The Curse of the Lottery

All That Money and You'll Still Go Broke!

I was watching the Today Show this morning and their continual coverage of the woman in Arkansas (woman "A") that won the AR lottery, but the ticket actually belonged to another woman (woman "B") - who tossed it in the trash after claiming the lottery machine made a mistake and said the ticket was not a winner (with me?).  Want the full story, click HERE.  

First, let me sat that both women are clearly of less than intelligent stock.  Here are 2 people who clearly don't have 2 nickels to rub together, yet, play the lottery - it would appear regularly - and are now fighting over ownership.  At stake is about $680,000 after taxes (of course!).  Woman "A" regularly takes tossed tickets out of the trash and "Tossed tickets" bins and re-scans them for winners (quite the hobby).  Woman "A" is also out of work, her husband is out of work and they have already spent almost $200,000 of the winnings.  A judge has ruled that the ticket belongs to woman "B".  Right or wrong, clearly woman "A" cannot afford to pay back the $200k she's already spent.  Both parties cannot agree on any terms and woman "B" is refusing to consent that woman "A" can just keep the $200k.  So, to trial this shall go.  Really?!

I seem to recall a Bible or children's story about two people fighting over something so badly that both ended up with nothing (help me out here!).  What is the matter with people?  This situation clearly was a mistake on both parts, yet each of these hill-jacks are refusing to compromise and walk away with more money than they will ever yet see in their lifetimes.  Instead, they are going to try to stake there claim to the whole ball of wax - and walk away with nothing after all the legal fees.  Just what they deserve.

QNexa Should Not Be Your Next Choice

QNexa?  Leave it to Big Brother Pharmaceutical to look out for our best interests - right?  Please tell me you know the answer is wrong!  There are very few instances where the right answer is taking a relatively new drug whose side effects may include some serious heart issues.  The FDA is concerned enough about heart problems from Qnexa that they are considering requiring studies – but the studies could come after the drug hits the market and loads of people begin taking it.  Really? What on earth is the FDA here for?  To let drugs hit the market, see what happens and then make a decision about whether its safe or not?  WOW!


I heard a radio news story about QNexa and how the pharmaceutical companies thought they had a good answer to weight loss.  I'm sure that's exactly what they think.


Perhaps each of us need to take our health into our own hands.  You know in your heart what is best for you and what isn't.  What I hope for each person that is struggling with weight loss is that you find yourself a good support system and discover what the real issue is.  Oftentimes there is an emotional cause as to why many women struggle with their weight, so keep in mind that there is NEVER any shame in seeking professional help in overcoming your hurdles!


That's the end of my sermon for today.  Take care of yourselves and let's be each other's cheerleaders!

Hope to talk with Your Kids

Any tips we can share to be able to talk with - and listen to - our kids, we will!

In any relationship, the positive power of communication is highly underrated!

Have Sippy Will Travel

Happy Ground Hog Day!

Useless and Fun Ground Hog Day Facts you wish you knew!  Hey, we're all about sharing fun!  Our friends at the Huffington Post did all the work for us, so why not share the HogLove?

To put more of an eco-spin on it, Ground Hogs are just another reason to keep our waterways clean and our forests standing.  Humans are not the only living creatures on the planet and didn't our Mommas teach us how to share?!


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/01/groundhog-day-2012-facts_n_1245259.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003#s649298&title=Woodchucks_Dont_Chuck

The Menopause Journals

Cathy Tiffany, author

I'm 42.  I'm in menopause.  Seriously - full blown, no periods menopause.  The new period thing I dig.  The hot flashes, body changes, sleep altering stuff - I do not.  It's really strange.  I got off the birth control pill three yearsish ago.  As soon as I did, I dropped 5-7 pounds (I'm thin anyway), the nifty wave in my hair disappeared, My sleep went to hell in a hand-basket and my hot flashes went from occasional to crazy.  Oh yeah - and my breasts started leaking milk.  Really?

My next gyno visit bought me a mammogram, an internal and external ultrasound (by a male technician - great.) and blood work $$$.  Anyhoo - as suspected, all was fine, but I am one of not many my age that is in early menopause.

The thinner you are, the younger you are and the faster you go from regular periods –irregular periods – no periods, the worse your hot flashes are.

Isn’t this crazy?  What is the pits is that my gyno office was so worried that they signed me up for all these tests, but once everything was OK, they sent me on my way with no info as to how best to deal with all this crap.  Hmmmm.

