Buddha-Babes chit-chat corner!

[federica]

Well, I thought it would be a good idea to just open up a new thread for us gals to come in and swop news 'n' views, bits 'n' bobs and this 'n' that, without necessarily clogging up other discussion threads! It's not exclusive to ladies, but I would venture that absolutely any comment, discussion or input would be ok here, even throwing in a new topic mid-way! :)

I've had a bummer of a week, really. Got a bit of a financial problem... I have been given a temporary (6-month) contract running our local camp-site, from April to September. You have to be working 6 months in order to then qualify for unemployment benefit, and the new owners of the camp-site took this into consideration, which is good,as they intend to shut the site end of August for refurbishment, renovations and construction of a new reception block, complete with bar/breakfast room, and loads of other things besides. Well, I am on minimum wage, and I am also "supporting" my man. He has never worked in France, only having lived here 6 months. You have to be resident for 6, and have a good command of the language to get a job. Well, nearly there on both counts, but as he's never contributed anything to 'the system' he obviously can't draw anything out of it.
We have rent to pay, fuel for both cars (and believe me, we live out in the sticks; we NEED 2 cars....) besides all the other costs of living, like food, bills, 'phone, internet (hya folks!) bank loan for purchase of said second car, etc.... well, my salary doesn't really cover it. So, I've been doing a fair bit of overtime - only to find that it's going towards funding my salary for September, as I'll still be under contract, but the camp-site will be closed. in effect, I'm working to fund 2 months, not just the one I'm working in, but also the end-of-season one! The good thing is, that I've been promised a full-time contract from next year, on a better salary, and working in partnership with Nick. but that's the carrot they're dangling, and for the present I'm up a creek without a paddle. I have no choice but to 'toe the line': the alternative is just not viable...
Still, I have a good buddy here who always told me that if ever I needed help of a financial nature, I only had to ask....he's quite flush with money, so I may have to resort to 'tapping him for a fiver' as we say in the UK - ! :p All is not lost, and life is worth living, as always.... I am sooooooo happy - How on EARTH could I be otherwise - ?!?

Love to laugh, love to love...got great neighbours, so my days are blessed...and I have you gals - and guys! c'est super bon!

[Adiana]

Fed,

I gotta hand it to ya; you are one funny lady! I like that, too. I have been around so many negative people that I think it will take 20 years to repair my karma! LOL! Buddha Babes---l kinda like the sound of that! Do you think the men will start their own men's thread? Hey! Maybe they could name their thread Buddha Boys or something? HEHEHE! I'm Just joking around, now. I mean no offense to anyone. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Adiana

[DharmaKitten]

:bigclap: Go Buddha Babes!

[federica]

Now that Buddhism has firmly planted both its' feet in the 21st Century, hows about we update those Nun's robes....? If Christian Nuns can update, then surely we should be given a bit of leeway if not on colour, then certainly on styling.... Sheets are not me.... how about an off-the-shoulder top and wide, flowing baggy pants.....? ;) :lol:

[Adiana]

Now that Buddhism has firmly planted both its' feet in the 21st Century, hows about we update those Nun's robes....? If Christian Nuns can update, then surely we should be given a bit of leeway if not on colour, then certainly on styling.... Sheets are not me.... how about an off-the-shoulder top and wide, flowing baggy pants.....? ;) :lol:



Sounds good to me, Fed! But then, I usually dress like that anyway! Especially at home. :lol: :lol: :D :D

Adiana :bigclap: :bigclap:

[federica]

THis is after all, the 'Buddha-Babes chit-chat corner'!!
You have been warned....!!

I never meditate during my periods...
I am nearly 49 and they are becoming erratic... my 'heavy-flow' days change from month to month, and they last for different times... six days one month, four the next... then start up again two days later, for another day...
Instead, I do something I read, in a book I read once, written for women contemplating or hitting the Menopause...It's a fantastic book....
I'll look out the accurate title and post it later....

Give yourself a break. As much as possible.
From routine, from habit, from dieting, from rigid time-structure, just take it easy.
During these days, your body is transforming. It's using energy and vital substances to move you on....
take it easy, have lots of cups of green tea, the occasional cup of sage tea, and leap into the chocolate box. Do what you want, as far as you are able.
Put a note on the fridge, or the family notice board:

"For the next <insert number> of days, I am going to be virtually useless to anybody. Do what you want, because I'm sure going to. Don't bother me. I don't know where your keys/football kit/socks/homework/briefcase/mobile phone is, and I don't care. I didn't use them last.
If you want something washed, you know where the machine is.
If you want something to eat, do what I do.
Go make it, and clear up afterwards.
back to normal on <whatever>day morning...
Love, Mum "

Then release the guilt and take a break!!

[ajani_mgo]

Damm! I thought it was a match-making thread! LOL.

[federica]

GO away!! You're just a boy!! :lol:

[zenmonk_genryu]

Federica, if you would be entitled to unemployment benefit in the UK, you can have it transferred to you in France.

[federica]

I'm not... I haven't lived there for six years, and was a housewife superstar (or 'Home-maker' as the say, States-side!) so that's a pup....
I never drew unemployment benefit there. So I think there's little chance of me being able to go down that road....

I'm very much like Mr. Micawber though... Something is bound to turn up.:thumbsup:

[zenmonk_genryu]

I hope so.

[federica]

It can't get any worse....!




(she said, hiding under the table.....)

[Sabine]

Haha, Buddha Babes.

So...where's the brownies?!?! :lol:

And Fede, I actually look forward to menopause - my "time" hurts soooo badly. I don't plan on having children, so my reproductive system is basically useless. However, I don't want to have any major surgery to disconnect anything because my hormones would be nuts :crazy: Darn. 30 more years till freedom :hrm:

[federica]

Sabine... After your next period, try cutting all cheese out of your diet, and reduce milk intake for the month.
You'll find your next period is much less painful.

[Amara]

Yep... and stay away from all those cold drinks..

Take loads and loads of rabbit food... and plenty of exercise!

[ajani_mgo]

Heard from my sisters always... No watermelons...

[MoonLgt]

Fed, I love your refrigerator note.. LOL. Right now I'm just trying to rejuvenate for the upcoming spring.

[YogaMama]

I have three little letters for all of you women with menstrual issues - IUD!!!!! I had a Mirena IUD inserted about 6 months ago, and it is the best thing ever. I used to have periods that were AWFUL and they came twice a month, sometimes more. Now I hardly get any, and when I do, it is very light spotting for a day or two. You should really check it out.

[federica]

Well, I've hit 49, so I'm pretty much on the way out as far as things like that are concerned... But I once had one fitted, and because I have a blood condition (undiagnosed when I had MY IUD) it very nearly killed me.... so I'll have to pass on that one! But you weren't to know.... it works for some, and not for others.... ;)

[YogaMama]

Oh goodness...that would have been my luck. To suggest an IUD to you, and then have it nearly kill you! Whew - I am glad you already figured that out, and I am glad you are ok! Yikes.

[Frizzer]

AAARRRGGGHH! :hair:
I only wandered in here just to see what was going on.

/closes eyes; sticks fingers in ears; shouts "LA LA LA LA LA!" loudly and runs towards the door in abject terror, bouncing off a table and breaking a vase as I go.../

:hiding:

[federica]

serves you right....! :grin: :ukflag: :lol: :lol:

Actually men are more than welcome, but at least I now don't have to warn you of possible content....!

[YogaMama]

GIRLS ONLY!!!!

That's what me and my daughter say to my husband when we are being "girly". :)

[YogaMama]

So, have you ladies heard that Angelina Jolie is pregnant? Good for them, but I really like Jennifer Aniston so much better! I'm not really a big fan of "Brangelina".

[federica]

...I didn't do it!!" In case anyone starts with the flying accusations....!!
But who did? I didn't think she was with anyone at the mo'.... Obviously, I'm wrong - !! :lol:

[YogaMama]

Well, you haven't heard about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie? Gosh, you're really missing out. :rolleyesc It's the "big" news in entertainment around here these days. I was just being funny with my post.

[Brigid]

Omigosh!!! It is the hottest news here. Not only that, but I have it on good authority that Angie's about 4-5 months along and may be carrying twins! I got this info before the announcement was made. Now I see it everywhere. I'm so on top of this. Ha Ha Ha Ha.
But I'm feeling for Jen, too, YogaMama. I love her.
I love the posts from the boys. They're hilarious! Keep 'em coming, fellas. They're the funniest and sweetest things.

[zenmonk_genryu]

Look, much as I hate to interrupt the important Brangelina chat, I do think that something with the title - 'Babes' as a separate thread/space/whatnot, should have various photos of women in bikinis somewhere therein. And the guys can reciprocate with a photo of BuddhaFoot in his most fetching dress and Frizzer in a macintosh, preferably together.

