The Chester County Moms team would like to wish all of you a SAFE and HAPPY Halloween!
Archive for October, 2009
Happy Halloween!
October 31, 2009RECALL: Halloween Flashlights Sold at Target
October 30, 2009
Halloween Flashlights Sold Exclusively at Target Recalled Due to Burn HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Halloween Flashlights Units: About 610,000 Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn. Manufacturer: DGI LLC, of Warren, N.J. and Tien Hsing, of Wanchai, Hong Kong Hazard: The flashlights can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received eight reports of flashlights overheating and melting, including one report of burns to the hand. Description: This recall involves two types of Halloween-themed flashlights: the mini flashlights and flashlights sold with stencils.
Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from August 2009 through September 2009 for $1 for the mini flashlights and $2.50 for the flashlights with stencils. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumer should immediately stop using the flashlights and return the product to any Target store for a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com
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Yo Gabba Gabba: GIVEAWAY!
October 30, 2009Do your kids love the hit Nickelodeon show Yo Gabba Gabba! as much as my kids do? Whenever my youngest child sees Yo Gabba Gabba! on the television, she will quite literally FREEZE. And then she will smile. It’s the cutest thing to watch.
I have to admit, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Yo Gabba Gabba! when we first started watching it. It was new. It was different. And, you know what? That is why it is so awesome. The colorful characters and the uber-energetic DJ Lance dance and sing their way through each episode. It’s like a party in your living room every afternoon. Who wouldn’t love dancing around to a song called “There’s a Party in my Tummy”? My girls and I sure do!
And, speaking of rocking out with the catch YGG series’ songs …. did you know that the brand new YO GABBA GABBA! MUSIC IS AWESOME! CD was just released nationwide on October 20th. This first-ever Yo Gabba Gabba! CD Release is loaded with many of the show’s most adorable tunes. The CD release is on the heels of the YGG! LIVE tour announcement for YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY playing in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Here is the updated show schedule, including a NYC date that you might want to catch.
YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY
Los Angeles, CA @ Shrine Expo Hall
Saturday, November 14, 2009 11AM and 3PM
Sunday, November 15, 2009 11AM and 3PM
New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
Saturday, November 21, 2009 11AM – 2PM – *5 PM
Chicago, IL @ Rosemont Theatre
Saturday, December 5, 2009 11AM and 3PM
Not familiar with the Yo Gabba Gabba! series? Yo Gabba Gabba!, currently shooting its third season, is shown daily at 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nick Jr. The new season premiered 2 weeks ago with celeb/musical guests such as MGMT, Andy Samberg, and The Roots. Check it out!
Want to spread some joy to your YGG fans this holiday season? We have a GIVEAWAY for you!
We have a copy of the BRAND NEW Yo Gabba Gabba! Music Is Awesome CD to give away. In addition to this great new CD, we are also giving away one copy of the book “Christmas in Gabba Land”. This is a really cute Christmas Book complete with all the characters and even includes spots for you to put in pictures of your very own YGG fan! Want to get entered? Just fill out the form below!
This contest is open to Chester County residents only. It will run until Friday, 11/06/09 at midnight EST. Winner will be chosen by the random number generator on random.org. The winner will be contacted via email to confirm the prize. They have 48 hours to respond, at which time a new winner will be selected. Chester County Moms did receive review and giveaway product for this blog post, but no monetary payment has been received.
Frugal Finds Friday: And the award for the best multi-tasker goes to . .
October 30, 2009
You hear about reusing, repurposing, and recycling more and more these days but the award for the most versatile reusable around the house really must go to pantyhose, any color any style, but yes, pantyhose. Recently I heard a local television station touting a segment on reinventions for this disposable clothing item, the one part of women’s wardrobes which is probably the most quickly damaged beyond repair for its intended use. Since I missed seeing the special myself, I ventured online where I found a wide diversity of fascinating results.
First, I consulted the Twitter community with a simple question as to whether anyone had a good idea for old pantyhose. One man responded that he used them to polish his boots when he was in the Marines. An article on Reader’s Digest.com mentions buffing all dress shoes with them and adds that it works so well it would cause a person to want to retire their chamois cloth. Good thing I have a drawer full of pantyhose. I don’t think I have a chamois cloth.
For more of this article on uses for old pantyhose, head over to DIYFrugal where Sarah has gathered more money saving resources!
