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We're poor. Like the "just starting out, eating Ramen noodles" kind of poor. We really wanted to get in the Christmas spirit this holiday season without spending too much money. In our ideal world we would've hit up the Apple store and bought 50 iPad Minis for all our besties, or possibly even some Swarovski-bling. However, that is most definitely not the situation we are in. So, in order to cover all the holiday giving for our super awesome group of gals, Nicole and I decided to throw a holiday party – DIY gifts included.
We had fist practiced our DIY holiday gift with painted mugs†. Each of us had 6 mugs we dotted, and swooshed, and painted in all kinds of fun ways. Then the question of WHAT TO FILL THE MUGS WITH arose. After perusing Pinterest for a bit we landed on the idea of Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Mix†. Coupled with a shot of Kahlua from BevMo and a cute ribbon these gifts were done!
Source: penniesonaplatter.com via Blake on Pinterest
Now back to the party planning details! We wanted to have everyone leave our party with a favor and we decided that painting 2o Dollar Tree wine glasses was the PERFECT idea! 5.5 hours later*, we decided we may have taken on more than we could handle. However, the glasses came out adorable and once we came to the conclusion that the beauty of hand painted glasses are the small imperfections on each one, we loved them. When party night rolled around, I wanted to make sure we were really in the Christmas spirit (and we had something for our guests to drink out of their new glasses), so I decided to make mulled wine! I found Ina Garten's recipe (pinned below) but we modified it a bit†.
Source: foodnetwork.com via Blake on Pinterest
All-in-all our DIY Xmas turned out fantastic. We had cute gifts to give everyone and even received a few during the white elephant exchange!
† Recipes and the modifications we used:
A big thanks to Little Miss MBA for the inspiration on this one.
- Glass Mugs/Wine Glasses
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Q-Tips
- Wine (Optional)
Take the mugs/glasses and clean them with the rubbing alcohol (this gets stinky!). Now set all your inhibitions aside and paint those suckers. We decided our fav pattern for the season was red, green, and white dots made with the Q-Tips. Drink wine as needed to get you through this process. Remember, they're not all going to come out perfectly, that's the beauty of DIY Christmas!
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure vanilla extract – No modification here but this is still the most vanilla extract I've used in one recipe.
- 1 1/2 cups good quality Dutch cocoa powder – We ended up using an entire Hershey Cocoa box plus a little extra. Yea, yea, it's not "Dutch" but we figure if you don't like Hershey you're not deserving of our delish mix.
- 1 to 3 tablespoons fleur de sel or good sea salt (My preference is 1-tbsp) We had no clue how to find this, so we used store-brand (plus, we're on a budget here!). ONLY USE 1-TSP!!!! PLEASE! Don't say we didn't warn you!
- 1 cup dry milk powder – WHERE THE HECK can you find dry milk powder that does not come in 1,000,000 lb packs? We ended up using powdered coffee creamer – at $2.24 it was a much better deal
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar – And the Dollar Tree comes through again! We used almost double this amount 😉
- 10 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips – We splurged on the chips. Ghirardelli all the way.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Heat the 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar in a large heavy pan, over medium heat, without stirring. When the sugar begins to melt, take the handle of the pan and swirl it to melt without burning. The sugar might seem to crystallize, but it will eventually melt to a deep amber color. (Can take 10-15 minutes, so be patient.) This took WAY longer for us – be prepared.
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the vanilla. Whisk the caramel until smooth again, then immediately pour it onto the lined baking sheet. Allow it to spread without touching it. Set aside and let the caramel harden, at least 1 hour.
When ready to make the mix, use the back of a large spoon to tap the caramel several times into small broken pieces that can fit into the feeding tube of a large food processor. Turn the processor on, and while running, feed the caramel pieces into the tube so the processor pulverizes the caramel into a fine powder. Continue to add the pieces, a few at a time, until it is completely powder (a cloud of caramel dust will float out of the tube). Turn the processor off and follow the next steps to complete the mix. As usual I didn't read the recipe fully when we started to make this…I don't have a food processor. This was an excruciatingly long process with my immersion blender and various attachments.
Add the rest of the ingredients, except the chocolate, into the food processor with the caramel powder. Replace the lid and process until smooth. Add the chocolate to the bowl and process again until the mixture is a fine powder.
Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place for up to one month. To serve, stir 3 tablespoons mix into 1 cup hot milk.
Ingredients (we doubled the recipe)
- 4 cups apple cider – We used 6 cups instead of 8, anymore and we thought it tasted too apple-y. Go figure.
- 1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon – We used 2 bottles of a Cab (more wine – happier party attendees!).
- 1/4 cup honey – We only used 1/4 cup for the doubled recipe, I don't like things too sweet.
- 2 cinnamon sticks – I LOVE spices, I threw in 5.
- 1 orange, zested and juiced – We stayed in line and used 2 for the doubled recipe I now want a fancy zester to add garnishes.
- 4 whole cloves – Trader Joe's did not have cloves so we didn't use any out of pure laziness on my part of not wanting to hit-up another store.
- 3 star anise – EWWW I hate the licorice flavor, I left these out too.
- 4 oranges, peeled, for garnish – I just used the 2 oranges I had to squeeze – again, I need a fancy tool to make ganish.
Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve. <– Forget that. Throw it in a crock pot and forget about it!