[Brigid]

LOL LOL LOL

[federica]

BF and I have already - a long time ago - had a discussion with regard to his sartorial penchant for clothing of the opposite gender....
I really do think he has some issues.....
:grin:

Frizzer's knees let him down....;)

[zenmonk_genryu]

Yes, but he does look good in that little off the shoulder number.

[Sabine]

Sabine... After your next period, try cutting all cheese out of your diet, and reduce milk intake for the month.
You'll find your next period is much less painful.
REALLY? That's...new. I'll definitely have to try that!
And did you all know that Gwen Stefani is pregnant, too? (Gwen Stefani = lead singer of No Doubt - awesome band!) She should be an interesting mom :lol: If it's a little boy, she'll probably get his hair dyed red and mohawked before he's 2 :p

[Brigid]

I'm growing my nails.

[federica]

What compost are you using....?:lol:

[Frizzer]

Frizzer's knees let him down....;)

I'll have you know that I've got lovely knees! :hrm:

[buddhafoot]

Look, much as I hate to interrupt the important Brangelina chat, I do think that something with the title - 'Babes' as a separate thread/space/whatnot, should have various photos of women in bikinis somewhere therein. And the guys can reciprocate with a photo of BuddhaFoot in his most fetching dress and Frizzer in a macintosh, preferably together.

Oh, stop.

You're making me blush. This old thing I'm wearing? It's just something that I threw on.

-bf

tell me more, zen, and I'll rock yo world, biatch!

[YogaMama]

I'll come up with some good pictures of hot chicks in bikini's if BF posts a picture of him wearing that little off the shoulder number.

[buddhafoot]

I'll come up with some good pictures of hot chicks in bikini's if BF posts a picture of him wearing that little off the shoulder number.


Yoda,

You're starting to un-nerve me.

Please stop asking me to wear these things. Please stop emailing and pm'ing me asking for pictures of me wearing these weird out-fits you keep coming up with. I keep telling you I'm not into ~that~ sort of thing.

Please... for the last time... I don't want to be a part of your fantasies.

Please stop.

I beg you.

-bf

[YogaMama]

Umm...sorry, you must have me confused with zenmonk. HE is the one that started the comments about you wearing girls clothes. That's not my thing, either. I prefer men in diapers.

[buddhafoot]

... I prefer men in diapers.


Hey! Me too!

-bf

[harlan]

Hmmm...don't think I qualify as a 'babe anymore...but I do have a rant.

It really bugs me when females following a Tibetian path are referred to as 'dakini'.

[federica]

....Rather that than a bikini..... :thumbsup:

[Knitwitch]

Going back to the subject of periods (I wasn't here ok?) I too am 49 and well into the menopause and my advice is progesterone. I was absolutely dead against any kind of hormone replacement until I found myself lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Mine had been getting worse and worse and I soldiered on like the good little daugher of the great mother I am and finally had to give in and go to the doctor. I was ending up in bed for two days a month.

AND progesterone is not the one that is produced from pregnant mares so no worries on the cruelty front.

[Sherringham]

I wasn't here either, but I'm that rare being here , post menopause!! You can and do survive it, and keep all the reproductive tackle too, but shall I go on about gravity or go completely :ot: ? yes I shall!! Buddhafoot, what is that on the cat's head??? and hey lets see you in that little number.:rocker: (pretty please)

[Jerbear]

Hey gang,
I have no insight about menopause. But I thought I would come over here and see if you all were having an interesting conversation. You are, but I can't relate. I'll go back to the Gentleman's room now.

[Knitwitch]

Oh stay here and pretend Jerry - just whinge about feeling tired and bloated all the time and how your figure is going to pot! No one will notice - failing that you can masquerade as my therapist.

[Jerbear]

Knit,
The bad thing is that I'm fatigued and bloated. I'm on a number of meds since my accident and feel wiped out alot. I've decided to get off my duff and do what I can from now on. I did a load of laundry and walked a mile yesterday. That is the most physical stuff I've done on a day off in a while. I didn't stop for 12 hours at work last night, so that makes up for my laziness.
"Knit. Tell me about your mother. You hate her, don't you?"

[Knitwitch]

Used to. Now I just feel sorry for her but not that sorry because she's dead so at least she has some peace now ... and so do the rest of us!

And fatigue? Tell me about it Jerry! When I had my innards ripped about I wasn't allowed to move for six weeks - and then I found I COULDN'T move at all! Slowly slowly - baby steps - I had a party when I did two laps of the coffee table for a sponsored walk!

[Jerbear]

Yeah, I had a couple of metal rods and screws stuck in my spine last year. Broke a vertebrae and then it collapsed. Then found out I have multiple spinal problems in December. I'm a tad tired as I worked all night. But I'm still in a bit of pain right now and waiting for the pain meds to kick in. I also started in an investigational study of a drug used to combat an unpleasant side effect of narcotic pain killers. Let's just say that you don't use the bathroom very often. Sometimes for 5-6 days. This speeds things up. I'm kind of crampy too. But not bleeding like you ladies. I know about all the "female times" as I work mainly with females.

By the way, my mom is gone also. Waiting for the contributor of the Y chromosome to pass. I will kind of be like you. He will be out of his miserable existence. If there is reincarnation, I hope he burns off all the bad karma he built this time around fast. That way his energy might get some peace.

[Knitwitch]

Ewwwwwww back pain! Like toothache it colours every moment of your existence, doesn't it? My sympathy. Healing vibes on their way to you big time!

I think my dad must have had an inkling - he checked into the celestial motel when I was four (well out of it!) Mother spent most of her time telling everyone she'd be better off dead, so I hope she was right.

But - let's just hope they have both started again by now and are on their way to a more contented and accepting life .... but I can't help wishing just now and again that Ma would come back as a real martyr instead of a self-made one next time around - oh bad Knitwitch, wicked wicked Knitwitch - pass me that bamboo, I'll beat myself!

[federica]

I broke a nail yesterday....:D

[YogaMama]

And how did that feel, Federica? Is there anything I can do to help? I HATE long nails on me, so my are always nice and short.

Do any of you ladies watch Desperate Housewives? Man, that show cracks me up!!

[buddhafoot]

I wanted to start watching it when it first debuted... but I had something else going on and my girlfriend taped it for me.

I still haven't gotten into it - but she's hooked.

-bf

[YogaMama]

Where have you been bf? It doesn't seem like you have been around here much lately.

[buddhafoot]

I've been a little "under the weather".

I've think I've been reincarnated as a phlegm phactory... :(

Plus, I don't wanna pick on you all the time - or you might stop liking me.

-bf

[YogaMama]

Nah...you can pick on me. I don't mind. I can handle it! :) Sorry to hear you are feeling a bit sick. Everyone around here is sick with colds/sinus infections/the flu as well. I just hope I don't get it! Do you drink tea? I have a wonderful tea that would help a lot with your "phlegm phactory" issue.

[buddhafoot]

I don't have any tea that really goes well with the bourbon, cigars and chewing tobacco I've been enjoying this morning. I think the sniffing glue might be part of my lightheadedness too.

-bf

[YogaMama]

LOL! Step away from the glue!

[Jerbear]

Knit,
I'm sorry to say that sounds like my dad. "You don't know how ill I am. I'll be gone soon and no longer be a burden to any of you". Part of me is truly concerned as I have seen his physical abilities deteriorate. As an RN, I can see things that my other family members don't. They think he's playing a game, but I know the genuine article when I see it.
But his chronic complaining that started probably before I was born is a detriment to him and all around him. If he had a good day, I don't think he would know how to handle it.

[Jerbear]

BF.
Doesn't the Schnapps in the bong help at all? Try Peppermint with it. Clears those sinuses right up. Then you might be able to drop some LSD and see what happens. OOPS! That was my flashback of my teenage years. Never mind.

[Jerbear]

I have not seen one episode of Desparate Housewives. I want to, but don't even know when it's on. Is it trashy? I love really trashy soap operas.

[YogaMama]

Oh you must check it out. It is soooo funny. Not really sure if you could call it "trashy", though. All the characters are just fabulous! It's on Sunday evenings at 8pm CST.

[Brigid]

The creator of that show, Mark Cherry, is a smart guy. His characters are interesting, to say the least. One part bugs me, though. The characters in the show are really removed from the responsibility of their actions. Maybe he's waiting to drop the weight of heaven and hell on their shoulders, I don't know. There's a lot of murder going on. It's frustrating at times. But we'll see. I still watch it. :winkc:

[Jerbear]

And Mr. Cherry bats for my team. He was asked if he would put a gay couple on their and wouldn't answer. He says he doesn't reveal story lines before they are on the show.

[Brigid]

"And Mr. Cherry bats for my team. He was asked if he would put a gay couple on their and wouldn't answer. He says he doesn't reveal story lines before they are on the show."

I didn't know that! How cool!
They have Bree's son. He's gay, isn't he? And he has a boyfriend that he's flaunting in front of his horrible mother. I'm as angry as he is about his mother's prehistoric attitude. She's a horrible, horrible woman. Don't you just love Marcia Cross? They need more gay characters if they're going for realism, though. LOL. Like they're going for realism!
Who's your favorite character and who's your favorite actor? (Men and women.)

