The very first step in a successful morning of shopping the yard sale (otherwise known as a garage sale) is to locate sellers in your area. A quick search through your local newspaper is the best bet. If you don’t have a newspaper I will bet the newspaper has a website with classified ads you can view online. Or if you want even more options look at all of these websites designed for finding a yard sale in your area: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=yard+sales&aq=f&oq=yard+sale

Next step - make a plan. Now that you know where all of the sales are located for the day you plan to shop, you need a strategy. Do a quick map pinpointing where each sale is located and create a driving plan. You don’t want to waste gas backtracking all day long, so a plan of action to stop at each yard sale in a row is best. You now know where you’re going, but do you know why?

What are you looking for? The biggest mistake of any kind of shopper is to be impulsive. Let’s face it, the economy is tough and your money doesn’t go as far as you’d like. If you don’t need that overly priced figurine that will collect dust on your shelf - don’t buy it! A “good deal” is only a deal if you need it. Add to your strategy and make a list of things you need to buy. If you are looking for furniture - make a list of your requirements including dimensions (length, width, height) and purpose. Colors can always be changed with a little elbow greese and paint.

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box, either! If you are looking for a new television stand for your living room a lovely dresser or sofa table may suit you. In my living room our television sits atop an antique dresser. It needs to be sanded and re-stained but it is made of strong solid wood capable of supporting a 27 inch television. The drawers and cabinets work wonderfully for storing DVDs and toys. Use your imagination and you won’t be let down.

Thinking outside the box doesn’t mean lowering your standards. Fully inspect everything before buying for safety conerns. Check baby and kid furniture and toys for loose parts, safety hazards, or expired materials. Never buy a baby carseat without checking for cracks and the expiration date. Be very wary of buying certain used items such as a mattress - a fabric mattress can be home to bed bugs (yes, they really do exist and they really do bite!), bacteria and other hazards. A plastic mattress (such as crib mattresses) isn’t always safe, either. Check for holes, wear and tear, loose springs, and if you really must buy it be sure to clean with bleach and water before using.

Don’t get stressed. The odds of your neighbors wanting to sell something you need are not great. If you’re searching for something you can’t find, then there is always next weekend.

Be willing to negotiate. Never pay a retail price at a yard sale, even if the item is “new in package” or “never used”. A person would never have a yard sale if he or she didn’t want to get rid of things, and odds are the seller doesn’t want to drag that 100 pound armoire back into their basement at the end of the day. Know what you want to spend on something and bid lower. Sometime you’ll get lucky and buy it for less than you expected, but usually the seller will come back with a counter-offer. Either way the odds of buying a yard sale piece for lower than the original asking price are very high if you are willing to ask. Never forget you are doing the seller a favor by shopping at their sale.

Clean out your car or borrow a truck for the day. Never go shopping for a large item without the means to haul it away immediately. Even if your plan doesn’t include large purchases and you have no intentions for impulse buys - unexpected buys can still happen. Be sure your trunk and back seat are empty, and pack some rope for tying down the trunk just in case.

Finally, have fun and make a day out of it. Bring a friend or spouse (but get a babysitter for your kids, if possible), stop for coffee in the morning and maybe a quick lunch at the end of the yard sale “day”. Pack plenty of water if the weather is warm. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. And if your neighbor’s 6-year old has setup a lemonade and cookie stand - save a few bucks from your budget to indulge and earn some extra karma points.

Want your kids to learn to eat well? Here are two easy tips:

Don’t Be A Diner

Let’s say you just spent a good hour preparing a nice meal for your family.  Your kids won’t eat a chicken breast so you microwave them some chicken nuggets so they “won’t go hungry”

Friends, this is letting the inmates run the asylum. If you let your kids dictate the menu, be prepared to buy Kraft mac and cheese by the pallet and chicken nuggets by the truckload. I’m not saying you should serve bizarre or overly spicy foods and expect the kids to eat them, but they’ve got to know that they will either eat what’s for dinner or go without for a night. Please note that I am not in any way a child psychiatrist; I am simply working from my own and others’ experiences with this issue.

Practice What You Preach

This is the part that will help you, too. If you want your kids to eat good, balanced meals, you need to set the example. When Richard and I sit down and eat dinner with our daughter, there’s rarely a complaint. We’re all eating the same food, and when she sees us enjoying it, that more often than not will prompt her to at the very least try new foods or new preparations. Our rule is that she must at least taste any new dish. She doesn’t have to eat it all, but the “I don’t like it” based on appearance alone won’t be allowed.

You’ll need to set an example not just with what you eat, but how. My husband Richard had a bad habit of taking huge bites from time to time. I noticed Krymson watching him eat, with a monster bite on her own fork. I have quickly learned that she mimics a lot of the stuff we do so I found myself modifying my own behavior quickly.

Simply put, don’t be so quick to give into your kids demands and be more aware of the bad habits you have and your kids will earn healthy eating habits with out all of the fight and fuss.

This delicious spread recipe has patriotic colors; serve it for the Fourth of July or Labor Day on a picnic.

INGREDIENTS:
* 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
* 3 Tbsp. butter, softened
* 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
* 3 red apples
* 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

PREPARATION: Mix together the cream cheese, butter, blue cheese, and walnuts in a small bowl. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, and up to three days.Core and slice the apples before serving and sprinkle with lemon juice.Serve spread with apples and a small knife for spreading. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

Red, White and Blue Potato Salad

Note: Shop local farmers’ markets for these specialty produce and other potato varieties.

Ingredients:
1 pound blue potatoes
1/2 pound Yukon gold or creamer potatoes
1/2 pound red potatoes
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons grated onion
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped oregano
1 tablespoon capers

Directions: Place potatoes in large saucepan; add water to cover. Stir in 1-tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium. Cook 20 minutes or until tender. Drain; let cool. Cut into quarters. Place in large bowl. In small bowl, combine vinegar, onion, mustard, one-half teaspoon salt and pepper; pour over potatoes; toss. Add olive oil, oregano and capers; gently toss again. Salad may be served slightly warm. Salad can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving. Recipe makes eight, three-quarter cup servings.

In short this movie is about Bella Swan, who has always been a bit different.  When her mother Renee (Sarah Clarke) remarries and decides to move with her new husband to Florida, and Bella decides to go live with her father, Charlie (Billy Burke), in the rainy little town of Forks, Washington, she doesn’t expect anything to change. Then she meets the mysterious and dazzlingly beautiful Edward Cullen, a boy unlike any she’s ever met. Intelligent and witty, his piercing eyes see straight into her soul. Soon, Bella and Edward are swept up in a passionate and decidedly unorthodox romance. Edward can run faster than any cheetah, he can stop a moving car with his bare hands, and he hasn’t aged since 1918. Most importantly, he’s a vampire. Like all vampires, he’s immortal. He doesn’t drink human blood (they’re vampire “vegetarians”), which is rare among the vampire population. Instead, they go on regular “hiking” trips, where they feed on prey such as grizzly bears and mountain lions. For Edward, Bella is the thing he has waited ninety years for - a soul mate. But the closer they get, the more Edward must struggle to resist the primal pull of her scent, which could send him into an uncontrollable frenzy. And then they run into trouble when they meet James (Cam Gigandet), Laurent (Edi Gathegi), and Victoria (Rachel Lefevre).

I would recommend this movie to anyone, whether you have read the book or not. Keep in mind, the book is better, but it is well worth a two hour investment and the $9.50 it will cost you to get into the movie.

Get prepared.

Always start with a list. Write down exactly who you need to give a gift, 2 or 3 gift ideas and the maximum amount you are willing to spend on this person. Add up your list – the total dollar amount should not be more than your total gift budget. Give yourself another column to write in exactly what gift you have bought and how much it cost – update this every time so you can keep track of your overall money spent. 

