Safely Unclog A Drain @ Home

Do you have drain that is clogged?  If yes, follow these safe and economical steps to unclog a drain.

1)  Clear a clogged drain by pouring a 1 cup of baking soda into it.

2)  Followed by 1 cup of vinegar.

3)  It will bubble and foam and once that stops...simply flush the drain with hot water.

4)  About 5 minutes later.... rinse with cold water.

This approach is effective, non-toxic, and less damaging to your pipes (and wallet!) than commercial drain cleaners.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tall Vase Floral Creation

I wanted to try something new for my Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Floral Creation.  For this project, I selected a tall cylinder vase, silk roses, river rocks, Spanish moss, foam, and ribbons.

First, wash the vase in warm soapy water (wash with your hand or a paper towel).  To dry, I use coffee filters (as it doesn't leave any streaks).

Second, if want to wrap ribbon around the vase, measure the ribbon.  Wrap the ribbon around the vase...make sure you know how you want around the vase before you glue it onto the vase.  To secure the ribbon, you can use a glue gun, double stick tab, or small glue dots -- to hold the ribbon in place.

Third, place a few inches of river rocks at the bottom of the vase.

Fourth, place some Spanish moss.

Fifth, it's time to check if the foam fits properly and/or needs to be cut to fit into the vase.  Wrap a little bit of Spanish moss around the foam.  Place it into the vase.  It looks great if some moss moves up to the edge or little bit above the vase.

Sixth, use wire cutters to cut the silk flowers....individual stems.

Lastly, add your single floral stems into the foam.  You can include additional leaves and/or other flowers (to your taste).

Newly Elected Lamar CISD Board Trustee - states, "Too Tired"

As you know, the 2013 Lamar CISD Graduation Commencement ceremonies occurred after the Memorial Day weekend - started on Friday, May 31st and continued on Saturday, June 1st.

 

We now have four high school campuses, so LCISD scheduled graduation to start on Friday and continue on Saturday.   It calls for a very busy weekend...especially for LCISD's Superintendent, Administrators and Faculty from each campus, and of course our Board of Trustees.

Sadly, though at this year's graduation ceremonies - What happened with our Board of Trustees?  Friday night, there were seven board members.   However, by Saturday's ceremonies, they started off with four....dwindled down to only three during Lamar CHS and ended with four to complete Foster HS.

What happened to being committed to our children? What happened to representing our school district (as a whole)?

According to the newly elected Lamar CISD Board of Trustee for Single-Member District 1 -- Mrs. Kathryn Kaminski, first she said, "I'll drive myself on Saturday morning." Then by the next day it was, "Friday's ceremonies tired me out. It was too much."

Mr. Dar Hakimzadeh stated on Friday, "I'm not sure about Saturday, it's up in the air." Then sends a message stating, "He's not attending any graduation ceremonies on Saturday."

However, outgoing board members Michael Richard and Karen Mendoza attended all four graduation ceremonies as they were Board Officers for the 2012-2013 School Year.   Also, in attendance at all four graduation ceremonies was newly elected board member, Ms. Anna Gonzales.

Understandably, Mrs. Julie Thompson attended two graduation ceremonies (Friday night and Saturday morning).   Her eldest daughter graduated from George Ranch HS and she left to celebrate with her family and in-laws.

What we, the community, don't understand is -- How can you say that you want to serve our community, staff, and students; yet you fail to show up to graduation ceremonies?

 

What happened to your message of courtesy, commitment, and communication?  Answer: It went out the window.

When serving on the School Board, it entails more than just a seat at the table, meeting once or twice a month to discuss and approve district matters.  Serving your community, school employees and students is a priority as well.  Board Members, you must make some sacrifices as it does take time away from your family.  You must learn to use your time management wisely.

Yes, many people noticed who was not on stage presenting our graduates with their diplomas. It saddens me and others in our community that some of our current board members' hearts are NOT in the right place at all.

If one graduation ceremony tired you out, Mrs. Kaminski (aka Ms. K)....our question to you then is -- How are you going to handle the remainder of the year?  Next two years?  Next four years?

 

Our community, staff, and students deserve better LEADERSHIP.  I hope that all registered voters will take this into consideration the next time election comes around.

