Cute OshKosh B’gosh Holiday Styles

Disclosure: I am participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for OshKosh B’gosh. I received a gift card to facilitate my shopping trip and to thank me for participating.

OshKosh Store

I don’t know about you but I love to see kiddos in cute clothes.  It makes me happy!  Another thing that makes me happy though is having money in my bank account so how do I find adorable clothes at an affordable price?

Here’s my checklist to save on kid’s clothes:

  1. I know which stores have styles that I like, that fit my daughter well, and {this is important} are made well.
  2. I learn the coupon policies of these stores and sign up to be on their coupon mailing and email list.
  3. I shop sales, I gravitate towards the clearance rack, and I use coupons to save on the newest styles.
  4. Also, if I shop online I shop through Ebates to earn cash back {OshKosh B’gosh will earn you 3% back!}.

OshKosh Measuring Tape

My husband and little one went shopping with me to OshKosh B’gosh and to my surprise they had a lot of fun.  My husband enjoyed trying out their measuring tape although I couldn’t believe how big my girl is getting!  He also kept a running total for me of the items I was holding, taking into account the different discounts throughout the store.  He’s a math guy so this was fun for him.  Go figure!

OshKosh Overalls

While I didn’t snag any overalls this visit {because we already have some} I was a bit jealous of the price – 50% off!!  I almost bought another pair just because it was such a great sale but I held back.

OshKosh Check Out

The staff was very friendly but not the kind that follow you around and bug you to pieces {I avoid those type of stores like the plague!}.  I was kicking myself for forgetting my 25% off coupon at home but our lovely cashier went above and beyond and gave me the discount anyway since I’m a preferred customer.  See, it pays to be signed up for coupons even if you forget them!!

OshKosh Shirt

Here’s my little sweetie sporting her brand new sparkly shoes and sweet rose shirt.

OshKosh Cute

This outfit cracks me up – I think it makes her look so mature!  This was a summer dress on clearance {around $10 I believe} and I paired it with a sale priced cardigan, red beaded necklace {which she’s carrying in the picture}, glittery gold tights, a blue hair bow, and sparkly red shoes.  I think this will be a great outfit for the holidays!

OshKosh JacketForgive me for going a little overboard here but she was having such a good time drawing inside her box that I took several pictures and I just couldn’t decide on one.  Check out this fleece jacket though – $7 – unbelievable, right?  There were many different styles to choose from but I loved this polka dot one.

All in all, we had a wonderful shopping trip to OshKosh and walked away with some gorgeous pieces!  We scored all that you see above plus a skirt, shirt, bracelet, and dress that’s not pictured, for only $106.  I’ll have to post more pictures later but my two year old could only be cooperative for so many outfits at a time.

For those wondering, my husband predicted a higher total than we owed but that was before he knew the cashier would give us a coupon for additional savings.  I won’t do the math to figure it out but I assume he was spot on!

OshKosh Coupon

Did I get you in the mood to shop?  Well, don’t leave home or shop online without this 25% off your purchase of $30+ {Fine print, Not valid on doorbuster specials, amazing values, and clearance items. Expires 12/31/13.}

For the latest updates follow OshKosh B’gosh on Facebook.

Campus Book Rentals’ New Rent Back Program

It wasn’t too long ago that I was in college and pinching every penny I was lucky enough to have earned.  I always tried to borrow or buy books from upperclassmen that I was friends with but if that wasn’t available I resorted to buying them used online or new from the campus bookstore.

Recently, I heard about a great new site that rents college text books.  It’s called Campus Book Rentals and I just had to tell you about them in case you or someone you know is in college and could use a little extra spending money.

Here are a few highlights of Campus Book Rentals:

  • – Save 40-90% off book store prices (This is the biggest perk!!)
  • – Free shipping both ways (College text books are usually very heavy so this is a great deal.)
  • – You can highlight in the text books (Nice! I loved my pink highlighter in school.)
  • – Flexible renting periods
  • – Campus Book Rentals even gives a portion of each text book rented back to Operation Smile (there’s no one who doesn’t love that charity!)!

