PLAYGROUND COTTAGES HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS.

Making Sure Drinking Water is SafePosted by admin on July 27th, 2010

I am paranoid with how so many kids getting sick these days. Just recently my daughter got sick with a bad case of gastroenteritis that needed hospitalization. The doctors weren’t able to find anything in her stool, so they are thinking it’s viral but I was worrying that she might have gotten it from our water supply. See, our daughter has the habit of drinking and spouting water from the tub when she plays during her bath time, mimicking a fish, so I was worried that maybe she ingested some of the bathwater.

So I started checking out some of the products on the friendsofwater.com website. One great product I noticed is a bath ball, which is a small ball that has a water filter that fits just below your bath tub facet and filters the water as it fills up the tub. This filter removes a high number of contaminants and chlorine, neither of which is good for my little girl. This would greatly reduce my bath time concerns. I was also looking at the water filter pitchers, as there is one that is highly recommended on their website. I was thinking it would be good to get a water filter pitcher to use in addition to the bottled drinking water we buy because water from the faucet is deemed no longer safe to drink. Yet buying water is expensive and involves transporting water bottles all of the time, so I am thinking one of these water filter pitchers will save us some time and some money and still give us good healthy water to drink. Their filter is proven to greatly reduce fluoride, as well as 99% of contaminants, and retails only for $56.95 U.S. The filters last for approximately 6 months depending on your water usage. I think in the end this will reduce the bottled water we buy, safe us money, be more convenient, and give us healthy water to drink. When buying any product that is related to such important things as you or your family’s health, do some research and make sure the product does what it claims to do. Look for independent studies to support product claims. friendsofwater.com completely guarantees your satisfaction with their products. They have a 90 day full money back guarantee, which means you can order one of these filters, even have the filtered tested yourself to see what the results are. Either way you will be assured of your 100% satisfaction, either through the proven ability of this product to do what the website claims, or your full money back, shipping costs included.

Hospital Equipment in a Home SettingPosted by admin on July 24th, 2010

A friend’s grandmother’s health recently took a turn for the worst so they needed to set up a hospice setting at home, complete with a hospital bed, oxygen tank, spirometers and a suctioning pump, to make their grandmother’s last few living weeks manageable and comfortable enough for her. It really makes a huge dent in their pockets, so they were glad they were able to get some deals on MedicalDeviceDepot.com.

Investing and SavingPosted by admin on July 21st, 2010

I am thinking where to invest our small savings. Let’s face it, saving your money in the bank won’t do you any good with the interest rates so low. Somebody told me that gold coins would be a great investment. Gold has no depreciation value and is as good as cash when you sell it. So there was some truth why women preferred to invest on jewelry before. I think I will give this a shot. United States Gold Bureau is home to a large and dedicated staff of hard asset professionals committed to serving your precious metals investment needs and being America’s best dealer with a convenient market and competitive precious metals prices.

Autographed Sports MemorabiliaPosted by admin on July 20th, 2010

I have never been a sports fan, but I do understand the value of autographed memorabilia. Being married to a man who loves to play basketball and follows the NBA play-offs every chance he gets, I know how precious autographed sports memorabilia can be. I remember how the Jersey #23 became such a huge collector’s item when Michael Jordan retired. Now, he watches Lebron James’ games as much as he can.

When he was still in high school, he got addicted to NBA trading cards and would spend all of his allowance buying them in stores. I can only imagine how far he could have gone if he really had the money.

Collecting autographed sports memorabilia can be considered an investment. You would be surprised how expensive one can be. For examples, the autographed baseballs of the famous Babe Ruth are considered vintage, classic and a genuine collector’s item. Baseball fanatics want it. Since Babe Ruth is already dead, all the items he signed his signature with, or any sports-related item he owned, are considered rare and a collector’s item. Of course, when buying memorabilia, the first thing you need to make sure of is its authenticity. Buy only from reputable sellers. H

ollywood Collectibles is your one-stop shop for all kinds of authentic autographed sports memorabilia. With over two decades of experience in the sports memorabilia industry, Hollywood Collectibles takes pride in being one of the most trusted and respected providers of authentic sports memorabilia.

Hot Air Balloon RidesPosted by admin on July 20th, 2010

Have you ever ridden on a Sedona hot air balloon? It is so great to be able to fly safely across the Sedona dessert in open air (you’re not on a enclosed vehicle/airplane) that it is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

Sedona hot air balloon rides are being offered by a lot of companies but I am quite partial to Sky High Balloons’ Sedona hot air balloon ride offering. For one thing, their delightful and breathtaking flight are handled by qualified seasoned pilots, including FAA certified beautiful balloons and top of the line chase equipment essential for safety and comfort so you are guaranteed you are safe. If you have loved ones in that ride, safety would also be your foremost concern, right?