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(Yes, this is long, I believe it is worth the read.)
These are the five most wonderful people I know. My husband and my children, the ones who make up our perfect little family. You see, when I was a little girl I wanted to get married and have a big family. I always wanted to have my son first because I wanted an older brother and I wanted a sister. After the first three kids, it was up to God what came next. I always wanted to adopt, but whether the adopted child was first or last or in the middle did not matter either. I had my family planned out perfectly and thankfully, God listened to me and decided to play along. Kind of like when our children have plans to head to the park and we squash them with errands that need to be run instead. Occasionally, though, they'll have a plan to do something and without them knowing we've already decided to oblige them.
What was not in my plans (and God knew it!!) was to have a child with emotional or behavioral issues. In fact, when we were in the process of adopting, I told everyone we talked to, We feel prepared to handle some medical issues, learning disabilities, downs syndrome, and most other disabilities. However, we do not feel that we can handle behavior and emotional disabilities. At the time we were trying to adopt, I was a behavioral specialist at a school in an impoverished area in NC. I knew that I could not live it and work it.
Well, as the saying goes, God has a sense of humor! Maybe not a sense of humor, but the Bible says,
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
So, God gave us this amazing little boy. He was the sweetest baby, had the biggest smile, beautiful curls, cheeks that screamed kiss me, and could melt a Mama's heart in seconds. He was the perfect baby.
Now, he is the perfect little boy. To those on the outside looking in, he seems far from perfect, the truth is, D is exactly the little boy that God made him to be. God knew what D's life would be like. He knew what our lives would be like living with D. God even knew the life that my younger children would live as his siblings.
For as the Heavens are higher than the earth,<
so are my ways higher than yours
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9
I struggle with D's autism, that is no secret. While I know that God made D perfectly, and his autism will (and does) glorify God, I don't like autism! Autism stinks! There, I've said it.
I love him with all my heart and soul, I do everything within my power to make life easier for him. I spend time with him, I make the food he likes, I get the things that he likes, I buy things and do things for him that make life easier for him. I do it all because I love him. Not that I'm a martyr, but because I'm his Mommy, I love him, and I want to!
I know how much I struggle with his autism and how much other members of our families struggle. I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to live in his body, in this world that does not understand, and a lot of the world that does not want to understand him. Whatever I can do to help myself, him, and others understand, I do. Whatever I can do to make his life easier, I do.
Autism keeps him from being able to self regulate in stressful situations. It keeps him from being able to understand that our plans and our reality are often very different. It keeps him from being able to adjust when that happens. Autism keeps him from having true friends because he does not understand how to be a true friend. He tries, don't get me wrong, but he doesn't understand the reciprocity in relationships. Autism creates such extreme anxiety in D's body that his body attacks him (anxiety/panic attacks) and because he does not understand how to process those feelings in a productive way, he lashes out. Those lashings often come in both verbal and physical attacks. Unfortunately, those attacks are targeted at those of us who love him the most, and it hurts!
You see, those attacks hurt not only our bodies at times, but they hurt our hearts too. More than the attacks on me hurting, the attacks on others who love him hurt me the most. The sun rises and sets on D in Spike and Samoo's world. They love D with the type of love that every younger sibling should have for their older one. They look to him for guidance, love, and direction. They believe he is most wonderful brother, but then he gets upset about something most find irrelevant, and lashes out at them, and they are heartbroken. How can the brother who they love so much lash out at them this way? Without a doubt all three of my little ones suffer from some degree of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Raw honesty…Sometimes, when he is lashing out, it is hard to have a heart for him. It is hard to be compassionate and understanding. Why? Because I don't always understand. I just can't wrap my head and heart around it. I can't understand how the people he loves the most are the ones who get hurt the most.
Yes, I get the whole comfort zone thing. I understand that he waits until he is somewhere that he is loved unconditionally. I get that, really I do, no lessons on why needed. BUT, when it comes to my heart, it is still hard.
It breaks my heart because others are hurt, because he is hurting, and because he doesn't mean to hurt others. I know he doesn't mean to. While in the heat of things he truly cannot admit it, but I know by little things he says that he is hurting and broken because of the behaviors he has exhibited.
Has your child ever stood against a padded wall, in a psychiatric holding room with a 1 way window and cried crocodile tears and said, Mommy, I'm so sorry. I just want to be a normal kid.
Has your child ever told you out of the blue, Mommy, I know why they call it aspergers…because it makes you act like an ass.
Have you ever been driving down the road and heard your little boy say, Mommy, I'm such a bitch. I'm mean to people and I just don't know what to do to stop.
Has your little boy ever told you, Mommy, if I could just die everyone else would be happy. I wouldn't be mean to people and no one would be scared of me anymore.
No? Well, when your heart experiences the break of hearing your baby say these (and so many other things), then you can tell me that I am horrible because I hate autism. When your son, who is as tall as you are lays in the floor crying, flailing in ways my 2 year old never has, and tells you, Mommy, I just can't stop! I want to stop, but I can't! I hate myself because I can't stop!
When you experience that heartache, then you can judge me for saying I don't like autism.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
**Note: After I started this post, D had a meltdown. Last week the autism specialist who we call the D Whisperer ordered him a Power Rangers costume for his last big incentive. She told him, I ordered the costume and it will be here on Thursday next week (today). I will give it to Ms. Autism Support Aide and she will give it to you on Friday. However, you have to come to school every day and on Friday, the last day of school, you'll get it. Well, in his world he stopped hearing anything she said after, it will be here on Thursday. She was very direct and specific with him so that he would know exactly what to expect, but when he did not get it today (and it was the next to the last day, anticipation of the sub teacher tomorrow, and so much other stuff going on) he became overstimulated, the perseveration and anxiety became too much, and he just melted. **However, while he was melting he never hit anyone, yelled or screamed at anyone (except telling them to go away), never cursed anyone directly, and never threw, kicked, or broke anything.** Can I get a great big *For The Win* from the crowd, please??

subset: commoncrawl


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Radio Ha Ha
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Listen live or any time.
Keeping you entertained during your commute, or whatever else you're doing.
(I don't need to know.)
Live Every Thursday – 6PM to 8PM (PST)
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Of All the Caterers in Kansas City, Why Choose Brancatos?
A special occasion like a wedding, anniversary party, or company function are sometimes once in a lifetime events, worthy of all the best you can give. Your event is our event, as our reputation is very important to us. We want your guests to be able to use us as well, and the best way to develop that kind of good will is to deliver for you! Please know that our food is prepared with the finest ingredients available, and that it is prepared with attention to food safety in mind! Please feel free to browse our interactive menu design guide below, and then when you've seen that we can deliver what you're looking for, contact us to get the party started!


