Good Reads

My Top Favorite Blogs that are Uplifting and Fun to Read…

alphabet arts and crafts blog conceptual
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

For pick #17 I wanted to tell you about my favorite blogs and why I enjoy reading them. In a world where you can find entertainment in a variety of ways, I believe that reading good and uplifting blogs can be not only enjoyable…but also educational. I think it’s so important to continue learning in life. Something simple such as learning a new skill can keep us thriving and pushing ourselves. I feel that blogs can help in this area. We can learn SOO much from the many talented people in the world through the blogging universe. I enjoy many bloggers and it’s hard to narrow down just a few…so I can promise this will become an ongoing pick for me to talk about. So with that, here are my Top Ten favorite blogs NOT in any order. I hope you enjoy them!

#1- A Bountiful Kitchen

If you want some great tasting food, and wonderfully written recipes…this is your blog! I love that Si Foster (the chef/blogger) is very organized about her blogging and for me…I love that she adds in gluten free ideas. She also has wonderful table scapes that I intend to copy one day:) If you are in need of a blog that can help you add variety to your meals, you will enjoy reading A Bountiful Kitchen.

(Below is a picture of Si Foster’s Valentine Table in which she shares her Hawaiian Haystack recipe)

abountiful kitchen

#2 Fun, Cheap of Free

Wow—Jordan Page is the writer of this blog and goodness is she financially savvy! This girl has really researched and found ways to save money and keeps it organized and simple. Jordan is also real–meaning she is a mom, with six kids and loves to share her ups and downs. She has been featured on Rachel Ray and many tv shows. She has some great hacks and tips for everyday life too…so even if you aren’t looking for a finance blog, you will enjoy her entertainment.

#3 Tatertots and Jello

If you love home decor, you will be amazed by Jen Hadfield. This blog features some of the cutest home decor ideas. The blog also features great snack foods and dinner ideas, and the bright colors she uses are soooo vibrant and fun you just learn to love all her creations! Probably my favorite is her front porch….she always decorates her front porch for different holidays and it’s amazing how artistic she can be. What’s neat is Jen does a lot of her crafts at a great price so that it’s feasible for all viewers to try. So if you are looking to change the outside or inside of your home in some way….Jen Hadfield’s blog “tatertots and jello” is where you want to be looking. The bonus part is she often has free printables which is always helpful.

(A picture of Jen’s Front Porch idea for Valentines)

valentine-porch-whole-house

#4 Mamas on a dime

This blog is written by Jackie and oh my goodness I love all her tips and advice. She knows all about how to get good deals on the grocery store and has couponing down to an art. Some of her posts are just plain heart-warming to read…she is a great writer and she is also a great resource for how to stretch your budget a bit and get financially fit!

#5 Her toolbelt

Another blog that simply amazes me when it comes to talent is this blog entitled “Her Toolbelt.” Amy is the author of this blog and she can create just about anything you want when it comes to building things out of wood. Amy provides free woodworking plans, and has a wide variety of items that she creates. She has beautiful indoor craft items, outdoor benches, and my most recent favorite…a downstairs two-story playhouse she belt for her kids! It’s pretty spectacular to see all of her ideas come to life. Even if you don’t love woodworking, it’s pretty neat to see all that Amy is capable of. (Some pictures of her projects below)

basement-playhouse-build-toy-room-tiny-house-750x420    her tool belt her tool belt bench

#6 Female Foodie 

Who doesn’t love food? This girl–Brooke Eliason,  is great for informing you which restaurants are best in different cities. Brooke not only hits the best places to eat in Utah, but she now has connections to other states as well. She recently posted the 8 top chocolate shops in Salt Lake City. I have seen Brooke featured on television and she does a great job coming up with new ideas and researching great foods. So if you want to learn about some wonderful places to eat in your area, check out her blog!

#7 Wendy Santiano.com 

I love Wendy’s blog because her writing is so creative and inspiring. Many of Wendy’s topics are spiritually written, but you can relate to many ideas that she expresses. I always find myself at peace when I read Wendy’s blog posts, they hit to the core and I think so many can relate to what she has to say. So even if you are not Christian or a member of any sort of church, I feel that you’ll be moved by Wendy’s words and you’ll enjoy seeing her perspective on life.

