Wordless Wednesday – Connecticut Tornado 2009

Connecticut Tornado

Connecticut may be known for their hurricanes, but one doesn’t usually associate us with Tornados.  But they do happen.

The most famous tornado to hit Connecticut in recent memory was the one that hit Windsor Locks on October 3, 1979.  I remember that day very well, when the sky turned black as night.

The picture above is the church steeple of Corpus Christi Church in Wethersfield, Connecticut, which was damaged on June 26, 2009 that the  National Weather Service recently said was an F1 tornado.

Nothing was spared, as you can see.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Career Change Opportunities: Further Your Education Through Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Our family recently celebrated my youngest daughter’s graduation from college. We’re super proud of her, as she received a B.S. in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology. On top of that, she maintained over a 3.5 GPA, and was inducted into the National Sociology Honor Society.

It was wonderful to see pictures of her in the black cap and gown, along with the gold tassel! As a graduation gift, we gave her a graduation cap Pandora charm for her bracelet.

Considering the economic recession in the northeast, my daughter has been fortunate enough to have been going on several job interviews, and hopefully something will pan out for her.

Ever since she was 10, my daughter has understood the importance and value of a higher education through Online Degrees. Many of my readers already know that I finished up my B.S. in Business through online education. I’ve written about my experience several times here.

Back in the 1990s I was a big advocate of  online Degree Programs.

If you’ve been recently downsized, been outsourced,  looking for a career change or are a mom wondering how you can either start or finish up your college degree while still taking care of the kids, check out Western International University.

Western International University provides a broad educational foundation, focused on business and technology, assisting students to get started on their education and earn credits for their degree.

It’s never too late to start or go back to college!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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4th of July Summer Pleasures: Cape Cod – Camping – Tornadoes – Oh My!

Random Tuesday

4th of July,  Camping and Tornadoes, Oh My!

It’s time for another edition of Random Tuesday Thoughts!

Don’t forget to visit Keely over at The Un-Mom for more RTT!

Jawing about the Weather -

It’s hard to believe that the 4th of July is just a few days away.  I don’t need to listen to the TV or radio to check the weather – I can feel it in these Baby Boomer bones of mine – especially the formerly broken wrist that I crushed in Bermuda.

I’m almost past the point of wearing socks to bed now – and am hoping that I’ll be able to wear sandals when we go on our camping trip.  I keep getting tweets from friends out west in Arizona, and some in Miami letting me know how bright & sunny it is down there!  Perhaps I should heed the advice from 1851 and “Go West.” Up until recently, Connecticut’s had 3.61 inches of rain since Memorial Day.

Yes, Virginia, There Was a Tornado in Connecticut –

That was, until Friday, June 26th.  Then, Connecticut had a tornado pass right through town.  The National Weather Service, or whoever it is, declared that it was an F1.  The last time we had a tornado it was in Windsor Locks, in 1979.

Hi Ho The Dario, A Camping We Will Go -

Now, about this camping trip.  We head down to the Connecticut shoreline perhaps once or twice a year to camp out – we don’t have a fancy RV or anything, just a tent.  Years ago we used to take the kids from the time my youngest was 2, up to Cape Cod and camp in Eastham, along the Rail Trail, and then hit either Coast Guard Beach, or Marconi Beach.  We used to go every year before my DD26 got her driver’s license, and it’s hard to believe it’s probably been so long ago since we’ve been up there.  I know that my daughter wants us all to go up there, maybe next year with the grandkiddos so we can “re-live”  the good ole’ days. I can almost taste the Cape Cod Church Supper Chowdah, lobsters and fried clams.  Actually, I enjoy all of Cape Cod,  – we used to stay in Falmouth when my daughter was little, and make the 1-hour drive up to the Cape Cod National Seashore.  She’d get her nap in that way, and we’d get to experience the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July.

What are your plans, I’d love to hear about them!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Play-Doh Spaghetti Factory Playset – Review

Play-Doh

Play-Doh Spaghetti Factory

My granddaughter ‘Lil Moomette is at a really cute age where she wants to do everything by herself.  “Me Do It.” She loves to help out in the kitchen with my youngest daughter, “Auntie.” Auntie enjoys cooking and baking, and doesn’t blink an eye when Moomette is helping out – whether she’s dough-covered from making pierogis, or cookies!

