Bird Flu Mutates

Bird flu fear as mutant strain hits China and Vietnam

 

Avian flu shows signs of a resurgence, while a mutant strain - able to sidestep vaccines - could be spreading in Asia, the United Nations has warned. The variant appeared in Vietnam and China and its risk to humans cannot be predicted, veterinary officials said. Virus circulation in Vietnam threatens Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia, where eight people have died after becoming infected this year, they warned.

The World Health Organization says bird flu has killed 331 people since 2003. It has also killed or provoked the culling of more than 400m domestic poultry worldwide and caused an estimated $20bn (£12.2bn) of economic damage. The virus had been eliminated from most of the 63 countries infected at its 2006 peak, which saw 4,000 outbreaks across the globe, but remains endemic in Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

And the number of cases has been rising again since 2008, apparently because of migratory bird movements, said the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) chief veterinary officer, Juan Lubroth.
"Wild birds may introduce the virus, but people's actions in poultry production and marketing spread it," he said.

Avian flu has in the past two years appeared in poultry or wild birds in countries that had been virus-free for several years: Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Bulgaria, Romania, Nepal and Mongolia are among those recently affected. Mr Lubroth said the new strain had infected most parts of northern and central Vietnam and could also pose a risk to Japan and the Korean peninsula.
South Korea began culling hundreds of thousands of chickens and ducks in December last year after confirming its first cases since 2008. The FAO is calling for countries to adopt "heightened readiness and surveillance" against a resurgence of the virus. And that means us too.

Wine Aids Weight Loss - New Study - What???

 

Drinking a glass of wine could help to encourage weight loss - don't worry ladies you haven't read wrong.  This has to be some of the best news we've received this year. The new study suggests that wine can stop you from gaining weight and may even help you to lose a few pounds. Bonus.

 

Also, those who drink wine are 30 per cent less likely to develop diabetes. The good news just keeps on coming.  Their analysis of previous research shows that although heavy drinkers are likely to put on weight, those who just enjoy an occasional tipple are unlikely to pile on the pounds.  "Light-to-moderate alcohol intake, especially wine intake, may be more likely to protect against weight gain, whereas comsumption of spirits has been positively associated with weight gain," say researchers from the Navarro University in Spain.

 

More research is expected to follow, to see what role alcohol plays on people's diet. "While it is common for individuals, especially women, to state that they avoid all alcohol concumption because they do not want to gain weight, data is very limited on this subject," say experts.  With this new research, it seems there is no reason to deny yourself that glass of wine when you get home this evening. Enjoy.

Will There Be Polar Bears in Fifty Years? - Polar Bears International

Polar Bears International - A good connection to make

Froggy Fun

Sewing this friendly little frog isn't too big a jump -- even for a beginner.4. With dried lentils, loosely fill legs, then body (frog should be filled up but flexible).

By Jo Calvert
Diagrams by Vicky Elsom
Frog-patterned fabric by The Debbie Mumm Collection. Pattern at bottom of post

You'll need:
• 2 pieces of densely woven calico or cotton, each 26 cm (10-1/4 in) square, 1 for top and 1 for bottom
• 2 yellow sew-through buttons, 12 mm in diameter
• 2 black ball buttons, 8 mm in diameter
• matching thread
• dressmaker's marker
• pins
• approx 1 cup (250 mL) of dried lentils or split peas

To make:1. Enlarge pattern photostatically to make a grid of 2.5 cm (1-in) squares.

2. Cut out paper pattern. Lay on wrong side of top fabric; with marker, trace (don't cut). With edges even and right sides together, lay top fabric on bottom fabric. Pin perpendicular to traced line.

3. With small machine stitches and leaving open between notches, stitch top to bottom along line. Repeat if desired to reinforce. Trim seam allowance to 3 mm (1/8 in) and clip at corners and curves. Turn right side out

5. Turn under 3 mm around opening; slipstitch closed.
6. At each dot, hand-stitch 1 yellow button with black button on top.

