Linda @ Linda’s Lunacy

Breast Health Facts

October 28, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This page contains an affiliate link

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But we should be concerned with breast health year round, not just during October.

My mother is a breast cancer survivor. So I personally know some things about breast cancer. And I try to stay informed about new information. Here are some facts that I have learned about breast cancer.

Breast Health Facts

~Breast cancer is the number two cancer in woman in the United States. Some kinds of skin cancer comes in first.*

~There were 250,520 cases of breast cancer in the US in 2017, the last year that there is data for.*

~There are some things you can do to lower your risk of getting breast cancer, not drinking alcohol, for example.

~You need to know the breast cancer history for the women in your family. Whether you get tested for the breast cancer gene is a personal decision. But you still need to know if women in your family have gotten breast cancer. This information will help your doctor decide how often you should be screened.

~The majority of breast cancer cases are not family related.

~It has not been proven that anti-perspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.*
If you are concerned, do some research to find one that you are comfortable using. There are many options available now.

~Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk. Even if you can only breastfeed for a month or two, it’s awesome for baby, and will help lower your risk. The longer you breastfeed, the lower your risk.

~Early detection is key to improving survival rates.

~A mammogram is the standard test to check for breast cancer. There are some concerns about the radiation from mammograms. If this concerns you, talk to your doctor. Sometimes, in some cases, another test can be done with less radiation.

~We all need to be diligent in doing our monthly self breast exams. I use this to help during self exams. Right now there is a buy one, get one free sale going on. So you can share one!

~Not every lump is cancer! Please don’t avoid doing self exams, and yearly exams with your doctor. You don’t need to be afraid!

Breast cancer doesn’t just affect women. It affects men, too. Their mothers, girlfriends, wives, daughters, are getting breast cancer. Men get breast cancer, too! So ladies, make sure the men in your life know the facts about breast health!

Here are a couple of things that I made for my mother to celebrate her being a breast cancer survivor.

A pink ribbon scarf, and a ribbon grapevine wreath.

*This page contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

*I got these numbers from here and here. And info from here.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Smoke Detector?

October 23, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This smoke detector post contains affiliate links

Did you know that smoke detectors have a life span? I didn’t until last week. I read that smoke detectors have to be replaced every 10 years. That was the first I had ever heard of that. So I looked it up.

Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Smoke Detector?

And it was right!

Smoke detectors do have a life span. The sensors inside stop working, even if they have never been exposed to smoke.

So….we bought this house new 21 years ago. And were still using the same smoke detectors. So now I was freaked out about whether they would actually work in the event of a fire.

I replaced the batteries twice a year, and pressed the test button. And ours were actually wired into the electric. Yes, you have to change the batteries in hard wired smoke detectors, too!

But all those things don’t have anything to do with the sensors!

So I did some research, and bought new ones. I like that it has an escape light. Especially important for the elderly and children, that can get easily confused finding their way in the dark.

I bought 2, one for outside the master bedroom, and one for outside the bedrooms at the other end of the house.

The one that I bought is not longer available. I just did some research, and I would buy this one. if I was buying them now.

Smoke Detector Do’s & Don’ts

Place smoke detectors outside all bedroom areas. Even if a bedroom is off a living room, or family room where you don’t won’t to see one. Safety first! Decor second.

Replace your smoke detector regularly. If like me, yours is older, replace now. I saw new ones for sale with a 3 or 5 year life span. Pay attention to those recommendations, and replace when needed.

Replace the batteries twice a year. Even if according to the test button the batteries still work. If your smoke detector is wired into the electric, don’t depend on just the electric. The electric could and will go out in a fire. You need the battery back up. I use changing the clocks twice a year as a reminder to replace my smoke detector batteries.

Don’t paint your smoke detector! You wouldn’t think that just putting a little paint on the outside would affect the sensors inside, but it does. Follow the manufactures recommendations and don’t paint.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

Giveaway Link Up

October 21, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

I love entering giveaways. And I really love hosting giveaways on Linda’s Lunacy. It’s so much fun to give stuff away! Now, with this Giveaway Link Up, you can find lots of great giveaways to enter!

