acupuncture to eliminate blockages and balance energy for optimal health.

The Meridians

There are twelve main meridians which connect the 500 acupuncture points, and they are found along your legs and arms. With balance they provide optimal health and happiness. When unbalance they result in life and health being unbalanced as well. The Yin and Yang can be compared to the flip sides of the same coin. This is where the balance needs to be in order for all aspects to be positive and aligned.

All aspects of life which are negative and dark, passive and cold or wet and feminine fall amongst the ranks of the Yin. All aspects positive and bright, active and dry or hot and masculine fall within Yang. The Yin and Yang are also found within the 12 main meridians.

The locations of the twelve meridians are:

At the inside of your arms, body to fingertips – Yin

At the outside of your arms, fingertips to face – Yang

Along the outside of your leg from your face to your feet – Yang

And along the inside of your leg from your feet to your body – Yin

The following organs are affected by the 12 main meridians:

1. Lungs

2. Large Intestine

3. Stomach

4. Spleen

5. Heart

6. Small Intestine

7. Urinary Bladder

8. Kidney

9. Pericardium

10. Triple Warmer – This meridian affects the thyroid and the adrenal glands which regulate your metabolism and affect your immune system and has a profound affect on your stress reaction.

11. Gall Bladder

12. Liver

Yin Arm meridians include your lung, heart, and pericardium and the Yang Arm include your large intestine, small intestine, and triple warmer. Your leg Yin Meridians are your spleen, kidney, and liver and your leg Yang Meridians are your stomach, bladder, and gall bladder.

Each of your organs, as you probably already know, play a valuable and essential function in the effectiveness of your overall health and the optimal functioning of your body. When one is out of balance, blocked, or not functioning optimally your entire body and even your emotional state can be significantly affected.

There is a reason why this practice of acupuncture and the balancing of the body’s energy through accessing meridians is still practiced today – it works.

Ready to find your own balance? Deborah Lindholm is a Serenity Empowerment Coach that shows you how to awaken your Inner Power Source to live an empowered life every single day. Download free pre-recorded telecasts, grab your “5 Simple Steps To Get What You Really, Really Want” report and more here: Free Stuff at Serenity Matters

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Fight Your Insomnia With Meditation

February 26, 2009 By

sleepby Keira Adams

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you might want to consider taking up meditation. Practicing meditation can help you get a sounder and more refreshing sleep so that you’ll have more energy and ability to concentrate in the morning. It also has benefits for people who have sleep difficulties because it relaxes the muscles and soothes the mind so that they fall asleep more easily.

When those who take a wide range of pills for any number of reasons add sleeping pills to the mix, the result is often an interruption of sleep. They are frequently drowsy the next day. Meditation can help you achieve the desired result without medication, but you will need time and patience to master the technique.

There are several methods for easy meditation – listening to music or in silence, burning candles, sitting calmly and allowing your mind to drift, or by the more concentrated practice of yoga meditation. Meditation relieves tension and eases anxiety, which will lead to a more restful and refreshing sleep.

There are several tips to help you reach better results with your meditation. You could try utilizing techniques such as a mantra, which is a positive phrase repeated aloud or in your mind, listening to relaxing CDs, or focusing on deep breathing exercises. When negative thoughts creep into your head and interrupt your meditation, try sweeping them away, making room for positive thoughts.

You can more easily practice meditation techniques when you create an atmosphere that enables you to focus and shut out distractions. Try the following tips.

1. Find a location that’s quiet and where you’re not likely to be interrupted. It could be a secluded room in your home or an isolated nook in the park. Eliminate disturbances such as the TV, phone and similar irritations.

2. Make yourself comfortable. Sit in a position in which you feel relaxed. You can use cushions or pillows if you prefer. Take off your shoes and make sure you are in light, easy flowing clothing instead of something binding and uncomfortable.

3. Now relax. Shut your eyes and allow your thoughts to wander. Picture a calming scene such as a meadow of grazing sheep or a quiet pond to help you concentrate.

4. Concentrate on your breathing. Inhale deeply and focus on each breath as the air enters and exits your lungs. Practicing this kind of deep breathing will help to reduce your stress and enhance the levels of oxygen in your system.

In order to get a good night’s sleep, try practicing meditation for 10 to 15 minutes before you go to bed. This should help improve your sleep patterns, and leave you feeling nice and refreshed for the day ahead.

About the Author:
Learn more about the many health benefits of the ancient practice of meditation by visiting Meditation Techniques: Relax Your Mind, Reduce Your Stress.
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Chi Flat Iron Review

February 26, 2009 By

chi1These days most celebrities talk about hair straighteners and appear on the television with their curly, unruly hair straightened out and sleek. Are they fooling us or is it really possible to straighten out stubbornly curly hair? The answer is yes IT is possible to tame your unruly hair and straighten them like the celebrities do. You can also have shiny and sleek silky hair with the Chi flat iron. Let’s have a look at Chi flat iron review.