Decoupaged Eggshell Trinket Box

by Jane Lake

Decoupaging with broken eggshells is a technique that I've been meaning to try for years. Rather than attempt a collage, I chose this faux mother-of-pearl effect to decorate a small wooden trinket box. The finished box is surprisingly strong, and there are no flaking egg shells after two coats of decoupage and two heavy coats of iridescent pearl paint.
Decoupage Egg Shell Trinket Box
Supplies:

• small wooden box (ours is about 3 inches high, four inches wide and 2½ inches deep)
• decoupage medium or white glue thinned with equal parts water
• about 1½ cups of broken white egg shells
• white or ivory craft paint with a pearl, iridescent or shimmer finish, or Delta Air-Dry Perm Enamel Iridescent Glass Paint in ivory/gold
• stencil "pouncing" type paint brush, foam brush or small piece of sponge to apply thick layers of glue and paint
• strong plastic bag
• rolling pin or another heavy object to break up the eggshells
• small screwdriver
• one sheet of computer paper or similar
• optional: 4 pearl beads to use as legs

Eggshell Trinket Box
Instructions:

1. Place egg shells in a strong plastic bag and crush them against a table or counter surface using a rolling pin or similar heavy object. Ideally, the egg shells should be broken into fairly fine pieces.

2. Use the small screwdriver to remove any hinges or fasteners from the wooden box and set these aside.

3. Spread a piece of paper over your work surface and begin applying the first coat of decoupage medium to the lid of the box. Do one side at a time, then the top, avoiding any hinge insets or other areas where hardware will be replaced. Apply medium, then sprinkle on a generous mound of broken eggshells, spreading them out and pressing them down firmly with your finger tips. Continue like this until the entire outside surface of the lid is covered, then shake the lid to dislodge any excess shell pieces onto the paper and set the lid aside.

You can slightly fold the paper to funnel the extra egg shells back into their original container.

4. Use the same decoupage technique to cover the bottom half of the box in eggshells. Don't worry if the eggshells don't look thick enough; after this layer is touch-dry (a couple of hours), you should add another layer in exactly the same way as the first one. Allow the double-coated box to dry overnight.

5. Run your fingers over both halves of the box to dislodge any pieces of egg shell that didn't get glued down well.

6. Brush, pounce or sponge a thick layer of paint over all eggshell surfaces and let dry. Apply a second coat of paint in the same way and let dry.

7. Finally, if you wish, use undiluted white glue to fasten four pearl beads to the four bottom corners on the underside of the box and let dry.

Replace the box fastener and hinges.

If desired, paint the inside of the box or line with pretty paper or fabric.

Future Heart Health 'Shaped by Diet'

 What we eat as a child has long-term effects on our heart, say researchers

 Growing up starved of calories may give you a higher risk of heart disease 50 years on, research suggests.

Researchers in The Netherlands tracked the heart health of Dutch women who lived through the famine at the end of World War II. Those living on rations of 400-800 calories a day had a 27% higher risk of heart disease in later life. It's the first direct evidence early nutrition shapes future health, they report in the European Heart Journal.

The Dutch famine of 1944-45 gave researchers in Holland a unique opportunity to study the long-term effects of severe malnutrition in childhood and adolescence. A combination of factors - including failed crops, a harsh winter and the war - caused thousands of deaths among people living in the west of The Netherlands.

The women, who were aged between 10 and 17 at the time, were followed up in 2007. The team, from the University Medical Center Utrecht and the University of Amsterdam, found those who were severely affected by the famine had a 27% greater risk of developing heart disease than those who had had enough to eat.
Lead author Annet van Abeelen states, "The most important message is that it is good to realize that disturbing the development of children through acute malnutrition can have implications for later adult health.

"It's not only the short-term direct consequences that matter. Even 50 years later, there is still a higher risk of adult coronary heart disease."
Victoria Taylor, senior heart health dietitian for the British Heart Foundation, said: "This study showed a link between children and young adults experiencing famine and the likelihood of them developing heart disease later on in life.  "Although it wasn't clear exactly what changes occurred in the body to increase the risk, this highlights how our environment can have a long-term impact upon our heart health. "Fortunately, the problems of famine seen in other countries have not been an issue in the UK in recent times. But that doesn't make this study irrelevant for us.
"It adds to the importance of providing a healthy diet for children and young people because of the way it can shape their future heart health."

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I recently left a good-paying job to serve full-time as the development director for a local non-profit organization started by my best friend. For the past six months , it's been quite fulfilling . We help disabled people to acquire jobs and start their own business . It's rewarding to go home at night feeling like I have helped someone .