While your here, enter my current giveaway!

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Giveaway ends 11/8 US & CAN

Have fun, and I hope you win something!

Please, only link family friendly giveaways. My kids read here, and anything not family friendly, will be promptly deleted. Sorry, but it’s for my kids. 🙂

Help spread the word! Share about the Giveaway Link Up at Linda’s Lunacy! Simply click the message below to tweet!

[Tweet “Visit the Giveaway Link Up @LindasLunacy – Find great #giveaways to enter & share your #giveaway in the #linkup, too!”]

If you are visiting, and this link up is closed, go to HERE to find the latest one.

2 Hearts Review – Inspirational Movie Based on a True Story

October 16, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

This summer, I was able to watch a screener for the new movie 2 Hearts to review. 2 Hearts shows us that every moment is a gift. Several themes run throughout the movie: sacrificial love, hope, family, and miracles.

For two couples the future unfolds in different decades and different places, but a hidden connection will bring them together in a way no one could have predicted. Based on an inspirational true story, 2 HEARTS is a romantic journey that celebrates life, love and generosity of spirit, and will strengthen our belief that miracles still happen.

2 Hearts Review – Inspirational Movie Based on a True Story

2 HEARTS, rated PG13, from Freestyle Releasing/ AMT Productions, stars: Jacob Elordi (Euphoria; KISSING BOOTH), Tiera Skovbye (Riverdale, THE MIRACLE SEASON), Radha Mitchell (DREAMKATCHER; THE SHACK), Adan Canto (X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST; Designated Survivor)

Fans are loving the trailer for 2 HEARTS! The trailer has 27 million views on YouTube, over 10 million views on Facebook, and nearly 60,000 views on Instagram!

Check it out!

2 Hearts in theaters October 16, 2020!

I liked this movie. No, I didn’t love it. I found it hard to follow the story line at first. It took a little bit to get to know the characters and follow the story line. Once the film got going, and I learned the characters, I enjoyed the movie.

There was some language that was unnecessary. I always find it disappointing when otherwise good movies have to use language that gets a higher rating. I suggest you follow the rating advice, or pre-watch it before sharing with your kids or teens. Overall, though, I did enjoy this movie.

Watch this exclusive clip….

2 Hearts is in theaters now!!

For more information, visit the 2 Hearts website.

And check out their social media pages:

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” My opinions are my own.

Butterfly Box Review

October 12, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

I recently received a Butterfly Box to review. Never heard of a Butterfly Box? It’s a monthly subscription box just for women of faith. It was so nice to have this Butterfly Box full of faith building items delivered right to my house.

Butterfly Box’s own description:

Life is busy, and it can be hard to find the time each day to connect with Christ. Butterfly Box is here to help! We thoughtfully curate a themed box each month to help reclaim those quiet moments with God, build your intimacy with Christ, and live out your faith in the world around you!

A little about what’s included in a Butterfly Box:

~Each month’s box is designed to illustrate a biblical theme and encourage spiritual growth.

~5 to 6 items such as jewelry, artwork, books, decor, personal pampering items, faith sharing cards and other specialty items

~All items are carefully chosen and undergo a rigorous selection process

~Products are faith-based or support small Christian businesses.

The theme of this months box was Women of Prayer. It included the book, The Power of a Praying Woman, a journal, this pretty prayer bracelet, and two organic Tea Drops – to make tea to enjoy during your quiet time.

If you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend it! This version has a nice leather like cover. I think the fact that they included this instead of a paperback book speaks to the quality of the boxes.

Also included the box were these two cards. One tells about everything included in the box. The other is a Weekly Prayer Guide. This can be used over and over again. it includes daily prayer ideas for yourself, your family, your work or ministry, your community, & more.

Here are a few samples of other Butterfly Boxes. They all look as amazing as the once I received.

Butterfly Box Coupon Code

Butterfly Box subscriptions make great gifts! Use code WELCOME10 to get 10% off a subscription for yourself, or as a gift.

Butterfly Box Giveaway

Enter to win a 6 month subscription to Butterfly Box! An over $190. value!

Go here to enter the giveaway!

