Living Green, One Tip at a Time - (a weekly feature)

Tip # 31

Create a home-made Halloween costume by recycling some items in your home.

(I've posted this a day earlier than usual to allow some costume creating time!)

When I was a little trick-or-treat-er, we never wore a purchased Halloween costume.  Our costumes were always made from whatever was available around the house. 
My Mom would put me in my older sister’s flannel nightgown, give me a bottle to hold and voila, I was a "baby". My brothers seemed to always be "hobos", Mom would dig out some old worn-out clothes, sew on some material scraps for patches, mess up their hair, smear dirt on their face and out the door they would go!  Oh, and there was always the old worn out bed sheet, with two holes for eyes, instant "ghost". 

Here is a link to a site with some great ideas for "home-made" costumes

•  Do you make your costumes from "recycled" items?
•  As a child, what were you dressed as for Halloween?
•  If you would like to share some ideas for recycled or green costumes, I'll post them here -

 ~ Pondside  - "...I remember wanting to be a Fortune Teller over and over again - probably because of the bright red lipstick and the hoop earrings!"
~ SuperMomWannabe -  "....My 13 yr old is making a robot costume..and we're piecing others together, witch, can-can dancer, zombie...with minimal items to pick up (mainly make up). I really wanted one of them to use balloons and cellophane to be a bag-o-jellybeans..."
~ Patricia -  "I remember making a costume out of cardboard covered with tinfoil and ... voila-the Tin Man..."
~  I'm NOT a VOLCANO! - "...Once, I was a pig- my mom took pink sweats and sewed baby bottle nipples down the front and I had a pig mask. Once, I was a mummy- white sweats and my dad safety pinned strips of muslin all over the things. Once, I was a bat, and we cut out black wings from black fabric and safety pinned them to a black hoodie. 
~  Kathy - "...One Halloween I dressed one of my girls as a nurse using a home make white cardboard cap, a cape and a white dress, another as a doll in a funny short dress with pigtails and lots of face make up, and one as an angel using a flower girls dress and home made wings..."
~ My Painted Porch -  "...on occasion, we were lucky enough to have a plastic mask but the rest was left up to us to find in my mom's funky closet collection (she throws nothing out!) and a whole lot of creativity."
~ Mom Does Reviews - "...My son made a unique combo costume this year from some of his old ones..."
~ Tammy - "For my daughters Medusa costume I re-used things I had around the house including the toy snakes for her hair. For my son's angry bird costume I had to by some material, but I used old pillows for the stuffing for it..."
~ Michelle -  "I remember possibly being a hobo. My mom sewed a ballerina costume for me once..."

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!!

Monica    

         Pin It

~ WINNER ~

• ×1Win a Winnie the Pooh, DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack.
• Ended 12:01 AM (EST) on Oct. 28, 2011

AND THE WINNER IS...

Entry #13gibberish

results powered by Random.org

contest powered by Rafflecopter.

Congratulations to the confirmed winner and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter!


Monica

STROKE - Hemorrhagic stroke

(If you missed, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke), part 2 - you can find it here)

Hemorrhagic stroke -

About 20 per cent of strokes are hemorrhagic, which means they are caused by uncontrolled bleeding in the brain. This bleeding interrupts normal blood flow in the brain and by flooding the brain, kills brain cells.

There are two main types of hemorrhagic stroke:

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is uncontrolled bleeding on the surface of the brain, in the area between the brain and the skull.

Intracerebral hemorrhage occurs when an artery deep within the brain ruptures.

Both types of hemorrhage can be caused by structural problems with the blood vessels in the brain. These include:

Aneurysm: A weakened area in the blood vessel wall of the blood vessel that fills with blood and bulges. High blood pressure or trauma can cause the bulge to rupture, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding into the brain.

AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation): A malformation of the brains blood vessels usually present at birth, that causes the artery walls to be weak and increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Over several Wednesdays I will offer information on the following - 

• Anatomy of the Brain, √  Anatomy of the Brain, part 2 √
• Ischemic Stroke √ 
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke) - part 1 √  Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke) - part 2 √
• Hemorragic Stroke √
• Stroke in children (Paediatric stroke) - next Wednesday
• Effects of a stroke

 All information contained in this post was obtained, with permission, from the Heart and Stroke Foundation  website. Please visit their site for more information.

Monica

Disclaimer

The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.

~ CLOSED ~ 2012 Canadian Farmer's Almanac and Kids Almanac - Review & Giveaway

Canadian Edition of The Old Farmer's Almanac

   I remember seeing, The Old Farmer's Almanac, in my maternal grandparents farmhouse.  I remember it sitting on the table, looking all dog-eared and well read. 

