A New Year brings a fresh start for many with goals to achieve and lists to create on what your plans are for the year.
Here are some helpful tips to help guide you into 2010:
Prescriptions - Go through your medicine cabinet and toss out all medicines that are beyond their expiration date. If a product smells or the color has changed you need to toss it in the garbage. Many medicines are still okay after the expiration date, but they are not as strong as they once were. Antibiotics that are in the refrigerator need to be disposed of. Nose drops and eye drops can become contaminated and should be tossed out.
When going through your medicines also check all the over the counter medicines to see when they should be used by and follow suit as well. Make a list of the items you have removed and purchase new bottles/products. Make a note on your new 2010 calendar to order refills on existing medications/prescriptions.
Coupons - Many over the counter medications have coupons available in magazines and newspapers. Go through your supply of coupons to remove all those that expired in 2009 and organize them according to categories. Make a note on your shopping list which items also have a coupon to redeem.
Brushes - Start the New Year by removing the germs of 2009 and invest in a new toothbrush and cover for each member of the family. Do the same thing for hairbrushes and combs you keep on hand and for your purse or handbag. For those with pets purchase new care products for them also. Don't forget cosmetic brushes in your makeup case and vanity.
Glasses - We should still be wearing sunglasses during the winter - this includes children too. I was disappointed to find out that Walgreens does not stock kids sunglasses at this time of year, so we had to go elsewhere for a new pair. For those who wear prescription glasses make an appointment to have your eyes checked.
Cosmetics - Many cosmetics should be tossed and replaced every three months. Start by changing your mascara, powder puff, lipsticks and balms. This includes the cosmetics stored in your handbag, gym bag and at home.
Soaps - For bar soap users clean out the dish the soap is stored and open a fresh bar. If you use a sponge or mesh puff sponge purchase a set of new ones in bright festive colors before removing the used puff. Consider trying a new brand of soap, shampoo and shaving creams.
Message Systems - Change the message on your answering machine and voice mail systems to reflect the New Year 2010 and wish everyone a prosperous New Year. Have the kids leave a message or say their name and Hello as well. Listen to the message before setting it so everyone is pleased with the results. Do the same thing with your work message.
Subscriptions - Check the expiration date on all magazines and newspapers for your family members and the professional journals you may subscribe to at the office. Decide if you want to renew or cancel subscriptions.
Allowance - Start implementing one now or make an increase for the New Year, unless you do this during the birthday month.
Calendars - Hang up new ones and have the children take part in writing down birthdays and events they want to be reminded of. Have calendars for desk and purse noted with dates of interest. We purchased at Border's last week at 50% off a daily cat calendar, a penguin calendar for the wall and a datebook.
Batteries - Make sure all smoke detectors have new batteries and are in working order. Check flashlights inside and in automobiles for working condition and store new batteries close by.
Photographs - Take a current photo of each child and note their height, weight, age and school information on the back. Keep in your wallet, car and purse for emergency purposes. Consider placing a family photo in the child's wallet or backpack.
Taxes - Get your taxes done quickly this year. Consider having more taken out of your paycheck by filling out a new W-4. If your family qualifies for Earned Income Credit obtain a W-5 form from IRS to have advanced payments in each paycheck.
Food - Clean out your refrigerator of old, smelly food and label plastic containers so you know what is inside. Toss out the old eggs and spoiled milk. Post on the outside of the refrigerator the emergency numbers for fire, police, Doctor, Hospital and poison control.
This is also a good reminder to take a class at the local community college or Red Cross to learn CPR, first aid or a number of other emergency related techniques that could save a life. Look inside the trunk of your vehicles to see if emergency kits are up to date and adequate for your family needs. Store bottled water indoors and canned food to last three days for each family member.
Start an activity as a family, whether it be roller skating one night a week, visiting the book store once a week or implementing a game night for all members. Take an active role in your children's education and their extracurricular activities and interests.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Joey Tote Bags
As a blogging member of Buzz Cooperative I receive weekly email alerts connecting bloggers to companies interested in pitching their products for review. This is how I came to learn of Joey Totes.
Upon my arrival at their website to check the product features before replying to the request I was shocked at the way they used a baby with the bag. As parents we know not to have our babies and children around bags due to suffocation. I almost clicked off the site thinking I could not condone such a product.