Brief overview of Operation Smile:
It’s an international children’s medical charity that heals children’s smiles through reconstructive cleft lip surgeries, forever changing their lives.  The long-term improvement on the lives of these children is indescribable.  Campus Book Rentals is keeping their partnership with Operation Smile and have committed to donate a minimum of 80 additional surgeries between June 2013 and June 2014.  I love to support companies that give to charities I believe in.

New Initiative: Rent Back:
Campus Book Rentals also have a new addition to their site called Rent Back.  It’s a new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks that they own – to other students.  This will make the seller 2-4x more money than what they would earn through Campus Book Rental’s buy back option (selling books back at the end of the semester).  Isn’t that incredible?

If you’re in college, I hope you’ll check out Campus Book Rentals and see how much you could save this next semester!

Here’s a little more info on how it works:

What ways did you save money in college?

The Ultimate Christmas Handbag Checklist: Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

This post is a guest contribution from Sam who happens to know a lot about beauty products.  I think you’ll enjoy it!

Have you ever been caught out at Christmas looking far from your best? Perhaps it was the mystery hot single male at your friend’s house, old colleagues who turned up out of nowhere or even an ex-boyfriend you bump into while you are feeling the worst for wear?

We can’t look at our glamorous best all the time and certainly Christmas is a time when we are most likely to be thrown into situations where we’re wearing our fluffy bear slippers, sporting our best bed-head hairstyle and without a spot of make-up on.

But never fear, with these make-up essentials in your handbag this Christmas you’ll always come out looking flawless!

Essential Skin Care Items

If your face is blotchy from too much alcohol and rich foods and those bags under your eyes look like they’ve already hit the shops on the Boxing Day sales, you need a quick fix.

Facial Wipes

Always carry a packet of facial wipes in your handbag just to cleanse and tone and set your face ready for a little fix-up magic.

Concealer

This is a must at this time of year and the brand Soap & Glory have brought out a fantastic Double-Action Under Eye Dark Circle Corrector which reflects the light and instantly transforms your tired looking eyes to give the illusion of someone who’s had one of the best night’s sleep ever!

Finish off with just a dab of foundation. Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse Foundation is ideal for quick coverage.

Blush

If you have time, just blend in a little blusher along the cheekbone for a touch of colour. Alternatively you can pinch both your cheeks, but having some blusher in your handbag spares you the pain and gives more of a professional finish!

L’Oreal’s Touch-On Colour does a splendid job and can be used for both eyes and cheeks.

Revitalising Tired Eyes

Put the sparkle back into your dark and tired eyes by following this simple tip:

Tip for Sparkling Eyes

Apply a shimmering light colour to the inner corner of your eyes for instant sparkle!

As eye-liner is far from quick to apply and can go horribly wrong, we suggest some brown mascara instead for long, full looking lashes that aren’t over the top but which will widen and highlight your eyes beautifully.

Kiss Those Cracked Lips Goodbye

This winter weather can play havoc with your lips, leaving them in much need of some TLC. Having some lipstick in your handbag is a must at any time of the year and in winter you need to plump for bold reds, burgundies and deep maroons.

If you don’t have time to carefully apply some lipstick try a quick swab of colored lip gloss. Max Factor has brought out their Silk Gloss Sheer Frost which promises three benefits in one. Firs, its high moisturization hydrates your lips. Secondly, the balm properties protect your lips and lastly the high sheen adds a touch of color and glamour that will leave lips feeling kissably gorgeous. Plus you have three Christmassy colours to choose from.

These simple winter makeup essentials won’t take up much room in your bag but will prove to be very handy the next time you find yourself facing the man of your dreams whilst you look more like a character from Dawn of the Dead. Oh, and don’t forget your mirror, these makeup items might not require you to concentrate too much, but we wouldn’t recommend you try applying any makeup with just the help of a reflective surface.

This post was lovingly crafted by Vibeglocosmetics.co.uk who believe that beauty shouldn’t be bound by budget and so strive to offer the famous brand names but for bargain prices. If you love beauty on a budget then why not follow us on Facebook?

Rosacea: What You Need To Know

This informational article is brought to you by Alaska Dermatlogy, Laser & Skin Cancer Center.  I hope you’ll find it helpful!