My hot flashes went away for a bit but are now back and my body is changing, which is not making me happy.  I’ve been blessed with a high metabolism and don’t have to be too careful with what I eat, but choose to eat healthy.  I now better start watching or I won’t be happy L

So, as an act of sisterly love, if you happen to be facing any of this, I researched info on my own that will help alleviate these symptoms.  As I was reading these symptoms (just now) I am shocked that I see several other things that happened to me that are all associated with menopause!!  Aha – I’m NOT falling apart or crazy!!

Common and not so common symptoms:

• Hot flashes and/or night sweats
• Fatigue
• Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates
• Diminished sexual desire, vaginal dryness
• Irritability, mood swings, depression, and/or anxiety
• Insomnia or restless sleep
• Fuzzy thinking (difficulty concentrating, memory problems)
• Weight gain, especially around the middle
• Stiffness and joint issues
• Irregular periods

Other menopause symptoms include headaches, heart palpitations, thinning hair, dry skin, dry eyes, increased facial hair, urinary dysfunction, and digestive problems.

Common Treatments:

Avoid caffeine/alcohol
• Sleep 7-8 hours per   night
• Intake vitamins B,C,D,E
• Practice breathing   exercises
• Eat a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Stay hydrated

Here is a link that had much more info……http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/treatments.htm

Oh this is going to be a long year.  Negative campaign ads, with their sound bite "facts", leading you to believe that what they are saying is the truth.  Here's the sad part:  most people you know will not take 15 minutes to get on the candidate's web site and verify whether something is true or false.  Ever hear of a "lie of omission"? Basically that's not telling you the whole story and letting you assume the obvious - even though it's a lie.  We are so much smarter than that!  But, we're often too busy to do anything about it.  My hope this political season is that we all - and I'm just as guilty - take that 15 minutes and arm ourselves with knowledge that will ultimately help us all.

What's up with MONEY?

This week there have been a lot of articles written about how our (taxpayers) money is being wasted.  I have to admit, this is one of the few ways that I feel totally helpless.  Congress makes laws that don't apply to them, millionaires have legal loopholes that allow them to pay taxes around a 10-15% bracket, while most people I know are in the 20-30% bracket.  Hmmmmmm.  One of the things that B.A.B.E is about is saving, investing and growing your money.  Sure would be nice to be able to use what we really earn to secure our own futures! Our deal here is apolitical, which means we don't preach politics as I believe it's a personal decision who you vote for.  But, encouraging you to vote and make your voice heard, is a different story!  To make it easy, here is the handy address for said representatives:
http://www.house.gov/

Intersting accompanying article: http://www.foxbusiness.com/investing/2012/01/16/congressman-takes-up-buffetts-debt-offer/

Our Money is being hung out to dry!

Another thing?  Anyone who thinks that the rich should "pay more"  is missing the real point.  What "pay more" is supposed to mean is "pay your fair share".  That is fair and right.  What I hear people grumbling about, and what I think they think it means, is that the rich should pay more than the rest of us.  The United States was built on the principles of "work hard and get rewarded".  Not "some of you can work hard and share your wealth with those who choose not to work hard or have a career that doesn't pay as much as you make". Many people seem to have gotten into this mind set that we all should be equal, that there are no winners and losers, that there is nothing exceptional - or acceptable - about those who can rise up and excel.

What I wish everyone would do is learn to live within whatever means they have and be happy for those that can do better.  My disclaimer:  this does not count those folks that have special needs, illnesses, deaths, horrible and sucky situations that come about in life sometimes.  I had a friend that was a single Mom of an extremely special needs son who sucked every last dime she could get.  She did the best she could with what she had, but was always behind.  But, she - as a matter of fact - was happy for those that excelled, tried her best every day to rise above her situation - never quite making it  - but still tried to live that REAL American Dream of making a better life for herself and her son - honestly and with dignity.  Too bad there weren't more people like that in the world.