When I had the opportunity to review the Play-Doh Spaghetti Factory by Hasbro I was so excited!

Play-Doh was even around when I was a kid (now, for a baby boomer, that’s a long time ago) and I remember all the colorful cans, and molding and shaping it into ‘presents’ for my mom!  I’d make paper clip holders, pen holders, cookies, and just used my imagination!

Now the kids can get even more creative – the Play-Doh Spaghetti Factory Playset is a Pretend pasta maker where kids can create PLAY-DOH-style pasta and mold into their favorite meatballs, toppings, veggies  and more!

The Playset comes with:

• More than 25 half-molds

• Playmat

• Fork and spoon accessories

• 4 three-ounce cans of compound

Recommended for Ages 3 and up.

Notice Parents: Contains Wheat. Non toxic.

A great addition if you homeschool, or for upcoming Birthdays, Grandma’s house, or getting a head-start on your holiday shopping!

Available at Amazon, Walmart and neighborhood stores
For More Information Visit: Play-Doh Spaghetti Factory

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Teach Your Toddler Sign Language: Toddler Interpreter – Review And Giveaway

Toddler Interpreter

Teach Your Toddler Sign Language

Many years ago when I was a newlywed we became friends with a couple who had an autistic, hearing impaired and non-verbal son.  That was 35 years ago, and our friends’ son is now an adult.

Our friends sent their son to what was then the Mystic Oral School, and later to the American School for the Deaf, which is located in my home state, in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Over the course of our friendship, we watched the young man flourish, become a published artist, and we learned from him some  rudimentary sign language.  I can somewhat sign my name, and use some symbols to communicate – such as  “ice cream.”

I’ve recently had the opportunity to review the Toddler Interpreter,

“A Parent’s Guide to Baby Sign Language for Hearing Babies and Toddlers.”

Even before my grandchildren were born (they’re now almost 3 and 1) I was aware that many families, pre-schools and daycare providers are teaching toddlers to sign.

Using Baby Sign Language you can:

* Begin communication with your baby or toddler earlier – suitable from 4 months.
* Give your child a head start with their speech development.
* Resolve the frustrations of the terrible twos.
* Stimulate brain activity and increase your baby’s IQ.
* Bond with your baby through two way communication.

Baby Sign Language encourages your baby to talk sooner.

What I liked about this comprehensive book is that it is chock-full of beautiful photos and illustrations, along with an index in the back of the book.

This all-inclusive book includes answers and FAQ  such as why you should teach your toddler to sign; when you should begin teaching and what makes this book unique compared to similar books of it’s genre.

I wasn’t aware that sign language varies from state-to-state as well as internationally.

If you’re a parent, pre-school teacher or daycare provider, this is one reference book you should read, implement and keep at-the ready on your bookshelf.

Use Code:  MTODINT to receive a 20% discount on any product from the online store.

For More Information Visit: Toddler Interpreter

Authors: Ian Creaser and Lisa Baade BSc
Publisher: I & M Creaser PTY Ltd
Year: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-646-50882-5
Pages: 120

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a hardcover copy of Toddler Interpreter.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)

a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Toddler Interpreter and leave a comment about what you learned about the authors and WHY you’d like to win this book.

Now for extra entries (each task will get you 1 extra entry):

~One Extra Entry: Add my banner button to your sidebar or add me to your blogroll, and come back here and leave the link (I will be checking)

~One Extra Entry: Blog about the contest on your blog linking to my blog and the site

~ One Extra Entry: Become a Fan of Moomettesgram on Facebook and let me know your name in a separate comment.

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) and leave your name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Favorite Moomette’s Magnificents in Technorati and leave your name (I will be checking) in a separate comment  (the link is on my right sidebar).

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Twitter and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Tweet about this contest (Retweet button at bottom of post), and come back to this post and leave the URL link to the Tweet so I can check. You may Retweet once per day until the end of the contest, but please leave a separate comment for each Retweet, along with the permalink

Make sure you comment separately for each task after the required entry task so you will get credit for each one ~ and leave your e-mail where you can be contacted.

This contest will run until July 8, 2009 at approximately 11:00 pm.