When you look in the mirror, have you noticed your face is turning red? Is the redness sticking around longer than it should? If it doesn’t want to go away, that rosy color might be Rosacea. Rosacea is a rather mysterious skin disorder, in that there is no known cause or cure. Rosacea can affect several places on the face, neck, chest and back, making it difficult to conceal, and while it isn’t life threatening, it can make a person quite self-conscious, as the redness often starts out resembling a sunburn that doesn’t go away. Alaska dermatologist Michael Cusack encourages people with rosacea to “visit a dermatologist and get back the confidence you deserve.”

Talk about aging gracefully!

One of the downsides of leaving your twenties behind, is that primarily, Rosacea affects most people beyond the age of thirty. However, it’s also true that women typically notice the changes in their skin sooner and don’t wait around to see a doctor. Men, on the other hand, generally tend to wait-and-see until the condition makes itself more difficult to treat. If you recall the actor, W.C. Fields from the 1920’s, one of his trademark facial features was a rather bulbous, red nose. Though at the time it was blamed on Fields’ heavy drinking, modern research leads us to believe now that this was actually a case known as Phymatous Rosacea, which leads to skin thickening, which occurs most often around the nose.

Symptoms

Of the four main sub-types of Rosacea, symptoms often come and go, in varying degrees of severity. Many times Rosacea first appears as reddened cheeks, chin and nose, which may or may not leave and reappear suddenly. It can also manifest itself as pimples and bumps on the skin, making you wonder if you are unknowingly revisiting your teenage years. If your eyes water or itch or if you develop excessive dryness and more than your fair share of styles, it’s possible that Ocular Rosacea may be making an unwelcome visit there. This situation really must be dealt with promptly, as it could cause damage to your corneas, something that may be very difficult to repair.

Treatments

Now, as far as those treatments that you’re sure to seek out, there are several of them to choose from and most are quite manageable. Since you’re an individual, the treatment of your Rosacea will be individualized as well. There are several topical creams and lotions to apply to your skin that can help, as well as an oral medication that is specifically made just for Rosacea. If tiny blood vessels have appeared on your face, gentle laser treatment by a dermatologist may also be an option. To keep your skin as calm as possible, consider adding a gentle skin-care regimen which includes a non-irritating cleanser and as always, a lotion with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Coping with Rosacea

Of course Rosacea is not high on anyone’s list of things to deal with, but bear in mind that it is not life threatening. It’s treatable and oftentimes will become nothing more than a nuisance. Your red face doesn’t have to stay that way! The National Rosacea Society provides readers with FAQ on rosacea and how to cope with this skin condition. 

The Alaska Dermatlogy, Laser & Skin Cancer Center provides the best skincare for dermatologic patients. You can connect with them and read more about their center and services by visiting their site.

My Dog is Dying

This post is going to be a little backwards and I apologize for that.  First, I’m going to share my dog’s obituary, written by my husband, and then I’m going to share a post I wrote last week about her dying that I couldn’t allow myself to post at the time.

Note from my husband:

Lucy Lu

Just said goodbye to a very loyal, faithful friend this morning. Here is her obituary/bio.

Lucy Lu Walkup was born sometime in 2001, the year that I moved to this city. I’m not sure what happened to her between then and 2003 when we connected, but she was either lost or abandoned. I have to assume she was lost because I can’t imagine anyone intentionally giving up such a sweet animal. Then again I can’t imagine her running away either because every time I accidentally left the gate open and set out to look for her in the neighborhood I would turn the corner and see her on the porch staring at the front door.

I was never a dog person really and had no plans of getting a dog but one day a coworker, John, told me that he and his wife Sara had rescued a stray dog (named Hope at the time, they renamed her Lucy and I added the Lu myself) and they were fostering her and wondered if I had any interest in taking her. John convinced me to do a trial night and he dropped her off one evening after work. It was love at first sight. Not really. Actually the instant he shut the door and left she immediately squatted in the floor by the window and peed. I thought about flagging him down before he got out of the driveway but decided to stick it out for the night. I didn’t know what I was doing but as the evening and night went on she quickly stole my heart with her sweet nature and the way she was always shadowing me.

Lucy was a great, loyal friend that went through a lot with me. Before I had a family she was my companion every day during good times and bad and lonely times. Everybody loved her. She really was a sweet animal. Even people that didn’t like dogs either liked Lucy or at least told me she was as close as they came to liking dogs. She was always so patient with puppies and small children.