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RCL FOODS has feed mills across South Africa, manufacturing quality Epol products in Malelane, Pretoria, Pietermaritzburg, Berlin (East London), Worcester and Rustenburg, as well as a molasses-liquid feed plant in Pongola.
Raw materials and final products are analysed in our own labs at all factories to ensure consistent high quality. In addition, we have a system in place enabling us to track the manufacturing date of all products leaving the factory at all times. This goes hand in hand with continuous sampling in different sections of each factory to monitor quality.
Say Hello to our Pack!
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Senior Customer Manager | Middelburg Mpumalanga
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Senior Customer Manager | Bloemhof
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Business to Business Sales Team
André Kilian
Key Account Manager: Monogastrics | Pretoria, Rustenburg
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Key Account Manager | Pietermaritzburg


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Most Marvellous Saxby's Cider Apple Doughnuts
23rd June 2017
: 12
: 30 min
: 10 min
: 40 min
: Moderate
Who doesn't love a good doughnut? Yes, quite. That's why we developed this lip-smackingly lovely gluten-free doughnuts recipe. These little beauties are oven-baked so don't require a deep-fat fryer – which means you can easily recreate them in your home kitchen. Our recipe was developed using the scrumpy-diddly-umptious (see what we did there?) cider from the good folk over at Saxby's Cider in Northamptonshire. If you can't get hold of this, you can use a different variety.
- 225ml Saxby's Cider
- 140g Magical gluten-free plain flour blend
- 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder (e.g. Dr Oetker)
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground cloves
- 115g caster sugar
- 60g butter
- 1 large egg
- 60ml buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- 2 six-hole doughnut pans
- Cinnamon sugar for dusting
- Step 1 Pour the cider into a pan and heat until it has reduced to half its original volume (around 110ml). Leave to cool.
- Step 2 Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sieve all the dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder, bicarb., cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves) 3-4 times until fully blended.
- Step 3 Once the reduced cider has cooled, add it into the butter/sugar mix along with the vanilla, egg, buttermilk and 1 tbsp of your sieved dry ingredients. Whisk to combine. Don't panic if the mixture curdles at this point.
- Step 4 Add the remaining dry mixture to your wet ingredients and whisk until you have a smooth batter.
- Step 5 Transfer the batter to a large piping bag with a wide round nozzle attached and pipe the batter into your doughnut pans (which you can grease if you like – we don't as we find the doughnuts come out easily enough after a gentle teasing with a palette knife). You really only need to fill each ring half way up – trust us on this! It may look like a measly amount of batter but if you fill the rings too high, you'll end up with curious not-quite-round/half-holed doughnuts
- Step 6 Pop your doughnuts in the oven at190c /170 fan /Gas 5 for around 10 minutes until the dough springs back when you lightly press your finger into the top.
- Step 7 When the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, remove them from the pans and roll them in cinnamon sugar to coat. The sugar will hold on its own, but for a more indulgent baked doughnut that tastes more like its deep-fried counterpart, dip each doughnut in melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
- Step 8 Enjoy! xx Millie, Marcus and Me xx


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Individual Appointments with Lisa Brandis
Lisa offers multi-modality sessions; your session may comprise of any/or all combinations of Intuitive Reiki, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Channelling, and NLP. Lisa offers all of herself to you during this session, you get all her experience, knowledge, and abilities, all her love, kindness, intuition, and energy. This also means that each session may be slightly different as she evaluates what will best serve you. Most of the time, you may not even realise all the different modalities she is using, as they all flow seamlessly.
Lisa can also offer Intuitive Readings during your session, channeling her Spirit Guide Anya. These are life-enhancing and affirming, they offer a soul-level perspective and can help direct your energy towards positive outcomes and give you the courage to take quantum leaps towards manifesting your goals.
Lisa Brandis is the Founder and Director of Intuitive Reiki International and is Australia's first Intuitive Reiki Master and Teacher. She is highly sought after for her practical spiritual teachings and transformative energy healings.
Lisa holds the vision to inspire, educate and empower others to make a difference in the world using their intuition and the practice of Reiki. She focuses on teaching you how to develop and trust your intuition through Reiki so that you easily receive your own clear guidance daily to benefit you in all areas of life.
Lisa is an Intuitive Reiki Master, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, and Inspirational Speaker.
Client Testimonials
There are no words as to how much you and Reiki helped me and I will carry this knowledge in my heart, soul and life for all eternity. I have been blessed to have 'found' Lisa Brandis and Intuitive Reiki for both have brought huge change and growth within me. For this, I am truly grateful. Deb xxx
"It's a week since I saw you and so many things that you said to me are still buzzing around my head. I am feeling so positive, energised and altogether fantastic. Thank you, thank you and again, thank you." Christine Swart.
"When I first went to Lisa I had extremely low expectations, and on meeting her I thought this bright, happy person could never possibly understand my feelings of worthlessness and depression.
WRONG! We talked and talked. Hypnotherapy, more talk. Affirmations which I found I was beginning to accept ( me – I never believed anyone! ). Then Reiki ( I actually thought this was Bulls..t ! ). After the Reiki, I felt so calm, worthy, valued, strange but true! More talk.
I had in all, 5 sessions, and I am nothing like the sad, hopeless woman that arrived. Lisa taught me to replace negative thinking with positive. I am more patient, I see more possibilities than problems, and I now can see that I am loved and appreciated. The sessions with Lisa were like visiting with a very supportive friend, the hypnotherapy and reiki were amazing, experiences I wish I could repeat frequently. I still can't believe how different I feel, and I'm not quite sure how it happened. But I am so very grateful.
Most of all I thank Lisa for helping me to start believing in myself."
Valerie Miotti
"I've been feeling so much grace and bliss since I left our session today, it was so special ❤ thank you beautiful Lisa". Valeria
"Lisa, just wanted to say thank you so much. Anja (Lisa's Guide) offered so many insights through you – I very much appreciate. I'm feeling light and energised, and able to focus again. It's going to be an amazing year for us all!!!" x
"I have had several Reiki sessions with Lisa over the past few years. The reason why I keep going back to her is because she has a remarkable ability to be able to assess and pinpoint what may be the reasons that are blocking you from experiencing physical and emotional well-being. During my last session, we decided that hypnosis would be of better use for my situation. Her innate skill is simply enhanced in Hypnosis! I felt she was able to help me undo limiting beliefs and patterns beyond my conscious control. I highly recommend Lisa's sessions. She is compassionate and down to earth and always has her client's best interests in mind." Tanu Malaviya, Bowen Therapist.
"Hey Lisa I just wanted to thank you for today's session. I can't even begin to explain how great I feel after it, I just feel totally regenerated and I feel like I am back in balance. You have a beautiful soul and a very special gift, you are amazing. Love Lottie 😘😘❤❤
"I have just spent an amazing morning with the most beautiful soul. Thank you so very much Lisa for your guidance and understanding. I felt so comfortable and relaxed in your presence, I was able to be me with no fear of judgement or airs and graces, just me". With love & kindness, Donna Rowe
"I have just had the most amazing and enlightening Reiki session with the very gifted Lisa Brandis from Intuitive Reiki. Thank you so much Lisa, you hit the nail on the head and gave me what I needed to go forward, make changes and build a better life. Thank you" Sam Palmer
"I would like to say a very big thank you to Lisa for an amazing meditation class today. The meditation took me to another level of peace and serenity like I have never felt before. It was totally amazing. Not only that… before we actually got into the meditation my son that I lost 8 years ago came through to her like he never has before. It was breathtaking with what came through from my son and I will always be grateful that he trusted Lisa enough to let me know he was still with me. The love, support and guidance I received from Lisa was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much again Lisa. Love, Peace and Happiness Forever". Jill
Tenille Bentley shares her experiences with Lisa Brandis and learning Reiki.
If you have wondered what learning Intuitive Reiki can do for you, or if you have been thinking about booking a Reiki Session with a difference (Intuition/Spiritual Guidance) then this video may give you some insights into what you might experience. Tenille Bentley shares her experiences in this short video.