Time vs. Money

I have to say that when it comes to saving time or saving money, saving money usually wins out for me every time.  Recently my daughter's schedule ramped up into a tizzy on Monday nights and we found ourselves running from 4:20-8:00.  She is in an advanced orchestra group (so proud!) and we made the leap to Club volleyball.  Despite my best efforts, the winter volleyball team ended up practicing on the same night as orchestra - Monday.  Her orchestra practice starts at 5:15 and is 10-15 minutes from home and lasts 1.5 hours.  I pick her up and we race to volleyball practice - which has already started and is on the other side of town basically - while she changes in the car.  Now, you may have noticed that this is all during dinnertime as well.  Ordinarily, to have a healthy meal and save money, I would go back home.  But let me tell you how I've found the peace and tranquility of taking my laptop to Wendy's (where I'm writing this blog), hooking up my headphones, connecting to wifi, ordering a healthy salad, unsweetened berry tea and a small chili.  WOW!  Love it!  It is worth every penny I spend; I'm not rushed, my belly is full and it was a healthy choice.  Look at me: spending money to save time (although I am not giving up my frugal ways)!

Reclaim Your Born Identity- Authenticity Pays Off

As we start the new year, please take a moment and read this. It's a great reminder of the importance of living your life to the fullest and becoming "you" to the fullest. Very often wives and mothers are too good at wearing all the masks described in the following piece, doing for and developing those around them, but never take 5 minutes to explore their own selves. Becoming "You" is such an important thing, because if you aren't "you", who are you?

Reclaim Your Born Identity- Authenticity Pays Off

Weight loss challenge: Track it, log it, stay on schedule

Here are some great ideas to help you with your 2012 weight loss goals, via Joy Bauer from the Today Show:

Weight loss challenge: Track it, log it, stay on schedule

A Green Dream for 2012

This is an awesome wish for 2012:

A Wish List for Congress in 2012

Why does Congress make everything so darn complicated?  I guess when you have a battle between morality and greed, it gets a bit dicey.  This is why I maintain my stance and aim on making it one of my goals this year:  stay educated and always let your representative know what's on your mind!

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/blogs/republican/top-10-congress-wish-list?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=nl_dgr_got_non_010212_congress-wish-list&kw=ist

Recycling 101

I've had a few requests to cover recycling basics.  So I am happy to share this riveting essay on the ins and outs of recycling: why, what, how & where.  If you’re already a recycling fiend, then good job!  If you are not, there’s no better time to start than this week!

Why? It’s always difficult to begin a new habit.  The young kids I worked with in a local school district were already familiar with recycling and many did it at home.  It was easy breezy to teach them about recycling and to build on their existing habits.  Unfortunately for many adults, recycling has not been part of our lives until recently.  As the world moves forward, there is only so much space available for trash.  We have become disconnected from the consequences of our consumption, as in what it takes to make what we buy and what happens when we’re done with it.  If items aren’t recycled, then new “stuff” must be created from earth’s resources.

I met a woman who refused to recycle because, in her words, “The recycling company is making money off of me, so I’m not recycling”.  Wow.

So really, why should we recycle?

1. The earth is kinda running out of landfill space...and do we really want more?
2. Recycling, more often than not, saves existing resources.
3. Recycling items can save money.
4. Recycling is efficiency and responsibility all in one.

 So you’ve thought about it & you’re on board to get started.  Now what? 

1. Form a plan: where you’ll keep your recyclables (a bin in the pantry, in the garage).
2. Will you sign up for pick up (or have it in your city already) or take them to a pick up site?
3. Have a family meeting & celebrate being an B.A.B.E!

What? A quick peek of what we can recycle in general, everywhere in the U.S.:

• Newspaper
• Cardboard (no greasy pizza boxes)
• Magazines
• Plastic (#1-3)
• Glass
• Aluminum
• Steel
• Paper

.  Here is what cannot be recycled:

• Lids of anything and butter tubs…it has to do with the type of plastic they are made of; we won’t bore you with the process J
• Greasy pizza boxes…because they are greasy and the paper content is degraded.
• Ziplocs
• Milk & juice containers with a bunch of juice left in them.  This attracts pests to the recycling site, makes a mess & contaminates.  Give these items a quick rinse & be done.
• Any food or organic matter.
• Aluminum foil with last night’s BBQ sauce all over it
• Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels.  And for the record, recycled toilet paper means it was made out of recycled paper, not used toilet paper.  Really?
• Styrofoam and packing materials
• Window glass & mirrors
• Gift wrap, apparently¸ is of too poor quality of paper to be recycled.  
• Mustard-colored envelopes.  We didn't know this, but the dye in the envelope is too difficult to remove during the recycling process.

