a blog for women… I'm just sayin'

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Medical Guardian. All opinions are 100% mine.

The National Safety Council states, “Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults 73 and older and the second leading cause of death from ages 60-72.” Clear cut statement, I’m just sayin”.

Medical Alert systems provide 24/7 Round The Clock UL approved live emergency response monitoring. I am certain you have heard all the tag lines and jokes surrounding them. Trust me this is no joking matter.

My mother in law fell in July 2008.  Being elderly, heavy, and ailing, she lay on the floor with her dog at her side in excess of 12 hours. Her son arrived to find his mother in shock, shaking violently on the living room carpet. Understand, she did not live alone even though she thought she was able. Mom was to be alone for just that evening.  Needing a drink of water late at night, she walked through the dimly lit living room and tripped over her own shoes.

Later we found, in addition to shock and a blood sugar higher than the hospital meter could read, she had broken her hip. Mom was hospitalized for three months. The surgeon warned 73% of the people who fall and break a hip do not live a full year. I found this nearly unbelievable. Unfortunately, it turned out to be true. My mother in law passed away one year later almost to the day.

Do not think this could never happen to your family. It can. Do you remember the old saying hindsight is 20-20? In hindsight, which does not make the outcome any easier, I remember briefly discussing a medical alert system with my mother in law. She protested, using the defense her daughter lived with her and worked nights while she was sleeping. Her position was that our suggestion was ridiculous. She laughed, we dismissed the idea.  Given the same opportunity, you should not dismiss it. Hindsight does not relieve guilt or sadness! Medical Guardian alert buttons provide protection for loved ones, help to maintain independent living, and most importantly, save lives.

Three daring statements concerning senior life insurance by Jan Pinney:

1. One of the biggest money saving tips that I have to offer you is… you must make a habit of reviewing your policies each and every year!

2. He had a policy that was costing him $12,660 dollars a year. So my friend ran his information through his computers and found that he could get the same exact coverage for only $7,225 dollars a year.
Mr. Melnick didn’t believe him… he thought he was lying.
3. My company has streamlined the process of shopping for life insurance. I have a network of computers that monitors over 186 or America’s top life insurance companies.
All the companies that I quote have been rated Excellent and Superior by A.M. Best.

Having twenty plus years of small business responsibilities I can not imagine this insurance servicing company would make such audacious statements based on lies, I’m just sayin’.

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The experts say children mimic their parents. It is true. Our children are watching closely, taking in our actions, thoughts, and opinions. What does parenting have to do with Canon, you ask. It’s a bit of a long story but I think you’ll like it

It all started when I found a camera bag on a deserted country back road. Inside were a Minolta 35mm, two lenses, and a few colored filters. No ID, no houses or even cars around, it was mine and all it took to get me rolling! Being interested in shooting cool pictures, I started by experimenting with all of the settings. My favorite subject was my oldest and only son, at the time. Thinking back, what a trip it was to focus with that dinosaur. It seemed like a hundred setting changes and then “Oh Crap” I missed the shot! This was a rather costly way to learn about photography, libraries books are free, duh. The photo hobby went by the wayside amidst my relocation; at some point during my messed up divorce, the camera was sold.

Some years after my second son was born, hubby bought me the latest Canon SLR camera. Knowing how I enjoyed taking pictures, he chose the Rebel EOS-F1 thinking it would be perfect. He was so right! Two sons involved in sports presented great photo ops. This time I read the basics however, being a hands on person I have to admit I did more experimenting than reading. If it were not for the Rebel and my 80-200 zoom lens NO photos of my oldest son’s graduation ceremony would even exist. Thanks to Canon, Mom got her photos ha!

Thinking I mastered the Rebel, which I really didn’t, I moved up to the Elan 7 model. Oh gosh, the possibilities this Canon camera offered were overwhelming. In fact, much more camera than I ever needed or wanted. At the same time, my youngest son (aka Red) was in the play offs. The team was to play in the National Pop Warner Super Bowl held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando.

Being the “team photographer” so to speak, I contacted the local paper to request a press pass. Without one, there would not be entry to the sidelines. The Cape Coral Breeze granted my request in exchange for the photos. How exciting!!! Not only were Red and the team competing in Nationals for the first time in league history but also I would be there on the side lines with national sports journalists and photographers from ESPN!

For those of you who follow college football, Noel Devine starting running back for the WV Mountaineers was on the team. Noel, Red, and many of the other starting players made the front page of the newspaper that week!

Remember these are film shots scanned into the computer. Quite different from digital shots that are easily retouched. Back in day that was done by pros.  From Pop Warner I moved on to shooting skateboard competitions and metal shows. Of course, Red was participating and all the while watching mom rather closely.

In 2007, I would buy another Canon camera, the 20D. Before the purchase, I called Canon directly for some guidance. You see Red chose to study photography and this camera was an expensive one. Canon was extremely helpful and mindful of the purpose. It was comforting to find they did not recommend something more expensive or elaborate. The 20D went through several car accidents and a ton of college parties and keeps on producing great shots.

