Friday, August 31, 2012

Hit the Books


Finding Faith in Pain

The phone rings at three A.M., and you know it’s not good news. The doctor looks at you with somber eyes and takes a long pause. There are words we all dread hearing, words we brace ourselves for. Losses we never want to endure. If you have ever walked through the valleys of life, you understand how easy it can be to question God’s fairness, doubt His power, or even lose your own faith. In those moments, though, we learn to trust God and look for His guidance...And if we look closely, we can all see His divine intervention. Watch Out for Miracles (Carpenter’s Son Publishing) by Janet Tombow is an inspiring collection of true stories of hope and encouragement. With each story, these courageous individuals share their personal stories of sadness, loss, hope, and victory in order to demonstrate that we are not alone and we are never forsaken. Let this collection of encouraging true stories guide your own personal life. Each of us has a story....each of us are faced with unique challenges and struggles.....but in the midst of these circumstances is a loving and all-knowing God who can see you through to personal victory. Available at www.amazon.com

Faith on the Field
It takes more than heart to win a championship. It takes teamwork, equipment, and––most of all––a great coach. In southern Louisiana in 1957, the best coach Ronnie LeBlanc can find for his struggling American Legion Baseball team is black. Based on a true story, Stealing First (Legacy Publishing) by Drew Golden is a tale of poverty; corruption and bias; and, ultimately, a powerful message of honor and camaraderie. For more info, visit www.stealingfirst.net

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Do you have any experience?

Do you have any experience?
Speaking for myself here, I've always hated that question. 
In a job interview, it's one of the first things they want to know. But it's such a Catch-22, isn't it? You're there, sitting in front of the almighty gate-keeper to your Dream Job (or, at least, so you're trying to convince them, with you're willing smile and well-rehearsed spiel), hoping against hope that they'll grant you entree to said job. 
But how does that happen if you don't have experience? And how are you supposed to get experience if no one gives you a shot to even get experience? 
It's ridiculous, really. Like a dog chasing its own tail.
In my personal opinion, it's something that should happen less and less frequently as we get farther and farther out of our teenage years. 
Like zits. Zits should happen less often, too.
But that's an entirely different issue for an entirely different day.
Anyway.
Like zits, the annoying fact remains that experience is still a double-edged sword as you traverse the annals of adulthood and toil away your youth under the watchful eye of The Man.
Just today, in fact, I was informed that what I considered "experience" with one company now made me undesirable to another company. How contrary to what I've read in all those wonderful books about how to grow your career! According to the authors who pen their hard-earned experience into advice, writing for as many publications as possible is a good thing. It builds your credibility, right? 
Right.
Uh huh. Unless the people in charge decide otherwise. 
So what draws the line? Who writes the rules? 
Is it better to have more or less experience?
Maybe one day I'll finally have it figured out. 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Eat, drink, and be tidy about it...

Dirty Veggies?
Before you prep your next salad, take a minute to wash up! Make washing away pesticides, waxes, and other residues an easy task with FIT Fruit and Vegetable wash. You can have peace of mind because it removes 98% of potentially harmful residual substances on your produce, versus washing with water alone. We use soap to clean our hands, shampoo for our hair, and detergent for our clothes––why would water alone be adequate for our food?  Even pesticide-free organic produce needs to be cleaned of dirt and fertilizer residue, not to mention those from all of the people who picked it up and gave it a squeeze in the grocery store before you brought it home! FIT is 100% natural and is the only produce wash certified Kosher and Vegan, and listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute as being acceptable for use on Organic produce. Visit www.tryfit.com



Spill-less Sippies
Make teaching your little one to use a cup a little bit easier (and cleaner!) with Munchkin’s Click Lock cups. The great, colorful cups offer fantastic spill-proof technology. They're easy to grip, BPA-free, and  have physical, visual, and audio cues that confirm the lid is locked in place––which definitely avoids spills. These wonderfully designed cups cups come in a wide variety of stylish designs, colors, and styles. Visit www.munchkin.com



Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Feeding time...



