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  • Connect to Nature with Black Dinah Chocolatiers

    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.

    Escape the stresses of the world with a box of Black Dinah chocolates and nature. ad

    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. 

    Find your solace on a walk through the woods with Black Dinah. ad

    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. 

    Black Dinah Chocolates infuse local ingredients sourced from the land for a delicious confection. ad

    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. 

    Infused with locally sourced Lavender, Black Dinah Chocolates transport your taste buds. ad

    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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  • IfOnly and the American Red Cross promoting Earthquake Preparedness

    IfOnly and the American Red Cross promoting Earthquake Preparedness

    This post is sponsored by IfOnly and contains affiliate links. 

    When we think of California’s landscape, one thing I think will come to everyone’s mind are earthquakes. Sure California has a beautiful coast line, and ginormous trees, but they also suffer from several earthquakes every year.

    IfOnly has partnered with the American Red Cross to participate in the California Auction – sponsored by the California Earthquake Authority. Through this auction they hope to help more people prepare for and survive through earthquakes.

    Did you know?!
    In Southern California today alone has already seen 11 earthquakes! (14 a little after I typed this up!)
    In the past year there have been over 2000 earthquakes in Southern California!
    I don’t know about you, but I find those numbers pretty staggering. I love that someone has decided to take initiative to educate and help California citizens to prepare for these earthquakes. The California Earthquake Authority is a publicly managed, privately funded, not for profit organization!
    Even though I don’t live in California, I like to think that world catastrophes are not outside of my scope of help. By bidding or purchasing some unique experiences from IfOnly this April you will be helping the CEA and The America Red Cross better serve the residents of California before, during and after earthquakes. 
    Just check out some of these really cool experiences that could be yours!
    Shania Twain
    My personal favorite experience would be the VIP Shania Twain Experience in Vegas – complete with a 2 night stay at Caesars Palace, backstage pass to meet Shania, and the best seats in the house for her performance! Mid price range
    Demi Lovato
    For a more conservative budget though you could purchase a Personalized and Signed copy of Demi Lovato’s book Staying Strong: 365 days a year.  Low price range
    LA Sports
    Or perhaps you’re a Dodgers Fan? This experience has you sitting in a luxury box during a Dodgers Game, part of the time with Legend Steve Garvey, plus so much more!! High Price range. 
    Do you live in California? Check out Get Prepared California now, and download the App!

  • Sentimental Sunday – Nature

    Sentimental Sunday – Nature

    Sorry if you all missed me last week. I was out in the wilds of Yellowstone enjoying some camping, hiking, and no technology interruptions. We didn’t even get cell service, it was bliss!  But I’m back, and excited to share some awesome photos of our trip with you!

    This guy walked right past my open car window, inches from my face. I was a little too chicken to snap a picture with him so close, in case he decided to charge.

    We took a hike down some metal staircase to this beautiful waterfall with a rainbow. I had a hard time with the height of the stairs and the fact I could see straight through them and to the cliffs below me. I will fully admit that I have an irrational fear of heights

    Of course we had to stop by Old Faithful. It was pretty cool!

     In the Norris Geyser Basin we saw some wolf tracks. 

     Roaring Mountain sounded cooler than it looked. It’s supposed to be a bunch of geysers up the mountain side, but when we stopped by only one was giving off any steam.
    The elk were all over Mammoth Hot Springs. We were going to hike up to the Springs after lunch here, but wind and rain blew in, and I didn’t want to risk it with the Princesses.
    Pondering back on this amazing trip, I feel so blessed to have seen so much of God’s work untouched by human hands. It was quite the experience to drive by so close to the Bison and elk. We saw some deer from a distance, and of course those wolf tracks. Thankfully we didn’t come across any of the bears that live in Yellowstone. Unfortunately while we were there a man was mauled by a Grizzly when he and his wife were hiking. Unfortunately he didn’t make it, but his wife did. The park rangers were frequently coming by the campsite to remind us of the safety measures to stay safe.  
    If you ever get the chance to visit Yellowstone, I would strongly encourage you to find some time to sit and ponder on the “beauty of the earth.“
    Sit Relax and Read