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It's never too late to be recognized for bravery.
67 years after the US Army assumed she was killed when a bomb destroyed the hospital where she worked, a Belgian nurse who saved the lives of hundreds of soldiers during the Battle of the Bulge was given an American award for valor on Monday.
Augusta Chiwy, who is 93, received the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service for helping wounded and dying American soldiers, often coming under enemy fire while combing the battlefields to find more of the wounded in the deep snow.
(READ the AP story in the New York Times)


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GRAND RAPIDS -- Rob Bell's "Love Wins" isn't losing any ground in kicking up comments, reviews and book sales.
One day after the book's release, the Grand Rapids-area author and Mars Hill pastor is the fifth best seller overall for Amazon.com.
He's selling just ahead of the sex-drugs-rock-and-roll memoir by Sammy Hagar, whom, coincidentally, he met Tuesday on the set of Good Morning America.
Above him on the list is another afterlife book: "Heaven is for Real." And both heaven books are trailing "Moonwalking with Einstein," "Millionaire Messenger" and at the very top: "The 17-Day Diet."
The reviews are also pouring in, from MLive.com commenters or noted theologians. An MSNBC video interview of Bell by Martin Bashir is also getting a lot of buzz (see video below).
Richard Mouw, a long-time Calvin College professor of Christian philosophy and now president President at Fuller Theological Seminary, calls Bell's words "a fine book" and discusses in context with words of Billy Graham and the concept of a "stingy vs. generous orthodoxy."
The review by "Baptist Press" might be called less generous:
"Few events in recent memory have caused as much controversy and confusion among evangelicals as the latest book by well-known pastor Rob Bell, who in "Love Wins" denies hell and affirms universalism -- all the while claiming he has done neither," the review begins.
Baptist Press also rounds up mostly critical reviews by Southern Baptist theologians, including Daniel Akin, Page Brooks, Jeff Iorg, Albert R. Mohler Jr., and Rustin J. Umstattd.
At Sojourners, Julie Clawson calls it a powerful book that speaks straight to the heart. "Christianity isn't about being right or wrong, it's about living joyously and transformativley for Jesus — and this is a message we can all benefit from being reminded of."
At The Christian Post, reviewer Kevin DeYoung says "there are dozens of problems with Love Wins. The theology is heterodox. The history is inaccurate. The impact on souls is devastating. And the use of Scripture is indefensible."
At Christianity Today, reviewer Mark Galli makes the point that Rob Bell "is not the first to try to resolve old biblical tensions in new ways."
Nate Dawson, a former Mars Hill staffer, also weighs in, saying the book's point "is that God's love wins out, no matter what."
Another Grand Rapids-area pastor, Jeremy Bouma, calls Bell's book "a distraction."
Commentors at Mlive.com are similarly split:
From strickie: "Rob Bell appears to be a kind, gentle, loving and thoughtful man who is receiving the same kind of ill-will and mis-treatment from other people -- as Jesus did when he preached the same the story of love your neighbor. God gave us free-will to think and talk about issues of religion and our beliefs. Only those who are mindless would be afraid of debate."
From WishboneOffense "He is right. Jesus CAN handle the debate...a leader of a 10,000 member church (full of ex CRCers and Catholics to name a few) should recognize that his flock probably CAN'T handle the same debate....unecessary suffering is put upon us members of Mars Hill every time he releases a book...time to leave you say? perhaps....but not because i disagree, because i didn't sign up for the verbal assaults that simply come from being a person who relates to Bell's "preachin"....
Editors note: Feel free to join the conversation. All viewpoints on Rob Bell's book are welcome.
E-mail Julie Hoogland: email@example.com and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/JulieHoogland


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I just had to do it- turn a small portion of my Key limes from friends in Palm Springs into a pie to celebrate my husband Scott's birthday over this past holiday weekend. I don't know about everybody else but with all the running around playing golf I do it's difficult to find time to put together a nice family meal over a weekend.
So as I searched for a good make ahead dessert I found a recipe from Nora Ephron via Martha Stewart for a frozen Key lime pie. One of the comments on the recipe said that this is an excellent Key lime pie that can be frozen for a number of days plus it calls for one cup of freshly squeezed lime juice which is about 20 of these baby limes-score! since I still had dozens in the produce drawer of my fridge. I took the pie out of the freezer about 10 minutes before serving and promptly became distracted so it became a little too melted, oh well- I piled on the whipped cream and it tasted incredible! This is such an easy recipe and like so many simple dessert recipes very fun to make and serve. Oh and the flavor of those Key limes in all that creamy indulgence, WOW! Let's just put it this way people are very quiet when they eat a piece of this pie.
I used this recipe for Frozen Key Lime Pieand followed it exactly using the whipped cream piled up on top of each slice, it feels slightly more decadent to me served this way with a slice of Key lime on top.
Today is French Friday with Dorie and the recipe is for a creamy cheesy rice which sounds wonderful but we've been eating too many rich foods, like Key lime pie that I decided to cook a little lighter this week. So sorry no creamy cheesy rice this week but feel free to check out this week's links for French Friday with Dorie here and have a wonderful weekend!


