QueenAngie Central Illinois, USA's comments

Creating a "Shabby Chic" Garden

07 Jul 2006 05:15 PM

One of my sisters has enjoyed hear gardening with this same Shabby Chic design.

She placed some favorite items in the garden....an old black bike with a basket. Adding blooming flowers to the basket and another on the seat with some trailing vines around the rims added some unique touches.

Another favorite is placing that no longer used wagon (wooden or metal) in the garden area and filled with more blooming flowers. In the autumn, the flowers can be changed to blooming mums and pumpkins.

Be on the hunt for bird houses or butterfly homes to add.

As penned above, stone items are the key. Some of these are located after season clearance, or even at the Dollar Store. Keep your eyes opened for items that you find appealing....and on sale.

Having Twins At Age 59

06 Jul 2006 06:50 PM

I have no desire to be pregnant and age 59.

Pregnancy at any age is hard on a woman's body.

The Mom stated above is 59 with three small babies.

Will she live long enough to see her children graduate high school, graduate college, get married, or even meet her grandchildren?

I would hope she has provided a legal will and guardians for her children, should something happen to her.

I believe that babies are a blessing.

At 59, she could be a grandmother or a even stretching it...a great grandmother. Loretta Lynn was a grandmother at age 30. I would not recommend that age either.

What are your thoughts on this topic?

Christmas in July

06 Jul 2006 04:25 PM

Lisa, thank you for sharing this excellent tip.

I had a day off work on Wednesday, and took myself to the scrapbooking stores. Several people were scrapping Christmas 2005 photos.

How adorable!

Isn't that why it's called Christmas in July?

Be certain to place the date, year, people, and activities in the journaling so you can recall all those special memories.

How Do We Know If We Are Ready for Kids?

06 Jul 2006 04:21 PM

We waited almost 5 years into our marriage before having children. Don't wait that long.

As Heather posted above, we had weekend plans, loved to eat out, go on trips on the spur of the moment, the usual things that married people do.

As I look back now, I wished we had our boys sooner.

We were waiting on that next vacation, the new car, the house.....if you keep counting all of those, you'll never get around to having children.

Amazing how much love grows in a family when you add a newborn baby. Suddenly those weekend trips take a back seat to being with this wonderful little one. And yes, babies are able to go places, it just takes good organization and preparation.

On the flip side, do not have a baby until both adults are ready to become parents.

One important saying in our extended family is this:

Fathers do NOT babysit.......they parent.

(In other words, you cannot babysit your own child. A babysitter is responsible for only a limited amount of time. A parent's responsibility is 24/7!)

Having Daddy be involved just as much as Mom with the baby is very important.

5 Fabulous Frugal Tips for the Kitchen

06 Jul 2006 04:12 PM

We can all use this easy tips to organize the kitchen.

Baby steps....isn't that what the FlyLady preaches.

Plastic organizers can also help. We've been married for 25 years. Remember that ugly green color that used to be in style then? My plastic silverware drawer organizer was that ugly green color. It was clean and tidy, just showing its age.

Found a new, white and tidy one at BBB on clearance last week.

Amazing that just one small change makes things look cleaner and brighter. Baby steps...

After Independence Day Sales

06 Jul 2006 04:07 PM

Thanks for these handy, money saving tips, Marily!

Items from 4th of July can include solid color paper products or plasticware in red, white, and blue.

Red solid colored paper plates can be used for Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthdays, or any of the patriotic holidays.

White solid colored paper plates can be used all year around with the appropriate colors added.

I have a red solid colored plastic serving tray that is star shaped that I got on clearance. Works great for the patriotic holidays or for Christmas.

***************** I just purchased for next May, 07 graduation plates in two sizes, cups, party napkins in two sizes, and more for 33 cents a package. They all match perfectly. Big savings when we are looking at a high school graduation in 10 months.

First Days with a Newborn

06 Jul 2006 04:00 PM

Excellent information!

I would also share that suddenly Mom's sleep schedule is interrupted, so when baby naps, Mom needs to go for a nap too.

Breast feeding Mom needs plenty of fluids too, so every time that baby nurses, get a glass for yourself too....milk, water, & juice are good choices.

Take lots of photos. Each day your little baby will change and grow. You'll be surprised how quickly this time flies by.

Enjoy this special time of bonding with your newborn.

Favorite Fruit Salad Dressing

06 Jul 2006 03:54 PM

Sounds delicious!

Thanks for sharing.

Did You Watch Fireworks?

05 Jul 2006 06:23 PM

Yearly, we have fireworks over the community lake and park, which is behind our home. They are beautiful and lasted about 30 minutes. We enjoy them from the backyard with all the neighbors. Also watched them on TV too. Glad you enjoyed the celebration!

Chicken Salad

05 Jul 2006 06:19 PM

Catherine, I add grapes and a little white wine to add some zip. Can also add the white wine to the chicken breasts and the alcohol will cook off, simply leaving the flavor.

Thanks for sharing.