[Satori]

I LOVE Desperate Housewives, but I missed it Sunday night. What happened? Anyone want to give me an update?

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7996/adultboo9oi.gif

[Jerbear]

Brigid,
I haven't seen the show ever. I will watch it Sunday night for sure as I've heard about it. If not on, I may rent the first season on DVD and catch up on it.

[Brigid]

Sorry about that. I just reread the thread and clued in. Give it a try and tell us what you think. I won't tell you any more about it so I don't spoil it for you.

[Jerbear]

Well, I'm no longer a virgin. To Desparate Housewives that is. That is one messed up show. Those characters are insane. I really feel for the Latina woman about losing the baby. But those shopping sprees did seem a bit cold hearted of her. Did she even shed a tear?

Bree needs to get rid of that pharmacist. He's insane. Setting that car on fire of an ex of hers just because she dumped him for being looney tunes. Hmmmm, she's saner than I thought.

Then that poor girl finding out that her real father had been alive and in the same town for all of her life. That was just plain selfish of her mother. I'm sorry the girl stood up for her at the wedding.

By the way, that old lady is wicked with a tazer!

[Brigid]

Jerry,

You actually tuned in to a re-run so if you watch next week and it's a new episode you're going to be confused, or at least missing a few crazy bits. If you want me to fill you in just PM me. A LOT has happened since this particular episode. Do you like it or is it just too crazy? Let me know. It's not exactly high brow but it's become pop culturally significant and will probably spawn many trivia questions before it's through. LOL!

[YogaMama]

Jerry - Like Brigid said, you saw an old episode last night. But isn't the show great? And so funny.

[Jerbear]

RATS! I need to rent the first season. They are a bizarre bunch. You are talking to someone who has lived their life on the outside of mainstream society. Insanity is a way of life for me. LOL!

[Frizzer]

I saw all the first season but I refuse to get sucked into the second! it's just too addictive!!
The new season of "24" starts here next month. There goes another 5 months !

[federica]

Did anyone see the fourth series of Noddy in Toytown - Big Ears wreaks revenge!" ??
I'm hooked - right up my street!!

Hey, it works for me - !! :tonguec: :cheer:

[Knitwitch]

Did anyone see the fourth series of Noddy in Toytown - Big Ears wreaks revenge!" ??
I'm hooked - right up my street!!

Hey, it works for me - !! :tonguec: :cheer:

No I missed it Fede - I was too busy glued to the screen for Pingu - :smilec:

[Brigid]

I love Pingu! Now THAT'S good television!

[Jerbear]

Never heard of Pingu.

I just watched this really cool show on BBC America called "Conviction". It's about a cop who goes bad I guess. It was only the first episode but I already can't wait for next week. But it is a tad violent, so weak of stomach beware!

[Simonthepilgrim]

Never heard of Pingu.

..........

Pingu was a saving waterhole in the desert of childrens' videos (how I came to loathe Superted, Thomas the Tank Engine and the bloody Care Bears) watched by my offspring.

Here, just for you, Jer:
Pingu (http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/5681/pingu.html)

[Knitwitch]

Ivor the engine, Tales of the Riverbank, Noggin the Nog - now THOSE were kids programmes but most of you are probably too young to remember them. Ah dear memories

(Chooch coof, chooch coof, chooch coof - the witch now leaving this thread is the Knitwitch 14.19 to Dijon, stopping at tea time, currant bun and dog walks)

[Brigid]

Simon,

Thanks for Pingu's page. That will help me through my next sleepless night nicely.
(I think Satan created the Care Bears.)

[Jerbear]

Now, I know that some have different tastes, but I didn't think the Care Bears were that appalling. But I don't have kids and never had to watch it more than 20 seconds and realize it was a kiddy program. My favorite cartoon personally is South Park. But that is so vulgar and low brow that I shouldn't mention it on this wholesome family website.

The Pingu page didn't work. Thanks anyway, Simon.

[Knitwitch]

[/SIZE]Now, I know that some have different tastes, but I didn't think the Care Bears were that appalling. But I don't have kids and never had to watch it more than 20 seconds and realize it was a kiddy program. My favorite cartoon personally is South Park. But that is so vulgar and low brow that I shouldn't mention it on this wholesome family website.

The Pingu page didn't work. Thanks anyway, Simon.

I LOVE South Park - but that's OK cos I am horribly vulgar!

[Brigid]

South Park, IMHO, is probably the single greatest and most culturally significant animated satire of American society that has ever been produced. The creators are fearlessly subversive and to this day I STILL haven't figured out how they get away with it. It's pure genius and is irrefutable evidence that free speech is alive and well in the United States of America. Makes me proud to be a neighbour, no matter how often they make dumb jokes about Canadians.

The same can be said for The Simpsons, except they're gentler, my father likes it (he just watches it to spite me) and they have a slew of Canadian writers.

There are university courses that analyze these shows! I'm a fan, can you tell?


Best shows EVER.

[Frizzer]

My favorite cartoon personally is South Park

"I'm not fat, I'm big boned!"

Go Here (http://www.planearium2.de/flash/spstudio.html) if you want to make your own character.

Here's me!

[YogaMama]

That's awesome - I just made one. How do I save the picture so I can post it here?

[YogaMama]

I figured it out:

[Frizzer]

Ha Ha Ha - Brilliant !! :)

[YogaMama]

So I have a dumb question.....for those of you that do not live in the States...do you all get the same television shows and movies that we see?

[federica]

I'm going to sound really stern just for a second - and ironically, go off-topic for just a second - (oh, this is ridiculous...!)

When posting in other threads, any other threads, apart from this one, (because I don't care what we chat about here...)
could we try, while the forum is in "turmoil" as it is....
to keep the relevant threads 'on-topic'...?
Brian is understandably deleting posts which go off-topic (because of abuse and 'wrong Speech' and whatnot) - so it stands to reason that he'd have the right to go into other threas and do likewise, if the threads go off-topic.

I apologise unreservedly if I'm sounding a bit stern.. you all know that normally I'm so laid back I can see my heels.... but just for now... just for the moment... either keep it, or steer it back, onto topic....

OK....
I'm done....
back on topic.....!!


I have never seen South Park, but I have heard of the chef's chocolate salty balls.....!!:eekblue: :eek2:

[Frizzer]

So I have a dumb question.....for those of you that do not live in the States...do you all get the same television shows and movies that we see?

We certainly get quite a lot here in the UK.
We're usually a bit behind though. For instance the 2nd season of Lost hasn't started here yet.

[Frizzer]

Brian is understandably deleting posts which go off-topic (because of abuse and 'wrong Speech' and whatnot) - so it stands to reason that he'd have the right to go into other threas and do likewise, if the threads go off-topic.



That sounds fair to me, as long as the Gentleman's Country Club is left alone as well !

[YogaMama]

I might be a little confused...so can we go off topic in this particular thread? Because really, this is just our "chit chat" corner, where we can discuss anything, right?

Just want to make sure I am understanding the "rules". :)

[Brigid]

"When posting in other threads, any other threads, apart from this one, (because I don't care what we chat about here...)
could we try, while the forum is in "turmoil" as it is....
to keep the relevant threads 'on-topic'...?
Brian is understandably deleting posts which go off-topic (because of abuse and 'wrong Speech' and whatnot) - so it stands to reason that he'd have the right to go into other threas and do likewise, if the threads go off-topic."

(UH OH. I just posted something that was COMPLETELY off topic. AND I challenged Genryu to a duel over the Belgians! What was I THINKING? Oh, man, I'm in trouble...Did I just say that out loud?)

Message received, Fede. Sorry...My apologies. Promise won't do it again.

Apologetically yours,
Brigid

[YogaMama]

DOH! I guess I missed the part that said "when posting in any OTHER threads". OK...I get it now. I am a little slow sometimes.

(keep the comments to yourself, buddhafoot! :) )

[federica]

thanks, all.:winkc:

[Simonthepilgrim]

Oooh, I just love it when you do your Miss Whiplash, Fede.

On the subject of The Simpsons, my anam cara, who was a Catholic priest (of a rather strange stamp), maintained that the show was deeply scriptural and provided matter for reflective meditation.

To answer another question: we do get some US shows over here but not all by a long chalk.

[Jerbear]

Brigid,
I must agree. If you pay close attention to what these guys are saying, I'm surprised that GWB hasn't banned both shows from the airwaves. They pull no punches. The episode of The Simpsons that legalized gay marriage was great. They had to put a disclaimer on it saying that it contained adult themes. Wait a minute, The Simpsons has never been a show for children, really. They showed some on at 5:30 in Michigan that I was shocked by. Not that I cared, but I didn't think it was something that most parents would want to have to discuss with their kids. Even though Bart did look cute in a wig and acting like one of the Supremes.

