My Mother was a moody & temperamental woman with a low tolerance for housework, noise, dirty diapers, chaos & motherhood in general.One morning two of my four siblings left for school but I remained behind to clean up spilled milk. Suddenly Mom grabbed my hair in her hands. Thrashing my head around, she released it with a shove, yelling, “Damn you to hell! I ought to kill you! Get the hell out of here!”

I left crying & knocked on the door of my friend nearby. Her mother, whom I had never met, immediately embraced me as I sobbed to her what had happened. She murmured comforting words, & my heart eased. When my friend appeared, her mother released me & bent to tug gently on her daughter’s braids, saying “You be a good girl!” She kissed her daughter, and we left. I was heartsick, wanting to stay behind in that woman’s embrace.

Years later, I described to a therapist a childhood fantasy that soothed me: “I am on a swing. It’s a beautiful day; I feel safe, happy. A woman sits on the ground near a tree, smiling at me.” Asked if this was my mother, I answered, “No. Just some anonymous woman I made up. She is plump & pretty. She wears a brown dress with sleeves rolled up.” The therapist helped me realize that the woman in my fantasy was my friend’s mother. It was she who inspired me to create a loving, inviting home for my own child. Because of her, I loved every moment of my pregnancy, knowing I would be a good mother.

I feel blessed to have been embraced by her, however briefly. Thank you, my fantasy mother…Happy Mother’s Day!

Submitted by:
Linda Rieschel
www.ninisniche.etsy.com
www.ninisniche.com
Blog: http://headwrapguru.blogspot.com/
Videos: http://www.youtube.com/ninisniche

Kim Bussey

Meet Kim Bussey! She's one of our Interns or what we like to call "Diva's In Training"! Currently I am a student at Berklee College of Music, studying Music Business, and also at Wake Technical Community College, studying Business Administration. I am also part of an online Street Team, promoting up and coming artists. I’ve been looking to do internships and it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I knew of “virtual” internships. Fortunately I stumbled upon DivaTalk Radio. The word “Diva” immediately caught my attention. I feel and carry myself like one, minus the big ego. I’m an adult college student who likes to bowl, wear hi-tops, and looking to become a professional business woman (minus the hi-tops). I feel like DivaTalkRadio suits me very well. I hope to learn a thing or two about radio and business. What better place to learn those, than from business women themselves? (To learn more about Kim, please click on the Meet Team Diva tab above)

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Like to Write? If so, then become one of our Contributing Divas. At this time, we are seeking experts in frugal living, home & garden, woman’s health, and fashion. If you’re interested in expanding your exposure, come write for us! Simply fill out the contact form

on our website.

Kelli Claypool

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Yesterday, while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s, I picked up the latest edition of Ladies’ Home Journal. Within the pages of all the gorgeous, perfect bodies of all the models, I came across an article about “retail therapy”. 

Ahh, music to my ears! I love shopping! I love walking into the store and smelling the scent of something new. I love the sound of the register printing the receipt. I love ‘handling with care’ the handbags and cooing over the new Spring line of shoes. Just saying the name Nordstrom’s makes the endorphins in my body get all excited and start scrambling to figure out how we can pull off a quick shopping trip in between appointments.

The article goes on to say that our desire to shop compulsively is because we’re missing something in our lives. That some women project hopes and fantasies into the items that they buy. That some women actually feel that a certain pair of shoes would change their life for the better. (Okay, I’m not that bad, but a cute pair of Christian Louboutin’s do make me feel taller!) While some woman do go to the extreme, even the noncompulsive shoppers hear the same message. Haven’t we all bought something just because we were unhappy, stressed, or bored?

“Dr. Brian Knutson, a Stanford Neuroscientist, did an MRI study of shoppers’ brains and discovered that seeing something they wanted to buy — a fabulous pair of boots, say — increased activity in areas rich in dopamine, a brain chemical associated with reward. Dopamine is sensitive to novelty and spikes when we’re confronted with something new that looks enjoyable. Fortunately, the brain is also equipped with the insula, dopamine’s cranky, buzz-killing aunt. It gets activated when we anticipate pain, so price those boots uncomfortably high and the insula will arm-wrestle with the dopamine, pitting the pain of paying against the pleasure of acquiring.”

In a reader poll, done by Ladies’ Home Journal, the results were eye opening!

When asked “How does shopping make you feel?” 82% of women said happy, while 5% said overwhelmed, 6% said dreadful, and 7% said exhilarated.

When asked “Do you shop for fun?” 89% of women said yes, while 11% said no.