The joys of eBay.

Whether you are a novice or experienced auction bidder, eBay.com is a great option for finding rare deals. Know for whom you are shopping and what you can spend. Many people can get carried away with the bidding wars and not only spend more than they intended, but often spend more than the product is worth. Here are a few eBay tips.

1. Create a Watch List and check it often. I was looking for a refurbished Xbox 360, so I watched approximately 15 listings from reputable sellers (99% positive feedback or higher, over 1000 feedback scores and offering a warranty or return policy). Whenever the price went past my budget I deleted it from my Watch List. I checked the list everyday, sometimes more often, and when the auction was nearing the end I put in a bid. If I lost it didn’t really matter, because there were more listings on my list to try for. I ended up with a refurbished Xbox 360 including 20gig hard drive, wireless controller, wired headset, Ethernet cable, HD/AV cable in the original box with a warranty for $157 including shipping. Had I purchased this from a retailer it would have cost $150 plus shipping charges for a refurbished core system (no hard drive, no accessories). I estimate a savings of approximately $30-$50 or more.
2. Check for coupons. When I purchased the above xBox I had a coupon from eBay in my email for 10% off any one item. That saved me an additional $15! My savings just increased!
3. Check for combined shipping. Many sellers also provide combined shipping charges if you purchase more than one item. Always check the sellers other items for anything you may want to bid on before making your payment on an item you’ve won. Once you’ve paid for an item you can no longer take advantage of combined shipping discounts.

 Research the best deals.

There are numerous websites that will tell you about special sale prices and coupons online. A few to check are www.dealdetectives.com and www.bradsdeals.com

Do you shop at the same stores often? Then sign up for their mailing list! Promotions and coupon codes are emailed to customers often from retailers such as Old Navy, Gymboree, Delight, Overstock, Babies R Us, Amazon and more. Create a list of items to buy and if you have the time to wait for a sale – do it. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save just by waiting an extra week or two to make your purchase. You can also check our forums for coupon codes to some of our favorite stores: http://forum.parentalplayground.com/index.php?topic=10986 

Combine online orders.

Do you have a list of items to buy from one online retailer? Check for any shipping discounts! Most websites will provide free shipping if your order is over a certain dollar amount. If your order doesn’t meet the right number, check with family and friends for anyone else wanting to order from the same store. Combining your order will surely get you to that free shipping cut-off and save you both $10 to $20! 

Love the clearance rack.

Don’t be afraid of shopping the clearance racks. In fact, if you make a promise to yourself to buy only from the sale racks you can save big. Just keep in mind when buying clothes to buy the size the person will need for the season the clothes will be worn.

For example, I purchased a summer outfit for my daughter at Babies R Us off the clearance rack. This summer she will be 1-year old, so the outfit I bought was size 12 months. The total for 1 t-shirt and a pair of shorts? $4. I also spent an additional $2 on a pair of leggings for her this winter and $9 on a beautiful Carter’s Brand dress (original price was over $20). The same deals can be found for adults, too! At Old Navy I found a great striped ¾-sleeve top for my mother for $5. Don’t be afraid of discounted toys, either! At Walmart I found a “Fisher Price Fun 2 Learn Preschool Center” in the clearance aisle. It wasn’t clear why it was discounted, but looked like the very last one in stock. I checked the package to make sure nothing was missing and brought it home. It works PERFECT and my son and daughter absolutely love it. My cost was $29.99 plus tax. The original price was $60. At Border’s Bookstore I found “Dr. Seuss Floor Puzzles” on sale for $6.99. A quick search online showed retailers and eBay sellers getting upwards of $12. 

Combining gifts.

It never hurts to give a combined gift. If your list includes a couple that have just moved in together or bought a house, give 1 simple gift for them both. That’s 2 for the price of 1 right there. How about a large family with kids? Try a fun board game, family video game, movie tickets, gift card to a movie rental (with popcorn and candy), or anything else they can enjoy together. 

Baked Goods are Good.

Who doesn’t enjoy cookies, candies or cakes? If you’re a disaster in the kitchen you can still find a recipe to suit your needs, and your family and friends will appreciate the extra effort. Bake up a batch or two of cookies and store in decorative tins (available at your local Dollar Store). For a great collection of our favorite recipes, including some no-bake recipes, check out Parental Playground’s recipe collection at http://forum.parentalplayground.com/index.php?board=2.0 

Be Picture Perfect.

Take a few candid shots of your kids, or ask a friend to take some family portraits with a digital camera. Upload your favorite photo to an online gallery and order some prints. Many websites will offer you free prints if you are a new customer so take advantage of it! Combine the prints with an inexpensive frame (shop around, you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find) or have your kids decorate a plain picture frame for an added personalized touch. Some websites will even send your order to a local store to save you on shipping charges. Looking for free prints online? Do a quick google or yahoo search and see what deals you can find. A few of our favorites are www.photoworks.com and www.snapfish.com  

Get crafty.

Even the most uncoordinated of crafters can accomplish these simple gifts.  

* No-Sew Tu-TusLittle girls love to get dressed up. Make all the girls on your list a personalized Tu-Tu for a fraction of the price! http://forum.parentalplayground.com/index.php?topic=11152 and http://www.gophotography.com/tutu/ 

*Decorative pillows.One of Parental Playground’s moderators makes decorative pillows for family. http://forum.parentalplayground.com/index.php?topic=11081 For an even simpler way – purchase an inexpensive plain pillow (check those clearance racks!) and some different colored felt from a craft store. Print out a few templates from the internet (if your father loves fishing, print out simple fish templates) and cut the felt into shapes. Use a hot glue-gun or fabric glue to create a personalized pillow!

*Felt FoodThis is all the rage on crafting websites like etsy.com. It is pieces of felt made to look like real food. These are great to give to young kids who enjoy pretend-play, or glue a magnet to the back for whimsical refrigerator magnets for adults.

http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/christmas/Bakery-Sweets-Felt-Food-Instructions-Pattern.htm 

*Baby Leg WarmersBaby leg warmers slip onto a child’s legs to provide warmth and protect little legs while crawling. Simply find a fun pair of long socks at any store, cut off the “foot” so you are left with a tube. Fold the cut end taper it a bit to make a seam. Voila! Instant Baby Leg Warmers!

http://everythingyourmamamade.com/2008/01/21/make-your-own-baby-leg-warmers/ 

*For more crafting ideas check out the Parental Playground forums. Members are always available with helpful tips and tricks, ideas and more!

Fabric: http://forum.parentalplayground.com/index.php?board=469.0

Adult Crafts: http://forum.parentalplayground.com/index.php?board=242.0

Child Crafts: http://forum.parentalplayground.com/index.php?board=243.0

Scrapbooking: http://forum.parentalplayground.com/index.php?board=241.0   

When your best creative energies are going into finding ways to get your kids to clean up after themselves and searching for recipes they’ll eat, it can be hard to get creative connecting sexually with your husband at the end of the day.
After several years together, everybody needs a little something new! The good news is you need not look much further than modifying the games you played all day with the kids. Why not play adult versions of hide and seek, dress up, treasure hunts, and teasing?

One night when grandma has the kids for sleep-over, try a night out of Hide and Seek. Instruct your husband to meet you in a particular place, flirt with you, pick you up and take you home. Choose a name for the night and try on a different persona. Dress up to be dominant, playful, sexy, hard-to-get, young and inexperienced, the cougar - any fantasy you like. Try out personas you’d never live out in real life. Show him a part of you he’s never seen before!

The Treasure Hunt is great for a quick rendez-vous. Leave a trail of notes for your partner from inside the front door. Include on each note an instruction, such as getting something out of the fridge or oven, taking off a particular article of clothing, washing up or prepping for a sexy romp. Each note also leads to a new instruction and destination. By the time your partner finds you, both your libidos will be running high.