After trying Red’s 20d out, I really wanted a digital camera. Therefore, I added the Power Shot A550 point and shoot to my collection. Affordable, with fast and easy shooting plus it takes video clips, perfect for my current lifestyle.

Fast forwarding to 2010: Red holds an Associate of Science degree in digital photography. His equipment is Canon: 20D, 50D, and about $5000 in Canon lenses plus every accessory you can image. Two weeks ago, my dear son arrived in London to further his education. His goal is to achieve a BA in visual communications.

Canon Rocks, did I not support my views on that… I’m just sayin’

And I found some great prices on Canon cameras particularly point and shoots.

According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, Phentermine is used, in combination with diet and exercise, to aide in weight loss. It is prescribed by a physician and works by decreasing your appetite. This is an amphetamine and can become habit forming.

It is particularly important to note and discuss with your doctor the complications that could arise when taking this medication in combination with the following:

fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), guanethidine, insulin, MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)] , paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and vitamins.

One would think this unnecessary, a doctor would not already know what medications their patient was taking right? Wrong. I had one too many experiences with my parents where their doctor did not have a complete list of the current prescribed meds, no kidding. Bring a list just to be safe.

Now, Phentermine should not be confused with Phentirmene. Evidently, the latter is an over the counter weight loss aide asserting “no side effects” and “no dependency”. Supposedly, phenylethylamine (PEA) is the active ingredient found in Phentirmene. And get this, PEA is tagged as an amphetamine-like substance, has a euphoric effect, and it can be found in chocolate too!  Oh man, are the slandering my beloved snack, chocolate?? Sounded way too fishy so I hit Google to find something reputable and redeem my chocolate!

According to Elaine Magee, MPH, RD who writes the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic Expert Column, “In the early 1980s, researchers thought they had solved the mystery of our love affair with chocolate. They detected the chemical phenyl ethylamine (PEA) in chocolate. PEA is a central nervous system stimulant, usually present in the human brain, which is thought to help arouse emotions. But, the human body actually absorbs very little PEA from chocolate — not enough to affect our emotions, anyway. So, it seems the sexiest thing about chocolate is its taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture — which, in my estimation, is not too shabby!“

Diet and exercise are the only weight loss combination I feel good about, I’m just sayin’.  In any case, when embarking on a weight loss program it is always best to seek professional medical advice in advance.

Are you buying into these phentermine or phentirmene diet miracles ?

We have a rather large kitchen island where most of the family meals are served. Knowing how hard the kids can be on furniture, especially stools, I purchased some economical all wood stools on sale for about $8.00 each maybe ten years ago. While I have repainted the legs and rungs once, those stools were a great bargain and continue to serve us well. Only problem is the stools are hard and lengthy sitting is not an option for the older folks. In fact, Dad complained that he could not make it through dinner without his leg going numb.

I started thinking about buying covers for the stool. The stool cushions would need to be durable, stain resistant, and slip proof. To fit this description, my initial thought was to purchase patio furniture cushions. After browsing several patio furniture cushions sites, I looked into making my own.  Making a homemade bar stool cushion is a simple and economical task provided the correct tools and supplies are available along with straightforward, proven instructions.

I do have a sewing machine and good straightforward instructions; all I really need to do is find the perfect fabric and make my own. Lord knows I have a ton of extra pillows around here, therefore no need to buy padding!

photo:hubimg.com

I like this design however, the “skirt” would be an added step, and I will not be adding the four buttons for comforts sake!

photo:judicreations.wordpress.com

This is the style I have decided on. I know what you are thinking , no skirt she is taking the easy route. Well, that is correct! And what is wrong with easy and new eh?  The fabric I chose is much heavier. I think it will provide a smoother, tighter covering.I’ll update on the final product!

Bar Stool Cover Instructions

Pattern

Stand your bar stool upside down on butcher or construction paper and draw round the edge of the seat using a piece of chalk. You can then draw around this outline, including enough extra fabric to cover the seat sides as well as 1.5 inches for the hem.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with right sides together. Pin to secure fabric. Next, pin pattern to the fabric and cut.

Sewing

Fold the edges of your cover over by half an inch, and then turn it over by another inch to make the hem and secure it with pins.  Sew the hem, by either hand or machine, leaving a small gap so you can insert the elastic.

To do this, fix a safety pin to the end so you can easily move it through the hem.  Pin the ends of the elastic together and fit the cover over your bar stool seat.  Adjust the position of the pin to get the right fit, then sew the ends together and finish the hem.

Padding

To add padding cut and sew a pocket the size of your bar stool’s seat.  Any cheap fabric can be used, as it will not be visible once covered. Stuff the pocket with pillow stuffing, foam, or recycle from an old cushion.  Once stuffed, sew the cushion shut and place it on the bar stool before fitting the new cover.

If the four insets are desired as shown in the first photo, mark the cover with chalk at inset locations. Using heavy thread similar to embroidery thread and attach a button or simply stitch from cover top through the padding. Pull to desired inset tension and tie securely. Repeat the process for the remaining insets.

Hope you enjoyed this Bar Stool DIY project. Have any tips on making new cushions or refurbishing stools? Do share, comment luv follows you!