When asked “Has the troubled economy changed the way you shop?” 55% said “I think more thoroughly about each purchase”, while 21% said “I’ve cut out nonessentials”, 17% said “I have the same habits as always”, and 7% said “I’ve stopped using  credit cards to avoid debt”.

I find the poll results very interesting. While I’m a recovering shopping addict, moving to the rural country didn’t stop my compulsion. Yes, I cannot just jump in the car and drive to a local mall because there aren’t any, however the UPS guy and I are now on first-name basis, thanks to buying online.

For me, I’m trying to increase my insula and decrease my dopamine with a system called The Budget. Just saying that word “budget” makes me want to put a quarter in the swear word jar! Regardless of how I feel about abstaining from shopping, I do enjoy the increase in my vacation savings account.

So let me ask you, “Why is shopping so much fun?” Please share your comments below…I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, wear your heels well and be blessed!

Kelli Claypool

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Since 2007, DivaTalkRadio has featured women who have been victorious in all areas of their lives. We have shared about miraculous events, tragedies and triumphs, heartache and love.

These stories have been amazing, but we believe there are more women who are ready and willing to share their story to inspire, encourage, and empower other women.

Our definition of a Diva is “a woman who is strong in her faith, blessed by her family, and encourages others to rise up to their greatest potential”.

If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you! Your story may be featured in our A Truly Outstanding Woman segment on our website or you may be invited to join us on our radio show, which airs live weekly.

Are you a woman entrepreneur who is juggling work, family, and community events?

Are you a single mom raising your child(ren) on your own and making a difference in the lives of others?

Are to a woman who is strong in her family and has a strong desire to community outreach?

Regardless, we want to hear from you. Your story must be one of empowerment and inspiration. Perhaps you have a story about a life lesson you learned from the hard way. Or have a story about your family or a favorite family recipe. Perhaps you just need to vent about a company who did you wrong and how you turned a bad situation into something good.

No topic is off limits and all stories will be read and considered by our team.

Simply contact us with a brief overview of your story and our production team will contact you for more information. Everyone will be contacted.

Kelli Claypool

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Grab your aprons and start your ovens! Pillsbury’s first-ever Rookie Bake-Off® Challenge has just begun!

The Rookie Bake-Off® Challenge consists of six weekly challenges, each providing you with a chance to win $500, 5 doable new recipes to vote on and use each week, and even inspiration from guest bloggers!

To enter for your chance to win each week, visit BakeOff.com to check out the weekly challenge and submit your entry! Just keep in mind…

• The whole shebang! Submit a recipe, story, and photo.
• A quick fix! Prep time in 30 minutes or less.
• A lot for a little! Five ingredients, including at least one Pillsbury refrigerated dough product.
• All that and more! Keep in mind creativity, consumer appeal, appearance, and include an inspiring story.

To find more information and contest rules, visit BakeOff.com.

So roll up your sleeves and get cooking for your chance to win this week’s $500 prize! Best of luck!

Disclosure: This information was provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.

Kelli Claypool

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Clutter has a way of taking over a home. If you don’t address it and create systems to keep it controlled, it can become overwhelming. It’s why there are so many organization homes and experts. Well you don’t need to watch a television show to get control.

Here are five tips and strategies for getting rid of the clutter.

1. Start fresh using the four container method. The four container method helps you clean any room and eliminate clutter. Start with an easy task like a closet. Create four containers. Label them: “keep”, “toss,” “donate,” and “sell.”

If you’re not interested in having a garage sale or consignment then use a three container system and eliminate “sell.” Make sure you have a place to put everything you keep.

2. Tiered system. A tiered system is a good way to organize rooms. It embraces the concept that the only thing that should be in sight are things you need often.

For example, in your living room you might need to keep the television remotes handy. Other things like DVDs can be second tier items which can be in a cabinet.

Use a three tier system. First tier items should be within arm’s reach. Second tier items can be in the same room but in organized cabinets or drawers. Third tier items are items you don’t need often.
For example, the warranty on your television or the operating instructions. These items don’t have to be in your living room. You can store them in a file cabinet in your home office or basement closet.

3. Assign labels. When organizing items, use labels. Label by category, date, or item. Use labels in your closet, refrigerator/freezer, pantry, and of course in your home office files. Make sure your family understands the labels and puts things where they belong.

4. Catch all boxes. Create boxes or baskets for each room. Use the baskets to collect items that don’t belong in that room. For example, if you find a pair of socks or a book in the living room they can go in the basket. Each night clean out the basket and put things where they belong. This prevents clutter from accumulating.

