Monday, July 16, 2012

Hair-larious!

I brought my wigs to a wedding reception and even the guys wanted a piece of the action!
It is amazing what a few props can do to add excitement to an event!


It started many years ago when my children were very young.  We had a "dress-up" box with props where they could use their imagination and pretend to be someone else.  We watched many 'shows' of them and their friends as you can see below.









I have accumulated more wigs over the years (about 20 or so) and you just never know when they will show up at an event such as a vacation, grad party, wedding or who knows.  It has been so much fun to surprise people and watch how personalities can change just by putting on a wig.  Remember, we are not to take ourselves too seriously.


This collection has evolved as you can see.


Trip to Las Vegas with the neighbors.  It was "wig" night at the Tao Restaurant and so we quickly put our wigs on before entering the nightclub only to find out that we were the only people that took advantage of their props.  Oh well, we had a great time.  I love my red wig.

These wigs really added to a recent graduation party.
Up at the Shamp cabin - a new idea to singing around the campfire.



At a recent wedding reception with my gal pals (new friends?).

My three kids on the dance floor - take a break for a quick picture.  If you can believe it my son Tony (left) is wearing the same wig he wore when he was in grade school.  He is somewhat attached I guess.

Way back when, at a family reunion '1982...with my cousins (Jordene, Tammy, myself and Tom)  pretending to be Diana Ross and the Supremes




Get out of your comfort zone and put on a wig.  You might be surprised at how much fun you and others will have.





















Friday, July 6, 2012

Say NO to antibacterials & toxins.



Everyday substances increase the risk of allergies and that information has been confirmed by new research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center.  This research links antibacterials in personal care products to allergy risks in children.  Below are some of the comments - view entire article at:  http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Antibacterials-in-Personal-Care-Products-Linked-to-Allergy-Risk-in-Children.aspx


Antibacterials in Personal-Care Products Linked to Allergy Risk in Children


June 18, 2012
Exposure to common antibacterial chemicals and preservatives found in soap, toothpaste, mouthwash and other personal-care products may make children more prone to a wide range of food and environmental allergies, according to new research from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
Results of the NIH-funded study are published online ahead of print June 18 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

“We saw a link between level of exposure, measured by the amount of antimicrobial agents in the urine, and allergy risk, indicated by circulating antibodies to specific allergens,” said lead investigator Jessica Savage, M.D., M.H.S., an allergy and immunology fellow at Hopkins.

In the study, those with the highest urine levels of triclosan — an antibacterial agent used in soaps, mouthwash and toothpaste — had the highest levels of food IgE antibodies, and therefore the highest allergy risk, compared with children with the lowest triclosan levels. Children with the highest urinary levels of parabens — preservatives with antimicrobial properties used in cosmetics, food and medications — were more likely to have detectable levels of IgE antibodies to environmental allergens like pollen and pet dander, compared with those with low paraben levels.

“This finding highlights the antimicrobial properties of these agents as a probable driving force behind their effect on the immune system,” said senior investigatorCorinne Keet, M.D., M.S., an allergist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

Children with the highest urine levels of triclosan had nearly twice the risk of environmental allergies as children with the lowest urinary concentrations. Those with highest levels of propyl paraben in the urine had twice the risk of an environmental allergy. Food allergy risk was more than twice as pronounced in children with the highest levels of urinary triclosan as in children with the lowest triclosan levels. High paraben levels in the urine were not linked to food allergy risk.


On a personal note, I remember that many of my children's friends had allergies and some even used inhalers.  When I was in grade school, OK- many years ago, it was rare for kids to have allergies.  What has changed over the years?


Well...Since 1950, at least 70,000 new chemical compounds have been invented and dispersed into our environment.  Only a fraction of these have been tested for human toxicity.  We are, by default, conducting a massive clinical toxicology trial, and our children and their children are the experimental animals. [Source: Herbert l. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]




That's what I love about the Shaklee products.  You can be sure they are Always Safe, Always Work and are Always Green!


Here's a brief list of the toxic chemicals you will NEVER find in a Shaklee product:

No naphthalene
No kerosene
No formaldehyde
No phenol
No creosol
No lye
No hydrochloric acid
No sulfuric acid
No petroleum distillates
No benzene
No ammonia
No paradichlorobenzene
No sodium hydroxide
No butyl cellosolve
No phosphoric acid
No chlorine
No phosphates
No nitrates
No borates
No sodium lauryl sulfate
No sodium lauryl ether sulfate
No parabens
No triclosan
No phthalates
No 1,4-dioxane
No propylene glycol
No dyes
No trans fats
No artificial flavors
No artificial sweeteners

Take charge of your own and your family's health - READ LABELS...



