¤TU¤ - ~Random Thoughts~

Where's George? The traveling of money

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:38:00 -0700

Ever get curious where your green bills have been and where they come from? I always wonder how far a bill has traveled to get into my hands, purse, or coin pouch. After handing the money over, I always wonder where it will go. Of course, I don't lose sleep over thinking that it might end up in the wrong hands, but still the little thought is there from time to time.

So, this is how I came across this website of travel for money. I was in the process of purchasing a few school-related items and my change was $100. On the front of the bill was "www.wheresgeorge.com".

I was curious.......so I went there and registered my 100 dollar bill. It had a long journey, so to speak, to get to my hands. It was very interesting to see exactly where this $100 had been and how long it had taken to get to me. I felt almost sad letting it go later on in the week, I sort of felt like I knew the $100 now.

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Blue Herron having a mid-morning snack

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:21:01 -0700

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Collecting Vintage

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:36:18 -0700

Vintage anymore is something made or created at an earlier date by at least 30 years; anymore though I have seen items and furniture that were made in the 80s labeled as vintage.

Vintage collections as in items or furniture are becoming more and more popular with every year that passes. Earth-friendly ways to go are through vintage items and are not only stylish in many cases but also become a form of conversation piece over time as well.

A local antique dealer or even store can help you capture the collections you want to start in your own home. Some people collect dishes such as milk glass and or pots and pans dated back to the 20s or even earlier.

Below are a few things that I have collected over time through my vintage collection, a Look Book magazine circa 1963, an original print. A glaze-ware ladle, cosmetic bag which dates around 1950s, American flags with 45 stars, and Blue Bird and Oregon burlap potato sack.

My vintage taste comes from my mom and the collections she has throughout my parent's family home. Her collection of furniture is amazing and seems to be growing every year with a new piece from time to time that she picks up at garage sales, estate sales or even from friends giving her pieces that she can add in. My taste is almost all over the place but I manly like to stick to the pieces that are purses, luggage, or even cosmetic cases. I have also been building a great collection of vinyl records as well.

Dip into your local antique store and browse their store collection and see what they have that you might be interested in; you may just start a vintage collection as well.

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The day and the life of a woman and her "Dooce"

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:49:13 -0700

Heather B. Armstrong is one of my all-time favorite bloggers and what she captures on her blog from day to day is one of the many highlights of my busy morning.

For the last few weeks I have been sleeping like a baby....actually, that is a lie, its been quite the opposite to be honest with you. I am not sure if it's the fact that I have been thinking about 50 different things at 50 different times, but I think that's how my brain works all the time....airhead you say, pssshhh. Not sure what the issue is, but sleep is not coming and when it does come it only has a moment with me then leaves once more.

But I digress, on these said nights of tossing and turning I tend to turn to my trusty friend green tea....or wait, I mean the internet; yes the internet is where I find the most comfort. I surf the World Wide Web, being nosey about what my friends are up to on Facebook and also checking out some daily blog reads from time to time. An old high school friend always keeps my mind occupied with music and the latest trends in music over at Flux-Rad, I simply love her mixtapes. And then to cure my obsession with photography and lately New York, I find myself venturing over to Dooce.

Heather has always had some of the greatest blog posts. They are, not only inspiring, but always have a bit of comical humor to them as well. The latest blogs I have been reading on her site are the ones about her recent trip to New York City. I have been longing to visit New York for the longest time now and reading her post make that longing even more.

New York is a beacon on the water for writers. There is inspiration everywhere it seems in the city and I have now begun planning a trip to NYC. I would like to take that trip around the first of the year so that I can really grasp the way "Bringing in the New Year" was meant to be grasped.

So with my New York obsession out in the open, check out what's going on with Heather B. Armstrong and her blog Dooce. While you're at it, ventrue over to Flux-Rad and give Paige a nice hello, as well.

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Never cook without them....

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:25:49 -0700

...What are they?

Kitchen shears.

Because this supersharp gadget makes quick work of cutting up poultry and fish, trimming piecrust, and snipping fresh herbs. And theres no better way to slice kids food into bite-size pieces-right on the plate. Stronger than regular scissors, kitchen shears are made with knife-quality blades, and many models even come apart for easy cleaning. Pick up a pair at your local cooking-supply store.