Teasing is a natural activity with kids. Teasing your partner can be even more fun. After a shower together, blindfold your partner and lead him to the bedroom. Attach a couple of scarves around the bedposts and instruct him to hold on and not let go. Once he’s restrained, lightly brush his body with a wild variety of textures - feathers, ice cubes, silk, even forks and toys - use your imagination! Make him squirm and stimulate him just to the edge of orgasm then back off. Bring your breasts to his mouth, then wait for him to beg you for more. (This might be the time to re-negotiate that new car you’ve been wanting…) Give in only when you are ready. Relish being in control.

Or if you prefer to let go of responsibility, let your partner tie you up and ask them to worship your body for half an hour with the items you have laid out for them. Enjoy the full surrender of not having to attend to anyone else’s needs for a while!

There’s nothing like a good roll in the hay to get you both energized to play with the kids again, and leave you both feeling more connected.

Watering the garden
Watering can be the biggest task this month particularity if the weather gets hot. Vegetable gardens, most flowering plants, and the lawn all need about one inch of water every week to keep them green and looking nice. Be sure to water thoroughly, and deeply each time you water. When possible, do your watering in the morning or early afternoon so the soil has a chance to warm up before the cooler evening hours set in. Deep watering will induce the plant’s roots to grow deeper, where they are less likely to dry out, as well as the added benefit of anchoring the plant into the ground better. Light, surface watering actually wastes water, because the water never actually reaches the root zone of the plant, and the moisture rapidly evaporates from the top inch of soil. The best way to tell if your plants are receiving enough water is to take a trowel or shovel and dig down a few inches. The soil should be moist at least 3 or 4 inches deep to insure that the water is reaching the root zone of the plants. Of course, if you planted drought resistant plants in your garden, you won’t have to water as often, but the principal of deep watering still applies.
Be sure to check the hanging baskets and container grown plants every day during hot weather and about every second day on moderate summer days. Don’t just check the surface… Push your finger an inch or two into the soil to be sure there is adequate moisture below throughout the root area. Water them thoroughly each time you water, but be careful not to overwater them.
Perennials, annuals, and bulbs

*
* Take out a few minutes to pick off the old dead flowers on your annuals, as well as the spent flowers on perennial plants. A little time spent on grooming the plants will make a big difference in the overall appearance of the garden. By removing the spent flowers, the plants will not go into the seed producing stage and should continue to flower longer into the season.
* Perennial and biennial plants can be started from seed sown directly into the garden this month or next.
* Container grown perennials, shrubs and trees can be planted this month. Always take time to properly prepare the soil by mixing generous quantities of peat moss, compost and processed manure with your existing soil.
* Fall blooming Crocus should be planted this month, to give you an extra week or two of flowers after the main garden plants have finished for the year.
* Spring flowering perennials can be divided and transplanted this month or next. Be sure to do this during the coolest part of the day and water the plants thoroughly after transplanting.
Prune your hybrid roses in late August to promote the most fall blossoms. Remove about a third of the vigorous growth. Any stems that cross each other should be removed, as well as those that are in the center of the plant. Weak, spindly canes and any damaged by black spot fungus should be removed. Except in colder regions, roses should be fertilized through the end of September. Maintain a spraying schedule to control insects and disease.

Shrubs and trees

*
Summer blooming shrubs should be pruned for shape after they have finished flowering. Remove any dead or diseased branches.

Fruits and veggies

*
* Now is the time to start your fall and winter vegetables. Plant starters or seeds of green onions, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and winter cauliflower directly into the garden early this month.
Enjoy the harvest of your homegrown fruits, vegetables and herbs!

Lawn

*
* Contrary to popular belief, a brown lawn isn’t necessarily a dead lawn. Grasses go dormant in times of drought, but will quickly return to life with the fall rains. If a lush green lawn is important to you, and you don’t mind mowing, water it regularly, and deeply. If a water shortage is expected, or you hate tending to grass, you may choose to just let your lawn go dormant, and water it as seldom as once a month.
Raise the cutting height of the mower. Taller grass cools the roots and helps to keep the moisture in the soil longer.

House Plants

*
Late this month Poinsettias and Christmas cactus should be brought back indoors and you should begin preparing them for Christmas flowering.
Poinsettias are short day plants. Although they will eventually bloom, if you want the plants in bloom for the holidays they must be kept at about 65 to 70 degrees, and subjected to at least six weeks of 14 hours of total darkness per day (mid to late September). This may be accomplished by placing the potted plant in a closet or unlighted room, or by covering the plant with black cloth, black plastic over a frame or a cardboard box.The plant must then be returned to the light each day and given a minimum of 4 hours of direct sun, or 10 hours of bright light. The application of a 0-10-10 fertilizer this month and again next should help encourage the development of flower buds, then feed your plant every 2 weeks with a high nitrogen fertilizer once color has begun to show.
* Christmas cactus needs the same general care, with the exception that they require cooler temperatures of about 50 to 60 degrees.
* Continue to watch for insect or disease damage and take the necessary steps to control the problem.
Warmer and drier weather means it will be necessary to water and mist your house plants more often.

Odds and ends

*
* Keep the weeds pulled, before they have a chance to flower and go to seed again. Otherwise, you will be fighting newly germinated weed seed for the next several years. Weeds in the garden are harmful because they rob your plants of water and nutrients, harbor insects and diseases, and, on occasion grow tall enough to shade your flowers and plants.
* Change the water in your bird bath regularly, and keep it filled. Standing water is less healthy for the birds, and may become a breeding ground for mosquito larvae.
Continue to watch for insect, slug and snail, or disease damage throughout the garden, and take the necessary steps to control the problem.

2 National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

3 Friendship Day - First Sunday in August

3 International Forgiveness Day - First Sunday in August

3 National Watermelon Day

3 Sisters Day - First Sunday in August

4 U.S. Coast Guard Day

5 National Mustard Day

5 Work Like a Dog Day

6 Wiggle Your Toes Day

7 Chinese Valentine’s Day/Daughter’s Day - 7th day of 7th Lunar Month

7 National Lighthouse Day

8 Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day - now that’s nasty!

8 Summer Olympics - every 4 years

9 Book Lover’s Day

10 Lazy Day

10 National S’mores Day

11 Presidential Joke Day

11 Son and Daughter Day

12 Middle Child’s Day

13 Left Hander’s Day

14 National Creamsicle Day

14/15 V-J Day - which dare do you mark the end of WWII?

15 Relaxation Day - now this one’s for me!

16 National Tell a Joke Day

17 National Thriftshop Day

18 Bad Poetry Day

19 Aviation Day

20 National Radio Day

21 Senior Citizen’s Day

22 Be an Angel Day

22 National Tooth Fairy Day - and/or February 28

23 Ride the Wind Day

24 Vesuvius Day

25 Kiss and Make Up Day

26 National Dog Day

26 Women’s Equality Day

27 Global Forgiveness Day

27 Just Because Day

28 Race Your Mouse Day -but we are not sure what kind of “mouse”

29 More Herbs, Less Salt Day

30 Frankenstein Day

30 Toasted Marshmallow Day

31 National Trail Mix Day

Bubba (Parker John), 15 months, son of EmmaAndPJsmomma

Osker, 22 months, son of Astronaut

Nick, 2, son of Buttercup22

Congrats to our winners, and thanks to everyone for entering! Please enter the July contest, theme, Patriotic! Get your cameras out this july 4th and capture your kiddos enjoying the celebrations!

