Like I needed another reason!

As many of you may know, I am a BIG Chris Daughtry fan. From his very first audition I just loved him. I loved his voice! And I loved his back story. Being a step parent myself, I appreciated his obvious love for his stepkids. I cheered for him from that night on and all through the season. I (and V-girl) cried when he was voted off.

As crazy as it sounds (and yes, I know it sounds crazy!!) I almost feel like I know him somehow. Not personally of course, but his voice resonates with me. It is familiar and comforting to me. And really, I just love it.

Although his first album wasn't as stellar as I had hoped (his second is much better in my opinion - I love the song Life After You), I remain a loyal fan.

And although I don't need any more reasons to like him, here is one more. Nothing against Lady Gaga but I like this version much better:

Here are a couple of my other favorites from when he was on American Idol:

Like I needed another reason!

As many of you may know, I am a BIG Chris Daughtry fan. From his very first audition I just loved him. I loved his voice! And I loved his back story. Being a step parent myself, I appreciated his obvious love for his stepkids. I cheered for him from that night on and all through the season. I (and V-girl) cried when he was voted off.

As crazy as it sounds (and yes, I know it sounds crazy!!) I almost feel like I know him somehow. Not personally of course, but his voice resonates with me. It is familiar and comforting to me. And really, I just love it.

Although his first album wasn't as stellar as I had hoped (his second is much better in my opinion - I love the song Life After You), I remain a loyal fan.

And although I don't need any more reasons to like him, here is one more. Nothing against Lady Gaga but I like this version much better:

Here are a couple of my other favorites from when he was on American Idol:

What is more dangerous? The Swine Flu or The Vaccine?

It is hard to know which is worse - the illness or the vaccine. With the H1N1 virus making headlines every night and the media reporting that we all might die (of course I am exaggerating... a little) it seems silly to not run out and get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But what about the vaccine?

I have been doing a lot of research on the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine. The more I read, the more I am certain that neither myself nor my family will be getting either vaccine. Here are some articles that highlight why.

1) Thimerosal, organic mercury, swine flu and you.
2) Ten Swine Flu Lies Told by the Mainstream Media
3) Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
4) Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

For me and my family, we will take our chances with the flu. We will make sure we are careful about washing our hands and we will load up on vitamin D.

I was just called "crazy" at work today. I work in a public building. My department is on one side of the building and the Health Department is on the other side. They are having the first Flu Shot clinic today (not for the H1N1 vaccine - it will not be available until late October). I was asked where my band-aid was and when I said that I was not getting the shot they looked at me in disbelief and then said, "You are just going to take your chances? Even when your pregnant?". It took everything I had in me to stay off my soap box. I wanted to explain to them that they should do research before blindly following the media and lining up for the vaccine. I wanted to explain the worrisome ingredients used to make the vaccine (here and here). I wanted to tell them some of the side affects of the vaccine. But I didn't. I just smiled and said, "Not a chance". They wouldn't have listened to me anyway.

If you are looking for some natural ways to build your immunity to the seasonal and swine flu, you might like these articles:

1) How to Build Natural Immunity against the Swine Flu
2) Vitamin D deficiency linked to more colds and flu
3) Low Vitamin D Increases Flu Death Risk in Kids

What are your feelings on the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine? Will you be getting it? Will your children?

What is more dangerous? The Swine Flu or The Vaccine?

It is hard to know which is worse - the illness or the vaccine. With the H1N1 virus making headlines every night and the media reporting that we all might die (of course I am exaggerating... a little) it seems silly to not run out and get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But what about the vaccine?

I have been doing a lot of research on the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine. The more I read, the more I am certain that neither myself nor my family will be getting either vaccine. Here are some articles that highlight why.

1) Thimerosal, organic mercury, swine flu and you.
2) Ten Swine Flu Lies Told by the Mainstream Media
3) Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
4) Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

For me and my family, we will take our chances with the flu. We will make sure we are careful about washing our hands and we will load up on vitamin D.

I was just called "crazy" at work today. I work in a public building. My department is on one side of the building and the Health Department is on the other side. They are having the first Flu Shot clinic today (not for the H1N1 vaccine - it will not be available until late October). I was asked where my band-aid was and when I said that I was not getting the shot they looked at me in disbelief and then said, "You are just going to take your chances? Even when your pregnant?". It took everything I had in me to stay off my soap box. I wanted to explain to them that they should do research before blindly following the media and lining up for the vaccine. I wanted to explain the worrisome ingredients used to make the vaccine (here and here). I wanted to tell them some of the side affects of the vaccine. But I didn't. I just smiled and said, "Not a chance". They wouldn't have listened to me anyway.

If you are looking for some natural ways to build your immunity to the seasonal and swine flu, you might like these articles:

1) How to Build Natural Immunity against the Swine Flu
2) Vitamin D deficiency linked to more colds and flu
3) Low Vitamin D Increases Flu Death Risk in Kids

What are your feelings on the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine? Will you be getting it? Will your children?

Easy-peasy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

I was just turned on to this recipe by my friend Staci (you can find her here: twitter, blog) and it looks really good AND really easy! My favorite combination!!

Only 3 ingredients and no eggs - so pregnant mamas like me can eat the dough, which honestly, is my favorite part!

1 pkg Spice Cake Mix
1 small can Pumpkin
1 bag Chocolate Chips

THAT'S IT! Just mix together and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-19 minutes.

