VAN

lead toys from Fisher Price..

2009-02-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

Fisher-Price Recalls Licensed Character Toys Due To Lead Poisoning Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children's toys

click here to see the rest of the list of toys.

Units: About 967,000

Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with "Fisher-Price," are listed below. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $5 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer's choice (up to the value of the returned product).

Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com

Congrats...

2009-02-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Congrats Cassie, Ford and Kelton on your new bundle of LOve!

We can't wait to meet her....

Peyton Curtis Blakely
2.8.09

Friday's inspiration

2009-02-06T14:45:00.001-08:00

I have been eyeing these great planters and the modern clean lines of these plants. Once I find the time I am out to find some horsetail and some cool planters like the ones above... Design carries over into all mediums. Don't forget that and have a wonderful weekend.

Sugar in the Stream..

2009-02-03T11:08:00.001-08:00

or click here to view it larger

Our President Body surfs?

2009-02-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

The President gets a wave in...
Well it could be worse he could be on a boogie board...

image via: http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/

Tomato Basil soup

2009-02-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

I am always craving this tomato basil soup, so instead of buying it. I scooped up all of the ingredients at the store to make it in my own kitchen.....
Van loves to eat soup so this would be a great thing to make for the kids too you can throw some pieces of bread in there and use organic canned tomatoes....
NOTE: I tried this recipe and I actually think you can use less flour than it calls for. I would use
half a cup instead of one cup.
Here is one more recipe that you could try - the heavy whipping cream might work better.

Check out the recipe here ---
or

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup - More DIY How To Projects

bye bye print.

2009-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

Condé Nast Folds Domino

So my favorite magazine Domino is going under because they are not making enough ad revenue.

I have been with Domino for a couple of years now, my subscription is good until 2011...now what? I love sitting down to read it, I am always inspired and I always make a change to my home from some fun photo or idea that they supply us with.

cleansing

2009-01-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Ever since I returned from Puerto Rico I have been as sick as a dog.... I have had no appetite for 5 days now, I have lost almost 7 pounds, want to sleep all day long and night. I also have stomach and back cramps to go along with all of that awesomeness. Not sure what I got, my mom sent me to a Dr. yesterday that said I looked fine and took my temp and listened to my heart. I said I feel like I am dying. I am going to get some blood work done, but I don't really have anything cool to talk about except that I just purchased the ultimate colon cleanse and I am excited to see how much it will help me with this crazy illness I have.

I have had several friends that have done the master cleanse and I am very eager to try that as well as soon as I get better...check it out
It's gcrazy but I know how much crap our bodies store up over time and I want to rid mine of everything bad and start fresh....

Spring can't come soon enough...

2009-01-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to see David Arquette, David Bedwell and Ben Harper's new line propr out in stores SP09. Who knew these two would ever come out with a fashion line. The clothing has a simply tailored look with classic styles echoing a faint seventies vibe. All of the fabrics are eco-friendly and most pieces are made from organic cotton. I wish I was a celebrity some times, it seems like things like this come so easy to them.....

Puerto Rico

2009-01-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

Puerto Rico has been a breath of fresh air. From the skinny streets we drive down to get into town, to the handful of toys we brought for Van. It's nice being somewhere different and seeing him adjust to the change in a positive way. Each morning after our breakfast of bananas, corn meal with cheese and butter, orange juice and coffee. We walk up the driveway to feed the horses a banana. Van likes to spray the momma off with the hose. She looks hot and seems to like the water cooling her off.

It always takes a few days to adjust to the mentality of the island and the lifestyle. We have so much at home and all of our needs are met. This week we ate lobster that Conner speared and papays off of Stefan and Summers trees. It tastes fresher when it's not from a store.

We have been to a couple of the most beautiful secluded beaches.
The Local Puerto Ricans love our little gringo boy - they stop in the grocery store to dance and sing for him. He waves his hands in the air and shouts, "HELLO" & "HI" to everyone we pass. The landscape is beautiful and the terrain is rough, the island is full of people but they are all spread out. The trees are thick and green and the frogs call out at night with their high pitch whistles. The air is damp and wet but so fresh to take in. Tomorrow we are off for more adventures on the island....

moments

2009-01-15T20:11:00.001-08:00

Grilled Chicken Tostada's

2009-01-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

We had a little dinner party last night and decided to make it casual. We tried this recipie and it was so delicious. I did not include the olives. We served it with lemonade & firefly vodka! Try it....