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A few years ago, every mother wanted an infant sleep positioner. They were on every baby shower registry and store shelves around the country. The sleep positioners kept the baby on their back, or so parents assumed it would.
However, in 2010, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning for all parents to stop using these dangerous sleep positioners immediately. Over the course of 13 years, 12 infants, between the ages of one month and four months, died due to suffocation in sleep positioners. They either suffocated in the positioner or between the positioner and the side of their crib or bassinet.
If you are like me, you are horrified by these deaths! They are a horrible product. If you still own one, you need to get rid of it immediately.
While the manufacturers of these sleep positioners designed their product to reduce SIDs, it led to unnecessary deaths as well.
The infants were able to roll from their side to a stomach position. Also, CPSC also received dozens of reports by caregivers stating that they placed their child in these positioners only to later find the child in a very precarious position.
One of the leading causes of injury death in the United States for children under the age of 1 year old is unintentional suffocation. These deaths happen in other circumstances as well. Some kids suffocate because of unsafe items in their crib such as blankets and pillows. A caregiver may unintentionally roll over onto the newborn, or they may slip into the crack on the couch while sleeping.
What are Sleep Positioners?
Consumers were able to purchase two main types of infant sleep positioners – flat mats with side bolsters or inclined wedge mats with side bolsters. Both types had the side bolsters, which are the primary concern for suffocation.
The positioners were supposed to keep the baby on their back, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, the FDA never affirmed this stance, and there is no scientific evidence showing that these positioners are beneficial.
Some parents purchased sleep positioners for other reason such as:
- Aid in food digestion
- Easing symptoms of colic
- Reducing effects of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Prevent flat head syndrome
Why are Sleep Positioners Dangerous?
All sleep positioners represent a dangerous scenario. Placing a child on his side or stomach in a flat sleep positioner causes a risky situation. The infant's face can be trapped against the sides, leading to death by suffocation. Even newborns can easily roll onto their stomachs from their side. Parents always have to be vigilant against these scenarios.
Parents think that inclined positioners are safer. However, babies can scoot and end up with their head on the side. This position also prevents the child from breathing. Children can also scoot or roll on their sides on an inclined positioner.
Another scary scenario for the inclined positioners is that babies can flip them. The positioner can end up on top of the baby, leading to suffocation as well.
13 Infant Deaths Because of Sleep Positioners
It is so important for parents to read and understand the reason why officials advocate against sleep positioners. They look harmless, and their original intentions are great. However, as we take a look at the 13 deaths because of them, we realize there is a huge flaw in their design.
The victims were between the ages of 21 days old to four months old. So, all of these deaths took place in newly birthed babies. Typically, a parent would assume the baby would happily nap in this positioner until they woke up.
Out of the 13 infants, four of them were born prematurely. Three were one of a set of twins. Also, four of the 13 children had recently had a cold or respiratory issue. Unfortunately, nine of these infants were placed on their sides, which goes against the back to sleep message that doctors and experts are trying very hard to push to parents.
Some parents and caregivers have also stated that they have put their infant to sleep in a positioner on their side, later to be found in a dangerous position. However, some babies were laid to sleep correctly, on their back, and still found stuck.
According to the news, a 7-week-old victim had a well-child checkup only five days before his death. No health problems were found. The parents fed their baby at 1:00 a.m. and they laid him to sleep on his side in his sleep positioner in his crib separate from his twin brother. Horribly, he was discovered at 4 a.m. with his face against the device's foam pads. He died of suffocation by obstruction of his nose and mouth by the foam apparatus.
Because of these 13 preventable deaths, the FDA and CPSC have some warnings for parents, caregivers, and health care professionals.
- STOP using infant sleep positioners. Even though these devices claim to be safe, they are very dangerous and unnecessary.
- NEVER infant sleep positioners, blankets, pillows, quilts under your baby on the inside of their crib.
- ALWAYS lay the baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night. There is a lot of evidence that proves sleeping on their back is the safest way, and it reduces the risk of SIDS.
What are the Safe Sleeping Recommendations?
Your baby is going to spend a majority of their first year of life asleep. Babies need to sleep a lot, especially newborns, to ensure that they grow and develop appropriately. Parents need to make sure that their baby is sleeping in the safest environment based on expert recommendations.
Up to 3,500 children in the United States die while sleeping each year. These deaths happen because of sudden infant death syndrome or other accidental deaths like suffocation or strangulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics has some very clear policies and recommendations for how your child should sleep.
- All babies should sleep on their back at all times – for naps and bedtime. Infants who sleep on their backs are less likely to die from SIDS than children who sleep on their stomachs of sides. Babies with reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease) should still sleep on their back. Parents often worry that their kids will choke or gag on spit up.Once you child can roll from his back to stomach, you don't have to worry as much. Babies will turn when they want as they sleep. Don't go in and return your child to their back. You are just going to disturb their sleep. Instead, make sure their crib is safe. Never use bumper pads. Also, keep the space clear of blankets, pillows and other items that could lead to suffocation.
- Always place your baby on a firm sleep surface. Your child should sleep in their crib, bassinet, portable crib, play yard or any item that meets the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Mattresses should fit firmly into the crib with no space that your baby can roll into and get stuck. Crib mattresses need to be firm. Save the soft beds for your toddlers and older kids.
- Room share with your baby for the first six months of their life at a minimum. The American Academy of Pediatrics changed their stance in late 2017. According to experts, room sharing safely – with the child sleeping on a separate, safe surface – decreases the risks of SIDS by 50 percent! That is amazing! Not to mention, room sharing also makes feeding your baby at night easier. Most parents rest easier knowing their baby is safe nearby.
- Follow the advice from the AAP. These experts know what they are talking about, and they have plenty of great advice for parents. For example, evidence now shows what many people have known for centuries. Babies need skin-to-skin with their mother as soon as possible after birth, regardless of delivery method.Mothers should also breastfeed because it adds extra protection against SIDS. Pacifiers offered at nap time or bedtime are proven to decrease SIDS. Doctors recommend receiving all of your child's vaccination, as well as having supervised, awake tummy time each day.
- Bed sharing isn't suggested for any babies. Some situations are more dangerous than others such as:If your baby is younger than four months old
If your baby was born prematurely or has a low birth weight
If anyone in the bed is a smoker – even if you don't smoke in bed
If the mother smoked during pregnancy
Taking medicines that can make it harder for you to wake up.
If the parent is drinking alcohol
- Make sure the sleeping environment is safe. There are a lot of ways to make sure that your baby is safe while sleeping. Clearly, sleep positioners are a horrible idea. Never try to make your DIY brand. Never purchase a used one. If you see one at a garage sale, buy it and throw it away later. Many people don't know the dangers – you may be saving a baby's life!
Parents should stay up to date on crib safety. Yes, even the recommendations for crib safety changes. Drop side cribs aren't considered safe anymore, even though they were used for decades. The hardware has a tendency to fall. Gaps are created, giving the baby a trap to slip into and suffocate. It is never a good idea to use an old crib because you aren't sure if it meets all safety standards.
Safe Places for Your Baby to Sleep
Before your baby's arrival, you want to prepare at least one safe place for your baby to sleep. Some parents have more than one location to lay their baby. The AAP recommends room sharing with your infant for the first six months of their life. So, at least one of their sleeping surfaces should be in your bedroom.
- Crib: the first choice is a crib. We mentioned crib safety before and items that are not safe for the interior. Typically, most parents purchase one for their child. They also convert to toddler beds, and some even become a headboard for a double bed later in their lives. They are a great investment.
- Cosleeper: Another popular choice is a cosleeper, such as the one created by Arm's Reach. These products allow your baby to sleep directly beside you, but in their sleeping area. You won't be able to roll over onto your baby. These are perfect for breastfeeding mothers. However, they don't last as long as a crib because they have a lower weight limit. Remember, all of the safety recommendations for cribs also apply to cosleepers.
- Bassinets: New parents often select a bassinet for the first few months of their child's life. They are typically portable and lightweight. You can keep it close to your bed for those late night wakeups. However, once your baby can roll over, it is a good idea to switch to a larger sleeping area.
- Play Yards: If you want a safe sleeping area for when you travel, a play yard is lightweight, portable, and allows you to lay your baby down to sleep wherever you are.
The FDA issued a warning in 2010 for all manufacturers of infant sleep positioners to stop producing these products. They wanted ample time to review all clinical safety data, allowing them time to decide if the benefits of these positioners outweigh the potential risk.
However, the FDA has never changed their stance. Their position still stands; parents should NEVER use a sleep positioner. The risk of suffocation is too high.
Instead, remember always to follow the safe sleep recommendations determined by experts and doctors. Select one or two of the safe sleeping locations for your baby. Nothing belongs inside of your child's crib, including a sleep positioner. Remember to lay your baby on their back!


