It is important for you to stay well informed during the season, in the event a hurricane decides come in your direction…

Also, after it’s passed.

But how…?

Before a hurricane, you have to learn the different routes of escape. The authorities in your town will close some streets so that everyone will flow in the same direction. You need to visit the website of the City Hall where you live to find out.

A small and good investment is to buy an NOAA battery-powered radio and stay informed throughout the event (NOAA is National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Our city and the meteorologists in Houston, use social sites like Twitter, Facebook, My Space, to keep citizens up-to-date with all necessary information. As Tim Heller (chief meteorologist ABC news site) said at the workshop on hurricanes, Saturday: “We meteorologists have to go where the people are going.”

I never thought I’d join their Facebook, but after that assertion, I went there and saw how faithful they are to do their ‘uptades’.

Tim said he answers the questions as fast as possible there and not so much by email.

If you are not so into the social sites, check your City Hall, or just do a look up on Google (name of city where you live, use the keyword “citizen’s Hotline”) of what the number you should call to know the latest news on the subject.

Also, at City Hall, you can register your phone number to receive urgent information.

Looks like I’m ‘fan’ of going to City Hall, doesn’t it? Well I am!

12 years ago when we bought our house, there I went in my broken English, speaking to the planning engineers of the city on flood zones. I was very well received, but that’s not why I recommend it, it’s the place to stay well informed in case of emergency.

I forgot to say yesterday that the United Way and the 2-1-1 number is there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need help and they speak several languages! And it is not ‘just’ in case of a hurricane!

Also, they are in 47 countries! Including Brazil.

We found out this when we helped a Russian who spoke almost no english (much less Portuguese), and was in a very bad and dangerous situation with an abusive husband.

The United Way (2-1-1), also helped her to get a Green Card, with the help of a pastor of a Russian church here in Houston.

They also can be reached at the numbers: 713-957-HELP and 1-800-541-7905 (in Houston)

To find the UNITED WAY in the country or city where you live, go to:

http://www.liveunited.org/myuw/index.cfm

Much better than ice cream…

You know exactly what you’re eating and it is just as good, if not better than ice cream!

Besides SUUUPER healthy. ♥ ♥ ♥

Also easier to make than coffee!

♥ Put plain nonfat yogurt in a strainer lined with cheesecloth. Put the strainer over a bowl and put it in the refrigerator and chill overnight.

That’s it. Nothing more. Just enjoy your greek yogurt!

It has been my dinner for several weeks … Some nights with strawberries, other nights with cherries, sometimes cashews, sometimes brazilian nuts, always a grated coconut (unsweetened) and a little grated chocolate, stevia…

It is so consistent, it holds a soup spoon up straight! And it’s as good as whipped cream, but … fat-free!

The flavor reminds me of the famous gaucho pie “Martha Rocha,” exactly the same taste, but without “sin”. It’s like eating only the frosting.

The cheesecloth is found in any grocery store with kitchen items.

Do not put it on the metal strainer, it will rust. Fix the cheesecloth over a bowl, with a ribbon, elastic, or use a plastic colander.

No party is fun if you don’t have a a little craziness, don’t you agree …?

Here close to me in Houston you can celebrate while cycling!

In this strange and fun means of transport:

You rent by the hour, sixteen people pedal and one goes in the middle as the bartender, captain, and navigator.

This is here in the nearby city of Kemah.

If you’re not having fun pedaling, you’ll certainly laugh a lot, just watching the reaction of people passing by.

Check out the party in motion:

http://www.pedal-party.com/

Children grow up faster than we expect…

Thank God they are healthy. ♥

The site below, facilitates the trade of children’s clothes in good condition.

Just be a member and exchange boxes and more boxes!

Search for the size you want, specify boys’ or girls’, make your choice and exchange.

To get clothes, you need to offer what you have that that is in good condition.

Enter there what you have that no longer fits, when selected, you get free shipping.

Membership is free, but you pay $13 for each box that you order.

What a deal!

http://www.thredup.com/

A GREAT idea. More $$ in your pocket for what is not possible to exchange, less wasteful and more environmentally friendly. Pass it on! ♥