Mom's Home

Guest post written by our friend Jan Petersen

My mom has been asking me about Direct TV Newark for the new house because apparently dad really misses all the football channels he had at the old place. They recently bought this small ranch-style house because they were looking to downsize after years of living in a way too big five-bedroom. I'm really happy that they are making some changes that will make their life easier but if mom doesn't stop calling me asking house questions I think I'm going to go crazy. It's like I'm her personal decorator turned real estate agent and sometimes I just can't keep up with all of her house issues as well as all the things I have going on in my own life. The next thing you know she's going to ask me to come over and help her decorate the place and that's where I'm going to have to draw the line. Even my own house isn't even close to being decorated the way I want it to be so I can't start on hers yet. 

Direct from Lab:Dental Guards

From past experience, from the damage that Cipro did to my feet, I purchased Custom Made Orthotics online, from a kit that was mailed to me. I saved a ton of money by using an online, direct from the lab, website. I have been wearing these orthotics every day for almost two years. I am completely satisfied with my purchase, and am now going to purchase a Custom Dental Night Guard from another, online, direct to you lab.

Recently, I had a crown put on a tooth that broke, due to a very old filling. While I was in the dental chair, waiting for the dentist, I saw a small manila envelope with my name on it. I picked it up and looked inside; there was my crown and the invoice for the crown. I was being charged, by my dentist, $895 for the crown; the invoice for the crown was $49.95. Quite a mark-up wouldn’t you say? I have yet to get over that crazy mark-up, so I was very pleased to see a direct to you dental lab that is custom making dental guards, from actual impressions of your teeth, and mailing them directly back to you.

So, if you know that you are in need of a dental guard because you grind your teeth at night, or you suffer from TMJ, or you just want trays for professional whitening, without going to the dentist and paying, not only for their expertise, but there mark-yup, too; then you might wasn’t to check out Direct from the Lab. They seem to offer a variety of dental guards, and maybe someday they will offer crowns, too!

Open Back Surgery

When faced with the probability of open back surgery, it is imperative to do your homework. There are different approaches and options and you should be certain to investigate each and every one. It seems as though there are different techniques, and in my opinion, the least invasive procedure would me my choice.

Open back surgery can be performed through an AccuraScope D.N.D. which is a minimally invasive surgery that requires less damage to the skin, muscle, ligaments, bone, blood vessels, nerves, and normal disc tissue that the more traditional open back surgery. This not only increases your success rate, but also lessens your recovery period.

Not Spending Valentine's Day in the Hospital this Year!

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I am starting to look around for unusual gifts for him…..if you know what I mean. Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a special day, and I often find myself a bit overwhelmed when trying to choose a perfect gift.

Last year, my “perfect gift” was actually leaving the hospital, after spending eight days being treated for chronic myelogenous leukemia. While I still have CML, it is much more under control, and I have been able to stay out of the hospital for almost the entire year. That has been wonderful….but now the pressure is on! What do you get a guy that needs nothing, and has everything? We still have massages and wine tasting from Santa, so that will not do, and I am not getting into a hot air balloon or jumping out of a plane, soooooo…….suggestions, Please!

Love to Buy Fabric Online!

One of my greatest weaknesses is my love of fabrics and beads. Having been an interior designer for the past 30-ish years, it is apparent that I pay a bit more attention to the fabrics, that I see, than most people. With the availability to now purchase fabrics on-line, I have been able to afford to purchase P Kaufmann fabric, instead of a knockoff. Fabric and bead sites offer a great variety and price, to otherwise, often un-affordable goods. Now I am able to point and click, save money, and get exactly what I want without ever leaving home! Love it!!

My current project is creating "Gone with the Wind" draperies for my best friends, "Gone with the Wind" memorabilia room. She and I just both love "Gone with the Wind," whether it is the book of the movie. She has the greatest collection ever, and I cannot wait to see her completed room. Of course, this means that I need to get my act in gear and get those draperies sewn. Pictures will definitely follow!

New Year Cipro Goal!

OK, so the New Year has brought on a new and renewed vow to continue to strengthen my Cipro poisoned body. It has been nearly two years since I was poisoned, for the second time, by the anti-biotic called Cipro, or Ciprofloxen. I feel as though I am one of the very fortunate, as I have seen a remarkable improvement to my condition over the past 6 months.

I am now able to use and bend my toes again, and am also able to go up and down stair cases, like a normal person. I no longer feel as though my Achilles will rupture if I a wrong step, or that my knees will blow out if I waltz. I am no longer, regularly dependent upon braces on my feet, ankle and knees and can get in and out of the bath tub, without help. All of this is a huge improvement and I am eternally grateful.

