Need to Find Your Local Voting Poll????

We are closely approaching The Presidential Election. Make your vote count by checking your status. This link will also provide you with the information that you need to locate the correct voting poll. All you have to do is enter your name, birth date, and the county that you live. You'll know in as little as 60sec. I just did it and it's good to know that I will be confident walking into the right voting poll on November 4,2008! Now it's your turn.


Check Your Voter Registration

How To Iron a Shirt Video

How to Iron a Shirt -- powered by eHow.com

Got Hair Trouble?

I started a new project, let me fill you in.......


I will quickly cover how and why this second blog was created. First, I would like to start off by saying how excited I am to see women of color with various hair journeys starting sites and networks pertaining to health and beauty. Secondly, I have a background in cosmetology, that fizzled out due to marriage and children. I guess I swapped the profession for the home life. During my hiatus away from hair care I neglected my tresses. This resulted in brittle, dry and slightly damaged hair. I became the master of hair camouflage. All along knowing the damage that laid underneath product and style I pushed on, only pulling it together briefly for special occasions. Anyway....... about two years go I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize myself. I had pack on the pounds and my crown of glory had been traded in for a baseball cap!

What I attempt to accomplish:

I'm attempting to share with you my very own hair care journey. I'm starting off transitioning from relaxer to texlaxed, combo 3a,b (kinda like Terry Ellis) hair and the length is above my shoulders. Browsing through the various sites and networks I found that my story was a little different because of my starting length and background in cosmetology. I'm currently unlicensed and going to college part-time. I have three children 7, 5, and 3 and I am approaching my tenth wedding anniversary. I would like to reach BSL( bra strap length) by time our wedding renewal ceremony takes place in January of 2010.

My Plan of Action:

I plan to shampoo and deep condition once a week. My hair is not long enough to do some of the protective styles, so I will be doing roller sets until I can reach a workable length. I've thrown out all of the products containing petroleum, mineral oil, and lanolin, as I hear they are not so good for your hair. My texlax schedule is every 12 weeks and I'm currently in the experimental phase of finding the best relaxer for my hair.

Stop by and visit!
See My Healthy Hair Grow.


You may also join the See My Healthy Hair Grow Network to build you very own hair journal. And best of all it's Free! Enjoy, videos, photos, chat and much more!

FREE Etsy Site Promotion with "Etsy Mini's"

If you're a newbie or a veteran to Etsy you will benefit from the infamous "Etsy Mini's". It was about 2 months into my shop opening that I discovered this awesome tool. Etsy mini's can be used in various ways to attract more traffic and sales to your shop. A really easy way to get started would be to leave it in email, post them with comments, upload them to various sites, or exchange them on blogs. Either way you look at it, this is a great way to think out side of the "Etsy" box. If you haven't used your Etsy mini yet, what are you waiting for? Just click on your " Your Etsy" icon located at the top of the page and then scroll down to the bottom on your left and click "Etsy Mini". There you can manipulate the mini anyway that pleases you, copy the HTML and then paste it to the FREE advertisement source of your choice.

If you're still a skeptic, it's okay. Hang in there and make your Etsy mini available on here. I'll do all the work. Just leave a comment and I will take a looksie. If your Etsy Mini is picked I will display it for an entire week for free! I may even put a short blurb about you in a future post to direct my readers to your Etsy Mini. All that I ask is that you do the same for someone else. Let's get the word out Etsy! Use your Etsy Mini's for FREE Promos!

Check out my "Etsy Mini" below..............

Crochet for Today

Mothers going to college

I was inspired today by a website that I stumbled upon. Project Working Mom is a site dedicated to providing information on educational resources. Mothers who are currently working or mothers thinking about going back to work can benefit from this online resource. I currently attend school on a part-time basis and enjoyed reading the supportive articles that dealt with mommy guilt and busy schedules. Are you considering going back to school or thinking about advancing your career? Short-term and more advanced degrees are available online along with information about scholarships, grants, and financial aid. Let's support each other in our endeavors, if you have information or a success story please share by leaving a comment!