Further exploration has a girl being carried inside a Joey Tote. If as consumers we do not offer feedback, how will a Company know that their line of advertising is deemed offensive to potential customers. I decided I was up for the challenge and would be forthright in my analysis. Joey Totes covers this in their FAQs:
Are Joey Totes meant to carry children?
No! Our photos are meant to demonstrate attributes of our product and contain a certain 'cuteness' factor, but we do not recommend anyone reenacting these images.
I received a set that includes 1 large (9.5” x 5) and two small (8” x 4”) sized totes. The white label on the side shows the totes can be machine washed in cold, gentle cycle and hang-dry. The other side of this white label has a funny warning note - "Use of Joey Totes causes uncontrollable grinning and feelings of glee." I would much rather see use of this clever slogan than the two baby displays and carrying of the girl on the website.
These totes are available at the present time in only one shade - Slate Gray with their Joey Totes Fuchsia logo. There is a white draw string on the other end of the folded up tote. They are made from rip style Nylon.
I have been utilizing the Joey Totes for several days now and find them to be quite useful for everyday activities and errands. Unfortunately I have to frequent the laundromat on a weekly basis. I prefer to fold socks at home so I always gather them up in a duffel bag.
I didn't want to carry dirty clothing in the tote, so I brought it along in my purse to open later. I had some packages to take to the post office and used the large bag for this as well. The totes would also be doable for carrying back library books and bringing home your next batch.
I left the bag in the passenger side of my minivan after the post office errand and realized this while inside the grocery store. I was able to place two bags inside the large Joey Tote and carry that into the house with ease over my shoulder.
We went to a fair the other day where rows of tables and exhibitors had pamphlets and brochures for visitors. My teen aged son was in charge of holding the tote and gathering up all the contents from tables. There was even a sample of oatmeal that did not break or open up while being transported around outside.
I think of the Joey Tote as a universal tote, if you have an item it can be placed inside the tote for storing and delivery purposes. On our next trip to the Zoo I will bring along a small tote to carry cameras and binoculars until they are needed.
The tote bags are easy to fold up and put back into the carrying case that hangs at the bottom when it is in use. Here is the large tote bag I folded back up and the small bag I have yet to use.
I recommend the Joey Totes for hostess gifts, therapist or teacher gift, suitable for college student and a Mother's Day or Father's Day present. The possibilities are endless - think stocking stuffers and older relatives that live alone and could use a good tote bag for their errands.
Pros:
reinforced bag can handle 40 pounds
one year limited warranty
gift certificates are good for one full year
they will recycle for you
Cons:
only available online
no color selection
poor advertising usage of babies and children inside bags
Readers can save 10% off their purchase with the promotional code "autismfamily" through the end of May. A Big Joey costs $8.50, the small Joey is $14.00 for a set of two with the Joey Set of 1 large and 2 small at $20.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Personal Fan Combats Eczema Breakouts
I have suffered my whole life with eczema, but as I near my 49th birthday this coming April it is clear to me that the breakouts have gotten worse throughout my 40s. I have searched my symptoms many times and it seems similar to both Psoriasis and Lupus as they are exacerbated from weather/season changes and exposure to sunlight.
I cannot continue on the merry go round of prednisone, which has side effects I cannot go through anymore - weight gain and personality changes. Plus the Doctor has told me that prolonged usage can cause Diabetes.
I have fans all over my house, many are on non-stop all year long. I found these O2 Cool fans that are battery operated. I use one year at the desk by the computer that I also take with me to the laundromat. It needs 2 DD batteries every other day most of the time. It cannot be transported though in my purse.
For that I was using several varities of the candy fans that are found in that aisle. My son would point them out to me, but they are long and hard to fit inside a purse. I often got weird looks when I would remove this orange tool from my purse while in line at a store, but at least my face was not on fire.
Last month my son and I went inside Brookstone to browse around for birthday ideas for his (March) and mine (April). My son spotted in the area near the register these Personal Fans that are still on sale at two for $30. I have the blue and green fans. They take 4 AA batteries. It has almost been one month since purchased and my son just today put in new batteries. The personal fan was working, but not at full blast and I like it that way when we are experiencing warmer days here in Los Angeles. It is easy for my son who turns 14 this month to open and insert batteries.
I keep the green personal fan in my purse. Last month I was at Ross trying on shirts and used this in the dressing room. If not for the personal fan I would not have been able to tolerate waiting for the 21 people in line in front of me. I stood there in line while others were in large bulky coats and sweaters and felt comfortable while the store seemed to lack ventilation. In fact, the clerk ringing up my purchase wanted to know where I got the fan.