Then when I had a family she was a great fit for that too. When I married Ashley she was a little bit jealous at first. The first week we got married and Ashley moved in she didn’t even come upstairs to bed (she always slept underneath my bed). Finally one night she came up and we were so excited we let her come in bed. She worked her way to the foot of the bed under the comforter through the night though and got trapped. We woke up and heard her panting and got her out and got her some water. Oops. Despite that, after that she got back to her routine of sleeping under the bed and very quickly made friends with Ashley.

Then I threw her another curve ball in 2011 when our daughter was born. Once again there was an adjustment but Lucy was always patient through all the changes and we had some great moments of the two of them together. Lucy had to be patient for a while when a lot of our time was taken caring for a new baby and interrupting her sleep schedule. But as our daughter got older they got to be good pals. They had a great symbiotic relationship based on our daughter’s love of throwing food on the floor and Lucy’s love of eating it. They also both shared a love of going on walks together and those will always be some of my fondest memories. Lucy was always very patient, never snapping when our toddler petted too hard or stepped on her. She would always be gentle and tolerant and when she’d had enough she would just calmly walk away.

On September 13 I took her in for dental cleaning and in her pre-op exam her vet found a tumor in her abdomen. We were heartbroken by the news but agreed with the vet to make her comfortable as long as we could. She had two good months with us after that and I cherished every minute with her and chance to pet and love on her and get lots more walks in. I have more good memories with her than I could possibly share on here and this is likely more than any but a handful of people will be interested in reading anyhow. I don’t think I’ll ever hear a cell phone ring again without grabbing it as quickly as I can to keep it from scaring her. The same is true for any electronic device that beeps when you push a button. I haven’t used my toaster oven in 6 years since turning it on gave her a panic attack. It will take a while to keep from dropping pieces of pizza crust or popcorn in the floor for her while I’m eating and I think every time I go to to get in or out of bed I’m probably always going to expect to see two dog legs and a wagging tail sticking out from under.

I will miss her terribly and there will never be another dog like her. She was a perfect quirky fit for this quirky human. Thanks to all who petted her, rubbed her belly, and loved on her through the years. Rest in peace Lu!

Here is the post I wrote a little over a week ago on Nov. 7, 2013:  

My heart is heavy and my eyes are spilling over with tears.  I don’t know a good way to write about this so forgive me for just beginning.

A handful of weeks ago {around two months I guess} our beloved canine friend, Lucy, was panting and pacing at night so I urged my husband to take her to the vet.  She had an upcoming apt. anyway so the timing was perfect.  I thought “better safe than sorry” but when my husband came home with his head hanging low I knew something was wrong.  I can still picture Lucy joyfully prancing up the stairs and my husband fighting off tears as he came to hug me.  We had friends over at the time so they babysat my daughter while the three of us went for a walk.  It was then he told me about the mass the vet had found in her abdomen.

My kids

Regardless of the expense and hassle, we immediately changed her diet to a homemade dog food  that the vet recommended.  We wanted to do everything we could do to slow down the growth of this tumor (cancerous or benign).  Lucy’s panting ceased, she still had a spring in her step, and a wagging tail so we began to think that maybe she was misdiagnosed or that the tumor was staying the same size.  She still had her shiny black coat, was agile, and no one would have ever guessed she was 12 years old.

Last week Lucy has started changing.  She would still run down the stairs when we would jiggled her leash signifying that was time for a walk but she would get out of breath half way through our short little walk.  “She is 12 years old” we would say trying to reassure ourselves it wasn’t the tumor causing the change.  Then out of nowhere our thin snouted dog developed a saggy chin which had, you guessed it, a mass inside.  Just as the doctor predicted, she’s beginning to lose feeling or control of her back legs.  One day she could jump up on the couch to sit with us as we watched TV and the next day she couldn’t do it on her own.  She’s having trouble making it up the stairs in our house and up the ones on our back porch.

My husband is just now over his shingles and now Lucy takes a turn for the worse.  This pregnant mama can’t take much more.  I do appreciate your prayers.  I know it might seem silly too some to cry over an animal dying but if you’ve ever loved and lost a pet you know what I’m feeling.

