Maybe it's the natural ingredients - cucumber water, rosehips, and just a little jojoba - that take the place of heavy emollients, but NatureLuxe doesn't make my skin feel ... made up. And it creates a smooth base for everything else: blush, eyeshadow and liner (I don't wear mascara), without needing a ton of cover-up to hide the age spots and occasional breakouts. Not to mention, the fresh, clean smell.

Then we have the lip balm / gloss. At first, when I saw the color - let's be honest, shall we? - I freaked. The color is, in the tube, incredibly ... intense and I imagined having lips that came into the room 3 feet ahead of me. Not at all my style.

Again, gotta love being wrong.

As a lip gloss (with SPF 15, by the way), it is just a light, moist bit of color. Absolutely beautiful and, as a balm, it feels so soothing. Arizona weather, year-round, is hard on the skin; especially lips and eyes. This gloss is like a sigh, easing away the dryness while adding a touch of color and gorgeous shine.

Because my skin loves these products, I just have to share with my readers.

Happily, CoverGirl NatureLuxe and BzzAgent have provided several coupons for NatureLuxe foundation that will be the prizes in our first-ever giveaway. That's right, goodies for three, count 'em - three, lucky readers.

Starting next week - through May 12th, since I can't wait to give these coupons away - we'll be taking entries. On Friday the 13th, we'll announce the lucky winners. Can't do enough to make that day lucky, now can we?

So, keep coming back and get ready to win. I'm excited - and I hope you are, too.

Oh, and I'll be posting a picture - one side made up, one side not - so everyone can see that NatureLuxe works. (You won't be able to feel how great it is, but you'll see the difference.) If nothing else, you've just gotta come back to see the ... icky side - and admire my bravery. Please!?

There was a brief story on the local news recently, explaining that we can expect an 8% increase in the cost of meats and produce over the coming weeks. So our effort to do the right thing, to improve the content of our diets, is being not-so-subtly undermined.

In March, the Alabama Farmer's Federation announced a 3.8 percent increase in the cost of groceries in their state, prompting an article: 5 Ways to Save on Produce & Meats, in The Birmingham News. With another increase on the way, the advice is welcome.

In a nutshell, 1.) Buy produce in season, from local sources; 2.) Cut, slice, and chop meats and veggies yourself; 3.) Non-organic is cheaper, but remember to wash well; 4.) Buy meats on sale and in bulk; 5.) Save money with coupons and by shopping at warehouse stores.

Even when prices aren't soaring out of reach, these are good shopping habits.

No Parent Present

My first thought was to question how a child could be at the doctor's office without a parent or guardian. Then, I realized that this scenario was probably more directed at exams for teens, who might prefer to keep medical appointments without Mom or Dad tagging along.

In that case, it certainly makes sense that a third-party, preferably with some sort of medical knowledge, would be present to protect teen patients.

Suspected Child Abuse

This is the sadder of the two scenarios.

In cases of suspected child abuse, the presence of a parent could easily intimidate or frighten the child into silence or outright denial. It would also, quite probably, interfere with the ability of the doctor to establish trust and help their patient.

Again, in this case, having a nurse or other medical professional present is in the best interest of the child.

In the policy statement, published in the journal Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) makes several recommendations.

• Clear communication as to the nature of the exam, with the parent or, in the case of a teen, with the patient;
• Pelvic, rectal, and breast exams should include a chaperone, although the patient has the right to refuse;
• If the patient refuses a chaperone, alternatives should be made available to the patient and/or parent;
• Pediatricians should develop policy, for their individual practices, on chaperones and document any non-adherence to their policy.

The language in the statement falls short of mandating chaperones; repeatedly using the word should, rather than must. I suppose not all medical practices have sufficient medical staff to allow for chaperones. Perhaps making it mandatory would create a financial hardship for them; or that may be the AAPs concern.

Whether that's the case or not, patient care should (there's that word again) take priority. What do you think?

I suppose, with all of the things running through my head today, the primary one – given that it's Easter Sunday – is traditions.

Years ago, when I was a kid, we'd have gotten up, dressed in our brand new Easter finery. Mom would have lined us up outside for pictures, before packing us into the car and heading off to church.

After church, we'd have gathered (probably at the grandparents) for a huge ham dinner, with all of the trimmings. There would have been brightly colored eggs and schtutzing - a major tradition in our family.

