At Operation Shower, we could not continue to give amazing showers to military moms-to-be whose husbands are currently deployed overseas without your help.

In addition to our annual Mother’s Day unit-wide and multi-unit wide celebrations, we also send individual “Showers in a Box” throughout the year. Here’s how you can help. Read the rest »

CLAYTON, MO (April 24, 2009) Sixty-five new moms and moms-to-be from four branches of the military in 15 states across the nation will be showered with gifts between now and Mother’s Day as a part of the latest efforts of Operation Shower. Operation Shower, a non-profit organization run by two stay-at-home moms, produces and coordinates baby showers for pregnant and expecting military personnel and their families. Read the rest »

It seems everywhere you turn these days, someone or something is “Going Green.” Sure, some may say it’s just a huge trend or the latest fad, but I ask, how can becoming more conscious of the impact on the environment be anything but good? Consuming less and reusing more sounds like a win for everyone! Read the rest »

Following are the steps in de-cluttering anything you use to contain your clothes: drawers, closet, or storage bins.� The first step I normally recommend is to empty out the space entirely.� Make four piles (or have bins) and as your emptying place each item in the following categories:

Keep

Sell

Donate/Give Away

Throw out

What to Keep:

I have heard all different strategies on how to decide what to keep.� My system is quite simple.� If I would not buy the item TODAY it gets tossed.� Try to not think about how much (or how little) you paid for the item.� It’s time to take the emotions out of the things around you!� Also, do not keep items that no longer fit you.� I clearly remember hanging onto a dream size wardrobe.� What I discovered is when I hit my dream size, the clothes were not as spectacular as I had envisioned.� If you are trying to fit into a certain dream size, tear out a picture of an outfit from a catalog.� When you reach your goal, try the outfit on before you buy it.� This is especially true if you are a woman holding onto clothes that fit you before children…5 + years ago! Read the rest »

The reality of the situation is this; puppies are going to make messes and chew on stuff. They are going to get into things they shouldn’t and explore areas they have no business in. This is what puppies do until they are taught right from wrong. While puppies can not rationalize as humans can, they can recognize what is acceptable and non-acceptable behavior from your responses. Puppies will be conditioned to stay off the furniture, chew on the correct objects and go to the bathroom in the same spot when consistently praised for doing so. It is up to you to shape your puppies behavior over time. Here are 10 tips for puppy proofing your home to set your dog up for success:

1. Put up your shoes. Puppies need to chew to ease teething pain as well as maintain their dental health over their lifetime. Proper chew toys are essential for any dog owner. Until your puppy has learned that shoes are not appropriate chew toys you should always keep them put away. While this might sound obvious, many people leave them lying about the house and are surprised and angry when their pup destroys their favorite pair of kicks. Thankfully, closets have doors that will keep your curious puppy at paws length from this seasons’ must have peep toe pumps. Read the rest »

Soot particles are small enough to be breathed deeply into the lung and even pass directly through capillary walls into the blood stream. The particles may contain carcinogens – such as benzo[a]pyrene – and can also act as “surrogate allergens.” The medical community recognizes that the cornstarch powder in latex gloves (used to keep the rubber from sticking to itself) can acquire latex allergens. When the powdery granules become airborne and are inhaled by someone who has latex allergy, that person can experience an allergic reaction – sometimes severe. Similarly, the microscopic particles of soot that settle on surfaces that contain mold or pet dander can become contaminated with allergenic substances. The particles can then become airborne again and be inhaled when surfaces are cleaned or otherwise disturbed in some way. Read the rest »

Here are 5 simple ways to boost your metabolism!

1. Calcium- Speeds up basal metabolism. Get it through food vs. calcium supplements. Calcium rich foods include: milk, yogurt, and cheese. Non-diary options include tofu, calcium fortified soymilk, and salmon. Read the rest »