As exciting as this article has been to read, all good things must come to an end.  We’ve told you what you can & can’t recycle and some ideas of how to get started at home.  We believe that we’re at a point in this country where we should ALL be recycling, whether it’s mandatory in your area or not.  Did you know:

• It takes 80-100 years for an aluminum can to decompose (break down) in a landfill, but recycled, they can be made into soda cans, pie plates, license plates, thumbtacks, aluminum foil, and many other items.
• Glass takes over 1,000,000 (one million) years to decompose in a landfill, but can be recycled into jars, jewelry, bottles, dishes, drinking glasses, coffee mugs and many other items.
• It can take up to 700 years for plastic to decompose in a landfill, but recycled, PET plastic can be made into clothing, fiberfill for sleeping bags, toys, stuffed animals, rulers and more.

The energy savings aren’t huge for recycling material into new uses, but the raw material savings are priceless.  We often forget that for all the stuff we own, that “stuff” had to be made from something.  Saving our earth’s resources, where possible, only makes sense.  Want a great little informative flick?  www.thestoryofstuff.com

As for TVs, computers, batteries, oil, electronics, paint, appliances and other large or questionable items, log onto your local solid waste authority’s web site & they’ll let you know how & where you should dispose of these items.  Many electronics contain valuable copper and other recyclable parts, but also many other components that are toxic and need to be removed before being thrown out.

I think we’ve covered all the basics.  You now have absolutely no reason to not go out and recycle with enthusiasm! Yahoooo!

Holiday tip: How to save money on gift cards this season

Our 2 Cents:
Want to save some money for last minute gift cards?  Check this out:

Holiday tip: How to save money on gift cards this season

5 Things to be Greener for the Holidays

In the spirit of giving, we're going to give you a short list - I know, we're too kind.  It's the kind of B.A.B.Es we are!  No need for an intro, this is simple stuff:

1. If you don't recycle, start this season.  You have way too many bottles, cans, jars, etc. coming through to just toss them in the trash.  Bonus stat: Each person in the U.S. produces about 4.6 lbs. of trash per day.  Wow.  Apparently we only recycle about 35% of that trash.  
2. Consider using 100% recycled paper wrapping paper this season.  If you already have wrapping paper - please use that up first.  You've already purchased it, no need to waste it.
3. Throwing a dinner party?  You may think it a waste, but consider buying (or go all Martha S and sew your own!) cloth napkins.  Seriously, buy (or sew) 6-12 one time and you are golden for quite some time!  If every household in the United States replaced just one package of virgin fiber napkins with 100 percent recycled ones, we could save 1 million trees. 
4. Consider buying a local gift this season.  What do we mean by that?  Drive downtown, pick a store - preferably from a small business owner, a single location store - and buy something from them.  You're helping out your local economy and your fellow real human being.  
5. Buy domestic shrimp, not imported.  That's your best health and eco-friendly bet.  Check out Monterey bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch guide.  It's an awesome app, or downloadable guide for your shopping pleasure. Very handy, indeed.
   
   

When You're Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Ever heard that phrase?  I got it from my fav money guy, Dave Ramsey.  Sick and tired of not having money to pay your bills, let alone get ahead or panic when someone mentions "Christmas".  I won't act like I haven't ever had money problems.  I can remember the time right after I had just gotten a divorce, I had just sold my once-successful business and the economy had tanked.  My funds were - shall we say - tight.  I went to Wal-Mart for groceries and looked nowhere but straight ahead.  No end caps.  No nothin'.  I actually am not easily tempted to part with my money, but intending on spending or not, it's no fun to look around and know that you can't - or shouldn't - buy anything but what you absolutely need.

Once I was enlightened to how to really fix the problem of having money control my life instead of me controlling my money - and keep in mind, I have a always been a "saver" - my life has changed.  The stress about the "what-ifs" are gone!  How can you accomplish this?  Sister, I tell you, it takes a written plan and sticking to it.  I am a very goal oriented person and I love to win - and I am here to tell you that if you want success out of any goal, you better write that thing down and POST it where you can see it every day!

There are many financial folks who can help you out.  I'll make it easy & give ya four:  Dave Ramsey,
David Bach, Suze Orman and Jean Chatzky.  Each one of these wonderful and talented people will tell you the same thing: plan, get out of debt, control your spending and save for a rainy day - cause it rains all the time!

I could go on and on because this is so central to what Being A Better Earthling is all about. We want to control our money so we don't waste it and waste precious resources.   We want to respect and control our money so we can be free!  And there is no better time than NOW>>

• Write down who you are buying for
• Write down what you have to spend
• Stick to it!