Favorite thing about parental playground~ The realness of everyone involvedFavorite forum/board~ The Picnic TableHow long have you been involved with our site~ Since its conceptionIf you are a moderator what boards do you moderate~ Too many to listIf you are an administrator what are you admin of~ Admin of Sponsorship/ Advertising, Admin of Smileys, Admin of Newsletter, Co-Admin of ForumsWHY should other people join~ To learn something new, to meet someone cool, and to get some “me” time.What improvements of changes are needed~ More cool peopleHow much time do you spend on Parental Playground~ 5 hoursHave you entered any of our contests~ YES, LOVE THE CONTESTSHave you made new friends there~ I have so many friends that I intend on keeping forever!!Were or Are you a member of our due date clubs~ NO!Have you read our monthly newsletter~ Yes, and I am the Proud EditorHave you used any of the recipes found on our site~ YES!!! I LOVE TO SUBMIT MY RECIPES, AND TRY THE ONES ON THIS SITE!Share anything about Parental Playground~Parental Playground is more than a website to me, its a place where I can learn and share my parental journeys, and hobbies. I love to meet new people and make new friends who are experiencing some of life’s triumphs and hurdles. I HIGHLY recommend it to ALL!!!Do YOU want to be interviewed in our newsletter? Fill out the Parental Playground Myspace survey on our blog and you will be featured eventually!http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=256241467

From:

This string of votives will shed a soft glow over your Fourth of July celebration. Place tea candles in translucent red, white, and blue colored-glass votives, and tuck each into a tiny wire basket.

To make a basket, cut a 21-inch piece of 20-gauge annealed wire with a wire cutter. Fold the wire in half, and crimp just below the fold with round-nose pliers. Wrap crimped end over a pencil to form a hook.

Hold the base of the hook tightly with pliers, separate the two lengths of wire, then twist tightly around each other three times.

To form the cuff that will hold the votive, use pliers to make a 90-degree bend,4 1/4 inches from the hook base, on each length of wire. Situate the bendson opposite sides of the votive, about two-thirds of the way from the bottom of the glass.

Bring each cut end around to meet the opposite bend. With the tip of the pliers, make a tiny loop at each cut end. Hook the loops to the bends; use pliers to close loops tightly. Insert votive into the circle formed.

Hang several candle lanterns from their hooks on a taut wire strung between two points. Be certain flames are not near any flammable surfaces, and never leave votives unattended.

Infants- ToddlersGet board books and read to your baby every day. Start with simple books with bold colors and stimulating images. The earlier you start reading to your child the more of a routine it will become. They will also get the hang of turning pages, reading front to back, and seeing words. Young children often become attached to a certain book, and want to hear it over and over, which is fine and actually beneficial. Toddlers will sometimes memorize a book to a point where they can recite it word for word. This is a step towards reading! Encourage your child to recite the book!Pre-K

Continue making reading a daily habit. Pick bedtime or naptime or any other time and read to your child at the same time each day. This way they become accustomed to reading time, and work it into their daily schedule. Set up a “reading nook” in your home. Pick a comfy, well lit corner and keep books their all the time. Also continue to let them “read” familiar books to you. Even if they are just repeating memorized books, this is still an important stage. At this age your child may have different things he or she is interested in, so pick books that go along with their interests. If your child is really into animals, get books about all kinds of animals, or books about their favorite one. Also read books with rhymes, letters & alphabet themes, counting and numbers. You can also start taking your child to the library, at this age, get a library card and let them check out some books. Make a day trip out of it, and make the library a really fun experience. Some libraries have reading hours or programs for different age groups. Check your local library for activities!K~2nd Grade

At this stage your child will really be starting to read! They will either be getting instruction from teachers. It is important to teach your child about reading following the same guidelines as the teacher, otherwise conflicting instructions may confuse your child. Make sure you continue to read or let them read to you every day. Start a book chart, keeping track of how many books they have read, with check marks or stickers, and having a reward at the end of the week or month. A trip to the library or bookstore would be an appropriate reward. Turn off the TV and READ!When your child reads to you, remember NOT to correct every single word that is wrong. If your child is struggling with a word or way off, nicely help them by having them LOOK at the picture on the page for a clue to the word. Also have them look at the letters and think of what words begin with that word’s letter. If they are close to the word, or it does not change the stories meaning, then ignore mistakes and praise them! Praise is the biggest reward for your child!Don’t PUSH your child to read. Kids do not want to be forced to do things, so make it fun, and do not pressure them. This will result in them being very resistant to reading.There are lots of creative ways you can help a stubborn kid become interested in reading. Once you are done reading, ask your child questions about this story you just read, or go back through the book and talk about the pictures or their favorite part of the story. Have your child draw a picture or the book they just read, or have them draw pictures of the day, then add words and make it a story! Practice reading and writing site words.

3rd grade- 6th gradeContinue encouraging your child to read, every day. Get them a children’s magazine subscription or keep up trips to the library. Limit TV and computer time and have reading time instead. Let your child read to you for at least 20 minutes a day. Reading before bedtime is a good way for them to relax. Pick a series, such as Harry Potter, and read it as a family! That way you can discuss the series together and have fun reading! By this point your child should be enjoying reading. If they are still struggling as their teacher about tips or ideas to encourage them or help.Remain consistent with reading techniques and daily activities and your child will be enjoying books in no time!Here are a few good books for different age levels~Babies~ The Me Book by John E. JohnsonWhat is it? by Tanya HobanTen Little Lady Bugs by Melanie GerthMoo, Baa, LaLaLa by Sandra BoughtonToddlers~Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise BrownMarmalade’s Nap by Cindy WheelerPat the Bunny by Dorothy KunhardtThe Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle3-4 year oldsThe Carrot Seed by Ruth KraussCurious George by H.A. ReyFreight Train by Donald CrewsThe Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

5 year olds

Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban

The Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

6-7 year olds

Go, Dog, Go by P.D. Eastman

The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

8-9 year olds

Bunnicula by James Howe

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden

Freckle Juice by Judy Blume

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg

Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

10-12 year olds

Are You There, God? It’s Me-Margaret by Judy Blume

The Book of Three (The Prydain Chronicles) by Lloyd Alexander

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O’Brien

If you search on the internet for GYN problems attributed to thong underwear you can find sites which claim thongs increase the risk for urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, clitoral pain, and irritation of hemorrhoids. Is there research which can validate such claims? What about the claims that a type of fabric (e.g. cotton vs synthetic) can make a difference if one wears a thong? In the interest of science, I went on a mission to answer such questions.

Some 93% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women are caused by the enteric (bowel) bacteria called E. Coli. Theoretically, any mechanical movement which moves stray E. Coli from the anal opening toward the urethra should increase risk of UTIs. Thongs with their positioning in the gluteal fold would seem ideally suited to providing transit opportunities for E. Coli. Yet there is no published data which suggests that UTIs are more frequent in thong wearers. Looking back to earlier studies one can find that, despite popular opinion, there is not association between tight pants or other restrictive clothing and UTIs (Remis, Am J Epidemiol,1987; Foxman, Am J Pub Health, 1985). Overwhelmingly the strongest predictive factors for UTIs in younger women are: increased frequency of intercourse, use of diaphragm + spermicide, spermicide use, and past history of other UTIs (Hooton, N Engl J Med, 1996).

E. Coli can also be found in the vagina. Yet it is not a common cause for vaginal infections. As with UTIs one of the easier ways for bowel bacteria to get into the vagina is via intercourse. Perhaps the most important preventative measure is to clean well after bowel movements (always wiping away from the vagina/urethra) - and never have sex (just kidding).

As anyone who has ever used thongs can attest, there is a wide range in fit. The strap can be thick or thin, and the overall fit can be loose or what one women’s magazine called “atomic buttocks’ floss.” It may be true that tight thongs can cause irritative pressure to the clitoris or to other friction sensitive conditions such as lichen sclerosus or external hemorrhoids. Alas, no one has published any data about the incidence of such problems.