I know, I know...August is THIS close to being over, but in celebration of the quickly disappearing Breast Feeding Awareness Month, check this out....

Trying to balance nursing with being on-the-go? Here's a great solution! The Ameda Purely Yours Ultra breast pump system offers purity, comfort and ease. Unlike other pumps, Ameda has Proven Airlock Protection––a diaphragm that keeps air from coming in contact with breast milk while you pump and protects milk from bacteria, mold, and viruses. You don’t have to clean the narrow tubing, and your milk stays purely yours. The pump flange (that sucker thingie) is available in 7 different sizes (the 3 most commonly used sizes come with the system) so that the pump is more comfortable and milk flow is more effective. There are even 32 different speed and suction combos! This makes a fantastic gift for the expectant mothers on your list.

Pack up a convenient on the go snack for busy days...

Got an adventurous palate? Try these tasty snacks! Annie Chun's Roasted Seaweed Snacks are now available in Brown Sugar & Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper & Herb, and Wasabi! They're delicious, low-calorie, and nutritious! These salty snacks pack all the benefits of sea-minerals in a guilt-free, handy little pack! www.anniechuns.com 

Talk about yummy! Try out these great new cookies from Skeeter Snacks. They're a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without fear of nut allergies! Now available in Chocolate Chunk, Skeeterdoodle, & Golden Oatmeal. So good, they'll disappear before you can say Skeeter! www.skeetersnacks.com   

Enjoy a serving of fruit with Stretch Island Fruit Co. Fruit Strips. These delicious, portable, 100% natural fruit strips contain no artificial additives or added sugar and are available in seven mouthwatering fruit flavors. www.stretchislandfruit.com











Monday, August 27, 2012

Are You an Ostrich?

So this is it. I'm here, sitting at my computer like a good little blogger, trying to compose some semblance of semi-coherent thought while my mind reels through thousands of things that I could be doing, should be doing, don't want to be doing...and trying not to think about that thing called Isaac that's swirling chaotically toward the Gulf Coast.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is my very least favorite part of the year––that six-month span of days during which we in the Coastal states keep a wary eye on the tropics, fervently praying that we will escape turmoil for just one more year. Call me an idiot, but whenever there's a rumble in Thunder Alley (I think it's much more apropos than "The Tropics"––that's far too vacationy), I like to bury my head in the sand like an ostrich. Or clamp my eyes shut and clap my hands over my ears while chanting "CAn't hear you, can't HEAR you!) at the top of my lungs. After all, it works for toddlers. And ostriches. If I can't see it, it can't see me. Which means maybe it doesn't exist, right?

Wouldn't that be great? If all you had to do to dissipate everything bad was simply to close your eyes and ignore it? Wars would be gone, death and starvation...illness.  Unfortunately, life doesn't work like that, and we have to deal with bad things and challenges as they come. I'm just glad to know that I don't have to do it alone. None of us do.

We have each other.

We have God.

And both of those count for much more than we can ever imagine while we're busy trying not to worry.

Besides, burying your head in the sand messes up your hair.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Back to School

School started this week. Some parts of the country are still basking in the last rays of summer vacation, but here in Pensacola, Florida, they begin (and end) summer vacation earlier than many other areas of the country. Maybe I'm crazy, but it seems to get earlier every year. Or maybe it's just that I'm getting old, and everything seems to happen faster now than it did when I was little and actually had a reason to anticipate summer vacation. Heck, I even anticipated the beginning of the school year. 

Yup, you read that right. I actually looked forward to starting school again after summer vacation. 

Yes. I am a nerd. Get over it.

I happened to love school. Sure, there were aspects of the whole thing that I would have gladly given up (like book reports, science, and tests of any kind), but I really did like the security of that little bubble called academia. It was safe. It was structured. And there wasn't much decision-making to be made on my part beyond what to wear every day (even though that was an extremely distressing decision for me––just ask my mother), who to trade lunch with, and whether on not the boy whose cubby-hole was next to yours was cute or just plain annoying. 