Photography 101
October 29, 2009
Today’s topic: Switch it up!!!! Shoot in the dark! Keep your flash OFF!
Play around with new sources of light, like a truck light!
…or flash lights!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Looking for something to do this weekend?
October 29, 2009
There are lots of fun fall activities going on in the Chester County area. Below are a few events that we thought looked like a lot of fun. Click here to view the complete community calendar. This weekend is jam packed with family fun!
Friday, October 30th
Trick or Treating at Lionville Middle School
Malloween at Exton Square
Spooky Stories – Paoli Library
Last Night for Jack-o-Lantern exhibit at Linvilla
FREE weatherization for energy savings for qualified residents of Chester, Lancaster and Lebanon County.
October 28, 2009Winter is right around the corner.. although you wouldn’t know it by the beautiful weather today. We just received this email and wanted to share information on how qualified Chester County residents may be eligable for FREE weatherization for energy savings from The Housing Development Corporation (HDC). (This program extends to Lancaster and Lebanon County residents too)
To be eligible:
● You must live in Lancaster, Lebanon, or Chester County
● Your residence was not weatherized in 1994 or later
● Your gross annual income can’t be above:
Maximum gross annual income per household:
1 person: $21,660
2 persons: $29,140
3 persons: $36,620
4 persons: $44,100
5 persons: $51,580
6 persons: $59,060
7 persons: $66,540
8 persons: $74,020
Each additional person: $7,480
Typical services include:
Air sealing to reduce drafts
Attic insulation
Floor insulation
Pipe and/or duct insulation
Plus, evaluation and service of your heating system!
What is “weatherization” all about?
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) of HDC provides FREE insulation and weather-proofing services to eligible residents. If you qualify, these services could help cut your utility bills as much as 30%! Call 800-732-3554 for a FREE consultation about weatherizing your home.
WAP knows how to weatherize your home.
WAP knows how to weatherize any type of home. That’s because we began in 1976 and have done more than 10,000 households in Lancaster, Lebanon and Chester counties.
Weatherization reduces home heating costs for residents least able to afford services, while increasing comfort levels in the home. We get our funding through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. Now we’re expanding with additional funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to winterize even more residences.
What happens when we weatherize a home?
1) If you think you qualify, call us at 800-732-3554 or 717-509-8034. We’ll call you back to confirm your eligibility and place you on our WAP list.
2) When you reach the top of our list, we’ll call you to schedule an appointment with our Energy Auditor. Please be there when the Auditor arrives, otherwise you may lose your place on our list!
3) Our Energy Auditor will confirm your eligibility and check your utility bills–then recommend specific energy-saving measures based on our cost-effectiveness guidelines.
4) Then our WAP Crew will be scheduled for the work. When our WAP crew arrives, they may do: Air sealing, weather-stripping, and insulation of attics and/or basements. In addition, refrigerator and furnace repairs or replacements are made as needed.
It may take a few days … so please be patient!
5) Finally, our WAP Inspector will check the work and give you information to make sure your utility bills stay low.
For more information click here or visit http://www.hdcweb.com/weatherization.htm
An Evening to Shine..benefit for The Chester County Hospital Cancer Program
October 28, 2009
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Location: Winterthur Country Estate, Winterthur, DE
Benefits: The Cancer Program of The Chester County Hospital
Cancer has touched all our lives in some way. We have either witnessed the challenges and struggles that cancer imposes on one’s life or have personally accepted and handled those challenges. Through the generosity of our sponsors and you, SHINE aims to lessen the burden of this disease. SHINE proceeds will be used to directly benefit patients and their families by offsetting the costs of cancer care and support services. Our goal is to provide support to the individual so that his or her determination, strength, perseverance and heart will continue to SHINE.
We are fortunate to live in a community where exceptional cancer treatment is practiced every day at The Cancer Program. The doctors, nurses and staff who work in The Cancer Center provide their patients with the highest degree of medical care, as well as the necessary support services, to assist patients and their families during this difficult time in their lives.
Calista Grand Salon and Day Spa initiated this annual fundraiser in 1998. Owner Maria McCool and her team of stylists saw on a daily basis how cancer affected so many people. Clients and employees would share personal battles with cancer or stories of loved ones touched by the disease. Realizing the widespread impact of cancer, Maria and her team created a fundraiser that had a dual purpose – to raise funds for cancer and to provide a day of beauty for local survivors. Over time, the event grew and the SHINE committee formed. These volunteers are deeply commitment to benefiting the patients of The Cancer Program through the planning of this fundraiser.