A few things I’ll miss about Lucy:
– Bugging her by tickling the hair on the bottom of her feet while she lays near me.
– The crazy way every tiny beep or vibrating phone would make her start shaking but thunder didn’t phase her.
– The way I could brush her for hours without her wanting me to stop.
– How she insisted her cold nose had to touch my arm while I petted her.
– Her sweet presence that followed me every time I went into my daughter’s room.
– How she would come and get me every time our newborn would cry.
– How she would smell her and then lay down beside her.
– How my daughter now loves to get hit with Lucy’s tail and chase her for kisses.
– Sharing popcorn with her and trying to toss it in the air to her.
– Sharing my last bite of pizza crust with her.
– The way she would bark and move her paws in her sleep.
– I loved how she would never take food off of our plates or beg for food.
– How each week Lucy would invade our photo of the week that we take of our daughter.
– How she slept under the bed and left a huge pile of black fur there.
– Petting her little foot that didn’t make it all the way under the bed with my foot and telling her goodnight.
– Traveling with her and convincing her not to get in bed with us at my in-laws house.
– The clicking of her nails on our wooden floors.
– The way she would think it was time to play every time we would get in the floor to be with our daughter.
– The way she cleaned up any dropped food in the kitchen.
– How she would stop and sniff every few feet along our walk.
– The perked ears and joy in her face when she heard the garage door open every evening when Dad came home.
– The way she loved to lick every last little bit of peanut butter out of an empty jar before we would throw it away.
– How she thought she was a lap dog and would wiggle and squirm onto your lap.
– Hearing her walk around upstairs, jump off the bed, or scoot under the bed.
– How she sent a little bit of her fur behind the tape of every gift we ever wrapped.
– The wet paw prints she would leave after it had rained.
– How she would chase rabbits and cats but would never harm them.
– How she would eat flies.
– The way she enjoyed laying on the back porch in the sunshine.

There are so many other things I’m going to miss. I’m losing a faithful friend.  I want to try and cling to the memories I have so I don’t forget them and try to make new memories with the time we have left together.  Tonight, we’re having family pictures made with her and I’ll probably be bawling in them.  I’m going to love her all I can.  I’ll cherish the fur under my fingers as I pet her no matter how tired my arm gets.  I’m praying that the Lord will let her die peacefully in her sleep or that He will give us the wisdom to know when to put her down and the strength to do it.

For those who have managed to read this far, thank you for letting us share about our beloved Lucy.

Be on the look out…

Be on the look out for! ha! Very punny.

Be on the look out for this tie.  Get it?  It’s a bolo tie.  Bolo means be on the look out for. Ha!  My husband and I are in a silly mood tonight.

Repin to show your support!  …or maybe we shouldn’t try our hand at comedy.  You decide.   🙂

RSV: What it is & Tips to Keep Baby Healthy

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for MedImmune. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

I talk about the dangers of RSV all the time to my husband, to other moms, and especially to new moms.  RSV is incredibly serious and not many moms are aware of what it is or how dangerous it can be.  I feel like a little unofficial RSV spokesperson.

Ashley and Baby Pea

 

This is me and my little sweet pea when she was 1 day old.  It’s hard to believe she’s over two years old now and expecting another sibling soon!  I’m due during the peak season of the RSV so this is good information to go over again for myself and to kindly remind those who may want to come by and visit.

What it is:
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV) is a common seasonal virus that causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in healthy, full term babies.  Nearly all children catch this at some point by the age of two.  Preterm infants, however, are born with undeveloped lungs and immature immune systems that put them at heightened risk for developing severe RSV disease, which often requires hospitalization.

I have had a few friends who’ve had their babies in the hospital for weeks and one that had to stay in there for months.  Thankfully, none of the children I knew died from RSV but anytime spent in the hospital is too long.

  • -RSV infection is more likely to root in premature lungs where developing airways are narrowed and especially fragile.
  • -Preterm babies carry fewer virus-fighting antibodies—a precious gift from mom that all infants need while their own immune systems mature after birth.