Chi Flat Irons are one of the most admired flat irons today. The Chi flat iron pioneered the use of ceramic plates in the history of hair straighteners. Hence Chi hair straighteners are well known for their quality and long standing goodwill in the industry. Chi hair straighteners work for curly and frizzy hair too. Most people swear by the Chi hair straighteners and admit that had they not been there, they hair would have been in knots. Chi hair straighteners come in many varieties, the most popular being the Chi Flat Iron.

The Chi flat iron is comparatively cheaper than its competitors but has a better quality. The handle is ergonomically made which means that your hand won’t get cramped while you straighten your hair. The design is pretty neat and intelligent too. The Chi flat iron has a long chord that is about 10 feet long and a swivel base, so there is no danger of you getting entangled in it. Moreover, you don’t need to stand near an electrical outlet, so you can sit at your dresser and straighten your hair.

The ceramic heating plates of Chi Flat Iron are smooth over the hair and do not cause them to break. Earlier copper coils caused a lot of friction in the hair when they were used, which lead to a lot of hair loss. Another good point about the ceramic plates is that they have a tendency to heat evenly. So, you don’t need to worry about over done spots in your hair. Most hair salons use this technology, so you can do the same thing at home and save money.

Most flat irons tend to damage colored hair but Chi Flat Iron is different. The technology used in Chi flat iron causes it to emit negative ions that help in hair sealing and minimizing shaft damage. This also helps to lock the color for colored hair.

People who travel a lot will find Chi Flat Iron handy since its sleek and compact and will fit into any bag. So all you need to do is pack it in your bag and have great sleek hair wherever you go.

The Chi flat hair iron has some other uses too. You can use it to style your hair into curls, crimps and flips. So this is more like an All in one tool. Chi flat iron is one of the best hair straightener for your hair.

I enjoy researching products for the highest quality and the best prices. Read more about Chi Flat Irons here:

About the Author:
Natalie Shelby is a dynamic and professional beauty advisor http://mindbodyspiritrecovery.com/blog/?p=835. She will give all the do’s and don’ts of beautifying yourself. If you would like to update your look checkout checkout Oprah’s Beloved Beauty Products to get started today.
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Can You Get a Good Workout with the Wii Fit?

February 26, 2009 By

wifitIt’s time for all of the fitness entrepreneurs to get their latest and greatest ideas out to the public. From the totally tame to the hilariously zany, we still fall into the trap of trying the newest thing on the market. Have you tried the Wii Fit?

Those who have one of the Wii consoles swear that it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It is what we have all been waiting for – a true virtual reality for the entire family. As we move, so do the characters on the television. Parents and children alike are bowling, racing, playing guitar, and other games using the Wii controllers and a lot of body movement.

Well, the company went one step further and designed a Wii fitness program. Since everyone was up and moving, they decided to capitalize on it. The Wii Fit is another attachment for the Wii console that looks like a flat board. Using this board, Wii owners can perform a variety of exercises and get in shape.

Let’s first examine the cost. With any exercise program, there is always a cost and if the cost seems unreasonable you’ll lose people right there. The Wii Fit board costs a whopping $90 but people are willing to pay for the chance to see if it is as much fun as the other Wii games they’ve tried.

Good news for new exercisers: The Wii Fit board can hold up to 330 pounds. That’s not saying that you weigh 330 pounds, but if you are a bigger person, you can use the Wii Fit board. Many new gadgets don’t allow for weights in all ranges and that is a problem for people. If we were already slim we wouldn’t need to worry about it.

The Wii Fit uses several exercises to get people in shape. One of the exercises is the Wii Fit Ski Jump. You know how the people jump on the Olympic ski runs? That is what you are doing. The board is sensitive enough to pick up your movements and track your fitness workout. With the ski jump, you are squatting in position for the jump and standing to jump.

The Wii Fit board teaches balance and that works the abs and strengthens the other core muscles. Wii Fit is not a total workout program. It does offer a workout but you will need more cardiovascular work than what is provided with the Wii. It functions as a supplement to an exercise program but not as the whole thing. How long will it last? Who knows but as long as people are playing the other Wii games, they are getting at least some activity in each day, which is never a bad thing.

Search for Wii-Fit on Amazon:

Filed Under: Schmoozin on Moms

Product Review: G Diapers ~ "Hybrid Diapers"

February 25, 2009 By

gdiapersReviewer Name: Michelle Kahl
City and State: Walworth Wisconsin

Here’s a review of the flushable enviornmentally-friendly diapers called G Diapers

What are G Diapers? G Diapers are like the new hybrid of diapers, part cloth and part disposable, flushable, or compostable. G Diapers have an outer cloth layer, which come in a variety of sizes and colors, then a water proof liner, and then the disposable wood fiber pad.