Surprisingly, researchers have done experiments about the type of fabrics used in undergarments. Comparing 100% cotton to 100% acrylic, under resting and exercise conditions, both materials were found to be equal in their wicking abilities. Only in the subjects who perspired most heavily was there a difference. Cotton accululated 71 grams of sweat compared to 46 grams in the acrylic (Rissanen, Ann Physiol Anthropol, 1994).

When types of underwear material were correlated to frequency of UTIs, Foxman and Frerichs (1984) found cotton panty use linked to increased UITs. When women with documented UTIs were asked about underwear habits over the preceding month, both initial and recurrent UTI sufferers stated cotton rather than synthetic panty use.

The above fact illustrates the scientific principle, “association does not always prove causation.” Rather than cotton underpants causing increased UTIs, perhaps cotton is chosen by women who are at risk for getting more bladder infections. By the same logic, before we condemn thong underwear, one would need to take into account the individual GYN history of the woman wearing the thong. In some instances the thong may be wrong, in others - no problem.

Overview of urinary function

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys, a pair of purplish-brown organs, are located below the ribs toward the middle of the back. The kidneys remove water and waste from the blood in the form of urine, keeping a stable balance of salts and other substances in the blood. The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the formation of red blood cells. Narrow tubes called ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, a triangle-shaped, muscular chamber in the lower abdomen. Like a balloon, the bladder’s muscular, elastic walls relax and expand to store urine and contract and flatten when urine is emptied through the urethra. The typical adult bladder can store about 1 1/2 cups of urine.

Adults urinate about a quart and a half of urine each day. The amount of urine varies depending on the fluids and foods a person consumes. The volume formed at night is about half that formed during the day.

Normal urine contains fluids, salts and waste products, but it is free of bacteria, viruses and fungi. The tissues of the bladder are isolated from urine and toxic substances by a coating on the inside of the bladder that discourages bacteria from attaching and growing on the bladder wall.

What is interstitial cystitis (IC)?

Interstitial cystitis (IC) refers to a clinical syndrome characterized by chronic urinary urgency (feeling the need to urinate immediately) and frequency (frequent urination) with or without pelvic pain. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis may vary among individuals and may even vary with time in the same individual. The term “cystitis” refers to any inflammation of the bladder. In contrast to bacterial cystitis that results from an infection in the bladder, no infectious organism has been identified in people with interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis is diagnosed when the symptoms occur without evidence for another cause of the symptoms.

Sometimes doctors use the term painful bladder syndrome (PBS) to describe cases of pelvic pain that do not meet the strict criteria for interstitial cystitis established by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) for inclusion in research studies relating to interstitial cystitis and its causes.

An estimated one million Americans suffer from interstitial cystitis. About 90 percent of patients with interstitial cystitis are women. While individuals of any age can be affected, including children, the average age of onset is 40. Interstitial cystitis has not been considered to be a hereditary disorder, but multiple cases have occurred among some families, prompting ongoing investigation of the possible role of hereditary factors in the development of interstitial cystitis.

Some associations with other medical conditions are seen with interstitial cystitis. Women with interstitial cystitis are more likely to have had frequent urinary tract infections, and to have had previous gynecologic surgery than women without interstitial cystitis. Certain chronic illnesses have been described as occurring more frequently in people with interstitial cystitis than in the general population. Examples of these associated conditions are inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematous, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), vulvodynia (chronic discomfort in the vulvar area), allergies, endometriosis and fibromyalgia. While each of these conditions has been described in at least some studies to be more common in people with interstitial cystitis than in the general population, there is no evidence that any of these conditions is the cause of interstitial cystitis.

Interstitial cystitis has been classified into two forms, ulcerative and nonulcerative, depending upon the presence or absence of ulcerations in the bladder lining as seen during cystoscopy (visual examination of the inside of the bladder via a probe). Star-shaped ulcerations in the bladder wall are known as Hunner’s ulcers. The ulcerative type of interstitial cystitis (sometimes termed “classic” interstitial cystitis) is found in less than 10% of cases in the U. S.

Over time, interstitial cystitis can cause physical damage to the bladder wall. Scarring and stiffening of the bladder wall may occur as a result of the chronic inflammation, leading to a decrease in bladder capacity. Glomerulations (areas of pinpoint bleeding) may be seen on the bladder wall.

What is the cause of interstitial cystitis?

No one knows what causes interstitial cystitis, but doctors studying interstitial cystitis believe that it is a real, physical problem and not a result, symptom, or sign of an emotional problem. Because the symptoms of interstitial cystitis are varied, most researchers believe that it represents a spectrum of disorders rather than one single disease.

One area of research on the cause of interstitial cystitis has focused on the layer that coats the lining of the bladder called the glycocalyx, made up primarily of substances called mucins and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This layer normally protects the bladder wall from toxic effects of urine and its contents. Researchers have found that this protective layer of the bladder is “leaky” in about 70 percent of interstitial cystitis patients and have hypothesized that this may allow substances in urine to pass into the bladder wall where they might trigger interstitial cystitis.

Along with altered permeability of the bladder wall, researchers are also examining the possibility that interstitial cystitis results from decreased levels of protective substances in the bladder wall. Reduced levels of GAGs (discussed previously) or other protective proteins might also be responsible for the damage to the bladder wall seen in interstitial cystitis.

No matter what the mechanism for disruption of the bladder lining, potassium is one substance that may be involved in damage to the bladder wall. Potassium is present in high concentrations in urine and is normally not toxic to the bladder lining. However, if the tissues lining the inside of the bladder (urothelium) are disrupted or are abnormally leaky, potassium could then penetrate the lining tissues and enter the muscle layers of the bladder where it can cause damage and promote inflammation.

Researchers have isolated a substance known as antiproliferative factor (APF) that appears to block the normal growth of cells that make up the lining of the bladder. APF has been identified almost exclusively in the urine of people suffering with interstitial cystitis. Research is underway to clarify the potential role of APF in the development of interstitial cystitis.

Increased activation of sensory nerves (neurologic hypersensitivity) in the bladder wall is also thought to contribute to the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Cells known as mast cells, which play a role in the body’s inflammatory response to injury release chemicals that are believed to be capable of contributing to the symptoms of interstitial cystitis.

Other theories about the cause of interstitial cystitis are that it is a form of autoimmune disorder or that infection with an unidentified organism may be producing the damage to the bladder and the accompanying symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis?

The symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary greatly from one person to another but have some similarities to those of a urinary tract infection. They include:

0.decreased bladder capacity

0.an urgent need to urinate frequently day and night

0.feelings of pressure, pain, and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis, and perineum (the area between the anus and vagina or anus and scrotum) which may increase as the bladder fills and decrease as it empties

0.painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)

0.discomfort or pain in the penis and scrotum.

Most people suffering from interstitial cystitis have both urinary frequency/urgency and pelvic pain, although these symptoms may also occur singly or in any combination. In most women, symptoms usually worsen around the time of their periods. As with many other illnesses, stress also may intensify the symptoms, but it does not cause them. The symptoms usually have a slow onset, and urinary frequency is the most common early symptom. As interstitial cystitis progresses over a few years, cycles of pain (flares) and remissions occur. Pain may be mild or so severe as to be debilitating. Symptoms can vary from day to day.

How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?

Because the symptoms of interstitial cystitis are similar to those of other disorders of the urinary system and because there is no definitive test to identify interstitial cystitis, doctors must exclude other conditions before making a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. Among the disorders to be excluded are urinary tract or vaginal infections, bladder cancer, bladder inflammation or infection caused by radiation to the abdomen, eosinophilic and tuberculous cystitis, kidney stones, endometriosis, neurological disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infection with small numbers of bacteria, and, in men, chronic bacterial and nonbacterial prostatitis.

Medical tests that help identify other conditions include a urinalysis, urine culture, cystoscopy, biopsy of the bladder wall and, in men, laboratory examination of prostatic secretions.