#8 The Small Things Blog

This blog is a beauty blog written by Kate. What I love about Kate’s beauty blog is how “down to earth” she is. Kate is very real, and you just enjoy listening to all her fun ideas. She not only covers the beauty basics, but she opens up about being a wife and mom as well. She shares recipes besides makeup and beauty tips, and she is full of creativity and style .

smallthingsheadshot

#9 Twist Me Pretty

This is another beauty blog, written by Abby Smith. What I love about Abby is how fun and vibrant her personality is! I personally am not great at doing hair, but she makes learning new hairstyles enjoyable and exciting. She is the expert at braiding hair and has actually written a few books on braiding hair. Abby has great tips and advice when it comes to hair and makeup, and she throws in her personal life a lot which makes reading her blog even more entertaining. Go see what Abby has to say and you may even learning a few new hairstyles while you’re at it!

#10 Al Carraway.com 

Al Carraway is a spiritually uplifting blog to read. Al has a way of thinking outside the box when it comes to faith in the Lord. She shares wonderful ideas and tips for exercising your faith in God and Jesus Christ. Al Carraway is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but is a convert so she has a very interesting and diverse background within her religion. I feel that anyone who is looking for a spiritual boost no matter what religion they are, will enjoy Al Carraway’s wonderful insights on life and her devotion to God.

Al Carraway

Lastly—Hopefully there may be one or more blogs you may enjoy from reading this. I feel that I was inspired to start my blog after reading many blogs that I personally enjoyed. Thanks for reading and supporting as always, and stay tuned for my next “Favorite Pixx:)

Christy

Good Reads

My Top Favorite Blogs that are Uplifting and Fun to Read…

alphabet arts and crafts blog conceptual
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

For pick #17 I wanted to tell you about my favorite blogs and why I enjoy reading them. In a world where you can find entertainment in a variety of ways, I believe that reading good and uplifting blogs can be not only enjoyable…but also educational. I think it’s so important to continue learning in life. Something simple such as learning a new skill can keep us thriving and pushing ourselves. I feel that blogs can help in this area. We can learn SOO much from the many talented people in the world through the blogging universe. I enjoy many bloggers and it’s hard to narrow down just a few…so I can promise this will become an ongoing pick for me to talk about. So with that, here are my Top Ten favorite blogs NOT in any order. I hope you enjoy them!

#1- A Bountiful Kitchen

If you want some great tasting food, and wonderfully written recipes…this is your blog! I love that Si Foster (the chef/blogger) is very organized about her blogging and for me…I love that she adds in gluten free ideas. She also has wonderful table scapes that I intend to copy one day:) If you are in need of a blog that can help you add variety to your meals, you will enjoy reading A Bountiful Kitchen.

(Below is a picture of Si Foster’s Valentine Table in which she shares her Hawaiian Haystack recipe)

abountiful kitchen

#2 Fun, Cheap of Free

Wow—Jordan Page is the writer of this blog and goodness is she financially savvy! This girl has really researched and found ways to save money and keeps it organized and simple. Jordan is also real–meaning she is a mom, with six kids and loves to share her ups and downs. She has been featured on Rachel Ray and many tv shows. She has some great hacks and tips for everyday life too…so even if you aren’t looking for a finance blog, you will enjoy her entertainment.

#3 Tatertots and Jello

If you love home decor, you will be amazed by Jen Hadfield. This blog features some of the cutest home decor ideas. The blog also features great snack foods and dinner ideas, and the bright colors she uses are soooo vibrant and fun you just learn to love all her creations! Probably my favorite is her front porch….she always decorates her front porch for different holidays and it’s amazing how artistic she can be. What’s neat is Jen does a lot of her crafts at a great price so that it’s feasible for all viewers to try. So if you are looking to change the outside or inside of your home in some way….Jen Hadfield’s blog “tatertots and jello” is where you want to be looking. The bonus part is she often has free printables which is always helpful.

(A picture of Jen’s Front Porch idea for Valentines)

valentine-porch-whole-house

#4 Mamas on a dime

This blog is written by Jackie and oh my goodness I love all her tips and advice. She knows all about how to get good deals on the grocery store and has couponing down to an art. Some of her posts are just plain heart-warming to read…she is a great writer and she is also a great resource for how to stretch your budget a bit and get financially fit!

