Take Action Tuesday

This week's TAT is another one concerning health. This is prompted by a personal experience. I found out over the weekend that a member of my family had a stroke while on vacation. She didn't know it was a stroke at the time and had never had one. Thanks to some fast-acting people around her she got to the hospital in a timely manner and got the medication so urgently needed. The trick is she didn't think it was very serious and didn't want the ambulance to be called. This is where you TAKE ACTION! The National Stroke Association has a plan to act F.A.S.T. This is an acronym to remember the warning signs.

Act F.A.S.T.
FACE	Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS	Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH	Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
TIME	If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.

Please review this information. You can also visit The National Stroke Association and the American Heart Association for additional information. You could save a life!

Great imagery!

I found this entry on one of the blogs I read and LOVED it! As I mention in my entry from yesterday I love voting and election night! It was very exciting to read all over the blogosphere about Election Day. Earlier today I was trying to figure out why. I likened it to a football game. There is so much excitement at the beginning and both teams are positive they are going to win. Then as the game is played, story lines develop and things happen. By the fourth quarter you're exhausted and the game is either a blowout or nail-bitingly close. Right now, at just after 9 p.m. it seems we're nearing halftime. Can't wait to see the second half! I Hope you voted today!

Take Action Tuesday (a little early)

This week's TAT is a no-brainer-VOTE, vote, vote, vote, vote! BUT there is a twist. I challenge you to find out information about the other races you'll be voting on-Governor, State House/Senate, Commissioners, etc. I don't like to be an uninformed voter. It took awhile but I found the local newspaper had a lot of good information about the candidates. I could even put in my zip code and get a list of the positions that I would encounter in the voting booth. If you live in Indiana, especially Indianapolis start here. It appears the candidates themselves have provided the information and answered questions. If you don't live in Indiana, I encourage you to research your local resources.
I'm so excited about the election tomorrow. I've always loved Election Night, I remember waking up numerous times in the night in 2000 to see if they had called the winner for President yet. I'm really excited that so many people are getting out and exercising there civil rights! Happy Voting!

And the winner is...

I've drawn a winner to my Bloggy Carnival Giveaway using a very scientific procedure called "calling a friend and having her pick a number". PS at The Dirty Work... is the lucky winner! Check out her blog, she has all sorts of great 'Green' tips of her own.

Are you a rule breaker?

I came across an article about breaking rules, love rules that is. It says that there are 7 conventional dating ideas that should be reconsidered. The rules are:
1. Never date a co-worker.
2. Always wait for the third (or fourth or fifth) date to have sex.
3. Rebound relationships never last.
4. Never date a friend's ex.
5. Only date one person at a time.
6. Wait for your date to say "I love you" first.
7. Couples who are in love spend all their free time together.
What I find interesting that as I read through the article I found that some of them I whole-heartedly agree should be broken. Others shouldn't in my opinion be broken. And a few of them I've broken and later wished I hadn't. So what's the secret? Can you really take advice about love? I'm an emotional person. I think things through methodically but I make decisions based on how the outcome will make me feel. Is love something you have to feel your way through? So many questions, no wonder I'm still single!!

Take Action Tuesday-Save a life

Do you know how to save a life? We see it on TV, hear the stories; but if someone was in trouble right in front of you, would you know what to do? I took a class in 5th grade that taught us CPR. I kind of remember but that was a long time ago and after seeing a segment on the TODAY show, it looks like the thinking behind it has changed a little in the 20 years since I took the class. Next question, do you know how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)? You've probably seen these hanging on the wall in an airport of government building. They can emit an electric charge to get the heart back into rhythm. Last question, did you know there is first aid and CPR procedures for pets? The American Red Cross offers a wide range of classes to teach you the proper techniques for handling and caring for injured or ill people and pets. Check out this link. If you don't feel confident in your ability to react in an emergency situation PLEASE review the information and even take a class. The American Red Cross page can lead you to your local chapter and their offerings. You could save a life!

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival!

