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Category: Self Care

Connect to Nature with Black Dinah Chocolatiers

This conversation is sponsored by Black Dinah Chocolatiers. All opinions are my own.

There is a beauty in nature that brings out my inner child. We all need a place and time to escape the stresses of our world. I find that solace in nature and chocolate.

Growing up in New England, I was blessed with some of the most beautiful sights during the fall. It wasn’t just fall, though, with it’s changing colors. No, I was fortunate to live in the middle of 50 acres of forest that afforded me the luxury of finding peace away from my troubles whenever I needed it.

Our house sat atop a hill overlooking a lake. At least, it would have overlooked the lake if the trees weren’t in the way. I’d say I spent 90% of my early childhood outdoors. We built trails, cleared campsites, and played some amazing games of capture the flag with the creek our borders, right outside our front door.

The moments that truly stick out to me, are the ones I spent alone in those woods. Days my older brothers were annoying. When my BFF and I would fight. When I just needed to get away from the house. I would take off into the woods. I found so much solace in the midst of ferns, birches, and pine. I can still smell the vibrant flavors of the forest.

When we moved to Indiana, one of the first places I discovered was this pretty little walking park. In the middle of the city, it had all the makings of my childhood home – forest, creek, dirt trails. I love taking my kids to this trail to go walk around, skip rocks across the creek, and play on the bridge. I want them to find peace in nature as I did. Life can get overwhelming at times, but we can always head out to nature and leave the world of people behind – if just for an afternoon.

This last weekend we took some chocolate from Black Dinah Chocolatiers on our foray to the forest. I really couldn’t think of a better combination to escape the harsh world than a trip to nature with a box of some of the finest chocolates I’ve ever tasted.

Black Dinah Chocolatiers are handmade with fresh cream and butter from local farms. They buy or trade for the herbs and flowers with locals at farmers markets in Maine. They state “We know you can taste the difference”, and it’s true.

The Lavender is absolutely amazing. As we all took a bite into our delicious chocolate, I could taste the local ingredients and feel almost transported home. The kids were in love too. I doubt they’ve ever tasted chocolate as fine as Black Dinah.

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October 17, 2017
Steps to Have a Productive Morning

The sun is up, you drag yourself out of bed and realize you’ve wasted half your morning. It’s time to take a step back and start your mornings different. Here you will find 4 easy to follow steps to have a productive morning. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click on and make a purchase.

I used to have a productive morning all the time. I have facebook statuses listing the myriad of household chores I got done all before 9 AM”! It seems the more kids I had and the more things I added to my plate, the less productive I became.

I’m on a mission, yes even with a newborn, to get my productive mornings back. If I’m ever going to feel caught up and ahead of the game, it needs to start in the morning. Follow these steps and you can have a productive morning more frequently than not.

1. Resolve to Just Do It

I often told myself I would be more productive. I would get more done – tomorrow. Today was just too exhausting thinking about it. When you truly resolve to do something you stop putting it off until tomorrow.

Don't do tomorrow what you can do today. Share on X

2. Make a List

I was never really a fan of lists. Perhaps they reminded me of the list of chores my Mom would make for us as kids. They tied me down, kept me from exploring spontaneity.
Here’s the deal. Not having a list of the things that need to get done will keep you scrambling to remember everything. When you scramble, forget and get behind you become more tied down and less spontaneous than a list could ever make you. I know – I’ve tried this method for the last 10 years. With a list in hand, you can get back to spontaneous activities in the free time you’ve opened up.

3. Give Yourself Time

You will mess up. Something will be put off until tomorrow and you will think you failed. However, you have only failed if you don’t try again. Go back to number 1. Make a new resolve, and do it all again. You can succeed at this!

4. Treat Yourself

Verbally or materialistically. Give yourself some kudos for a job well done, no matter how much you packed into your morning. Did you get that laundry list of household chores done by 10 AM? Pat yourself on the back. You could also take 30 minutes and do something fun you enjoy. Maybe you’ll be a rebel and have ice cream for lunch. Tell yourself you are amazing and own it.

For non-morning people, this will take some time to learn and practice. Having a productive morning is not the easiest thing to implement, but with a resolve and patience, you too can have productive mornings.

August 2, 2017
Tips to Avoid the Drama of a Cold

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All opinions are my honest thoughts. I am not a healthcare professional. Medical advice should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

In a house where the girls outnumber the boys, we often hear comments about the amount of drama we must have in our home. Truth is, we do have a lot of drama, but isn’t life full of it? The last thing I need is to have added drama due to a cold or allergies.

The last time I got sick, I realized how very much I can relate to the “man cold”. I’m pretty sure my attitude is worse than Mark’s by far. I whine and complain and generally act like I’m dying until I get any sort of relief.