   I have always been a bit fascinated by the book, but, have never owned a copy.  I guess I must have believed it would only be of interest to "farmers". 

   Well, I was completely wrong.  The first time I opened my book, I flipped through it, reading all types of little tidbits of information and never looked up for over an hour!

   The book is divided into sections titled - 

• Amusement
• Anniversary
• Astrology
• Astronomy
• Calendar
• Food
• Gardening
• Special Report
• News
• Health & Home
• Husbandry (the farmer's type!)
• Outdoors
• Sports
• Weather
• Miscellany

  Reading this list, I'm sure you can see why I was so engrossed in this publication. 

  The calendar pages are the heart of The Old Farmer's Almanac.  They present sky sightings and astronomical data for the entire year and are what make this book a true almanac, a "calendar of the heavens."  In essence, these pages are unchanged since 1792, when Robert B. Thomas published his first edition.  The long columns of numbers and symbols reveal all of nature’s precision, rhythm, and glory, providing an astronomical look at the year 2012.

   My only disappointment was in the left-hand calendar pages.  Unless you live in Ottawa or Halifax, you need to execute some do-able but confusing (at least to me) calculations to obtain the information for your specific region.  You do however; have the option to purchase ($4.95) a 13 month printable chart with times set to your postal code, just visit  MyLocalAlmanac.com.   When I stop to think about it, this makes sense.  If you had a book with information for each postal code it would be a very thick and very expensive tome.

   I can absolutely see myself keeping this almanac on the coffee table and reading it off and on for the entire year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids, Volume 4, is a winner in five categories at the 2011 International Book Awards.  

• Best Children's Book Series
• Best Children's Educational
• Best Children's Non-fiction
• Best Young Adult Educational
• Best Young Adult Non-fiction 

  

  The kids almanac is laid out in a similar fashion to the adult almanac. It provides full-colour pages loaded with fun stories, quirky facts, and the type of trivia that kids love...

          "every day your mouth produces 2-3 pints of saliva (also called spit, spittle, or slobber)"...

          "an acre was the amount of land that one man behind an ox could plough in one day"...

          "an ear of corn has, an average, 800 kernels, 16 rows with 50 kernels in each row.  There is one strand of corn silk for each kernel"

...well, you get the idea, and kids absolutely love all these little bits of information! 

   There is a dedicated website, Almanac4Kids, be sure to enter your postal code (top right corner) and you'll receive information specific to your area.  I would think most elementary and middle school aged children; parents of children in these age groups as well as elementary and middle school teachers would love to have this book in their repertoire.

   With the holidays quickly approaching, this book would make a great fun, as well as, educational gift. 


To Buy -
Visit most major book retailers or purchase online at The Old Farmer's Almanac. 
Win Them -

Five very lucky Older Mommy, Still Yummy readers are going to win a Farmer's Almanac giveaway bundle.  Each bundle will consist of one copy of the Canadian Edition of The 2012 Old Farmers Almanac as well as one copy of The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids, Volume 4.

To Enter -
Fill in the form below with your qualifying entries.  Good-luck!! 

If you are new to Rafflecopter, click here for a 45 sec. tutorial on how to enter.)

Read more »

Wordless Wednesday ~ Cousins ~

(Photo taken by my sister, Kathy, over at Oak Lawn Images)

The beautiful female "Kelly" cousins, minus one.  My daughter is dressed in yellow.  Great memories to treasure!!

Monica

Our book club's choice for November

Our book club's choice for November is The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.  


  " In Mongolia, when a dog dies, he is buried high in the hills so people cannot walk on his grave. The dog's master whispers into the dog's ear his wishes that the dog will return as a man in his next life.  Then his tail is cut off and put beneath his head, and a piece of meat or fat is placed in his mouth to sustain his soul on its journey; before he is reincarnated, the dog's soul is freed to travel the land, to run across the high desert plains for as long as it would like.
   I learned that from a program on the National Geographic channel, so I believe it is true.  Not all dogs return as men, they say; only those who are ready. 
    I am ready."


(Excerpt from The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein)

• Have you read this book?
• What did you thin of it?
• Does reading this excerpt make you want to read the book?

I'm thinking that our book club meeting in November is going to be very lively and animated.  Lots of opinions and great discussion.  I can hardly wait!! 

Monica

Living Green, One Tip at a Time - (a weekly feature)

Tip # 30

After use, hang your bath or shower towel to dry!

I don't find a thing wrong with, after my bath or shower, hanging my towel to dry and reusing it for a few days.  
I'm just out of the bath or shower so I'm clean.  I'm only using the towel to dry my clean skin...therefore, the towel isn't really getting dirty.
Washing load after load of still clean towels just doesn't make sense, environmentally, financially or time management wise.


