My White Picket Fence

Family Day Trip: R&A Ochard, Ellijay GA

Idea for Family Fun! This entry is about a recent trip to the Apple Orchard in Ellijay, GA. The apples there are very sweet and delicious. Taking a trip to the R&A Orchard in North Georgia will prove to be a wonderful experience for parents and kids alike! During the month of August, the orchard will have in full bloom:

Detroit Red,
Ozark Golden,
Gala, and
Jona Gold apples "ripe for the pickin'".

The orchard also has a old country store on the property where you can buy loads of apple things. From apple cider to apple candy, to apple pies! This day trip will cost less than a tank of gas and a few dollars for the bags to put the apples you pick in them.

Check out their website at: R&A ORCHARDS, ELLIJAY, GA

Image Courtesy of R&A Orchards

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My next vehicle purchase

Hallelujah, we've finally paid off the truck, now I want to buy something that's more fuel efficient. Believe it or not, I am thinking of getting a scooter. Mainly for myself, because I couldn't possibly cart the kids around on one of these. One maybe, but not both. After some research I decided that an electric scooter like the one below would do just fine for me when I need to run a few quick errands while the children are in school.

I won't need to worry about gas with this little bad boy. It will get me where I am going. That is the point of an automobile, isn't it? Getting from point A to point B, safely. Who cares if it doesn't go very fast. I'll just make sure to avoid all of the busy streets. Now, the hardest part is convincing hubby to agree with me.

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Ways to Conserve Energy

• Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating system.

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.

• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.

• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.

• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).

• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.

• Take short showers instead of baths.

• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products.
ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Courtesy: Energy Saving Tips Document

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Summer Fun for Free!

The summer is here and no doubt the kids are asking for a vacation. With the rising gas prices, ideas for vacation getaways may be hindered. We've had to postpone our Grand Canyon, Arizona trip until further notice. The costs of flying and driving are incredible! With this in mind, I thought of a great idea. Children love to go places, especially if its anywhere but home. Rarely does my son or daughter ask: "How much does this trip cost?" So here's an idea for all you parents out there. Free day trips and movie nights.

Zoos

With a pre-purchased Atlanta Zoo membership, families of four can go to the Zoo any day of the week, all day, FOR FREE! Although parents may grow tired from the same animals, children (especially young children) will never get bored. Take a camera and record the moments there with the family on film. This is a great choice for many families living in the Metro Atlanta area. Parents could even make it out to be an educational experience for their kids! Year passes cost $99.00.

Museums

Fernbank Museum of Natural History has free admission to members as well. You have the ability to step back into time and visit the dinosaurs. My children love this adventure, especially my son. Granted, during their school year, the school administration exhausted their free field trips to Fernbank for the children, but here point again: They never grew tired. Family Membership prices are $85 (regular family) and $150 (Family Advantage)

Fernbank's Science Center - Space Observation is free for all. Certain schedule apply. Visitors can look up into the heavens and view the stars and constellations.

Free Movie Rentals

The public library usually has movies for rent. Rent family and kid movie free from the library and buy a box of popcorn and have a free movie night. See there is much fun to be had during the summer. Don't let the rising gas prices get you down and put a hamper on your summer vacations. Act on these free ideas and the kids will have fun!

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Vegetable Dip Mix - Tried and true

I found this recipe on the Internet not too long ago and I really wanted to try it out. After procrastinating for some time, I finally came around to making it. It was absolutely delicious. I felt like Rachel Ray in the kitchen whipping up this mix. Yes! I am getting excited over a simple dip mix. Once mastered, it will give you an overwhelming sense of empowerment. Try it sometime. Well here it is.

Recipe: Garden Vegetable Dip

Combine dip mix ingredients in a large plastic baggie. If you do not have one of those, you may use a plastic container with a sealed top to mix up the ingredients.

4 Tbs. Dehydrated Vegetables
2 Tbs. Parsley
1 Tbs. Chopped Onion
1 Tbs. Tomato Powder
1 tsp. Garlic Salt
1 tsp. Salt

Preparation:
This mix will taste magnificent on chips, Stone Crackers, and veggies.Combine two tablespoons of mix with 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour cream. Cover the mixture and let it sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours before breaking it out and giving it to the family. "The chiller the better."

Keep Refrigerated.

Important: Never substitute that "Salad Dressing" for Mayonnaise. It will make your dip taste AWFUL. But that's just my opinion, mainly because I hate Miracle Whip.

Great Hint: You can also use the dry mix as a dry rub for poultry and fish. The perfect blend of spices go well with poultry. Pork too.. Any kind of white meat.

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Make money from home

Fascinating ways to earn extra income from home

The year 2007 ended with our economy threatening to give way to a recession. Many people began to realize the importance of accumulating extra money at home. Thus those same discerning individuals set out on a quest to make more money from home. If you are one of those who are trying to make extra money from home, learning how to make money from home should be on the top of your priority list.

Methods to make money from home

There are virtually hundreds of ways to make money from home. However there are some methods that are fast becoming the most popular and most used method in the world. If you are just starting out in your quest to make more money from home, then it is suggested that you start with these simple ideas:

Weekend Garage Sales

This method is the most frequently used. Some people have garage sales every weekend in order to clear out their closets and make a little extra cash. Garage sales offer the host the opportunity to set their own prices on the items that they wish to sell. There is little to invest in garage sales to the profit margin is high. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. But one obvious disadvantage to having a weekend garage sale is the weather. If the weather calls for rain, then the garage sale will need to be put on hold.

