Resource Ideas

NEW - Website Caution for Parents!!! - Chatroulette

2010-02-23T09:59:00.002-06:00

Today I was watching Good Morning American and this news piece came on about a disturbing new website that is gaining popularity very rapidly called Chatroulette. (I do not normally pass or forward info like this around because all of us get so much of these "scary"/caution emails all the time, but this one is for real and it is very upsetting.)

However, This could be very serious and dangerous for our kids and the experts saying that "our kids" probably already know about this site and have or are using it AND there are no restrictions on who or how it is used and it is free. This means that anyone from anywhere at anytime can go online with a webcam and go "live" with anything they want...no questions asked and it can be viewed...no questions asked nor any age restrictions required. The reporters that were involved with this news piece stated that a large number of the 'live chats' they encountered were sexually explicit, and other things that cannot be mentioned. One reporter mentioned that she saw kids that appeared to be as young as ten or eleven on this site.

Here is a quote from the ABC NEWS article from Feb 13, 2010 "Chat rooms are about as old as the Internet. Either strictly in text or, more recently, via video hookup, they've been used for years to solve problems, hold meetings, geek out over shared obsessions and, yes, sniff out anonymous sex. Enter Chatroulette. Suddenly, this ancient Internet activity has been retooled for the social-media-obsessed 21st century. Here's how it works: You don't need to sign on to anything, just go to the site with your webcam-equipped computer to find yourself face to face with a total stranger somewhere else in the world." http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/chatroulette-talking-strangers-internet/story?id=9822879

I have posted the GMA links so you can either watch the story or read the full article.
"Chatroulette: Talking to Strangers Is Cheap and Often Racy
While Promise of New Web Site Is to Connect Strangers, the Practice Can Be Something Creepier"

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/chatroulette-talking-strangers-internet/story?id=9822879

What is new?

2010-02-07T16:34:00.005-06:00

I have not posted in a long time because I have been so busy with my work with Dillon International. I hope I can start blogging again and share more information that may be helpful to other moms in this area. Please let me know if there is anything that you would like to know more about.

I write a weekly blog post for Dillon International at http://www.dillonadopt.blogspot.com/

I have also updated my family/adoption blog with new pictures and tales from our lives. Some you may find humorous. http://www.pckoreanadopt.blogspot.com/

I think that I will switch my family blog to another site and name that will reflect our family better since we are no longer in the adoption process. This blog address is http://www.pcwfamily.blogspot.com/

Once again, please let me know if there are any topics that you would like to have more info about and I will try to find it for you.

Cherri

WHAT IF I CANNOT AFFORD HEALTH INSURANCE

2009-04-01T10:36:00.003-05:00

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF RESOURCE IDEAS IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR FAMILY

Insurance for children under age 19. Family Income must not exceed 200% of the poverty level

http://www.kansashealthwave.org/
This is a state sponsored insurance that provides health, vision and dental insurance for children whose families meet income guidelines. The children may not currently have insurance coverage to be eligible.

Please review the qualifications page at:
http://www.kansashealthwave.org/hwqual.asp
200% of 2008 Federal Poverty Level - Monthly Income for Household Size
1=$1734
2=$2334
3=$2934
4=$3534
5=$4134
6=$4734
(All eligibility factors, including income guidelines and premiums, are subject to change)

These income numbers go up incrementaly for additional household members. They will also deduct a $200 per month for all work related expenses for each family member who is employed.

OPTIONS OTHER THAN TRADITIONAL INSURANCE:

There are a variety of health care costs sharing ministries available to Christians. Here are a few of the links to these options. It might be worth your time to check into these.
http://www.chministries.org/

http://medi-share.org/

http://www.samaritanministries.org/

There may be more, but these are the three that I am most familiar with.

DOUGLAS COUNTY RESOURCE LIST

2009-03-23T14:30:00.006-05:00

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW

Are you prepared for a disaster?

2009-03-23T14:24:00.002-05:00

This is the time of year that I like to review a disaster preparedness plan. Here is the like to Douglas County's Department of Emergency Management. This is the link to their home page and a PDF handbook on disaster preparedness. I hope that you will review this information and checklists.

http://www.douglas-county.com/depts/em/preparedness/em_preparedness.aspx

http://www.douglas-county.com/depts/em/preparedness/em_disasterprephandbook.aspx

Tired of Negative Media coverage on the Economy?