However , staying here long-term may not be an option . The pay is definitely a setback . I had to cut my expenses and forgo luxury purchases that I would have made with my previous income.

I know my best friend really needs me for this company , and I believe in her vision that , one day . it will take off , but I want more money . How can I satisfy my desire to work at a non-profit and still maintain my preferred standard of living ?

Catherine

Dear Catherine ,

I'm wondering if you sta down and figured out what your lifestyle would look like before you took this job and its inherent pay cut. It should not have been a surprise that you would have to be frugal.

That said , you should  have some options . If you believe in your friends work , do some research to learn if there are grants or other programs that may offer much needed  resources to grow the business . Come to an agreement with your friend that if you bring in revenue , you get a percentage of what ever you bring in , like much traditional salepeople do in sales jobs .

You can also consider getting a part-time job to help supplement your lifestyle . Yes , it would mean you would work more , but that may be the price  you have to pay for the extravagance you desire.

Finally , you can give yourself a time frame for staying at this business , let your friend know and then make a smooth transition at the appointed time . You have a choice here . Exercise it .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

A colleague has told me she has cancer , again . About 10 years ago she had a mastectomy and now she has to have another one . She has several children and is recently divorced and scared . I talked to her  about her situation and tried to be there for her  , but I really don't know what to do or say . She told me that cancer runs in her family  and many of the women died by the time they were her age . What does a friend say to that ? I have no idea .

Evelyn

Dear Evelyn ,

Tell your friend that you care about her  and you will pray for her to heal . Be a good listener . Ask if there is anything you can do to help her .

Most of all ,  let her know you are there.

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I am an elderly woman with fragile bones . Often , when I meet someone new , they exoect me to shake hands . In my day , the woman always extended her hand if she wanted to shake , but this custom has changed . I have experienced excruciating pain and , once , a broken bone that didn't heal properly . How can I avoid shaking hands ?

Helen

Dear Helen ,

Here are some suggestions : bowing instead , wearing a wrist brace  or holding the person's out stretched hand with both of yours and saying , "I'd love to shake your hand , but it's too painful for me ."  I  like the last one beat ...truthful ness.

Maxy

Easy Chocolate Bourbon Truffles

Sweetened condensed milk make these truffles quick and easy to prepare, and they can be made with a little more bourbon and less vanilla, if desired.
Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa, or very finely chopped pecans

Preparation:

Combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. Heat, stirring, until melted and smooth; remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla, bourbon, and 1/2 to 3/4 cup pecans. Transfer to a small bowl. Cover and chill for 3 to 4 hours, or until mixture is firm.

Working with fingertips, shape into 1-inch balls; roll in finely chopped pecans, sugar, or unsweetened cocoa. Place on a tray or baking sheet, cover loosely, and chill for at least 1 hour. If desired, put each truffle in a decorative fluted paper or foil cup and keep in tightly covered container in the refrigerator until giving or serving. Keep these refrigerated, tightly covered.

Raisin Rugalachs

Prep Time: 40 minutes plus chilling time
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 48 rugalachs
Freezing: excellent baked and unbaked (increase baking time 5-10 minutes if baking from frozen)

Ingredients:

Dough:1 cup (250 mL) unsalted butter, softened

1 pkg (8 oz/250 g) cream cheese, softened

3 tbsp (45 mL) sugar

2 cups (500 mL)all Purpose Flour

Filling:1 1/4 cups (300 mL) Raisins

1 tbsp (15 mL) cocoa powder

1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon

1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar

1/2 cup (125 mL) pure raspberry jam or reduced sugar raspberry fruit spread

1 egg, lightly beaten

Optional:

coarse sugar

Directions:

1. CREAM butter, cream cheese and sugar in large bowl on medium speed. Add flour and mix on low speed, just until incorporated. Remove to floured surface and form into ball. Cut into quarters and shape into discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or for up to 24 hours.

2. COMBINE raisins, cocoa powder, cinnamon and sugar in small bowl. Set aside.

3. PREHEAT oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper. Roll out 1 disc on lightly floured surface to 11” (28 cm) circle. Spread 2 tbsp (30 mL) of jam over top; sprinkle with ¼ of raisin filling. Cut into 12 pie-shaped wedges. Roll up each wedge tightly from the outside wide end. Place on prepared baking sheets. Brush with beaten egg; sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

4. BAKE in centre of preheated oven 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on pans 5 minutes. Transfer to racks.

