Red Envelope Day

I don't know if you have heard about this event, but I am participating and wanted to give you the opportunity to if you wish. I can explain it no better than one of the web sites promoting the event.

Here is what I would like you to do:

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to:

DON'T FORGET YOUR RETURN ADDRESS. THEY WON'T BE DELIVERED WIHOUT IT.

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message.

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.

Put it in the mail on March 31st, and send it. Then send this website to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.

For some more information, check here.

You may remember that a little over a year ago we spent some time in California getting Beloved Nephew married off.

Well, time passes and things change. Last Friday that happy couple turned into a happy family.

She has a beautiful name that I won't share with you here. ; ) I'll come up with a blog name for her soon. I'm sure you'll be hearing lots about her in the months to come. (Provided I start posting again.) *sigh*

Tuesday's Tip

First, let me apologize for being so absent. There is just too much. I hope to be better soon.

But that's not why you came.

Today's Tip: go halfsies.

I understand better than anyone that it is so hard to just do it. I love my sugar. I love my baked goods the way I am used to them. I like my sweet tea... well... sweet! What's a girl to do?

Go halfsies!

I still drink sweet tea, but instead of using all the sugar I used to, I use half the sugar I used to use and half stevia. It is still just as sweet but with less sugar. (BTW, don't replace the sugar with the stevia spoonful for spoonful. You only need a fraction of the stevia to get the same sweetness. You may have to play with it to get it just the right taste for you.)

When I make rolls, I use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat. With some things I bake I use all whole wheat, but some things just need white flour. Of course, I do use unbleached flour. I don't have a problem with things not being bright white.

If you want fewer carbs but can't stomach a plate of meat and lettuce, eat an open-faced sandwich or hamburger.

Eat one cookie instead of two.

The point is, don't give up if you don't want to go all the way. Go halfway. It will make a difference. Every little bit helps you down the road to getting closer every day!

Tuesday's Tip

It occurred to me today that I have told you what not to use on your skin, but I haven't offered you any alternatives. Today I will!

One of the things I use on my face is jojoba oil. Now, technically, jojoba oil is not an oil at all. It is a wax that is liquid at room temperature. But that's good. It's not oily on your face once you put it on. It is quickly absorbed into the skin.

Also, jojoba is chemically very similar to the natural oils in your skin. In fact, it is the most similar of all natural compounds. One theory is that it "tricks" your skin into thinking it has produced enough oil that it balances oil production.

Fortunately, it is also very stable and doesn't get rancid. I have had the same 4 ounce bottle for a couple of years now. A little goes a long way.

In addition to moisturizing your skin, it also is excellent at removing make-up and moisturizing your hair and scalp.

You can pick up a 4 ounce bottle of jojoba oil for about $10. If you want organic, you can usually find it for about $14. And like I said, a little goes a long way. Use it sparingly until you now how much you need.