Out of the Slump Handmade crochet bag

After taking a "crochet break" here is what I came up with.
It's small enough to take anywhere, yet large enough to carry all of the essentials. I can comfortably fit keys, sunglasses, wallet, cell phone, and lipstick into this crochet messenger bag. Fits comfortable over the should for added security landing right at the hip. Makes a great bag to take to the playground, amusement parks, or for a quick run anywhere!

Under $10 from ETSY.........

I finally earned a little money through Project Wonderful Ads on my blog and decided to treat myself to an Etsy Handmade item. I can't wait to receive this in the mail! I have a pretty green tank top that will compliment it well.

I purchased this after starting a thread for items under $10. The handmade artist that made this is BreeLeeD . Stop by her shop, she has great stuff!

Tomorrow is the first day of summer. Have a blessed and safe summer break!

Check out all of the Etsy Sellers with items under $10.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5671402

The Home Daycare Experience

Growing up in a "Home Daycare" atmosphere would qualify me as a Home Daycare expert right?
Well, I thought so, until I started my very own search for the mysterious "Home Daycare". Why would I use the word mysterious? Do your own search and you will know what I'm talking about. It can be difficult searching for child care and even more difficult finding a professional Home Daycare. As a toddler my mother sent my sister and I to a home daycare. The only problem was that the woman running the Daycare did not love what she did. Now that I look back on it, I'm not even sure that she even liked kids. I hardly ever remember her smiling and in my opinion she was abusive. That was a long time ago and home day cares have changed dramatically. By the time that my Mother opened her own home daycare the childcare revolution was well on it's way. Our home was always filled with children. My mother had a natural way with toddlers and she was able to give structure and stability to ever child that entered her door. Being spoiled by that opinion of what and how a home daycare should be, it virtually made it impossible for me to find someone like my her.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to stay home with my children after searching for the " perfect home daycare". I even gave the more popular " Daycare Center" a chance by scheduling tours. I barely got through one tour after witnesses a daycare worker with suspicious bumps around her mouth kissing a baby. Yuck! Going through the tour I was distracted my the smell of old diapers and garbage filled trash cans. In a gentle tone, before the tour was even over, I told the director that I didn't think that this environment was a good fit for us. She said " Okay" without even inquiring as to "why". That did it for me! I knew then, that I would do any and everything to stay at home with my kids unless my Mother decided to retire from her current Job and take my place while I work. Mom, if you read this...... I pay in huggs!:)

I always giggle when people tell me how lucky I am to be able stay at home with my kids. If they saw our bank statement and bills the would be baffled. In the beginning this bothered me greatly but after continuous prayer God some how always seems to provide. Even at the most difficult times I will be blessed with a sell from ETSY or a opportunity through another means to earn a little cash.

Now, onto the good stuff. Before we moved into our latest house I was all set up to open my own home day care. It took a little over a month before I was up and ready for business. Once I register with the county I began "interviews". The first call that I received was from a woman looking to leave her husband. She wanted to be as private as possible and offered only her cell phone number. I remained open-minded and invited her to a home visit. She arrived 3 hours late and to my surprise with her husband by her side. She was limping and had a bruise on her face. I was very worried that this interview would not go well. It was very awkward and as fast as they came, they were gone within a matter of 30 minutes. I never heard from them again.

The second interview went a bit better. This mother actually lived in my development and was unhappy with her current Daycare. Unfortunately, she stayed with them because of the contract that she signed. I would only hold a child's space if there was payment in place. The daycare center wanted to keep one week's pay for early "check outs". She wanted me to save her son's spot on good faith and I just couldn't do that if I wanted to run a successful and lucrative business.

Shortly after my two failed interviews, my husband's job moved and we found ourselves packing again and moving back to our home state of Pennsylvania. I have no regrets about the home day care journey and as far as I'm concerned it's still not over. Maybe in the near future I will give it a try again. I think that I will be more successful this time around because I already have people from the neighborhood occasionally asking me to watch their kids. You never know what God has in store for you.

If you need "childcare information" or are looking to start your very own Home daycare I will be listing useful information all weekend. Leave your comments and questions about what you would like to see addressed.

