I have a pet peeve. Who am I kidding? I have many of them, actually, but today I’m focusing on just the one. It pertains to my children. Here’s the scoop: I’m really fed up with people offering food to my children (pun totally intended). It happens all of the time. At church, for example. My children attend Sunday School while my husband and I are in the congregation at church. The service—and subsequently, Sunday School lessons—last an hour. One hour. The 10:30 a.m hour, at that. On any given Sunday, my family will typically enjoy a fairly hearty weekend treat of a breakfast. Waffles or pancakes or biscuits and eggs. By the time we drop the kids off in their respective Sunday School classrooms, scarcely an hour has passed since my family sat down for breakfast. Yet, when we pick them up from Sunday School, we hear reports of snacks that were given out. And I’m not talking about something healthy like a handful of grapes or a segment of orange. I’m talking about powdered donuts or cookies or packaged cereal bars—food imposters laden with sugar and preservatives.

(BPT) - As awareness of gluten-free diets continues to grow, more people are searching for ways to make their menus delicious, creative and varied while still staying gluten-free. In the past, forgoing gluten was challenging at best and frustrating at worst, due to a lack of available ingredients and products. But that was then. Now, whether it’s gluten intolerance or a goal of healthier eating that drives your meal plans, you can indulge and enjoy great meals from breakfast to dinner (and everything in between).

(NAPSI)—Many Americans today struggle to get enough sleep. Despite their attempts to do it all, pressure to meet the demands of an active, on-the-go lifestyle may be holding men and women back from achieving the type of uninterrupted slumber that leaves them feeling rejuvenated in the morning. These issues are all too common, as the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research estimates that nearly 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems.

(NAPSI)—Even though I spend my days in front of the camera, I am still a busy mom of two, always on the lookout for the same things most moms are—new, smart resources to help my family thrive and simplify our everyday routine.

(BPT) - Think back to your last income tax return. Did you owe Uncle Sam a lot of money, or did he give you a big refund? Whatever your situation, you can influence next year’s outcome by adjusting your payroll withholding.

Pet  Adopt-a-thon  Month is an initiative developed by North Shore Animal League America that brings together international pet shelter and rescue communities in order to raise awareness about the plight of homeless pets worldwide and to find them loving and permanent homes. The 2012 Pet Adopt-a-thon included nearly 3,000 participating animal shelter and rescue groups in 50 states (plus Puerto Rico and DC) and 10 countries, resulting in more than 30,000 shelter pets being placed in permanent homes. 

 

The Hermitage will kick off their June adopt-a-thon month with their ”Black and Tan” special.  For the first four weekends of the month, any black cat and tan tabby cat can be adopted together for just $40.00.

 

Next, June 24 through 30 is the “9 Lives for $9.00” special.  Any lucky cat over 9 months of age can go home with a new family for just $9.00.

 

Finally, to find homes for the many playful and adorable kittens, The Hermitage is hosting a “Kitten Shower” June 29 and 30 in which the adoption fee for one kitten will be $15.00 and just $25 for two kittens.

 

Executive Director Joe Sprague says, “The staff at The Hermitage is excited about our June adoption specials and we look forward to assisting each adopter with finding the perfect match for their living situation.  All cats and kittens are spayed or neutered and vaccinated to ensure their optimum health.”

 

For more information, contact Executive Director, Joe Sprague at 520-344-7288.

 

**Note: The Hermitage will begin new adoption hours June 3. They are:Monday thru Tuesday – closed; Wednesday thru Friday - open 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm; Saturday thru Sunday - 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.

 

Tired of waiting for action, Gov. Jan Brewer forced lawmakers back to the Capitol late Tuesday to start approving her budget and Medicaid expansion.

THEATER

Northwest Tucson Spotlight Youth Productions is continuing its tradition of having nearly 50 actors put on a summer play. This year’s performance is Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”.

(BPT) - Summer is busiest time of the year for home and business moves. In fact, an estimated 65 percent of the 43 million Americans who are moving this year will do so in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Pet Adopt-a-thon Month is an initiative developed by North Shore Animal League America that brings together international pet shelter and rescue communities in order to raise awareness about the plight of homeless pets worldwide and to find them loving and permanent homes. The 2012 Pet Adopt-a-thon included nearly 3,000 participating animal shelter and rescue groups in 50 states (plus Puerto Rico and DC) and 10 countries, resulting in more than 30,000 shelter pets being placed in permanent homes.

Arizona Outdoor Women, a group started to give women 18 and older the opportunity to learn camping, whitewater rafting, off-road driving and other outdoor activities in a relaxed atmosphere, has slots available in one-day and weekend workshops planned for summer and fall.

(BPT) - In this instant-gratification era, instant makeovers – from week-long juice diets to weekend home renovations – are a top 2013 trend. And according to Yahoo! Homes, so are instant kitchen updates achieved by refacing cabinets.

(BPT) - Minor kitchen updates can result in enhanced appearance, enjoyment and increased home value. With a free weekend and a modest budget, you can accomplish some do-it-yourself projects that will give your kitchen a whole new look.

My eighteen-year-old daughter’s beloved first car broke down on the side of I-10 about a month ago. In order to buy that little green Volkswagen Beetle in the first place, she’d saved for well over a year, stashing away every penny she earned from her part-time job, as well as cash birthday and Christmas gifts. So when the temperature gauge somersaulted and grey smoke poured from the exhaust pipe that day, my daughter’s dream car quite literally went up in smoke. And, unfortunately, there were no affordable options to get it back up and running. There was a grieving process to be sure, but perhaps the heaviest burden fell on the shoulders of my husband. Used car shopping, you see, is like the kryptonite to his Superman.

SPLASH!

(NAPSI)—Millions of Americans will hit the road this summer in search of fun and sun. In fact, many will take to the road more than once. A recent survey conducted by hospitality management company Destination Hotels & Resorts found that 76 percent of travelers plan to take frequent, short trips this summer, compared to only 22 percent who plan to take a week-or-longer vacation.

(BPT) - The three R’s aren’t just reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmatic. In the summer, they refer to “reorganizing,” “restyling” and “reviving” your home. It’s the perfect time to bring a summery, comfortable feeling to your home’s interior. Luckily, you don’t need to redo every room or throw out all your furniture to get a wonderful seasonal change. Spend a weekend giving your living spaces a lighter, fresher feel. At the end, you might even think you’re on a summer vacation.

On May 31, at the Oro Valley Public Library, U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., formally announced the winners of the Congressional Art Competition for District 1.

Marana’s proximity to the Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas makes it one of the better-positioned communities in the state. With Interstate 10, the Union Pacific Railroad and two airports within the town’s borders and planning area, Marana has become a hub for people wanting to live or do business in Southern Arizona.

While Will Smith’s “After Earth” seemed to attract many of the headlines going into the weekend’s movie Box Office openings, it was “Now You See Me” that came in second behind the summer hit “Fast and Furious 6”.

Think back to your favorite memory in the park. Do visions of playing soccer with your family, riding a bike or enjoying a game of Frisbee with friends come to mind? If so, recreating those memories in your favorite park this summer will be even more rewarding.

(BPT) - Summer means deck time for many Americans. A deck is an ideal spot for relaxation and entertaining. Imagine a cook-out with friends, snoozing in the sun on a hot day, snuggling with your sweetheart watching shooting stars, or having a backyard camp-out with the kids.

(BPT) - In this economy, taking on a kitchen remodel can be a scary proposition. You’re probably asking yourself plenty of questions. How drastically should you change the room? Do you need to hire a professional? Can you still recoup money spent on remodeling if you sell the house?