Tip:

5. Use a pizza cutter or pastry wheel to cut the pie-shaped wedges.

Life From a Two Year Old's Perspective

By Nadine Bells

What does being two years old look like?

One dad strapped a camera to his toddler's head and captured a kid's-eye view of the local playground.

Watch the resulting footage from his "EllieCam."

Warning: May evoke nostalgia

Leaning Tower of Pisa Restored

    

                  

Restoring the leaning Tower of Pisa , a monument renowned for its imperfection , was a complicated business for the Italian government , which had to be careful  in straightening it out .

Several years ago , the Leaning Tower of Pisa was in danger of becoming the lying down Tower of Pisa  ... the ground  beneath it was giving away . The building was pushed over by a milion tourists visiting the Tower of Pisa  taking snapshots.

Now , Pisa has been restored to it's crooked glory and travelers  can visit without fear of being smashed up .

Cajun Baked Catfish ... For Nana ... A Very Special Lady

2   cups cornmeal
2   teaspoons  salt
2   teaspoons pepper
8   (3-to-4 ounce) catfish fillets
2    tablespoons  Cajun seasoning 
1 to 2  teaspoons of seasoned salt
1/4   cup butter or margarine , melted
Garnish : lemon wedges

                  Preparatation
Combine first 3 ingredients . Dredge catfish fillets in cornmeal mixture ; place fillets , skin sides down  on a greased baking  sheet .

Combine  Cajun seasoning and seasoned salt ; sprinkle over fillets . Drizzle with butter .

Bake at 400* degrees for 30 minutes or until golden  and fish flakes with a folk .  Garnish with lemon wedges if desired .

Tip : Serve with salad ... hot buttered garlic bread  ... butter pickles .

Makes 4 serving ....heart healthy.          

Cajun Blackened Catfieh - Easy Tartar Sauce With Rice

4       (4 -ounce) catfish fillets

3       tablespoons lemon juice

        Non-stick garlic-flavored cooking spray

2       tablespoons blackened or Cajun seasoning blend

1       cup cooked rice  (optional)

1.    Prepare easy tartar sauce ( recipe below )

2.    Rinsed Catfish under cold running water ; pat dry with paper towel.

Sprinkle fillets with 2 teaspoons  lemon juice  ; coat with cooking spray .

Sprinkle with seasoning blend ; coat with cooking spray.

3.    Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot . Add 2 fillets  to skillet  seasoned side down . Cook 3 minutes . Reduce heat to medium and cook 3 more  or until begins to flake when tested with a folk .

Remove fillets from skillet ; keep warm . Repeat with remaining fillets . Serve with tartar sauce and rice.

Makes 4 serving

                 Easy Tartar Sauce

1/4   cut fat-free or reduced-fat mayonnaise

2       tablespoons sweet pickle relish

1/2    teaspoon lemon  juice                             

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

After a recent falling out with my roommates , I confided in my best friend , who told me her sorority sister was looking for a place .

Her friend called me and seemed adamant about wanting her own bedroom and bath . This meant the rent would be sky-high . My best friend didn't give her the details of what I wanted  , and I am on a budget .

Although I told her I would meet with her to apartment hunt , how do I let this girl know I'm not interested anymore ? I know this situation puts my best friend in an awkward   situation . She helped me find someone , and now I'm no longer interested .

Joy

Dear Joy,

You hav e to be honest with your friend and potential new roommate . Tell them you what you are looking for in a new place and exac tly what your parameters  are . Talk about the amount of rent you can afford (don't inflate the amount , either). Explain what you want in a space and a roommate 'BEFORE' you go apartment hunting . That's how you will find out if this woman is a match for you.

If all that has occured thus far is one-sided meaning the woman told you her desires , it's your turn to share yours . You have no reason to feel uncomfortable about that . Just state your terms  and see what happens . You may be pleasantly suprised .

Maxy

Dear Maxy,

My sister recently moved home with my parents , and she will not stop fighting with my mother . I am close to both my mother and  my sister , but they each constantly complains to me about each other . I want to help solve their problems , but I'm worried it will strain any relationship with them if I intervene.