I used it a few days later in line at the post office where the air is dead and claustrophobic. The Bank is another business that lacks a system for circulating air for the customers and workers. I now take this fan to the laundromat as it is easier to transport.
My face breaks out often when I am in the sun or doing various chores like washing dishes. With cuts on many fingers I try to wash the dishes every other day. I now use the fan at the sink to hit my face while doing the dishes. This has helped a great deal with me not wiping or scratching my face.
Another spot to consider having a personal fan would be the library, sometimes there are smelly people inside and no air flow. I was at a meeting the other day that lasted over three hours and needed some relief so I utilized the personal fan.
The button is so easy to slide on and off. This is also how you turn it higher or lower. I really like this device and will most likely pick up two more next time at he mall as you can never be too prepared.
I cannot continue on the merry go round of prednisone, which has side effects I cannot go through anymore - weight gain and personality changes. Plus the Doctor has told me that prolonged usage can cause Diabetes.
I have fans all over my house, many are on non-stop all year long. I found these O2 Cool fans that are battery operated. I use one year at the desk by the computer that I also take with me to the laundromat. It needs 2 DD batteries every other day most of the time. It cannot be transported though in my purse.
For that I was using several varities of the candy fans that are found in that aisle. My son would point them out to me, but they are long and hard to fit inside a purse. I often got weird looks when I would remove this orange tool from my purse while in line at a store, but at least my face was not on fire.
Last month my son and I went inside Brookstone to browse around for birthday ideas for his (March) and mine (April). My son spotted in the area near the register these Personal Fans that are still on sale at two for $30. I have the blue and green fans. They take 4 AA batteries. It has almost been one month since purchased and my son just today put in new batteries. The personal fan was working, but not at full blast and I like it that way when we are experiencing warmer days here in Los Angeles. It is easy for my son who turns 14 this month to open and insert batteries.
I keep the green personal fan in my purse. Last month I was at Ross trying on shirts and used this in the dressing room. If not for the personal fan I would not have been able to tolerate waiting for the 21 people in line in front of me. I stood there in line while others were in large bulky coats and sweaters and felt comfortable while the store seemed to lack ventilation. In fact, the clerk ringing up my purchase wanted to know where I got the fan.
I used it a few days later in line at the post office where the air is dead and claustrophobic. The Bank is another business that lacks a system for circulating air for the customers and workers. I now take this fan to the laundromat as it is easier to transport.
My face breaks out often when I am in the sun or doing various chores like washing dishes. With cuts on many fingers I try to wash the dishes every other day. I now use the fan at the sink to hit my face while doing the dishes. This has helped a great deal with me not wiping or scratching my face.
Another spot to consider having a personal fan would be the library, sometimes there are smelly people inside and no air flow. I was at a meeting the other day that lasted over three hours and needed some relief so I utilized the personal fan.
The button is so easy to slide on and off. This is also how you turn it higher or lower. I really like this device and will most likely pick up two more next time at he mall as you can never be too prepared.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Notes from Dr. Northrup Webinar on Oprah.com
I watched Oprah today with Suzanne Somers on the discussion of menopause and hormone therapy. It was mentioned that Dr. Northrup would be doing a one-hour webinar at Oprah.com.
I listened and watched the webinar and tweeted on the tips shared. This was on twitter where you are limited to 140 characters. The following are my tweets that I posted from the webinar.
Oprah Webinar on Hormones notes from Thursday, Jan 29, 2008 6 PM PST
need birth control for a full year after completing menopause, per Dr Northrup on oprah webcast
most women do not have perimenopausal symptoms while on the pill - per Dr Northrup on Oprah webcast
Dr Northrup suggests using a PDR - good idea, Physicians Desk Reference, I got a used one on ebay, it is updated yearly though
menopause is a turning point for your lifetsyle, eat better, exercise, reassess relationships
do not stop anti depressents coldly, talking to a caller who takes them
take good fish or flax oils, also omega 3, up your exercise level - taper anti depressants
ovaries are producing eggs, have progesterone a few months, this gets hormones out of whack, why hot flashes on and off, a process/not event
stop hot flashes, stop white sugar, wine and caffeine - experiment, omega 3 dats, exercise these can stop the hot flashes
caller on HRT for nineteen years in her 60s, still having hot flashes and night sweats- she is on premarin twice a week
try a transdermal hormone replacement - on the skin and not on the liver, that is what Suzanne Somers was doing
caller says when taking premarin every day, but when stopped taking daily and only twice a week gets hot flashes, can be cortisol stress
change brand instead of premarin, maybe a spray as a skin treatment at any pharmacy, check in with Dr every year
vaginal estrogen will restore that area very quickly, get creams just need a little bit to help loss of elasticity and dryness
once restored will only need cream twice a week, give it a couple of weeks and be back in the saddle
if you had breast cancer can you take hormone therapy - someone asked this to Dr Northrup. depends on quality of life - how much sleep?