What do you like about them? I love these diapers, for me, they require less work than cloth diapers. There is much less washing involved, yet I do not feel bad when I do need to toss the diaper in the trash, there is no plastic anywhere in the diaper. These diapers are helping me teach my 18 month old son how to compost, he loves being able to dig his own diaper compost hole. The flushable liners can also be placed in the toilet and flushed – even in a septic system. G Diapers are cute, and comfortable. It did take me a few tries to stop any leaking, and I learned my son needs two absorbing pads while he sleeps. I have never had any issues at all with any solid waste. Even the plastic bags that the diapers come in are recycleable. I also like the company, I have volunteered to spend time at their booth in Chicago’s Greenfest. When first purchasing these diapers, there is a starter kit, giving us the opportunity to test these diapers before buying everything.

Any downsides? A few times during the first week or two of use, my son’s clothing and the outside cloth part of his diaper would often become wet, nothing too bad, but enough to need a new outfit. I had talked with some other moms who use this product and through experimenting on how to fit the diaper to my son, these problems stopped.

Is online shopping available? Yes, this can be bought online at gdiapers.com, diapers.com, amazon.com and at your local co-op or Whole Foods. Enjoy!

Search Amazon below…

Filed Under: Schmoozin on Moms

I built my kids a playset

February 25, 2009 By

playgroundThis last summer I built my kids a playset in the backyard. I wish I would have known what I was getting into. My wife and I wanted to build a nice playground for our kids, so we decided to get one of those build it yourself kits from the hardware store.

The kit is all pre cut wood and basically everything you need is in the kit. We spent about $1,500 on the kit, which seemed like a lot of money to me but it was for my kids. I had one week to build it after my wife decided that is what we were going to do for my oldest daughters’ birthday.

I thought that would be plenty of time, after all it is all precut and ready to go, right? Wow was I wrong, in one week I went through two rechargeable drills, destroyed my garage, wrecked my knee, and my friends like me a lot less now. I called my friends to help after I realized I was in way over my semi capable head. This is not a project for people that are not very good with basic construction.

On top of that my lovely wife decided we needed to encase it in a 40 x 25 sandbox half way through the week. I did get it done in time for her 5th birthday party, I was finishing putting the swings up as guests were arriving for the party, nothing like cutting it close.

I am very proud of myself for completing this monstrous task and the look on my daughters face was worth every cut and bruise, and my kids now have a spiral slide/waterslide, a covered fort, a picnic area, monkey bars, and 6 swings, plus a massive sandbox, that hopefully will help keep my kids happy for the next 10-12 years. Doing tasks like this for your kids is wonderful and rewarding, just be more prepared than I was.

Filed Under: Schmoozin on Moms

Positive Affirmations for Women

February 25, 2009 By

positive-aby Deanna Collins

Changing your mindset is the single most powerful and important step you can take to change your life. The power of positive thinking has been studied by the psychiatric medical, scientific and spiritual community and they’ve all determined the same thing – positive thinking has power. Of course, changing the way you think is easier said than done. That’s where positive affirmations become a very useful tool.

What Is a Positive Thinking Affirmation?

A positive affirmation is a statement you can use to replace a commonly held negative statement. For example, if you’re always saying, “I feel fat,” then a good positive affirmation to replace this sentiment might be, “I am comfortable with my body and am the perfect weight for me.”

There is hope in a positive affirmation. Negative statements have a way of halting any future progress. It is acceptance of a false assumption. Positive affirmations focus on the thought process which is where the change begins.

What Affirmations Work for You?

What are your negative thoughts? Most of the time, they are so commonplace that we don’t even know we are filling our minds with them. Whatever your thoughts here is a list of positive affirmations that can get the ball rolling.

My body heals quickly and easily

I have overall health of mind, body, and spirit

When I am grateful, I find more things to be grateful for

I know that I deserve to be loved

When I give love to others, I receive it back by the power of ten

My partner and I are happy together and living peacefully

My weight is just right for me

I make positive healthy choices for myself

When I have a need or feelings, I express them

I am special just as I am – creative, unique and wonderful

Everything comes to me easily and effortlessly

I love and appreciate myself just as I am

I accept all my feelings as part of myself

I love my job

I communicate with others clearly and effectively

There is nothing wrong with wanting more for myself

I am getting wealthier each day

I am a bundle of energy

I have a calm mind

I control my thoughts

I am successful in whatever I do

As you look through the list of potential positive affirmations, are any compelling? Do any of those affirmations ring true to you or cause a stir of emotion? The affirmations which resonate with you are good ones to start with. For example, if you’ve been struggling with your weight, spend some thing thinking about the negative self-talk you have around that issue and find a few positive affirmations which give you the strength and motivation to move through this challenge.

Affirmations are the first step toward changing your thoughts, however with any process; it takes time, practice, patience and a love and acceptance for yourself. Negative thoughts will slip in from time to time but as you practice, it will get easier. Trust yourself and the positive affirmation process. It will change your life.

Positivity truly has great power and the Gratitude Circle Blog can help you find those important positive affirmations for your daily life. While you’re there, claim your free subscription to the Gratitude Circle Newsletter, chalk-full of inspiring stories, articles and tips for maintaining a happier, more fulfilling life.

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