Welcome to Single Gal Musings. I've only been blogging for about 2 months and am very excited about participating in this carnival! I commend you for finding me so far down on the bloggy list! Hopefully, you'll find it worth your while. As I mention in my title block I blog about whatever pops in my head or interesting things I find on television or in books & magazines. As I develop my site I find that I REALLY enjoy a) sharing information on how to save money in this tough economy; b) sharing information about how easy it is to be 'green'. In my opinion, we really can't afford not to be and it is relatively easy to make little changes that will add up! In the spirit of these two interests I am offering a great giveaway. If you are the winner of my giveaway you will win a large lightweight canvas bag (lightweight but not the super-thin chintzy canvas) that I have adorned with flocked insignia and patches and a cute book with 1,001 ideas for how to be 'green'. It is easy to pick up and read for a minute and get some good info!

How do you win this prize? you ask! It's easy, just leave a comment below telling me what you like about my blog or constructive criticism (remember I'm new!) and BE SURE to leave your name and contact info so I can get in touch with the winner. I will be drawing a winner at random at Noon EST on November 1st. I'm so excited because I'm giving away a gift on my birthday! Good luck and thanks for stopping by!
P.S. Be sure to come by on Tuesday. I have a weekly post I do called "Take Action Tuesday". Every week I make a suggestion to get involved with a certain activity or always encourage you to get involved with something you are passionate about. This week's TAT is an important one for everyone.

Ecoist

An online store I like is having a sale this week, check it out! For every purchase made they plant a tree in your name and you're supporting eco-friendly fair trade manufacturing. My favorite item you ask? Coca-cola baguette, beautiful! (but not on sale now)

Ecoist and The Coca-Cola Company have partnered to repurpose misprinted and waste-bound bottle labels. These classic, limited edition, handcrafted purses are made by a fair trade women's cooperative in Peru. Visit ecoist.com/coke for more info.

A sign of the times?

Everyone knows about online dating and has probably seen the ads for a plethora of different sites out there-meet Christian men, meet Gay men, meet rich men, etc. Tonight I was on Facebook and one of the ads caught my eye. (Sidebar-I have to say that I think that Facebook does a good job of keeping ads in check. It isn't the free-for-all myspace seems to be.) The headline of the ad was "Meet Men with Careers". Are men with careers becoming an endangered species? Enough that they need a specialized site? If so, I'm in BIG trouble! To be fair the rest of the ad explains itself: "If you're single, have a career and are seeking a serious relationship come browse thousands of local men at ***". Hmm.

What are you doing on your birthday in '09?

I try to be as professional and a sophisticated as I can muster. But I have a secret-I LOVE Disney World! Yes, I'm almost 31 and I love Disney World. When I was younger, I loved everything Disney but while the movies and characters don't do much for me anymore I still love to visit the "Happiest Place On Earth". And I think that's why. When you go there there is joy and fun; you forget about your life and the 'real world'. I like watching the kids playing or laughing or maybe having a melt down. I also find myself in wonderment of the attractions. The detail and the structures are amazing, I don't know how they get some of those things to stay standing-magic perhaps. That's my 'architect' sneaking in but there is definitely something for everyone there.
So, anyway, on to the deal and the reason for this post. Next year Disney is offering free admission for you on you birthday! You can register and see the details here. That's a pretty good deal if you ask me. Last time I wanted to get into a park for one day it was almost $90 a ticket (obviously want you to buy a multi-day ticket). Happy Birthday!

Take Action Tuesday

A friend posted this program on her blog last week. As someone who cares about the environment and is trying to do my part in the 'green' movement I signed up. Everyday for thirty days a tip to have a more natural environment is e-mailed to me. Some days they apply to me and some they don't, but they're all great and if nothing else gets you in the mindset for things that you can do that will make a difference. Once you sign up there are other tips and resources available to you for viewing. Your challenge today is to sign up for "30 Days to Natural" or another program that will teach you about actions you can take to make a difference. Also check out the line of Greenworks products from Clorox next time you're in the market for cleaning products, you won't be disappointed. Leave a comment when you sign up!

Do you have an eye for color?

I found a link to this on one of my favorite blogs and enjoyed the challenge. It is a hue test, it tests your "hue discrimination"(how your eye perceives change in hue) . I proudly scored a 4 and ironically have lower hue discrimination in the area of my favorite colors-cyan, periwinkle. You arrange the hues between the swatches on the ends. Then it scores you, the lower the number the better. What did you score? Leave a comment!

Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of coffee.

=============================

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes". The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, " I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things in life. Your God, your family, your children,
your health, your friends, and your favorite passions: things that if everything else was lost
and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else: the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

I looked and found a few different versions of this story with different authors so I don't have an exact citation but I love the sentiment. I wish you lots of golf balls!

Amazing!

It is kind of a strange day. Outside is gray and cloudy and I feel gray and cloudy. I received this video (click button directly below product picture) from my Mom and completely love it. It is on a website called Motivation In A Minute and it has several great (free!) short movies to view. Check them out and be inspired! I know I'll be spending a lot of time on this site!

Family Get Together Contest

I ran across this contest this morning. Lands' End is looking for a 300-word story about a memorable family get together. The prizes are great-including a trip for twelve to a luxurious resort in Montana. Check it out! Hurry, contest ends October 30th! And remember, PLEASE leave a comment if you enter!

Wanna save some $$$?

I came across this website through one of the blogs I read (I couldn't find the link again though-sorry!) and I've successfully used it a number of times. You know when you're buying something online and when you're checking out it has a field for "Promo Code" or "Coupon Code"? Aha! This is where you get the codes! I've tried 4 codes and 3 of them have worked. You have to pay attention to expiration dates and it is a site where people can upload information so it may not all work, but it seems like worth a try to me. There are lots of things on this site so check it out!

Take Action Tuesday

http://www.forwardsteps.com.au/VisionBoard.htm

This week's cause is an important one - YOU! This is as much for me as for you because it is an important activity. Have you heard of a Vision Board? I did my first vision board 5 or 6 years ago for my career-on-the-side. I've heard about them since then and I think Oprah has talked about it before too (so you know it's good!). What you do is get a piece of poster board or big piece of paper and a big stack of magazines to cut pictures out of. Then you go through the magazines to find pictures of people, places, things, ideas, causes you'd like to have in your life. Cut them out and glue to the board and locate in a prominent location where it is easily seen. There are a bunch of websites that talk more in-depth about them. I've gotten my piece of paper and cut out LOTS of pictures. This week I'll get everything glued up and post a picture of it! I have VISION! Please share your vision? What do you want to have in your life that you don't have currently?

What A Deal!

I can't take credit for finding this-it was originally posted on one of the websites whose blog I read The Budget Fashionista! BUT, I did visit the New York & Company (a perennial favorite) website and found that they're also have a Buy One, Get One Half Off Sale that includes tops, sweaters, jeans, trousers, jackets and accessories. How great is that! I personally love them because they carry a good variety of tall pants and they are part of the sale too. Check it out!

Love Real Simple, love TLC?

It's a match made in heaven! REAL SIMPLE has a new show on TLC! It starts this coming Friday at 8:00. Check it out!

Introducing REAL SIMPLE. REAL LIFE. the new makeover series on TLC that brings your favorite magazine to life with ideas, insights and inspiration to help make life better.

Today’s women are faced with endless daily demands and expectations – keeping a household running, getting the kids off to school, staying on top of deadlines at work, and trying to get dinner on the table at night, to name a few. REAL SIMPLE. REAL LIFE. will help real women save time, clear the chaos, and leave more time to do the things they want to do.

Please tune in this Friday, October 17th at 8 P.M. (ET) on TLC for the show’s premiere. And tell your friends!

It isn't easy living 'green'

Or is it? With the emphasis being placed on it, there are all sorts of items coming out that are more earth-friendly. I came across this website today and fell in love. I haven't seen such a concentration of 'green' items very often. There are cleaning, home, kids, pet items all available. Check it out!
Had to share this product, love it! I know exactly where this would go in my house!

Albuquerque Part 2

Saturday morning we went to the first day of the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. The first event was a mass ascension where they launched over 700 balloons in about 2 hours. While there, we heard that this event is the most photographed in the world-I can see why! I've never taken so many pictures. Click here to see my album!
I also found this little video about the fiesta!
Have you ever been to the International Balloon Fiesta?!

Albuquerque Part I

I didn't really expect to but I took more pictures on this vacation than any other. I won't show you all 234 pictures but it's gonna take more than one entry to share with you. We got to New Mexico on Thursday and first thing Friday morning (at like 5:30 am) we were picked up to go on a hot air balloon ride. I was a little nervous but ever since I was little I've wanted to go on a ride.