My Favorite Cookie Recipes!

October 1, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This post contains affiliate links

All my favorite cookie recipes in one place! Enjoy! And let me know which recipes you try!

My Favorite Cookie Recipes

Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Cookies

The cinnamon chips can be a little hard to find. Hershey’s makes them, but I haven’t been able to find them in my local stores for a couple of years. They are so good! It’s worth looking for them, or buying online.

Ginger Snaps

Can also be made gluten free!

Sugar Cookies

My family’s favorite. We make them every year for Christmas. And other times, too. lol

Make Your Own Colored Sugar for Decorating Cookies

Chocolate Cookies

So good! The sprinkle of sugar on top is optional. But I recommend using it. lol

Chocolate No Bake Cookies

Boy, is this picture horrible! lol Guess I need to make these just so I can take pictures! lol

Just ignore the picture. These no bake cookies are always a favorite no matter who I make them for, or where I take them.

No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Similar to the no bakes above, but no chocolate. Just all peanut butter.

Gluten Free Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Can be made with wheat flour, too!

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

In the Kitchen with Linda & Dinner Menu

September 21, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Well, looks like I haven’t shared a menu in a few weeks. Disappointing, especially since I remember to take some pictures. lol So here are some of the pictures I took over the last couple of weeks. In no particular order.

I made a big pan of brownies. Again. The family loves brownies. Now that most of my kids have flown the coop now, this is a lot of brownies. lol I put them in a freezer container between layers of waxed paper. Then we can take out brownies whenever we want, or need, them. Yes, sometimes brownies are a need. lol This time, I put some of the caramel sauce on half the pan before baking. So good! If you look close, you can see the squiggly lines in the brownies. Next time, lol, I’ll do larger sections of caramel.

These Cheesy Ranch Pork Chops are a family favorite. They are soooo good!

We’ve cooked out a few times since the weather is still nice here in Kentucky. Cheeseburgers are always a winner. I even made caramelized onions to go on them! Served with my stuffed (deviled) eggs, grilled zucchini, and homemade potato salad. Yum!

And because they turned out so pretty, another picture of my stuffed (deviled) eggs. With bacon and chives from my herb garden on top. Eggs don’t last long around here!

When I make baked potatoes, I always make extra. They are great for making easy side dishes later in the week. Like these fried potatoes.

I bought several pounds of hamburger on sale, put most of it in the freezer. I used some for spaghetti one night, kept some for tacos the next night. I put 3 bags in the freezer, one with spaghetti sauce.

With the rest of the hamburger I got on sale, I made meatloaf. Once pan for dinner that night, and 2 more for the freezer.

We even stopped for ice cream one night while we were already in town!

This is not the most flattering picture, but it tasted much better than it looks. lol I had some extra oranges that weren’t getting eaten, so I sliced them and put them on top of the salmon before cooking. They gave the salmon a lovely orange flavor. I’ll be doing that again. As well as remembering to turn the oven temperature down so I don’t get all that white fat on the salmon!

Ok, this is a kitchen fail. Yes, I have them right along with everyone else. lol I didn’t hear the beep on the pressure cooker and left the eggs sitting there too long. They tasted fine, just looked horrible. My husband used these for snacks, and he doesn’t care if they look pretty. lol So they didn’t go to waste.

And I am now setting another timer to be sure I hear the pressure cooker timer. lol

In The Kitchen with Linda & Dinner Menu

Now…. to answer the question that I get asked about a hundred times a day……….What’s For Dinner?

Sunday – soup & sandwich day – Cheeseburgers on the grill, stuffed eggs, fries, peas

Monday – chicken or turkey – Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Chicken, rice, green beans

Tuesday – pizza/pasta – Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans

Wednesday – Taco Night- Taco salad with all the fixings, homemade taco sauce, baked potato for my mother

Thursday – pork or chicken – Smoked sausage, peppers, onions on the grill, Mac & Cheese,

Friday – Quick & Easy – leftovers

Saturday – Quick & Easy or Husbands Choice – I can’t decide! Guess I’ll let him pick that day lol

For more ideas, visit Menu Plan Monday

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