Weight loss without all the" Bad" Carbs

Before I gave birth to my first child I tried many diets without success. Then a friend of mines lost alot of weight on the then popular "Atkins Diet". I decided to give it a try only to find out that I was pregnant with my first child. I stopped finding ways to loose weight and opted for a " healthy pregnancy diet". Well after 2 more children, for a total of 3 I had not only gained weight but, somehow I had gained stubborn weight. Once I was done with the " child bearing", and "nursing", it became " me" time. I remembered how my friend lost her weight and figured that it might be worth a try. Though very hard on the mind and body, I did loose weight. However, it was not a lifestyle change for me. I reintroduced "healthy carbs" back into my diet and was able to keep the weight off for two years now. I lost a total of 50lbs. It was only recently, that I gained 5 lbs back. It's not a big deal but I plan on getting rid of it. This time around I will exercise and eat a well balanced diet. I do recommend any of the "low carb diets" as a "jump start" to any weight loss regiment. After you see steady result, it is wise to start adding the healthy carbs back into your diet. Here are a few low carb recipes from Etsy Members. Be sure to click on their names to visit there Etsy store. Alot of yummy recipes and talented crafters here!


fluffnflowers says:
A fave of my guy's that wasn't intended for the purpose of a low-carb diet is the hummus-turkey patty.1lb of 97/3 ground turkey2tbs hummus2tsp crushed red pepper (I always add more!)2c freshly grated Parmesan cheese. They're great in wraps, with lettuce, etc


StudioYTE says:
Here's a good one for you from Atkins. Baked Meatballs1T olive oil1/2 onion, finely chopped3 garlic cloves, minced1/2 lb ground veal1/2 lb ground beef1/2 lb ground pork1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese2 eggs1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper. Preheat oven to 375.1. In a skillet over high heat, cook onion 5 min until softened, add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Transfer to a bowl and mix in ground meats, cheese, eggs, salt and pepper.2. Roll golf ball-size meatballs, arrange on a jelly roll pan and bake 20-25 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Bon Appetit!


hugsandkisses says:
Something that I like as a snack:"Light Laughing Cow Cheese" spread on a Rye Crisp topped with a tomato slice and a slice of turkey. Slice of red leaf lettuce, slice of roast beef (or turkey) then thin slices of red (or green) pepper all roll together.My favorite ~ homemade red pepper hummus with cauliflower, carrots, celery.


LavenderPatch says:
I did South Beach, and the South Beach 30 Minute Meals Cookbook has a lot of winners. It is not "low-carb" but rather "good-carb and low-fat". Some of my favorites, if I can recall by memory: Turkey Parmesan - use electric chopper to chop up pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. use mixture as the coating on turkey cutlets, and cook in a skillet. place cooked turkey in baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese, and bake till melted. serve with sugar-free pasta sauce.And wheat tortillas are wonderful, with tons of low-carb uses. I use them to make breakfast burritos with eggs, crumbled bacon and cheese. I use them to make quesadillas with packaged pre-cooked chicken and avocado, salsa and cheese. And, I use them to make little wraps filled with the pre-cooked chicken, some pesto and cheese. Very easy low-carb snacks, for me.And, one of my favorite low-carb veggie dishes is just chopped up summer squash and zucchini. Cook in a pan with a little chicken broth, salt and pepper. Then remove from stove and top with asiago cheese and chopped walnuts. Yummy!!!


AMSX05 says:
you know what a great quick snack is.."lettuce roll ups" i eat them ALL the time! just roll your luncheon meat, some egg salad, tuna or other filling and veggies in lettuce leaves. its awesome!


kateblack says:
You can make hummus much cheaper than it can be bought, but if you've never had it, you may want to buy some just so you get an idea of what it's supposed to be like. Of the big brands: Sabra is pretty good. Tribe is mediocre. 3 Sheiks is atrocious.It's pretty much just chickpeas and tahini (sesame paste) with seasoning, and perhaps olive oil depending on taste. Seasoning usually includes garlic, olives, sun dried tomatoes, Chile and/or dill