Despite being sick, I still have places to be and work to get done. The kids still need me to be their mom, so I can’t just put life on hold when sickness hits. From grocery shopping to track meets, I seem to always be adding one more thing to my to-do list. So when the allergies hit, as they have this week with the trees in full bloom, I need to find ways to stay on top of my A-game.

Take Medication

The first thing to do when the allergies hit is take medication. Advil® Cold and Sinus is the #1 pharmacist recommended brand. It’s so good when you pick it up from your local pharmacy you’ll need to ask for it behind the counter – make sure you have your photo ID with you. There’s nothing worse than going to the store and not being able to pick up the medication that will make you feel human again. A combination of Advil and a nasal decongestant it’s made to take care of the worst symptoms. You know, the ones that cause all the drama to begin with – headaches and congestion.

Make A List

I make lists in my head all the time. In fact, it’s a running list, and it’s always being added to. However, when the congestion starts to build, my mind goes into a fog, and I can’t remember a darn thing I need to do. Missing appointments and deadlines once again adds drama to our life that we just don’t need. Grab a cute magnetic notepad while picking up your Advil®, and start making your list. The magnetic part is important because otherwise, you might forget where you put the list after it’s been made. At least, that’s been my problem.

Let It Go

Easier said than done, but Momma’s just let it go. I give you full permission to let go of every unnecessary thing in your life. Paper plates for dinner? Go for it. Take Out? Bring it on! Kids arguing? Let them argue, and let go of whatever it is (unless it’s truly harmful) because you just don’t need that drama while sick! Of course, if you have amazing wonderful children they won’t take advantage of your sick days and will try to be helpful instead…we can dream.

Boost Your Vitamins

Finally, look into some natural remedies for feeling better. When I start feeling the symptoms of a cold – that itchy throat feeling especially – I whip up a batch of my Vitamin C Boost. It’s the best thing ever, I promise! My sister in law calls it the “Magic Tang Drink”, and recently texted me for the recipe again as her kids were showing signs of getting sick.

Being sick is the pits, but it doesn’t have to come with added drama. How do you keep the drama of a cold from ruining your day?

April 18, 2017
The Power of a Smile

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Colgate-Palmolive. All opinions are mine alone. #OpticSmiles #CollectiveBias.

Have you ever noticed how one person’s smile can change your day? It could be from your neighbor, your friend, your children, your mother to the cashier, waitress, or mailman. Smiles are truly powerful little muscles on our face.

A smile can say many many things, but here are 4 powerful messages I read in a person’s smile.

LOVE

When someone smiles at me, I feel loved. To me a smile is like giving a hug. We can’t go around hugging everyone that needs one (though you would be awesome in my book if you did), but we can give smiles out freely.

STRENGTH

A smile gives someone strength. We have this greeter at Walmart who always welcomes us with a smile and stickers and suckers for the kids. His smile gets me through the store in one piece, especially when I’ve got all the kids tagging along.

COURAGE

Smile’s are often given out, but by giving yourself a smile. Working those muscles out for you, you giving yourself courage. There’s the phrase “grin and bear it”, which tells us exactly this.

SAFETY

A smile from a loved one, reminds me that I’m safe with them. I can talk to them and be myself. When you give a smile, you let someone know they can feel safe around you.

See, I told you smiles are powerful! Sometimes though, we may not want to open up because we’re embarrassed. We may feel our smile judged like Yzma’s was by Kuzco. By nature humans have a tendency to judge, and the last thing we want is our powerful smiles to be in this spotlight. I took Colgate® Optic White® Express White toothpaste for a test drive, and WOW! With 2x more whitening power (vs Optic White® Sparkling Mint® TP), I was blown away with the results.

Whose teeth are these?! As you can see, I don’t have the straightest teeth in the world, but I came to terms with that a long time ago. The yellow however, often had me closing my mouth, too scared I would offend instead of uplift.

I know the power of smiles, so it’s time we use that! I printed out some of those SMILE cards above, and we headed back to Walmart to spread some love. Princess R helped me, and we left some smiles around for other customers to find. We started of course with our greeter, and ended sharing more than just smiles with some kids in need.

After Walmart we headed out to give one more smile to someone unexpectedly. Mark eats a lot of microwave noodles for lunch, and sometimes it’s soda and a poptart. We sent a quick text “Are you busy? Do you want a sandwich? We’re Outside!” He ran out to meet us with a big grin, and we reciprocated with a smile, a card, a sandwich and an apple.

Spur of the moment world changing power going on right there folks! Honestly I really should be better at sending him with lunch…we’re working on that.