#5 Her toolbelt

Another blog that simply amazes me when it comes to talent is this blog entitled “Her Toolbelt.” Amy is the author of this blog and she can create just about anything you want when it comes to building things out of wood. Amy provides free woodworking plans, and has a wide variety of items that she creates. She has beautiful indoor craft items, outdoor benches, and my most recent favorite…a downstairs two-story playhouse she belt for her kids! It’s pretty spectacular to see all of her ideas come to life. Even if you don’t love woodworking, it’s pretty neat to see all that Amy is capable of. (Some pictures of her projects below)

basement-playhouse-build-toy-room-tiny-house-750x420    her tool belt her tool belt bench

#6 Female Foodie 

Who doesn’t love food? This girl–Brooke Eliason,  is great for informing you which restaurants are best in different cities. Brooke not only hits the best places to eat in Utah, but she now has connections to other states as well. She recently posted the 8 top chocolate shops in Salt Lake City. I have seen Brooke featured on television and she does a great job coming up with new ideas and researching great foods. So if you want to learn about some wonderful places to eat in your area, check out her blog!

#7 Wendy Santiano.com 

I love Wendy’s blog because her writing is so creative and inspiring. Many of Wendy’s topics are spiritually written, but you can relate to many ideas that she expresses. I always find myself at peace when I read Wendy’s blog posts, they hit to the core and I think so many can relate to what she has to say. So even if you are not Christian or a member of any sort of church, I feel that you’ll be moved by Wendy’s words and you’ll enjoy seeing her perspective on life.

#8 The Small Things Blog

This blog is a beauty blog written by Kate. What I love about Kate’s beauty blog is how “down to earth” she is. Kate is very real, and you just enjoy listening to all her fun ideas. She not only covers the beauty basics, but she opens up about being a wife and mom as well. She shares recipes besides makeup and beauty tips, and she is full of creativity and style .

smallthingsheadshot

#9 Twist Me Pretty

This is another beauty blog, written by Abby Smith. What I love about Abby is how fun and vibrant her personality is! I personally am not great at doing hair, but she makes learning new hairstyles enjoyable and exciting. She is the expert at braiding hair and has actually written a few books on braiding hair. Abby has great tips and advice when it comes to hair and makeup, and she throws in her personal life a lot which makes reading her blog even more entertaining. Go see what Abby has to say and you may even learning a few new hairstyles while you’re at it!

#10 Al Carraway.com 

Al Carraway is a spiritually uplifting blog to read. Al has a way of thinking outside the box when it comes to faith in the Lord. She shares wonderful ideas and tips for exercising your faith in God and Jesus Christ. Al Carraway is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but is a convert so she has a very interesting and diverse background within her religion. I feel that anyone who is looking for a spiritual boost no matter what religion they are, will enjoy Al Carraway’s wonderful insights on life and her devotion to God.

Al Carraway

Lastly—Hopefully there may be one or more blogs you may enjoy from reading this. I feel that I was inspired to start my blog after reading many blogs that I personally enjoyed. Thanks for reading and supporting as always, and stay tuned for my next “Favorite Pixx:)

Christy

Lifestyle

How to not feel guilty re-charging and my favorite ways to do this….

 

close up photography of woman sleeping
Photo by bruce mars on Pexels.com

For pick #16 I wanted to focus on why it’s so important to learn to kick-back, relax, re-charge, AND not feel guilty about it whatsoever! 

We live in a day and age where we are running in every direction constantly. Some may call it productivity….but it may be borderline insanity. I believe if you ask any personal coach or productivity expert, they would agree that just because you have a big “to do” list it doesn’t mean you’re using your time wisely. It’s great to be busy and have hobbies, I highly encourage it. However, I am starting to see the light…that we all need time to rest, relax and re-charge.

What happens to a computer or an iPhone or any electronic device that we use everyday if we don’t charge it? It dies. We don’t call our computers “lazy” when we charge them, we just know that’s part of how they work. So why do we feel guilt or shame when we take time to re-charge? Well, we need to stop feeling any sort of guilt and just enjoy some relaxation in life. I give you complete permission to kick-back, breathe and relax.

woman wearing swimwear on shore
Photo by Fotografiasdoluiz on Pexels.com

Resting and relaxation has not always been easy for me personally to do. I guess my mind-set became so stuck on getting “items checked off the list,” so much so that I was getting to the point where I was forgetting about how to help myself a little bit. Relaxing and breathing and re-charging is so important in today’s busy pace. It took an outside source to “call me out” and tell me I needed to “Give myself 20 minutes of relaxation.” My biggest hang-up with resting is….housework. Since I am a stay at home mom I really try to keep the house tidy and organized but with two toddlers I fall behind constantly. So add relaxing and resting into the mix and I feel like I am even more behind. BUT–it’s a mindset. We can’t expect perfect in anything and I am slowly learning myself, that we have to tell ourselves we will feel better and probably will be even more productive if we take more “time-outs” for ourselves through the day. It’s not selfish, it’s self-care and let’s be honest…it’s self-preservation.