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Silver Lake Terrace
Home in Silver Lake Terrace photo compliments of
The John McClintock Team | Keller Williams Real Estate-Newtown
267-759-9518 (direct) | 215-860-4200 x518 (broker)
Silver Lake (also known as Makefield Lakes and/or Silver Lake Manor) is a residential subdivision of detached, single family homes just south of Yardley Borough. Some of the residences back to Silver Lake. Public access to the lake is available from a small park off Lakeview Drive.
Homes were built primarily from the 1940s through the 1960s. Median age is ca. 1950. Median interior living space is approximately 1,700 sq. ft. Lots range from one-third to two-thirds of an acre, with the median just under one-half acre.
Access to the Silver Lake Terrace neighborhood is from Oxford Valley Road onto Lakeview Drive.
School District: Pennsbury
Street Names
**Information is curated from a variety of sources and, while deemed reliable, is not guaranteed.
LivingPlaces.com © 1997-2019 • The Gombach Group • Contact • 100064 • Privacy | Disclaimer
LivingPlaces.com © 1997-2019 • The Gombach Group • Contact • 100064 • Privacy | Disclaimer


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Portland Nutrition Counseling
We want to educate you about the science of nutrition and help you understand the Key Principles you need to make life long healthy choices. In addition, learning to eat the right foods can boost your creativity and mental clarity. After all, we're only as productive as our bodies and brains will allow us to be. At Whole Body Fitness we will design a comprehensive nutrition plan that is unique to you. Your Nutrition Education will focus on the following key areas:
Understanding Your Metabolism, cracking the code
– Your Personal Caloric Window: Learn how to calculate your energy expenditure and your ideal energy intake. And learn what a calorie is!
– Determine your metabolic setpoint, this is based on how much lean body mass you have. We will touch on ways to help increase this set point through exercise.
– Understand the difference between carbohydrates, fats and proteins and how they are used during rest and activity.
– Should you eat high carb? Low carb? No carb? Vegetarian? Vegan? Why is it so confusing?
Sports Nutrition for an Active Lifestyle
– Sports Nutrition & Performance Enhancement: Learn how to create an effective nutrition and exercise plan for your active lifestyle.
– Learn how to eat for optimal athletic recovery (running, cycling, and endurance sports)
– Learn how to avoid "hitting the wall or 'bonking'."
– Discover foods that promote optimal brain function and performance
Nutrition for the Workplace
– Menu Planning 101: Create practical and easy strategies for healthy options at work and in your busy life. Planning is the first step to success.
– Maintain healthy nutrition while traveling.
– How to eat healthily through the holidays and company meetings.
– Create a system for Monday thru Friday
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR WEIGHT SOLUTIONS PROGRAM, 8 weeks to become a Healthier You!


