Shrinking Packages

I thought you might like to review this article to the link below because it is talking about how some of the manufactures are starting to reduce their packaging and ounces per package to cut their cost but short the customer product for paying the same price, etc.
and they are talking about doing things like grams to ounces cost comparisons.

The article can state it much better than I can ever do, but thought that I would pass it along to you, because i thought it might be of some interest to your readers.

And thanks for the daily tips!

--Kimberly K.

Thanks Kimbery! Yes, unfortunately this is not a new practice in the grocery industry. As always be sure to check the size before you buy!! Tawra

Update on my health

I know I've been MIA this summer a lot. For a long time (years) I have just been plain worn out and tired and no motivation to do anything. It seems like it has been something other than just my CFS and FM but the docs never could figure it out. They just said I was depressed and to take some anti-depressants.

I decided to have my hormones tested, again, but in more detail. I have PMS issues and the only time I felt better was when I was pregnant with David so I thought it must be my hormones. It cost us around $400 to do it for what my insurance won't cover.

Well, after having a TON of tests done guess what........ I'm perfectly healthy, I just have CFS and FM! Augh!!

I just wanted to reach right over and strangle that doctor! After sitting there and crying she told me to try some anti-depressants and sleep meds. I REALLY didn't want to take them.

I have tried every anti-depressant under the sun and all they did was give me bad side effects and make me worse. She told me they have a new cleaned up version of Effexor called Pristiq that I should try.

I took the samples but didn't try them for about 10 days when I just thought I would go jump off a cliff (kind of hard to do in Kansas :-) if I didn't get some relief soon. So I started them. Well, a month later I am feeling a ton better. It does make me sleepy but if I take it and Lunesta at night I feel pretty good during the day.

I actually feel like getting up and doing something, my nerves are constantly "twitching", I'm able to handle loud noise better and I just feel much better in general. I can't believe after 20 years I've finally found something that is helping!

Anyway, I just wanted to share since I know there are a lot of people out there with CFS and FM and they like to know what we are trying.

Tawra

Magic Jack

Here is an email conversation between my brother (David) and Mom about the product Magic Jack.


Have you heard of a magic jack and is it any good. It sounded
interesting when I watched it last night? Love, Mom


Never heard of it. What is it?
dc


I just called Tawra and asked her too and she said she had heard of it and

a couple of customers have been raving about it. You plug it into the computer and then you plug your telephone jack into the other end and
you have complete telephone service with all the bells and whistles
(caller id, 911, free directory assistance). Your long distance calling
is free just like your e mails are.

It cost $39 a year for telephone the
first year and that includes the jack too. Then after that it is 19.95
a year. That includes things like voice mail etc. too.
They were written up in PC magazine and got rave reviews and in the 8
months they have been in business they have sold several million. They
sold 30,000 on qvc yesterday and I don't think I have ever known them to
sell that much of any thing before. It gets rid of your whole $60 a
month telephone bill. Love, mom



DON'T USE IT!!!!

1. it uses VOIP. This is an un-perfected technology. A lot of times you
will hear cracks and pops in the line.
2. they will be sending you advertisements
3. you will have to pay a fee every year to renew your account
4. 911 is not guaranteed or required. They don't have to give it if
they don't want to.
5. They will monitor your calls to adjust the advertisements they send
you to fit what you want. So if you call me and talk to me about
superman then you will be getting superman related advertisements.
6. They can terminate your account with or without telling you.
7. No warranties are given for the product. So if it breaks they will
not fix it.

Here are a couple of quotes from their license agreement:

THE magicJack DEVICE AND SOFTWARE ARE PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT ANY
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, NON-INFRINGEMENT,
MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR USE OR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

magicJack MAKES NO WARRANTY REGARDING THE OPTIONAL FREE 911 EMERGENCY
DIALING FEATURE PROVIDED. ALL CALLS MADE USING THE 911 EMERGENCY DIALING
FEATURE ARE MADE AT THE CALLER'S RISK.

magicJack MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETION, CLARITY, OR OVERALL
QUALITY OF ANY PARTICULAR CALL MADE USING THE SERVICE.

magicJack MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT ANY ERRORS IN THE SOFTWARE WILL BE
CORRECTED.

This one talks about updates to the software:
however magicJack has no obligation to provide you with such Updates and
we do so solely at our option.

If you would take them to court you could only do it in Palm Beach
Florida.