I believe that past generations would look at our generation and prescribe us one thing…MORE REST! So if I haven’t convinced you enough…here are some of my top pixx for resting and relaxation that doesn’t cost a fortune:

#1-Reading. I get it, not everyone loves to read. However, I think if you find the right genre and authors…anyone could enjoy reading. Reading really is relaxing and enjoyable. It took me joining a book club to get myself reading more. So give it a try…you might find a new way to relax and re-charge.

 

#2-Bubble bath. I always put a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil in the bath. Breathing in the lavender or peppermint is extra refreshing and rejuvenating. So even if you’re strictly a “shower person,” a bath could be your new way to rest and relax!

#3-Yoga! Oh my goodness I love yoga! I used to do a lot of yoga in college and then it slowly stopped being something I practiced. I just recently found a new yoga coach and I forgot how great I feel after yoga! Yoga is a great way to meditate, breathe, stretch…everything. I feel like I have a clear mind after yoga which is such a nice de-stresser. Don’t feel like you have to be an expert at yoga, OR that it’s only for females. Yoga is for all genders, ages and skill level. If you’ve never tried it, here’s your chance to see if it helps you relax as well as it helps me.

fitness girl hands lifestyle
Photo by Burst on Pexels.com

#4-Power naps– Sometimes a short nap is all you need to complete re-charge and re-energize. If I choose this route I usually set a timer, because I don’t want to over-sleep which will ruin my actual bedtime. Power naps can do wonders on your mental and emotional health!

#5-Breathing-It’s so simple but not-often considered…just being aware of your own body and inhaling and exhaling can be a great way to rest, and meditate.

#6-Watching a show–Yep I said it…watching something on television. Stop feeling guilty, we all know this can be a great way to relax. Now I will warn, don’t get so sucked in that you waste hours a day in front of the t.v.  But sometimes we all just need to “Zone-out and watch a show.”

#7- Going on a walk– Even when it’s cold outside, I sometimes feel like I need to get out in nature and just take a walk somewhere. Maybe it’s the vitamin D that I am craving but sometimes getting outside, and taking a nice, easy walk can unwind me and help me feel calm.

fashion woman notebook pen
Photo by Negative Space on Pexels.com

#8-Meditation, Journaling and Prayer–I put these in the same category because some people practice them all at once. Writing things down and journaling can be a wonderful source of relaxation. For those who are religious or who are trying to be in tune with themselves, practicing meditation and prayer can be an extremely powerful way to collect oneself, and rejuvenate the mind

*The list could continue but for me, these are my top pixx (picks) on how to relax and unwind. What do you do to relax? What do you wish you did to relax? Let me know I am always up for trying new things:)

PS–Isn’t this the cutest? My husband knows how to get him and our two toddlers to relax! I need his skills:)

IMG_2776

Lifestyle

Pick #15

So, I may sound a little “Late-to-the-party” since Valentine’s Day has passed…but this post is all about love and relationships.

Let’s be honest, “relationships” is a great topic all year round not just on February 14th. Love and relationships take a lot of hard work and diligence… so there’s my justification… this may be an ongoing topic that comes up here on the blog.  🙂

hearts

I have some pixx — my favorite things to discuss — but I figured I would fill you in with my two cents on my experience with love and relationships.

First, you should know I am a religious person. I believe everyone has a way to deal with challenges or trials.  Some people turn to meditation, others to research and learning about the issue or problem they are dealing with, some choose to hike mountains or run marathons to calm their mind, and some turn to religion.  I am in the latter category.  Religion defines me in so many ways and I feel blessed to have a relationship with God.  Knowing this about me helps to explain my experience with love.

For many years, I prayed to God daily to help me find the right man to come into my life.  I loved my job, my family, friends, etc., but the void that was missing in my life was having a partner by my side.  I longed for someone to share my dreams with, and I longed even more to have children.

Keeping this short… we will skip a few details but just know, I was 27 years old and single, sitting at a restaurant with two friends who were both married.  As we were talking, a lady at the table next to us had a baby that could only have been about 8 weeks old.  This mother picked up her baby, put it to her shoulder, and I locked eyes with that little newborn… and my heart melted.  My emotions ran sooo strong to the point that I started crying.  Yep… tears streaming while I was sitting there talking (more so listening) with friends.  I was so taken up in emotion and could not calm it.  So I quickly excused myself and ran to the restroom.