Key RSV facts:

  • -RSV occurs in epidemics each year, typically from November through March, though it can vary by geography and year-to-year.
  • RSV disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies during their first year of life in the United States, with approximately 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 400 infant deaths each year.
  • -RSV disease is responsible for one of every 13 pediatrician visits and one of every 38 trips to the ER in children under the age of five.
  • -Despite being so common, many parents aren’t aware of RSV; in fact, one-third of mothers have never heard of the virus.

If you visit a new baby:

  • -Wash your hands frequently—upon entering the home and especially prior to holding the baby. Parents, and the new baby, will appreciate it.
  • -Leave toddlers at home, especially during the winter months. Young children, especially if they attend day care or preschool, often carry germs and viruses, like RSV, that are easily spread.

Learn the Symptoms of Severe RSV Disease:

Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:

  • -Persistent coughing or wheezing
  • -Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
  • -Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths
  • -Fever [especially if it is over 100.4°F (rectal) in infants under 3 months of age]

How Can I Help Protect My Baby From RSV?

RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Additionally, the virus can live on the skin and surfaces for hours. There is no treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, so prevention is critical. To help minimize the spread of RSV disease, all parents should:

  • -Wash their hands and ask others to do the same.
  • -Keep toys, clothes, blanket and sheets clean.
  • -Avoid crowds and other young children during RSV season.
  • -Never let anyone smoke around your baby.
  • -Steer clear of people who are sick or who have recently been sick.

Did you read that above?  There is no treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, so prevention is critical.  That should get your attention.

RSV Infographic

World prematurity day is Nov. 17th so use this as an opportunity to talk with loved ones about their little one’s health and RSV prevention.  For more information please visit RSVProtection.com.

Do you see those little buttons below here?  Use those to share this post with your friends and family.  Especially if you have a new baby, a baby on the way or if you know someone who is expecting or has a new baby please share this with them.  RSV is a dangerous, dangerous virus and it could be a matter of life or death if not caught soon enough.

Preventing Illness Abroad

This is a guest contribution from Dr Garry J McCLean.

Around a billion people travel to different destinations around the world every year. Not many of them know before leaving home that over half of them would fall sick abroad. The types of illness may range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to high-grade fever or physical trauma, but about 1 in 10 people would need to see a doctor abroad, and about 1 in 20 would be serious enough to stay in bed. I don’t mean to freak you out before your dream vacation, but with odds like that, you should be cautious.

Not all mishaps can be averted, but most of the illnesses can be prevented by taking precautions. In order to take guard, you need to be aware of what causes these illnesses. Here are the most predominant illnesses that travellers get sick with, what causes them, and how to forestall them before they ruin your trip.

Accidents and Traumas
Accidents are the most common cause of sickness abroad. These include falls, water-related mishaps, insect-bites, and injuries caused during adventurous activities. Alcohol intoxication is often a complementing factor, if not the reason for many accidents. In order to avoid accidental injuries:

  • -Use appropriate protection-gear for the sport you are engaged in
  • -Drink responsibly and don’t do anything risky (or stupid) when you are under influence
  • -Know the traffic rules if you are driving

Insect-borne Diseases
The most common arthropod-borne diseases include malaria, yellow fever and dengue, which are carried by certain strains of female mosquitoes. Typhus is another condition caused by ticks and lice, arthropods commonly inhabiting hotel rooms—especially if it’s an untidy hotel in a developing country. All these illnesses can turn out to be serious if not diagnosed and treated in time. Your best bet is to be on guard.

  • -Get vaccinated for malaria, yellow fever and typhus at least 4 weeks before travelling.
  • -Apply mosquito-repellent lotion to the exposed parts of your skin when going outdoors and before sleeping at night, especially if you are in the tropical or subtropical latitudes
  • -Wear full-sleeved shirts and long trousers in infected regions
  • -In case you suspect that you are infected, immediately report to the nearest healthcare facility for diagnosis and treatment

Food-borne diseases
Food can be the most tantalizing part of your vacation abroad—and the most troublesome too. If you are not careful about what you eat and drink, you are inviting disease. Food- and water-borne illnesses include diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis A. These are all serious health problems that can spoil your trip, apart from causing considerable discomfort. Here are a few precautions you can take:

  • -Avoid drinking tap water while in developing countries
  • -Do not use ice in beverages in order to prevent water-borne diseases as well as sore throat
  • -Avoid raw fruits and vegetable—eat them only when you have washed them with safe water and peeled them yourself
  • -Avoid eating from street food-stalls
  • -Do not eat undercooked meat, poultry or eggs

STDs and Blood-borne Diseases
HIV, Aids, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are the most common infections transmitted during intercourse or through blood transfusion. These are all life-threatening conditions and one must be do everything to prevent them.