[Jerbear]

All right all you DH fans! I have a question about the show.

I am getting a 60GB IPod next week that plays videos. On ITunes, they are offering Desparate Housewives shows. What season is currently playing? I can get the whole first season and then parts of the second season so I can catch up with where everyone is. Let me know.

[Brigid]

Jerry,

We're in the middle of the second season of DH right now so get everything they have. It's pretty easy to follow but there are a lot of little details you need to know.

So happy you're getting that iPod! You're gonna have a blast!

Love,
Brigid

[buddhafoot]

Speaking of US shows - and I've already discussed this with Fede...

If you ever get the chance to start watching Curb Your Enthusiasm in Europe - by all means, do so. The show is hiliarious!

I especially like the episode with Krazee Eyez Killah...

-bf

[YogaMama]

I'll have to check out Curb Your Enthusiasm. I haven't watched it yet. I hate to watch shows that I have not seen before because I don't want to get hooked on them! Right now, the mst see shows for me each week are Desp. Housewives, The Office, The Amazing Race (I can't wait for it to start again), and I like to catch the Daily Show with Jon Stewart as often as possible. That's enough tv for me for now! And, my husband and I love the Discovery Health Channel - they have the greatest shows.

[buddhafoot]

Yoda,

If nothing else, rent the third season and watch the episodes. The main character, Larry David, was the co-creator of Seinfeld. But this is on HBO - so they have a little more leeway.

I tried watching The Office - but I felt they were trying to mimic the original UK version too much. Just seemed like they were trying to hard to duplicate the UK show.

-bf

P.S. He sure does have some moves...

[buddhafoot]

http://homepage.mac.com/elliottday/theoffice/theofficeclips/brentdance.mpg

-bf

[YogaMama]

LOL!!! I have not seen the UK version, which is probably why I like the US version. I LOVE Steve Carrell - he is so friggin funny! Have you seen 40 Year Old Virgin? Or Anchorman??

PS - that guy showing his moves in that picture you posted looks suspiciously like Chandler from "Friends". He is doing the "white mans overbite"!

[buddhafoot]

Love it.

-bf

"we gonna need more wax!"

[harlan]

On the subject of waxing, I thought Mel Gibson did it better in 'What Women Want.' :)

[YogaMama]

No way...Steve Carrell REALLY did that. That really is him getting waxed, and not just acting.

[Knitwitch]

Good grief - brave man him! I once bought a packet of those strip things, tried one and threw the rest in the bin - dim and dotty I may be but masochist I am not.

[Xrayman]

Just shave-so much easier..

[Brigid]

The guy who REALLY broke my heart shaved his chest. Remembering that is how I eventually got over him.

Yogamama,

We like the same shows, except I've never seen either versions of the office. I can't wait for The Amazing Race to start again. I'm so glad they won't be doing that dumb family version again. That was just baaad. I try to catch every Daily Show I can because Jon Stewart is a genius and I adore Steve Carell. He's the best. He also had one of the funniest speeches at the Golden Globe awards.

[Xrayman]

The woman that really broke mine shaved her...

legs.

teehee.

(how childish)

sorry

Richard

[YogaMama]

Brigid...I agree about the family version of TAR. Not nearly as good as the other ones. But, I still watched it. And I agree...Jon Stewart is a genius!

[buddhafoot]

The guy who REALLY broke my heart shaved his chest. Remembering that is how I eventually got over him.



Yeah... what is that all about.

Like Simon said in a post long ago - something about why American men want women almost completely hairless.

What is it in society today that is causing everyone to shave just about everything off of them but their hair and eyebrows?

My girlfriend and I know a couple of guys that shave their chests.

I've been told that if I ever shaved my chest, I'd get my butt kicked.

Viva la Ziggy Stardust!

-bf

[Knitwitch]

I'm lucky - I live in France - hairy legs are a must!

[buddhafoot]

Really!?!?!?!?

-bf

[Knitwitch]

Well - women can shave legs and underarms if they want to, it's not frowned on but no one raises an eyebrow at hairy legs and armpit spiders.

[buddhafoot]

Mmmm.... armpit spiders.

You make it sound soooo tantalizing!

-bf

[Knitwitch]

I know - havva way wiff wurdz me!

[Satori]

What I find a bit worrisome are the men who are into the Brazilian look these days. I don't know about you, but I don't think I want to attract men into my life who are into prepubescent girls. :confused: :nonono:

[buddhafoot]

What is the Brazilian look?

-bf

[Satori]

What is the Brazilian look?

-bf

Shaved or waxed pubic area. ;)

[buddhafoot]

Oh.

Well, how is that any different from shaving legs or armpits? Children are missing hair in all of these places. How does one define prepubescent and the other two don't?

It's thought processes like these that made Cousin It seems like an outsider :)

-bf

[harlan]

Cousin It stole MY look. ;)

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~wakoluk/preview.html

[federica]

What I find a bit worrisome are the men who are into the Brazilian look these days. I don't know about you, but I don't think I want to attract men into my life who are into prepubescent girls. :confused: :nonono:

Well if you hadn't mentioned it... thanks for bringing that up, Satori...:rolleyesc

[buddhafoot]

Cousin It stole MY look. ;)

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~wakoluk/preview.html


And an excellent look it is, harlan!

-bf

[YogaMama]

Yea, I don't get the whole shave everything off thing either. heck, I am moving to France just so I can quit shaving my legs and armpits. I'd like to know whose idea that was in the first place! People always call me a "hippie" anyways...I could probably quit shaving and no one would think anything of it!

[buddhafoot]

Maybe men should quit shaving too.

I know I have face shaving down to a science of what I can get by with within a work week. Otherwise my baby-face looks like I just came in second in a hatchet-fight.

Plus, doesn't shaving the hair off of our faces make us look prepubescent? Nothing like a hoary and hairy face to make the ladies swoon!

-bf

[Brigid]

A Brazillian is a complete WAXING of the...uh...area. Can you imagine? OWWW!
I hate having to shave my legs and pits. I used to resent it until an ultra feminist told me that I wasn't a feminist unless I stopped shaving. So I purposely shaved and when she approached me with anger I told her I wasn't going to cast off one form of oppression for another. Now I just shave when I want to, when it gets uncomfortable. Luckily I'm a recluse so the public has no say in my hygiene. LOL!
But I do love a nice pedicure with minty lotion and all sorts of other girly stuff like nice perfumes and soaps and body butters and all that. I love The Body Shop especially. I have their Almond Oil Hand Rescue or whatever it's called. It smells SO good. I tried to make my own creams with almond oil and shea butter and essential oils and beeswax etc. but I couldn't do it cheaply enough. The Body Shop makes stuff I could never afford to make. It's all yummy! Especially the White Musk thick body cream. Using that after a hot shower and getting right into my fuzzy white robe is like heaven. Oh, how I love being a girl. I like to paint my nails too, hands and feet. That's fun. Doing the feet is a little tricky because of my back but I manage. Although I must admit I don't do it very often. The only problem with all my lovely smelling creams and stuff is that my cats don't like it when I have it on my hands. They turn their noses up at it. I completely understand but the rejection can be tough at times. LOL!

[federica]

My daughter's cat is addicted to olives. Especially green. He goes crazy when he smells them, and nobody can eat olives without him either knowing it, or being willing to share them with him. He insists on sitting on people's shoulders (not laps) and no place in the house, to his mind, is out of bounds, though he's extremely fastidious about his toilet habits. Always in his litter box, always in the same place. Even if you turn the box round.
He owns the place. We're thinking of transferring the mortgage, to see how HE likes it. Knowing him, he wouldn't bat an eyelid, and find a way of paying up.

[Brigid]

AWWW! He sounds so sweet! And loves olives! That's hilarious. I never met a cat that likes olives. My cat likes porridge. Well, two of them do, Torcal and Tom. But we only found out by accident. We don't feed them human food as a rule but they have their ways, don't they? This is gross so if you have a weak stomach don't read any further.... but some cats go CRAZY for ear wax. My friend's cat Moofie loved ear wax and my cat Tom goes crazy for it, just crazy. Moofie would jump up on people's shoulders and nudge his nose right into their ears, purring like mad and sticking his tongue in and everything. EWWWW! But they love it. Speaking of which, did you know that ear wax stops cold sores from developing? By cold sores I mean the sores that people get on their lips and around the mouth and nose from Herpes Simplex 1. It really does work and you only need a smidgen and you dab it on as soon as you feel the tingle. ILMAO just picturing your reactions! But it's true. I read it in a herbalist's book from the 1600s when I was researching a paper in university. It makes sense that ear wax would have some kind of strong anti-viral properties to protect our inner ears. Maybe that's why we don't get cold sores in our ears. (I wonder what the next post will be?) And no, this isn't some kind of cruel practical joke. It really does work. Really. Just thought I'd share that gross fact with you all! LOL! Just in case anybody out there gets cold sores. I wish someone would tell Katie Holmes. I also wish someone would tell her that her boyfriend might be dangerous.