Online Auctions

More people have been taking their money making needs online. These people have realized the value of the Internet in reaching several thousands if not millions of potential customers. There are several auction sites on the Internet today, but the one that pulverizes the competition is none other than eBay. EBay is the hottest auction site in the world. And since eBay is the hottest auction site in the world, more and more people use it site each day. At any given time you could have hundreds of people from all walks of life viewing you’re auctioned off items.

Selling on eBay takes some getting use to, but once you’ve learn the ropes, you’ll be well on your way to cashing in and making money from home using it. EBay is kind to its buyers as well as its sellers. There is a small seller’s fee to list and sell thinks on the site, but the possibilities of 100% selling success dwarfs any disadvantage that these fees may cause. The seller’s fees are charged at the end of eBay’s billing cycle, usually 30 days. EBay auctions are perfect for anyone who loves the Internet.

Craft Shows

If you are an artsy-craftsy type of person and you enjoy making things, then maybe you could find a niche product to make and sell at craft shows. Some examples of items that are easy to make and are frequently bought at craft shows are:

Painted Glass
Painted Plates
Recipes in a Jar
Baked Goods
Scrapbooks
Homemade Journals

This is just a short list of some items that could be made and sold at craft shows. The usual make up of craft show attendees are those who have a creative talent or those who appreciate the creative talent in others. The more creative your item is the more it is likely to be sold. Once you find your niche or specialty, take your idea and run with it.

If needed, check out books from the library that deal with how to make money at home. The book The 200 Best Home Businesses: Easy To Start, Fun To Run, Highly Profitable by Katrina Z. Jones, ISBN: 1593372965, offers 200 of the best ways to make money from home. If you afford yourself with a wealth of information and options, you are bound to find a way to make your money from home. And the best part is that you can find something that you enjoy doing!

By Amonzo Upshire -- His website

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Flirt for Fun!

By Tomira L. Rosser

If you're looking for an easy, fun way to add a bit of spice back into your relationship, consider flirting! It's very likely that you flirted a lot at the beginning of your relationship, as you first got to know one another, and for a while thereafter. Flirting is a very basic human action. During the initial phases of relationships is one common time that people flirt with one another, but it also occurs on a daily basis in many other forms. Flirting doesn't have to be purely for sexual motivations, for example. Flirting can be friendly and very innocent as well. Unfortunately, however, many of us stop flirting with those with whom we share the most intimate moments of your lives--our mates.

If you haven't flirted in a while, it may feel a bit awkward. Consider starting small, such as a wink here or there, a light touch, or a bit of "footsy" under the table. Start flirting at home, where you are most comfortable. It's still very effective, and you can hone your skills. As flirting becomes more a part of your daily routine, start flirting with your partner while on the phone or in public.

If you're at a party or a lively social gathering, you can flirt like you did back when you first met. A knowing smile across a room or a seductive lean can be a lot of fun and put you both in the mood for more fun later. All in all, flirting is fun, can put you in a great mood, and can be a safe and enjoyable way to put some excitement back into a relationship.

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Surviving a Fire: Plan, Talk and Act

by Tomira L. Rosser

Fires can break out any time, any place even schools and work places. Smoke alarms and water sprinklers can do good jobs to alert people but schools especially need to have an emergency evacuation plan in case fires do break out.

This plan involves two very important details: information and delegation. Individuals should familiarize themselves by noting where the exits are and read the manual that should be provided. In each classroom, there should be a fire exit poster near the door and perhaps a light sign showing which way to go in case of thick smoke.

Fire matters need to be conversed between staff and faculty. It should be done in case there are any concerns or recommended improvements. When a plan has been devised, it is then that the information be relayed to students and to parents.

No matter how hard you pressure the situation to people, some just do not take it seriously. Telling them it could mean the difference between life and death may be the only way to convince them. This is truly upsetting for those who take the subject to heart.

Schools do carry out drills once a year. However, when they aren’t done on regular basis, kids and faculty are likely to panic during the real emergency. This can lead to injuries and possible fatalities. Being prepared is important to everyone’s safety.

Should a child find the fire, it is imperative they hand over the responsibility of the evacuation to an adult so an immediate evacuation can begin. Should the fire be contained in a room, no one should open the door. Doing so can cause a back draft, making the fire much stronger, creating an atmosphere for an explosion.

Whether it is a child or adult, the fire alarm should be pulled and 911 called. The alarm will alert students and teachers. The faculty and staff will then direct the students toward the exits away from the fire, usually in a single line.

Fire extinguishers should be placed strategically in the hallways, classrooms and offices of the buildings. They are adept to handle the small fires but no larger ones. A person who is risking his life trying to put out the fire should not play hero if the fire is too big. Instead, getting people out of the building should be the priority.

Fire creates a suffocating blanket of smoke, which can confuse a person to which way to go to. For this reason, a person should have a piece of cloth or clothing over the face and use the hands to feel their way out.

Should the school be two or more stories tall, use the stairs to get out. Elevators are dangerous during fires because it can cause a short in the electrical system, trapping people inside, which can lead to smoke inhalation deaths.

Sometimes there is an instance where someone catches on fire. Should this be the case, place a heavy blanket over them. The person should do the stop, drop and roll lesson to extinguish the fire.

It is important that a place be designated to accumulate everyone at. By doing this can immediately determine if everyone has been counted and not trapped inside. Fire department officials will make the call if the building is safe to go back into.

School officials, parents and students need to be made aware of the fire emergency evacuation and preparation plans that way of the unthinkable does happen, it can go smoothly and quickly without a single death or injury.

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