  • -Be very careful when getting a haircut or shave at a public salon or getting an injury dressed at a clinic, especially when in third-world countries.
  • -The best way to avoid STDs is to keep your hands to yourself {Ashley edited this part :)}

About the Author:

Dr Garry J McCLean is the health and safety consultant for The Workplace Depot.

Disney Classics Box Set is Now Available!

I am participating in a campaign from One2One Network and Walt Disney Records. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this post but was given one sample CD from the set.

Disney Classics Box Set

I love Disney music!  Disney songs remind me of my childhood and singing loudly to our Disney CDs on road trips that we took in college.  They’re fun, lighthearted songs that you don’t mind getting stuck in your head.

I’ve always wanted a CD set of my favorite Disney Classics and now my wish comes true!  Disney just released a 4-disc CD set this past Tuesday that includes 94 original Disney recordings {I love the originals!}.  I’ve included the list of songs below so you can reminisce along with me.

The suggested retail price for this box set is $49.98 but of course prices may vary based on the retailer.  You can order on Amazon.com now for $31.74 which also includes the MP3 version of the set for free!  Keep in mind that prices on Amazon can change at any second so double check before you head to check out.

Disney Classics

Here’s the full list of songs include in the Disney Classics box set! There are 94!!

Disney Modern Classics – CD 1
1. Under the Sea – The Little Mermaid
2. Be Our Guest – Beauty and The Beast
3. Seize the Day – Newsies
4. A Whole New World – Aladdin
5. What’s This? – The Nightmare Before Christmas
6. Circle of Life – The Lion King
7. Colors of the Wind – Pocahontas
8. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story
9. Out There – The Hunchback of Notre Dame
10. I Won’t Say (I’m in Love) – Hercules
11. Reflection – Mulan
12. The Time of Your Life – A Bug’s Life
13. Strangers Like Me – Tarzan (Phil Collins)
14. When She Loved Me – Toy Story 2
15. Whopp-de-Dooper Bounce – The Tigger Movie
16. If I Didn’t Have You – Monsters, Inc.
17. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride – Lilo & Stitch
18. Look Through My Eye – Brother Bear
19. One Little Slip – Chicken Little
20. Happy Working Song – Enchanted
21. Dig a Little Deeper – The Princess and The Frog
22. I See the Light – Tangled (Mandy Moore)
23. We Belong Together – Toy Story 3

 

Disney Theme Park Classics – CD 2
1. The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room – Enchanted Tiki Room
2. Swisskapolka – Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
3. YoHo – Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Splash Mountain Medley – Splash Mountain
5. The Bear Serenade – Country Bear Jamboree
6. Grim Grinning Ghost – Haunted Mansion
7. It’s a Small World – It’s a Small World
8. Great Big BeautifulTomorrow – Carousel of Progress
9. Great Outdoors – CountryBear Vacation Hoedown
10. Space Mountain – Space Mountain
11. Soarin’ – Soarin’ Over California
12. It’s Tough to Be a Bug – It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
13.California Screamin’ – California Screamin’
14. The Best Time of Your Life – Carousel of Progress
15. Space Mountain – Space Mountain (2005)
16. Universe of Energy – Universe of Energy
17. Kitchen Kabaret Medley – Food Rocks
18. One Little Spark – Journey Into Imagination
19. Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey) – O Canada!
20. Golden Dream – The American Adventure
21. Finale – Fantasmic!