Each person picks an Easter egg, hopefully the toughest of the bunch. Facing off in pairs, we'd bash our egg against our opponent's. Loser gets to eat an egg; winner moves on to the next battle. The only rule – if you break it, you eat it.

I think my grandfather was more excited about all of this than us kids were. I certainly remember the grin on his face, as he just knew he was going to beat us all and be – king of the day. Oddly enough, he usually was.

Frankly, it was the greatest part of Easter for me – cracking eggs with Grandpa. Oh, don't get me wrong – baskets of chocolate and marshmallow chicks was great. But, looking back, it was the evil grin on Grandpa's face that just made the day.

God, I miss that little old German.

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…

• Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
• Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
• Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible.
• Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post.
• Link up your post to this week's here.
• Visit your fellow bloggers and show some love.

Among other benefits, it means that our faithful readers will know first what Purex® is developing, where and when it goes on sale, and - most importantly - whether the products perform as promised.

Oh, and for those who follow us regularly - we're going to be offering chances to win free stuff.

As a new member of Purex Insiders, we're waiting with bated breath to see what goodies we'll receive first.

There are a couple of new products that are pretty intriguing: Purex® Complete with Zout® (detergent and pre-treater) and Purex® Complete Crystals™ Softener (softener added to the wash cycle). With all of the afghans we wash, the Crystals are something we can really use.

We already love Purex® Free & Clear, but generally don't mess with pre-treaters; it's an extra step that seems to be more work than help. And, face it, remembering to catch the rinse cycle for the fabric softener makes laundry day even more of a chore. I can't wait to see how these new products work and - with any luck - simplify an unavoidable job.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a Purex Insider. While I do receive complimentary sample products from the Purex® brand, my opinions are my own.

Historians and theologians have, historically, assumed that all of the timelines in the Gospels were based on the same calendar. However, if (as this article explains) there are 2 calendars at play - things get a little clearer.

It also indicates, if I'm understanding the information, that (like Christmas) Easter could now have a fixed date - the first Sunday in April.

On the other hand, the crucifixion took place on the eve of Passover (Yom Shishi, that year) and the resurrection on the following Sunday (Yom Rishon) - making it logical (okay, stay with me) that Easter would be the second full day of Passover. Given the nature of the Hebrew calendar, Easter would frequently fall on a day other than Sunday.

Then, we have the Christian Church calendar, based on a formula from the Nicaean Council of 325AD. "In this system, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the Spring equinox," which corresponds to the timing of the first Easter.

I'm beginning to get a serious headache and regret having read that first article. Just tell me when we're dying eggs and donning our bonnets. K?

Organized into sections: Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter; they touch on all facets of life. Why am I here? Why me? Any chance for a second chance? Some answers offer reassurance; some offer hope. Many speak to what may well be unique to a life in Christ; to a life of believing.

Occasionally, one opens a book and the words reach out to touch the mind, the heart, and the soul. Naturally, there is a personal perspective to each response; an individual interpretation of God's words, based on beliefs, life experiences, and religious background. Not all readers will share those beliefs, experiences, or background.

This is where I have a problem with books that attempt to present God's plan for the world. However, that doesn't mean that many struggling with their faith or life's difficult choices and situations won't find exactly what they need in these pages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Happy Face T-Shirt

There is no such thing as too many tank tops. But, should this be a little too ... little for your taste, there are 50+ shirt styles available.

Although this shirt says, "Happiness Is - Chocolate ... Anything," whatever makes you happy is fair game. When you click on the page, the first thing you'll notice is a little personalization box on the right.

Simply type in what makes you happy - chocolate, a shoe sale, 10 days in Fiji - and that's what will print on your Happiness shirt.

Happy Face Coasters

This may seem like a silly idea, but stay with me here. What are your personal joys:

"Happiness Is" A Frosty Mug, A Cuppa Java, No Rings on My Table, Sleeping in on Monday - whatever it is, there is no reason to not put it on a coaster.

Heck, at your house Happiness may be having a matching set of coasters. {wink, wink; nod, nod}

Frankly, I don't think we've - even remotely - seen the last of this little guy. He's just too cute and there are far too many places that he can (and will) pop up.

Little changed in all these years, that law an expanded mining industry to take about $1 billion in metals from U.S. public lands every year -- without paying any royalties.

And, thanks to rising metal prices, things are not about to slow down. Claims are up 2,000 percent since 2004, in the area around the Grand Canyon. More than 60% of the claims around Yosemite, and nearly all around Arches and Canyonland in Utah, have come since 2005.