Even when I got older, I still loved the sense of fulfillment I got from a full day hitting the books. And the safety and order of a class schedule. I liked knowing what was next, knowing that, most of the time, there wasn't going to be anything unpredictable about my day. 

Hi, my name is Liesel; and I am a control freak. 

Isn't it funny how, when you're little, you think that being an adult means having more control over your own life? Really, I think the opposite happens. No, you don't have parents telling you anymore what you can and can't do, but there are so many other people you have to answer to. Bosses, spouses, co-workers...the government. Bigger decisions must be made, which means bigger responsibility and bigger consequences. 

There is suddenly more at stake than whether you might later regret the decision to trade your chocolate chip cookies for a chocolate pudding cup. 

As we get older, its easy to forget to take time to enjoy being childlike as we get tied up in the big things. Next time you're cursing the flashing school zone lights for slowing down your commute, take a minute to think about what you loved about being a kid in school...then see if you can find someone at work who wants to trade with you at lunch.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Bug Out!

Just because school's back in session doesn't mean the bugs have moved out...In fact, some of them are out in full force! Keep them away from all of your activities and relax these last days of summer...


Ladybugs might be considered a symbol of good luck, but they're way more than a pretty face. These colorful little bugs are secret weapons...If you have aphids on your roses or other plant-munching pests in your garden, unleash the ladybugs! Organic Control, Inc. (Orcon) provides growers  and home gardeners with beneficial insects and other natural solutions to common gardening pest problems. Ladybugs eat aphids, mealy bugs, scale, leafhoppers and other destructive soft-bodied pests  that can damage your plants. When ladybugs are released at sundown, they'll chow down on those pesty plant-eaters and lay eggs for even more ladybugs.  Orcon Ladybugs are available in a variety of sizes, from containers of 1500 bugs ($15) to a gallon ($160). Visit organiccontrol.com

BugBand insect repellent products provide protection from biting insects while avoiding the risk associated with irritating pesticides. They're even kid, food, and pet-safe! BugBand repellent products use Geraniol, a plant‐based ingredient that has been proven effective in repelling a wide variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, gnats, no‐see‐ums, and fleas. BugBand’s sprays and towelettes are effective against ticks, as well. So what's Geraniol? It's a naturally occurring repellent extracted from geranium oil through a unique refining process. Try out BugBand insect repellent wristbands, pump sprays, towlettes (super-convenient for your purse or back-packs), and diffusers. Visit www.bugband.net

Friday, August 17, 2012

Tiny Tomes


Got a little reader on your hands? Give 'em one of these! BabyLit books has just released two classics: Dracula, which will help your baby brainiac learn to count by using beautiful artwork and elements from the classic novel by Bram Stoker––think cute, not spooky. A Christmas Carol will introduce your  baby to colors through vibrant illustrations and teach them Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Visit http://www.gibbs-smith.com/
 
Want to let your kids get their fingers sticky in the kitchen? Pick up this deliciously supernatural guide to alien meals: Little Aliens Cookbook by Zac Williams. The fun cookbook contains 30 unearthly recipes for everything from appetizers and entrees to drinks and desserts. Who knows? You might have the world's next great chef! Visit http://www.gibbs-smith.com/ 


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

No Hanging Chads

I don't know about the rest of you, but I was seriously tempted to skip the voting booth today. But then, there was that annoying little voice in my head that wouldn't shut up about what an invaluable privilege it is to vote. So many people in the world still don't have that right––especially women––and how ungrateful is it of me to shove side that right simply because it can be slightly inconvenient? I want my voice to count, even if it seems, on the face of things, to be inconsequential. If every one of us felt that way, no one would show up at the voting booths...and then all those cheery senior citizens who guard the election halls would have nothing to talk about. After all, there's only so much time you can fill discussing soap opera plots now that the networks have so brutally axed their daytime line-ups in favor of talk show panels. But oh, goodness me, did you see what that lady was wearing yesterday on The View? Obviously, Victoria has no more Secrets....