Grilled Chicken Tostadas [1]
From Cooking Light [2] magazine

4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon 40% less-sodium taco seasoning (such as Old El Paso)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Cooking spray
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
6 cups packaged coleslaw
1 (7-ounce) can green salsa
4 cups chopped tomato
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives, chopped
1 1/4 cups fat-free refried beans
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
6 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup unsalted pumpkin seed kernels, toasted (optional)

1. Prepare grill, or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush chicken with juice; sprinkle with seasoning and sugar.
3. Place chicken on grill rack or grill pan coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side or until chicken is done. Cool slightly
4. Cut chicken into 1/4-inch strips; set aside. Place tortillas on grill rack or grill pan coated with cooking spray; grill 30 seconds on each side or until golden brown.
5. Combine coleslaw and salsa; toss to coat. Combine tomato and olives; toss gently.
6. Spread about 3 tablespoons beans over each tortilla; divide chicken evenly among tortillas. Top each serving with about 2/3 cup slaw mixture, 2/3 cup tomato mixture, 4 teaspoons cheese, 1 tablespoon sour cream, and 2 teaspoons cilantro. Sprinkle each serving with 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds, if desired.

Serves 6.

Nutritional Information: CALORIES 361(23% from fat); FAT 9.2g (sat 3.6g,mono 1.5g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 28.7g; CHOLESTEROL 65mg; CALCIUM 221mg; SODIUM 844mg; FIBER 6.8g; IRON 3.7mg; CARBOHYDRATE 43g
Source URL:
http://www.yumsugar.com/user/partysugar/recipes/574438

Links:
[1] http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1036278
[2] http://www.cookinglight.com

I want to show you...

2009-01-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

These two photos were not that great, but when I put them together they spelled out the way I feel for Van so well. I know he's going to go off and do his own things and experience the world. I just want to be there for him as much as I can.

I think this is probably the way he feels about me too, he's so little in such a big world! He is growing so fast and learning so much! He says Cool, and alright all the time. He sings A,B, C's and says HI all the time... The gift of children is the most wonderful thing in the world, they are little gifts from above. This will be a wonderful NEW YEAR.

REDO IT...

2009-01-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

FIRST of all HAPPY NEW YEAR.
This Christmas season flew by and was a whirlwind of fun and bright lights and big bows.
It was amazing and I have some photos to post soon of our family.

I am in the mood to recover and renew... I am really into black and white floral pattern fabric at the moment and I am looking all over for a modern fabric that I can recover our couches in the man cave in. It needs to be masculine, modern and a tiny bit fem all at the same time since it's the man cave we are talking about here.... I did find a great fabric/ creative idea website check it out!
I am learning how to redo an upholstered chair also. I am looking for cheap modern furniture with clean lines. Love this chair... learn how you can DIY HERE!

I also found one other website I thought I would share with you. It has some great art!
check it out

love....

2008-12-29T09:17:00.000-08:00

When you love someone,
more than you.
when you listen,
when you trust,
when you are trusted.
when you talk to your sister,
make a friend,
when you listen,
when you hear.
When you look ahead,
and not back.
When you take a leap,
into the air,
and ride the wind,
into your life.

via: http://hospice.bedlamfarm.com/

Enjoy The Show!

2008-12-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Show - Lenka
The Show - Lenka

My thoughts today...

2008-12-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have had any time to write...
I remember going to sleep a few days a go and writing blog posts in my resting rem periods.
I just know that this phase of life we are in is an ever changing ever imperfect one, and I am slowly realizing that as much as I want everything to be perfect in my own mind. The harsh realization is that it never will be. The ever present struggle for internal peace and world peace will always be here. It's just how we deal with it that signifies how strong we are. I truly love being a mom, but realize every day how many children live in this world and need better lives. More loving parents, more time with people who love them, and more time to learn what love means. I realize that we all truly need LOVE more than anything else in this world. Especially God's love. When Van hasn't had enough time with me during the day he gets needy and asks "up, up". I immediately pick him up and hold him until he tells me he has had enough. This season I vow to accept that GOD is the only perfect one. I will look to what is right about life, and remember that we are always going to be imperfect. Our challenge is to love each other as much as possible and show compassion for those who are neglected and lost.

tea bag quote...

2008-12-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

giggle

2008-12-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks....

2008-12-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you for filling my heart with more love than I ever thought I could feel. Thank you for teaching me that you are my heart - just outside of my body. I realize I can't be there all the time for you, but I always want to be and I always want to make your boo boo's better. When your sick, I am sick too..... I love you more than you will ever know. Sweet Dreams my little Duck Man.

