Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Did You Know?


Swine Flu and You



Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?

This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.


Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?

The 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.



How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.


What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.


How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?

With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.


How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
  • Get vaccinated with the H1N1 shot
What are “emergency warning signs” that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently?

In children:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash

In adults:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting

Like with anything, call your doctor to find out if you have the swine flu or can take the H1N1 vaccination.

Facts from: CDC

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Monster Mash



12 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
3oz Chow Mein Noodles
1 cup Dry Roasted Peanuts




In a heavy saucepan, over low heat; melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until melted and remove from heat.


In a large bowl combine the noodles and nuts and mix together.


Pour the melted chocolate over the mixture coating everything evenly.


Using a tablespoon to drop the mixture onto a wax-lined baking sheet.


Chill for two hours or until firm. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Team EtsyBABY© Welcomes....



Team EtsyBABY©
has the pleasure of introducing 5 NEW members!

For crocheted hats for all ages, please stop by Amberneecrochet.
You will find very cute hats and other items in her store.

Looking for that perfect gift for a very chic baby?
Then you need to go to BebeChicBoutique!
She has blankets, bibs, onesies, skirts and dresses for very chic babies. Each item is made with meticulous attention to detail and quality workmanship.

For fun accessories and necessities check out BoogerandTash.
All of the fabric she uses to make her items has been pre-washed and pre-shrunk. From now until Oct. 30th she is offering 10% of your entire order (excluding custome orders)!

Have you been to Daisy Creek Designs?
She now has a brand new store called Doverflow!
In her new store you can find all the same wonderful Daisy Creek products for....less!

Are you looking for the perfect baby shower gift?
Then you need to visit ModDiaperCakes!
Diaper cakes are the hottest trend! And you need not look further because Mod Diaper Cakes are the best. All the highest quality products assembled into elegant and artistic creations that are as affordable as they are stylish. Please browse her selection and know that if you have a color preference of a particular cake, Mod Diaper Cakes can be made to order.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Witches Hand



Witches Hand

Candy Corn
Popcorn, popped & cooled
Plastic Sandwich Glove

Ribbon



Pop a bag of regular or flavored popcorn. Let it cool.


Place a candy corn at the bottom of each finger of the glove.


Place the popcorn in each finger, as well as the body, of the glove. Leave room at the top of the glove to tie the ribbon.


Tie the ribbon at the top of the glove.

EtsyBABY© Sunday Spotlight - bobsandbits



Welcome to Bobs and Bits
where hand painted wood furniture, unique handcrafted decor, custom wall art and personalized gifts are created just for children!




Potty Chair


Got vintage tile in your bath? This design coordinates perfectly with historic homes and has a charm all its own.
This Baltic birch and easy to clean, potty trainer is a 2004 winner of the prestigious iParenting Media Award and is MADE IN THE USA from wood obtained from environmentally responsible suppliers. All paints and finishes are lead and phthalate free and are 100% "green" and eco friendly.




Time Out Stool

Toddler-sized and toddler-appropriate for those moments when “time out” is needed to think and to regroup. Know a toddler who needs one of these?

Made of solid wood, this stool is extremely safety-conscious. It features tapered, splayed legs to prevent tipping, crossbar bracing for stability, kid-friendly rounded edges and cork pads on the leg bottoms to prevent slipping.







Child's Mobile


A modern take on a classic idea! Babies love to look at mobiles -- and they have been shown to enhance brain development.

This mobile is constructed of wood and features five whimsical hand painted birds with 3D wings in various patterns of stripes, polka dots and swirls.




Visit Bobsandbits :
http://www.bobsnbits.blogspot.com
Become a Facebook fan at http://companies.to/bobsandbits/

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Safety Tips For A Safe Halloween


Trick
-or-Treat
ing Safety Tips


Before You Leave the House:

Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
Carry a spare Halloween bag, money and cell phone.
Carry or wear an identification that is easy to read.
Have your child wear a costume that is bright and reflective.
Have your child insist on wearing a mask be sure their vision is not obstructed.
Plan your route ahead of time and stay close to neighborhoods you're familiar with.







While Trick-or-Treating:

Walk, do not run.
Only Visit well lit houses.
Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
Always watch f
or cars backing up or turning.
Watch out for open flames in Jack-O-Lanterns.
Follow a curfew and take a watch with a back light.
Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
Always Trick-or-Treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.






Be Respectful:

Be polite and say "Thank You".
Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
Don't tra
mple through flower beds and gardens.
Don't cut across yards and stay put of back yards.







Safety Once Your Home:

Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.
Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has punctured holes or is homemade.




Have a SAFE and HAPPY HALLOWEEN from EtsyBABY!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

BOO!


BOO!


2 1/2 Yards Cheese Cloth
3 Small Buttons or Black Embroidery Thread
2 Liter Bottle
2 - 4 Balloons
1 Cup of Starch
Aluminum Foil
Bowl
Tape
Tray


Pour the starch into a medium bowl and set aside.

Cover your tray with aluminum foil.

Blow up TWO balloons to about 6" to 8" round and tape the balloons to the side of the bottle making two arms.

Blow up the TWO remaining balloons to about 3" to 4" round and set them aside.

Fold the cheese cloth over so it is about 22" across.

Dip the cheese cloth into the starch saturating it then squeeze out the remaining starch.

Pull the cheese cloth apart returning it to its 22" across measurement.

Using the middle of the cheese cloth as your guide put the cloth over the top of the bottle head and draping it over the sides of the arms of the balloon and straight down the front and back pooling the remaining cloth in a ghost like fashion in the front and back. The pooling in the front and back are what will give the ghost it's structure to hold it up.

Take the remaining two balloons and place them in the front under the cheese cloth draping them over the balloons to create a wave.

Let the ghost dry over night. Pull the ghost off its structure.

Glue the buttons on for eyes or wrap embroidery thread into a small ball and glue them on to the ghost for eyes and a mouth.



DO NOT use a candle under the ghost!