Maybe someone needs to make things more interesting...like cuter "I Voted" stickers....

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Why didn't they come up with this sooner?

Looking for a healthy tasty snack that gives you the fun and flavor of great candy while providing the benefits of a health food? Check these out! SNAP Infusion candies are a SUPERCANDY––It's like candy and a vitamin had babies! Or, as the SNAP company likes to put it, "A healthy snack option combining the performance of Nike and the taste we expect from Willy Wonka!" They're low-calorie; free of high-fructose corn syrup and trans-fats; and infused with Vitamin B for energy, antioxidants for protection, and electrolytes for balance. Available in five varieties, including gummies, jelly beans, and caramel...Mmmmm! Wickedly yummy!  For more info, visit www.eatplaysnap.com

Busy mommies already have enough to stress about every day, and they don't need to be worried about what kind of containers they're storing their little ones' food in. All those toxins and chemicals that aren't safe for babies and toddlers? Not in these great new containers from Kinderville. They're free of Bisphenol-A, Phthalates, Lead, and are resistant to Bacteria. The “serve and store” silicone products are microwavable, dishwasher, and freezer safe. They come in convenient sizes and fun colors––“Little Bites” and “Big Bites” storage jars; cups; Ice Pop molds; silicone bibs; freezer trays; and divided plates. For more info, visit https://kinder-ville.com/


I don't know about you, but I have a wicked time deciding what to wear every day. And it's been like this since I was little, so it's obviously not a new issue. Boy, would I have loved this! A company called Girls Looking Cute has come out with a "Personal Outfit Assistant," basically the equivalent of a customizable, life-sized paper doll for little girls who are as indecisive as I am. Little fashionistas can pick out what they want to wear the night before and get their "Assistant" all decked out! Made in USA of sturdy laminated wood, 56" tall. You can customize the hair, skin color, eye color...even give her freckles! Visit  http://girlslookingcute.com










Sunday, August 5, 2012

Viewing, Veggies, and Videos..



Got a guppy in the family? Check out these new goggles for kids from Aqua Sphere––the Seal Kid and Vista Jr. Swim Masks come in great, fun colors that offer fantastic protection for little eyes in the pool and at the beach. Made in Italy, Aqua Sphere goggles have special Plexisol lenses with scratch-resistant coating, 100% UVA and UVB protection; easy-adjust buckle system; and 180-degree visibility. The silicone goggles have a watertight fit and easy-adjust buckles that make them soft and comfortable...Visit http://www.aquasphereswim.com/us/


Make fun of your food! Check out the new online recipe book, A Very Veggie World. Culinary artist Clare Crespo partnered with Country Crock to create fun, whimsical recipes where veggies look and taste delicious. Available now via free download at www.averyveggieworld.com, the cookbook is organized by the colors of the rainbow and features 25 imaginative veggie recipe creations, from squash “Hippo Dip” to delicious sweet potato “Bear Paws.” Each recipe is paired with beautiful full-page imagery, family-friendly veggie and nutrition tips, and quick shortcuts and links to other favorite recipes.  

And speaking of veggies...Need to keep the little ones busy while you tackle your to-do list? Feed their brains and tickle their funny bones with these great new DVDs!

VeggieTales: The Penniless Princess—God’s Little Girl: Sweet Sarah Crew has everything a little girl could want––a loving family, lots of friends and a closet full of frilly dresses! But when life takes a turn and Sarah goes from riches to rags, will she realize that her true worth lies not in what she has, but what she has in her heart? Find out in this inspiring new story from VeggieTales that reminds kids who they are in God’s eyes. For more info, visit http://www.veggietales.com/