Winners are chosen by Random.Org, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

*Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

*Include your email if it’s not enabled.
*Open to USA and Canada Only
*Rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

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Baby Bedding By Carousel Designs – Review and Giveaway

Carousel Designs

Carousel Designs Baby Bedding

My daughters were born in the 1980s.  Whenever there was a night feeding that was needed, my husband would nudge me and of course I’d be the one who had to get up and make the bottle to feed the babies.

I inherited many of my grandmother’s antique period pieces of furniture, and have several rockers.  One is a Lady Windsor rocker in cherry – it has the slatted back and is very elegant and you’ll still find them in New England colonial homes, and the other is a Lady Lincoln Rocker, much like the one pictured here.    I’d venture down to the living room in the middle of the night, and rock my babies as I fed them, the Black Lab at my feet.

Moms today breastfeed, and the new rocker of choice is the glider.  When my granddaughter, ‘Lil Moomette was born, my daughter received a glider as a baby shower gift along with many decorative pillows to coordinate with her baby bedding.

I’m delighted to be able to let you know about Carousel Designs. Not only do they offer decorative and coordinating nursery pillows, they also offer crib bedding.

I received a beautiful Blue Modern Dot Decorative pillow.  The pillow itself is a coordinate  in the Blue Modern Dot Collection and is composed of Solid Blue Minky and edged in Chocolate Minky. The pillow is approximately 12″ x 9″ and a pillow form is included.  It’s really comfortable and coordinates well with my grandson’s room – I can’t believe he’ll be celebrating his First Birthday in August!

Carousel Designs has been designing and manufacturing baby crib bedding for over 21 years right in the USA!

If you have an upcoming Baby Shower for a daughter, daughter-in-law or special friend,  you’ll find a wonderful selection of boy crib bedding and custom crib bedding certain to please the new mom-to-be.  If you’re matching a bedding set to a specific color scheme, swatches are available and are a great way to “touch and feel” the product before placing an order.

For More Information Visit:  Carousel Designs

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Blue Modern Dot Decorative Pillow (Value $49) from Carousel Designs.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)

a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Carousel Designs and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

Now for extra entries (each task will get you 1 extra entry):

~One Extra Entry: Add my banner button to your sidebar or add me to your blogroll, and come back here and leave the link (I will be checking)

~One Extra Entry: Blog about the contest on your blog linking to my blog and the site

~ One Extra Entry: Become a Fan of Moomettesgram on Facebook and let me know your name in a separate comment.

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) and leave your name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Favorite Moomette’s Magnificents in Technorati and leave your name (I will be checking) in a separate comment  (the link is on my right sidebar).

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Twitter and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Tweet about this contest (Retweet button at bottom of post), and come back to this post and leave the URL link to the Tweet so I can check. You may Retweet once per day until the end of the contest, but please leave a separate comment for each Retweet, along with the permalink

Make sure you comment separately for each task after the required entry task so you will get credit for each one ~ and leave your e-mail where you can be contacted.

This contest will run until July 9, 2009 at approximately 11:00 pm.

Winners are chosen by Random.Org, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

*Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

*Include your email if it’s not enabled.
*Open to USA and Canada Only
*Rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

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5 Tips for Summer Staycations: Keep Your House Safe And Clean

Summer Staycation

Recently I wrote a post about how our family will be  staying closer to home this year and taking a staycation with the grandkids in our own state.

All that extra time at home means more planning, bigger messes, and ultimately more chores for everyone.

As it turns out, more and more families are spending extra time at home because of the economy.

According to a recent Clorox survey, over 60 percent of the Moms surveyed reported an increase in cleaning around the house as their families now spend more time at home. And, not surprisingly, Moms want to save time and money for all of this extra cleaning. I’ve been asked to let you know that Mom Central got together with the MommyDocs and came up with a list of Five Tips for Summer Staycations to keep your family safe and your house cleaner during the summer months this year.

• Staying Safe at BBQs. According to a recent survey, 70 percent of Moms are cooking more at home and many are likely switching up their meal routine with an outdoor BBQ. Make sure your kids have a safe BBQ experience by keeping them away from the flames and any sharp knives. Also, don’t forget to check that your child’s hamburger is fully cooked. Always keep a thermometer on hand to be sure all food has reached the appropriate inside temperature.

• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean. If your kids love to spend hot afternoons in kiddie pools, you know the importance of cleaning the pool area. Dump out water after each session, and keep the pool clean by disinfecting it with a solution of ¾ cup bleach* to one gallon of water. Don’t forget to rinse well and dry thoroughly after each cleaning (never leave any water in the pool). Be sure to always supervise children when they are in or around any water. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)

• Staying Healthy and Hydrated. Spending time in the heat means kids will be more prone to becoming dehydrated. Remind kids to take frequent rest/drink breaks in the shade when playing outside and try to avoid activity during peak sun hours.  Encourage fluids before, during, and after outside activities.

• Having Peace of Mind at Playgrounds. Sometimes just getting out of the house is the best way to keep it clean, but before letting kids loose at the playground, ensure the safety of the equipment. Swing seats and slides can really heat up in the sun – test them out before your kids hop on to avoid burns. Be sure the playground surface is composed of a soft material to help prevent injury. All playground equipment should be routinely checked for any broken or loose parts.  As always, adult supervision is a must at all times!

• Saving on Spills. Spending extra time around the house, especially with kids, often means more spills to clean up. Synthetic sponges and kitchen cloths can start to smell and carry bacteria, but you don’t have to toss them out after a few uses. One option to reduce bacteria is to sanitize sponges and dishrags by soaking them in a bleach solution (¾ cup of bleach* to a gallon of water) for 5 minutes in the sink.  Don’t forget to rinse and dry when done.  A wet sponge can also be microwaved to get rid of bacteria. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Camping – Tips – And Other Frustrations

Friday Frustrations

Welcome to another edition of Friday Frustrations Meme!

This is where you’ll find my end-of-the-week Rants, always a favorite!

From the Never-Too-Old-To-Learn Department:

The continuing saga of merging my 3 blogs has me learning the ropes of CSS style sheets and all that.  I’ve been going back and forth trying to decide whether to add a Baby Boomer section, or just leave all my general stuff under Veranda Chit Chat.

Actually, I’m quite proud of the fact that I coded numbered comments into my style sheet all by myself.  @Mamikaze on Twitter made the suggestion! Thanks! I feel like a Baby Boomer Tech Genius now!

Contests and Giveaway Woes

I’ve been running a little behind in getting all my contests and giveaways up and running.

What’s perplexing is the fact that many of the people who are entering are Just.Not.Reading.THE RULES

You’ve heard of Cider House Rules?  Well, these here are Moomette’s Rules and I rule the roost.

So, if you don’t read The Rules, you are disqualified.  Sez so right In Bold.  I’m instituting a Zero Tolerance Policy, because I just don’t have the time to police comments.  :pissedoff:

I belong to many (OK, Lots) of ning sites and social networking forums, and it seems to be the general consensus that it’s happening to many bloggers who are offering Giveaways.  Seems to be the Sweepers who just enter and run.

I put out a Tweet about this, and Debbie @Birdonawire responded:

I think Debbie was right-on.

Moving On…

Sometimes I feel a little comment starved – don’t we all at times? So to remedy that feeling, I just joined this cool site called The Secret Is In The Sauce, (SITS) and hope to garner a little comment recognition and support.

I know it’s hard to manage your time and comment on all the blogs out there – between doing administrative work, writing posts, Twittering, guest posting and I could go on ad nauseum, but really, as I saw on a Tweet and I can’t give the person credit because I don’t remember who it was it passed so quickly in my tweet stream, but it was something like:

Comments are like tips, if you like the post, leave one!

Regarding Twitter:

I just can’t understand all the tweeps who are tweeting about “get more followers.” Must be some sort of affiliate thing, or you buy your followers, or whatever.  Not that I care, I vet all my followers and while I welcome (most) everyone, it’s hard to have social conversations with what, 10K people? Really.

Wrapping it all up…

Hard to believe that next weekend is the 4th of July.  Our camping trip is coming up soon and we actually use.a.tent – which means I’ll have to get on The Hubster’s case gently remind my husband that we need to air the thing out and find the air mattress that DD26 and charming-son-in-law gave me at Christmas so this princess won’t feel like I’m sleeping with rocks a pea under my sleeping bag.  Camping, moi- can you believe it?

So, any frustrations you’d like to air share with me?

