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  • Keep Mice out!

    Keep Mice out!

    *This post is sponsored by Fresh Cab. All opinions are my own*
     
    There once was a grasshopper who didn’t save food for the winter. When the cold weather set in, he looked to the ants for food and shelter. 
     

    What does that have to do with mice you may ask?  Well, the weather is getting colder, and the mice of the world are looking for someplace warm to hole up for the winter. They will find the holes in your walls, vents, and any other way to get into your house, and storage and make their nest. Mice are NOT FUN!  I kid you not, I have had my fair share plus some, of mice in the house.

    Our first experience was when a mouse died under our fridge. We didn’t know, and it brought ants. Lots of ants. The more I tried to get rid of them, the worse they became (including sprouting wings) until we finally found the mouse. YUCK!

    Last fall we were renting a house next to a huge overgrown field. One morning I woke up and found our cereal boxes chewed through and droppings all over the top of the fridge. From there they escalated. I was still nursing Prince L at the time, with frequent late night feedings.  As I would sit there feeding Lincoln, I could hear the mice scurrying around the walls, and even watched some leap over boxes and come way too close to my feet for comfort.

    One day I was relaxing on the floor with the Princesses during some quiet time, and I literally played peek-a-boo with a mouse around one of the walls. He’d poke his head out, I’d stare daggers and laser-beams – he would duck his head back around, then pop it out again.

    This year I am not taking any chances! We have a storage shed on site, and are renting a storage unit as well while trying to purge our things and fit into 1300sq feet. We have kids clothes stored, my fabric stash, and all our holiday decorations and books. I really don’t want these things to be ruined so I’m taking some precautions, including putting everything into plastic bins, and then using Fresh Cab to detract mice from coming in.

    I am really enjoying the Fresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellent. It is completely safe to use around kids and animals. Made out of all natural fibers and oils, Fresh Cab repels mice simply by scent.

    The mixture containing Balsam Fir smells so amazing! It’s like walking into a forest. the Balsam Fir is a natural pesticide, which keeps the mice out. Once you can no longer smell the the fragrance, you know it’s time to change the pouch.

    I’ve been using Fresh Cab for about a month now in our storage shed, and have not seen any traces of mice. I hope this keeps up all winter. I’d be happy if I never saw a mouse again.

    What do you do to keep mice out?
  • Motherhood Matters {Book Review}

    Motherhood Matters {Book Review}

     
    About the Book

    Motherhood is a divine calling—but it may not always feel that way. Now you can show the women in your life how much they matter to you, with this delightful and heartwarming volume of wit and wisdom about the divinity, reality, and rewards of motherhood. Fresher than flowers and sweeter than chocolate, it’s a perfect gift for the women who give so much.

    In these hectic days where life’s demands can quickly become a heavy burden, Motherhood Matters helps you find more memorable moments and take the stress out of the to-do lists. Written with clarity, concision, and wit, this short, yet indispensable handbook is better than flowers, more guilt-free than chocolate, and gives back to the woman who sacrifices so much of herself every single day.

     

    BUY THE BOOK





     

    About the Author

    Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL “Motherhood Matters.” She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

     
    CONNECT
    Website * Facebook
     
    My Thoughts

    Mothers Day is coming!  Are you ready for it? Have you found that perfect gift to tell Mom how much you truly appreciate her?
     
    I received an e-copy of Motherhood Matters by Connie Sokol in order to share my review here.  True to any good small inspirational book, Motherhood Matters is full of inspiring tales and words of wisdom.  I was expecting to feel a nice little uplifting as I read this book, but I got so much more. I was reminded that what I do as a Mom does matter, and it matters so much more than I often give myself credit for. Connie helped show how even on those not so good days, we can still find joy and hope in the journey. 
     
     
  • Counting, but not Calories: The 80 Bites Diet

    Counting, but not Calories: The 80 Bites Diet

    So I finally did it, I decided to diet.

    I’ve never been a fan of dieting. Counting calories and giving up my favorite foods, just have not been things I wanted to do. So I didn’t. Well, I guess I did a couple years ago when I gave up sugar, but I found a lot of yummy sugar-free foods during that time too. I was asked to test out 80Bites, all opinions are my honest thoughts. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click on and purchase from them.