Rainbow Tiered Cake Recipe

Would you like to bake something that is not only fun, but easy?  Your family and/or friends will be impressed.

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes - Duncan Hines "Classic White Cake Mix
• Vegetable Oil **
• Water **
• 3 Eggs **
• 4 Containers - Duncan Hines White Frosting
• Food Coloring Set
• Rainbow Sprinkles

** Since you'll be using 2 box of cake mix, you'll need to double up on the measuring / quantity of the following ingredients (vegetable oil, water, eggs).


Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Pour both cake mixes in a large bowl.  Add the vegetable oil and water -- begin mixing.  Then you'll add 6 egg whites -- mix until cake is formed and smooth.

3.  Take the cake batter and separate into 5 small mixing bowls.  You'll then add 4-6 drops of food coloring into each mixing bowl.  Stir with a mixing spoon until the color develops and looks evenly mixed.  You may add more food coloring if you wish in order to the color that you want.

4.  Once all the small mixing bowls have been mixed with the colors, you'll need to evenly butter 5 separate cake pans.  Pour the colored batter into each cake pan.

5.  Place the cake pans into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.  You can check if cake is done by using a toothpick - place it in the center...if it comes out clean, your cake is done.  Then you can remove the cake pans from the oven.  Flip each cake pan onto a baking rack to allow them stand and cool.

6.  When they are cool, take a sharp knife and cut off the round tops of each layer to make sure the cake layers stack on each other without tipping over.  As each needs to be flat on top and bottom in order to stack them properly.

7.  Begin by icing the bottom layer.  Stack the next layer and repeat until all are stacked.  Once all the layers are stacked, then you can frost the sides of the cake.

8.  Add the rainbow sprinkles (or whatever kind of sprinkles you'd like) while the frosting is still wet.


Hope you enjoy your tasty Rainbow Tiered Cake.

Fresh Catnip and Lemon Grass - Helps Keep Mosquitos Away

What really works to help keep mosquitos away from your home?

1) Make sure that you do not have any standing water around.

2) Change your outside light from a white bulb to yellow bulb.

3) Plant fresh catnip (according to Bob Vila) in your garden or in a planting pot.

4) Plant Lemon Grass in your garden or in a planting pot.

I went to Home Depot and bought 2 packages of Catnip and some planting pots and plant soil...reasonable price (Garden area).  Let's wait and see if it acutually works.

Fresh Basil - Helps Keeps Flies Away

Fresh Basil.

According to Bob Vila - Growing Fresh Basil in your Kitchen will help keep flies away.

I went to Wal-Mart and bought a starters kit for growing Fresh Basil (garden area)...reasonable price.  Let's wait and see if it acutually works.

I will keep you posted on the outcome.

Small Cost Savings to Your Electric Bill (but it's worth it)

Would you like to save some money on your electricty bill? Go to your hardware store (I went to Home Depot) and purchase a pack of Electric Outlet and Switch Sealers (under $3/pk).

It fits behind the outlet face plate (or light switch) to help block drafts. The sealers are made of fire-retardant plastic for durability.

It's very simple to do yourself.

Having Problems with Acid Reflux (also known as "H Pylori Gastritis")

Have you ever a bad case of Acid Reflux...not just a one time thing....but months of problems, just about every day?

Well, I have.  I finally decided to go in to see my primary doctor and she referred me to a Gastroenterology (Stomach & Intestines) specialist.  After the first visit, I was told to take Prevacid (available over the counter), take it once at night.  Second, I was schedule for day surgery where the doctor conducts an Esophagoscopy Gastroscopy Duodenoscopy (also known as an EDG Test).  {{Try saying that three times}}

You may be wondering what is an EDG Test.  An EDG Test is an upper endoscopy.  The EDG Test allows the physician to see the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the duodenum.

The outcome could possibly be Helicobacter Pylori Gastritis -- which is the bacteria responsible for most ulcers and many cases of stomach inflammation (chronic).  The bacteria can weaken the productive coating of the stomach, allowing digestive juices to irritate the sensitive stomach lining.

Is the a cure?  Yes, there is a cure and must be careful to check periodically with your physician.