Second, they have  the unique experience of the "Splash ‘n Dash" where the balloon descends momentarily on water for a gentle ride. This fantastic flight also offers low contour flying for spotting native wildlife and an ascent for just a hint of high altitude enjoyment.

Read and see for yourself:

- $180 per passenger
- Unique "Splash ‘n’ Dash" experience
(Winds Permitting)
- Flight time is 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on winds and the discretion of the pilot.
- We fly at sunrise only.
- Sky High Balloon Adventures has a permit from the Prescott National Forest
- Commemorative continental picnic – upon landing.

This is a good idea to do during summer when the weather is great!

AllergensPosted by admin on July 18th, 2010

My kids do not have allergies to food or medicines. They have allergies to pollen, dust and pollution. Come to think of it, who doesn’t? With how dirty our air has become, especially in the city, it is no wonder most kids are developing asthma and allergies and most households are now recommended to have an air purifier, especially if the household has babies or young kids. I have a friend who bought a portable air cleaner so she can bring it from room to room, wherever the baby is. She bought the quiet air purifier so that the baby can still sleep with it still on.

Car ProblemsPosted by admin on July 18th, 2010

Again! We went to the city yesterday and took our car for the drive. It was a 3-hour drive each way and when we were on the way home, the headlights began to dim and blink. It was a potentially hazardous situation so I was praying the whole time that we arrive home safely. It turns out that there is something wrong with the wiring of the car and that the alternator was not charging properly. I really do not know much about auto body parts, all I know and understand is that it will cost us additional money, again. The car is due for a trip to the repair shop today and the wiring system is now added to the long list of things that need to checked on.

We really hope that we can buy another car by the year ends. We might be buying a used car but it will still be a vast improvement on the one that we have now. We just hope we will be able to find a great deal. We really need a vehicle that can stand long trips and will be comfortable enough for us, especially the kids. I also need to learn how to drive so I can be independent from the husband and can run errands by myself.

Fescue Grass: An Environmentally Friendly SolutionPosted by admin on June 24th, 2010

More and more, people want to do the right thing for the environment, and the easiest place to start may be one’s own backyard. Water conservation is becoming a high priority in dry regions like the southwestern U.S., as well as in regions prone to periodic drought. Some regions of the country have implemented mandatory watering restrictions. Individual homeowners and businesses alike are seeking out plants that require less water. Fescue grass is one solution to these changing needs. It can be used in lawns, golf courses, or athletic fields.

Fescues are categorized as fine or coarse, and range from less than 1mm to 2cm, or 3/4 of an inch wide. Fescue grass thrives over a variety of climates. A cool season grass, it can survive in regions with colder winters but also in those with hotter temperatures year round. It tolerates drought and shade, and stays green throughout the year, making it both practical and attractive. Those in California or Oregon looking for native plants might choose California Fescue, which is native to those states and can withstand high temperatures and survive in sandy soil.

Another way in which fescue is environmentally friendly is that it requires little or no mowing, eliminating the use of fuel and the release of its byproducts.

Part of the reason fescue is so hardy is its symbiotic relationship with a fungus called Neotyphodium coenophialum. This fungus lives between the plant’s cells, and helps the plant to conserve moisture, creating the drought-tolerant quality. It also helps to fight off viruses and insect attacks. This does not mean, however, that fescue is immune to all enemies. It is subject to diseases such as leaf spot and attacks by grub worms. Pesticides and fungicides can fend off damage, but those concerned about the environment might wish to avoid these, or opt for organic brands.

Great Pediatric Department at our City HospitalPosted by admin on June 22nd, 2010

A neighbor’s kid got sick last week and had to be confined at the hospital. Since he was my kids’ friend and his mom is friendly with us, we decided to pay a visit at the hospital. Our intentions were not at all noble, because we also wanted to check the facilities of the hospital and see if there were competent pediatricians we can transfer the kids to. Their pediatrician is just too far already (she is in the city, 3 hours away). We were pleasantly surprised that the medical equipment were brand new and the rooms were clean and modern. The medical personnel from the nursing aides to nurses were all pleasant and the janitors and security were all courteous.

Our neighbor’s kid wasn’t even scared of the nurses whenever they would enter the room to give him his medicines. Perhaps it is because they do not wear the usual nursing uniforms but were wearing colorful medical scrubs and uniforms. One even had a his favorite cartoon character print as her scrub top! We asked where she got it (I couldn’t help myself – I am a nurse too!) and she answered she had them ordered at ScrubsandBeyond.com. It was part of their benefit at work to get to choose the uniforms they wear and they get reimbursed for it. Almost of them order from the site. Their nurses shoes were not ordinary clogs – they had flower patterns too!

New Bundles of JoyPosted by admin on June 21st, 2010

Two of my friends are expecting to give birth this month. In fact, one of them gave birth to a healthy baby boy just today. The other one is due anytime now as she is nearing 40 weeks by next week. I am excited to see their babes in person soon but I guess I just need to wait for the birth announcements to arrive by e-mail.