considered safe to use vaginal creams, omega 3 fats - high amount, Vitamin D, exercise, foods high in flax, soy possible, acupuncture
30 mg of progesterone can stop hot flashes in some women, just rub a bit of it in the skin
46 yr old on raw food diet, feels good, but hormones are non existent, getting back her sex drive now, only 4 months on raw food diet
Dr Northrup says good for her to be on the raw food diet, her body is self healing, restoring her adrenal health, balance in body
Dr Northrup says good for her to be on the raw food diet, her body is self healing, restoring her adrenal health, balance in body
Univ of Oregon doing a study used small amount of natural progesterone for women who have had a heart attack prevention of angina
her heart attack at 41 was a precursor to her premature menopause, now age 48, estogen beneficial effect on culinary ateries
all birth control pills are synthetic hormones
fifteen minutes left of Dr Norhrup on menopause, at age 39 all bad habits catch up with you, clean up clutter in all areas of your life
get hormones tested - prefer blood test most drs. saliva test will tell more about what is in your tissue, jury is out, conventional Drs
best way to tell is your body, symptoms and how you feel, nurse practitioner can do that with saliva test
premature ovarian failure is auto immune, - A book called "Inconceivable" www.fertileheart.com restore ovarian function
traditional chinese medicine, "The Fertility Cure" - name of book by a Dr to look thru
many are iodine deficient, many dont eat table salt, fish due to mercury or eat eggs, she says start eating eggs 2 x a week, check adrenals
adrenal exhaustion could be the problem
calls from Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and even Australia
DHEA, and also meditation has been mentioned, institute of heart check their site, the webinar is now over, webcast on demand 4 free tomorrow
I listened and watched the webinar and tweeted on the tips shared. This was on twitter where you are limited to 140 characters. The following are my tweets that I posted from the webinar.
Oprah Webinar on Hormones notes from Thursday, Jan 29, 2008 6 PM PST
need birth control for a full year after completing menopause, per Dr Northrup on oprah webcast
most women do not have perimenopausal symptoms while on the pill - per Dr Northrup on Oprah webcast
Dr Northrup suggests using a PDR - good idea, Physicians Desk Reference, I got a used one on ebay, it is updated yearly though
menopause is a turning point for your lifetsyle, eat better, exercise, reassess relationships
do not stop anti depressents coldly, talking to a caller who takes them
take good fish or flax oils, also omega 3, up your exercise level - taper anti depressants
ovaries are producing eggs, have progesterone a few months, this gets hormones out of whack, why hot flashes on and off, a process/not event
stop hot flashes, stop white sugar, wine and caffeine - experiment, omega 3 dats, exercise these can stop the hot flashes
caller on HRT for nineteen years in her 60s, still having hot flashes and night sweats- she is on premarin twice a week
try a transdermal hormone replacement - on the skin and not on the liver, that is what Suzanne Somers was doing
caller says when taking premarin every day, but when stopped taking daily and only twice a week gets hot flashes, can be cortisol stress
change brand instead of premarin, maybe a spray as a skin treatment at any pharmacy, check in with Dr every year
vaginal estrogen will restore that area very quickly, get creams just need a little bit to help loss of elasticity and dryness
once restored will only need cream twice a week, give it a couple of weeks and be back in the saddle
if you had breast cancer can you take hormone therapy - someone asked this to Dr Northrup. depends on quality of life - how much sleep?