It is a long read but all that I mentioned is there and more I just did
not have time to type it all. Read it hear
http://www.magicjack.com/tos/

I am actually shocked that QVC would try to sell such a product. The
magicjack company does not want to stand behind its product.

DON'T BUY IT.

dc


Ok, so there it is. I don't know if this would be a great thing to use our not but I would be cautious before getting one. Anyone use this product? Do you like it?
Tawra

Flour Sacks

This week end I did some things that reminded me of this poem. First I finished embroidering some flour sack dish towels and then I washed a load of them. I don't know why I get so much pleasure out of seeing a whole line of sparkly white dish towels flapping in the breeze but I do. I guess it doesn't take much to make me happy. : ) : )

Next whole gang went to my son's for a visit and before I left I threw another dish towel on the table, set my dessert bowl in the middle of it, pulled up 2 opposite corners and tied them then did the other two. I had the perfect handle and way to carry it.

For those of you who have never used flour sacks for dish towels you might try them some time. They are the big white, thin towels you may have seen your grandma or mom use. Often they would be embroidered. You can get a package of 5 at Wal Mart for $5. (Don't panic you don't have to embroider them)

Here are some of the things that I use mine for and others are mentioned in the poem below. I thought you might find it kind of cute.

My uses:

Lay over jello in the fridge instead of plastic wrap to prevent condensation.

Tie around my waist for a quick apron.

Tie around the grandkids neck for a super sized bib.

To dry and shine all the shiny surfaces in my kitchen.

As a mini table cloth for a sick tray.

When it is totally worn it then becomes a great rag.

Oh yes I do sometimes dry my dishes with it. : )

Jill

THE FLOUR SACK by Colleen B. Hubert

In that long ago time when things were saved,
When roads were graveled and barrels were staved,
When worn-out clothing was used as rags,
And there were no plastic wrap or bags,
And the well and the pump were way out back,
A versatile item, was the flour sack.

Pillsbury’s Best, Mother’s and Gold Medal, too
Stamped their names proudly in purple and blue.
The strings sewn on top were pulled and kept;
The flour emptied and spills were swept.
The bag was folded and stored in a sack
That durable, practical flour sack.

The sack could be filled with feathers and down,
For a pillow, or would make a nice sleeping gown.
It could carry a book and be a school bag,
Or become a mail sack slung over a nag.
It made a very convenient pack,
That adaptable, cotton flour sack.

Bleached and sewn, it was dutifully worn
As bibs, diapers, or kerchief adorned.
It was made into skirts, blouses and slips.
And mom braided rugs from one hundred strips
She made ruffled curtains for the house or shack,
From that humble but treasured flour sack.

As a strainer for milk or apple juice,
To wave men in, it was a very good use,
As a sling for a sprained wrist or a break,
To help mother roll up a jelly cake,
As a window shade or to stuff a crack,
We used a sturdy, common flour sack.

As dish towels, embroidered or not,
They covered up dough, helped pass pans so hot,
Tied up dishes for neighbors in need,
And for men out in the field to carry seed,
They dried our dishes from pan, not rack
That absorbent handy flour sack.

We polished and cleaned stove and table,
Scoured and scrubbed from cellar to gable,
We dusted the bureau and oak bed post,
Made costumes for October (a scary ghost)
And a parachute for a cat named Jack.
From that lowly, useful old flour sack.

So now my friends, when they ask you
As curious youngsters often do,
“Before plastic wrap, Elmer’s Glue
And paper towels, What did you do?”
Tell them loudly and with pride don’t lack,
“Grandmother had that wonderful flour sack.”

More School Savings

From: Cynthia V.

I am a fifth grade teacher in a suburban school district. When I
met with parents and they asked about school supplies, I told
them if their kids had supplies left from last year, we could start
with that and supplement with new items as they go on sale. I
am able to buy some items for my students at great discounts
(pencil boxes for $.01) and pick up enough for all students.

This week Stapes has 150 count packages of notebook paper for $.09
(talk about a great deal). I will also buy several of these as
teachers do not have limits. School lunch prices went up this
year and adult lunches are now $2.75. I really don't think one
piece of a name brand pizza, a spoonful of overcooked green
beans, a piece of fruit or a spoonful of pudding, and a carton of
milk is worth that price.

I have started planning my meals
weekly (empty-nester), and make enough to freeze some and
put up for lunches. I actually look forward to my lunch!! Last
week, I cooked a small roast with veggies in a crock pot for a
Sunday lunch, and used some of the roast beef to make
tostadas for dinner and lunch the next day.