Above and beyond giving away the store - allowing mining without compensation, the government is putting every inch of public land at risk. Were they required to pay royalties, it's possible that these companies would choose carefully where they dig; stay away from 'high-priced' National Parks and Monuments.

While attempts to revise the 1872 Mining Law in 2009 got nowhere, the Secretary of the Interior has started "a process to protect approximately 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon that were threatened by uranium mining operations." The administration has called for comments.

Well, I certainly feel better. How about you?

In 18th Century Germany, communities were built, literally and spiritually, around their churches. It is, therefore, not surprising that Bach began his career as a church organist. Or that he was dedicated to creating music for his church.

Married twice and the father of twenty, with scores of musical relatives and students in and out of his home, it seems that Bach still managed to lead a quiet, uncomplicated life.

It is that life, of music and faith, that is the focus of this little volume. Thousands of pieces, from motets to full masses to Passions, evincing a musical talent not seen before or since. A faith that started every composition asking for Jesus' help and ended by offering the glory only unto his God.

Frankly, I put this book down more than once. While I understand the need for historical perspective, it took several attempts to get through the first few pages. And, although my German is a bit rusty, some of the translations seemed off.

It's been a long time since this lapsed-Lutheran thought about the liturgy, hymns, and Sunday services. To be reminded that, more than 200 years after his death, I stood in a small Colorado church and sang Bach's music is ...

Well, perhaps it's the reason I chose this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Squirrels

ENN.com

On the same day, a federal judge reinstated endangered status for the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel and that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had violated the Endangered Species Act by ignoring the species recovery plan that they had established in 1990.

I guess USFWS, with the backing of the timber industry, decided that making paper and boxes was more important.

Black Coral

Gallery: USGS.gov

Two days later, the U.S. Geological Service released a report on deep-sea black corals living in the Gulf of Mexico. Fascinating creatures, over 2,000 years old, living in the deep waters of the Gulf. It is hoped that, given their growth patterns, they will offer insight into the health of the region, over decades of change.

Despite their name, black corals come in a variety of colors.

Wolves

It is, however, the wolves of the Northern Rockies who have had the most 'exciting' few days. And that isn't necessarily a good thing, if you've been following the plight of these animals.

In 2009, the federal government delisted some of the wolves in the Northern Rockies. Conservation groups complained, and sued. A U.S. district judge ruled with conservationists and, in August 2010, ordered protections for all of the wolves in the area restored.

Wikimedia Commons

Not willing to stand on legalities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - the federal agency that is responsible for protecting endangered species in the United States - started negotiations to, once again, delist the Northern Rockies wolves. On April 9th, the same judge refused to approve the latest delisting plan. A 'settlement agreement' that would have allowed Idaho and Montana to, essentially, put 1,200 wolves on the 'most wanted list' for ranchers and hunters in their states.

It didn't last long. In fact, it never - technically - happened.

Late on the night of April 8th/9th, Congress reached an agreement on the budget. Buried in that budget bill was a "provision to strip federal protections for wolves in Idaho, Montana and portions of Oregon, Washington and Utah as part of [the] Continuing Budget Resolution". In passing the budget, Congress effectively took the potential settlement agreement off the table. Long before the Montana judge made his decision, Congress had rendered it moot.

While headlines joyously proclaimed Northern Rockies Wolves are safe for now, the government was painting a bulls-eye on virtually every Northern Rockies wolf. They opened hunting season and put these amazing animals at the top of every list.

I was under the impression that Congress had no say in listing or delisting endangered species in the United States. That job belongs (belonged?) to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who, it must be said, isn't very good at it. Although at least they, periodically, pretend to care.

Frankly, I have to believe that this unprecedented action means big trouble for the climate, as well as protection of the environment and all endangered species. Anything that gets in the way of big business and their lobbies is now seriously threatened.

When Gabriel appears in David's penthouse, he believes that his time has come; that he is about to be reunited with his beloved wife. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The archangel explains that mankind is running out of time. A final summit is being convened to determine if humanity will have a future. And David Ponder is to lead that summit.

What follows is an exploration of what humanity needs to do, "individually and collectively," to put itself back on the path to a "successful civilization". It is a fascinating question and the answers, it appears, are myriad. Will David, and his Traveler helpers, find the two words that will save mankind before the sand in the hourglass runs out?