Until next Friday …

Visit Conversations With Moms for more Friday Frustrations

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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@Moomettes

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Retirement – Farrah – And Life Is Passing Right Before My Eyes

Farrah Fawcett

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O would some Power

the giftie gie us

to see ourselves as others see us

Robert Burns, Scottish national poet (1759-1796)

Life is Passing Right Before My Eyes

Do you ever feel like your life is passing right before your eyes in fast motion?  These are the feelings that I’m experiencing of late which have been exacerbated by the retirements this week of my long-time friends and co-workers, and the death of Farrah Fawcett.

Although I knew that Farrah had been battling cancer, when I found out yesterday that she died, I suddenly felt in touch with my own mortality.  It’s as if a piece of me went with her.

Why, you may ask, do I feel like this?  I grew up, coming of age in the 70s and Farrah was a few years older than me.  I was a newlywed at the time, and remember faithfully watching Charlie’s Angels admiring with envy Farrah’s gorgeous hair and beautiful smile.   I was young then, but even in my best years, never did I look or could have looked like she did.  I always said if I could “come back,” it would be as a 5′7″ blonde.  The most I ever stood was about 5′1″.

Before the Internet and even before the advent of cable television, VCR and DVDs, I would watch a fair amount of television in the evenings.  Some of my all-time favorite shows over the years included Magnum P.I.; Three’s Company;  All In The Family; The Jeffersons; Sanford and Son and Everybody Loves Raymond.  Since I’m older than dirt, I even remember watching Ryan O’ Neal on Peyton Place.

It’s hard to believe, but I’m probably one of the few out there that don’t “get” reality TV shows and haven’t once watched Jon & Kate and don’t understand what all the hoopla is about, and actually, could care less.  There’s more drama here in Dysfunction Junction without having to watch it on TV.

So many of my favorite actors and actresses who were ingrained in my memory have passed on.  Although my grandmother lived to be 101, sometimes you wonder what’s around the corner for you.

I’m experiencing a sense of sadness and loss – but of what?  My youth?  I look at Farrah’s pictures from those earlier days – that famous bathing suit pinup poster picture – and in my mind’s eye, Farrah will always look like that, forever young.

When I look at pictures of myself when I was roughly the same age as Farrah, I think I still look like I did and nothing has changed.

And then I look in the mirror.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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@Moomettes

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Frugal Fun Activities For the Family This Summer

Frugal Family Fun

Frugal Family Fun Activities

The 4th of July long weekend will soon be here and those lazy, crazy hazy days of summer are now upon us.  Every now and then we all need to take a break from our daily routine  For ways to spend quality time and have some family fun while still keeping within the family budget, here’s some tips if you’re planning a family Staycation:

The Hubster’s family introduced us to camping at a family Connecticut campground when the kids were younger.  It wasn’t long after that we ventured to sites on our own, out-of-state.  Rather than taking a week’s vacation, sometimes taking long family weekend trips are more economical, while still enjoying a few laughs and getting out of Dodge.

We don’t take the kind of camping trips that require learning survival skills.  Family members experienced in camping can help to guide you.  Siblings, cousins and family friends can bond by making and roasting s’mores around the campfire, singing songs, and telling ghost stories.

My charming son-in-law is from Vermont, and everyone up there knows how to stoke a campfire, albeit, a necessary survival skill!

Other ways to enjoy frugal family outings are:

State Parks -  These are great for daytripping.  Many have playground equipment, hiking trails and picnic facilities.  Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!

Miniature Golf – Admissions is normally reasonably priced and provides an opportunity for relaxation and family competition.  Although my husband did end up in the ER with 4 stitches to his eye after my daughter swung the club as if she was using a driver – she was fresh out of sports camp!

Petting Zoos – Smaller zoos may not have exotic animals, like Disney World, the San Diego Zoo, the Bronx Zoo or Roger Williams Park Zoo may have, but the kids will enjoy feeding and petting the animals.  We used to take the kids to the Catskill Game Farm, and they always enjoyed that!

Museums – Many offer cheap or free admission, while other admission prices may cost more.  Check out season passes.  Some  of our favorite places that the grandchildren enjoy is Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium.  If you live close to a museum, you can benefit by visiting all year long for one family admission price.

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Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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@Moomettes

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