Physical examination

Physical examination of an individual with interstitial cystitis may reveal tenderness of the bladder either when pushing on the abdomen over the bladder (just above the pubic bone) or during the pelvic examination in women. No specific physical findings are associated with interstitial cystitis.

Laboratory Tests

Urinalysis and Urine Culture. These tests can detect and identify the most common bacteria in the urine that may be causing interstitial cystitis-like symptoms. A urine sample is obtained either by catheterization or by the “clean catch” method. For a clean catch, the patient washes the genital area before collecting a sample of urine “midstream” in a sterile container. White and red blood cells and bacteria in the urine suggest an infection of the urinary tract that can be treated with antibiotics. If urine is sterile for weeks or months while symptoms persist, a doctor may consider a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis

Culture of Prostatic Secretions. In men, the doctor can obtain a sample of prostatic fluid. This fluid is examined under the microscope for signs of an infection such as red and white blood cells and also can be cultured for bacteria. Prostatic infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Potassium Sensitivity Test. A test known as the intravesical potassium sensitivity test (PST) has been developed to evaluate the leakiness of the protective lining of the bladder. Many people with interstitial cystitis have an abnormal PST suggesting an overly leaky urothelium (bladder lining). In the PST test, two different solutions (sterile water and a solution of potassium) are instilled separately into the bladder. The patient rates the severity of pain and/or urgency that occur when each solution is instilled. Using a scale of 0 to 5, the test is considered abnormal (positive) if the potassium solution induces at least a pain level of “2” and causes more pain than the sterile water.

Studies using the PST have shown that 78% of people suffering from interstitial cystitis have an abnormal test, while only 2% of women without interstitial cystitis have an abnormal test. An abnormal test can be considered as proof that a person has interstitial cystitis if there are no other identifiable conditions that may be causing the symptoms; however, a normal test does not exclude the possibility that interstitial cystitis is present.

Cystoscopy Under Anesthesia with Bladder Distension. During cystoscopy, the doctor uses a cystoscope–an instrument made of a hollow tube about the diameter of a drinking straw with several lenses and a source of light–to look inside the bladder and urethra. The doctor will also distend or stretch the bladder to its capacity by filling it with a liquid or gas. Because bladder distension is painful in interstitial cystitis patients, before the doctor inserts the cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder, the patient must be given either regional or general anesthesia. Cystoscopy with distension of the bladder with fluid can detect inflammation, a thick and stiff bladder wall, and Hunner’s ulcers. After the fluid has been drained from the bladder, small red spots, called glomerulations, that represent enlarged blood vessels and pinpoint areas of bleeding can be seen in the bladder’s lining.

The doctor may also determine a patient’s bladder capacity–the maximum amount of liquid or gas the bladder can hold under anesthesia. (Without anesthesia, capacity is limited by either pain or a severe urge to urinate.) Most people without interstitial cystitis have normal or large maximum bladder capacities under anesthesia. A small bladder capacity (due to scarring) under anesthesia helps to support the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis.

Before the relatively recent development of the PST, cystoscopy was the best diagnostic test available for interstitial cystitis. However, cystoscopy has its limitations. Ulcers are generally not observed in mild or early cases of interstitial cystitis, and glomerulations have been observed in normal individuals without symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Studies also have shown that cystoscopy has a 60% rate of underdiagnosing interstitial cystitis. Because of these limitations, cystoscopy is recommended only to exclude other possible causes of symptoms and not as the definitive diagnostic measure in interstitial cystitis.

One important note is that the distension often performed with cystoscopy leads to relief of symptoms in 20-30% of people with interstitial cystitis, which generally lasts for three to six months following the procedure.

Biopsy. A biopsy is a microscopic examination of a small sample of tissue. Samples of the bladder and urethra may be removed during cystoscopy and examined with a microscope later. A biopsy helps to exclude bladder cancer. It also may confirm the presence of mast cells or inflammation of the bladder wall that are consistent with a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. Nevertheless, there is nothing on the biopsy that can make an absolute diagnosis of interstitial cystitis.

What is the treatment of interstitial cystitis?

Diet (Please see the later discussion of diet, “Are lifestyle modifications of value in managing interstitial cystitis?”)

Oral medications

The principal type of oral medication is the heparinoid (heparin-like) drug pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS; brand name Elmiron). PPS is chemically similar to the substance that lines the bladder, and it is believed that PPS assists in the repair or restoration of the lining tissues in the bladder. Even after therapy with PPS has begun, patients may still experience symptoms for some time because the sensory nerves in the bladder have been hyperactive, and it takes time for the nerves to return to their normal state of activation. Therefore, doctors recommend giving up to one year of PPS treatment in mild interstitial cystitis (and two years in severe interstitial cystitis) before deciding if the drug is effective or not. Between one-third and two-thirds of patients will improve after three months of treatment.

Other oral medications that may be used to treat interstitial cystitis along with PPS include antidepressants of the tricyclic group. This is not due to a belief that interstitial cystitis is a psychological condition; rather, tricyclic antidepressants can help reduce the hyper-activation of nerves within the bladder wall. Oral antihistamines may also be prescribed to help reduce allergy symptoms that may be worsening the patient’s interstitial cystitis.

Aspirin and ibuprofen are sometimes used as a first line of defense against mild discomfort. However, they may make symptoms worse in some patients. Over-the-counter forms of phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Azo-Standard, Prodium, and Uristat) may provide some relief from urinary pain, urgency, frequency, and burning. Higher doses of the drug are available by prescription as Prodium and Pyridium.

Bladder Distension

As mentioned previously, because some patients have noted an improvement in symptoms after bladder distension done to diagnose interstitial cystitis, bladder distension (termed hydrodistension) sometimes is used for therapy of interstitial cystitis. Bladder distension helps reduce symptoms in approximately 20-30% of people with interstitial cystitis. When it is effective, the relief of symptoms persists for three to six months after the procedure.

Bladder Instillation (Intravesical therapy)

This procedure may also be called a bladder wash or bath. During a bladder instillation, the bladder is filled with a solution that is held for varying periods of time, from a few seconds to 15 minutes, before being drained through a narrow tube called a catheter.

In severe cases of interstitial cystitis, intravesical solutions may be administered along with oral PPS to provide relief until the oral medication has had time to take effect. Both PPS and heparin may be used in the treatment solution, and both have been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms. It is possible for patients to learn how to do bladder instillations at home.

Other drugs that have been used for bladder instillations include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, RIMSO-50), heparin, sodium bicarbonate, and hydrocortisone (a steroid). Treatments are given every week or two for 6 to 8 weeks, and repeated as needed depending on symptoms. Most people with interstitial cystitis who respond to DMSO notice an improvement in symptoms 3 or 4 weeks after the first 6 to 8-week cycle of treatments.

Other Surgical Therapies for interstitial cystitis

In severe cases of interstitial cystitis that do not respond well to oral medications or to bladder distension or instillation, more invasive surgical procedures may be attempted. A procedure known as sacral neuromodulation has been shown to be effective in controlling symptoms in some people with interstitial cystitis. The term “neuromodulation” refers to an alteration of the nervous system. In sacral neuromodulation, a device is implanted that allows for electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves in the sacral (lower back) area. Sacral neuromodulation is believed to work by inhibiting the hyperactive signals from the sensory nerves within the bladder wall. For sacral neuromodulation, a wire from an electrical impulse generator is implanted in the sacral region of the spinal column. If there is relief of symptoms, the impulse generator can be implanted beneath the skin in the region of the buttocks. A remote control programmer allows the patient to adjust the impulse frequency and power to provide optimal relief of symptoms.