How can I talk to them without causing more problems ?

Beverly

Dear Beverly ,

Talk to your dad about the two of you staging an intervention with your mother and sister .

Confront them together  , and tell them that you don't understand why they are constantly fighting .

Ask them to get to the bottom of their issues and choose to speak more respectfully to each other .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I'm not an expert , but I recommend that "itching in KY" and other homeowners with bedbug problems  place their guests bed matteress in a full matteress cover or other non-penetrable  material with a zipped closure .

Fellow Kentuckian

Dear  Fellow ,

With bedbugs such a problem , it can't hurt to protect yourself before the critters move in .

Some of these matteress covers also protect against dust mites and allergens .

Maxy

Grilled Basa Po' Boys

                                    Prep time : 15 minutes     Cook Time : 8 minutes

2    (12 oz.) basa or catfish fillets

2     tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon  fresh lemon juice  , divided

1/2  cup light mayonnaise

2     tablespoons  plus 1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning , divided

4     French rools , split , lightly toasted

1     heart of romaine lettuce , thinly sliced (4 cups)

8     tomato slices

      non-stick cooking spray

1.    Place fillets in a shallow  rimmed dish , sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice . Let stand 10 to 15 minutes, turning once .

2.     Meanwhile for the sauce , in a small bowl combine mayonnaise  , remaining 1 teaspoon juice and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning , cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

3.     Preheat grill to medium (300 *F to 350*F) Spray grill lightly with non-stick cooking spray . Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons seasoning on both sides of fillets and gently rub in . Place fillets on grill 3 to 4 minutes per side  or until fish flakes easily with a folk . Remove from grill and sliced in half crosswise.

4.      Spresd 2 tablespoons of the sauce on the bottom half of each roll . Top  each with 1 cup lettuce , 1 fillet half and 2 tomato slices , and serve.

Serves  4

Tip : You can also use foil on your grill to  keep the fillets from tearing apart . Place foil in grill and poke holes in it to let the jucies from the fish to fall through.

BABY BOWS DOLL CRAFT

Baby BowsAbout 18" to 20" long A SUPER SIMPLE AND FUN PATTERN! by Judi Ward/Judi's Dolls PATTERN AT BOTTOM OF POST

You will need:

• Two Baby Bows can be made from one yard of Craft Velour or other 54" to 60" wide, firm knit fabric. You can put the pattern on the fabric in either direction. With the "stretch" up and down, the Baby will be a bit longer and slimmer…With the "stretch" side to side; the Baby will be a bit plumper and shorter. This doll is not stuffed hard, so the difference will be very minor.
• A pound or so of polyester stuffing.
• About 2 1/2 yards/meters of 1/4" wide ribbon to tie the joints with. Another piece of ribbon to tie in the "hair".
• Cut four, 15" pieces for the legs and arms, and a 24" piece for the neck .
• Some scrap yarn…You only need about 30 strands 10" long.
• A pair of Preemie or Newborn "Foot Jammies" and a knit baby cap.
• A newborn diaper if you have one.
• Sewing supplies and thread to match your doll's skin.
• A 1" Styrofoam or wooden ball.
  NOTE>>>Do not use wood for a small child's doll, in case they might somehow get it out of the head and swallow it, even though it is encased in yarn and would be REALLY hard to swallow!….
  Another NOTE>>> You could also use a couple of cotton balls to tie the hair around.
• Freezer Paper or card stock or whatever you would like, to make the whole pattern from. I use Freezer paper; iron it to the fabric and draw around it. For this large doll, sewing around the Freezer Paper is quite difficult, because of all the turns, and it comes loose, that is why I do the draw around method for Baby Bows.
• 2 yards of very strong nylon cord. I use my Jointing Cord. The cord you use needs to be able to be put through the eye of a big needle and strong enough that you can not even come close to breaking 2 strands, it if you pull as hard as you can. (See if an adult Guy can break it. That is an even better test.) 

Directions:

This doll is so simple that the directions are very brief…When you overlap the paper by the 1/2 ", you will need to complete some little spaces… Line up the FOLD line, and complete the little spots that don't print. They are VERY small and easy.