What are your thoughts on this practice?
Do you hang your towels to dry?
Do you think reusing your own towel is unhygienic?


Monica

~CLOSED ~ "Winnie The Pooh" on DVD and Blu-Ray October 25, 2011!

ABOUT THE MOVIE -

Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, for the latest adventure featuring the world’s beloved bear, Winnie The Pooh!  Join Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, Owl, Kanga, Piglet, Eeyore, and all of the classic characters you know and love when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie The Pooh on DVD and Blu-Ray October 25, 2011!

POOH ACTIVITIES AND DOWNLOADS - 

Winnie The Pooh, has an awesome assortment of games and activities so you and your family can have your own adventure! 
Download coloring sheets, exclusive “Pooh” cooking recipes, party ideas, crafts, games and more!

TAKE THE POOH PERSONALITY QUIZ -

Two different quizzes, one for you and one for your child! Now you can see which character best fits your personality and so can your children, with a quiz just for them!

WIN IT -
One lucky reader of Older Mommy, Still Yummy is going to win their very own, Winnie the Pooh, DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack.

(If you are new to Rafflecopter, click here for a 45 sec. tutorial on how to enter.)

Read more »

"No Fail" Pie Crust

   Lately, I haven't been making as many pies as I once did.  Probably related to two things, first, I'm certainly more health conscious than I was 20 years ago.  And,  lets face it, with a cup of shortening/butter/lard in one double crust pie, it doesn't matter if the filling is all carrots, quinoa and celery, it could never be considered a health food. 
   However, sometimes healthy just isn't the priority...comfy and homey is, and a pie certainly fits that criteria. 
  Secondly, now that I'm a little "older", the fat and calories from a pie doesn't fall off like it used to.  Now it hangs on tightly and snuggles into my hips and thighs!
   Well, on Sunday I was thinking all comfy and homey.  I had a few different varieties of apples that needed to be used, so I thought, why not.  This is the result -

    I had never done this before, guess I was in a bit of a rebellious mood, and in the filling I substituted brown sugar for white. 
   Because of the mix of apples and tart/sweetness I put in about 1/2 cup and also added nutmeg, cinnamon and some flour.  
   The filling was delicious!!  I will never again use white sugar in an apple pie and I can't believe I had never tried this before..

    I've been using this pie crust recipe for years and years and it has never failed.  However, you need to handle it very gently, don't overwork and keep your work surface lightly floured.  Chill completed pie thoroughly before baking.

No Fail Pie Crust

2 cups flour

3/4 tsp. salt

1 cup shortening/ butter or lard  

(I usually use vegetable shortening or butter)

1 egg

2 Tbsp. "ice" water 

(I actually float a couple ice cubes in a little bowl of cold water and use that water in pie the crust)

1 Tbsp.white vinegar

   Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.  Cut shortening/butter/lard into flour,  until mixture is uniform and resembles peas in size.

   In a measuring cup or small bowl and using a fork, beat egg.  Add ice water and vinegar.  Beat with fork to combine.  Pour evenly over flour mixture and stir gently with a fork until mixture is all moistened.

Makes 2- 9" pie crusts 
Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions.

Monica

~ CLOSED ~ Nalgene - Review and Giveaway

   As a Registered Nurse, I am very aware of the the need to stay properly hydrated at all times and nothing quenches your thirst better than a cool drink of water.  

   During the hot summer months we may be more conscious of our need to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration; however, proper hydration is essential to good health all year round.  

   Drinking from a reusable water bottle is not only essential for your health, it is also essential for the health of the environment. 

   I was recently given the opportunity by Nalgene to review two of their bottles.  The On The Fly - OTF  and the Grip 'n Gulp.

The On The Fly - OTF  is newest bottle from Nalgene.  It takes the On The Go - OTG to the next level and offers -

• Leakproof cap
• One hand operation
• Bike cage
• Cup holder friendly
• BPA free
• Dishwasher safe

The Grip 'n Gulp is tough enough to survive being thrown from a moving minivan, spill proof enough to compel parents to blame the rug stains on the dog and odour proof enough to allow leftover milk to go undetected under the couch for months!

It's features include -

• Durable 12 oz. translucent bottle, the perfect size for kids (or adults too)
• Mini grip designed for little hands
• Rubberized closure is easy to drink from and it's spill proof (I've used it myself several times and it works great!)  
• Durable, one piece sipper valve which is easily removed for cleaning
• BPA Free
• Dishwasher safe

I have always found quality bottles from Nalgene and the On The Fly - OTF and the Grip 'n Gulp bottles are no different! 