Medication that I am currently taking is called PrevPac -- which consists of:

• Prevacid 30 mg -- two black/pink capsules, each containing 30 mg of lansoprazole as enteric-coated granules.
• Biaxin Filmtab 500 mg -- two yellow, oval, film-coated tablets, each containing 500 mg of clarithromycin.
• Amoxicillin Capsules, USP -- four yellow opaque cap and body capsules, each containing amoxicillin trihydrate equivalent to 500 mg of amoxicillin.

This is taken once in the AM and once in the PM....for a period of 14-days, consecutively.

In addition, a very strict Acid Reflux Diet will help as well.

School Board Member NOT to Trust at Lamar CISD

Back in February 2013, Lamar CISD Board Member Dar Hakimzadeh wrote an article for the www.InstantNewsFortBend.com -- entitled "School Board Member Wants an End to 'Good Old Boy' Atmosphere".  Article Link:  http://www.instantnewsfortbend.com/2013/02/28/79274

He also informed people in various parts of the district that the first person to get rid of was me, Karen Mendoza.  Wow!!!  Shocker?  I should say not.  For the past two 2 years, numerous members on the Lamar CISD School Board made several attempts to communicate with Mr. Hakimzadeh....to discuss district matters.  He would tell us one thing....then go running back to Rodney Vannerson, the Whistle PAC, and constituents saying the exact opposite.  Basically, he is a LIAR....more like a snake.  The man cannot be trusted.  Not even with 'confidential' matters.

First of all, I do not appreciate being grouped in with this "Good Old Boy" statement....for 1) I am NOT old and 2) In case you haven't noticed, I am NOT a boy!!!

It is a known fact by many in the community that Dar Hakimzadeh did not run for Board Trustee to do good things for the children and employees of our beloved school district.  He ran because he has a "personal agenda" and that is to DESTROY the foundation of which we stand by at Lamar CISD.

This is his line:  Will you go to lunch with me?  Can I call you?

If you tell him, "No." for whatever reason....he will turn against you.

Here's the thing....In this great state of ours, public school districts must adhere to federal, state, and local mandates.  There is no if's, and's, or but's about it.

Coming to a meeting and being a BULLY and disrespectful to your fellow board members will not help mattes.  Turning around and spreading vicious LIES about your fellow board members, contributors / supporters of public education....sending out nasty emails to local businesses to sabotage a candidates efforts in raising campaign funds -- simply should NOT be tolerated by an "Elected Official".

If we tell our children NOT to BULLY other children...let's put a Stop To Bullying.....then why should we condone an Adult, an Elected Official to be a BULLY.  I say, "NO!!!"  We need to come together and let our voices and concerns be heard.

Bought by the Whistle PAC

As you recall, on the Fort Bend Herald's issue of May 9th, 2013, Kathryn Kaminski stated that she "disavowed the Whistle PAC...that the contribution of $5,000 (if not more) would not buy them (Whistle PAC) anything from her...running as an independent candidate".

Well, her transparency showed last night, Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, as her first action as Board Trustee for Di...strict 1 was nominating Dar Hakimzadeh as Board Secretary. Mr. Hakimzadeh, Board Trustee for District 5, was caught numerous times by the Richmond Police Department accompanying Rodney Vannerson with the Whistle PAC who has been charged with a mischief for removing Candidates Campaign Signs.

People in the audience were taken by surprise...and whispers started going around, "Can you say, bought by the Whistle PAC?" The motion failed as they only had 2 votes (Kaminski and Hakimzadeh). Anna Gonzales nominated Frank Torres as Board Secretary...motion passed with 5 votes in favor (Thompson, Zacharias, Gonzales, Torres, and Danziger).

Many constituents are stating that Hakimzadeh should resign due to many ethic violations (according to the Board Operating Procedures). Last year, Hakimzadeh accused Sam Hopkins and/or Michael Richard of serving on LCISD Committees before being elected to the Board (false allegations)....Hakimzadeh stated it was a "conflict". However, he fully supports Kaminski, a long time business vendor with LCISD to have a contract. What happened with "conflict"? Some people would say, he's being a hypocrite.