considered safe to use vaginal creams, omega 3 fats - high amount, Vitamin D, exercise, foods high in flax, soy possible, acupuncture
30 mg of progesterone can stop hot flashes in some women, just rub a bit of it in the skin
46 yr old on raw food diet, feels good, but hormones are non existent, getting back her sex drive now, only 4 months on raw food diet
Dr Northrup says good for her to be on the raw food diet, her body is self healing, restoring her adrenal health, balance in body
Dr Northrup says good for her to be on the raw food diet, her body is self healing, restoring her adrenal health, balance in body
Univ of Oregon doing a study used small amount of natural progesterone for women who have had a heart attack prevention of angina
her heart attack at 41 was a precursor to her premature menopause, now age 48, estogen beneficial effect on culinary ateries
all birth control pills are synthetic hormones
fifteen minutes left of Dr Norhrup on menopause, at age 39 all bad habits catch up with you, clean up clutter in all areas of your life
get hormones tested - prefer blood test most drs. saliva test will tell more about what is in your tissue, jury is out, conventional Drs
best way to tell is your body, symptoms and how you feel, nurse practitioner can do that with saliva test
premature ovarian failure is auto immune, - A book called "Inconceivable" www.fertileheart.com restore ovarian function
traditional chinese medicine, "The Fertility Cure" - name of book by a Dr to look thru
many are iodine deficient, many dont eat table salt, fish due to mercury or eat eggs, she says start eating eggs 2 x a week, check adrenals
adrenal exhaustion could be the problem
calls from Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and even Australia
DHEA, and also meditation has been mentioned, institute of heart check their site, the webinar is now over, webcast on demand 4 free tomorrow
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Allstate Your Choice Auto
I have been a customer of Allstate Insurance for several years now. I have auto, life, renters and earthquake through an Agent. I like that I can make payments online, over the phone, through mail or even at the agent's office. In fact he has been to my home to handle the initial Life Insurance application for the policy and this past March came over to get my signature on my new auto policy for the vehicle purchase I made at the dealership that same day.
I received in the mail the other day an invitation to upgrade my auto policy to Your Choice Auto, which will forgive your next car accident. I have never had an accident, but I wanted to learn more about this option without having to call my Agent.
The website lists a platinum package, gold package, standard policy and value package. The Safe Driving Bonus takes up to 5% off your renewal bill every six month of accident-free driving. Accident Forgiveness limits the amount your rates go up just because of an accident, even if it is your fault.
The Deductible Rewards takes $100 off your deductible the day you sign up and earns another $100 for every year that you do not have an accident. This has a cap of $500 total. The Standard Policy offers Accident Forgiveness after five years for eligible customers. I might fit into that category, but I also read that Your Choice Auto just became available in the State of California in October 2008. It looks like I will have to contact my Allstate Agent to get quotes for the upgrade to Your Choice Auto.
I am looking for feedback from anyone who has upgraded to Your Choice Auto or switched to Allstate and now has this policy. They are at www.allstate.com or call 1-800-allstate.
I received in the mail the other day an invitation to upgrade my auto policy to Your Choice Auto, which will forgive your next car accident. I have never had an accident, but I wanted to learn more about this option without having to call my Agent.
The website lists a platinum package, gold package, standard policy and value package. The Safe Driving Bonus takes up to 5% off your renewal bill every six month of accident-free driving. Accident Forgiveness limits the amount your rates go up just because of an accident, even if it is your fault.
The Deductible Rewards takes $100 off your deductible the day you sign up and earns another $100 for every year that you do not have an accident. This has a cap of $500 total. The Standard Policy offers Accident Forgiveness after five years for eligible customers. I might fit into that category, but I also read that Your Choice Auto just became available in the State of California in October 2008. It looks like I will have to contact my Allstate Agent to get quotes for the upgrade to Your Choice Auto.
I am looking for feedback from anyone who has upgraded to Your Choice Auto or switched to Allstate and now has this policy. They are at www.allstate.com or call 1-800-allstate.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Annoying Phone Calls from Companies
I went through the steps in signing up my land line phone number for the do not call registry and did it online for my cell phone number as well. This past March I bought a Dodge Caravan Sport from an auto dealership. I also purchased the extended warranty. A few months later these automated phone calls started. It would say this is my last chance for my auto warranty. I pressed the button to speak to someone and they hung up on me.
The calls continued and I would hang up until I got so frustrated that I pressed the number to talk to someone and asked them how they got my information. Again they hung up on me. I did google searches and found information for other states, but not California. I did go to consumer affairs and submitted a message. The calls stopped for about two weeks and then it would occur almost three times a week or every other day. These automated messages would spring up on weekends and evenings.