1. Make a whole pattern on Freezer Paper or card stock….or….whatever you desire.

2. Draw around the whole pattern on your doubled fabric.

3. Pin the fabric together in a few spots…cut away some of the excess fabric to make the whole thing easier to handle, and then sew all around the form using a very small stitch and leaving the top of the head open. (For extra strength sew the whole doll twice. (Or at least sew the V s and U s a second time.)

4. Cut the sewn form out about ¼" from your sewing, and clip at all V s and U s.

5. Turn right side out, and top stitch inside the ears.

6. Stuff the feet and legs, then when you get to the hips, tie a ribbon around the area, making a double knot first, then tie a bow, and then tie the loops of the bow in a knot. This will hopefully keep little fingers from un-tying the ribbons. You can also sew the knots to secure them better…NOTE>>> you can also stitch across theses areas if desired. But, I made Baby Bows with the tied joints, so my little neighbor girls could do all of the "dollmaking", except for the machine sewing of the form. This is a really fun Kid Project, with adult help and supervision… Baby Bows is also a wonderful "lovey" doll, or play doll that is soft, warm, and wears real baby clothes.

7. Stuff the hands and arms to the shoulders, and tie the shoulders off like you did the legs.

8. Stuff the tummy nice and round, and up into the neck and head, making them quite firm.

9. Tie a ribbon around the neck, like you did for the hips and shoulders, but don't make the neck too small.

10. Thread a big needle with 2 strands of jointing cord or 6-8 strands of dental floss, and run a gather stitch around the head where marked. (not at the edge) That extra fabric makes tucking it into the head easier.

11. Lay out about 30 strands of yarn, about 10" long, and tie them in the center. Pull the yarn down over a ball and tie below the ball.

12. As you pull the gather stitches up tight, add stuffing to form the head better , then poke all of the excess fabric to the inside of the head, push the ball into the opening and tie the gathering cords really tight! The ball keeps the yarn inside of the head, and makes a cute top knot hairdo. Trim the yarn shorter. NOTE>>>Children will need help here.

13. Tie a pretty ribbon around the "hair" for a girl doll.

14. For the faces, you can use Gel Pens or embroidery….Glue on simple felt circles about 1/2'" in diameter for the awake eyes. Make little black lines at the sides for eyelashes. Make little eyebrows with Gel Pen too.

15. Draw along the edge of a fifty cent piece or freehand a curved line for the asleep eyes. Make curved lines for the mouths. The noses are also just a little curved line. Be sure to make the faces low on the heads. The eyes will be located at about the lower half of the ears. The eyebrows at about the top edge of the ears.

14. Dress your baby in real baby clothes. If you have a disposable diaper that is cool!

Directions:

This doll is so simple that the directions are very brief…When you overlap the paper by the 1/2 ", you will need to complete some little spaces… Line up the FOLD line, and complete the little spots that don't print. They are VERY small and easy.

1. Make a whole pattern on Freezer Paper or card stock….or….whatever you desire.

2. Draw around the whole pattern on your doubled fabric.

3. Pin the fabric together in a few spots…cut away some of the excess fabric to make the whole thing easier to handle, and then sew all around the form using a very small stitch and leaving the top of the head open. (For extra strength sew the whole doll twice. (Or at least sew the V s and U s a second time.)

4. Cut the sewn form out about ¼" from your sewing, and clip at all V s and U s.

5. Turn right side out, and top stitch inside the ears.

6. Stuff the feet and legs, then when you get to the hips, tie a ribbon around the area, making a double knot first, then tie a bow, and then tie the loops of the bow in a knot. This will hopefully keep little fingers from un-tying the ribbons. You can also sew the knots to secure them better…NOTE>>> you can also stitch across theses areas if desired. But, I made Baby Bows with the tied joints, so my little neighbor girls could do all of the "dollmaking", except for the machine sewing of the form. This is a really fun Kid Project, with adult help and supervision… Baby Bows is also a wonderful "lovey" doll, or play doll that is soft, warm, and wears real baby clothes.

7. Stuff the hands and arms to the shoulders, and tie the shoulders off like you did the legs.

8. Stuff the tummy nice and round, and up into the neck and head, making them quite firm.

9. Tie a ribbon around the neck, like you did for the hips and shoulders, but don't make the neck too small.

10. Thread a big needle with 2 strands of jointing cord or 6-8 strands of dental floss, and run a gather stitch around the head where marked. (not at the edge) That extra fabric makes tucking it into the head easier.