Fun Gifts for your fam...

2008-11-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Ask for Handmade jewelry...
Find him something @ Fred Flare

Teach your ducky how to say their abc's in style..

13 ways to comfort your sick tot.....

2008-11-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Comforting ways to soothe your little one when they are sick!

Duck Man and I have been sick lately, here are a few ways to soothe your tot when they are not feeling good...

Baby Vapo-rub - I have been runbbing this on his little chest at night and after a warm shower to help him feel better!
Warm apple juice with a little lemon and honey - he's too young for herbal tea yet, but this helps him feel a little better and he thinks he's getting a special treat ;).
Cool washcloths on his forehead if he is feverish - he also likes to suck on them and rub them on himself.
1. Popsicles! Not necessarily healthy but it cheers him up and gets some liquid into him. You could make homemade ones with 100% juice, we buy the Dole juice bars with the fruit chunks.
2. Chicken noodle soup - the chunky kind with the penne or the spiral noodles is easy to feed to him.
3. Duck Man loves to do his ABC's too so we found this website that he likes to repeat the letters after the lady's voice says them.
4. A warm heating pad on my chest with a blanket on top, then him lying face-down on my chest - gives him the benefit of the heating pad without exposing him to too much heat (also helps my chest too ;)). Only use this if they don't have a fever, of course, and make sure it's set on low heat.
5. Lots of books, music, and new TV shows/movies - he enjoys the Animal Channel, the Backyardigans music, and all of his books. This keeps him entertained but relatively quiet and resting.
6. Warm baths with Johnson's Vapobath - I like to run the shower on hot before he gets in there to create some extra steam, keeping the door shut and the air off to lock in the humidity.
7. Warm showers with Mommy and a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the air (I just put it on a cotton ball or kleenex and put it up high where he can't get it) - similar to the vapobath idea, only he prefers showers and it helps unstuff him in the morning.
8. Sprite - not so healthy again, but he loves to steal "sips" of mine out of a straw and thinks it's a special treat. It also helps keep him hydrated and soothes his tummy.
9. Smoothies - even when he refuses regular food, he'll usually drink a smoothie. It's one of the few ways to get fruit into him, and helps cool him down if he's feverish.
10. Cuddles - lots of cuddles in a nice, warm bed, helps him feel better every time!

Friends and family - Quiksilver

2008-11-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family Event: 3 Ways to get 40% off your purchase Nov 20-23.
1. Shop Online using promo code FFN8
2. Print this email and bring it into our stores
3. Order by phone: 800-892-2281

Movin Forward....

2008-11-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

Is it terrible to say I am addicted to Facebook? Does that mean I don't have much going on?
I think facebook is my outlet when I am bored I put mildly important things aside like taking a shower, sleeping, and feeding myself to check out other peoples photos and see what new friends have found me! I love connecting with all of these people but are we really connected? Do we really want to be? I haven't seen you in 15 years, do you want to be my friend again? uh - hmmm.

So we are getting ready to do some traveling for ten days during the thanksgiving week to VB. We are planning our family trip to Puerto Rico in Jan which will be fun to see our amigo's and show Van some culture...

I do hope we get a camera by then, because ours is broken and I am sorry to say that I don't have many cool photos to upload these days because we are lacking in the digital dept. Oh what to do about our Christmas card this year... I shall pull old photos and make a yummy collage of sorts. I did find Pear Tree Designs that has some good Christmas card designs printed on 100% RECYCLED paper and the prices are right.
I am always up for designing my own so this year I am going to go with a Andy Warhol feel like this....
Well I am off to drink wine with my husband, check you later....

exfoliate!

2008-11-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

I have to say I am one of those people who loves to exfoliate my skin when I am in the shower. Especially with the grapefruit chamomile sugar scrub from Trader Joes, however I no longer have a tj's by me. So I am thinking this little recipe might be fun to mix up at home. Also great for holiday gifts too. You can get plastic jars at the craft store and wooden spoons and wrap it up with a recycled ribbon or raffia.

Brown Sugar Body Scrub

2 cups brown sugar or Sea salt ground fine - can be found at the health food store
1 cup of honey
3 Tablespoons of lemon juice
2 teaspoons of fresh ginger

Method

Place the sugar, honey and lemon juice into a bowl
Grate the fresh ginger and add it to the mixture
Mix it all up and run to the shower!
Apply generous handfuls all over and give a good old scrub while you’re doing it.
Leave it on for a couple of minutes and wash off.

Viola! Sweetly scented, gorgeously soft skin!

recipie via: here