Bring Back the Splash- Donate Today

Having the community pools open this summer means children having a safe place to play in the water. Some learning how to swim with inexpensive to free swim lessons. Seniors enjoying affordable aquatic fun for exercise and social well being.

http://www.tucsonparksfoundation.org/projects/summer-splash/

Generous donations have been give to help fund the opening of the following pools:

Jacobs Pool – FUNDED!
Purple Heart Pool – FUNDED!
Menlo Pool – FUNDED!
Mansfield Pool – FUNDED!

Our Tucson community continues to need donations for the following pools:

Palo Verde Pool
….NEED DONATIONS
Himmel Pool
….NEEDS DONATIONS
Escalante Pool
….NEEDS DONATIONS
Kennedy Pool
….NEEDS DONATIONS
Jesse Owens Pool
….NEEDS DONATIONS
Freedom Pool
….NEEDS DONATIONS
Mission Manor Pool
….NEEDS DONATIONS

Please donate today with online donations Bring Back the Splash Donations 

or

Send in your donations to:

Tucson Parks Foundation
c/o Summer Splash 2012
600 S. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85711.

Walmart Rage

I try to avoid going out at night by myself or kids, but last night I took that drive to Walmart. Little did I know I would soon be reminded why its not safe to be out with so many nuts walking, driving around.
My 16 year old and I went to get a few supplies I needed for shipping. The Walmart was packed, lines were long, toddlers screaming, and a full line of customers trying to return items. I quickly got what I needed and got out. That's when it happened. I'm backing out of my parking space, I didn't see another SUV doing the same, she honked. I stopped, honk and see the space in front of me is empty, I drive through it. As I'm driving the woman is screaming at me and I roll down my window and wave her away. No I did not flip her off as much as I wanted to or scream back.
"Geez, lady what's wrong with you?"
It doesn't end there.. She cuts through the lot and almost hits me forcing me to suddenly stop, my son is getting angry. I don't say a word and turn my car to leave the other exit. She follows and blocks me again, still screaming who knows what and flipping me off. She has a 8 or 9 year old doing the same. I see the security guard surely he's seen this confrontation and will help me. NOT
I park next to him, while the lady is still yelling and circling around my car. He finally rolls down his window and when I roll down mine she comes running to it and starts yelling. Challenging me to get out, how dare I honk back at her!! Really lady!! Get out and fight over a honk?? She's telling me obscenities and my son had enough. He starts yelling at her and I quickly tell him to stop. Why you ask? Because unlike her I'm teaching my son that some things or people are not worth it. The security guard never gets out of his car. She finally stops screaming, get in her car and slowly drives off, waiting for me to leave. I ask the security guard "Hello, where were you?? You were supposed to help me!" All I get was, "was she yelling at you??" I'm angry, I call and report her plates, description to police. Of course they do nothing but take a report. 
Last time I ever shop at the Walmart and I will think twice when asking a security guard to help me to my car!! Crazy world we live in, where I can't sleep worried someone will come through our window and snatch my kids or a ticked off, road rage Walmart nut will drive me off the road!!
What would you do in this situation??   

Bag Holder

Perfect solution to messy trash bins left with the garbage piled on top of the fallen bag.

Here's the easy to follow instructions on how to create your own 

Garbage Can Bag Holder

Thank you, Sweet Floweret, for the ingenious, cute idea.  

Awesome Deal for Laundry

Washing clothes could not have gotten any more affordable this week!

Check out the deal at Albertson's! ( not my favorite store, but I'll take advantage a deal anywhere)

Fab detergent 32 loads

Final Touch softener 70 loads

for only $0.99 ea.

Get your in-store coupon with the cashier. Limit 1 each.

I took my hubby along for this trip! We got two of each:)

*These can be used on HE washers!!

Indoor fun

Its raining, its pouring and this ol' lady is NOT snoring. The kids are up and ready for a day of fun outside but its too cold to let out their energy. So this mami has decided to find ways to keep their little feet moving.

I found a piece of yarn (wish it was a brighter color) and taped it to the floor. 