SHINE is a black-tie event that includes cocktails, hors d’ouevres, a silent auction, dinner, a live auction featuring luxurious gifts, and dancing.
Contributions SHINE is proud to announce three services that have been extended to patients of the Cancer Program through the benevolence of the SHINE contributors.
Care Coordinators: When faced with a diagnosis of cancer, the challenges of arranging for consultations with surgeons, radiologists and other health care professionals can be overwhelming. Navigating through the medical world and insurance requirements is equally as demanding. The Care Coordinator will help patients schedule required medical appointments. Also, the Care Coordinator will listen and identify problems with insurance coverage. Assistance in getting any needed services, such as transportation, nutritional counseling, and/or psychological support, will be provided. Care Coordinators will qualify patients for financial assistance.
Medication Short-term Subsidy: For some patients, anti-nausea drugs are not covered under insurance plans or carry a high dollar co-insurance. The physical and emotional health of patients battling the negative effects of chemotherapy without the benefit of anti-nausea medicine is compromised. Our goal is to assist these patients so that their quality of life can be maintained while going through chemotherapy treatments. Patients will need to pre-qualify for any subsidy.
Transportation: There are patients who occasionally need transportation to and from one of the operating entities of The Chester county Hospital and/or the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Funds will be allocated to help patients requiring transportation assistance.
SHINE is pleased to offer these services so that the heart of our mission statement is realized…to provide support to the individual so that his or her strength, courage and heart will continue to SHINE.
Sponsorship SHINE proceeds are used directly to support patients of The Cancer Program and their families.
For more information about this great program please call 610-431-5329
Meet a Rockin’ Chesco Mom…wife, business owner, sewing maven, breast cancer survivor and friend.
October 27, 2009
Earlier this month we introduced you to Colleen from Classy Mommy, but since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month we wanted to introduce you to another Rockin‘ Chester County Mom….our friend K.C.
K.C. (she goes by her initials -has since she was a little kid.) is a loving wife to husband Mike, Mommy to adorable, daughter, Lilly, owner of The Diaper Bag Wrangler, and a one-year breast cancer survivor. Read on to hear what motivated and inspired her during treatment, how she juggles being a mommy, cancer patient, & business owner, and learn just how awesome our friend K.C is! This “interview” was between Chesco Mom contributor, Cailtin & K.C.
Caitlin: Your cancer was not hereditary, how did you find out you had it?
K.C: I found a lump near my armpit – it hurt and felt like a pea. I really thought it was just an inflamed lymph node but my OB/GYN decided to send me for a precautionary mammogram. The monitor just lit up with white and I knew that was not good. I felt bombarded when I met with the Radiologist to go over the mammogram results. Everyone knew what we were dealing with, but no one could not say the “C” word until the biopsy results came back. I found out a few days later that it was cancer. Two weeks later I had a double mastectomy, the pathology results showed that I had aggressive Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with ER+, PR+ and Her2/neu+ receptors. I also found out that I am BRCA2 +.
Caitlin: Your daughter is so young, how did you explain what you were going through to her?
K.C: My daughter Lilly was 2.5 when I was diagnosed. There’s a good side and a bad side to that. The good side is she was still so young that it didn’t really phase her. She thought nothing of my bandages, “boo-boos”, doctors appointments, hair loss. It was just our everyday life to her. The bad side is that little kids need lots of assistance, I still had to be mom- change diapers, give baths, make dinner, take out the dog, grocery shop.
Caitlin: Where/from whom did you draw the most support during your treatments?
K.C: I had great support from my husband, family and friends. My brother would come over to watch Lilly when I went to chemo and my husband Mike did everything he could to help me out- he even took over the household duties 100% on weekends. But I think that I relied a lot on myself to get through this. I knew that I couldn’t just crawl in bed and pretend like this wasn’t happening. I had to be strong and stay positive. There were some really, really bad days and everyone would rally around me and just say…look how far you’ve ALREADY come!
Caitlin: When sewing became nearly impossible due to numbness in your fingers, did you panic? In those days, how did you escape/relax?
K.C: Periphial neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It causes numbness in your hands and feet, which eventually subsides. There were some days when I would be ironing and I wouldn’t even feel the hot steam on my fingers. It becomes very dangerous, so I had to use more caution when doing things. I worried how long it would last, if it would be permanent, but I never panicked. Even now I have some days where my fingers don’t seem to “work right” but for the most part it went away.
