February 26, 2009

pretty cake bites...

Have you seen these yet? Cake Journal makes these 'wedding cake bites' and they are so lovely.

I think I'll make some for Easter this year...and a baby shower...and just for the heck of it. Simple and easy to make.

CAKE BITES

Bake a cake in a 9x13" pan, according to box directions.
Cool, and crumble into bowl and mix in 1 can of prepared cream cheese frosting. Next, scoop out with a melon baller and roll into 50 plus balls and place on wax papered tray to freeze for 1 hour.

Melt chocolate, white bark, or poured fondant. Now dip and decorate. Place in small paper cups.


Cake Journal's Wedding Cake Bites

sweet baby shoes...

I need these patterns, so I can make these as baby gifts. Aren't they simply ADORABLE?

Found this one on WendysWTN (Wee Toes and Noggins)Flickr,Wendy says: The basic pattern is from Leisure Arts (Leaflet 2889) Our Best Thread Crochet (1996). Mary Jane Booties picture on p.93, pattern on p.94. The tiny ruffle around the sole and the flower on top were my own creation/addition...


Found this one from hollanddesigns Etsy...



I NEED the patterns!!!

February 25, 2009

young living essential oils...


photo by Peg Graham

I decided to sign up as a Distributor for Young Living Essential Oils...as soon as the Tax Return gets here (under 2 weeks).

I am excited about this opportunity and to be able to use these products in my home and for my family and friends. We'll use the oils, nutrition and living products and talk about their uses and applications...so stay tuned.

You'll be hearing me talk about YLEO numerous times, so check it out and check out Gary Young's Blog

February 24, 2009

FOTC...crocheted....dude!

Irene D. over at Cut Out & Keep, made these abfab Flight of the Conchord dolls...Bret and Jemaine as 'Sheeple', way too cute! The pattern is an Owlishly original found on ETSY: Lana the Lamb


FOTC:


Lana the Lamb:

Augmentative Communication...

Porter went to CHKD for his eval for Aug. Communication yesterday. They were soooooo impressed at how far his language has developed and that he can write, use the computer, talk in sentences, ask questions....they said he won't be needing their services afterall. However, they went ahead and ordered a plethora of CD's for the computer for Porter to work on verbal skills and such....we'll get those free from the EDCD Waiver. Wahoo!

I am so tickled pink at P-Man's progress. (Now, if we can only get him to stop wiping his nose on everybody's clothes!!! ewwwww!!!!)

February 22, 2009

a walk on water...

taken from: A Walk on Water


Each year, autism affects one out of 150 infants born in the United States, with alarming evidence that the disorder is on the rise with each passing generation.

A Walk On Water is a film that follows one family from the moment they first find out their child has autism to their discovery how other families have chosen to fight back rather than accepting the status quo of perplexed scientists and the failure at the highest levels of government.

The movie examines how parents with autistic kids respond to a disorder that has robbed their children of their senses. These parents fall into two types being those who are unaware of potential causes, cures, and politics surrounding the subject and those who are swept up in the controversy and search for truth finding alternate lifestyles and medical solutions. Among scientists there is concern that mankind is playing Russian roulette with living systems and, ultimately, our own health through continued low-dose exposure to industrial chemicals and unsafe vaccines. No one can definitively state what accounts for this modern day phenomena; however, there is a growing body of evidence that genetics is the loaded gun and the environment is the trigger.

In the absence of absolute answers to autism and other disorders, we ask the question of what can be done to ensure not only our own health, but the health of the planet as well. A Walk on Water investigates these thought-provoking issues on a grass-roots level, and seeks to provide answers, in a manner that stimulates a debate at all levels of society, from government policies to concerned parents.

watch the trailer (give it time to buffer first):a walk on water- trailer

February 11, 2009

going green...er

Got this info from: Life Less Plastic

Ten Tips for Reducing Your Plastic Consumption

1. Bring Your Own Bag: The EPA reports that between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are used each year worldwide. Avoid this needless waste by always carrying a bag or two with you and be sure to bring grocery bags and produce bags with you when you go to the market. Ecobags offers a wide variety of cotton and string bags that a great for grocery shopping, and you can also probably find great canvas bags at your local thrift shop. See here for tips on how to remember your grocery bags when you go shopping.

(I have several ‘green bags’ and need a few more and will use them to shop).


2. Drink Tap Water: Americans consume at least 22 billion bottles of water each year (I've also seen statistics reporting much greater numbers), and nearly all of these plastic bottles end up in the landfill. Unless you have serious water quality or taste issues, this is an easy way to curb usage. Here's an additional list of reasons not to drink bottled water.

(already do this)

3. Buy from Bulk Bins: This is a great way to avoid buying food products in plastic packaging. Stores like Whole Foods offer granola, cereal, dried fruit, dried beans, nuts, candy, and grains that you can bring home with reusable cloth bags. Use the internet to find out if you have stores in your area with bulk bins.

(I will do this more now that I am buying more organic)

4. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Sometimes you just need a drink, so be sure to carry a reusable water bottle with you. Don't forget that Nalgene bottles are made of polycarbonate, a type of plastic that is likely to have many adverse health effects.

(already do this, however…I am ordering a stainless steel thermos to use…even better)


5. Bring Your Own Mug: If you love hot beverages, be sure to carry along a mug. Stainless steel mugs are a great option.

(I do this)

6. Discover Fresh Foods: Almost all processed foods come in plastic in some form or another. Buy fresh fruits and veggies (be sure to use your produce bags!), get your meat wrapped in paper from the meat counter, and find a deli where you can get your cheese in paper.