In the restroom, of all places… (luckily I was alone), I said a prayer to my Heavenly Father.  I will tell you this was probably one of the most genuine heart-felt prayers I had offered in my life because I was desperate for peace.  Seeing that tender baby tore me apart inside because I felt that perhaps I would never know what is was like to have my own child… and that thought was devastating.  So, there, in the restaurant bathroom of all places, I prayed to my Heavenly Father to please help me find peace in “the situation I was in.” Or other words, please help me feel peace in life as a single person.

For me, the peace I felt was immediate.  Not all prayers are answered quickly, but I can tell you my uncontrollable emotions came to a pause and I was OK.  At that moment I realized I had changed my prayers and my focus.  Instead of praying every night for a husband and family, I prayed that I could be comforted and content in my single life… and if at all possible, I would love to have a family.  BUT, if single life was what was meant for me… I needed extra comfort and peace to deal with that. Bottom line, I prayed to accept myself for who I was as a person, and as a single person.  My entire life, I felt that I was only important or that I would only be happy if I was married with children.  I realized I had to step back and learn to love myself for who I was no matter if I was married or not.

This process of learning to love yourself in a non-conceeded manner is not only important, it is vital for all relationships.  If you can’t love that person in the mirror, how are you going to love anyone else?

It’s not an easy task to gain self-esteem.  In fact, I consider it a life long task.

Some things that have helped me gain a healthier sense of self are:

  • Positive influences:  People that help you to feel good about yourself is key.
  • Social media breaks or fasts:  I highly recommend having social media breaks or fasts especially if you are struggling with your self-esteem.  We all know that the comparison game is worse when you get online and see how “Wonderful” everyone’s lives are, when in actuality, we all know that NOBODY has the perfect life.  No matter how rich and famous you are… life is not perfect and we can not be fooled by social media.

girl on comp

  • Finding a good hobby/outlet/passion:  I believe everyone needs something to keep their mind busy — to help with all the stress that life deals us.  I turn to my religion in this area, as well as going for walks, reading, music, cooking, etc.  We all need to have the “thing” we look forward to do destress us.  I would highly suggest if you don’t have a healthy hobby, to find one.  Hobbies can be a lifesaver in so many ways.
  • Physical fitness:  Sleeping at least 6-8 hours each night, eating healthy, and working out… this can be a hard one, but oh my goodness it makes a difference! I believe the way we feel physically makes such an impact mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  There is actual scientific evidence in the “natural endorphins” we get from physical activity.  So, even if it’s finding a workout on YouTube, move around a bit and get those endorphins working.

runner

  • Gratitude:  Even if you don’t keep a gratitude journal, just daily verbalizing three things in life that you are grateful for can help you see the positive in life versus the negative.  Gratitude can translate over to you seeing yourself in a positive light verses a negative light.

Yes I finally did find my prince charming after fighting through some crazy single years. I am blessed beyond measure to have my wonderful husband. We learn a lot together and I truly enjoy being his best friend!

I will say I am grateful for what I learned in my years of being single. It taught me a lot about myself and truly helped me understand my own values and beliefs. Single life helped me dig deeper into my religious beliefs and helped me understand what “Faith” truly is. My years of being single provided me with a stronger foundation for our marriage, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

(This picture is a wedding picture of my hubby and I—when we were naive and thought marriage would be a piece of cake:)

Screen Shot 2019-02-16 at 11.05.30 PM

Now for a few of my personal tips for relationships:

  • Minimize Expectations:  We can’t make “expectations” in our relationships with others.  I still struggle in this area and sometimes assume that my husband can read my mind.   Nobody has super powers, so we will get hurt every time we set an expectation that has not been communicated or discussed.
  • No one is Perfect: Although I haven’t been married long,(4.5 years)  I have noticed that it is important if not crucial to realize that  marriage is not perfect.  Marriage is combining two imperfect people and merging two imperfect lives –and that can get messy. However, I believe working through the hard can make marriages stronger. Realizing that no one is perfect, including yourself, creates a sense of humility into the relationship, which is a beneficial quality to have within a marriage.
  • Communication:  It is crucial to work on communication skills in marriage or in any relationship. We have to remember that relationships aren’t blissful with bouquets of roses everyday…that wouldn’t be real. Everybody has ups and downs and working on communicating our feelings and our issues within the relationship is vital.  All in all, I am slowly but surely learning to communicate my wants and needs to my spouse. It’s helpful to “talk things out” and of course LISTEN to what your partner is saying.

There is really so much to add, but simplicity can be key when talking about relationships and love — so I will stop there.

And now to share some of my FAVORITE PIXX for Love and Relationship advice.