[federica]

I wish someone would tell Katie Holmes. I also wish someone would tell her that her boyfriend might be dangerous.


I understood every word until this last bit....:confused:

[Brigid]

Katie Holmes is Tom Cruise's pregnant girlfriend and she gets lots of cold sores. Probably due to stress. Probably due to...oh, that's not nice. I'm sure Tom Cruise is a wonderful human being. I just find it a challenge to like him because of ...well, so many reasons. But it's all negative so I won't subject you all to it. I'll keep it to myself and work on my compassion for him.

Brigid

[Knitwitch]

[QUOTE=Brigid]
I tried to make my own creams with almond oil and shea butter and essential oils and beeswax etc. but I couldn't do it cheaply enough. QUOTE]


I make a fair amount of potions Brigid - marigolds or lavender from the garden, steeped in ordinary sunflower oil for six weeks or so, then mixed in a pan with melted paraffin wax until you get the right consistency. Paraffin wax is sold for jam making - you pour it melted over the cooled jam to get an airtight seal and is cheap as dirt.

They both make excellent moisturisers and have good healing properties for grazes, cuts and scabby skin.

[buddhafoot]

AWWW! He sounds so sweet! And loves olives! That's hilarious. I never met a cat that likes olives. My cat likes porridge. Well, two of them do, Torcal and Tom. But we only found out by accident. We don't feed them human food as a rule but they have their ways, don't they? This is gross so if you have a weak stomach don't read any further.... but some cats go CRAZY for ear wax. My friend's cat Moofie loved ear wax and my cat Tom goes crazy for it, just crazy. Moofie would jump up on people's shoulders and nudge his nose right into their ears, purring like mad and sticking his tongue in and everything. EWWWW! But they love it. Speaking of which, did you know that ear wax stops cold sores from developing? By cold sores I mean the sores that people get on their lips and around the mouth and nose from Herpes Simplex 1. It really does work and you only need a smidgen and you dab it on as soon as you feel the tingle. ILMAO just picturing your reactions! But it's true. I read it in a herbalist's book from the 1600s when I was researching a paper in university. It makes sense that ear wax would have some kind of strong anti-viral properties to protect our inner ears. Maybe that's why we don't get cold sores in our ears. (I wonder what the next post will be?) And no, this isn't some kind of cruel practical joke. It really does work. Really. Just thought I'd share that gross fact with you all! LOL! Just in case anybody out there gets cold sores. I wish someone would tell Katie Holmes. I also wish someone would tell her that her boyfriend might be dangerous.

Brigid,

Two wonderful posts.

I completely agree - no matter what our mindset is or who we associate with - trading one form of oppression for another form of oppression is ridiculous.

Also, I get cold sores.... but I don't think I can bring myself to trying your remedy :(

-bf

[Brigid]

"Also, I get cold sores.... but I don't think I can bring myself to trying your remedy

-bf"

BF,
Yeah, I know what you mean. My dad says the same thing. But if you get over the EEWW factor and try it, you'll be amazed. Two months ago I got the "tingle" and immediately put a tiny hint on my upper lip. The cold sore turned out to be a cluster of THREE, AAAGGHHH, but it never went past the first stage. It still took a week for it to go away bit it never blistered or discoloured or anything. I was SO relieved, 'cuz those cluster ones hurt so badly. They make me cry! I haven't had a full blown cold sore in 8 years now, even though I still "get" them regularly.


"I make a fair amount of potions Brigid - marigolds or lavender from the garden, steeped in ordinary sunflower oil for six weeks or so, then mixed in a pan with melted paraffin wax until you get the right consistency. Paraffin wax is sold for jam making - you pour it melted over the cooled jam to get an airtight seal and is cheap as dirt."

Knitwitch,

I still have quite a bit of bee's wax left, so I could use that until it runs out. To steep, do I crush up the flowers and put them in oil in a bottle to steep or do I leave them whole? Do I keep it out of sunlight? How much oil, approx.? And when I put it into a pan with paraffin do I put the oil AND the flowers in the pan with the paraffin? Or just the flower infused oil? Can I use lilac flowers for anything? Or little wild roses? What do you think of olive oil and honey together for a lip balm? Would that be gross? Should I just use the sunflower oil (which I love, by the way)? The reason I ask about olive oil is because I've heard it's good for mucus membrane. Is that the right term for the skin our lips are made out of? I can get tons of paraffin wax in town. I used to make candles with them. But I don't like the way it burns. But paraffin wax treatments for hands and feet are all the rage at the moment so I'll definitely use it for creams and lotions and lip balms and everything else, except candles. How smart, Knitwitch! All the time I've spent trying to dream up recipes and never once did I think to use paraffin! OR sunflower oil, for that matter. I did try wheat germ oil. What a bad mistake. It's expensive and goes rancid as soon as you look at it. Well, as soon as I looked at it, anyway. LOL! And I still have a lot of my essential oils left. They're well protected and in a dark, cool place. I still use the orange, mandarin, grapefruit and lemon for various cleaners for the house because that's still less expensive and much better than store bought.
OOHH, how I love to make potions and recipes! When I grow up I want to be a mad witch scientist with a lovely little cottage in the forest and all sorts of little furry and feathery and scaly creatures around. And a PONY! The one my dad promised me. The one he kept pretending to send back whenever I was bad. "O.K. boys! Send back the pony!" You can see how I was driven to Buddhism. Oh, the suffering! "My PONY! NOOO!!"

[Brigid]

Knitwitch,

I forgot to ask. Are those your ferrets in your avatar? They're beautiful! Not to pick favourites, but I really do love the wee white headed one on the left.

[Knitwitch]

Yes those were my ferrets Thor and Freya - little darlin's. I was very privileged to have them with me for a few years, they were priceless!


http://futuregarden.com/knowledge_tree/growers_guides_healing_herbs.html

This is an excellent quick reference site for checking up on herbs and remedies.

Any plants you use, flowers or sprigs whole is best because it's easier to strain afterwards, put them in a jam jar and squash them down so you fill the jar with as much as it can take, then top the whole thing up with oil, shaking the jar so you are sure there is no air in it. You can use olive oil if you want but I find it a bit heavy though it might be ideal for lip salve - I'd use it with thyme or sage as lavender tends to be a bit of a yucky taste.

Keep the sealed jar in a dark place for six weeks or so (the longer the better obviously) and then strain the oil off. It's ready to go.

Melt the paraffin wax in a pan on the stove and add the oil a little at a time, like you would with mayonnaise, stirring in completely each time. You can take the pan off the stove and let it cool to check on consistency because if it's too thick, you just bung it back on the heat and keep adding oil.

The oils themselves can be used alone - body moisturiser for example.

Anything else you want to know about potions, just PM me.

[Knitwitch]

OOHH, how I love to make potions and recipes! When I grow up I want to be a mad witch scientist with a lovely little cottage in the forest and all sorts of little furry and feathery and scaly creatures around.


Ummmmm - you mean you want to take over MY life?:)

[Frizzer]

You can see how I was driven to Buddhism. Oh, the suffering! "My PONY! NOOO!!"


:lol:

[Brigid]

Knitwitch,

O.K. Got it. Thanks so much for that info! And I'll be sure to PM you if I have questions. But I think I get the idea. It sounds fairly simple and it's going to be MUCH less expensive!

Is that really your life? With the cottage and furry animals and everything? You don't have a pony, do you? LOL!

Frizz,

Glad I could give you a chuckle!

Love,
Brigid

[Knitwitch]

No I don't Brigid - I finally let go of the pony dream having clung to it (and the hard done by feeling) for decades.

The Old Feller did once buy me a Pony Tractor and hid it in the barn for my birthday,just so he could finally say - well I did buy you a pony!

[Knitwitch]

>>
>>
>> Did You Know That?
>>
>> Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two
>> tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms.
>> Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost
>> instantly -- even though the product was never been advertised for this
>> use. (Note: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same..and contains
>> aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)
>>
>>
>> Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost
>> immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional
>> "pain relievers."
>>
>> Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for
>> burns.
>>
>> Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled
>> with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong
>> Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
>>
>> Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of
>> horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes,
>> then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
>>
>> Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and
>> take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
>>
>>
>> Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of
>> honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the
>> skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
>>
>> Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly
>> toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful
>> antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
>>
>> Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses
>> from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail
>> polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
>>
>> Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers.
>> Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain.
>> The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
>>
>> Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer.... If menacing bees,
>> wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the
>> insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground
>> instantly.
>>
>> Smart splinter remover..just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over
>> the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter
>> sticks to the dried glue.
>>
>> Hunt's tomato paste boil cure....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato
>> paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and
>> bring the boil to a head.
>>
>> Balm for broken blisters...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a
>> few drops of Listerine ..... a powerful antiseptic.
>>
>> Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white
>> vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the
>> blueness and speeds up the healing process.
>>
>> Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add
>> a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse
>> well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
>>
>> Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes ! in from
>> the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet,
>> instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
>>
>> Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn
>> oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball.
>> Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the
>> mites, and accelerates healing.
>>
>> Quaker Oats for fast pain relief...It's not for breakfast anymore!
>> Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the
>> microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your
>> hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

[Satori]

That reminded me of this ...

USEFUL TIPS

1. Flies or bees bothering you? Spray them with hairspray and they will take a quick dive.

2. Sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.

3. Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords in. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.

4. For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.

5. Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).

6. Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

7. Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. And now a box of S.O.S pads lasts me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get sharpened this way!

8. Opening brand new jars can be a feat in itself. Well, I have found a way to make it the easiest thing to do. Instead of banging a jar of jam, pickles, etc.,with a knife until it loosens up, I simply reach into the drawer and pull out the handy nutcracker. It adjusts to the size of the jar and I give it a good twist and off pops the lid!

9. Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!

10. Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

11. Spray a bit of perfume on the lightbulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.

12. Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.

13. Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.

14. To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!

15. Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.

16. Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and you'll get perfectly shaped pancakes every time.

17. To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

18. To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.

19. Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispies treats in the pan and the marshmallow won't stick to your fingers.

20. To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before squeezing.

21. To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop.

22. Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.

23. When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

24. If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant "fix me up."

25. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

26. Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.

27. Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to soften it.

28. When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness. (Works for carrots, too.)

29. To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh, but if it rises to the surface, throw it away.

30. Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

31. Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

32. If you have a problem opening jars: Try using latex dishwashing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.

33. Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water.

34. To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.

35. Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. Borax acid powder also works if you spread a thin line in the crevices that are not visible within the cabinets. See for yourself.

36. Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

37. When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

38. Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer. Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.

39. Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet or coffee pot, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

40. Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.

41. Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary.)

42. Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water.

[Satori]

And this as well ...


Bounce Your Troubles Away

My mail carrier told me that the US Postal service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellow jackets away.

Use them all the time when playing baseball and soccer.

I use it when I am working outside.

It really works. The yellow jackets just veer around you.

And all this time you've just been putting Bounce in the dryer!

It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them.

It also repels mice.. spread them around foundation areas, or in trailers, cars that are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle.

It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened too often.

Repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season.

Eliminates static electricity from your television (or computer) screen.

Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling.

Dissolve soap scum from shower doors.

Clean with a sheet of Bounce Freshen the air in your home.

Place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet.

Put Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.

Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew.

Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.

Freshen the air in your car. Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.

Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The antistatic agent apparently weakens the bond between the food.

Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.

Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the loose hairs.

Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.

Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.

Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight.

Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away.

Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. Keeps them smelling fresh.

[Brigid]

YYAAAYY!!! This is my FAVOURITE stuff! I LOVE household tips!

Thanks, Knitwitch and Satori!!


Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

This works. I used to do this when I was younger. (I don't get sore throats anymore.)

Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of
honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

I didn't know this one! But honey is truly a gift from the gods. It's been used for all sorts of healing since...well...forever I guess. I don't take white sugar in anything anymore. Only honey. I LOVE it!

Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

That's brilliant. I also use clear nail polish on my pierced earrings because my ears always get infected when I put them in. I just coat the part that goes through the ear and it works perfectly.

Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

This really does work. I've also read that it can be used with scrunched up tinfoil to shine and prevent rust on the chrome parts of cars.

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Wow! Very cool! I've been trying to figure out for years what might make a boil come to a head. I thought salt? Heat? Now I know! Except I've never had a boil. But if I ever do...!

Smart splinter remover..just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Cool! Can't wait to try this. Well, I can wait...

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief...It's not for breakfast anymore!
Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
Yeah. Oatmeal works for so many things. I use it as a paste for really dry skin and I mix it with milk and puree it and put it in the bath. So many things. It's incredibly soothing.

4. For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.

I tried this one but it didn't work. I think it gets too cold up here, or something.

5. Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).

This really works. Also, use baking soda for all kinds of other cleaning, especially the fridge, freezer and microwave because it won't leave dangerous chemical residue. Just make a paste with water. Also works like a charm in the laundry. Mix it with peroxide into a paste and use it on gums and teeth. And if your pets have an accident indoors, soak up stain with paper towels or rags by laying them over stain and standing on them. Repeat until paper is as dry as possible. Then sprinkle baking soda on stain to soak up the rest of the moisture and odour. You can also use white vinegar to help neutralize odour.

6. Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

Also works like a charm. Really amazing.

8. Opening brand new jars can be a feat in itself. Well, I have found a way to make it the easiest thing to do. Instead of banging a jar of jam, pickles, etc.,with a knife until it loosens up, I simply reach into the drawer and pull out the handy nutcracker. It adjusts to the size of the jar and I give it a good twist and off pops the lid!

I have a little trick. I use a spoon and I slide it under the edge of the lid and "pop" the seal on the jar. Sometimes you can use a regular spoon and sometimes you have to use a teaspoon.

9. Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!

Only figured this one out recently and it's fantastic. The important thing to remember about bloodstains or any stains, for that matter, is to soak or rinse in COLD water, never hot or warm which will only set the stain further. And soak or rinse while stain is still wet whenever possible.

10. Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.


The vertical/horizontal thing is a great idea. Also, use hot white vinegar (warm it up in the microwave) and put it into a spray bottle. Hot vinegar works like magic and you can use it on all glass and stainless surfaces including sinks, mirrors, windshields (windscreens), fridge, freezer and microwave. Removes odours.

13. Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.

Never thought of this one! Great idea! I'll try it.

14. To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!

Yes, this really works. My family was in the flower business for almost 150 years and we sold silks as well as fresh and this was the technique that the manufacturers told us to use.

34. To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
Preparation "H" also works well for itching and swelling. I use it for cat scratches. It takes a while but does a great job.

42. Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water.
Here again is a great use for vinegar. I put water and vinegar in my kettle and bring it to a boil then I pour it down the kitchen sink, bathroom sink or toilets on a regular basis. It cleans the kettle completely of all the mineral buildup and does the same in the pipes. If you have special pipes (copper?) ask your plumber first. We live in a 150 year old farmhouse and our pipes are old.


Brigid

[buddhafoot]

Bounce.

I sew a whole box of them together to make an anti-mosquito Burka that I wear while outside.

I glow for about 3 hours after I take my "burka" off - but it's great for reading in bed at night!

-bf

[Knitwitch]

ROFL

[Satori]

Thanks, Knitwitch and Satori!!

You're welcome, Brigid! I've been trying a few of these myself. ;)

[YogaMama]

bf - can we see some pictures of you wearing your burka???

Since some of you ladies know how to make creams, etc...do any of you have any good homemade facial recipes? My daughter always seems me put my facial masks on, and always wants one, but obviously, at age three, she really doesn't need one. So I thought I could make her a facial cream of her own. Maybe something simple with avocados and oatmeal or something? Obviously, I do not want anything harsh, or any chemicals in it. Any ideas?

[YogaMama]

Does this concern anyone else:

"Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done."

If Coca Cola can remove rust, aren't people afraid of what it might be doing to their insides when they drink it?? Ugh...I am so glad I don't drink soda. I hate processed foods/drinks! They freak me out.

[Knitwitch]

Yup - it was when I first read that statement that I stopped drinking the stuff - mineral water doesn't clean anything except your system.

[Brigid]

Who watches Grey's Anatomy?

I know Yogamama is getting into it and I didn't like it at first but the more I watched it the more I liked it. Now I'm hooked.

Last night's episode included a story about a woman, played by Natalie Cole, who had an inoperable brain tumor and only a few weeks to live. It was interesting because her character talked about the tumor as a "good friend" and her prognosis as a wake up call. She said she had been sleepwalking for the last fifteen years and that her marriage had suffered. But when she and her husband learned of the tumor they both woke up and their marriage was rekindled. She described herself as "wide awake now".

That was interesting in itself but her attachment to her tumor was another thing they addressed in the show. When the brain surgeon suggested that he could perform a new procedure that might give her decades instead of weeks to live, she was very resistant to the idea. Her reluctance was not because of the risks of the surgery, like bleeding out on the table, but because of her fear that her life would go back to what it had been when she'd been sleepwalking.

The doctor finally convinced her to have the surgery by telling her that the quality of her life was a choice and that she could make the decision, here and now, to live a full and meaningful life. She understood and agreed to the surgery which is successful and they live happily ever after, presumably.

I really liked this episode because it got me thinking about how we handle and view adversity in our lives and even become attached to it. I had only begun seeing my back injury as a precious teacher a little while ago and that has helped me a great deal. Well, that's an understatement. But the show also warned me about becoming too attached to my teacher and that I should start viewing it as temporary, because it is. I'm told by my doctors that it is a permanent injury but that only has a limited meaning. No one really knows if it's going to be with me for the rest my life and it may very well come down to when I choose to let go of it. Like Natalie Coles' character finally agreeing to the surgery. The metaphor is that once we accept the adversity and allow it to transform our lives we have to allow that adversity to go and live our lives with its residue reminding us of how it changed us and forced us to grow.

It was very interesting for a prime time show.

Love,
Brigid

[YogaMama]

Yes, last nights episode was great. I just love the show!

So I have some quesitons....at the end of season one, Christina (who is so frekin funny on the show!) was pregnant, but now she is not pregnant. What happened?? Did she have the "procedure" that she made an appointment for? Did her boyfriend ever find out? Also, what happened with Meredith and Dr. Shepherd after his wife showed up?

[Brigid]

Christina lost the baby (miscarried) which is when she realized how much she had actually wanted it. I think that was one of the major things that brought her so much closer to her boyfriend (he was wonderful about it and very supportive) and why she eventually decided to move in with him. She actually had to be admitted and her mother came to the hospital. Their relationship was hilarious!! She's hilarious. Last night with the baby was so funny!

When Dr. Shepherd's wife showed up Meredith was terribly shocked because she hadn't known that he was married. There was all sorts of angst all over the place, then Dr. Shephard decided, with the help of the big boss Dr. Webber, that he should forgive his wife for sleeping with that other guy and try to work on his marriage. Meredith's heart was broken and it took weeks (LOL) for her to start to get over it. Now she and Dr. Shepherd have decided to become friends (meeting up in the mornings to jog, etc.) while he works on his marriage, which he is doing as we saw last night. On the website it says that he and Addison, his wife, are going to discuss a more permanent living arrangement on next week's episode. Hmmmm....

Here's the website. (abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/index.html)

Personally I think the "friends" thing is a bad idea and I think the writers want us to feel that way. When I saw Patrick Dempsey interviewed by Barbara Walters, he said he thought his character's heart was still with Meredith, so we'll have to see!! LOL!

Love,
Brigid

[Sabine]

bf - can we see some pictures of you wearing your burka???

Since some of you ladies know how to make creams, etc...do any of you have any good homemade facial recipes? My daughter always seems me put my facial masks on, and always wants one, but obviously, at age three, she really doesn't need one. So I thought I could make her a facial cream of her own. Maybe something simple with avocados and oatmeal or something? Obviously, I do not want anything harsh, or any chemicals in it. Any ideas?
Aw, how cute ^_^
I read a recipe somewhere for a light banana cream facial thingy...something like mush up a banana, add some honey and a few drops of fresh lemon juice, mix it up, let it sit on for a while, then wash.
Sounds more like dessert to me, but... :rockon:

[federica]

WOMAN'S PERFECT BREAKFAST

She's sitting at the table with her gourmet coffee.
Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box.
Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week.
Her boyfriend is on the cover of Playgirl.
And her husband is on the back of the milk carton.


WOMEN'S REVENGE
"Cash, check or charge?" I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase.
As she fumbled for her wallet, I noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.
"So...... do you always carry your TV remote?" I asked.
"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me,
and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally."


UNDERSTANDING WOMEN
(A MAN'S PERSPECTIVE)

I know I'm not going to understand women.
I'll never understand how you can take boiling hot wax,
pour it onto your upper thigh, rip the hair out by the root,
and still be afraid of a spider.


CIGARETTES AND TAMPONS

A man walks into a pharmacy and wanders up & down the aisles.
The sales girl notices him and asks him if she can help him.
He answers that he is looking for a box of tampons for his wife.
She directs him down the correct aisle.
A few minutes later, he deposits a huge bag of cotton balls and a ball of string on the counter.
She says, confused, "Sir, I thought you were looking for some tampons for your wife?"
He answers,
"You see, it's like this: yesterday, I sent my wife to the store
to get me a carton of cigarettes, and she came back wi th a tin of tobacco
and some rolling papers, cause it's 'sooo-ooo--oo-ooo much cheaper!'.
So, I figure if I have to roll my own .......... so does she!!"

(I figure this guy is the one on the milk carton!)


WIFE VS. HUSBAND

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and
neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,
the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?"
"Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws."


WORDS

A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day...
30,000 to a man's 15,000.
The wife replied, "The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men..."
The husband then turned to his wife and asked-

......."What?"


CREATION

A man said to his wife one day,
"I don't know how you can be
so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time!"

"The wife responded,
"Allow me to explain.
God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me;
God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you!"


AND FINALLY - OR FIRST OF ALL:

God may have created man before woman, but - isn't there always a rough draft before the masterpiece......?

[YogaMama]

Thanks for all the info, Brigid! I have more questions now.....I first started watching Grey's Anatomy with the episdoe of the bomb being in that one patient. So Dylan is the guy that walked away with the bomb, and then it exploded, right? What was his relationship with Meredith? They seemed to have some sort of relationship.

I just want Meredith and Dr. Shepherd to get back together!!

[Brigid]

No, Dylan and Meredith didn't know each other before that episode. Good episode though, eh? That one had me on the edge of my seat for the whole hour! Dylan's pink mist. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Everyone wants Meredith and Shephard to get back together. It's really interesting, though, how sympathetic a character Addison, his wife, is. I'm starting to really like her. They let her be vulnerable and more than one dimensional, which is cool. Well, all the characters are well developed really. Love it.

Love,
Brigid

[Brigid]

Yoga,

That bib lettuce looks gooooood! Not frilly at all. I'll bet it's sweet and buttery. I'll have to look around for it. I'm not a big fan of Iceberg or Romaine letuce. I like dark frilly lettuces and the more delicate ones because I eat a lot of it. I like Boston and it's almost always available.

I have to get over my dislike of chick peas. I have a hard time eating hummus even. But anything with cauliflower or any member of the cabbage family and I'm in. I love blanched broccoli in salad because the florets hold the dressing and that's just sooo goood. As soon as possible I'll start having salads as my main food. It's still a little early up here but soon we're going to have all sorts of fabulous fresh veggies to choose from (I live in farming country) and I need to eat as much watercress as I can.

What are some of your favourite dressings? I like a nice dressing made with rice wine vinegar and a little sugar and garlic and I also like to drizzle olive oil and a little vinegar (not apple cider, can't do it, I've tried and tried...) and I love a good Greek dressing. Actually I think real Greek dressing is just drizzled olive oil and vinegar with a bit of oregano or something simple like that. I have to confess that I really do like Kraft Greek dressing with feta. I know, that's bad. We also have a great company up here called Rene's and she started making dressing with no preservatives and any other junk because her family was sensitive. Now her company has grown and she has a whole line of amazing pure products that are wicked delicious. I'm a big supporter. I emailed her one day raving about her products and she emailed me right back! She asked if she could use some of my comments on her website and I said sure and she sent me a ton of coupons and stuff. She's the coolest and a wonderful business innovator. I love to support that kind of thing. She was doing the raspberry vinaigrette way before it became popular. Now she does all sorts of marinades and dipping sauces and other stuff. I asked her for a buttermilk chive dressing and she promised she'd come up with something by next year.

What else do you grow? I want to get some ideas to expand my choices. I wish we could still grow our own here but we're not physically able to. But we can get tomatoes and a few other things from neighbours which is nice. Before I hurt my back I had a whole vegetable garden planned all done by hand and companion planting, no pesticides or herbicides or anything like that. I loved weeding by hand but now it's out of the question.

BTW, I spoke with my doc about the yoga and he was very enthusiastic. He said he'd already read a number of articles and new studies showing that yoga was far more effective for chronic lower back pain than physiotherapy was. He told me to be patient because it would take a long time to progress and I had to go as slow as a snail and GINGERLY. LOL!! He also ordered me to walk a lot more and be very mindful while doing so. Living on a farm means there are no paved, smooth surfaces anywhere so I have to be extra alert and slow. So as soon as the last of the snow goes I'm going to walk every day.

I'm a chatterbox today. LOL!

Love,
Brigid

[YogaMama]

Hi Brigid,

I can’t believe you still have snow….yuck!! I am so ready for Spring and for my garden. I can’t imagine still having snow right now. I am going to do my Spring Cleanse on April 10th for 5 days…so if I am cranky, you all will know why! I will be eating only fruits and veggies..nothing else. Should be fun!

I agree with you on the lettuces…I never eat ice berg. Once in a while, I will eat Romaine, but I love the more delicate ones like you. But, I do love chickpeas! I just got done eating some. I make this dessert that is called “Chocolate Chickpea Mousse”…..sounds odd, but it is really good. My daughter could eat broccoli at every meal. That and celery. She loves her veggies, thank goodness. Why do you have to eat a bunch of watercress?