When I was searching for a picture of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, I came across this picture:


Do they not look completely heavenly?! The picture led me to this blogCake... or Death! and this wonderful frosting recipe:

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened to room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup marshmallow cream or fluff
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple extract, or to taste
1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste
1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp cream

Cream the butter, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff together in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix until very light and creamy. Scrape down the bowl. Add the vanilla, maple extract, and cinnamon, and beat until combined.
On low speed, beat in half of the powdered sugar. Scrape the bowl and beat in the remaining sugar, added the cream (or more as needed) until the frosting is nice and fluffy. Add more maple extract or cinnamon to taste, if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The frosting is not as simple as the cookies but may be good for special occasions or when you really want to knock someone's socks off. They also list a a great recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies if you want to go the gourmet route.

I am SOOOO ready for fall and for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!

And remember, you can always substitute in organic ingredients to make the cookies a wee bit healthier for you!

Easy-peasy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

I was just turned on to this recipe by my friend Staci (you can find her here: twitter, blog) and it looks really good AND really easy! My favorite combination!!

Only 3 ingredients and no eggs - so pregnant mamas like me can eat the dough, which honestly, is my favorite part!

1 pkg Spice Cake Mix
1 small can Pumpkin
1 bag Chocolate Chips

THAT'S IT! Just mix together and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-19 minutes.

When I was searching for a picture of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, I came across this picture:


Do they not look completely heavenly?! The picture led me to this blogCake... or Death! and this wonderful frosting recipe:

Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened to room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup marshmallow cream or fluff
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp maple extract, or to taste
1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste
1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp cream

Cream the butter, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff together in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Mix until very light and creamy. Scrape down the bowl. Add the vanilla, maple extract, and cinnamon, and beat until combined.
On low speed, beat in half of the powdered sugar. Scrape the bowl and beat in the remaining sugar, added the cream (or more as needed) until the frosting is nice and fluffy. Add more maple extract or cinnamon to taste, if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The frosting is not as simple as the cookies but may be good for special occasions or when you really want to knock someone's socks off. They also list a a great recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies if you want to go the gourmet route.

I am SOOOO ready for fall and for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!!!

And remember, you can always substitute in organic ingredients to make the cookies a wee bit healthier for you!

09.09.09

If you remember my odometer number post then you probably understand why I am excited about today...

It is 09/09/09!!!! This will only happen once in 1000 years! How cool is that? Well, it is VERY cool.

Happy 09/09/09 Everybody!

09.09.09

If you remember my odometer number post then you probably understand why I am excited about today...

It is 09/09/09!!!! This will only happen once in 1000 years! How cool is that? Well, it is VERY cool.

Happy 09/09/09 Everybody!

When you have an "I Hate my Job" day

I received this email and although I don't know if the information is accurate, it made me chuckle and helps to put things in perspective. I know we all have "I hate my job" days so I wanted to pass it on...

When you have an "I Hate My Job day", try this out:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed.

Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

"Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized".

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, "I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson & Johnson".

HAVE A NICE DAY! AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE ASS THAN YOURS!

When you have an "I Hate my Job" day

I received this email and although I don't know if the information is accurate, it made me chuckle and helps to put things in perspective. I know we all have "I hate my job" days so I wanted to pass it on...

When you have an "I Hate My Job day", try this out:

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.

Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed.

Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it will not become chipped or broken.

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

"Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized".

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times, "I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson & Johnson".

HAVE A NICE DAY! AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE ASS THAN YOURS!

What are your MUST READ pregnancy books?

I have been engulfing information since I have been pregnant. Websites, books, magazines, etc - if it talks about being pregnant or babies, I am convinced I need to read it.

Some information has been much more useful to me then others. Here is my list of MUST READ books. Don't laugh, it is only 2... so far:

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy - this book is so candid and real and talks about a lot of things you won't find anywhere else. I am so glad that I read the chapter called "Blue Twinkies" or I would be totally freaked out by the current looks of my va-jay-jay.

Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake, Abby Epstien and Jaques Moritz - This amazing and powerful book is all about letting you know the possible different scenarios that can play out with your birth. It helps to inform you of your choices and your options so you can pick what you feel is best for you. This book is geared towards natural birth (which I thought was great) but is an absolute must read for anybody who is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant regardless of your plan for birth.

I know some people will be surprised that I didn't include What to Expect when you are Expecting. Although I think it is a great book full of a lot of information (and the first book I purchased), to me it isn't a must read. I get daily, weekly and monthly emails charting my pregnancy as it progresses. With the age of the internet, so much information is at our fingertips. With that said though, if you do use the internet as a source for information - from weekly updates to specific concerns - make sure you are getting it from a reputable website and not from Yahoo Answers or another website where anybody can just respond with their opinion.

What are your must read pregnancy books?

What are your MUST READ pregnancy books?

I have been engulfing information since I have been pregnant. Websites, books, magazines, etc - if it talks about being pregnant or babies, I am convinced I need to read it.

Some information has been much more useful to me then others. Here is my list of MUST READ books. Don't laugh, it is only 2... so far:

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy - this book is so candid and real and talks about a lot of things you won't find anywhere else. I am so glad that I read the chapter called "Blue Twinkies" or I would be totally freaked out by the current looks of my va-jay-jay.

Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake, Abby Epstien and Jaques Moritz - This amazing and powerful book is all about letting you know the possible different scenarios that can play out with your birth. It helps to inform you of your choices and your options so you can pick what you feel is best for you. This book is geared towards natural birth (which I thought was great) but is an absolute must read for anybody who is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant regardless of your plan for birth.

I know some people will be surprised that I didn't include What to Expect when you are Expecting. Although I think it is a great book full of a lot of information (and the first book I purchased), to me it isn't a must read. I get daily, weekly and monthly emails charting my pregnancy as it progresses. With the age of the internet, so much information is at our fingertips. With that said though, if you do use the internet as a source for information - from weekly updates to specific concerns - make sure you are getting it from a reputable website and not from Yahoo Answers or another website where anybody can just respond with their opinion.

What are your must read pregnancy books?