Friday, July 8, 2016

Microwave Popcorn Popper Maker
No Oil Needed #FatherDayGifts


Microwave Popcorn Popper Maker - No Oil Needed #FatherDayGifts



Oma is always looking for a quick and easy snack; both for herself and the grandsons. This microwave popcorn popper really works well. When I make the popcorn for myself, I use the low-cal version. You simply place ¼ cup of popcorn kernels in the silicone container and snap on the lid. After two minutes in your microwave you have a warm and fresh snack. (it helps you avoid trans fats)


The Cestari Microwave Popcorn Popper comes with a money back guarantee, is easy to clean, and lays flat for easy storage. It is a ‘must have’ for your kitchen.

Susan MacDowell, Cestari Kitchen's CEO, says that "We designed the popper from high grade silicone that is safe to use with both dry and wet ingredients at high temperatures, and are glad to see customers using it in innovative ways. Caramel sauce can be sticky and tough to clean, but with our popper the hardened sugar residue washes right off."


Product Description



Silicone (BPA free) Microwave Popcorn Popper Maker

Any former experience you had about popcorn popper maker will be blown away by these popcorn maker.

    Microwave Popcorn Popper Maker - No Oil Needed #FatherDayGifts
  • SMART INVESTMENT - Reusable, High-Quality, Lifetime Guarantee!
  • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY! - BPA free, FDA approved, Eco-friendly!
  • IT WILL LAST FOREVER! - Anti stain and Easy to Clean, Dishwasher friendly!
  • FUN & ALL-PURPOSE! - Heat resistant & Microwave, Freezer and Dishwasher Safe!
  • LIFETIME WARRANTY - No questions asked refund and lifetime warranty!




Microwave Popcorn Popper Maker - No Oil Needed #FatherDayGifts

Cestari Kitchen Website










Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, July 1, 2016

A Struggle with a Light
at the End of the Tunnel

by Stacey Kuhns

 

A few months back, I wrote that I would keep you all updated on the progress Henson and I are making towards getting him trained and certified as my service dog. Time got away from me. I have not really gone anywhere in the last two months except my volunteer job, medical appointments, and Henson's training.

This coming Wednesday, he finally completes his series of shots and can venture out in public. I cannot tell you how excited I am about getting out and about again despite some serious pain issues I have been dealing with lately.

Anyone who has gone through puppy classes/training will understand the feeling of wanting your dog to excel and be the best in the class. I have had to swallow that for the time being as Henson is having some issues in class.

For the most part, he does excellent with training at home. We work on his skills at least twice a day and then throughout the day as the need arises. He attends puppy play at the training center every Thursday night for an hour then an hour of training on Saturday mornings.

The puppy play and training are held in the same area, so every time we go for training Saturday mornings, it takes a bit to calm him down because he thinks he is there to just run and play with his friends. (Just to show you how much fun he did have on Thursday night at puppy play):


Good thing I brought a towel. So, getting back to what I was saying about wanting your puppy to be amazing in class...even at puppy play, Henson was a handful. He ran with dogs bigger than he is and dogs smaller than he is. He loved running around with them, but this past Thursday, there were a lot less dogs there and he was more vocal and more "paws on" with the dogs there.

I had to be with him constantly and the trainers helped me know when he was just playing (learning to play) while vocalizing and when to pull him off the other dogs. Sometimes it is not easy to tell when things are getting out of hand as all the puppies are running around like crazy and jumping on each other. I thought puppy play would be a nice relaxing time for me to just sit on a bench and watch Henson happily interact with the other pups.

Not even close! I was exhausted! Luckily, he is exhausted also afterwards but still wants to get a little crazy and run around and play in the evenings around eight or nine (when I am more than ready to call it a night).

Like I mentioned, at home Henson does very well with training, but in class, he appears distracted and excited by all the other dogs. Just getting him to sit sometimes is a chore. And he learned to sit not too long after I brought him home. Henson has been used in demos in class several times (probably not something to be proud of at all.) Just look at that face. Does that look like a dog who would turn out to be a pain in the ass in class? Hmm, okay well, don't answer that. Anyway, Henson and I both got some individual help after class from one of the trainers. It was great information and something we will be working on.