Buy Them -
You can purchase these and many other Nalgene products at most major retailers or through their On-line store.

Win Them -

One very lucky Older Mommy, Still Yummy reader is going to win the same products I receieved.  One On The Fly - OTF  and one Grip 'n Gulp

To Enter -
Fill in the form below with your qualifying entries.  Good-luck!! 
If you are new to Rafflecopter, click here for a 45 sec. tutorial on how to enter.)

Read more »

Wordless Wednesday - A Beautiful Wedding

This beautiful image was taken at my Mom and Dad's wedding on April 26, 1947.  A long time ago, but, not so far away.


Monica

STROKE - Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke), part 2

(If you missed, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke), part 1 - you can find it  here.)

TIA is a medical emergency.  Seek immediate medical treatment if you think you or someone else is having a TIA.

 Remember -  Take  Immediate  Action

What happens during a TIA?

You may feel any or all of the symptoms of stroke except they go away within a few minutes or hours. Learn more about the stroke warning signs.

Why is TIA an emergency?

A TIA is a very serious warning sign that says something is wrong with blood flow to your brain.

Calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number ensures you will get help quickly. Doctors may be able to give you a clot-busting drug that restore blood flow to your brain. However, because the drug is only effective within the first three hours of the onset of symptoms, you must get to the hospital as soon as possible. Do not wait for your symptoms to disappear - call 9-1-1 as quickly as possible. Even if your symptoms do go away, it is important for you to find out what is causing these symptoms. 

A TIA is a serious warning sign that you are at higher risk for having a stroke.

If you have had a TIA, you are at a higher risk for having a stroke. The greatest risk is immediately after the TIA and llasts for up to one year later. The good news about TIA is that it provides a warning about your higher risk and gives you a chance to take action to reduce your risk.

What causes a TIA?

The most common cause of a TIA is a blood clot or plaque that prevents blood from flowing to your brain. Here’s how it happens:

TIA caused by plaque:	TIA caused by a blood clot:
Plaque refers to a build-up of cholesterol, fatty deposits and other substances. It gathers inside the wall of an artery and narrows the size of the blood vessel (also called atherosclerosis). This may reduce blood flow to the brain. Plaque can also break off and block arteries to the brain.	A blood clot may form in other parts of the body and travel to the brain. Many blood clots travel from the heart to the artery that feeds the brain. If you have atrial fibrillation (a fast, irregular heart rate),problems with your heart valves, a patent foramen ovale (a defect in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart), or a weak heart muscle, you may be at higher risk for a TIA.

You may have other health problems that can cause a TIA. Talk to your healthcare provider about your health and whether you are at higher risk for TIA.

How do doctors know that someone has had a TIA?

It is sometimes difficult for doctors to know if you have had a TIA because the symptoms have usually gone away by the time the doctor sees you. The key to treating a TIA is knowing that a TIA has happened. The doctor may want to perform tests to find out the cause of the TIA. Once the cause is known, you and your healthcare team can work on a plan to prevent future TIAs or strokes. Read more about diagnostic tests.

How can I prevent another TIA? How to manage the main risk factors

The goal of treatment is to prevent you from having another TIA or a stroke. The way to reach this goal is to reduce your risk factors. While some risk factors are beyond your control, you can manage other risk factors by leading a healthy lifestyle, taking prescribed medications or having surgery.

Risk factors you cannot control 

Risk factors you can do something about

Treatments for TIA

Medications

Doctors may prescribe two main types of medication to treat TIAs - antiplatelets or anticoagulants (blood thinners). They prevent or destroy blood clots and can lower the risk of stroke in people who have had TIAs or previous strokes.

• Your doctor may also prescribe medication to control your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol. Read more about medications.

When you have been prescribed medication, you must:

• Take the medication as directed.
• Report any side effects to your healthcare team right away.
• Only stop taking the medication after you have talked to your healthcare team.
• Bring your medication with you in the original bottle each time you visit the clinic or doctor’s office.

If you have any questions about your medication, talk to your healthcare team.

Surgery

• Sometimes surgery is the best way to prevent a stroke. Your doctor will tell you if this is the right treatment for you. Read more about surgery and other procedures. 

Over several Wednesdays I will offer information on the following - 

• Anatomy of the Brain, √  Anatomy of the Brain, part 2 √
• Ischemic Stroke √ 
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke) - part 1 √  Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke) - part 2 √
• Hemorragic stroke - next Wednesday
• Stroke in children (Paediatric stroke)
• Effects of a stroke

 All information contained in this post was obtained, with permission, from the Heart and Stroke Foundation  website. Please visit their site for more information.

Monica

Disclaimer

The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.