In addition, people are stating that Lamar CISD should "cancel / void" the After School Day Care contract that was offered to the Gingerbread House Day Care as Kaminski is the primary owner and operator... including Tiny Steps Educational Center (which is owned and operated by Kaminski's daughter Cindy Gifford).

Many people in the community see this as a MAJOR CONFLICT of a business vendor also serving as a Board Trustee.

It's not Good-bye....changing roles to be an Advocate for Public Education

Even though last night, May 21, 2013, was my last official board meeting as a LCISD Board Trustee / Vice President....I want everyone to know that your kind & encouraging words have truly touched my heart...saying "what an inspiration I have been in so many ways (as a strong woman, a mother / divorced parent, a college student, board trustee, leadership, work, and advocate for public education)".

"Thank You All!!!" And I want you to know that I will continue to be an active Advocate for Public Education, especially for Lamar CISD.

I will continue to attend the Lamar CISD Board Meetings and continue to take notes.

Women - Tone Up Your Arms in Six Weeks

I've heard time and time again from women...."I don't like my arms."  or "My arms are so flabby."

After watching the LiveWellNetwork, logged into their web page and found a previous clip on "Six Weeks to Sleeveless".

Link:  http://livewellnetwork.com/Mirror-Mirror/episodes/Six-Weeks-to-Sleeveless/8129239

So, I've decided to make this a part of my weekly exercise routine.  A personal trainer told me that in order for me to see results....I must alternate my exercise routine between cardio (15-20 minutes) then stength/toning (15-20 minutes).

If you decided to incorporate these toning exercises for your arms....please let me know how it works for you after six weeks.

In turn, I'll let you know if my arms have toned up any in six weeks.

Stay healthy.  Keep focused on your goal.

Healthy Baby Spring Mix Salad (140 Calories)

I LOVE salads.  I especially enjoy making my OWN healthy salads...experiment just a little bit...to see what I like and don't like in my food.

Today, I wanted to enjoy a nice simple salad for lunch (while I'm at my office).  We have a small refrigerator...so we are limited with space.

I have with me today the following:

• 3 cups - Baby Spring Mix Salad
• 1 Tbsp - Sliced Almonds Toasted
• 2 Tbsp - Classic Seasoned Croutons (Restaurant Style)
• 2 Tbsp - Raspberry Vinaigrette Lite Salad Dressing

According to @MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter....this is ONLY 140 Calories.  Not bad for a simple salad.  Now, if you were to add other ingredients....calories would increase.

Like I stated, today I was in the mood for a nice simple salad and a bowl of soup.  This was filling for me.  Plus, my 8 oz glass of Water.

What kind of salads do you like to make?



Please note that I purchased these items at KrogerCo.

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars (120 calories)

As I was looking over the weekly sales ad while grocery shopping at KrogerCo, I noticed the advertisement for Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars (No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Made with Real Fruit and Whole Grains).

I also noticed that it's only 120 calories per bar; wholesome fiber, 0 trans fat.

Of course, I purchased a box of Apple Cinnamon.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Apple Cinnamon (such a great combination).

Yesterday, for my mid-afternoon snack, I ate one.  Not bad.  Personally, I wish it had more filling.

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the best)...I would give Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars - Apple Cinnamon a rate of 7.

While it's low in calories, you taste more of the whole grains than the fruit itself.  The fruit taste in your mouth only lasts for a few seconds.

Question:  Is there room for improvement?
Answer:  Yes, I strongly believe so.

Question:  Will I try it again as a snack?
Answer:  Yes, because it's enough to satisfy my mid-afternoon snack craving.

If you decide to try it.  Please, by all means, let me know how your rate the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars.

DIY Project - Easy Steps to fix a Leaky Kitchen Sink

After weeks of procrastinating, I took on the Do It Yourself (DIY) Project of fixing my leaky kitchen sink.