Next time you’re at Walmart, spread some smiles, and pick up your own bottle of Colgate® Optic White® Express White. On 2/28 select stores will have roaming demo’s and $1 Off coupons – see if your store is on the list.

How will you change the world with a smile today?

February 25, 2015
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

February 21 to February 27 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

I’m pleased to welcome Samantha Hope to the blog today to share her experience and why she is involved with Project HEAL

Eating Disorders don’t just affect young girls. There is such a lack of understanding when it comes to eating disorders. Eating Disorders come in all shapes, sizes, genders, and ages. There is no “cookie cutter” eating disorder as I am sure some have heard the saying before. This is where my story comes in. I was 33 years old, married with 4 kids when this dreaded illness took me over. Yes…an eating disorder is an illness. Another thing that is misunderstood. Someone does not wake up one day and say I think I am going to have an eating disorder. Eating disorders aren’t just about weight either.

I grew up as an only child and was raised by my Mom as my Dad passed away from cancer when I was just 10 months old. I had a good upbringing, no trauma. I was loved and cared for. Growing up, I was happy with myself for the most part. I was shy and did have a low self-esteem, but nothing that was out of the 0rdinary. In July of 2008, I had a hysterectomy. Shortly after my recovery came to an end I ended up getting sick. It took months to finally figure out what was going on and to realize that what started with an
illness quickly turned into an eating disorder. After searching and searching, I came across the Center for Change. I was able to see a therapist and a dietitian as I tried to work on things outpatient, as I did not think there was a way for me to do a higher level of care. Well after a year of that and not much progress I entered the day program. I spent 6 months visiting the Center daily Monday – Friday’s. When I discharged was I recovered??? No. Was I on my way to recovery??? Yes.


Being a Mother and a Wife that has suffered from an eating disorder I want to reach out to other women and help them. I want them to know they are not alone in the battle. There is help no matter how old you are, how long or short you have struggled. I want them to know that recovery is possible. That is why when I heard about Project HEAL I knew I wanted to be involved. I saw that a Project HEAL – Utah Chapter was just created and I became the Co-Founder. I love speaking out on this issue and my heart breaks for all those that have been affected by an eating disorder. I have also returned to school so I can get my degree and help those suffering more in depth than what I can, working with Project HEAL.


I do want parents that are suffering to understand how their actions are affecting their children. Children are smart and they pick up on what we do and don’t do, what we say and don’t say. You may think you are being secretive but in reality, you are causing damage to yourself as well as to your children. Please again know that you are not alone, please reach out for help. Eating disorders have such a stigma and are so misunderstood. I have
chosen to speak out to help people to understand more about them and I hope to be a positive influence to even just that one person. If I can be an example and help one person it will make everything I do worth it.

My name is Samantha Hope. I was born and raised in California and moved to Utah when I was 19. Shortly after moving here, I met my husband and we got married in Dec of 1995. We currently live in Spring City, Utah. We have 4 kids, 3 boys, and 1 girl. I am currently taking online classes through Utah State University and will graduate in April with my Associates than I plan to get my Bachelors in Family Life Studies and Masters in Social Work. I want to be able to help those that are
struggling in Sanpete County as there is nothing here to help those struggling. As well as being the Co-Founder of the Project HEAL – Utah Chapter. I am also a Pink Zebra Independent Consultant. I lead a busy full life and I love every minute of it.

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Get help for yourself or a loved one

National Eating Disorder Association HelpLine

February 25, 2014
How I overcame my Nail Biting habit with Jamberry

*This post contains an affiliate links, and I will be compensated when you click through and make a purchase.*

Confession time – I bite my nails. It’s been a habit since I was a kid. One I would love to kick, but have struggled on and off with for my whole life. I know I’m not the only one, though. If you struggle with nail biting and are looking for a solution, perhaps these suggestions can help.

I’ve tried many different solutions over the years. Some have been a temporary fix, while others lasted longer. Every person will be different, though, so try them all until you find one that sticks.

Jamberry Nails

I’d heard of Jamberry and thought they sounded fun and trendy. I was really worried that I’d just bite them off though. So my friend Jenn and I got together at a frozen yogurt place, and she showed me how they worked. I told her my concern about the nail biting problem I have. She then told me she use to bite her nails as well, but the Jamberry shields have helped her stop.

I was still skeptical, but I was desperate to try anything before my kids took up the habit out of sheer example.

What was the difference? Jamberry nail shields are not something you paint on. They remind me a lot of vinyl wall stickers, but for your fingers, and with better sticking power. I’d say Jamberry Nails are a long term solution IF you continue to wear them daily.