(I started doing this more and now going to plant an organic garden)

7. Do Some Baking: Lots of baked goods that usually come packed in plastic can be made easily at home. Favorite examples include cookies and bread. Note that breadmakers turn baking bread into an easy task and are simple to find at local thrift stores and garage sales.

(doing this / Love my bread maker too)

8. Enjoy Slow Food: Among the many ills of fast food, it's almost impossible to avoid plastic packaging when eating at a place like McDonald's. That means it's time to slow down and start cooking your own meals. If your new to cooking, Allrecipes.com has an amazing collection of user-reviewed recipes.

(doing this weekly)

9. Kick Your Soda Habit: Americans consume billions of bottles and cans of soda each year (note that aluminum cans are lined with plastic to prevent the aluminum from leeching into your soda). To avoid this waste and possible health consequences, pour yourself a glass of agua from the tap.

(I’m there…DH is cutting back)

10. Use Natural Cleaning Products: Products like baking soda and vinegar don't have to come packed in plastic and are multi-purpose and effective. Learn more about natural cleaning products to reduce your plastic consumption.

(I started already…easy, better for you and less expensive too)

i'm feeling the need...

...to make these!!!




I do it the 'easy way'...

Bake Duncan Hines Fudge Brownies according to package directions.

Then, make this:

HERSHEY®'S "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup HERSHEY®'S Cocoa Powder
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To make "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting: Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla.

Frost Brownies while still warm and eat!

Oh yes!

Looking for an Attendant for Porter...

Home Attendant (for Autistic Child) (Chesapeake, VA)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: pegstamps@gmail.com [?]
Date: 2009-02-11, 12:40PM EST



I'm looking For a 'Home Attentant' for my 4 ½ yr old little boy, who has Autism.
He is active, but happy and needs someone to do one-on-one care and therapy skills during the morning and afternoon hours during the week.

Attentant must me trustworthy and able to follow intructions as given.
Need someone to perform the duties whether I'm present or not and who can relate well with children with special needs.

Some ABA experience is preferred, but not necessary to help teach social, language, cognitive and self-care skills.
Special Needs (ie: Autism) experience a must though.

Own vehicle to transport to and from therapy 2 times per week. (Mon and Fri)

Hours TBD. Up to 35 hours per week
Background check will be given.

February 3, 2009

on my wish list...



You can find it here on: AMAZON

Autism: New GFCFSF foods...



So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt

NEW! The world's first (that we know of) coconut milk yogurt is now So Delicious! You'll be amazed from the very first spoonful at this amazingly creamy yogurt experience without the dairy or soy!

Dairy Free / Lactose Free
Soy Free
Gluten Free
Rich in Medium Chain Fatty Acids
Excellent Source of Vitamin B12 (vegetarian friendly)
Formulated for Maximum Calcium Absorption
Contains Pre- and Probiotics for Enhanced Intestinal Health
Cholesterol Free
No Trans Fats
Certified Vegan

****make sure you're getting the one that says "cultured coconut milk."
-----------------------------




RICE VEGAN® - Soy Free & Casein Free

New Rice Vegan slices are redefining non-dairy with great taste and melt. These casein and soy free products are a delicious addition to your favorite vegan sandwiches, salads and meals! The tastiest vegan in the Galaxy is found in the cheese alternative section of natural foods stores.

AND....Jennifer Elizondo from NAVAN Foods sent me this link for a $1 off coupon too:
Galaxy Food $1 off coupon
...go get one and visit her store: Navan Foods

February 2, 2009

Autism Update...

I went to Sports Med today and bought more supplements, biomeds, and pro biotics for P-Man today...here's the list of what Porter is now on and will be on soon:

•MEDICATIONS/BIOMEDS/PRO BIOTICS/SUPPLEMENTS:

Zinc Sulfate
Ferrus Sulfate (Iron)
Zyrtec
Prilosec
L-Carnitine
Biotin
Polyvisol
Diflucan
Kid’s Brite (Omega 3)
Calcium Citrate
Vit C
Pea Protein (w/ vit D)- (to replace milk protein)

Just got today:
Kid’s Brite (Omega 3)-re-order
Colostrum
Cod Liver Oil Liquid
ProBio Defense
Activated Charcoal- (for yeast die off)
Milk Thistle
Super Nu Thera w/out vit. A&D
Glutathione (cream)
GABA
Selenium
COQ10-(on order)


Will be on once Dr. Madren writes a script for them:
Cholestorol
Arginine
Chondroitin Sulfate
Alpha-ketoglutaric acid
Taurine
N-acetyl glucosamine

These are all items Porter needs. After doing the tests and seeing what is low or high in his body, these will help his little body heal and feel better.

We are also weaning him slowly off Gluten. Caesein and Soy have been eliminated from his diet now. He is still on TPN nioghtly feeds, but needs to eat more by mouth, so he can eventually come off TPN. The IVIg therapy will continue for his entire life to keep him alive though.

He has an Augmentative Communication screening towards the end of this month and continues with Speech and OT and Pre K.

He will be getting an Attendant next week and will work on some ABA therapy.

Come summer...Hyperbarics!

Whew!!!

February 1, 2009

it's already february...

where did january go?

so...i went to wendy's yesterday and she taught me some basics for looming and afterwards we made puffy felt hearts. i finished the hat i started yesterday...(photo after it gets washed). James says he loves it. i think i'll loom a few more and find some more patterns online. looming is an easy knitting experience fo sho! (thanks wendy!)


cartoon by nataliedee