Monday, June 25, 2012

Celebrating at The Bachelor Farmer.





For a successful marriage, you have to keep things fresh and try new things.  Last week, my husband Tony and I celebrated 26 years of marriage - wow, did those years fly by.


Tony made reservations at a fairly new restaurant in Minneapolis called The Bachelor Farmer (TBF).   Reservations are not easy to come by at TBF and I had tried a couple of times previously with no luck, so it was a nice surprise.


The Bachelor Farmer is located in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis.  The Dayton brothers purchased this historic building that was originally built in 1881and expanded in 1902 and then opened TBF restaurant in 2011.   The food is fresh and simple with an emphasis on Minnesota's Nordic heritage.  They use organic produce whenever possible but what I find rather interesting is that much of their produce on the menu comes from a small farm located on the roof of this building.


As we waited for our table in the small bar, we were offered a complimentary glass of Champagne.  Shortly, we were brought to our table and couldn't help noticing the energy and noisy chatter that reminded us both of the restaurants in New York.  The food was excellent.  I had the Wild Salmon and Tony had the Beef brisket and Roasted Chicken.  The Bachelor Farmer has become so very popular that even President Obama had dinner there when he was in town a few months ago. 


After dinner, we were encouraged to try the Marvel bar in the lower level of the building.  Small, but trendy, we decided to have a night-cap drink to top off a great evening.  We didn't stay too long, however, because we noticed that we were the oldest people in the bar.  Oh well...


If you are looking to go someplace new - give The Bachelor Farmer a try - Cheers!


Below is a sample of their menu:





If you want to learn more about TBF visit: http://thebachelorfarmer.com/

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

A new spin on Father's Day!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Ok, so I know that it would have been more appropriate to post this a few days before Father's Day but I didn't get the idea until the afternoon of Father's Day.


I wanted to make this Father's Day more meaningful than just opening some presents.  The initial idea was to have our family sit outside around the fire pit and offer their thoughts on the following questions.   Due to bad weather, however, we changed our plans and sat on our porch around an indoor fire bowl.  The atmosphere was cozy and this created a unique and memorable evening.  Because our kids are older (ages 18, 21 and 23) the type of questions that I had them answer were appropriate for their ages.  I won't tell you how they answered these questions but I will say that it was a special night for the entire family and of course I shed a few tears.  


Our family has so much to be thankful for...we have had many wonderful memories over the years that we hold dear in our hearts.


That was then...


This is now...

This exercise can be done for someone you love on any occasion.  Make up your own questions and create wonderful memories.  Below are the questions:


What do you love most about your dad?


What words of wisdom have your dad given to you that have made an impact on your life?


What is a fond memory that you have of your dad?


What is something that you would like to do with your dad that you have not done yet?


What question would you like to ask your dad?


Do you have any advice for your dad?


What is one of the best things that your dad has taught you?


What is something that you think your dad should do that he doesn't do currently?


What is the funniest thing your dad had said or done?







Monday, June 11, 2012

Are You Taking a Quality Supplement? Find out here...




Hello everyone - I'm Back!!!!  

It has been a few weeks since I posted because I have been preoccupied with the planning for my youngest son's graduation party from high school.  It was a big job but I enjoyed every bit of it.  I will do another post on the party soon...

Here is the monthly Making a Difference newsletter for the month of June.  I know you'll want to read this issue, just look at what you'll find:


Judging supplement quality...
Many consumers are concerned about the quality of dietary supplements they buy, especially because of recent reports of contamination, misleading labeling and faulty test results by quality assurance labs. Consumers want to know: "When I purchase a supplement, how do I know what I'm getting?"

We tell you where to start in this article as well as 5 Evaluation Criteria... and 10 Key Steps that Shaklee takes to ensure that their supplements are the best in the marketplace.


On a Personal note, I continually talk to my family about the importance of nutritional supplementation.  Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can prevent many major diseases 60-90% of the time.  Our immediate family has a history of heart problems on my husband's side and mental illness issues on my side.  There is a reason that I give my family the Shaklee supplements - not only for optimum health but also for disease prevention.  