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Don't fall into the money traps

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Tue, 18 May 2010 08:57:14 -0700

Managing our money is hard enough, so when it comes to overall stupid purchases, why make them?

Rip-offs imply choice. If there's truly no substitute for a particular good or service, then you'll put up with sticker shock. (Think movie theater snacks and certain life-saving medications.)

Read More Here

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Bright and colorful cocktails To brighten anyone's day (Or Evening)

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:07:07 -0700

Kerasi (cherry in Greek)
2 oz. peach vodka
1 oz. cherry puree (just blend fresh pitted cherries)
1/2 oz. peach liqueur
1/2 oz. cherry brandy
1/2 oz. lemon juice
Sparkling wine, like Cava
Shake all ingredients but the Cava over ice and strain into a flute. Top off with Cava. Garnish with a cherry.
___________________________________________
Orange Splash:
2 oz. Absolut Citron vodka
1 oz. Cointrau or triple sec
Splash of fresh lime juice
Splash of orange juice
Pour all ingredients over ice in a shaker or large glass and shake vigorously. Rim a glass with sugar and serve on the rocks. Garnish with an orange slice.
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Watermelon Martini:
3 oz. Katel One Citroen
1 oz. Watermelon Pucker
1/2 oz. Cointreau or triple sec
Splash of lemonade
Splash of 7-Up
Mix all ingredients together over ice, shake, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of watermelon.
___________________________________________
Strawberry Punch:
3 fresh strawberries
3 slices canned pineapple
1/2 oz. pineapple syrup from the can
1/4 oz. lime juice
1/4 oz. simple syrup (dissolve one part sugar in one part boiling water; let cool)
2 oz. white rum
Muddle fruit. Pour over ices with other ingredients; shake. Garnish with fruit.
___________________________________________
Periodista (journalist)
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 tsp. sugar
Splash of apricot brandy
1/2 cup apricot puree (blend fresh apricots)
Splash of triple sec
1 1/2 oz. Bacardi light run
Twist of lime
Shake all ingredients over ice, then strain into a glass. Garnish with skewered dried apricots and a slice of lime.

If you are having a party or get-together and plan on serving drinks like the ones here, try this easy, crowd pleaser recipe.

Easy Vodka Cream Sauce:
3 cans (28-oz.)crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
1 pkg. (3.1oz) Ball® Simple Crations Italian Style Marinara Sauce Mix
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion (about 1 small)
1 tbs. minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
1/2 cup vodka
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1. Combine tomatoes, water and content of package in a medium saucepan.
2. Heat to a boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Reserve 2 cups. Set aside.
3. Cool remaining sauce, about 30 minutes. Ladle sauce into clean freezer jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Apply lids. Refrigerate up to three weeks or freeze up to one year.
4. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, about 3 minutes. Add vodka. Cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
5. Add marinara sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Add cream. Simmer additional 2 minutes. Serve warm over pasta.
Yield: about 3 cups.

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With every season brings change

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:57:50 -0700

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The Earth and Me Go Green

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:33:53 -0700

Make yourself try one new thing a week, be it a new drink or a new activity. Even if it turns out to be gross or not your cup of tea, it was worth it to give it a go. Never short-change yourself the opportunity to try something you wouldnt otherwise, who knows you might find your new regular drink or routine.

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Curious what lurks under the water?

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:47:00 -0700

On January 23rd, 1960, two deep sea divers named, Lieutenant Don Walsh of the US Navy (marine specialist); and oceanographer Jacques Piccard were the first to reach to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. And located north of New Guinea and about 250 miles southwest of Guam off the Mariana Islands. Their diving took them about 36,000 feet below the sea level line. Unfortunately their efforts would be the last due to the depths of the abyss and no other person has been able to copy their feats into the deep and see the area with their own eyes.

Due to the fact of not having the resources or just plain not having the nerve to copy Walsh and Piccards journey to the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean there is now a way to view the area from the comfort of your own home. With Google Earth and the Cousteau Society you can install a program and check the "Ocean Layer" with just a click of the mouse. All you need is to download Google Earth, install and open the program and make sure the Ocean Layer and Terrain Layer is check off.