I even fried the tortillas for the tostadas. They were great. I am hoping to keep
this up the entire school year--$2.75 x 180 days = a big chunk
of change to pay off my new computer.

Tip: My parents were gracious and gave me gift cards to that
pricey coffee place. I don't splurge on those fancy coffee
beverages unless I have a gift card. That really saves me money!

Driving On Veggie Oil.

We made it back from our family reunion to Springfield Colorado. I will post more pictures in the next few days but I just had to show you what my A. Marie and U. Brad from Portland did.

They bought an old school bus and converted it to a "RV" that runs on vegetable oil! At first I thought they were nuts but after seeing it, it's pretty cool.

They bought it because my aunt and her best friend decided to drive from Portland with each of the their 8 kids. (U. Brad had to fly in to Denver later) They took a tour around Mt. Rushmore and some other things along the way. They entire trip took just short of 3 weeks.

When they bought the bus it was just a school bus so they took out the seats and made it into an RV by adding beds and a cook area. This way my aunt didn't have to get a CDL licence.
They were able to make enough beds for all 18 of them to sleep in the bus for the entire trip.
The plywood in the back that you see below pulled down and made an oversized king size bunk bed that 5 girls were able to sleep on.



In the back is where they had a 250 gallon vegetable oil storage tank. They would go to restaurants and ask for the their used oil. Most have to pay to get rid of it so they were happy to give it to them. If the oil wasn't too dirty then U. Brad would take it home and strain it through a pillowcase before putting it in the tank.
Then it would go through this filter below before it went into the engine. It was a pretty interesting system. They ran out of oil when they got to Springfield so they went and asked one of the restaurants if they could have some and they were happy to give it to them. U. Brad said that it saved them $400-$500 by not having to purchase diesel.
They would stop on the way at Walmarts and purchase food so they were able to take 18 people across the country for very little money!

Anyway, I just thought you find it interesting. I think I see a diesel (turned into veggie oil) Suburban in our future! LOL

Tawra

Saving on books

Mom and I love to read so this is a great idea for us. (Mom, maybe they have some Grace Livingston Hill's you have read yet. :-)
Tawra


Hi there! Just wonder if you've ever heard of the website Paperbackswap.com? It's a great resource to use for virtually free books. It's a 'recycling' idea where you post old books (in decent condition) on the website. When someone wants your book, you ship it off to them, paying the postage (which is usually less than $4.00).

When they receive the book they inform the website, then you are given one credit. You can use your credit to order a book from any other person on the site. There are literally THOUSANDS of books listed, including Christian fiction, new titled fiction, and TONS of kids books. Buying new books (especially a series) can break the bank, but Paperbackswap.com makes it affordable, AND you get rid of books you no longer use. Hope you can use this tip!

Julie

I've think I've died....

and gone to Colorado!! :-)

We got back from our trip and it's in the 70's and 80's in KANSAS IN AUGUST!!! I can't believe it!! Look at this forecast!

I will be able to get all the plants I wanted to move, moved now since it won't be 105! I don't EVER remember it being this cool in August before. (which is why I don't believe in global warming.)

God is good and having mercy on me!!!! :-) There is nothing I hate more than Kansas in August!

Just had to share my joy!
Tawra

Saving On School Supplies and Lunches

We had several great comments on saving on school supplies and lunches in our newsletter so I thought I would share a few. Enjoy! Tawra

This week, Office Max has pocket/brad style or just pocket folders for a penny each (limit 10).
In addition, paper in pkg of 150, either college ruled or wide ruled is 15 cents a pkg. I picked up several for later.

Office Depot has specials (not this week), where backpacks are $2.99 (new!). We, however, use our old ones and do not get a new one just because it is a new grade. I STILL have mine from college and I'm 37 (but my boys would not use my floweredy backpack).

Here, they are plentiful at Goodwill stores for $2.99 all year round and rarely used, as our Goodwill store gets donations from Department Stores. I would assume this is in other states as well.

I have found that after school starts, things are much cheaper.

Best lunch box deal though is from container/craft stores. You can get the metal (long lasting) latch-type cheap. They are sold more for a craft project these days. Kids can put stickers or write with paint pens, decorate however, or leave plain as one of mine would prefer.

I tried putting his on your blog, but let's just say I'm not talented enough to figure exactly how.

For book covers....take a wrapping paper or Christmas wrap and roll out and cover with contact paper. They last forever. Fold accordingly. How we used to when we were in school.