Tools you will need for this project:

• Adjustable Wrench
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Paper Towels / Shop Towels
• Brass Faucet Stem (2 - Hot/Cold Stem)

Follow these easy to follow steps:

1. Shut-off (turn off) the water connection (which is located under the kitchen sink).
2. Gently use the Flathead Screwdriver to remove the cover on the kitchen faucet knob.
3. Use the Phillips Screwdriver to remove the screw holding the kitchen faucet knob.
4. Remove the kitchen faucet knob.
5. Use the Adjustable Wrench to remove the Brass Faucet Stem.
• I took this corrosive piece to Lowes Hardware to find exactly what I needed for my project.
6. Place the new Brass Faucet Stem in.
7. Use the Adjustable Wrench to tighten the Brass Faucet Stem into place.
8. Place the kitchen faucet knob back over the Brass Faucet Stem.
9. Place the screw back in using the Phillips Screwdriver...tighten it into place.
10. Place the cover back over the kitchen faucet knob (usually snaps back into place).
11. Repeat steps 1-10 for the other kitchen faucet knob.
12. Go back under the kitchen sink and turn the water connection ON.

I hope that this has helped you in some way or another.  It was easier than I thought.  I'm just happy that I didn't run into any additional problems.

MyFitnessPal - Calorie Counter, Daily Logs, etc.

I know many, including myself, who make resolutions every year or every few months to make some changes to one's health (such as:  exercise - at home or the gym, cut certain foods out).  Well, the other night as I watching the evening news, the following report got my attention.

News Report Article Link:  http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/consumer&id=8940051

MyFitnessPal - is a FREE app to download onto your mobile (you can also find it on web page, Facebook and Twitter @MyFitnessPal).

You log in your current weight, height and your goal weight.  The app will then tell you what your calorie count should be on a daily basis.

I'm on my second day of using the app.  You must be dedicated to inputting your meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks....your exercise routine (equipment used, number of calories burned, number of minutes spent on each exercise).

Throughout the day, the app will track:  Your Goal Calorie Count, Food Calorie Consumed, Calories Remained, Exercise, and Net Calorie Count.

Then at the end of your day, after your finished logging in all of your entries...click on "Complete This Entry".  And the app will tell you how you did for the day (your total calories, total carbs, fats, protein, sugars, etc.).

The other thing that I love about this app is that if you eat out, you can find a great deal of restaurant food / meal nutrition and can "add" to your daily log.  (such as:  @Starbucks, @Chick-fil-A).  It also scans the bar code of food items so that you can "add" to your daily log.

Try this app:  MyFitnessPal

If you do, let me know what you think about it.  Does it help you? or Not?

Easy Meal: Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

On New Year's Eve, 2012....I wanted to make a special dinner for my love and myself.  Something that would be easy and great tasting.

The following items are needed:

• Package of Chicken Breasts (skinless)
• 1 bottle of Italian Dressing
• Onion
• Bell Peppers (of your choosing)
• Garlic
• Kosher Salt
• Ground Pepper
• Butter

Follow these preparation steps:

• Rinse each chicken breast with water.
• Place ckicken breasts in a large bowl.
• Shake the Italian Dressing and pour into large bowl (enough to coat each chicken breast).
• Cover with foil.
• Place large bowl in the refrigerator (allow to marinate for at least 2 hours).
• Slice onion, bell peppers (to your liking as to how much you would like)
• I used half of a green and red bell peppers
• Chopped a few cloves of garlic (to your liking)

Grilling time:

• In a skillet add butter over a medium heat.
• Add marinated chicken breast to the skillet (usually 2 pieces will fit).
• I cut the chicken breast in the center to ensure that it cooks through.
• Add your Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper (to your liking).
• Grill one side at a time (personally, I like mine to be a nice golden color). Cover with lid.
• Turn the chicken breast over and grill the other side.
• Gradually add your onion, garlic, and bell peppers to add flavor. Cover with lid.

Once your marinated grilled chicken is done...serve with your favorite side dishes and a healthy salad (with sliced almonds and dried cranberries, onions, tomatoes) and a lite dressing.

Enjoy your meal.

FREE Star Gazing App

Unfortunately, I do not have a telescope to see the stars or planets.  However, my friend informed me of the "Google Sky Map"....not only can you see the stars and planets, but the app is FREE to download onto your mobile.

Since it's cold temperatures outside, I've been able to enjoy this app from inside my home...where it's warm.  (Ha. Ha. Ha.)

Try this app.  Let me know what you think about it.

Happy New Year 2013

Did you make any resolutions for 2013 (ex:  lose weight, save money, quit smoking, no resolutions)?