With this program you can also view footage from the Cousteau Society missions as well. You can also check out how the ocean looks to sea life and other salt water creatures that inhabit the ocean waters.

To learn more about the Cousteau Society or to donate to the Calypso's Restoration Project. visit the Cousteau Society Website here.

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Train your brain

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:20:38 -0700

The brain is always learning new feats and responding to the stimulation it receives. Reinforcing brain function is always a positive thing no matter what age. So here are some techniques to keep the brain in tip, top learning condition.

1. Coaching the Brain: Coaching focuses on building developmental strategies to attain goals in life. When people developed strategies that support working memory and functioning, they start to see sustainable success.

2. Tai Chi for The Brain: Tai chi may reintroduce the brain and nervous system of the brain to a state of concentration. Taking at least two 30-minute classes of tai chi a week or even practicing tai chi at home reduces feelings on anxiety, daydreaming, and hyperactivity.

3. Neuro-feedback For the Brain: Neuro-feedback has an effect comparable to stimulant medication in helping regulate brain activity. This unique technique uses monitoring equipment to display a visual representation of your brain state. You tend to learn and differentiate between brain wave types, and brain wave activity to increase concentration and focus.

4. Interactive Metronome Therapy for The Brain: A method used to deal with cognitive challenges of the mind. Its a computer-based program where sensors measure accuracy as you attempt to synchronize hand and feet movements with a beat. This therapy helps develop focus, and helps filter out distractions. It also has been known to improve self monitoring, as well as mental and physical actions in a person.

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Fall flowers are always welcome in our home

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:23:20 -0700

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Clearing Your Mind By Clearing Your Closet

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:22:21 -0700

Every woman has her fat clothes and her thin clothes in her closet. The clothes you will never wear, and ones that are worn out. The bottom line on all of this is, it is called closet clutter. With a few easy steps you can say goodbye to closet clutter and its actually less painful then you might think. Clutter not only messes with our minds it makes us unorganized in other areas of our life as well. Try these five steps in order to regain order.

1. EXHUME AND EXAMINE: Place a clean sheet on the floor and empty your closet completely. Try on everything, including shoes, swimsuits, and even coats.

2. DIVIDE AND CONQUER: Sort belongings into three piles; The keep pile, the toss pile, and the think about it more pile. Remember, letting go of some clothing means more space in your closet. Also, if the piece of clothing has a stain on it, toss it or donate it. So clothing donation companies can get out just about any type of stain.

3. ROUND UP AND RELEASE: If your clothes are in good condition, consider donanting them. But, remember, if you wouldnt give it to a friend, dont give it to charity.

4. SIZE UP AND SURMISE: Organize your clothes into like-item piles and see just exactly what type of organization tactic you will need to use. Most people go out and buy organizers for the closet or elsewhere in their homes without knowing what it is exactly they are organizing.

5. ORGANIZE AND ADMIRE: When you get done with everything listed before, now begin to put back. Hang everything on likewise hangers and face them all the same direction. If you need more help then what you have time for hire someone to assit in your closet feats. A good place to start would be The Container Store.

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Do You Have A Snoring Problem?

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:11:34 -0700

Most people that snore try to do anything and everything they can to stop. From even trying drug and chemical lading products. Snoring can reach volumes up to 80 decimals (quite similar to a canister vacuum) and most that snore dont even hear themselves. Natural Health Magazine states that most of the category of Americans that snore are men.

Snoring is caused by vibrating tissue. The snoring part is created by air rushing through the narrowed opening and the noise is greater when alcohol, sedatives, thick mucus, excess weight, anatomical obstruction or even age play a factor.

If you are one of the many that suffer from snoring, heres hope. There are natural and drug-alterantive ways to help. Here are 6 ways to help you with your snooze-snore.

1. Sleep on your side: The space behind the soft palate narrows when you lie on your back, increasing the chances of snoring. To prevent back sleeping and stay side-aligned, try wearing a fanny pack full of tennis balls.

2. Stay fit: Being overweight is the most common denominator among snores. Gaining weight under mines the success of any anti-snoring surgery.