And lest you allow your bad elf brain to deceive you:

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.  ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

 You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.  ~Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

 It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.  ~Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

How a B.A.B.E plans for Thanksgiving...

Throwing a big dinner party for Thanksgiving is a perfect time to show how you can be the ultimate  B.A.B.E!  Let us show you how you can  be healthy, save money & consider the environment. Ready?  Here we go! >> 

Health:  Vow to stay positive. Do accept help. Offer healthy food options.  Don't overdo the alcohol.  Remember what you're thankful for - and verbalize it.
Money:  Stick to your budget.  Don't over-buy food - no one will go hungry.   We have a few more....


Check out more of our tips on, you guessed it: www.BeABetterEarthling.com/healthybabe  


Just tryin' to bring you into the fold!

10 Top Secrets of Portion Control - Cooking Light

Just in Time for Thanksgiving...you're welcome :) >>

10 Top Secrets of Portion Control - Cooking Light

Fish You Shouldn't Eat | Yahoo! Health

Fish is good for you, but the wrong fish can be bad for your health & the health of the planet. Check out this article for more detailed info:

Fish You Shouldn't Eat | Yahoo! Health

Want a great way to remember which fish is good and which isn't? Download the app (or download & print) the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Guide. Just another small way we can all help to make big changes!

30 Days of Giving Thanks.....

It's November!  More specifically, November 1, 2011.  For the next 30 days, in the theoretical remembrance of Thanksgiving (pretending the settlers were kind to the Indians), what a fantastic time to remember what we're thankful for!
STOP.  RIGHT. NOW.  T H I N K >>>

What are you thankful for in your life?

Maybe you don't have the car you want, the job you want, or even the mate, whatever.  But, try looking at things this way:  I have a car and working towards one that I really like and can afford.  I can see it.  I'm not happy in my job, but I'll make the best of it while putting my name out there to find what I really want.  I'm thankful I'm employed in this economy.

When you focus on the positive - which is not the same as settling for what you don't like/want - you become a happier person with the right frame of mind to pursue an even better life!  

Let's band together & really kick off these last few months of 2011 with positive energy!  Log on to our Facebook page and join the discussion and share what you are thankful for - anything!  Unless it's gross or way too private,t hen please....yikes.......

Here's to being thankful, happy & successful in life!

Exotic is Neurotic

Did you hear about the exotic animal disaster in Ohio (near Zanesville)?  Here's the short spiel:  some guy decided  to operate an animal "preserve".  Had it for years.  I'll be mean - the guy looked like he couldn't spell "preserve".  He had been in prison on a weapons charge and had charges of animal abuse
(!?) made against him.   This guy had big cats, bears, wolves and primates, well over 50 animals (around 70).    A few days ago, he snapped, opened all the cages, the animals escaped and he shot himself.
Now clearly, all of the above animals are not native to Ohio and the local law enforcement is not and was not equipped to handle such animals.  So, they were all - save for about 8 - shot and killed.
Why bring this up?  Because it's worth considering what the "take-away" from this tragedy should be:
Normal, every day people should not own exotic animals.  More often than not, they are ill-equipped, intellectually, emotionally and financially, to handle such animals.  Some do it for showmanship, some for control, some because they love the animals.   On this note, let me say...Love is not enough.  It takes LOTS of education, money, time and more education, to care for wild exotic animals. These animals do not do well living in something the size of your kids' bedroom - and that's being optimistic.  Many of these animals live in cages that are about the size of a dog kennel.  The price of a well-planned, adequate space for big cats cost about $2-3 million dollars.  No kidding.   Keeping these animals in such small spaces with no mental stimulation or adequate exercise is cruel.  Most of us have absolutely NO IDEA how to care for an exotic pet.
So what can you and I do?  Read on....

• Do not own an exotic pet:  no cute little monkeys, no tiger cubs, bear cubs, etc.  Unless you are a zoologist, biologist, animal care expert, you will be sorry.  Once any of these animals hit sexual maturity you will be more than very sorry.
• Do not support (i.e.: visit) any "preserve" or "reserve" or "sanctuary" that did not come highly recommended and has been sanctioned by a reputable organization.
• Support charities that fight to end the exotic pet trade (www.bornfreeusa.org  & www.humanesociety.org
• Spread the word and tell your friends and educate your kids.

We can all help to make this world a better place, for humans and animals alike.