DancingWisp says:
Here is a good resource: proteinpower.com Their forums are excellent and knowledgeable. They use a research-based approach to low carbing. I have done low carb in the past, and I always felt better, more alert and more emotionally stable. Due to other reasons (not medical), I was unable to continue doing low carb, although I do feel it the most beneficial way of eating. In the future, I will do low carb.One of my family's fav side dish is low carb:Sauteed Cabbage. The sauteing brings out a sweetness you never knew existed in cabbage!1/4 green cabbage, very thinly sliced2 (or more) tbs. butter salt and pepper to taste.Over med. high heat, melt butter (I always use more) and add cabbage and seasonings. Saute for ten min, until cabbage is wilted and softening, stirring occasionally. Turn heat down to medium (or a little lower) and saute cabbage until completely soft and slightly caramelizes, stirring frequently, about ten minutes. Yummy with ham, or under a meaty spaghetti sauce.You can also try adding other seasonings like curry or caraway seeds or hot sauce


Ooh just remembered another one....Roasted Asparagus 1 bunch asparagus, ends snapped off 2 tbs. oil (I use peanut but olive oil works too)salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 500F. Lay the asparagus, in one layer, on a baking sheet with a lip (I usually put no stick foil on the bottom of my pan for easy clean up). Drizzle oil over asparagus. Season. Roast for 5 minutes. Shake pan so asparagus rolls around a bit. Roast for another 5 minutes. Serve. You can also serve covered with Parmesan shavings


artgirlx says:
Salmon salad with onions and celery, egg salad in lettuce wraps, chicken breasts with any vegetables and salads, bun-less hamburgers, fish with vegetables, snack on nuts and seeds and cheese, cottage cheese with green onions...lots to eat that's low carb. My folks have lost lots of weight since Xmas on South Beach.

Featured Etsy Seller " In Honor of Mother's Day".

From the Etsy forums............

LAVENDERDRAGONHERBS

Right now my mom is in the hospital, this is Tyler the other half of Lavender Dragon, anyway my mom has been quite ill off and on and she is a one woman machine, she tries her very best to take care of everything and keep the business running on her own as I cant always be there to help her.

She really does make everything by hand, and everything listed in our shop and profile is true. She is extremely caring about our customers and people in general, and Very Passionate about Herbs and Natural Healing. This business of ours has always been my moms lifetime dream, and I hope she gets well enough to see it thru.

She is used to being the type to give you the shirt off her back, and not ask any questions, until she got burned and scammed too many times, now she is leery but still there for anyone who needs help, only sometimes is she questioning, only to make sure the person is being truthful in their plight.

My mom has been thru hell and back, but has never once failed to love me for who I am, and what I believe in, nor did she once ever make me feel she didn't want me, because I was unplanned. She let me be my own person, and at times I was surprised she didn't kick my but royally for things I did. I couldn't have asked for a better mom, to go thru all she has, being a single mom to raise me, the jobs she did just to make sure I was raised to be the respectable person she wanted me to be.

That's my mom in a nutshell

Tyler

In honor of Mother's Day........

The following article was actually written as a feature on Ozknits Blog. In honor of Mother's day this Sunday, I've decided to share this with you. My Mother truely inspired me as a child and still continues to insprire me today. Please leave a comment, sharing how your mother has inspired your craft.

I remember seeing my Mom's hands often. I would see her peeling potatoes to make potato salad. I would see her combing my sister's hair and neatly braiding each strand into ponytails. I saw her hands fold clothes, wash dishes, rake leaves, and mop the floor. My Mom was beyond a domestic engineer, she was a Domestic Goddess! So, it was no surprise when I saw her hands make a ball of yarn into the first Afghan that I ever saw. Around the age of twelve my mother sat my sister and I down, and showed us what a crochet hook looked like. She patiently showed us what she had recently learned as an adult, and didn't give up until when could remember the " granny square" by heart. At that time, I had no idea where crochet would take me. Ironically, it wasn't until I became a mother myself that I seriously picked up a crochet hook again. I started with the "granny square", just like my mother taught me. I had no idea that there was anything else you could make out of crochet. I had a difficult time reading patterns and often would rely on my Mother in Law to translate them. After a while I began shopping around for easy to read instructions. I taught myself every stitch I could learn, and soon after that I realized that I no longer needed to rely on patterns to create fiber art. With this new found excitement I started sketching. I began crocheting hats and other items by memorizing stitches and counting each one to obtain the desired look. I now know what stitches to use in order to obtain a certain shape or look, and instead of written patterns I keep example pieces. Someday I would love to publish a book that uses sketches to teach those that have a hard time with patterns the basics for obtaining a simple, yet wonderful piece to admire. Some of my future goals are to teach the art of crochet to the future young ladies of the world, publish and offer patterns to the public, and best of all become a Etsy Featured Seller

Grow your garden flowers in Cotton Balls!