I decided to call the auto dealership since they were the only ones I dealt with in regard to the purchase as I went through Capital One Auto Finance online and my Allstate Agent came to my house for my signature on the new insurance policy. The dealership was not helpful at all. The guy claimed to get many phone calls from customers but could not tell me where these were generated from.
I wish I had some form of warning before I made the purchase, because this is downright annoying to the core. I might have gone the ebay motors route again with this purchase. Now I am stuck with the calls that have not stopped and I bought the vehicle nine months ago. It needs to stop, but how?
On another note I have Time Warner Cable, who has been calling me almost as frequently and mailing the same flyers over and over. I am not interested in getting their internet service as I have that with AT&T and the phone service. Will they ever leave me alone? These phone calls are from real people on the other end and not a recording, but I still hang up on them after letting them again that I have AT&T and not switching.
I have an unlisted phone number, but that does not stop the Satellite Dish Companies from calling me several times a week in a recorded message asking me when I want them to set up. How did they get my number? What can I do to stop these calls? They are confusing to my 13 year old son who does not know if they are live or memorex.
I am almost tempted to go back to dial up since I never took phone calls due to having computer on all the time until someone booted us offline. We need high speed for the homeschooling and this computer is on loan from the Company. The good news is that I have tracfone and no one calls me there but wrong numbers and tracfone texts their special deals, but not a nuisance.
Sometimes I answer the phone in a loud irate voice and this is always the time it is someone from school. It never fails... This reminds me that the new Middle School my son is attending has a message system to let parents know of events, school closures, emergencies, meetings, you name it they call. I think this is nice to be notified of many things, but I liked getting notices on paper in my son's backpack. I guess this is their way of saving paper and money.
Feel free to share the calls that you get at home that drive you mad.
The calls continued and I would hang up until I got so frustrated that I pressed the number to talk to someone and asked them how they got my information. Again they hung up on me. I did google searches and found information for other states, but not California. I did go to consumer affairs and submitted a message. The calls stopped for about two weeks and then it would occur almost three times a week or every other day. These automated messages would spring up on weekends and evenings.
I decided to call the auto dealership since they were the only ones I dealt with in regard to the purchase as I went through Capital One Auto Finance online and my Allstate Agent came to my house for my signature on the new insurance policy. The dealership was not helpful at all. The guy claimed to get many phone calls from customers but could not tell me where these were generated from.
I wish I had some form of warning before I made the purchase, because this is downright annoying to the core. I might have gone the ebay motors route again with this purchase. Now I am stuck with the calls that have not stopped and I bought the vehicle nine months ago. It needs to stop, but how?
On another note I have Time Warner Cable, who has been calling me almost as frequently and mailing the same flyers over and over. I am not interested in getting their internet service as I have that with AT&T and the phone service. Will they ever leave me alone? These phone calls are from real people on the other end and not a recording, but I still hang up on them after letting them again that I have AT&T and not switching.
I have an unlisted phone number, but that does not stop the Satellite Dish Companies from calling me several times a week in a recorded message asking me when I want them to set up. How did they get my number? What can I do to stop these calls? They are confusing to my 13 year old son who does not know if they are live or memorex.
I am almost tempted to go back to dial up since I never took phone calls due to having computer on all the time until someone booted us offline. We need high speed for the homeschooling and this computer is on loan from the Company. The good news is that I have tracfone and no one calls me there but wrong numbers and tracfone texts their special deals, but not a nuisance.
Sometimes I answer the phone in a loud irate voice and this is always the time it is someone from school. It never fails... This reminds me that the new Middle School my son is attending has a message system to let parents know of events, school closures, emergencies, meetings, you name it they call. I think this is nice to be notified of many things, but I liked getting notices on paper in my son's backpack. I guess this is their way of saving paper and money.
Feel free to share the calls that you get at home that drive you mad.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Helping Families
I planned a yard sale for today seeing as the weather was not as warm here in Los Angeles, making it easier to endure being outside on a Saturday morning and afternoon. Turns out it rained here and there, so who says it never rains in Southern California? My 13 yr old has had some growth spurts, which has resulted in some jeans never being worn and others very gently used.
Due to my taking prednisone some of my jeans no longer fit me and I have not been able to afford to continue with my gym membership the past year. My 12 yr old is now at a Middle School that has a uniform policy. Many of the clothes in his closet had not been worn and have no need to be there.