Caitlin: Were you confident that you’d be back to your old self as soon as you were?
K.C: I actually thought I’d feel “normal” a lot sooner! My last chemo was January 5th, but it took until about April before I felt like I was back to “me”. I gained some weight from the steroids I was on and that made me feel more uncomfortable than the hair loss!! I am still getting a “low dose chemo” treatment called Herceptin which has minimal side effects, so between that and the hormone therapy I am on I don’t think I’ll ever get back to 100% normal, maybe just a “new normal”.
Caitlin: Have you found inspiration in your cancer, treatments, or survival?
K.C: Definitely! I was always proactive about my health, but when you are faced with cancer, you learn to fight a little bit harder. You seek out the best doctors, best treatment, best support, best information, and you become an active participant. I’m also trying to really live my best life- travel, being with my family and friends, pushing myself to try new things. It gives you a whole new perspective.
Caitlin: During treatment, what things could you not live without?
K.C: The silly things like apple juice, pancakes, hard candies, and comfort food!
Caitlin: In your opinion, how can somebody support a friend or a family member who is going through breast cancer treatment?
K.C: OFER TO HELP! Pre-made dinners that you can freeze and reheat are wonderful. Give gift certificates for take out/pizza/fast food, or make arrangements to bring over a warm meal. But here’s the thing- be thoughtful. Don’t just show up on someones doorstep at 5pm with an entire meal prepared. Although you have great intentions, it’s best to make arrangements a few days in advance to drop off food. Also offer to help CLEAN. There were some days I could hardly walk up the stairs, let alone push a vacuum around the house or scrub a toilet. Especially with having such a weak immune system during chemo, it’s important to keep a clean home.
BABYSIT– my friend Danielle was a LIFESAVER- despite having 3 children ages 5 and under, she would watch Lilly anytime and every time I asked. One day I was so exhausted I called and asked if we could come over so I could sleep (at her house!) for an hour.
Caitlin: What would you suggest saying to someone who just was diagnosed?
K.C: When you first get diagnosed you’re in total shock and you fear the unknown. You become a little selfish because everything feels like it’s being taken away from you. Plus you are bombarded with doctors, tests and everyone calling 24/7 wanting to know what’s going on. If it’s someone you are very close with like family or a good friend, let them know that you are there for them- and then FOLLOW THROUGH with that promise. Or if it’s someone who is more of an acquaintance, just let them know that they are in your thoughts. I had several friends and doctors “set me up” (it felt like a blind date!) with other young cancer patients, many of them were young moms just like me. It was great having someone who has BEEN THERE, I have since made some great friendships with other cancer survivors.
Caitlin: Now that you are a one year breast cancer survivor, what are you goals? Short-term? Long-term?
K.C: I made all my treatment choices so I would be here on this earth for another 30, 40, 50 years. I want to see my daughter grow up and just enjoy living my life. I still have a long road ahead of me, but I have faith that whatever happens is meant to be. I’m looking forward to my breast reconstruction surgery which I chose to postpone until my IV treatments were complete.
Caitlin: What can we expect to see in the coming years from The Diaper Bag Wrangler?
K.C: I had to scale back my business a little bit during my treatments, but I never stopped! I’m looking forward to growing my brand awareness, taking on new wholesale and boutique clients and streamlining our products. I also recently started teaching adult sewing classes at the ACPPA Community Art Center and for the Spring-Ford Community Education Department. I hope to take on additional classes, offer private lessons and host sewing parties!
(If you are interested in sewing lessons or fun sewing parties Click here to contact K.C)
Caitlin: Anything additional you’d like to add?
K.C: I wrote this on my blog the day I was diagnosed with cancer, August 18, 2008.
“So today I officially became a 30-year-old with breast cancer. This is who I am now, but it’s not who I’m going to be for the rest of my life. It’s a detour.”
Every time I read those 3 sentences I think of how we each have our own battles, how you can replace “breast cancer” with any adjective and it can apply to you. I have found strength that I never knew I had, I have found humor in facing my worst fears and that malignant tumor that was growing inside of me… it messed with the wrong person, and never stood a chance!
Special thanks to Caitlin Domanico Photography for many of the beautiful photos of K.C and her family. Check out http://www.caitlindomanico.com for more info.
Philaburban Mom 