Frankly, I was hooked before I finished the prologue and have, in less than two weeks, read the book twice. As a cleverly crafted piece of fiction, it is an entertaining and easy read. I felt as though I, like David Ponder, was traveling through history and meeting some of its most fascinating characters.

There is more, obviously, to this story than a waltz through history. The book asks some serious questions and seeks to provide some serious answers. Whether it succeeds or not, is up to each reader.

For me? I'll be reading it again. And again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Perhaps it's my limited medical education (okay, none) that leads me down this road to ... the wrong conclusion. But, hang in there.

From what I understand of autism and ADHD, these aren't everybody's-got-it conditions. That there would be a gene - AUTS2, @#$ME, IM%$#! - linked to these conditions is a huge (in my feeble mind) discovery.

Then, someone links this gene to a person's potential for alcohol abuse - bigger and bigger hugeness. Except, if I'm reading this right, it's all backwards. Again, hang in there.

The one thing that alcoholism and ADHD, as well as some forms of autism, have in common is impulse control issues. As these are - if we can all agree - not everybody's-got-it conditions, then logic would say that the rarer form of the gene might be the one responsible. But this study indicates that it's the common form of the gene that is more prevalent in those who - potentially - abuse alcohol.

See how I'm feeling backwards - I mean how the results seem backwards?

I Absolutely Will / Won't ...

If you recall, just last week I swore that I wasn't going to miss SOC Sunday in April. Logic would tell you that an oath like that is just tempting Fate. And Logic would be right.

Again - Karma slapped me down and did it with amazing speed. (See: I Never Get Sick )

It Can't Get Any Worse / It's Gotta Get Better

Wrong! grasshopper. It can get worse and it doesn't have to get better. Especially if you've uttered or thought those words in direct relation to something your kid(s) have just done.

Then, it'll get a lot worse.

Wow! Computer's Really Humming Along

This is the killer of all Killer Karmic Phrases.

At the very least, the computer will now freeze up - like a small pond in Alaska in January. It will not save your files. It will not respond to any other words, deeds, keystrokes, or frantic prayers.

Put a fork in it. It's done.

I'd love to offer words of hope and wisdom. But I haven't been this sick in a long time, have missed all of my recent deadlines, have developed a migraine to go with the stomach bug, and I think my laptop picked up a virus.

I'm hip-deep and sinking fast.

There is an interesting column in Yahoo! Health: Eat This, Not That that shares some wisdom, and ideas, about what we stuff in our faces. Not everything we think of as healthy is, actually.

The Bad News

Pancake Syrup & Alfredo

The obvious items, in a column called 10 Worst Supermarket Foods, are pancake syrup and a couple of Alfredo dishes. Nothing - home- or restaurant-made - is going to be good for your waistline when the two primary ingredients are butter and heavy cream. And, well, pancake syrup in all its sweet, maple-y goodness. Need I say more?

But the syrup, at least, offers alternatives. (Alfredo is just going to be deliciously loaded with calories, fat, and cholesterol.) The article provides a sugar-free syrup recommendation; there are plenty on the market.

You'll probably have to try a few, until you find one that you like. They don't all taste the same - trust me. Mrs. Butterworth's and Kroger offer decent options. But watch out - not all items labeled lite are. And some brands substitute sodium for ... I'm not sure what. Flavor?

Yogurt

I'd like to say that this one surprised me. We love yogurt, but manic carb-checking brought us up short. The 'bad' item in this article actually has 36g sugar and 3g saturated fat. There are desserts with less sugar.

We've become addicted to quite fond of the low-carb store-brand from Kroger. Before I continue - this is not all-natural, no-additives yogurt. It has quite a list of ingredients, most of which are added proteins.

Bottom line? It has only 80 calories, a net 3 carbs (3 from sugars and 1 from proteins), and only costs $0.44/each. Plus, just as important to us, it's creamy, rich, and tastes great. Not to mention there are a ton of flavors, with more popping up all the time.

This isn't yogurt, for yogurt's sake. But, if you eat a lot of it - better to choose one that isn't loaded with sugar and fat.

"Healthy" Entrees

We don't, generally, eat these. They tend to be small and overly expensive. Now, I see that they can also be very non-healthy.

Admittedly, I've given them a look; trying to come up with something quick for dinner isn't always easy. So, I did know that they almost all tend to be pretty carb-loaded. It's from the filler pastas and rices that they use.