So, this year, I am going to attempt to continue to strengthen by damaged body, in an attempt to return to my pre-Cipro poisoned body. One of the way that I am going to do so, is yoga, the other is walking. Being that I am a dancer, the walking must include tunes! For Christmas, “Santa” got me the coolest bluetooth stereo headphones; I absolutely love them, since there is no dangling wire. I know that this may not seem like a big deal to some, but it is for me. You see, even though I am a dancer, I am also a klutz. Before, when I used to walk with my I Pod, I had the headphones that connected to it; and as I walked, I would yank the daggone ear buds out of my ears at least four or five time on every walk. Now, with the bluetooth stereo headphones, not only can I hear music in both ears, I can actually swing my arms around to the music without pulling the headphones out of my ears.

Yes, if you ever see me walking down the road, I will be the person that everyone is pointing and laughing at! Cheers, to me!

Having fun putting together my kids' Halloween party

Guest post written by Mary Long

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, despite me not really liking scary movies or anything too spooky. I think that I like the kids' version of the Halloween so much better. So when my daughter asked if she could have a Halloween party at our house, I didn't hesitate before saying yes. I was actually glad that she asked!

i looked online with my Philadelphia wireless internet to find some good ideas for all the decorations and activities that I wanted for the party. When I was online, I found all kinds of ideas. Almost way too many to try out!

For the kids Halloween party, I'm working on some Halloween activities for them to do, including painting some small pumpkins. I've found this really good recipe for Halloween candy bark that I'm going to fix. I just might have to make an extra batch of it for myself! I want to make sure that there's enough refreshments for all of the kids. I've also invited the parents to stay and have some fun too, so hopefully some of them will.

Safety Pool Fence

Living in southern California often means living in a home with a pool in the back yard. If you have a pool in your backyard and you have young children, either your own, or visiting children, that do not know how to swim, it would be a great idea to install a safety pool fence.

My very favorite safety pool fence is the type that can be put up quickly when children are there and taken down just as quickly when it is not needed. Cool idea, huh?

Do Yourself a Favor and Quit Smoking

OK, so for all of you smokers out there that just cannot seem to quit, here is a great solution for you. For less than one hundred dollars, you can purchase a really cool pack of Premium Blu Electronic cigarettes. These premium e-cigarettes have improved performance and better functionality that the original e-cigarettes. Onepack of Blu cigarettes contains five cartridges with two electronic cigarette batteries, one wall charger, a USB charger and here is the coolest part; it contains two classic tobacco cartridges, one cherry crush cartridge, one magnificent menthol cartridge and one java jolt cartridge.

I mean, who knew? I never knew that electronic cigarettes had flavors and cool cases. They produce a vapor, so you will feel as though you are actually smoking. A blue light lights up to let you know that it is working and your Blu cigarettes charge while you are on the go.

So, do yourself, your friends and your family a favor and bite the bullet; spend the money and order a pack of Premium Electronic Blu cigarettes. Your health and the health of those around you, not to mention your pocketbook will thank you. And while you are at it, try ordering a pack of Vivid Vanilla just for kicks. Just think no more having to leave the bar or the dinner table to go outside and smoke; you won’t need to worry about cigarette breath when standing under mistletoe either.

Just a little holiday tip from me to you; a great jump start on your New Year’s resolution.

Underwater Cameras

With Christmas being right around the corner, finding the perfect gift for your friends and family can be a bit tricky. One idea for the person on your list that like to snorkel, scuba dive or just plain loves the water is underwater cameras. Some of my very favorite vacation pictures are one that I have taken underwater. Even if you are the type of person that likes to stay on the boat and take pictures, with an underwater camera, you don’t have to worry about it getting wet!

Longer Lashes?

Sometimes I get the craziest requests to write about the craziest things. Today it is about an eyelash growth product. Now, since I had to have chemotherapy, because of my Leukemia, I figured that this might actually be something I would be interested in. They claim to have clinically proven ingredients, in their products, that will help to stimulate the growth of new lashes and to thicken the existing ones. I shall keep you posted it I decide to give it a shot!

Looking for a Herbalife Distributor?

I am sure that you have at least heard of Herbalife at some point in your lifetime. They are a global nutrition and weight management company that sells their products exclusively through independent distributors around the world. Not only do they sell nutritional products, they also offer many people to become independent business owners.