5. Rituals. Finally, consider creating cleaning rituals. For example, make your bed in the morning. Clean the kitchen before you go to bed. Put things away after you use them. And of course encourage others in your home to do the same. When everything has a place and that place is easily recognizable then it’s easy to make sure clutter doesn’t accumulate.

Getting rid of the clutter is only the first step. Once it is gone, create systems to keep it clean. Label storage areas. Create storage systems that make sense. Don’t buy more unless you’re willing to get rid of more. Make sure that everyone in your home is on board with your clutter elimination plan. To your clutter free success!

Kelli Claypool

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Have you heard the saying, “We are what we eat?”  It’s true enough.  But, we also change how we feel according to what we eat.  Here are some examples of five foods that can alter our moods—for the better.

Eating comfort foods makes us feel better.  Our brain releases endorphins as we enjoy every satisfying bite.  Did you know that?  Food makes us feel good.  Some foods make us feel better than others but here they are.

1. Tea – Drinking tea does wonders for the body.  The caffeine in tea has been linked to improvements in mood.  Caffeine increases alertness and our ability to function well.  Many people rely on caffeine each day in some form to wake up and get the body moving.  The rush we feel motivates us to get going with our daily tasks.  Tea is healthier than drinking soda.  There are many kinds of tea.  Green tea provides antioxidants to the body.  Antioxidants prevent disease and slow the aging process.

2. Chocolate – Women always knew they were right.  This is not just any chocolate though.  Dark chocolate contains the largest percentage of pure cocoa.  It works to increase our mood.  Serotonin levels rise and so do the happy feelings.  People who ate chocolate on a consistent basis noticed they had more energy as well as a better outlook on life.  Besides that, the calories obtained from this chocolate don’t outweigh the benefits of eating dark chocolate.  The rest of the diet can be adjusted to account for it.

3. Salmon – This cold water fish contains vitamin D as well as omega-3 fatty acids.  Vitamin D is synthesized by skin cells after exposure to the sun.  When the sun is not as forthcoming like in the winter months, we have to obtain it from other sources.  The canned variety of salmon and fortified milk along with some vegetables provides vitamin D to our bodies along with supplements.  Vitamin D increases serotonin which has to do with mood.

4. Walnuts – Most tree nuts are good for you.  They contain nutrients vital to health and healthy fats.  Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids just like salmon.

5. Lentils – Lentils are part of the legume and bean family.  They provide protein for the body to build muscle.  Lentils release a lot of fiber when we eat them.  Insoluble fiber carries a measure of fat from the food we eat out of the body as it passes through the digestive system.  Folate is a component of lentils and it deals with brain activity and health.

Are you looking for something good to eat?  These five foods are good for you and good to you.  Using them as a component of a healthy diet boosts mood and health.

Kelli Claypool

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Given the global economic downturn and wildly fluctuating exchange rates, many holidaymakers are searching for those elusive holiday destinations that really do offer value for money. The holiday market is extremely competitive these days, making it hard to cut through the huge amount of last minute deals, budget flights and cheap holidays to pinpoint locations that really are a great deal. What follows is a look at ways to enjoy a great holiday at a great location without breaking the bank.

A good place to start when planning your holiday is the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer, which gauges the cost of a range of items abroad to identify which are the cheapest locations once you are there. This is extremely important at the moment, as the pound has not been doing well against the Euro. In terms of affordability, Spain and Portugal topped the chart of 36 nations.

Portugal has witnessed a 49% fall in prices over the last year. One of the key reasons for this price fall was the worrying decline in holidaymakers to popular resorts in the Algarve. Portuguese hotels, bars and restaurants lowered their prices to stimulate more business, which prompted hotels, bars and restaurants in popular Spanish resorts like the Costas to do the same to compete for the year’s holidaymakers. As the exchange rate also improved, Portugal and Spain have become excellent holiday locations in 2011 for a great deal.

Of course, there are the flights and accommodation to factor in, but a good search of the market will reveal a number of competitively priced deals and there are always last minute holiday deals to take advantage of.

Comparing the holiday item costs with the average flight costs reveals a number of other locations which represent a great deal for holidaymakers. The Czech Republic is very competitively priced and a trip to the historical capital city of Prague will make a wonderful holiday. Bulgaria also makes an affordable holiday destination, with a beautiful sandy coastline on the Black Sea to the east of the country. Hungary is another alternative to the usual European destinations, boasting stunning scenery and the magnificent capital city of Budapest to visit. British holidaymakers are also enjoying far better exchanges rates for Bulgaria and Hungary, making them excellent value locations to visit overall.

If you are a little more adventurous and want a holiday where, after your flight costs, you can move from cheap accommodation to cheap accommodation enjoying extremely low priced food and drink and seeing incredible sights, then these two exotic locations represent great deals, especially if you plan an extended vacation or a sabbatical.