Another issue is the sodium is so many of these meals. Anyone concerned about their health and weight will avoid loading up on salt, as well as sugars.

And let's not forget the saturated fat. Because these meals tend to have that, too.

The Good News

Dig out the apron and the cookware. We're going to 'fix' some of these bad foods.

Pancake Syrup & Alfredo

We've already discussed the syrup - lite and sugar-free options abound. If you can't give up pancakes, these are a great way to lower the impact of that breakfast.

For Alfredo, there are recipes - yes, you'll have to cook your own - for a healthier Alfredo. Although I love the stuff, this isn't something we eat; so I can't verify that this recipe is as good as it sounds. If you try it, let me know what you think.

Yogurt

This is something, now that I've read through the process, that I would love to try: homemade yogurt. There is - literally - nothing in it but milk and yogurt cultures. You can't get any healthier than that.

And, if you're not fond of plain, you can add any flavor that makes your taste buds happy - cocoa, bananas, pears, berries, lemon, granola. The only limits are your imagination - and the contents of your fridge and pantry.

Healthy Entrees

When my kids were little, their dad and I used to spend one day every other week (or so) making our own frozen dinners. It was actually great fun and eliminated the "What am I going to cook tonight?" issue. Plus, we knew what we were eating, since we were the ones that put it together.

By using leaner meats - ground turkey, instead of ground beef, for example - you can put a little bit of time and a whole lot of health into your meals. Anything that you can buy frozen is fair game: chili, casseroles, stews, soups.

Just like flavoring homemade yogurt, the only limits are your imagination. (If you're carb-watching, there's a great Recipe Forum at LowCarbFriends.com.)

There are healthy options at the store - depending on your health needs, quite a few.

Basically, look for fewer ingredients and more you can pronounce - the simpler, the better. Best of all? Don't buy pre-made; make it yourself.

You'll be happier and healthier - knowing exactly what you're eating.

Backers of the bill insist that in Arizona - and around the country - women are routinely aborting fetuses that are the wrong sex or color. In fact, they make it sound as though there is a virtual epidemic of such abortions. Procedures being forced on non-white pregnant women.

Apparently, minorities are statistically more likely to have an abortion - not because of poor healthcare, and sex education services - but because of massive discrimination and coercion by groups like Planned Parenthood. The proposition is that abortion clinics and providers are hunting down pregnant black and Hispanic women, like rabid dogs, and putting a metaphorical gun to their heads until they have an abortion.

Legislation like Arizona's is not new. And it's not limited to individual states.

There's H.R. 7016: Susan B. Anthony Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 which:

Imposes criminal penalties for knowingly: (1) performing an abortion knowing that the abortion is sought based on the sex, gender, color or race of the child, or the race of a parent; (2) using force or the threat of force to intentionally injure or intimidate any person for the purpose of coercing a sex-selection or race-selection abortion; or (3) soliciting or accepting funds to finance a sex-selection abortion or a race-selection abortion.

Then, there's H.R. 1822: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2009, offering virtually the same language as H.R. 7016. With the noticeable addition that it [d]eems a violation of this act to be prohibited discrimination under title VI (Federally Assisted Programs) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Violators of title VI lose federal funding.)

Last year, Georgia legislators presented The Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act. Again, the language is very, very similar to H.R. 7016 and H.R. 1822 - and based on the same misconceptions and propaganda. And may, in fact, create the very discrimination it claims to be fighting.

Personally, I find myself seeing both sides of the argument. Discrimination, in any form, is wrong. As is using race as a weapon to severely curtail - or outright eliminate - women's reproductive rights.

Growing up in the time before Roe v. Wade, I remember what it was like for women to have limited or no choices. Birth control fails. Women are sexually assaulted - by strangers, family members, and dates. Unplanned pregnancies happen.

If they happen more often in inner cities and poor or minority communities, is that the fault of health centers and clinics? If there are more Planned Parenthood offices in financially-repressed areas is that because PP is targeting minorities, or because they are attempting to bring options to people who may have nowhere else to turn?

There are a lot of opinions about abortion and birth control services - especially when it comes to rumors of eugenics and Margaret Sanger's work.

There's only one bottom line, for me: While I believe in the sanctity of life, I believe that the right of the mother to choose is also sacred. This whole fight is about not forcing a woman - any woman - to end her pregnancy.

Why is forcing her to continue the pregnancy any more fair?