This is an idea that might work for others for next year. At church, the members are given school supply lists of children within the church, and if they wish can purchase one item or however many they like. The children play games such as Bible trivia etc., based on age, musical chairs, many different things and the prizes are school supplies. Each time there is a winner, they get to pick a prize from the prize table, which includes school supplies. (Children can bring their list to see what they specifically need.) The older persons love watching the children and helping the children. It is a HUGE help to parents. Just an idea that you may share with your church if you desire. It works great here.

I hope this helps someone. I love your newsletter.

Carol Ann
You can't soar with the eagles if you're pecking with the chickens.
Joel Osteen

Tawra,
You're right on about prepackaging the goodies for school lunches! What a lifesaver that's been!

Last fall we went from two children to four children - all grade school or preschool aged. While I'd done some preparing of items ahead of time, it wasn't consistent. My husband stepped right up to the plate when the two new boys moved in and helped handle lunches. I bagged all the chips (in one container) and healthy non-refrigerated snacks (in another container); he did cheeses, olives, pickles and fruits (in a third container).

Sandwiches are made either the night before or first thing in the morning. (Depends how tired we are at night - though I've also frozen lunch meat sandwiches and then just tossed on condiments and lettuce in the morning after they've thawed.) Lunchboxes are set up the night before - when the boys are ready for school, they know they have to have one cheese/olive/pickle/fruit item plus one other thing from any container.

They have to take their own snacks which can come from the second or third containers - I don't have to worry about making any one's lunches, they all take care of it themselves.

I love the newsletter - thanks!

Stephanie

I Went To Church Yesterday

That may not seem like such a profound thing in and of it's self but what I did before church you might find interesting. Maybe not so much what I did but why I did it. I got ready for church. I fixed my hair, I did my make up extra special, I put on one of my best outfits and made sure that I not only looked good but looked my best.

I hesitate to write this because I know some are going to read this wrong and not understand the real point I am trying to make or not make because all I really want to do is to explain how I feel and talk about something that is important to me. That doesn't mean that that is what I expect others to do or believe or that I don't know and understand all the old and new popular beliefs on it the subject itself.

I just sometimes look at things in an unusual or not the expected way and like to share these things that maybe some haven't thought about before. One of those things is the way I dress when I go to church.

But first, it didn't matter what I wore my husband loved me. Since most of our married life we spent remodeling an old house I practically lived in grubbies. But there was one time when I made it a point to really dress my best and that was on our date nights. I pulled out the stops. I did my hair, nails, and toes and pulled out my prettiest dress.

When I would walk out from the bedroom he would look at me with a grin and sparkle in his eye and tell me how beautiful I looked. He loved me no more or less then when I had my grubbies on but he did appreciate the fact that I went to so much trouble to look my best for him. I on the other hand I didn't really dress that way to show off to the other people we would see or to make them feel like they weren't good enough or any other reason. I only dressed that way for my husband. It was one of my ways of telling him thank you for all he had done for me that past week, for caring for me even when I had on my grubbies (clothes or attitude), to show him my appreciation and even the respect that my husband deserved from me.

If I had an appointment to see the president or the queen of England, I would dress the very best I could. It may not be expensive or designer but it would be the best I had. Why because of their office and the respect they deserve (whether I agree with their politics or not).

God deserves my respect and honor more than anyone or anything so each Sunday I dress in my finest the way I would if I were going to meet the greatest king in the world because I am going into the house of the greatest King.

What if you were going to the private quarters of the president and first lady how would you dress? How would you act? When they asked you to sit down would you prop your feet up on the chair next to you even though there is mud on your shoes, while loudly slurping on your Quick Trip pop that you brought with you. If you spilt it would you look at the spill, shrug your shoulders and go on with your slurping and not worrying about it.

I know we live in a more relaxed world and that I can accept but when we start doing what is disrespectful whether it is to God (especially to God) or to others that is where I draw the line and can not accept. We wonder why our kids are so disrespectful to us and others, why they have such low self esteem (you get self esteem when you show respect for others). The sad thing it isn't the kids fault because they are just copying the adults. But I digress.

Just let's say that each Sunday I hope I can continue to dress my best when I go to worship my God who has done so much for me and loves me so much, I won't throw trash all over the floor of His house of worship, and I will treat it as I would hope that a visitor would treat my home. Not because He loves me any more or less for it --it has nothing to do with me and what I do at all, but because I love Him and am grateful to Him. Then some day I will get to dress in the ultimate gown for Him and that is as a bride would for her groom.

Jill