Therapies that also have been used include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a form of neuromodulation that does not involve surgical placement of wires or an impulse generator. With TENS, mild electric pulses enter the body for minutes to hours two or more times a day either through wires placed on the surface of the lower back or the suprapubic region, between the navel and the pubic hair, or through special devices inserted into the vagina in women or into the rectum in men. It is believed that the electric pulses may increase blood flow to the bladder, strengthen pelvic muscles that help control the bladder, and trigger the release of hormones that block pain. TENS is generally more effective in reducing pain than in reducing urinary frequency.

Other surgical procedures that may rarely be performed to treat severe interstitial cystitis include peripheral denervation (disrupting the nerves to the bladder wall), bladder augmentation to increase bladder capacity, and cystectomy (bladder removal) with diversion, or re-routing, of urine flow.

Are lifestyle modifications of value in the management of interstitial cystitis?

Diet

There is no scientific evidence linking diet to interstitial cystitis, but doctors and patients believe that certain foods including alcohol, spices, chocolate, and caffeinated and citrus beverages may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. Foods containing acid, for example, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, vitamin C, citrus fruits and beverages, vinegar, cranberries, strawberries, grapes, guava, mango, and pineapple also are believed to aggravate interstitial cystitis. Other foods that may increase symptoms because they contain the natural chemical tyramine include wine, beer, cheese, nuts, yogurt, bananas, soy sauce, chicken livers, raisins, sour cream, avocados, canned figs, corned beef, fava beans, brewers’ yeast, and chocolate.

Some patients with interstitial cystitis also have noticed a worsening of symptoms after eating or drinking products containing artificial sweeteners. Patients may try eliminating such products from their diet and, if there is a reduction of symptoms, they can reintroduce them one at a time to determine which product seems to be aggravating their symptoms.

Smoking

Many interstitial cystitis patients feel that smoking worsens their symptoms. (Because smoking is the major known cause of bladder cancer, one of the best things a smoker can do for the bladder is to quit smoking.)

Exercise

Many interstitial cystitis patients feel that regular exercise helps relieve symptoms and, in some cases, hastens remission.

Bladder Training

People who have found some relief from pain may then be able to reduce frequency using bladder training techniques. Methods vary, but basically the patient decides to urinate at designated times and uses relaxation techniques and distractions to help keep to the schedule. Gradually, the patient lengthens the time between urinations. A diary usually is helpful in keeping track of progress.

Are there any special concerns about interstitial cystitis?

Cancer

There is no evidence that interstitial cystitis increases the risk of bladder cancer; however, the long-term effects of interstitial cystitis have not been well-studied and require further observation and research.

Pregnancy

Researchers have little information about the relationship between pregnancy and interstitial cystitis but believe that interstitial cystitis does not affect fertility or the health of the fetus. Some women have a remission from interstitial cystitis during pregnancy while others have more pain and pressure during the third trimester, possibly due to the weight of the fetus on the bladder.

Coping with interstitial cystitis

The emotional support of family, friends, and other individuals with interstitial cystitis is very important in helping patients cope with interstitial cystitis. Studies have found that patients with interstitial cystitis who are educated about interstitial cystitis and become involved in their own care do better than patients who do not. Support groups for people with interstitial cystitis also have been beneficial for many.

What is the prognosis (outcome) of interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that is characterized by periods of relapse and remission. Doctors do not fully understand why the symptoms worsen at particular times or disappear and then re-appear months or years later. Symptoms may be mild or severe and may vary in intensity even in the same individual over time. There is no cure for interstitial cystitis, and treatments are directed at reducing the severity of symptoms.

There has been no treatment that has been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of the disease or in preventing recurrences.

Interstitial Cystitis At A Glance

0.Interstitial cystitis (IC) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder that can cause ulceration and bleeding of the bladder’s lining and can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder.

0.The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are pelvic pain as well as urinary frequency and urgency.

0.Interstitial cystitis has a variable clinical course, meaning that symptoms can appear and disappear over time. Moreover, the intensity of symptoms varies among individuals and even within the same individual over time.

0.The cause(s) of interstitial cystitis is unknown, but abnormalities in the leakiness or structure of the lining of the bladder are believed to play a role in the development of interstitial cystitis.

0.The diagnosis of interstitial cystitis is based on the symptoms, an abnormal potassium sensitivity test (PST), findings on cystoscopy with distention and biopsy, and elimination of other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms.

0.Treatment for interstitial cystitis most commonly utilizes heparinoid drugs to help restore integrity of the bladder lining along with other oral medications. Bladder distension and intravesical drug therapy are other treatments that may provide relief in interstitial cystitis.

Additional sources of information about interstitial cystitis:

Interstitial Cystitis Association of America
110 North Washington Street, Suite 340 
Rockville, MD 20850 Phone: 
1–800–HELP–ICA (435–7422) or 301–610–5300 
Fax: 301–610–5308 Email: icamail@ichelp.org
Internet: www.ichelp.org

American Urogynecologic Society 
2025 M Street NW., Suite 800 
Washington, DC 20036 
Phone: 202–367–1167 Fax: 202–367–2167 
Email: augs@dc.sba.com 
Internet: www.augs.org

Reference: NIH Publication No. 05–3220 June 2005

Last Editorial Review: 2/10/2006

From:

Add pizzazz to your Fourth of July party with starry tabletop runners made from red and white paper. The motif can be produced by tracing a four-star template onto accordion-folded paper and cutting multiples. Use a blue tablecloth as a base for the runners, and then cover them with organdy. Matching napkin ties can double as place cards and complete the theme.

How-TosMake Runners 1. Download large four-star template, and print onto card stock. Using a craft knife, cut out template.2. Cut a sheet of heavy red paper to 7 1/4 by 29 inches. With a pencil, mark 1 long side at 7 1/4-inch intervals. Using a bone folder, accordion-fold paper at marked intervals.3. Place template on top of paper, letting points of stars hang just over folds; trace. Cut around template and through layers, leaving stars attached where points touch and at folds. Repeat with more red paper. Unfold; connect cutouts with tape at back. Repeat process using heavy white paper.4. Secure runners to tablecloth with double-sided tape, and top with organdy.

Make Napkin TiesFollow step 1, above. Trace onto heavy red and white paper; cut out 1 red star and 1 white star for each guest. Write guest’s name on white star, and pierce tops of both; thread stars onto red string.

Backyard water sports~ All you really need is a hose and a hot sun. Spray the kids, have they chase you with the hose. point it up and arch it over and have the kids run or limbo under it. If you are paying for water you may want to limit your hosetime, though! Sprinklers, pools, water balloons, slip N slides, and water guns are all fairly affordable. Hit your local discount store and buys a few things, and they will keep your kids busy all summer, at least on the HOT days.

Picnic in park~ Check your area for local parks, and pack your favorite foods for a lovely picnic in the park. No need to buy food, just make some sandwiches and throw and some fruit/veggies, drinks, and chips/crackers in a bag and VOILA, LUNCH is served. Don’t forget some napkins or wipeys, to clean up afterwards. After you eat, let the kids run around and wear themselves out on the park’s playground equipment. This is great exercise too, like most kids need it…join in parents!

Nature walk~ Find out where there are local trails or hiking spots in your town. Pack a backpack with water bottles, a few light snacks, a compass, band aides, bug spray and anything else you may want or need on a hike. If you are hiking in woods make sure to cover your head with hats or bandannas, to protect you from ticks. If you are hiking in direct sunlight don’t forget sunscreen, and maybe extra water. If it your first time hiking or your kids are under 10, stick to easy trails, they can be a little steep, but no rock climbing or cliffs. Make sure you know where the trails begin and end. Keep your hike under an hour with kids, they will be bored and tired after about a half an hour, unless they are real troopers. Have fun, enjoy nature, look for animals and bugs, even interesting plants and flowers. If you want have your kids take photos or bring a journal and draw or describe what they see. That makes a really cool keepsake.