11. Lay out about 30 strands of yarn, about 10" long, and tie them in the center. Pull the yarn down over a ball and tie below the ball.

12. As you pull the gather stitches up tight, add stuffing to form the head better , then poke all of the excess fabric to the inside of the head, push the ball into the opening and tie the gathering cords really tight! The ball keeps the yarn inside of the head, and makes a cute top knot hairdo. Trim the yarn shorter. NOTE>>>Children will need help here.

13. Tie a pretty ribbon around the "hair" for a girl doll.

14. For the faces, you can use Gel Pens or embroidery….Glue on simple felt circles about 1/2'" in diameter for the awake eyes. Make little black lines at the sides for eyelashes. Make little eyebrows with Gel Pen too.

15. Draw along the edge of a fifty cent piece or freehand a curved line for the asleep eyes. Make curved lines for the mouths. The noses are also just a little curved line. Be sure to make the faces low on the heads. The eyes will be located at about the lower half of the ears. The eyebrows at about the top edge of the ears.

14. Dress your baby in real baby clothes. If you have a disposable diaper that is cool!

Stuff the feet and legs and tie the hips.

Stuff hands and arms and tie the shoulders. Stuff into the tummy now too.

Stuff the tummy full and then fill the head pretty well.

Tie the neck.

Prepare the yarn…I have used the wooden ball.

Tie the ball into the center of the yarn.

Remember making "yarn dolls" as a child!

Gather the top of the head along the line shown in the pattern. The excess fabric pushes into the head. Be sure to look at your Baby and add stuffing into the head to make it nice and plump.

Pop the yarn and ball into the opening and tie REALLY tight!

Make the eyes low on the head.

An Awake face of felt and little curved lines.

Remember, this is a 2 faced Baby. The asleep face will be on the other side. Just turn the PJs and cap around.

An Asleep face all made of little curved lines.

All ready for bed. The cap covers the awake face.

The awake face made of little curved lines and felt.

All ready for play. The asleep face is covered by the cap. I added little white dots in the eyes too.

This little Baby can be added to in many ways too.

If you do needle sculpture, cute dimples, creases, and a belly button and bottom are cute.

KITCHEN ANGEL

This cute Angel is made from:

One Dishtowel
One Dishcloth
One Potholder

Other supplies needed are matching ribbon and printed poem (below)

I am your Kitchen Angel
I'll watch over all you do,
Baking all those goodies,
And snitching one or two!

And if you ever tire of me,
Or some help is what your wish is,
Just untie my little ribbons,
And I'll help you with the dishes!

Fan fold the dishtowel lengthwise.  Fold in half carefully and tie off about 3 inches from the fold with ribbon.  This will form the head.

Fan fold the dishcloth.  This will be the arms.

Fan fold the potholder with the loop along the top edge.  This will form the wings.  Place the potholder on top of the dishcloth and tie off in the center with another piece of ribbon.

Lay the dishtowel on top of the dishcloth and potholder.  The potholder should be under the dishcloth.  Wrap the ends of the dishcloth around to the front of the towel.  Tie each end off with ribbon about an inch from the ends to form the hands.  Once in place tie the ribbons (hands) together and attach the printed poem.

I like to print out the poem onto the back of a piece of coordinating wallpaper and place a hole punch in the top left corner for attaching.  The wallpaper holds up better than plain paper

Brooke Hogan : Naked , In A Cage "OMG"

Brooke Hogan appears nude in a cage as part of a provocation campaign fo PETA.

The singer (Hulk Hogan's daughter) is looking to raise awareness  (and eyebrows) about the cruelty faced by confined animals.

Jordan Michael Zuniga took the racy shots as part of his  "Women in Cages" series which opened as an exhibit im Miami this week , with proceeds  benefiting  PETA.

Brooke Hogan , of course , appeared with the rest of her family on the reality series "Hogan knows Best ," although Hulk probably never expected the world to see guite this much of his daughter .

Well Hulk , it's all for a good cause . 

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,

One Question ?

Why are females of any species so bossy ?

Gil in Louisiana

Dear Gil,

Because 'Mother' always knows best.

