Leah’s story:

Leah Anderson was a little girl who loved to swim. She began learning at Aqua-Tots swim school as a toddler, and quickly decided the butterfly stroke was her favortie. Leah was diagnosed with Wilm’s Disease, Stage IV in January 2009 at the age of 3. She underwent surgery at Scottish Rite, and started chemo in February 2009 in efforts to reduce the tumor to an operable size. On April 1, 2009, Leah’s left kidney and tumor were successfully removed, and eight days later, radiation treatment began on the area and on the lungs. The surgery and treatments were successful, and in January 2012, Leah was transferred to the cancer survivor clinic! Unfortunately, in July 2012 she was diagnosed with leukemia: 20% of Leah’s marrow had a secondary cancer known as AML – a nasty form of leukemia. Leah was only the 9th child in the WORLD to develop AML after Wilm’s. She was admitted to Egleston Hospital where she received intense chemotherapy, and a donor match was quickly found! Following the transplant, however, the fight was even harder and she experienced significant ups and downs.

Throughout Leah’s journey there were tears, laughter, games, pranks, songs, special events and visitors – new friendships made and old ones deepened. Sadly, Leah Marie Anderson, age 7, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Swim Across America:

In honor of Leah and her brave fight, Aqua-Tots owner Malena Hankins, along with others, formed Team Leah to participate in the inaugural Swim Across America event in Atlanta held at Lake Spivey on May 5, 2013. Swim Across America is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. Team Leah certainly did their part! They exceeded their goal of $1,000 – making them an SAA Superstar participant – and completed the swim, even though the weather was less than cooperative (read: rainy and freezing!).

And they weren’t the only ones who braved the weather in support of this great cause. There were over 200 kids at the Olympian Clinic with 12 Olympians, 4 National Team members and a handful of Swim Atlanta coaches. Over 300 people registered for the Open Water Swim at Lake Spivey, raising $250,000 for pediatric cancer research at the race’s beneficiary, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Leah’s mom, Rona Roberts, spoke to the participants after the race:

Leah’s mom Rona Roberts with Aqua-Tots owner Malena Hankins

the guide:

more about Leah’s story: greateractsthanthese.blogspot.com

Swim Across America: swimacrossamerica.org

Here’s something I have learned about myself through putting all these tutorials on the blog: almost every one could be described as simple. Simple pillow. Simple paper flower. Simple embellished tshirt.

Today’s project is no different. Actually, it’s probably the simplest of all, which makes it one of my favorites because you can whip this out in just a few minutes.

Just the kind of projects I like.

I present you with: how to make a tissue paper flag banner.

These little flags were made at one am the night before Audrey’s party. I know, that’s crazy. I thought so too when I looked at the clock. But they really made the table area festive and I’m so glad I did this.

Here’s what you need:

:: tissue paper
:: twine
:: scissors, paper cutter and tape {oops, not shown}

STEP ONE: fold a stack of paper and cut in strips.

STEP TWO: unfold each strip and cut into desired rectangle size {mine are 6 x 8}

STEP THREE: cut notches out of the bottom of each rectangle

STEP FOUR: cut twine to desired length. Just string it up where you’ll hang your banner and add a few inches.

STEP FIVE: tape the back of each flag to the twine, leaving a few inches between each flag.

Then hang!

See? Very simple. But very cute.

the guide:

To follow Emily’s creative life {and snag a free printable download or two}, visit her at her website and on Facebook.

On any given afternoon, Amy Fendley might be found in her kitchen, slicing up tofu with the help of her daughters Piper, age 10, and Pearson, 8. Or they could be rinsing kale or steaming asparagus or dicing up any number of healthy foods normally scoffed at by kids. But in Amy’s kitchen, healthy choices are the only choices, so Pearson and Piper don’t question the tofu. They just slice it. And eat it. And, yes, like it.

“Not only do I run my kitchen with the help of two mini chefs, I run my own personal training business. I’m serious about teaching my girls about wellness, fitness and nutrition,” says Amy, who founded Independent Fitness Consulting in Kennesaw in 2011. Here, Amy shares her family’s favorite healthy recipe: tofu lasagna!

Turkey Tofu Lasagna 

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time : 45 to 50 mins

375 degrees in a 9X9 inch pyrex dish

(condition dish with coconut oil to prevent nonsticking)

6 whole wheat lasagna noodles – cook according to package.

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 small diced onion

3 cloves of fresh minced garlic

1 lb ground turkey (organic if preferred) 99% lean

24 oz of preferred jarred (watch the sugar & sodium) tomato sauce OR homemade is better

1 package tofu (drained & crumbled if not already crumbed – dry well on paper towels)

1 1/2 cup reduced fat / 2% mozzarella cheese

1 zucchini squash, thinly sliced (optional)

Heat oil in large frying pan over medium-high heat; add onions and garlic, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes, until soft. Add turkey, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes, until cooked through. Stir in pasta sauce. Remove from heat.

Spread 3/4 cup pasta sauce mixture over bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 2 noodles. Spread half of the tofu over noodles. Top with 1/3 cup cheese, 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce mixture and half of the zucchini slices (if used). Top with 2 noodles. Spread remaining tofu over noodles. Top with 1/3 cup cheese, 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce mixture and remaining zucchini slices. Top with remaining 2 noodles, pasta sauce mixture and 1/3 cup cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes; remove foil and top with remaining cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes, until lightly browned.

Nutrition Per Serving: (approx)

200 Calories, 25g Protein, 27g Carbohydrate, 4g Fiber, 6g Fat, 0g Sat. Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 25mg Cholesterol, 400mg Sodium

photograph of Amy and daughters by Pamela Doughty Photography 

by Lori May

Remember this space? I finished this client’s family room last month. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share helpful hints from this design that you can use in your own home. Today, let’s talk about one of my client’s favorite additions to the room.

Can you guess what it is? Well, I guess the title of the post kind of gives it away. It’s the rolling baskets under the coffee table. This is a family room, so we wanted this to work for each member of the family. The kids love to play in the space to be near mom and dad. The only problem is the crazy amount of toys that end up taking over every open space. Imagine this same space with Legos and Polly Pockets on every surface. My solution was to add the rolling baskets. At the end of the day, the kids can roll out the baskets and quickly clean up all the toys. Another bonus is that it’s easy for them to do all by themselves and that’s good for them and for the rest of the family.

Baskets can be an economical way to add stylish storage to your home. Let’s look at a few other ways to use baskets for storage.

The entry. Baskets with lids can be a lifesaver. They can hold all the things that you don’t to be seen by everyone entering your home.

More lidded baskets. These could be perfect in a playroom or little boys room. Baskets are a great replacement for big bulky toy boxes.

Office organization. Use baskets in your office to hold unusually sized items or for trash bins.

Under bed. Baskets under your bed are the perfect place to store blankets, off season clothing, and toys.

Outdoor storage. These baskets are a colorful option for towels and magazines next to the pool. Remember that there are basket options in outdoor weaves just like indoor/outdoor rugs. They can soften your outdoor space and make it feel more like a extension of your home.

Plants. When your baskets aren’t holding your books, throws, or toys, they can be used to create a beautiful centerpiece with flowers and plants.

Bathroom baskets. Small baskets can be used to hold bathroom items, jewelry, or other accessories.

How do you use baskets in your home? Send me your basket photos and I’ll share them with my next post in the series.

the guide:

Lori May is the owner of Lori May Interiors, a local interior design firm. Follow her blog or like her Facebook page for DIY tips, photos from her shopping trips, and decorating tips everyone can use.