Free day at the Zoo~ Most zoos have a free day during the summer. Call or check your local zoos website and find out when that is. Plan to go either early or late in the day, as it is bound to be packed during mid-day. Pack a lunch instead of eating there. Have your child make a plan of attack, what animals they want to see first, second, third. Avoid the gift shop if possible!

Swimming~ Hit the beach! Waves and sunshine make for a great day with the family. If you are not around a beach, take advantage of your friends or relatives with pools. If someone extends an invite, pack up the kids and go for a dip. Don’t forget sunscreen, arm floaties, water toys, towels, swim diapers for babies, life jackets, goggles, and of course swimsuits! If you don’t know anyone with a pool, you may want to look into getting a pool pass at your local pool or water park. Many places offer discounts for people who live in the county or there are free passes in the phone book or news circular.

Gather Round the Campfire~ Who doesn’t love a summer camping trip in the wilderness with fishing, hiking, outdoor cooking and swimming? Ok some of us don’t…we like the idea but also like our modern conveniences. A camping trip does not always have to be a huge trip, miles away. Your own backyard can be just as fun! If you have a tent set that puppy up out back, pop some popcorn, get the sleeping bags and flashlights and you have a camp out! A camp IN can be a lot of fun, too! Set sleeping bags in the living room, turn off the tv and lights, have snacks, tell spooky stories, make shadow puppets with flashlights, and stay up WAY past bedtime. Make smores in the microwave or over the burner. Catch fireflies in jars, earlier in the night, and bring them in for a true outdoor feeling!

Get outside and have fun this summer! Make the most of the warm days and nights with your kids. You are creating long lasting memories that will help form and shape your kids into confident, happy individuals. Share your stories of summer fun with us! Let us know how you make your kids summer’s memorable!

One of our scruffier reporters recently spent 50 minutes in a leather chair for a $45 shave at The Art of Shaving, a high-end “barber spa” with locations in New York City, Miami, and Dallas. “Baby smooth,” he judged.

The tips he gleaned: Goop works. Preshave oil (never tried it, right?) warms the skin, softens the beard, and helps your shaving cream adhere and stay moist longer, says Eric Malka, cofounder of The Art of Shaving. Brush up. Fingers aren’t designed to make lather. Use a brush (badger hair is best). Run it under hot water. Circular motion raises the hairs and exfoliates. Switch directions For a big-date shave, go with the grain once, reapply cream, and go lightly against the grain. Men’s Health tried Schick’s new four-bladed Quattro razor. Close and easy. It’s the balm. You’ve removed skin, so help what’s left recover with aftershave balm with essential oils and no alcohol. It’ll soothe and moisturize. Ignore the commercials—rub it in, don’t slap it on.

This film is a dark comedy/romantic drama. The idea is a brilliant study of a person’s fears and how those fears can be dealt with in the most extreme and the most gentle ways. It is intriguing and interesting, although a little slow at times. This is not an action packed thriller, it is definitely a quiet little film. Even though it is quiet, it really leaves an impact on the viewer, well it did on me.

Lars Lindstrom (Ryan Gosling) is a severly shy young man, bordering on becoming a hermit. He lives in the garage of his deceased parent’s house, now inhabited by his brother (Gus)and pregnant sister in law (Karin). His family begins to worry as he becomes more and more withdrawn from the world around him. He goes to work, comes home and locks himself in his garage apartment, having the least amount of human interaction as he can. People like Lars, they try to get close to him, but he is not interested. He has lots of obsessive compusions, and likes his routine the same way every day. Lar’s sister in law, Karin, is really worried about him and his increased seclusion.

Karin and Gus are both surprised when Lars tells them he is bringing a guest to dinner, a date! They are extremely excited to meet Lar’s date. Lars introduces Bianca to his family, she is a beautiful brunette from Brazil (i think) and she is an anatomically correct sex doll. His family is beyond shocked when they see Lars treating Bianca like she is real. He talks to her, speaks for her, laughs at her silent jokes, and wheels her around in a wheelchair. The whole idea of this is brilliant. Lars seems to be in LOVE, happy, and totally infatuated with the doll. He is not interested in her for sex. He wants a companion and he has found one in Bianca. Karin is intensely worried, and convinces Lars to go to a doctor. Gus thinks Lars has finally went totally insane.

Gosling and company do a great job in this film. The acting is REAL and believeable. It is a character study, more then a comedy, but there are some really funny parts. There are some sad and touching parts as well. Even Bianca does a great job and you feel a real connection to the doll. I enjoyed this movie a great deal.

As would be expected, the word of Lars’ “friend” spreads around the small town. How will people react to a man wheeling a sex doll around in broad daylight? What will people say and do? Where does the REAL girl come in? It is a very fragile situation and you really should watch this film to see! I am not going to spoil the WHOLE movie!

This album was actually released back in November 2007, by the KILLERS, Las Vegas indie rockers. It is a full cd of 17 songs which are demos, B-sides, rarities, remixes, and covers. It is a great mix of songs and a really invigorating album to listen to.

The first track, Tranquilize, is a new song recorded with Lou Reed, it is a really cool duet with Brandon Flowers (lead singer). Great opening to this album, has a very Killers-ish feel.

The second song, Shadowplay, is a Joy Division cover. This songs makes me want to move and shake…something you could easily dance to. Ian Curtis would be totally happy with this synthy, hyped up cover. This song really rocks, one of my favorites on here. There are videos of both the orginal song and the cover in Through the Looking Glass.

#3. All the Pretty Faces, a bonus song off of Sam’s Town. This song is really dark, I like it a lot. Great song to listen to when you are angry at your significant other.

Number 4 is a sing along ballad & Number 5 is a cool synthesized treat, both unreleased tracks from previous records. Both good songs, surprised they were not included on the albums.

Song 6, Under the Gun, is a fast paced, catchy hit. “Kill me now, Kill me now, Kill me now..” as the chorus, makes this song totally addictive. It is a new recording of this song, off Hot Fuss. I imagine going on a roadtrip singing along to this one, with the windows down, wind in my hair.

The next song slows it down a bit. I like the piano. An interesting song that was released in Australia and the UK.

Probably my 2nd favorite or maybe my favorite song, is Show Me How. It has the feel of a slow song at a 50’s sock hop, you can envision the poodle skirts and greased back hair, holding each other tight and swaying from side to side. I love the intro where Flowers sings into a cell phone answering service. This is an extended version of the single.

Number 9 is Move Away, a demo for Spiderman 3. Good song.

Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll, this is an entertaining little ditty. Love the beat and overall sound, not sure if I can take it seriously with the lyrics. May sound a little commercial? A new recording of a song off of Hot Fuss.

Song 10 upbeat and catchy. A little repetitive for me. Number 11 is a fun, emotional theme. These guys definitely perform their music, there is a real dramatic feel to a lot of their songs.

“Ruby, don’t take your love to town”, a First Edition Cover. This live version is great…could be added to my favorites and will definitely be added to one of my playlists.

14 and 15 are both off of singles. 15 is the Abbey Road version of Sam’s Town. Nice and acoustic with just a piano. Sometimes that is all a song needs to do it true justice! Love this version. Sounds like a whole new song.

Romeo and Juliet is a Dire Straits cover. You will recognize it….It is a fun song. I love the songs they choose for covers. Flowers is a great singer, and performer all in all.

Last is Mr.Brightside, a techno version of it, that was a hidden track on one of their B-sides. It is a cool version of this song. If you are a fan of this song, which I believe they played on the radio a little too much. I never listen to the radio so I still like it!

Great album. I am going to be listening to it a lot. It is fun and funky and upbeat, yet dark at the same time. These guys are very talented. I like most of these songs, obviously, if you just read this whole review. So if you do like music, you should check out Swing Time,

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