Love Maxy

Dear Maxy,

I was hanging out with a group of friends the other night , and we all got kind of tipsy . At one point , I found  myself flirting with my friens husband . It was so embarrassing , I like him but not like that . I just got carried away in the moment , I was enjoying his attention , and the next thing you know , I was saying suggestive things to him . It all got dispelled right then and there , but I remained embrassed . Do you think I should say something to him or my friend ? I want to clear the air .

Bonita

Dear Bonita ,

I think it's worth saying something to your friend's husband because he's the one with whom you crossed the line . Make it matter-of-fact and simple . Apologize for your inappropriate behavior . Reinforce how much you respect him and his wife , and tell him you will never behave in such a manner again.

Don't try to turn this into a conversation . Unless he immdiately says more , just let it go . Keep your intention too of mind ; that you want to clear the air and that you are truly sorry for your behavior.

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I had promise to visit my family this summer , but things got in the way and it didn't happen . I feel bad because it has been a few years since we all were together . Mainly , I feel bad that I didn't say anything . I had been trying to work it but lack of finances made it impossible . I guess I was embarrassed to admit that to anyone . My family always expects me to have everything together , but this year I lost my job , and my family and I are struggling to make ends meet.

Although we definitely aren't making the trip this year , do you think I should still say something or just let it go since it's so late in the summer ?

Larry , Pittsburgh

Dear Larry ,

It's time to own up to your commitments . You told your family that you were coming to visit , so you should tell them that you are no longer coming . That way , whatever tension might exist owin g to unresolved expections can simple go away . Sure, someone may be upset primarily because they miss you and were hoping to see you .

You don't necessarily have to get into details of why you and your family aren't able to  travel to be with them . It could suffice to just tell them that you are terribly sorry but you will not be able to visit this year.

Chances are if you speak clearly and directly and honestly , meaning you tell the truth that you hope to be able to come next year , your family will give you some space .

Honesty is powerful.

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I am a mother of two kids , and one is a teenager . I want to have an open relationship with my children so that they will come to me when they have an issue . I was just wondering how much in terms of sharing with them ? I have some crazy school and college stories .

Amy

Dear Amy ,

Proceed with caution . Over the years , I have learned all kinds of things about my mother and her life that I would never have imagined . I figured out that she shares information with me on a need to know basis.

Yes , our children deserves the truth about our lives . But I recommend avoiding the buddy-buddy to the point that you are telling tales out of school just because it's fun to travel down memory lane .

A word to the wise , tell your children on a need to know basis.

Maxy

Cream Berry Fruit Mould

Summer Berry Fruit Mould 

 Creamy Berry Fruit Mould

Here is an easy summer dessert, that your friends will think you spent a ton of time and effort on, but it's really quite simple.

It takes ten minutes max to prepare, then just pop it in the fridge for a couple hours to chill. You can even make it a day or two ahead if you need to.

Creamy Berry Fruit Mould
Ingredients:

2 - 15 oz. cans of peaches in light syrup (or their own juice)
3 packets of plain gelatin
1 cup silken tofu (or cottage cheese)
1 1/4 cups water + about 1/2 cup
1-2 cups fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
Non stick cooking spray

Drain and reserve the juice from the peaches, add enough water to the reserved juice to make 1 1/2 cups. Sprinkle the gelatin over the peach juice water mixture and set it aside for about 4 minutes.

Boil 1 1/4 cups of water, then add the honey, and stir until it dissolves. Pour the hot water mixture into the peach juice mixture.

Put the peaches, tofu (cottage cheese), and juice mixture into a blender and process until all is smooth. Spray a mold or bundt pan lightly with the non stick spray ( I used a Wilton Silicone Mini Fluted Tube pan). Add the strawberries (sliced) and blueberries and peach mixture in layers. Chill for a couple hours (you and the mold).

You don't have to have a tube pan to make this you can make it in an ordinary bowl.

To remove the mold from the pan, dip the bottom in hot water for a minute, place a plate over the mold and flip. Garnish with mint, or lemon balm leaves.

You can use frozen berries, but this dessert is better in the summer with fresh strawberries and blueberries straight from the garden or farmers market.

This is not a super sweet dessert, the fruit is the star, and the tofu/ peach mixture adds a creamy texture.