2009-02-27T09:50:00.002-06:00

I know that the nation is having economic trouble, but I am kind of tired of hearing about how bad it is all of the time. I would like a realistic update rather than the "gloom and doom" I hear day in and day out. I get a newsletter from Dave Ramsey. Here is an article that he sent in today's newletter.

http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/newsletters/company/022709.cfm?ectid=cnl0903.2_06#1

I hope that this will be a balanced report on the economy.

Grocery Adds

2009-02-25T10:20:00.002-06:00

I am going to post links to some of the area grocery store's weekly adds that are online.

http://www.checkersfoods.com/

http://dillons.inserts2online.com/customer_Frame.jsp?divID=615&drpStoreID=00068

More to come soon.

For Families Facing Foreclosure

2009-02-24T17:32:00.002-06:00

I saw a story in Good Morning America today that may be of help to anyone who is facing home foreclosure. Here is the link:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=6897985

Fighting Against Foreclosure
Some homeowners have found a new tactic to keep the banks at bay.
Homeowners' Rallying Cry: Produce the Note

Related
How to Negotiate Out of Foreclosure... Free
Facing Foreclosure? What to Do
WATCH: Family's Cave Faces Foreclosure
WATCH: Will the Foreclosure Plan Work?

How to Negotiate Out of Foreclosure... Free
Remember: the lender doesn't want to be stuck with your house.

I hope that this information can help someone.
Cherri W.

TO COUPON OR NOT TO COUPON...

2009-02-12T13:17:00.005-06:00

...THAT IS THE QUESTION

I always thought that coupons would not help me save much money. I mainly use generic or off brands. They are usually cheaper than the name brand item minus the coupon.

HOWEVER, I saw something today that may change my mind. Good Morning America had a segment on Coupon Parties. Here is the link:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=6739007&page=1

The two ladies that developed this program are/were from the Kansas City area. Their methods really made sense to me. Here is a little excerpt from the article on the GMA page....

"Just a year ago, Chrissy Pate and Kristin McKee were two Kansas City, Mo., moms struggling to reduce their grocery bills. The two friends collaborated and managed to cut those bills in half. And today, they're sharing their new-found knowledge with others — hundreds of others.

As they learned how to get groceries cheap — or even free — Pate and McKee started blogging about their biggest bargains. ...

...Layering Savings
How do they do it? By layering several savings strategies together.

This is really important," Pate told about a dozen people at a coupon party in Lee's Summit, Mo. "You don't just take your coupon out of the Sunday paper and go use it because that's what the manufacturer wants you to do."
Instead, she said: First you should look for sales. Then check to see if there are coupons for those same sale items. Better yet, go to a store that gives double coupon credit. Best of all, combine the manufacturer's coupon with a coupon offered by the store. ..."

Here is the link to their website. BeCentsAble

http://www.becentsable.net/

I am going to try this. I signed up to be a free member. I may also sign up to be an educator for this program. I think this is really awesome and it makes sense to me...Finally.

See what you think.

Cherri W.

Question about 10 for $10

2009-02-05T22:27:00.002-06:00

I attempted to answer the 10 for $10 question in the comments of the previous post. See comments on the "Sales This Week" post. Also C & S is having a big meat sale this week. Again, check out the add make sure it is a good deal for you. Don't just take my word for it. I hope this helps!

Sales this week

2009-02-05T13:56:00.001-06:00

FYI
C&S has there 10 for $10 sale this week.

Does anyone know of other good sales this week?

Daycare ladies

2009-02-01T18:32:00.002-06:00

Another daycare provider in town asked:

"I would love to hear ideas from other daycare providers about a couple of things:

Meal ideas for our kiddos (breakfast, lunch, snacks...tips, ideas, trying new things, what works/what doesn't, etc.)
Activities for kids (group time, new books, games, arts/crafts, exercise...what sorts of things are other providers doing to keep kids stimulated?)

I would love to hear ideas from other folks! If this is something you could include, that would be so great. "

Please post your comments on this blog. Remember you do not have to have a google account to leave a comment. You can leave it anonymously.

Save on your monthly bills advice

2009-01-23T13:34:00.003-06:00

Today on Good Morning America they had a piece about how you might be able to save money on your monthly bills. Here is the link, watch it and see what you think. It might be worth a try.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/gma/2009/01/make-a-call-low.html

Let me know if this works for you. I am going to try it.

Peanut Butter Recall

2009-01-20T15:22:00.007-06:00

Here is an email that I received from my husband today. It is from the KS Department of Education. It is rather long, but it contains good info on the peanut butter recall. If you would like to have the links to the sites listed below, please leave a comment and I will email them to you.