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|Adventures of Dally & Spanky (2019)
as Aaron
|The Predator (2018)
as Keyes
|A Boy Called Sailboat (2018)
as Bing
|Dead Ant (2017)
as Merrick
|Dead Again in Tombstone (2017)
as Colonel Jackson Boomer
|Swing State (2017)
as Woody Woodrow
|Growing Up Smith (2017)
as Officer Dick
|Deserted (2016)
as Clay
|No Touching (2016)
as Carp
|Arbor Demon (2016)
as Sean
|Last Man Club (2016)
as Diamond Jim
|A Christmas Reunion (2015)
as Dylan Carruthers
|Most Likely to Die (2015)
as Tarkin
|Reaper (2015)
as Bill
|Fractured (2015)
as Detective James Harding
|Wicked Blood (2014)
as Bobby Stinson
|Alongside Night (2014)
as President of the United States
|Paranormal Movie (2013)
as Stepdad
|Sparks (2013)
as Sledge
|The Devil's Dozen (2013)
|Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 - Viva La Fiesta! (2012)
as Oscar (voice)
|Crazy Eyes (2012)
as Dan Drake
|Nazis at the Center of the Earth (2012)
as Adrian Reistad
|Cross (2011)
as Backfire
|The Killing Jar (2010)
as Greene
|Play Dead (2009)
as Merle Jones
|Time Bomb (2007)
as Jason Philby
|Broken (2006)
as Vince
|Death Row (2006)
as Marco
|Road House 2: Last Call (2006)
as Wild Bill
|Code Breakers (2005)
as Straub
|H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds (2005)
as Lt. Samuelson
|The Rain Makers (2005)
as Shaw
|Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
as Officer Treen
|The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting (2003)
as Jack
|Overnight (2003)
|Identity (2003)
as Robert Maine
|Lost Junction (2003)
as Matt
|The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest (2002)
as Darrell Claxton
|Death from Above: The Making of Starship Troopers (2002)
as Himself
|Fast Sofa (2001)
as Rick Jeffers
|Tomcats (2001)
as Kyle Brenner
|Tail Lights Fade (1999)
as Bruce
|Held Up (1999)
as Beaumont
|Home Fries (1998)
as Angus Montier
|The Making of 'The Frighteners' (1998)
as Himself
|Enemy of the State (1998)
as Krug
|Black Cat Run (1998)
as Deputy Norm Babbitt
|Starship Troopers (1997)
as Private Ace Levy
|Contact (1997)
as Joseph
|Quiet Days in Hollywood (1997)
as Curt
|The Frighteners (1996)
as Johnny Charles Bartlett
|Twister (1996)
as Mobile Lab Technician
|Motorcycle Gang (1994)
as "Jake"
as Morrow Streeter
as Mersh
|The Foot Shooting Party (1994)
|Shimmer (1993)
as Richard Halverson
|Straight Time (1978)
as Henry Darin
|Cross (2011)


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Samantha Dench
Samantha Dench is a 13-year licensed Esthetician with experience in both medical spas and day spas. After opening her first location in Elmhurst, IL in 2010, Samantha discovered a book that changed her direction in the spa industry. She learned that most of the skin problems we suffer from are rooted from our body, especially the gut, liver and pancreas. It has been her mission to improve her clients' skin from the inside out. This discovery has inspired Samantha to write a book on the skin and to educate consumers on the importance of good food to heal the body but also why the right skin care program is important. Her passion for skin shows in both her facials and the education she instills on her clients.