I taught them the basics of jump rope and they were on their way taking turns jumping, making "fancy" jumps and making up games.

Perfect activity for my 3 and 4 year old kids:)

Getting Ready for St. Patty's Get Together

I made our security door more welcoming with this "rags to wreath" creation

Welcome, Mamis!

Here's what I used:

Scraps of left over fabric (1/2' x 8') and wire from a ripped frisbee.

Double knot the scraps on the wire until you fill the circle.

Irish Luck banner 

Four leaf template used on card stock paper.

Can't wait for everyone to come over to have some green fun!!

 



How to Duggie: Cleaning Stove Burners

Inspired by the Duggar family, I am making this year about homemade, from scratch recipes. & adding to the list homemade cleaning products!!

Pinterest is my new addiction. I love looking for new ways to make my household chores easier. I came across this idea and I jumped on it!! Amazed at the results!

Yes, I  know my grills were bad. I was standing my ground in having my hubby be the one to scrub these. Well as you can see I was losing my battle. I now will do them myself and he can focus on making sure he takes out the garbage and helping with other chores ;)

 Place stove burner in ziploc bag, pour 1/4 c. of ammonia, soak overnight

Wipe it down with a wet sponge (I added dish soap) 

You're job is done!!

Can't take credit for this amazing tip, here is the blog I found it in The V Spot: Cleaning Stove Burners

THANK YOU, V SPOT!!

Straight Talk With Esme

"How do I deal with the overwhelming stress of wanting to do it all for others and not being able to say no??"  

This is a good one!  We have all been here at one point in time and many of us just never get out of this funk. There is absolutely nothing wrong at all with helping others. It becomes a problem when that help or assistance you are providing, affects your OWN personal life. Helping those in need is fabulous but not at the cost of your health, time and sanity!
 
Here are a few tips that may help:

• Identify when you can and can't help others. Just because you want to help doesn't mean you are able to.
• If you are able to help, make sure it will not set you back or affect you in a negative way. Know how much you can help and recognize when you have reached your limit.
• If you are not able to help, be strong enough to say "No!” You don't have to be mean about it just say "I would love to help you but at this time I cannot help". It's ok to say no, it doesn't make you a mean person it makes you capable identifying your abilities.
• Do not let people take advantage of your generosity. Recognize that unfortunately people will and most likely have already taken advantage of you after you have offered to help. If this happens don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and let them know that they have over exceeded your help.
• Remember, you have to take care of number one and that is you! You cannot help others- your children, your parents, and your spouse and so on- if you are not well enough to do so.  

 

For the sake of your well being, learn how to balance yourself with what you can and cannot take on. Sometimes that balance can be as easy as saying "No".

Irma "Esme" Covarrubias is a beautiful mother of 6 who offers her advice with a straight forward answer. We offer you the opportunity to submit your questions or concerns to Straight Talk.Your identity will be kept anonymous.

 

Straight Talk With Esme

On her desk sits this question:

"Help, I think I'm addicted to FB, It's taken over my life! How do I stop feeding into the drama?"

The Advice:

Life brings us many obstacles, challenges...hell life is a constant test on what we can handle, how we handle it and what we learn. There will always be someone or something that will challenge you to your limits, that will test you like no other, no matter how big or small, how minuet or intense it is, you must remember that you and only you have control of your life! With that said: FB is intended as a way to connect or re-connect with old friends or long lost family, keep contact, network and so on. That is exactly what it should be used for, not for airing out dirty laundry or bashing and trashing friends and/or family. Some people are all about the drama, that doesn't have to be you.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Decide if you want to keep your FB account and use it for the great things it is really intended for.
• Carefully look at everyone on your friends list and decide who is worth of keeping and delete those who are not.
• Limit the time you are online, and enjoy the real life!

• Give yourself a 30 day challenge (it takes 30 days to form a habit) ;-)

Irma "Esme" Covarrubias is a beautiful mother of 6 who offers her advice and will tell you like it is. We offer you the opportunity to submit your questions or concerns to Straight Talk. Your identity will be kept anonymous.

 

Carpe Diem!!

My daddy inspires me:

I was in the room when the doctor tells us there is nothing more he can do for my dad. Only more medicine to add to his large daily regimen of colorful pills. For now his heart is stable, blood pressure uncontrollable. The doctor cannot fix my daddy. My dad sits there quietly through the news, smiles and leaves the room.
What would I do if I heard the news about me? I don't know.
We are driving home, thoughts are running through my mind. What is he thinking? Is he scared? Will he fall into depression like most people in his situation? His reaction to the news inspires me!!  

He goes to the barber. He says he needs to look his best!
The rest of the day, he laughs, enjoys his grandchildren. He asks for his son in law to join him for dinner in front of the television, watch a hockey game he will never understand. We had a great visit.

I need to seize the day! Conquer the fears of loss and look my best, smile that I am given another day of life. Enjoy my children, my love, and my family! I will enjoy every day I am granted with my dad. I will live it to the fullest because after all this daddy's girl has nothing to lose and all to gain!!!

CHALLENGE: Wake up. Sit at the edge of the bed and before you step off, smile:) Get up and look your best. Get your makeup, do your hair. You may not feel it but soon your beauty will inspire a brighter day. Walk with confidence, love your day. Every day!!

Seize the Day!!

Pepperoni Casserole

Another easy recipe for your family. Enjoy!

Pepperoni Casserole

Ingredients

 1 lb. ground beef

1 12 oz package of No Yolk egg noodles

1 c. Kraft Italian five cheese mix

1 c. medium cheddar cheese

1 c. parmesan cheese

1 26 oz Ragu traditional sauce

30 sliced Hormel pepperoni

Directions

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper until evenly brown. Drain and set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles in boiling water until cooked thoroughly. Drain.
4. Evenly spoon 1 cup of sauce on 9x13 in baking dish. Pour noodles over sauce, followed by the ground beef and Italian five cheese mixture. Pour remaining sauce over layers and finish it with the cheddar cheese, parmesan and rows of pepperoni.
5. Bake in oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Stock Pile Begins ~ 2012 ~

Starting a stock pile with the things my family and my parents need. Here's a trip to CVS:

12 Packs of Coke product drinks $1.75 each

3 Conditioners $1.66 each

Better deal than the Dollar Store!!

2 Irish Spring 2packs $0.48 each

2 SoftSoap $0.59 each

4 Dawn $0.62 each.

Paid $17.74

SAVED: $41.06

Clipped Coupons: $11.80

EBs: $0.50 saved for my next trip:)

Chicken Veggie Medley Crescent Bake

It’s an easy recipe but sure to impress your family. It’s delicious!

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

2 cups cheddar cheese

2/3 cup of Italian dressing

16 oz. California style Veggie Mix frozen- cooked and drained
(this mix includes broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)

2 (8 ounce) Pillsbury Crescent Butter Flake Rolls 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.


Mix chicken, veggies, cheese and dressing in large bowl.

Unroll one of the crescent roll dough, and arrange flat on a greased baking sheet. (I used 15x10 jelly roll pan) Spread mix evenly on over rolls.

Use the other crescent roll and stretch over the mixture, pinching the ends together.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 mins until lightly brown.

And here is the final result...

Not a typical serving size. My love likes a big plate of this delicious meal each time I make it.

Enjoy!!

How to Duggie: Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Inspired by the Duggar family, I am making this year about homemade, from scratch recipes.

To get started I made this morning a big batch of hot chocolate mix. This recipe is good for approximately 14 cups of hot chocolate goodness.

*Recipe found on Mountain Maid Instant Nonfat Dry Mix

Ingredients:
2 cups Instant nonfat dry milk
1/2 cups cocoa, unsweetened
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients.

Store in airtight container. I recycled my Folgers coffee 33.9 oz container. I doubled the recipe and filled about 3/4 of the way.

To make cup of hot chocolate, mix 1/4 c. dry mix with 1 c. boiling water.

Gift Idea: Pour 3 1/4 cup of the mix (depends of mug) into a plastic bag and wrap it up for a special person to enjoy.

Place a card with instructions and gift it in a mug.

Enjoy!