Why would I give them any other mediocre supplement that is out in the marketplace when I know that the Shaklee products provide proven Purity, Potency, Performance, and Safety!  There is no other option for our family.
Also featuring... 
Enfuselle... skin care that makes a difference in how you look!
Did you know? -  In the U.S., major loopholes in federal law allow the cosmetics industry to put thousands of synthetic chemicals into personal care products, even if those chemicals are linked to cancer, infertility or birth defects.

Enfuselle is Shaklee's revolutionary skin care line... a group of exceptional products so effective that it can take years off your appearance... naturally!

Learn how much younger you can look... without harmful chemicals.

To read about these important subjects in this edition of Making a Difference!, click here


Once you've read these articles, its easy to order the featured products! Just visit www.pamtonymcdonald.myshaklee.com call 651-635-9300 or email tpmcdaaa@comcast.net.

To learn more about...
- health, nutrition and fitness
- cleaning products that are safe for you and for our planet
- natural skin, personal and beauty care
- air and water filtration
- how you can work part-time for a full-time income... from the comfort of your home

...just email me at tpmcdaaa@comcast.net
 and start receiving our FREE NEWSLETTERS & REPORTS.

P.S. If you know anyone who would benefit by receiving Making a Difference! Newsletters, please forward their first name and email address to tpmcdaaa@comcast.net and we will make sure they get their FREE COPY each month.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Family Conference for Summer 2012


This is the first summer, in five years, that we will have our entire family under one roof.  Yikes!  My oldest son, Tony (23), did not want to sign another year lease on rental property since he will be graduating from college soon.  Therefore, he made the decision to move back home and save money.  This was not his first choice I'm sure but it was the most practical.  My daughter, Allie (21), is also home from college for the summer.  Lastly, my husband Tony, youngest son, Andrew (18) and myself are thrilled to have everyone together.  And although we look forward to seeing more of each other, it does raise some concerns - so much that I decided it was once again time for a FAMILY CONFERENCE. 


This is our wonderful family!


Actually, I do not expect any problems this summer, however, I want us all to enjoy the summer and the best way for this to happen is to be proactive and discuss everyone's expectations.  


Here is a list of what we discussed - not necessarily in any order of importance.  


PLEASE...


1.   Be considerate and respectful of everyone in the house.


2.   Church - no one has to go to church with mom and dad but find a time that works with your schedule.


3.   Try to make an effort to spend time with the grandparents.


4.   Replace empty toilet paper rolls and Kleenex boxes.


5.   Shoes - put them on shelves or under the bench where we won't trip over them.


6.   If you use or borrow something, put it back where you found it (tools, clothes, computers, etc.).


7.   Don't leave your dishes/glasses around the house - especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.


8.   Put dirty dishes in dishwasher.  If dishes in dishwasher are clean, then empty dishwasher.


9.   Wipe and dry the kitchen counters (please clean up after yourself).


10.  Laundry:  don't start a load of laundry unless you are going to be home to put clothes in dryer and then fold them.


11.  Parking cars:  We will have 5 cars in the driveway.  This could be problematic - a few years ago, I backed up  into my sons car in the driveway.  We decided that Allie would make signs for each car as a reminder to look behind before backing up.  In addition, because we leave the house at different times, each night we would determine the parking according to who would leave the house earliest.   


12.  Car keys:  We should have an extra set of all car keys in the house.  If you leave the house (and don't drive) we need to be able to move the cars.


13.  Let us know if you are not coming home for the night (Tony and Allie).  Do not call to let us know in the wee hours of the night.


14.  Alcohol:  (Tony and Allie) - Do not call Andrew as your designated driver.  We do not want him driving late at night in locations that he is unfamiliar with.  Also, if you are going to drink our liquor, please replace.


15.  If you are going to have friends over, please let us know.


16.  Keep your bedrooms clean.  OK, let's be realistic - at least make some effort.


17.  Open the blinds in your bedroom each morning.


18.  We need to work on a house cleaning schedule.  Everyone should help.  I will not clean the kids bathroom!


19.  Grocery:  When you run out of some food item, write it down on the grocery list.  I do not want to hear any complaints of why we don't have...  Also, it would be nice to have some help when grocery shopping.


20.  Breakfast:  On Your Own - (Protein Shake/vitamins/etc.)
       Lunch:       On Your Own
       Dinner:      Please let us know if you won't be home for dinner.


** It would sure be nice if we could take turns making dinner (just a thought).


21.  Eat the food we have at home, it's so much healthier than "fast food."  Let's make a real effort not to waste food.  


22.  Please help pick up Roscoe's (our dog) poop!


23.  Jobs:  Save $$$ for college and some $ for summer fun!


The reality is that we know we are close to becoming empty nesters, were just not ready yet. Boo-hoo.  