Have you heard of Annie’s Dressings? They are SO good. She has this one called Green Goddess, and I could eat it plain. Her products are like Renee’s. All natural, no preservatives, etc. I also make a Spring Onion Dressing. It’s really simple, and so yummy. You just take a cup of plain yogurt, and puree 4 stalks of green onions in it, add some salt, and Voila!! It’s delicious. I haven’t tried that Kraft Greek Dressing. I really like raspberry vinaigrettes as well. I will have to try Renee’s products. I’ll look at the health food store I go to for them. If not, I found her website and will order them from there. I love supporting companies like hers as well. I love companies that are truly interested in people’s health, and not just all about making a profit. My husband and I always get so frustrated with all the big companies that truly do not care about the products they make, and they don’t care what they put in their products, just as long as they make a good profit. I could go on and on about that subject!

This year, we are growing the lettuce I told you about, all sorts of heirloom tomatoes (I think we will have about 16 different tomato plants), kale, carrots, beets, pole beans, sugar snap peas, broccoli, and all different herbs and flowers, We are going to have 2 butterfly gardens in our back yard. I might be forgetting some veggies that we are growing. I will have to look at home. And we do everything organically as well. No pesticides or herbicides either. I think our neighbors must not like our lawn very much because we refuse to use any chemicals on it, so we get weeds and things, but the neighbors are all really nice, and they know us really well, so I just hope they don’t mind! We keep the weeds trimmed, so it still looks nice! LOL. The farmers markets around us open this weekend, so I can’t wait to get some yummy veggies.

Oh good! I am so happy that your doctor was enthusiastic about yoga for you. Yoga truly is amazing. (I just got done doing my yoga workout before posting this, and I feel great now!). My mom has had about 3 back surgeries, and I keep telling her to try yoga, but you know how parents are…they don’t like to listen to their children! LOL. SO do you think you will start out with a yoga dvd? Is there a yoga studio near you? Since you have back problems, I would think a teacher would be very beneficial for you to have. I love my two yoga instructors that I see. Anyways…keep me posted on your progress.

I better run….Kim

[Hanna]

Since you were talking about yoga, I have a couple of questions that might be a bit related.

The back of my left knee is very "tight", has been for months at least. It almost hurts to straighten it completely. Well, not hurts exactly, but something like that. Is there anything I can do about that? Am I making it worse by sitting on my left foot a lot? (I'm short and have short legs, and though I can reach the floor it's not comfortable to sit that way because the soles of my feet are just barely resting on the floor making it feel unsteady. The fact all chairs we have at home are slightly higher at the front of the seat doesn't make it better. >_<

Also, my right leg feels "thicker" than my left when I'm sitting on the floor or on my knees, etc, anything I can do about that?

[YogaMama]

Hmmmm...did you injure yourself while doing yoga? It almost sounds like the pain in the back of your knee is realted to a ligament back there. I don't think muscle pain would last that long if you simply pulled a muscle. Sitting on your left foot might be putting pressure on there, so maybe try to not sit like that for a while and see what happens.

If you look at your legs, does one look more muscular than the other? Not really sure why one feels thicker than the other...sorry!

[Brigid]

Yoga,

All those veggies you're growing sound great. There's nothing in the world like a fresh, ripe juicy tomato right off the vine in your own backyard. Yum. On flax toast! My favourite.

If you have a good camera or a digital one you can get some amazing shots of the butterflies in your two gardens. With digital you can do so many things like enlarge them and frame them. A cool interior design idea would be to get 9 different photos of nine different butterflies from the same distance in roughly the same position (wings spread, wings folded, just taking off, or whatever), get them blown up and framed in thin black frames (because black makes bright colours pop out at you) and hang them 3 on top of 3 on top of 3, like a square. It's a very ordered look and pleasing to the eye. It would look like a gallery. That would be stunningly gorgeous. Or if you don't get nine different butterflies just do the same one in different positions or whatever you like. You get the idea. It's a really beautiful look and I bet Emma would love them.

I was just going to use the YogaJournal but maybe I should get a DVD. My best friend Stephanie is a very special advanced yoga teacher (she studies in India every year) but she lives too far away and I don't have anybody else to help me. So maybe a DVD would be the best idea. I'll let you know. I couldn't afford an instructor anyway unless my insurance company would pay. Maybe I'll call them.

I'll keep you posted though.
Give Emma big gentle hugs from me.

Love,
Brigid

[YogaMama]

I love that idea for the pictures of butterflies! That would look great in Emma's bedroom. We do have an excellent digital camera, so I will tell my husband your idea. He is an artist, so I am sure he would get some amazing pictures. He took this picture of our daughter last summer, and I just love it:

[YogaMama]

Also...YogaJournal magazine is an excellent place to start. I subscribe to that magazine and I just love it. There are also some great beginner dvd's out there that would be great for you. Check out Yoga Journal's Step-By-Step dvd's with Natasha Rizopoulous. She is amazing, and her dvd's walk you through each pose, thoroughly. You can go at your own pace, which is nice. You can find her dvd's on the YogaJournal website. Have you been to their site? Tons of good info there as well.

Kim

[Brigid]

That photo is amazing!! It's gorgeous! I love the sepia tone. I'm so glad you like the butterfly picture idea. I bet your husband would do a beautiful job! He's got the eye, that's for sure.

I don't have YogaJournal as the mag, only the website. I'll look for Natasha Rizopoulos' DVDs. Thanks for the tip. :)

That photo has such great textures and I like the gentle lighting, too. Beautiful composition. And I love Emma's hat. LOL! So cute. And the tilt of her head. Sometimes I wish I could remember what kind of things I was thinking about at that age. Probably happy thoughts because I remember being very happy when I was little.

Love,
Brigid

[YogaMama]

I am glad you like the picture. Needless to say, it is framed and hanging in our house.

That's great that you remember being happy as a child. I hope my daughter always has happy memories of when she was little.

[sharpiegirl]

Hi Ladies. I received this link from my cousin today. It is something I have never heard of and is quite scary...take a look...another thing we need to look out for....:eekblue:


http://ww3.komotv.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=785456&

[federica]

Can't play it because a specific prog isn't installed on this system....the system is virtually full anyway, and it's not my pc....

Sharpie, could you elaborate for me, please?

[sharpiegirl]

Of COurse! This was actually found on the 'click-a-day' link you had sent, Fede!

It was a video of a newsbroadcast in Seattle, Washington. It featured three or four woman who have either been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed, or are being treated for Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
Not very many woman have heard of it. Many think that if there is no lump, it isn't cancer. Therefore they don't get checked out. The scary thing is that a self exam will not detect it -even a mammogram may not!
The reporter called three different cancer support centers and not one of them had heard of it!
I copied and pasted (taken from the official website, http://www.ibcresearch.org/) some of the symtoms.


Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, IBC

One or more of the following are Typical Symptoms of IBC.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A LUMP TO HAVE BREAST CANCER*

Rapid, unusual increase in breast size

Redness, rash, blotchiness on breast

Persistent itching of breast or nipple

Lump or thickening of breast tissue

Stabbing pain and/or soreness of breast

Feverish breast

Swelling of lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone

Dimpling or ridging of the breast

Flattening or retracting of nipple

* If you suddenly develop a lump or mass, have it checked immediately. We have one reported case where a 9x8x5cm lump developed in only three weeks.

Use caution when relying on the interpretations and reports of the mammogram or ultrasound! Inflammatory breast cancer usually grows in nests or sheets, rather than as a confined solid tumor. IBC may not be detected using either mammography or ultrasonography. Increased breast density compared to prior mammograms should be considered suspicious. Remember: You don't have to have a lump to have breast cancer.

Please see the IBC Slide Presentation, and especially slides 12 and 13: a mass was found in only 15% of mammograms of IBC patients in a peer-reviewed retrospective review of mammograms and IBC.

Pictures of some symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, effects of steroids, and how skin metastases may appear can be viewed at Pictures.


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The National Cancer Institute, NCI, describes the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer as:

A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area

A change in the size or shape of the breast

Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple pulled back (inversion) into the breast

Ridges or pitting of the breast (the skin looks like the skin of an orange)

A change in the way the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple looks or feels (for example, warm, swollen, red, or scaly)

[Simonthepilgrim]

Please do not forget that, whilst about 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses are among men, 0% of testicular cancer cases are women.

[federica]

The same can be said, in reverse, regarding ovarian cancer.....

Cancer is a shit illness, wherever it is...... but thanks to research, new advances in medication, and quicker and more efficient intervention, less cancer is terminal than it once was.
And we can all give up a prayer of thanks for that, can't we?

[inthedharma]

I have just read this whole thread.......I love this.....If anyone wants to go back to the menopause issue.....I'd love to go there.
I think this would have been a better place to bring up the book I'm reading........

inthedhamra

[Brigid]

This is a great thread, isn't it? Tell us about the book, ITD. I'm interested in what you think about it. I haven't read it but my sister has and she loved it dearly. I've also heard a lot of other people talk about it. How about a synopsis so far?

[LatinaMermaid]

I just found this thread and becuase I am squeezing in soem computer time this AM , have not read whole thread. But I love it.

Menopause posts? Which? How about perimenopau