3. Axe the Alcohol: Alcohol and sedatives reduce the tone of the muscles in the throat, causing them to vibrate.

4. Treat allergies and congestion: Snoring is often a side effect of sinus throuble. Aromatic oils like eucalyptus, wintergreen, or peppermint help to clear the sinuses. Or try Clear Head®, a Chinese medicinal remedy.

5. Try acupuncture: Acupuncture can be useful for sinus sufferers. The technique is to grab the web of skin at the base of the muscle between the thumb and forefinger, and press or rub in a clockwise direction for one minute.

6. Avoid food triggers: Dairy, wheat, and sugar may prduce excessive yeast in the body, which can inflame the throat muscles. Eat foods like cayenne peppers and chilies to help in thinning the mucus your body produces.

Tip: If you have kids always pack a healthy, natural and whole green lunch for them. Packing their lunches with just anything could cost you and your kids later in health issues. Most juices contain red dye 40, and other dyes and most popular ones are chalked-full of high corn syrup sweetners. And some pre-packaged foods are full of harmful chemicals that do nothing but add to your childs chemical intake.

Here is an idea for a healthy, natural lunch for kids:
soy chocolate pudding
organic carrot sticks
sesame sticks
nitrite-free sliced deli meat (or meat alternative)
organic or non-dairy cheese slices
and a can of airforce® Nutrisoda, Pink Grapefruit and Guava

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Dead hawk, Roosevelts, and third-row seating

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:59:58 -0700

Okay, so this morning I was listening to the morning radio stations, just flipping though trying to find a decent one that wasn't too vulgar for my five year old to hear as well, and I came across this one here. Which is 104.7 KDUK's Morning House Party team. I don't know their names, but what they were talking about this morning was a dead hawk on a gate or door box. I figured this would be just as entertaining to listen too and indeed it was.

So one of them, Chino, I think is his call name on there, had to see it this morning when he got to the radio station and they snapped a picture of it. Well, as I am driving along I wonder, what the heck does a hawk look like up close? So of course, nosey me came home after dropping the boy off at school and started to do a hunt on this radio station and see the picture they took of this hawk. Well, needless to say I couldn't find it so I had to ask in their chatbox where to find it. And here is what I got....

So for one, I am actually impressed that someone was willing to talk to me about it, and for two, this is one of the best conversations I have heard on a radio station in a long time. You can see their FaceBook photo of the hawk here.

But the whole point of this post wasn't to go off on a rant about a dead hawk at an Oregon radio station it was to mention the two radio commercials I heard after that. One was about Taco Bell lowering their prices on their menu to help out the common folk. They have added items on their menu for 79¢, 89¢, and even 99¢. By the way, their website song of "All about the Roosevelt's" is pretty funny.

The second commercial was about a healthcare company here in Oregon that has real people to talk to when you call in for a question about your policy.

These commercials got me to thinking about how bad the economy got there for awhile and what companies are doing to try to make it easier for everyone over all. The lowering of the prices, the real people to talk to, it only means one thing. Things are going back to the way they were before the entire boom in trying to keep up with the Jones's.

We really don't have to have the latest and greatest out there. I have a family member that has two kids and bought a huge vehicle with third-row seating, why? Why do they need all that room? I bet you they are the ones headed to the "cents" menu at Taco Bell from time to time to save some green.

If we all just look around and saw what we had and made our purchases on what we "NEED" over what we "WANT" the economy would have never taken a turn for the worse. The best thing to do and I think Cheryl Crow said it best, "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have" that matters most! And hands-off to those companies that are making a change to help everyone and not just themselves. A few individuals could learn from them in the long run.

My pity goes out to the poor hawk that lost it's life for me to have something to write about. haha!

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¤TU¤ - ~Random Thoughts~

Where's George? The traveling of money

Blue Herron having a mid-morning snack

Collecting Vintage

The day and the life of a woman and her "Dooce"

Never cook without them....

Don't fall into the money traps

Bright and colorful cocktails To brighten anyone's day (Or Evening)

With every season brings change

The Earth and Me Go Green

Curious what lurks under the water?

Train your brain

Fall flowers are always welcome in our home

Clearing Your Mind By Clearing Your Closet

Do You Have A Snoring Problem?

Dead hawk, Roosevelts, and third-row seating

Dead hawk, Roosevelts, and third-row seating