#1- Anything by Dr. John Gottman is INCREDIBLE! If you haven’t heard of him, look him up! The reason why Gottman knows his stuff when it comes to love and relationships is because he is an actual researcher on love and relationships. He can predict a divorce with a 90% accuracy rate after years of researching and compiling data. Pretty impressive! There are a list of books I would like to read that Gottman has written. For me, I have listened to a lot of his research  on youtube and it’s very intriguing. Check him out, you won’t be disappointed:

gottman

Dr. John Gottman

#2-One of my favorite wedding gifts we received was the book entitled “His Needs, Her Needs,” by Willard F. Hardley, Jr. This book is a great read. To summarize,it talks about your marriage or relationship as if it’s a bank account—a love bank. Everyday you are doing little things to either add to the love bank, or to take away from the love bank. This book was very insightful to read and one to refer back to again and again.

Click here for a link to the book.

#3- Dr. Liz Hale has some wonderful marriage and relationship advice. I started watching Hale on a morning tv show and found that I looked forward to her weekly appearances. I found Hale’s website and love watching her videos and tips. Liz Hale is very insightful and has an array of helpful ideas to improve your relationships. Something that stood out to me that Dr. Liz Hale mentioned once was that the old saying “Don’t go to bed mad at each other” was actually false. Hale makes a great point in saying that sometimes we need to go to bed mad at each other because we need to think things through, and calm ourselves down before we say things we may regret. I love this little nugget of advice, and you can find more tips like this by going to her website below:

Dr. Liz Hale

Liz-newheadshot

 

#4- Dr. Matt Townsend. This man is a relationship guru as well. If you live here in Utah he puts on some excellent “Date Nights.” A date night with Matt Townsend consist of marriage advice/counseling, mixed with wit and humor. Dr. Townsend has had many years working in marriage counseling and is very talented in what he does. I would highly recommend watching some of Townsend’s videos. Townsend has a website where you can sign up for different courses on marriage, parenting etc. If you haven’t heard of Dr. Townsend…he’s a breath of fresh air and you will enjoy listening to him speak!

Dr. Matt Townsend

 

There are so many great resources and books on love and relationships…please share your favorites, I am always up for learning more on this topic!

Beauty & Skincare

Pick #14 (Appropriate for Valentines February 14th)

When it comes to skin care, this product is one of my favorite picks. I was introduced to Moonvine Organics about 7 years ago and I have been ordering items from them ever since.

Screen Shot 2019-02-11 at 9.35.28 PM

Moonvine Organics has amazing lotions and skin care products. This company uses natural and organic ingredients to create not only wonderful fragrances , but very effective products as well.

The products that I have used the most from Moonvine Organics include the healing heat (Muscle rub), sugar scrub and lotion.

The Healing Heat is a must have. It is only $8 and it works wonders! The healing heat is a muscle rub that can help relieve pain and sore muscles.I actually shared this healing heat with my mom because she has achy knees…and she swears by it now. I enjoy this muscle rub better than icy hot, and the fragrance is great too.

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Click here to view the: Healing Heat 

The sugar scrub is another favorite of mine. I love how my skin feels after– and I absolutely love how wonderful they smell! My favorite fragrance is Winterberry, but you can’t go wrong with any scent. This sugar scrub lasted me surprisingly longer than I expected, I had it for quite a few months.  My feet are exceptionally dry and the sugar scrub helped to exfoliate my dry skin and make my feet feel smooth and healthy again.

Screen Shot 2019-02-11 at 9.38.58 PM

Click here for Sugar Scrub details: Sugar Scrub

And last but not least, Moonvine Organics sells some wonderful lotions. I have used all the fragrances except for “baby bloom” and actually want to try this one next. I read a review on the Moonvine Organics page that a woman used “Baby bloom” lotion for her young infant and her baby’s eczema cleared right up. Whenever I get a new baby in my home I will make sure and stock up on the baby bloom lotion because my little ones always have sensitive skin.

Moonvine Organics Lotion

Another thing I have really liked about the Moonvine lotions is that they aren’t over oily, but they make your skin feel silky and smooth. Knowing that they are all natural and organic products is another plus!  Moonvine products are not only natural and organic, but they are also vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher. How many lotions can say that right?!

lotion

Another product that I have coming in my mail this week is the dreamy, creamy Whipped Body Butter. I live in a very dry state, so besides it being winter time, my hands are very dry at this point and I am hoping this body butter can get my cracked hands smooth and feeling silky and soft again. I am sure I will follow up on this particular skincare line, because as I mentioned…it’s a favorite!