First they laid out the balloons and blew air from a fan into the open end. They also laid the gondola (not basket) and the burners on their side. Once the balloon had a lot of air in it, they started heating the air. They started to rise up slowly.

Then it was up up and away! The balloons took off in majestic form. That morning the Fiesta was having a program in the local schools. They had a hot air balloon taking off from all the local schools so there balloons all around us. It was so exciting seeing that many balloons all at once!

My mom and I in the gondola and my favorite picture-looking straight up into the balloon!

After our lovely ride it was time to land and pack up. Mom and the pilot stayed in the balloon and the rest of us laid the gondola back down on it's side. Then they crawled out! Then we squeezed all the air out of the balloon.

The last step was to get the really big balloon in the really little bag and squeeze some more. What a great experience. I wasn't too scared, especially since the wind was calm and only 4 other people in the gondola. Another item checked off my "Things I Have To Do Before I Die"!Tune in tomorrow for the continuing saga!

Up, up and away!

I've been working hard to try to increase the readership of my blog and I feel like it's working. Thanks for coming by! This will be my last post for a few days as I am heading to New Mexico for a little vacation. We are going to the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.

I am so excited I am having trouble containing myself. Seriously, we are talking more excited than a six year old going to Disney World! Ever since I can remember I have completely loved hot air balloons and still get excited when I see one up in the sky. On Friday morning I'll also be checking something off my "Have to do before I die list"-I'm taking a hot air balloon ride! Be sure to check back Wednesday as I'm sure I will have tons of pictures and lots to share!

Take Action Tuesday (or Wednesday again...)

This week's TAT was going to be about winterizing your home to save energy and $$ but I saw a completely worthy cause this morning I had the share!
It is called Army of Women and a prominent cancer researcher, Dr. Susan Love, is spearheading a movement to enlist women of all ages, ethnicities and risks-whether you have breast cancer or not. Check out the Army of Women link to get more information. You can sign up to let them know of your interest. From there you will receive e-mails looking for specific segments of the population for specific research. It is all voluntary. I think all of us know someone either directly or indirectly that has been affected by Cancer. This sounds like an amazing opportunity to be involved with such an important cause! Check it out and be sure to leave a comment if you sign up!

Organizing my life

I started redecorating my condo this spring and since have moved everything in my house at least twice. I removed all the carpet and replaced it in the bedrooms and installed wood flooring in the living room/dining room. I've undertaken a few other projects to complete the renovation in the main living area. I had been avoiding the second bedroom-until this weekend. I've been torn what to do with this room and finally figured out a happy medium. This is my new guest/craft/exercise room.

The biggest undertaking was organizing all my crafting stuff and getting rid of the stuff I don't need anymore. I'm taking advantage of the bookshelves to store desk stuff as well as all my exercise equipment (videos, weights, etc.)
Before:

After:

I know it doesn't look very impressive but I was able to centrally locate all of my supplies and now I can find everything in their labeled boxes! And, lots of extra storage for the future!
Eventually, I'll have a crafting desk I've got my eye on where the sling back chair is currently. I still need to hang up my pictures, bulletin board for inspiration pictures, and maybe a few shelves. In the mean time, I'm looking forward to working out and reading in this room. Most of my windows face north but the two windows in this room face east and it gets great light in the morning. I only have a few projects left until my whole house is done, but this was the last big one, yeah! The couch pulls out so I'm ready for guests if you want to visit Indy!

Chapped Lips Irony

I read this article on Real Age today. I looked up a few of the products I've used in the past and 3 out of the 4 had Phenols. Might be something to check out if you find yourself repeatedly reaching for the balm.

Chapped Lips? Avoid This . . .

If the cooler fall air has you reaching for your lip balm, flip it over and look at the label.

You might want to ditch it if you see this in the ingredient list: phenols. Why? These compounds actually strip the top layer off your lips, according to RealAge skin expert Dr. Amy Wechsler.