    Trying to lose weight, but hate counting calories? Try the 80Bites diet. ad

    Anyways – back to this new diet I’m trying out. First off, why? Well because I really needed to lose some weight. Since Lincoln was born I haven’t done much to get back in shape. I had these grand plans of running and eating lots of veggies. The veggies have worked out great, but the running not so much. I find I don’t have a lot of time with 4 kids underfoot, and a husband whose schedule is ever changing.

    Basically, it didn’t matter how healthy I was eating at this point, I wasn’t losing any more weight. I hit a plateau, and it wasn’t changing anytime soon. So what happened next? I stopped eating healthy. I gave in to my sweet tooth. Exchanged water for more milk and juices. Went without some meals, in favor of quick and unhealthy snacking throughout the day.

    Something had to change!

    Then I found 80 Bites. Ha, that totally just sounded like an advertisement didn’t it…ok maybe it is…but really I did find it at the right time for me.

    So how does it work? Well, instead of counting calories, 80 Bites has you count the bites you take. Cool right? I mean, counting your bites is pretty easy. You don’t give up your favorite foods, you don’t change anything actually, except for how much you take in.

     
    I think we’ve all heard it before, but it really is about portion control. Too much of anything, including food, isn’t good for us. 
     
    I started this “Diet” at the beginning of the week. The program lasts 12 weeks and is separated into 4 themes. Each lasting 3 weeks – because as they say (who is they anyway?) it takes 21 days to create a habit.  Each week in the program new information is provided to you with tasks to complete. Week 1 is all about getting started and observing your regular eating patterns.
     
    I really love how simple 80 Bites is to follow. They don’t overwhelm you (a big turn off for me from other diet plans), and they keep it fun.
    The 80 Bites program was developed by Joan Breibart, creator of the first Pilates Certificate program (I LOVE PILATES!!!), and Meredith Luce, dietician for 30+ years!  If that doesn’t qualify for a great diet plan, I don’t know what does.
     
    Once you’ve joined the program, you’ll want to download the App.  The app helps keep track of how much you eat, plus it’s cute to boot! Is it weird I find a talking stomach cute? The program is 100% FREE! 
     
     

    Week 1 Take Aways from 80 Bites

     
    How Many Bites did I take?
    – Well, I’m still trying to remember to count my bites. It may take a bit, but I’m getting better at remembering.
     
    Do you feel deprived?
    – Nope. I’ve even enjoyed some brownies
     
    Weight at the beginning of the week?
    – 165 (that’s right I’m telling the world my weight!)
     
    Weight today?
    – 162 (note, these are my results only, everyone will be different. This includes a dose of exercise in addition to just observing what I eat.)
     
    Has it motivated you?
    – YES! On top of just being excited about this diet, I decided I really was going to start running again. So last night, I grabbed my 4-year-old, and we took a run after dinner. It felt so good, despite being a slow jog and the amazing back pain I woke up with. 
     


  • Ec-o-nom-ics by Kersten L. Kelly {Book Review}

    Ec-o-nom-ics:
    A simple twist on normalcy
    By Kersten L. Kelly
     
    About the Book: Professional football players, corporate tobacco advertisers, volatile gasoline prices, and the Cold War all share an undetected commonality each is an intrinsic part of economics. Though not obvious to the naked eye, each entity shares a pattern with the others. This book helps to shed light on these mutual characteristics. It is an extensive compilation of theories interpreted using supportive examples. Economics is an enthralling science that encompasses our actions, thoughts, and emotional rationality every day in the unconscious. This book dissects economic theory into bite-size, entertaining snippets that anyone can understand and apply to their routines. It is a compelling depiction of history, pop culture, and social movements intertwined with relevant economic trends. Economics is part of daily life, and this book challenges readers to question how and why people make decisions by adding a simple twist on normalcy.

     

     

    About the Author: 

    Kersten L. Kelly is a self-published author of narrative non-fiction and semi-fiction books. She grew up in Munster, Indiana, and currently works in a sales role based out of Chicago, Illinois. She started writing at an early age and graduated from Indiana University with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Communication & Culture. She then went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She has a passion for learning, teaching, and writing as well as international travel in her spare time. This book is her first piece of published work.