Click here for Body Butter info: Body Butter

If you are in Utah, Moonvine Organics has products in the following stores:

*Herbs For Health in West Jordan

*Herbs For Health in Ogden

*The Utah Coop in Murray

*And every spring through fall at Kuwahara Wholesale Farmers Market in Sandy

And of course if you’re out of state you can order online: Moonvine Organics

Moonvine Organics is not only a great, all-natural skin-care line, but they are affordable and easy to work with. I have had questions about the products in the past and the company was quick to get back to me, and even sent me some samples.

So if you are looking for a great gift, or just want to take care of your own skin…I would highly recommend using Moonvine Organics for all your skincare needs:)

Miscellaneous, Uncategorized

Pick #13

Facebook Support Groups

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So why are Facebook support groups one of my favorite things? Because it is just that…support!  We all have our ups and downs in life, and through them all we need support. But when we are struggling we when need A LOT of support right?

It’s interesting because I came across the facebook support groups last year (2018) when my son was diagnosed with a condition called PFAPA (Periodic Fever Syndrome). Basically, my little 2 year old boy was getting high fevers (always 105 degrees) every single month. These fevers were like clockwork where they would come every 4 weeks on the dot. My little boy went through a lot of testing, blood-work, screening…and it was gut-wrenching for me and my husband to watch. Once we finally got my son diagnosed by a rheumatology specialist, I had a friend suggest a support group on facebook for parents that also had children suffering from PFAPA.  So– I joined the online support group. It was very simple, I typed in PFAPA support group, there were different groups that came up that I could choose from, I had to answer a few questions —and then I was part of the group.

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After I joined the PFAPA support group, it was such a relief to meet other parents who were dealing with their children going through the same symptoms as my little boy. Our support group was and is constantly encouraging each other, providing tips that may help with symptoms, and offering advice and uplifting encouragement. Overall, it was just nice for me to know that we weren’t alone in dealing with our sons condition. Since my sons condition is quite rare, I hadn’t met anyone personally who was dealing with the same issues until the facebook support group.

After joining a facebook support group for my sons health condition, I started researching and found that facebook has many support groups. The groups range from all types of health issues, skin problems, divorce, addiction, infertility… and the list goes on.

Facebook support groups may not be for everyone. Some people like to keep their issues more private and may prefer a different route since you are making your issue public.  But, for those who are feeling like they need extra resources to reach out to for support—I highly suggest looking to facebook for this. And the best part..it’s free!  It’s kind of like a free therapy session online:)

Having some encouragement and support at your fingertips can be a blessing when you don’t have anywhere else to turn.

Hopefully this post can resonate with someone, or help somebody find the encouragement and love they need. Support groups don’t shame people in anyway, they are there to lift people up and strengthen them. 

Good luck and keep pushing through!

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Food

Pick #12

My pick for all things Jalapeño flavored !

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I love spicy foods, especially jalapeño flavoring! When I am expecting or nursing a baby I have to go without these foods…and it makes me crave them even more!

Lately I have been on a jalapeño frito kick so I thought I would share all my fun jalapeño finds. Keep a glass of water–or milk close…your mouth may need it:)

#1- The Jalapeño Popper Sandwich Melt from MeltyWay. Delicious! The MeltyWay is located only in Utah right now, however…when reading on their website they are looking to expand. I actually want to try cooking this sandwich myself. The sandwich was toasted, with jalapeño slices, cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Let’s just say I didn’t order a big enough drink …but it was totally worth it.

Click for the meltyway website

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#2- Jalapeño flavored Fritos.  I just recently tried these chips and they are tasty! These chips aren’t quite as spicy as you may think, so if you are nervous about the spiciness– these chips would be a good to start. Enjoy!

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#3-Jalapeno flavored Cheetos. I mentioned that I can’t eat much spice when I’m pregnant…well I was introduced to these cheetos when I was pregnant and it was rough! I had a major craving for these so you better believe when I could finally eat them, they were constantly on my grocery list. Try them if you haven’t they are divine!

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#4 Jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon.  Did I mention this post may not be the healthiest? But, if you are going low carb these appetizers would work great and taste great. All you need is jalapeño, cream cheese and bacon. I will link the recipe below. This is a favorite appetizer in our home. Just remember to wear gloves while de-seeding the jalapeño!

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Jalapeno poppers recipe

#5 Jalapeño flavored jerky from “Rays Jerky.” How did I miss jalepeno flavored jerky until now?? I recently tried Rays Jerky and I devoured the jalepeno flavored jerky. The nice part…low carb, but tasty! I may or may not have saved any jerky for my husband…so I need to order some online so he can try it too. I may order 2 bags this time:)

Rays Jerky

 

TIP***When needing to cool down your mouth from the spicy jalapeño flavor, grab some milk instead of water. The dairy neutralizes the spice and helps cool down your mouth.