Peel Appeal?
Phenols are included in some lip balms (Blistex, for one) to help remove very dry, chapped skin off the surface of lips. But if you’re just trying to keep lips moist, the phenols can backfire by removing your lips’ natural protective layer. That may also explain why some people get addicted to them, Wechsler writes in her new book, The Mind-Beauty Connection -- the stripping effect can leave lips feeling raw, so you reach for more balm.

Careful Lip Care
To break this vicious lip-balm cycle, Wechsler recommends opting for a good moisturizing lip balm instead. One of her personal favorites is pure, simple Vaseline petroleum jelly. (Use it at night, since it offers no sun protection.) If you need to slough a bit of dry skin from your lips, just brush them very gently with a soft, wet toothbrush.

RealAge Benefit: Doing routine self-examinations for skin cancer can make your RealAge as much as 1.7 years younger.

Isn’t it terrific when a drugstore bargain turns out to be great for you? Pucker up and kiss those dry, chapped lips goodbye! Restock your medicine cabinet with a fresh jar of Vaseline, and start reaching for it again. Thanks, Dr. Amy!

References: The Mind-Beauty Connection. Wechsler, A., New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008.

Copyright © 2008, RealAge, Inc. All rights reserved. RealAge shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. RealAge® is a federally registered trademark of RealAge, Inc.

In the Kitchen

I've recently run across two different offers to share! The first is from Kitchen Aid through REAL SIMPLE. They are looking for great kitchen moments or memories. You can sign up and share your story here. If your moment is chosen you'll win these great prizes!
The second offer is through Kraft and Blogher. Share your favorite "Feel Good Meal" here and you could win a $100 grocery gift card!
Leave a comment if you enter either of these contests and be sure to let us know if you WIN!
Good Luck!

91 Days

I know this seems ridiculous but hear me out. In the last week I have stumbled across three different Christmas Planning sites and one hard copy manual. I don't know if I've just been under a rock the last few years but I was intrigued. I like them, especially "100 Days of Christmas" because it takes the time to break everything down into small manageable pieces. Organized Christmas breaks down housework and decluttering each space for later decorating. The last couple years I feel like I've been too busy and too stressed to be able to enjoy the season and be thankful for the true meaning of the holidays. I'm confidant that participating in a program like this will help. It also takes time to plan for the holidays between now and Christmas. I don't do what they say everyday but it at least gets me in the mindset. Check them out, they have different levels of planning and include too-do lists too!
100 days to Christmas
Christmas Organizing
Organized Christmas

It may be Fall but...

On Monday, the first day of Autumn, I looked out the window at the office and saw one traitor of a tree that was standing tall and proud in all it's golden glory. It was then that it hit me that Fall was coming and it wasn't going to wait. Cut to today--I was in my friendly neighborhood big box buying the necessities; turkey, milk, the Sex in the City movie. In one last glimmer of summer I then came upon a beautiful sight! Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, YUM! One of my most favorite parts of summer still available. I rushed home and had a big bowl of yogurt and berries for dinner. It may be Fall but at my house it is still summer!
I guess I'm giving my feelings for Fall a bad wrap. I actually like Fall. MY birthday is in the Fall (and I still love my birthday)! Football games, camp fires, waking up huddled under the covers with a cold nose, sweaters, what's not to like? My problem is winter. I hate the Winter and Fall is the last step before Winter. I was thinking about this on the way home tonight-here is my ideal year: Standard Spring with the trees budding and flowers blooming. Warm (but not too hot) Summer with sunny days and playing outside. Fall with cooling days and changing leaves. Then, the best part, Winter would be the month of December only. Cold weather to foster the Christmas spirit, hot chocolate, skating, shopping. Then Christmas morning would have 6" of beautiful fluffy snow perfect for playing in and building a snow man. Then at the end of the month it would start to warm up-Spring! Ah, what a great year. If anyone knows where this exists be sure to let me know!

Take Action Tuesday (or Wednesday as the case may be)

This week's TAT has to do with recycling. Did you know you can recycle crayons? Bicycles? Metal siding? I was surprised to find how many things are recyclable . It may require mailing in small items or doing some research in your community, but with the internet it is really easy to find! So check out the links below and recycle something you never have before!
Real Simple: How to Recycle Anything
Consumer Recycling Guide
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
Recycling Revolution