     
    My Thoughts:
    This is a book worth reading. Although at first I couldn’t relate very well to the examples (football games and cigarette marketing), eventually there were some situations discussed I could relate to. That’s what ec-o-nom-ics is all about. Setting out real life examples to help everyone understand the theory of economics.
    I think at this time in our country it is very important for us all to understand how the economy works. We’re always hearing how the economy is bad, but how many of us truly understand what that means, and how we can make it better?  Kersten helped me see the theory of economics in my daily life.  I remember taking economics in college, and having everyone tell me good luck; as if economics was the class of everyone dreaded taking, but had to, because they didn’t understand it. I went in to that class worried it would be tough. It turned out to be one of my more enjoyable classes, because I actually understood it. Sadly, after that class I didn’t continue to pursue learning about economics. I was really glad to be able to read Ec-o-nom-ics.
    I really enjoyed the last chapter “Why Does Comparing 3 Goods Change Perspective?”.  Just after reading this chapter, Mark and I drove down to find a house near his new job (yay, he got a job!).  While Mark was in the area interviewing, he found a house he fell in love with. So of course I had to check it out, and I wanted some perspective with other homes in the area. We got a realtor to show us some homes within our parameters.  We saw 2 that “fit us”. After this realtor took us around (who by the way looked and sounded just like Don Knots!!), Mark took me out to the home he had found. It was a sold by owner home.  Here is a little set up I did, with comparisons similar to what Kersten shows in her book.

      House 1 House 2 House 3
    sq feet 4000 + 2000+ 2000+
    Price 115000 120000 120000
    Parking On Street 1 car garage 3 car garage

     

     
    We went with house 3. Why? Well the parking was a big deal. House 1 had absolutely no where to park. So even though the square footage was amazing for the price, we really needed a place to park. House 2 had some parking, but for the same amount we were able to get triple the parking! 
     
    To learn more about the book you can visit the website http://theeconomicsbook.com/
     
  • doTERRA essential oils

    doTERRA essential oils

    I was sent some doTERRA essential oils. 
    I’ve never really used essential oils before, and I was excited to try these out. I hear my friends talking about them, and all the different ways they use them, and kept thinking to myself I should try these out.  So when Angela contacted me to see if she could send me some samples, I was thrilled!  I left what she sent me up to her, because I didn’t know what I would end up using or not.
    I received lemon, peppermint, and lavender singles. Also balance and slim and sassy blends.

    Lemon. I really love lemon water, but I don’t really like cutting them up, or squeezing the juice into my water.  I quickly learned that just one drop of lemon essential oils in a cup of water is plenty.  Did you know that a cup of warm water with lemon juice helps keep swelling in your feet during pregnancy away?  I did, and I know it works too. Whenever my feet have started to swell I drink a cup of lemon water.

    Lavender is one of my favorite smells. I’ve been adding a drop to my humidifier, and just love the scent it sends through the house.  It really helped the other day when our fireplace decided to smoke us out of the home. Lavendar is also a natural calmer. Princess R has been having some night terrors recently, so I’m going to stick the humidifier in her room tonight with the lavendar. We’ll see if that helps any.

    Peppermint works as a digestive aid. I have not yet tried this one, but Princess R has also been having some constipation again. I think I’ll dry rubbing some on her tummy, to see if it will help get things moving again.

    Balance.  I am in love with this one!!!  This is a blend of spruce, rosewood, frankincense and blue tansy. It is to promote tranquility and a sense of balance. Plus the smell is just wonderful.  I put a little of this in the humidifier this morning to help me be at peace while I took on the closet of handed down girls clothes. It also helped me attempt calmness when I discovered the liquid dish soap dumped all over the basement floor (tips to come on how to clean THAT up!).

    Slim and Sassy.  This one I have purposely not used yet. I’m saving it for after baby comes!  Slim and Sassy is a metabolic blend to help curb appetite between meals.

    *product was provided to me at no cost. All opinions are my own.