 

Disney Timeless Classics – CD 3
1. Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf – Three Little Pigs
2. Whistle While You Work – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
3. When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio
4. When I See an Elephant Fly – Dumbo
5. Little April Shower – Bambi
6. The Three Caballeros – The Three Caballeros
7. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah – Song of the South
8. Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly) – So Dear to My Heart
9. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes – Cinderella
10. All in the Golden Afternoon – Alice in Wonderland
11. You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly! – Peter Pan
12. What a Dog/He’s a Tramp – Lady and The Tramp
13. Once Upon a Dream – Sleeping Beauty
14. Cruella De Vil – 101 Dalmatians
15. Let’s Get Together – The Parent Trap
16. The Ugly Bug Ball – Summer Magic
17. A Spoonful of Sugar – Mary Poppins
18. The Monkey’s Uncle – The Monkey’s Uncle
19. Fortuosity – The Happiest Millionaire
20. The Bare Necessities – The Jungle Book
21. Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat – The Aristocats
22. Whistle Stop – Robin Hood
23. Someone’s Waiting for You – The Rescuers
24. It’s Not Easy – Pete’s Dragon
25. Best of Friends – The Fox and The Hound

 

Disney Television Classics – CD 4 {This is the CD I got!}
1. Mickey Mouse March – The Mickey Mouse Club
2. The Ballad of Davy Crockett – Davy Crockett
3. The Triple R Song – Adventures of Spin & Marty
4. Theme of Zorro – Zorro
5. Scarecrow – The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh
6. Winnie the Pooh–Winnie the Pooh &the HoneyTree
7. Minnie’s YooHoo – The Mouse Factory
8. Who, What, Why, Where, When and How Day
9. Gummi Bears Theme – Adventures of Gummi Bears
10. Duck Tales Theme – Duck Tales
11. Chip n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers Theme Song
12. Darkwing Duck Theme – Darkwing Duck
13. Theme to Lizzie McGuire (Extended Supa Mix)
14. Rockin’ at the House of Mouse (Extended Version)
15. The Naked Mole Rap – Kim Possible
16. Cheetah Sisters – The Cheetah Girls
17. Aloha, E Komo Mai – Lilo & Stitch
18. Hot Dog! – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
19. Get’cha Head in the Game – High School Musical
20. Nobody’s Perfect – Hannah Montana 2
21. Gitchee Gitchee Goo – Phineas and Ferb
22. This Is Me – Camp Rock
23. What Time Is It – High School Musical 2
24. Everything Is Not as It Seems – Wizards of Waverly Place
25. Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater

Wedgwood, Waterford, & Royal Doulton Christmas Ornaments

This post was created in partnership with eAccountable. As always, all opinions are my own.

I’ve been a fan of Wedgwood’s classic look for as long as I can remember.  I’ve never owned many pieces but I always admired them at others’ homes.

Waterford crystal is gorgeous and I’m lucky enough to own a small Waterford piece that I bought in Ireland.

My mom is a little obsessed with British comedies and because of her I’ve watched my share of the TV show Keeping Up Appearances.  On that show there is a character named Hyacinth Bucket {pronounced “bouquet”} who obsesses over her Royal Doulton fine china.  Ever since I first watched that show years ago I’ve wanted a little piece of Royal Doulton for myself.  I still don’t own any but maybe for Christmas this year I’ll buy myself one of the Royal Doulton Christmas tea cup ornaments.

Today, I was browsing through the Wedgwood, Waterford, and Royal Doulton sites while looking for sale items and I fell in love with a number of their Christmas ornaments.  I couldn’t help but share them with you in case you want to snag a discounted ornament for yourself, co-worker, or loved one.

Wedgwood Christmas Ornaments

The beautiful Wedgwood ornaments are on sale from $19.95-$29.95 (originally $29-$43).  Check out all the cute Wedgwood ornaments for yourself.

Waterford Christmas Ornaments

These Waterford Crystal ornaments are probably gorgeous in person and will hold their beauty for generations if taken care of properly.  Unfortunately, there aren’t any on sale right now.  They range from $55-$85 a piece but some can be custom engraved for no extra charge.  Check out Waterford’s Christmas ornaments for yourself.

Royal Doulton Christmas Ornaments

I think these Royal Doulton ornaments are just lovely and I’m trying to decide between the tea pot and the tea cup {or both!}.  The single ornaments are on sale for $14.99 (from $21.50 retail) and the sets of three are on sale for $39.99 (from $58).  Check out all of the Royal Doulton Christmas ornaments for yourself.

What’s your favorite Christmas ornament?