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Thailand is home to some of the world's most diverse and beautiful wildlife. Elephants, tigers, bears, snakes, parrots, and countless other animals call the vast forests and parks around the country their home. However, the hunting of wildlife, deforestation, trade of wildlife as exotic pets, and even consumption of wildlife has all contributed to a steady decline in numbers of some of the country's most exotic and stunning wildlife. Now it is up to us to prevent further destruction through conservation of their natural environment, research programs, and educating people about the importance of wildlife. Volunteering to teach not just young children, but industries, governments, and local communities about the importance of conservation via programs such as rescue and release projects, can make an enormous difference to the future well-being of these animals.
A major part of wildlife conservation is the education of people. Targeting people with a professional interest in animal welfare such as veterinarians, animal wardens, policy and enforcement officers, and researchers is only part of the job. Our aim is to also educate stock men/women, slaughter men/women, poachers, and other people who have a direct hand in the decline of Thailand's wildlife. Our main goal is to ensure Thailand's most iconic wildlife species, including but not limited to, elephants, gibbons, bears, tigers, and snakes are secure and recovering their numbers in the wild. This is not an easy task with many of these animals used for transportation of heavy loads, touted as tourist attractions, not provided with adequate water or food, and generally mistreated. The only bright future for Thailand's wildlife is people like you who come to volunteer, conserve, and educate.
Wildlife tourism is a hugely profitable, popular, and cruel business in Thailand. Animals such as gibbons, tigers, and pythons are used as photo-props for tourists to pose with and post on their social media accounts. The sad truth is these animals are gravely mistreated, drugged, and unhappy. Places such as the infamous "Tiger Temple" do not contribute to the conservation of tigers, but instead exploit the animals for money. The animals are not treated with care, are not legally obtained, and suffer from fear and stress. Wildlife tourism is one of the saddest and most prevalent forms of animal abuse in the country and educating tourists is an essential part of stopping this practise.
Circuses, sub-standard zoos, and tourist parks are the main arenas for wildlife in entertainment. From photo-prop animals to dancing bears, and costumed animals to trick-performing wildlife, the use of animals in entertainment is extreme exploitation. It is common to see animals such as elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and bears used to perform shows or tricks across the country. These animals are kept in smelly, confined spaces, leading to stress and fear. They are often denied basic water and food and are generally kept in chains for most of their lives. While it may seem entertaining to watch an animal performing an amazing trick, this is simply the result of horrific abuse.
As in most countries around the world, it is illegal to keep protected wild animals as pets. However, many people are ignorant or simply ignore the law and see it as a trophy to have a wild animal as their pet. Illegal pet trade is an extremely lucrative business with poachers hunting wild animals, taking them from their natural habitat, and locking them in cages for the rest of their days. Many of the animals poached in the wild are just babies, taken after their mother has been hunted and killed, and then sold as an exotic pet. Many of these animals grow up very quickly and are dumped into the wild, defenceless and ill-equipped for a life back in the jungle or are abandoned at a nearby temple.
Wildlife has often been associated with mystical powers or remedies and to this day many wild species of animals are hunted for their meat. Bear meat is especially lucrative, exported to China where it is said to boost sexual performance and health. A bowl of bear claw soup can sell for hundreds of dollars. There are even reports of tourists coming to Thailand where they "enjoy" the slaughter of a bear in front of them before sitting down to consume its meat. This practise is abhorrent and unfortunately unregulated in Thailand. While bears are heavily affected, snakes, tigers, and monkeys are also poached for their meat. Every year, countless animals are traded either from or via Thailand for medicinal purposes in China, South Korea, and Japan.
As in many places around the world, the use of wildlife in clothing and cosmetics is alarmingly commonplace in Thailand. Wild animals are trapped in bone-breaking steal traps, clubbed to death, electrocuted via the mouth or anus, have their neck broken, and skinned alive all in the name of fashion. Fur is a major industry throughout Asia and working against the use of fur in the fashion industry plays a big role in wildlife conservation. In addition to this, the cosmetic industry is not regulated as heavily in Thailand as elsewhere. Many animals are used in the testing of cosmetic products leading to diseases, mistreatment, poisoning, brain damage, and other horrific effects. The use of animals in cosmetics and fashion is something that we fight to stop through education.
Elephants are synonymous with Thailand and for years have been domesticated much like horses in Europe and the Americas. However, in 1989 the Thai Government banned logging and the use of elephants in this work leading to thousands of elephants becoming vulnerable to poaching and even other forms of money-making such as street begging. The owner of a Thai elephant (Mahout) is often seen as having a special bond with the animal, however, this is rarely the case as a practise known as "Phajaan" or "breaking the animals spirit" occurs which leads to obedience from the elephant for fear of punishment. The poaching, mistreatment, destruction of habitat, and trading of elephants are all factors which are contributing to the steady decline of elephant numbers.
While volunteering or sponsoring our wildlife conservation program is a great way to help, there are other things you can do to protect and conserve Thailand's wildlife:
At the Wildlife Rescue Centre (WRC) we currently have over 450 animals, most of which have been rescued from horrible conditions or have been abandoned after becoming unwanted
pets. We mainly look after primates such as gibbons, slow lorises and macaques, although we also care for a wide variety of other animals, including Asiatic Black Bears, Sun Bears, small cats,
birds, reptiles and many other species. This is a strictly hands off program for volunteers. There is no physical animal interaction as we hope to release as many as we can back to the
The volunteers will help us care for our animals. They will be involved in feeding, cleaning enclosures, creating enrichment, as well as helping with other projects around the center. We also hope to create change by educating volunteers in ethical tourism, so they can share what they learn here with family and friends.
At all the projects, we usually have availability if you book a few months in advance, however these can be popular projects sometimes, so we need to know which dates the volunteer would like to come before offering you a place. Our volunteer program starts on a Sunday (which means the departure day will also be a Sunday of volunteers final week), and lasts for one week.
At the Elephant Refuge & Education Centre (EREC) we currently care for 23 Asian Elephants: 1 young male, 1 young calf and 21 older females. The majority of the elephants have been rescued from elephant trekking camps where they have been brutally used to entertain tourists. Whilst volunteering at the EREC you will have the chance to interact with some of our elephants in an ethical setting. You will wash and walk our elephants, create enrichment for them, as well as clean their enclosures and go on harvests to collect all their favourite trees, plants and grasses. Whilst volunteering at the EREC, you will have the opportunity to work with all of these elephants. We allow some interaction with some our elephants at certain times, such as washing and feeding. The other times they are hands off and in retirement.
The volunteers will help us care for our animals. They will be involved in feeding and cleaning enclosures, creating enrichment, as well as helping with other projects around the center. We also hope to create change by educating volunteers in ethical tourism, so they can share what they learn here with family and friends.
At all the projects, we usually have availability if you book a few months in advance, however these can be popular projects sometimes, so we need to know which dates the volunteer would like to come before offering you a place. Our volunteer program starts on a Sunday (which means the departure day will also be a Sunday of volunteers final week), and lasts for one week.
Note: Volunteers can also choose to combine both volunteering experiences and help us in many ways.


text: 1tiredmama 0 Report post Posted March 1, 2012 I'm putting together a long history of psychiatric and physical symptoms, for a May eval for ds17. He has been symptomatic, at times non-functioning, since he was a toddler. Thank goodness, I kept a lot of paperwork on him over the years, but I am left trying to fill in the gaps. I'm hoping you can help me with one. Ds's main dx's in early childhood were severe bipolar disorder with psychosis and GAD. He was always an anxious little one. I can remember him at two telling his little friend, and even other tots, on the playground to be careful as they climbed on toys, not that it stopped him from climbing. Today, at 17, he has thoughts about falling through the floor. He occasionally asks about the construction of the house, worries that his bed will fall through, and gets anxious when too many people stand in one area, like 4 of us in the kitchen or a group on an elevator. Again, he is dealing with it, not avoiding anything. But, it should be noted that this is occurring even though he is on a lot of meds. Without meds, he thought strangers offered him poisoned food (it was birthday cake!), I might be hurt in an accident, and people were cursing at him or staring. Here's my question: Looking back, and I don't know what started it, ds at age 9 started restricting fluids. This occurred against the backdrop of his worst episode. He looked mentally ill. It was a real point of contention at the time because it caused a constant state of mild dehydration. His mouth was always pasty, and his lips were dry and cracked. He started doing this weird thing with his tongue. He would thrust it forward, then lick the goo off of the front of his teeth--he was a mouth-breather. He would not stop, even when I corrected him. This behavior actually changed the shape of his mouth, resulting in buck teeth over the course of a few months! I was so angry and frustrated that he wouldn't just drink. He never explained his behavior, but refused to budge. He was easily agitated and argumentative as per the BPD. I eventually took him to an orthodontist. The appliance he needed to fix his palate inhibited the tongue thrust, and the behavior stopped. As for getting him to drink enough, I think the fact that I kept telling him how important it is to drink enough while taking meds, and that one routine blood draw required a second test because of a possible kidney issue put an end to that. It basically scared him into complying. Plus, within that year, we found a med cocktail that took care of his mood and his anxiety. All weird behaviors improved. Is this OCD-like behavior? And, how does one distinguish between GAD and OCD, other than from the most obvious cases of OCD? Thank you for your opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites