Going green update

First off we will update on our Solar. Our Panels were installed in 2009. Have to say we are very pleased with the outcome. The electric bills have been decreasing since the install. With our reducing energy consumption mind set, we have been able to reduce our bill by half.
The reason we decided to invest in this solar is for our retirement. With the cost of electricity increasing over the years, the decision was easy. Our daughter is out of the house attending college. One less person has really made a difference in our Bill. You never realize how much one person can change the consumption.
We received our Electric bill for this month, Now remember we are all electric . It was 42 dollars for the month! The lowest we have received since we have been in this home. We moved in our home in 1999. So I would say we are doing well on reducing the carbon footprint.
To put it in prospective for you. Before the solar system our April/May bill was on average was 250.00. After solar the cost went down to 108.00. Then after child left for college it is now 42.00 with 17 of that being delivery and taxes. So we are very pleased with this move.

We have notice a change in our recycling and trash amounts. Our containers are getting less in the trash area. With only about one bag of trash weekly. The recycling has increased to about two containers. Think we need to work on that. I would love to have less on the recycling amount. Even though we are recycling it would be nice to be able to reuse items so we would not be throwing away so much. Even with it being recycled, I feel that a lot of it is not reused in a Green way. Most factories still add to the carbon footprint.

As for the bags, have noticed we aren't using them as much in the retail stores. However I am still using them at the grocery stores. If I forgot to take them I make a point to get paper bags. Those I can reuse and they are easier to recycle. Most place are beginning to charge for bags in our area. That make it easy to use the Recycle bags. One thing to remember is to Wash the bags often. It has been noted that some food born bacteria can transfer and linger in the bags. Causing some sickness if left to grow in the heat of the trunk.

So the question for you is how are you doing with your Green Walk?

Weight Loss Wednesday- The Scale Watchers

The scale just isn't moving. Yeah that's right it must be broken! I do not feel like I am not loosing weight. I heard that sometimes the scales do not tell the true story. It can weigh heavy some times and stay put others. However, you can be still losing. It's called losing inches. So we must be measuring as well as scale watching. My inches are going down, the scales are up and down. Sometimes it has to do with the amount a fluids or that meal the night before. Yes that's right it is still making it's way out, and the body is holding on to the weight of it. Just wait til it moves out then weigh yourself. You will see.
As for Me my scale seems to move up and down 3 to 5 pounds a week.   Maintain the weight  not losing. However the pant size and tops have changed.  I will try not to let the Scale get me down. I will continue to buy the size I am and not buy bigger ones. Get rid of those larger sizes from my drawers and closet. That will help me stay on track. No more Scale Watching for me. Just checking in as a swim by for that possible small person emerging.

Please stop by Confessions of a Snowflake to be encouraged on this Weight Loss Wednesday!  And link up your own posts there!

Are you Satisfied?

Are you satisfied with your looks? In a World of  "You should Be....." it is hard to be satisfied with your looks. Doctors tells us we need to look a certain way and TV telling us  we are all overweight, make us  feel unsatisfied. Just think about it, What if every one in the world all was in the national guide lines set be the Nutritionists. We would all look the same! We would not need big and tall stores or different sizes. We could all go to the  5 7 9 stores, wear bikinis and have no need for Donut shops.

I have been thinking about those charts. Wondering why is it that someone has decided there is a certain acceptable size and weight for that size. Just think there are folks who live a long time and have never been within the charts limits. The folks that have been in the Chart limits have been diagnosed with cancer and older deceases . Of course there are some heavier folk also diagnised with these deceases also. However I hear more folks say.." I have done every thing right and have stay in the healthy code, yet I got this cancer."

Yes we should have are blood test done and work on exercising to stay strong and fit. Trying to get our energy and  body in a healthy mode. We should try not to be so hard on ourselves. Set  the goals that we feel is achievable and work towards them. Choose the activities we love to do and do them. Enjoy our life and just take it one day at a time. Slowing down at meal time to enjoy the food and choosing to eat smaller portions.

One more things, Do not allow Doctors or friends control your lives. I would only let them if I was in some medical trouble, Cancer or diabetes, that is when I would heed their words.  If I was in Good health, not tired and got plenty of exercise, maintained my weight   as well as very little sickness I would  not allow their words of Weight control affect my mind.

Remember you are in control of your life. One should be able to measure themselves on their standard. If one feels they would feel better by losing a few pounds, then do it. Now I would love to be down to 150. However will it make me feel better? I really do not know. However I will continue to lose slowly, being able to maintain each pound loss. To me that is the key, Creating  a plan that will become a new way of living and become a new daily habit.

I hope that one who reads this will examine their selves to see if the path is one for them or for others. It is known that the one for others will surely fail if it relates to your life. Others may give us motive however it must be our own minds that sets the journey.

Argan Oil for Dry skin

Have been using pure Argan Oil for about one week now. Having Very Dry skin has been my demised. Really have seen a difference with this oil. My skin is not as dry , all my itching has stopped and my feet are finally getting better.  The feet were so dry that this where always pealing. I start using the Argan oil on them and have seen a great difference. The red dry sections are healing and the a not peeling as much. I will continue to use it on the feet.
Having a problem with my arms and the dryness for many year, now I can see the light. Putting the 100% pure oil, no additives ( perfumes or other oil) is make a total difference. The skin is smoother and less itching caused by dryness.
Why is my skin so dry? I am guessing it is caused by Menopause. In the 90's I had my ovaries and uterus removed due to illness. I was on hormone therapy until I turn 50 and then I went off. Noticed that my skin started to get drier. Always had dry skin but this was even more than usual. Trying all kinds of products from pure vitamin E to Bees wax, nothing seem to be working. Only a few hours of moisture relief.
Saw a product called Argan Oil on a shopping network. There was a return policy I could not refuse.  Yes it was expensive, but I have been trying a lot of product and have spent so much that why not try it. After a week I have seen quite a change. I do want to really emphasize that this is 100% pure Argan Oil. Noticing that I did have other products with argan oil in it, however they had other additives. These additives are alcohol base. They include perfumes and other oils in them, be sure to read the labels. It might sound good but if there are other products in it, that can be counter active on the oils properties. Causing the effects of the oil to not adsorb as it should.
I found that this product is not greasy at all and I can use it all over my body, even my dry hair. For now I am sold on the product. If you would like to know where to get it, e-mail me and I will direct you to the product.
will be giving updates on this product as I continue to use it. As with every product Time will tell.