Subject: Summary of Peanut Butter Recalls

Following is a summary of peanut butter related food recalls received from Saturday through Monday. Few, if any of these products are likely served as part of reimbursable school meals. However, they could possibly be served as snack items or sold a la carte, in vending machines or through concessions.

Clif Bar and Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of CLIF and LUNA Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk (January 19) Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:43:00 -0600

Clif Bar and Company today announced a voluntary recall of CLIF and LUNA branded bars that contain peanut butter because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products contain peanut butter manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. Kroger Recalls Select Ice Cream Products Due to Possible Health Risk (January 19) Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:03:00 -0600 http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/clifbar01_09.html

The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling Private Selection Peanut Butter Passion Ice Cream sold in select stores because the peanut butter in the ice cream was supplied by Peanut Corporation of America and may be contaminated with Salmonella. Stores under the following names are included in this recall: City Market, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC and Smith's. Abbott Nutrition Announces Voluntary Recall of ZonePerfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, ZonePerfect Peanut Toffee Bars and NutriPals Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars in U.S., Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore (January 19) Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:43:00 -0600 http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/kroger01_09.html

Abbott Nutrition today announced that it is initiating a precautionary, voluntary recall of ZonePerfect Chocolate Peanut Butter bars, ZonePerfect Peanut Toffee bars and NutriPals Peanut Butter Chocolate bars in response to the widening recall involving peanut butter and peanut paste ingredients manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA was one of the peanut ingredient suppliers to the company. Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter (January 18) Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:50:00 -0600 http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/abbott01_09.html

The recalled peanut butter and peanut paste were distributed to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies in 24 states, the province of Saskatchewan in Canada, Korea and Haiti. The U.S. states are the following: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. In addition, affected product was used as an ingredient in other products that may have been distributed in other states. Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Food Lion Bake Shop Peanut Butter Cookies Nationwide Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18) Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:50:00 -0600 http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/peanutcorp301_09.html

Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products, Inc. announced that it has taken the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling its Food Lion Bake Shop brand PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES because the cookies have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled cookies contain peanut butter supplied by Peanut Corporation of America which is the subject of an investigation concerning recent Salmonella outbreaks. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cookies. No other type of Food Lion brand cookies are being recalled. Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Lofthouse Peanut Butter Cookies, Chuck's Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies And Pastries Plus Gourmet Cookies Nationwide Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18) Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:50:00 -0600 http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/ralcorp201_09.html

The Lofthouse peanut butter cookies are sold in 12 count clear plastic clamshell containers while the peanut butter fudge no-bake cookies and the peanut butter no-bake cookies are sold in 9 or 12 count clear plastic clamshell containers. The recalled Lofthouse cookies are sold nationally in the in-store bakery sections of grocery stores and other food retailers. The Parco Foods' Chuck's Chunky cookies are distributed nationally in 5lb boxes in the food service channels. The Pastries Plus gourmet cookies were sold in 21 count plastic containers in select club stores nationally. All products will have a lot code of 9200 or less. Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Recalls Wal-Mart Bakery Brand Peanut Butter Cookies Because Of Possible Health Risk (January 18) Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:50:00 -0600 http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/ralcorp301_09.html

The recalled peanut butter cookies are distributed nationally under the Wal-Mart Bakery cookies brand. The recalled Wal-Mart Bakery no-bake peanut butter cookies and no-bake fudge peanut butter cookies were distributed nationally with the exception of the following states: Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hamshire and Maine. The cookies are sold in the in-store bakery sections of only Wal-Mart stores and have a code date of 9200 or less. South Bend Chocolate Company Recalls Various Candys Containing Peanut Butter Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination (January 18) Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:50:00 -0600

The South Bend Chocolate Company today announced a voluntary recall of certain candy products because they contain peanut butter from Peanut Corporation of America, which may be contaminated with Salmonella. McKee Foods Corporation Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Little Debbie Peanut Butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers Because of Possible Health Risk (January 18) Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:59:00 -0600
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/mckee01_09.html

These two sandwich cracker products were manufactured for McKee Foods by Kellogg Company. On January 14, Kellogg Company announced a precautionary hold on several of its peanut butter sandwich crackers while FDA and other authorities investigated Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), one of Kellogg’s peanut paste suppliers for these crackers. McKee Foods followed that action with a voluntary withdrawal of the two Little Debbie peanut butter sandwich crackers. PCA has now expanded their earlier recall to include peanut paste and peanut butter, prompting Kellogg to immediately announce a recall of certain cookie and cracker products. Accordingly, McKee Foods is announcing this recall of its two peanut butter sandwich crackers. Hy-Vee Inc. Recalls Bakery Products With Peanut Butter Distributed in Seven States Due to Possible Health Risk (January 17) Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:18:00 -0600 http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/ralcorp301_09.html