After shopping around for the most inexpensive flowers for my garden I came across those "10 cent packs" of seeds from our local "dollar store".
As a child, I recalled growing the infamous, "bean plant" in a plastic cup filled with moist cotton balls. I figured if it was good enough for a " bean" then it might work with other seeds as well.

On Tuesday, I took a deep dish plate and layered it with moist cotton balls. I sprinkled Marigold seeds on top and enclosed the plate with a Ziploc bag. I then placed the plate on top of the frig. I took a peek today and look at my Marigolds grow!

I hope to transplant these to my front yard within a week or two. Not bad for 10 cents!

My next batch of seeds will be placed in a small plastic container. This way they will have more space to mature before it's time to transplant. Give it a try, either way it works!

Handmade Crochet

I recently crocheted this, "Rasta Hat", for an Etsy customer. I really enjoy the colors and I am sure that she will too!

Organizing a small space

Living in a small home has it's advantages and disadvantages. First, if there's little room, then there should be less work,right? Not necessarily. When we moved into this house a year ago, we were mortified by just how much " stuff" we had. It took days to clear a walk way leading from the kitchen to the second floor. A few weeks into living in our much smaller home we were stressed out and tired. I had alot of emotional attachment to many of the items, and this was very hard to get control of. Everyday, I would promise myself to get rid of a box. After using some of the steps below,eventually, we had a neat and organized living space.

Here are the steps that I took to insure a well organized living space with room to spare.

1. Wicker baskets! I can't say enough about them. You can get them in various colors and sizes that will accomodate any decor. I use them in corners, under tables, inside of closets and even in the car. They are great to gather clothes, shoes, toys, mail, and anything else that ends up cluttering your area. Make sure that you buy them in every size because you will find that they can even be used on shelves and some table tops.

2. The most obvious solution would be plastic storage bins. I do find that some are better then others. The ones that stack easily are the best. They come in varied colors, even clear, which I prefer so that I can find what I'm looking for quickly. Don't forget to label the containers that aren't see through!

3. Take advantage of your local donation organization. Many of them will come out to your residence for collection. There are also several donation bins located in shopping centers and local gas stations. Make use of the yellow pages and look up "Donations" for a long list of places to donate to.

4. Downsize your furniture. Try not to buy large pieces. They take up too much room. It's better to purchase shelves or cabinets that you can store things in. Don't forget bedrooms as well, make use of the space underneath your bed. I usually store seasonal items there. Also, if you are shopping for children's beds, opt for a Trundle Bed. Instead of buying a mattress, leave this space open to store clothing, toys, blankets and more.

5. Now, I have to give credit to my Mother for this one. The over-the-door storage unit. This is great! I have one in every closet. They work great in the kids rooms. I fill them with underwear, socks, belts, hair accessories, hats, gloves, scarves, jewelry, the list is endless!

" Thankful Thursday "

5 tips for a balanced Creative Life

Hi Joy of Homemaking readers! My name is Heather and I've been asked to guest post today. I blog over at Maternal Spark, a site for Creative Moms. You'll often get a mommy perspective from my posts. Hope you enjoy them!

Five tips for a balanced Creative life.


1) Write it down!

Keep a mini note pad and pen with you at ALL times. I know it sounds silly but there have been many times when I was standing over a poopy diaper or washing bottles when a great idea came to me. Then, just as easily it was gone because the next baby thing took over. It's hard to keep a train of thought going when you see your baby putting something they shouldn't in their mouth. So jot it down, even if it's just a chicken scratch note. Then it will be there for you when you have time to think about it more and add some depth.

2) Let it go.

Yes, my house is a bit of a mess. There are toys on the floor and laundry that needs doing but I've come to realize that I can't do it all. So, if I'm going to make a go of this blog and write then something needs to give. For me it's the housework. Figure out what is important to you and what is not. If it can wait, let it. I'm giving you permission.