The below video will explain how distributors can maximize their internet visibility through Google searches. Herbalife has been around a very long time and has designed a plan that distributors can follow in order to be successful in their businesses. I am not a Herbalife Distributor, but I am very familiar with the way that independent distribution businesses work; in order for others to be successful, you must have a solid foundation and a workable plan. This video demonstrates how to position yourself and your business in a higher ranking position in Google. So, if you are looking for a distributer or looking to purchase products, then be sure to check out the video.

Cipro Poisoning Sucks!

So, I guess there are two things bothering me today:

1. Cipro poisoning SUCKS! I know that I should be grateful for the improvements that I have made, and I AM however, I am still so irritated that my body has been so compromised by Cipro. The fact that they continually dispense this drug without informing the patient of the potential side effects is criminal!

Of course, my small improvement of being able to slightly bend my toes caused me to test my limits and try to walk and dance like a normal person. That would be USING my toes and pushing off with my toes as opposed to walking and dancing on my heels. That unfortunately led to a bit of a toe injury on my right foot, yup, the BIG TOE! Ugh, wonder how long it will take that to heal?

2. I hate the inflammation underneath the skin that causes the skin itself to be so tender that you don't want to sit or lie on it. The back of my thighs are killing me today, thank God it seems to be an intermittent side effect. It is so strange because een the slightest touch makes them feel as tough they are on fire! It has been long 5 months now.

So that being said, I hope those of you that have never been effected by Cipro, Levaquinn, Avelox, or any other floroquinolone, take my advice and steer clear of this poison! For those of you in the same boat or worse off, my best wishes to you and I hope you are having one of those "good" days!

Staying organized everywhere

Guest post written by Penny Stone

It's a constant struggle for my household to stay organized. But with four kids, I guess that's no surprise. I have my faults when it comes to that too. So I decided that we would spend a weekend organizing the house and maybe if we all put work into it, we would like to keep it that way.

While I was online looking for some tips online about how to get kids organized and stay organized, I saw some info on Sears Countertop Replacement. It ends up that once we cleaned up the countertop in our kitchen, it looked pretty old. It's funny how doing one thing in your home reminds you that you need to address other areas in your home, too.

My one area of focus, though, was garage storage. That's where we really needed it. All of the kids toys are just thrown around in there and I'm always tripping over them to get to my car in the mornings. But that problem is hopefully resolved now. Or at least I'm hoping that it will stay resolved since I made the kids go through all of that trouble.

Beware of the Antibiotic Cipro!

I am writing this article based on my own personal experience. I am hoping to bring awareness of the side effects of the antibiotic Cipro or Ciprofloxin. I understand that Levoquin and Avelox have the same side effects.

I will preface this article with the knowledge that I have been dancing regularly, 4-5 times a week for 3 years and that dancing is not a new activity for me.

On April 16th, 2010 I started taking Cipro for a bladder infection. On April 17th, 2010 we taught a 4 1/2 hour dance workshop, something we do every other weekend. On April 18th, 2010 I could barely walk. Upon getting out of bed, my feet felt as though I were walking on razor blades and the joints, muscles and tendon in my legs were in excruciating pain. As the day progressed, the pain remained and I was puzzled as to how the workshop could possibly be responsible for my inability to walk. I continued taking Cipro.
On April 19th, 2010 I awoke with the same pain, plus additional hip pain. I just kept thinking that something was really odd and that this leg pain could not possibly be from dancing. That evening I started getting sharp, stabbing pains in my left leg. I began to wonder if I could possibly have a blood clot, so I went to the internet to look up the side effects of Cipro. While I was pleased to realize I didn't have a blood clot, I was appalled that my muscle, joint and tendon pain was a side effect of Cipro. I stopped taking the drug immediately and contacted my doctor and two pharmacists.

My doctor was shocked and claims he has never seen this side effect and offers no management, treatment or prognosis. The pharmacists are more aware but have a "it might get better, it might not " attitude. After hours of research I have found that Cipro has landed many in wheelchairs and walking with canes. It can hit your body while taking it or months later. For some it seems that the side effects reverse themselves as soon as the medication is out of their bodies, for others the suffering lingers for years. You can develop symptoms months after you stop taking the drug. If you have or have had unexplained muscle, joint and tendon pain, or ruptured tendons or been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis and have taken Cipro, be sure to alert your Dr. and never take it again.

I believe that the percentage of incidences that the drug companies report are way understated. It occurred to me, after this episode, that one year ago I suffered from a popped tendon in my right foot. It took 7 months for that injury to heal. I confirmed the dates and sure enough, I was on Cipro when the injury occurred. I never put 2 and 2 together to make the correlation of the injury as a side effect to the antibiotic. I know know differently and have reported my side effects to the drug manufacturer and the FDA.