Hy-Vee Inc. is voluntarily recalling the following products made in its bakery departments because they contain peanut butter that has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella: Peanut Butter Cookies, Monster Cookies, Peanut Butter Reese's Pieces Cookies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lunchbox Reese's Pieces Cookies, Lunchbox Peanut Butter Cookies, People Chow Party Mix and Assorted Truffle Fudge. All sell-by dates are included in this recall. The products are sold in various packaging and quantities and have a Hy-Vee price label attached. All items should be destroyed or returned to Hy-Vee for a full refund. Kellogg Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Austin and Keebler Branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Select Snack-Size Packs of Famous Amos And Keebler Soft Batch Peanut Butter Cookies Because of Possible Health Risk (January 16) Sat, 17 Jan 2009 04:35:00 -0600
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/hyvee01_09.html

On January 14, Kellogg announced a precautionary hold on the sandwich crackers while FDA and other authorities investigated Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), one of Kellogg's peanut paste suppliers for these crackers. PCA has expanded their earlier recall to include peanut paste and peanut butter, prompting Kellogg to immediately announce this recall and to include the above-mentioned cookie and cracker products.

Jodi Mackey, DirectorChild Nutrition & WellnessKansas State Department of Education120 SE 10th AvenueTopeka, Kansas 66612Phone: 785-296-2276Fax: 785-296-0232
jmackey@ksde.orgwww.kn-eat.org

Today's resource information

2009-01-16T13:14:00.002-06:00

Please let me know if this information helps you in any way. Thank you to those who have taken the surveys. I will post surveys often to help me determine what kinds of info you are likely to be interested in. You do not have to have a blogger or google account to post a comment to this blog. Your comment will just come up as "anonymous", but you can still put your name at the bottom of your post if you want to. Thank you again for your participation.

Today's Info.
I am sort of tired of hearing the phrase "in these hard economic times". How about you? But due to the phrase already mentioned, many people are looking for ways to supplement their income. I found a resource that you may want to check out. It is full of great stuff...just for women. It is called "Women for Hire". If you watch Good Morning America very often, you may have seen Tori Johnson from this organization. Here is the link: www.womenforhire.com

They have listed some legitimate work from home opportunities as well. Some of these may interest you. They have done the research to make sure that these are real companies that hire real employees. Check it out and see what you think.

The other site that I like is Start Up Nation. www.startupnation.com It is by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. This great if you've ever thought about starting a business or if you have something that you think others might be interested in buying.

Do you want to license, copyright or patent something? Have you ever wanted to incorporate or become a LLC for your business? Legal Zoom seems to be a good source. www.legalzoom.com
I believe that they offer other services for wills, power of attorney, trust funds, etc. Check it out for yourself.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on anything listed on this blog. This is just an information sharing medium. I do not make any endorsements, recommendations or referrals.

TODAY'S FYI

2009-01-14T13:11:00.002-06:00

The purpose of this blog is to help others find and utilize resources here in our community. You may or may not be aware of the resources mentioned here. If there are more resources that you would like to share, please feel free to do so.

Today's FYI
Did you know that JCPenney usually has a major clearance sale the last weekend in January every year? They are trying to clear out all of their winter clothing, etc. You can find clothes for next to nothing. I have not confirmed that it will take place again this year, but my guess is that it will. We have found tons of stuff 75% to 80% off. Has anyone else shopped at JCP during this annual weekend sale?

Useful Family Resource
Families Together, Inc. Assisting Parents and their sons and daughters with disabilities
Topeka, KS
http://www.familiestogetherinc.org/

Have you ever wanted to go back to school or complete a degree? Resources on this topic coming soon.

Are you looking for ways to earn more money from Home? Resources for this topic coming soon.

2009-01-13T15:03:00.003-06:00

Welcome to a new blog to help Eudora, Kansas Moms and Daycare providers!!

I am a mom to six children and I also have a home daycare business. It seems like everyone I talk to is looking for ways to save money or make more money from home. I have come across some really great resources that I would like to share with you. I hope that you will all chime in and share your tips or other resources you have found with the rest of us.

How to participate? It is very simple, just leave a comment on this blog and I will publish it very shortly. That way everyone can share the information and hopefully we can help each other.

Thank you and I hope to hear from you very soon!!

Cherri W.