3) Take time out.

These days I can't even take a shower without dear hubby coming in to the bathroom to tell me that little H has pooped or done something cute. Now I lock the door. That time is important to me. It's time for me to be me and to let my mind wander (I've got that pen close in case it wanders somewhere important). Figure out when you can steal a little you time and protect it like you protect your kids from danger. Shower time, grocery shopping time, whatever. Make it work for you.

4) Avoid brain suckers.

Turn off that TV. Put down that trash mag. Freeing your mind of mental clutter will open the brain cells to what they do best. Create. As a writer I've always been told to read, read, read and I love to do it but, my time is limited and if I'm going to write something that is new and fresh then maybe my time is better spent, oh I don't know, maybe writing? If you work in visual arts then close your eyes for a minute and see what appears there. It might be something great.

5) Get organized for nap time (or babysitter time, or school, whatever).

Nap time is the best time to really get down to it. Get everything ready to go so all that's left to do once the baby's head hits the mattress is start on your project. Put some laundry in before hand, put the coffee pot on, set up your workspace, make sure you are fed, go pee. Put the baby down and get to work.

I hope you find your best way to keep creative AND be a great mommy. What works for you? Let us know in comments. If you'd like to subscribe to my posts click here

Welcome to " The Joy of Homemaking"

I would like to take this time to officially welcome our first Etsy " Guest Blogger", H.E.Eigler. She is a wonderful writer and a new mother. You must also stop by and visit her blog, Maternal Spark , where she shares the most wonderful stories of inspiration and encouragement for those mothers juggling work at home. Thank you for contributing! We look forward to your future post!

Homemakers List

Here is the beginning of the "Homemaker's List". If you see your name on the list, please feel free to link back to this post in your own blog.

Do you have a blog? Contact me and I will send you information about future opportunities to be a "guest blogger", on " The Joy of Homemaking".

***************************************************************************************

Update

" The Homemakers of Etsy ", will be a permanently featured list located in the left side bar. Is your name on the list? Are you curious about these homemakers? Give one of their names a click to see just how talented our homemakers are!

Be sure to subscribe to " The Joy of Homemaking", for future updates and information pertaining to homemaking and etsy.

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My Garden to" Bee"

I find it incredibly ironic that, at one point in my life, had a job landscaping. It was my first and last job that I acquired in that field. First, of all I am petrified of bees, and I have never been stung. The though of that tiny little black and yellow insect injecting a stinger into my flesh seems morbid and gross. Yes, I am the lady that you see running down the street to get away from one swarming bee. I'm also the lady, you see, swerving in her car, in front of you because a bee has decided to pop in the window. Aside from the whole "bee" phobia, I really enjoy being outside, just not as an occupation.

Today, I had my first "bee" encounter of the season. It amazes me just how silly I can bee ( pun on words:). Sitting just below my drivers side window, there was a bee scouring to climb out the top open half . I talked my self into rolling down the window a bit, to let the monster out. Yes, I did say monster. I say monster because, when I see a bee I break out into a sweat, and if it comes too close I will scream. Don't judge! I'm sure that most people have the same fear. Don't they?

I say all of this to get down to the real reason for this post. Today, while stalking the Etsy forums, I ran across a gardening thread. Here's the link if you want to take a looksie. Anyway, it made me think of my own garden, or lack of. It will officially be a 1 year that we've lived in this house and, I want to celebrate with a new front yard landscape. When we first moved in, I took out some of the newer plants that may have been put there as a quick fix to sell the house. Those plants died by the time that we moved in because the house was vacant and nobody was there to care for them. At the time, our main concern was revamping the inside of the house, so we didn't get the chance to get down and dirty with the landscape. Right now, I 'm mapping out a plan to get a bunch of this done for under $100 dollars. I think that it may be tough, and it will be many years before it's completely the way that I want. I'm familiar with a few plants already, and I will most likely purchase them this weekend. I hope to also, pick up a tomato plant and a few other garden favorites. I even picked out a spot for the veggie garden. There is a pond that we never had the chance to get rid of ,so I will fill it with dirt and make that my little garden. I'll post pics later on. Happy Gardening!