Everyone have a great summer and love the ones your with!








  


    



Thursday, May 10, 2012

Celebrating Women!

Let's Celebrate Women in May!



Last Saturday, I was fortunate enough to participate in the annual "Woman to Woman" Luncheon at the Marriott in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.  This is a Shaklee sponsored event to create an awareness around women's wellness issues and the purchasing power we have as women.  


The keynote speaker was Dr. Jamie McManus, MD
Chairman Medical Affairs, Health Sciences & Education of the Shaklee Corporation

I had to get a quick picture of Dr. Jamie and myself.
This woman is amazing as you can see from her bio below.  The Shaklee Corporation and all of us out in the field are so  fortunate to have her as our spokesperson.  She is a great role model for everyone.

Dr. McManus received a B.S. in Biological Sciences and her M.D. from the University of California at Davis where she graduated with Honors. She was awarded membership in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society upon graduation from medical school. After completing her residency in Family Practice and achieving Fellowship in the American Academy of Family Practice, Dr. McManus practiced family medicine in California and Washington for 15 years with special emphasis in preventive medicine, sports nutrition and women’s health.

Dr. McManus truly believes in nutrition as the basis of good health. As a long time vegetarian and runner, she walks the walk as well as talking the talk and has been sharing her knowledge of nutrition, weight management, exercise and healthy lifestyle on stage, radio and television for over 15 years. She has spoken to millions of people in over 45 countries and led seminars for healthcare professionals in many countries as well as publishing articles on health topics in many dozens of magazines and newspapers. Dr. McManus’ first book, Your Personal Guide to Wellness-what your Doctor doesn’t have time to tell you, was published in late 2004. This book provides an overview of information about nutrition, weight control, the use of supplements, how to manage stress as well as priceless information and advice regarding the use of supplements and herbs to assist with the management of many of today’s most challenging chronic health challenges.

In February, 2008, Dr. McManus was awarded “Woman of Distinction” by the East Bay Business Times. Other awards include being named in Best Doctors of America as well as named to America’s Best Family Doctors in 2004 by Consumers Research Council of America. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, California Medical Society and American Medical Women’s Association. She was an Associate Professor of Family Practice at the UC Davis School of Medicine for 8 years and is Vice President of the School of Medicine Alumni Association.

Dr. McManus has 2 grown children, Adam (wife Melanie) and Heather and resides in Pleasanton, California.  She also has one grandchild.



My mom, Vernie, and me.
I too was asked to speak at this event and when I heard that there would be over 300 people attending, I figured that I should practice my talk a little more.  I asked my mother if I could practice giving my talk to her and she cried throughout my talk.  Now if you knew my mother, you would understand because she has worked her Shaklee business for over 36 years and is emotionally attached to this company.  The good news is that audience did not cry at my talk but had a few laughs instead. 




I discussed  "Why Shaklee and the Benefits".
I grew up with Shaklee products and at 18 years of age, received a Shaklee membership from my mother.  I shared the products with friends and signed up a few customers.  (Can you believe that I am still getting bonus checks from people that I signed up over 30 years ago)?  Anyway, life got busy and I put Shaklee aside until about 7 years ago.  I was watching the Oprah Winfrey show and Roger Barnett was talking about how he had just bought the Shaklee Company.  Roger had recreated the business without jeopardizing the core values and integrity of the company.  He modernized Shaklee.  


This is how we used to work the business,
And this is how we do the business today!


I decided it was time to get back into Shaklee for two reasons:  first of all, I could pay for my products at a lower cost and in addition, I had been thinking about what would I do when my children were all on their own.  


But the surprise for me has been that Shaklee has enriched my life in so many other ways.  I have found new friends that I will have for a lifetime; I have been able to spend more time with my mom, sister and family; I have able to travel; I have also become more educated on the topic of nutrition and healthy living and I have experienced personal growth.    


Whatever phase of life you are in, Shaklee can be customized to fit your lifestyle.  Not too many companies are that flexible.

I am so very proud to represent the Shaklee Corporation and I have such respect and admiration for all the business leaders that have paved the way for us newbies.  Many women have played a significant role in the success of this business.  This annual Woman to Woman event is so critical in mentoring women of all ages and I look forward to having my daughter participate some day.

This is a company that is going places! 

Is it time for YOU to recreate yourself and your future?
Let's talk about it:  tpmcdaaa@comcast.net.