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Health benefits to Jalapeno?

There are many researchers finding health benefits from eating jalapeños. Some of the health benefits mention that jalapeños can boost metabolism, help with pain relief, and infections. To read more about this click below:

Jalapeno Health benefits

 

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What’s your favorite jalapeño dish?

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Pick #11

Peppermint Oil for migraines or headaches….

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A few years back I had a friend ask if I could tend her kids for a bit, I told her I could barely take care of my own because I had such a bad migraine. Nothing was kicking that particular migraine and I was pretty miserable. This friend suggested I get some peppermint oil and rub it on my temples as well as the back of the neck. I was up for any recommendation at this point, so I tried it and to my surprise there was some relief!

For me, the peppermint oil did not get rid of the migraine completely, but it was more bearable and it helped me get through the day. After reading up on this remedy it mentions that peppermint has a calming and numbing affect on the body–which is why it can be helpful with headaches and migraines.

I think for me personally, it’s always nice to find a natural remedy for headaches and migraines because there are times when my migraines are so bad that I get wondering how my stomach is handling the pills I’m taking to fight off the migraine pain.

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Although peppermint oil may not be a cure to headache and migraine relief—I feel that any relief at all is something to talk about right?

I will add that if you use peppermint oil make sure it’s diluted in water–I have a rollerball of peppermint oil which is already diluted so it’s very easy to roll onto my temples and neck.

Hopefully this little blurb on peppermint oil can provide some relief to migraine/headache sufferers out there….and as always, I am up for any other suggestions. What else do you do to relieve migraine/headache pain?

Food

Pick #10

The Tasty app

Anyone up for an app that helps with cooking? This app will do just that. I have been using this app for over a year now and I love it!

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The tasty app is free and as of now it works on iPhones and Androids. Features I really enjoy are:

  • The videos are very helpful with step-by-step instructions
  • You can save the videos you like (just click the heart)
  • There is a great variety of food (even gluten free and vegan).

I really enjoy watching these videos, to be honest I always get hungry after watching them so just know I warned you;)

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I hope this app can benefit you and your family. And just an idea...this may be a fun way to have your kids help you choose what to make for dinner—and maybe the entire family will enjoy helping you cook. Wouldn’t that be nice?!

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Pick #9

Delicious Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!

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Eating gluten free can be a challenge. I have had celiacs since 2008, so I have been eating gluten free for 11 years now. Let’s just say…food has gotten MUCH better. I love that people are more aware of celiacs disease and WHY people have to eat gluten free. I also love that more companies are creating new products that are gluten free and taste delicious.

I remember one month after I was on my FOREVER changed gluten free diet,  I bought an expensive gluten-free cookie. I couldn’t wait to try this cookie, but when I bit into it, it tasted like saw-dust…literally! And this is the pathetic part…I cried! It was more than a disappointment, I was overwhelmed with my new diet challenge and I had my hopes up thinking this cookie would finally taste familiar or at least like I remembered ….and it didn’t.

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My journey after this “saw-dust” experience was learning how to cook gluten free while figuring out how to keep it tasting delicious. This has not been an easy journey. I feel that baking gluten-free is harder than regular cooking, because the consistency is different. Often times without the flour– cakes and cookies tend to crumble or taste “chalky.” However, I have found a few tips and tricks over the years and these cookies were tasty! My son kept asking for more, and it made me happy to know that FINALLY I could create a gluten free cookie that didn’t have an awful texture OR didn’t crumble all over the counter. (It only took me 11 years:) T

screenshot2019-01-31at3.13.09pm** TIP
(This is the gluten-free flour blend I used–we get it at Costco) 

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**Another Tip
*(When cooking gluten free xanthum gum is a must to hold the cookie together properly instead of crumbling everywhere. This is the brand of xanthum gum I use). 

This recipe is a break off of my mothers cookie recipe, I loved when my mom made these cookies growing up and I can tell you these cookies didn’t last long in our household.

Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla 
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp xanthum gum
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour
  • 1 1/2 cups quick oats 
  • 1-2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

2. Combine all ingredients (except chocolate) in mixer. Use low speed and scrape down the sides 2-3 times. Mix for about 10 minutes making sure all ingredients combine. Add chocolate chips.

3.Shape 1/4 cup dough into a ball and place on cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. 

Enjoy!

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