The class is pretty jam-packed with information and weekly skills. It is a lot to work on but I think that is good as it keeps the puppies engaged in positive behaviors for which they are rewarded. (Henson is now sleeping after the workout this morning at class and the bath afterwards, and if I was smart, I would take advantage of that and take a nap, but I wanted to write this blog).

We have our good days and bad days (as with any child). Sometimes the mornings are fantastic and the evenings are terrible. There was one day last week where I swore I was going to list Henson on craigslist. I won't get into all the gory details of the day except to say there were some potty training mishaps, behavioral issues and all around not listening to mom issues.

By the time I got Henson in his crate that night, I was almost in tears with the joy of knowing I could just crawl into bed. I got to the bed and then noticed the cat vomit on my sheets (right where I lay of course). The tears did come then. We all have those days and nights (hopefully, not with the same set of circumstances) and most of the time, we just muddle through. A good sense of humor is definitely key lately.



Having severe physical disabilities and dealing with a sometimes unruly toddler (yes you, Henson), can be wearing mentally and physically. Each day is a struggle for sure but I do see progress and I do see there is a light at the end of the tunnel as I hope that one day, in the next few years, Henson will be helping me.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving

I admit I am an animal fanatic. I have loved animals of all kinds since I was a very young child (as I have written about in prior blogs). I cannot stand to see an animal (or human) suffer.

This morning, I received a text from my daughter-in-law. Two baby hummingbirds had fallen from a nest in one of their trees. One was dead but the other was still breathing.

Unfortunately, I had a medical appointment to get to before going over to her and my son's house to collect the baby. (My plan was to take it to Acacia Animal Hospital, in Escondido, as they work closely with Project Wildlife and I know for a fact they have a hummingbird rehabilitator available). By the time I got to their home, the baby was in distress due to the heat.


Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns


I know you are not supposed to feed baby hummingbirds if you find them and I knew he would have already been out too long, exposed to the elements without mom. Normally, you want to keep them warm, but because of this horrible heat, I was very concerned about him. If the baby is straining his neck and has his beak open, he is definitely overheated. Unfortunately, this is what I found when I got there.

He expired about a minute after I got there. So sad. Feel like if I had skipped my appointment, I may have had a chance to save him. When I walked into the backyard, the mom was flying around him but of course, there was nothing she could do. I put him in a box on a towel and decided to take him home to bury him.

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns


I was pretty sad as I really was hoping to be able to save him. Even this little life is precious and tore me up inside that he suffered. I have done several rescues and this was the first animal I have lost so I was beating myself up about it.

I sat in the yard for a bit and waited. Sure enough, mom came back. She flew right up to me and fluttered there for awhile. (I will pretend she knows I was trying to help). She then flew onto a branch of a large pine and sat there the entire time. I approached her with the box that held her baby and she stayed right where she was. She did not get spooked or anything.

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns


The baby finally looked at peace by the time I got him to my house.

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns


I created a little sanctuary for him in my yard. RIP little one.

Even the Smallest Life Deserves Saving by Stacey Kuhns


If you find a baby animal of any kind, try to do some research on the internet prior to moving it as some parents leave their babies alone for periods of time. If the baby is injured or in distress, assess the situation and make a decision based on the cues you are seeing and hearing. Acacia Animal Hospital is a good resource to call as well as Project Wildlife, but there is a lot of information at your fingertips. Be aware of weather conditions and other dangers that may affect the baby (or even adult animal in distress). Try to have everything you need at your fingertips prior to touching the animal, such as latex/rubber gloves, a box, towel, and first and foremost, make sure you will be safe before attempting a rescue. Even the smallest lives matter. Even though this rescue did not have the ending I had hoped for, I felt good for trying.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Van Gogh Sunset

by Stacey Kuhns 

 

Van Gogh Sunset by Stacey Kuhns


I have been spending more time in my backyard since I got Henson (the puppy). The other night, I noticed the sunset was gorgeous and reminded me of Van Gogh's paintings, especially Starry Night. 

Van Gogh Sunset by Stacey Kuhns

Van Gogh Sunset by Stacey Kuhns

Van Gogh Sunset by Stacey Kuhns


Thursday, June 23, 2016

ReNeu Dead Sea Premium Skin Care Kit #reNeu




Oma is always looking for skin care products that not only work, but are natural and organic. The ReNeu Dead Sea Premium Skin Care Kit fits the bill. Made of minerals from the Dead Sea*, the set has everything you need to cleanse and re-hydrate your face. I particularly like the mud mask; perfect for my weekly face pampering.

The kit includes:

  • Dead Sea Foaming Antioxidant Cleanser that gently cleanses without leaving any residue. It's enhanced with plant lipids and aloe to sooth and protect it also has coconut and sugar that helps cleanse impurities.
  • Dead Sea Clarifying Toner- Alcohol free, fragrance free, and dye free. Helps prepare the skin for nutrients, helps reduce pore size, is rich in antioxidants and helps dry and sun damaged skin.
  • Dead Sea Rejuvenating Facial Cream- Helps hydrate dry skin and provides a barrier on the skin to protect it. High concentration of aloe, minerals, and vitamins.
  • Dead Sea Mud Mask- This is by far my favorite. This mud mask gently exfoliates and removes impurities as well as providing your skin with essential minerals. Dead sea mud is the most powerful purifying agents in nature. Leaves my skin with a healthy glow.

*The Dead Sea is a unique source of minerals, naturally created under extraordinary climatic conditions. The exceptionally high concentration of these minerals in the Dead Sea area is unparalleled anywhere in the world, and has long fascinated researchers and scientists. In the 18th century, interest in Dead Sea minerals grew with the discovery of their marvelous healing properties, particularly for skin diseases. In the years that followed, the Dead Sea became known internationally as a place offering complete and natural cures for skin problems, and visitors began to travel to the area from all over the world.


Product Description



Refresh your skin with reNeu's Dead Sea Premium Skin Care Kit. Your skin deserves the very best care with a daily dose of minerals from the Dead Sea. This premier skin care set has everything you need for cleansing and hydrating all skin types, even the most sensitive skin. 



This perfect gifts for women is enriched with the salts and 21 life-essential minerals of the Dead Sea. Start with gentle, Foaming Antioxidant Cleanser. Follow with the Clarifying Toner to remove residue and close pores. Follow with the luscious Rejuvenating Facial Cream that hydrates and protects the skin.

Once or twice a week, exfoliate while enriching the skin with Mud from the Dead Sea. These Dead Sea skin care products and gift sets are perfect gifts for women and birthday gifts for women. 

  • CLEANSE~HYDRATE~PROTECT with reNeu Dead Sea Premium Skin Care Set
  • DEAD SEA MINERALS: world renown for healing, nourishing, and therapeutic powers. Waters of the Dead Sea contain 21 life-essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, bromide and calcium.
  • FOAMING ANTIOXIDANT CLEANSER and CLARIFYING TONER: Natural and organic cleanser protects and cleanses away impurities. Antioxidant rich toner closes pores and adjust pH.
  • REJUVENATING FACIAL CREAM: Hydrates and protects skin with high concentration of Aloe, Dead Sea Minerals and Vitamins
  • MUD MASK: Mud from the Dead Sea exfoliates and purifies for healthier, softer skin





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, June 13, 2016

A Happy Day in the Life of an Oma

Reef Indy (2 yrs. 9 mos.) and baby brother Coast Oak (almost 10 mos.)are starting to play together much better. That makes watching them so much easier.



Sunday, June 12, 2016

Reef Indy (2 years - 9 months) experiences his first real balance bike ride while camping.