Bad Taste

Another common solution for nail biters is to paint them with something that tastes bad. There are many products out there that do this, like Thum. For me, it has never helped. My nail biting habit is so ingrained, and so much a part of me, that the bad taste is overlooked. I do think these products will help little kids who are just starting to bite. Even just painting the nails with fingernail polish could be enough of a turn off in the early years.

Wear Gloves

If you wore gloves every day for the rest of your life you would never be able to bite your nails again. That’s not terribly practical of course, but it would work. Instead, if you keep some gloves on hand and find yourself biting your nails, try slipping those precious fingers into a stylish glove to curb the urge. I find I bite when I’m bored, so places like the car are optimal to keep a pair of gloves. Sitting in traffic or carpool…just slip the gloves on.

Manicures

I find if my nails are done professionally than I am less likely to gnaw them off. Having pretty fingers is a visual motivator for me. Unfortunately, it’s also an expensive one that I am not willing to pay for as frequently as I would need them done to keep from biting. If it fits your budget and motivates you to stop biting, definitely give it a try. Every girl deserves a manicure at least periodically right?

Find Your Triggers

The biggest key to stopping any bad habit is to figure out what is triggering them. Mine I’ve concluded come from different things. If I’m extremely stressed or anxious about something, I will start biting. There are periods of about a full year where I’ve left my fingers alone. All it takes is one stressful event to bring the habit back to full swing.

Once I start biting again, it becomes extremely difficult to stop again. The big stress may have started the biting, but it’s the daily annoyances, anxieties, and even boredom that keep the habit going. This is a hard one for me to change because these events are often out of my control. Instead, I need to find a way to cope better. It starts with being concious of the nail biting.

July 24, 2013
What Makes You Happy

When you are having a rough time, it’s nice to remember the things that make you happy. Some call it the silver lining, some call it attitude, or even therapy. I call it good for the soul.

You may also enjoy this article: Happiness

I had a pretty rough night last night. Mark was so kind and let me sleep in. After finally waking up, and taking a shower, I started to think about all the things I love that make me happy. Here is a short list for you.

Cute Kids Clothing – and the kids wearing them of course. When kids are little, getting to pick out their clothes, and make sure they match is so fun. I especially love little boys clothes.

Reading good books – like The Dressmaker of Khair Khana. It’s a fantastic read and insight into women in the middle east. Currently I have a running list on my phone of books recommended by family and friends, or that catch my eye in the bookstore. You can never have too many books to read.

The Happify Community. What a difference they are making in individual lives as we come together on their social platform. If you’re looking for a way to find more focused happiness in your life, definitely give them a try.

Good Food. Grab lots of delicious recipes right here! It seems everything can be fixed with a balanced diet, and a treat here and there, well it brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Blogging – and my new Business Cards. I loved how easy these were to create at Modern Greetings, and when I realized I messed up a quick email and call got the order fixed before printing! Great companies who work for the customer are the best.

Time with Daddy – but especially watching the kids spend time with Daddy. Nothing makes the joy in my heart swell more than seeing Dad on the floor playing with the kids, and their squeals of delight filling our home.

What Makes YOU Happy?

May 2, 2013
Just Do It!

It’s so easy to let little things slide. To push small tasks to the bottom of an ever growing list. Time to stop it. Get those little things done, and soon the big things will fall into place too. It’s time to just do it.

Something seemed to click inside me over the weekend. I’m not sure what it was entirely, but I have this sudden urge to be a better home maker. I mean, it’s something I was working on already, but I have this better desire, and I can see more of what needs to be done without feeling overwheled.

Anyone else get that overwhelmed feeling when they start to think of everything they need to do? Sort of like there aren’t enough hours in the day, so why even bother? I don’t feel like that anymore.

We went to hang out with our 16 year old niece this weekend. Her parents were gone for the weekend, and didn’t want her home alone. It was a nice break from my regular routine. Now normally when we go on mini vacations like this, the car doesn’t get unpacked for days to come, and the suitcases sit around with dirty clothes while I get back into routine.

Ask for help

Not this time! I made the consious decision, and then the effort to clean out the van, AND put it all away when we got home. I asked Mark for his help, before we even pulled into the drive way. Since he was mentally prepared to help as well, the kids were mostly good at also helping.

It really made a nice night for all of us. We got our vacation cleaned up, and then got to relax watching Bolt with popcorn and hot chocolate. And the best part for me…Prince L then slept through the night (a rare occurrence indeed). Getting enough sleep led to an early morning of pondering my scriptures, and begining my menu plan for the week, as well as time well spent playing pirates and dancing crazy before the Princesses woke up.

JUST DO IT!

You’ll find it doesn’t take as much time, you’ll have more time for the fun things, and you’ll feel better about yourself.

January 28, 2013