I bought many tops that I changed my mind on, never even worn them and both boys have these thick large jackets that seem to be for those outside in the snow. We got this from an organization that used to adopt them for the holidays. It was nice to have people in a group wanting to help us out. I would get a phone call in mid October asking for a list and I would mention clothing and sizes along with issues my sons have - like no button down shirts, sweaters or turtlenecks. We never really received the right clothing. I much prefer a gift card so that we can get the clothing that suits them best.
Instead of trying to post signs about a yard sale and get a listing up on craigslist I would just rather give the stuff away. For awhile now I have been placing clothing and shoes in the yellow bins marked Planet Aid. One day driving home I saw a truck picking up bags and bags of stuff from the container at the gas station down the street. In the past I have called for pickups from Salvation Army. But they too place all the items in the stores for people to buy. I realize that sorting these items are jobs for those with disabilities, but I really just want to find a shelter or group home and see if they could use clothing, etc.
Many years ago I did just that and cannot remember how I found them - this was before I had a computer too. I have lots of extra samples of health and beauty aides that would benefit single moms and their kids. I am in Los Angeles and do not want to drive to areas that I am not familiar with or are dangerous.
Last year at this time I had adopted many families through Wish Upon A Hero and CafeMom and had six boxes that I filled with items I bought online with my monthly Amazon certificate and from Avon and Walgreens. It took a lot of time, but was fun in the process. I do not have the time or money to mail packages and I got tired of people contacting me from these sites for more things.
This year I have added expenses of a car loan, higher auto insurance premium and a rental increase that equals almost $400. I think I will try calling 211 and 311. These are numbers for LA City and LA County. Last year we also received vouchers to Toys R Us from the LAPD. Someone in our neighborhood added our name to a list. The officers delivered them to us and we were able to go to the front of the line to get inside and pick out a DVD and videogame. At first we were told they were $50 for each kid, but ended up being $40 each. We had only a few days notice and had to be there very early, leaving the house at 6 AM.
Please do share some ideas on how I can get these jeans, pants, tops and jackets to families that can use them now. I will be posting to sell some of the other items on craigslist.
Due to my taking prednisone some of my jeans no longer fit me and I have not been able to afford to continue with my gym membership the past year. My 12 yr old is now at a Middle School that has a uniform policy. Many of the clothes in his closet had not been worn and have no need to be there.
I bought many tops that I changed my mind on, never even worn them and both boys have these thick large jackets that seem to be for those outside in the snow. We got this from an organization that used to adopt them for the holidays. It was nice to have people in a group wanting to help us out. I would get a phone call in mid October asking for a list and I would mention clothing and sizes along with issues my sons have - like no button down shirts, sweaters or turtlenecks. We never really received the right clothing. I much prefer a gift card so that we can get the clothing that suits them best.
Instead of trying to post signs about a yard sale and get a listing up on craigslist I would just rather give the stuff away. For awhile now I have been placing clothing and shoes in the yellow bins marked Planet Aid. One day driving home I saw a truck picking up bags and bags of stuff from the container at the gas station down the street. In the past I have called for pickups from Salvation Army. But they too place all the items in the stores for people to buy. I realize that sorting these items are jobs for those with disabilities, but I really just want to find a shelter or group home and see if they could use clothing, etc.
Many years ago I did just that and cannot remember how I found them - this was before I had a computer too. I have lots of extra samples of health and beauty aides that would benefit single moms and their kids. I am in Los Angeles and do not want to drive to areas that I am not familiar with or are dangerous.
Last year at this time I had adopted many families through Wish Upon A Hero and CafeMom and had six boxes that I filled with items I bought online with my monthly Amazon certificate and from Avon and Walgreens. It took a lot of time, but was fun in the process. I do not have the time or money to mail packages and I got tired of people contacting me from these sites for more things.
This year I have added expenses of a car loan, higher auto insurance premium and a rental increase that equals almost $400. I think I will try calling 211 and 311. These are numbers for LA City and LA County. Last year we also received vouchers to Toys R Us from the LAPD. Someone in our neighborhood added our name to a list. The officers delivered them to us and we were able to go to the front of the line to get inside and pick out a DVD and videogame. At first we were told they were $50 for each kid, but ended up being $40 each. We had only a few days notice and had to be there very early, leaving the house at 6 AM.
Please do share some ideas on how I can get these jeans, pants, tops and jackets to families that can use them now. I will be posting to sell some of the other items on craigslist.
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