Angelina Ballerina: Dreams Do Come True: It’s a dream come true! When Angelina Ballerina wins the Mouseland Herald’s "Big Dreams Do Come True" competition and a place in the Metroquefort Ballet Junior Dance Company, she must make a big decision: Will she leap at the opportunity to become a prima ballerina or shine on at Camembert Academy with the support of her friends and family? Join Angelina as she discovers what matters most to any young mouseling in this heartwarming dancing and singing, must-see musical movie spectacular! For more info, visit http://www.angelinaballerina.com/











Thursday, August 2, 2012

The Genuine Article


As much as it shames me to admit it, I have falled prey to the reality TV craze. If fact, it seems that there are really only three channels currently on my playlist: HGTV, Bravo, and the Food Network. Oh, yeah...I also watch TLC for Say Yes to the Dress and Four Weddings, slide over to BBC America for Kitchen Nightmares and No Kitchen Required, and flip to Fox for Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen. Rarely does the screen on my TV display anything outside the realm of those channels...Unless, that is, my husband has gotten his hands on the channel changer before I do...
To delve just a little bit deeper, I am going to have to confess a fandom for the Housewives of New York (wow, those women can get nuts!); Bethanny Ever After; and the Bravo trio of women on Miss Advised. It’s a little bit mind-boggling to find how often I can relate to something that Bethanny Frankel or Miss Advised’s dating columnist Julia say...especially when it’s something that 90 percent of the other people watching from their couches think is completely neurotic. 
It was, in fact, a recent episode of Miss Advised that got my little brain chugging along like crazy, thinking about how often in my own life I try to be someone that people will like. Like me! Like me! I sometimes want to shout...and I often wondered during my single years why a guy didn’t just fall to his knees in love after a date with me. What was so wrong with me? If I was interested in him, why wasn’t he interested in me? Was there something about me that needed to change? Was I unattractive, unintelligent, boring...What? Tell me, and I’ll fix it! 
Anyway, back to the episode...Julia was being told by several people in her life that she needed to be more authentic––in her columns, in her dates, in her relationships in general. Be authentic seemed to be the battle cry. How often, I realized, I am afraid of being authentic. I’m afraid of seeming neurotic (which, let’s face it––I think most people would think I am, if they truly knew what all went on in this head of mine). I’m afraid of being silly and having someone look at me like I’m an idiot. I’m afraid of opening up and being criticized. Over the past few years, I’ve become so afraid of these things that it’s shrunken my world to the point that the people who know me best have become almost liabilities. They know my authentic self, the self that scares me. Unfortunately, that fear has also allowed me to damage some of the most important relationships in my life.  
Be authentic. A directive that seems so simple, yet is so difficult sometimes. Still, true happiness and only be found in authenticity, no matter how scary it might seem. Open up, be vulnerable. Be authentic. Words to live by, to heal by...and to love by.    

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Get in touch with your inner child...

These things might be marketed more toward the kid-sector, but who says you have to be all grown up, all the time? 

I don't know about you, but I find band-aids to be a bit of a buzz-kill. I may be pushing the limits of my twenties, but that doesn't mean I find it particularly necessary to shy away from an interesting bandage when I get a paper cut or some other form of wound. So why expect kids to wear boring old adhesive bandages? Get into the sporty spirit with Sports Shield Brand bandages. They're great for all ages and genders; light-weight and latex-free; and offer top-quality protection and flexibility for even the most active individuals. Available in two different sizes for adults and kids, in eight designs: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, cheerleading, girls' soccer, and fun fashion. Visit www.sportsshield.com



Just because summer vacation is almost over doesn't mean you can't still have some major summer fun...besides, who needs an excuse for a cool treat? Check these out and get majorly inventive! Prepara’s hollow Volcano Ice Pops are perfect to fill up with some favorite and special treats...Use the special molds to make icy treats that are hollow inside, and put your little grey cells to work on the filling. Be adventurous! Who needs a boring old ice pop? 

If you're more in the mood for ice cream, rock out with Prepara Super Scoopers...these little scoops come in handy for those sudden ice cream cravings. Designed by a 6-year-old girl, they may be targeted for kids, but they're still great for a mini ice cream break...Visit www.prepara.com