Manta in Ecuador presents a great opportunity to lap up a chilled and relaxed beach town while indulging in some top surfing. Spanish and surfing lessons can be bought for as little as £3, while hotel rooms with air conditioning can be found for £7 per night. Of course, Ecuador also provides the opportunity to hike the majestic Andes and explore one of the last unspoilt regions of the world, the Amazon rainforest.

Cusco in Peru is an excellent location, as Peru is less expensive than Argentina, Brazil and Chile. There are fabulous markets to discover and the historic Inca buildings are a joy to explore. Double rooms can be found for as little as £10 per night and the Peruvian cuisine is also very cheap. A friendly city with a host of incredible treks to enjoy, Cusco is a must visit.

Whatever your holiday plans, a little research will unearth a wealth of locations that represent a great deal. If this has inspired you to get abroad then our friends at hotel club have a range of hotels in destinations from London to Taipei!

Annie

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Article & Recipe courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/eating/recipes/animal_treats/dog_popsicles.html

DIY Dog Treat: Peanut Butter Popsicles

When a heat wave hits your hometown, easy-to-make frozen treats are one way to help your dog chill out.

by Loren Drummond

The thermometer reads 98 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dog sprawls belly down on the kitchen floor, panting. The weatherman predicts things will be like this all week.

Temperature spikes can be dangerous for people and animals—more so in regions unused to hot weather. Families (like us) without air conditioning take refuge in offices, coffee shops, public libraries and movie theaters—places where dogs aren’t always welcome.

To help our 60-pound mutt, Madigan, cope with the heat, I often mix up a batch of dog-friendly popsicles.

Peanut butter popsicles

• In a small mixing bowl, combine peanut butter with a little water or half a mashed banana. (The water and banana aren’t essential but help with freezing consistency.)
• Line an ice cube tray or cookie sheet with wax paper. (You don’t have to use the paper, but it can make prying the cubes out easier.)
• Spoon the mixture into the cubes, or drop onto the tray just like you would cookie dough.
• Freeze. If you need to reuse the tray right away, pop out the cubes and store them in a bag or container in the freezer.
• Serve. Turn any hot dog into a happy camper.

Mix, match, freeze

Pet popsicles can be made out of all kinds of things that your dog (or cats) eat normally, so experiment to see what your dog likes best.

Try: Treats suspended in water, watered down wet food, and favorite frozen veggies. Avoid: onions and onion powder, salt, macadamia nuts, tomatoes, potatoes, rhubarb leaves and stems, avocados, and anything else on this list.

Tip: You can fill up a rubber Kong-style toy and freeze—a great cool-down treat for when you will be away for a few hours.

Kelli Claypool

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A friend called me to ask how do I tell if an egg is good or bad without having to crack it open. Since I’m so well versed in the kitchen (NOT), I decided that I would Google the answer. The answer that I got was pretty clever, so I thought I’d share this little diddly of knowledge with you!

Food poisoning is one of the worst experiences a person can go through. Eggs can be the source of some superb meals, but they can also be the source of food poisoning if they are eaten when they’ve gone bad. How do you tell when an egg is fresh or if it has gone bad, without cracking it open to find out?

Step 1:

Place the egg into a bowl of cold water. The water level should be about 2 times higher than the egg.

Step 2:

Observe what the egg does.

• Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom of the bowl and probably lie on their sides.
• Slightly older eggs (about one week) will lie on the bottom but bob slightly.
• If the egg balances on its smallest tip, with the large tip reaching for the top, it’s probably close to three weeks old.
• Eggs that float at the surface are bad and should not be consumed.

Step 3:

If all else fails, crack the egg open and look at it to see if there is mold or something and look carefully.

• Blood spots (also referred to as “meat” spots) don’t signify a bad or fertilized egg. It’s caused by a ruptured blood vessel during the formation of the egg. Since blood spots are diluted as the egg ages, their presence actually means you have a fresh egg. You can eat it safely, or remove the blood spot with the tip of a knife, if it makes you feel better.
• Stringy, rope-like strands of egg white are chalazae which are present in every egg to keep the yolk centered. They’re not a sign that the egg is bad or fertilized, and they can be consumed safely or removed.
• An egg white that is cloudy or has a yellow or greenish cast to it is caused by carbon dioxide not having had enough time to escape from the shell and is especially common in fresh eggs.

The gas hydrogen sulfide causes the “rotten egg smell”. It is caused when bacteria break down the proteins in the whites of the egg and creates gas.

And now you know…

Would love your comments below.

Kelli Claypool

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