I will throw my usual disclaimer out...it's been a while. I would like to say I'm a consistent blogger, but let's be honest, I'm not. It goes down like this most times:
Me: "Woo, something exciting just happened & I should blog about it"
Life: Ha ha, I have other things planned for you, so no dice sister.
Me: *sad face*
Today, I'm going to ramble about my current addiction. Yes, I realize my blog is all over the place and I'm okay with that...that shows you the true "me".
About two months ago, a friend posted something on facebook about a NatureBox. It looked interesting and had a code to try it a little cheaper, so I caved. I was a little leery about getting something in the mail that I had no control over (Side note: for anyone that knows me, knows I don't like to lose control...I'm not controlling per se, but like to be in control of things in my life...trust me, it's not the same). This company chooses several bags of healthy snacks to send you every month.
The first box, they knocked it out of the park. My family literally loved everything, except the granola (my kids are partial to my homemade I guess...insert blushy emoticon here.) This past month wasn't as successful. I think we liked two (maybe three) out of the five snacks they sent. I'm still waiting patiently for them to allow you to choose your own snacks...
But it got me thinking about other subscription boxes. I know there are tons out there, but let's be real, I'm most interested in the food ones. I like to eat, I like to cook...oh, and did I mention, I like to eat??
Anyone else use these services? If so, what are your favorites?
Friday, March 29, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
My venture into essential oils
I had a chance encounter a week or so ago. I've had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to upgrade to a different (read better...at least by my standards) bread machine. I happened to be perusing Craigslist one day & what do you know...the exact bread machine I wanted was advertised by someone near my work. I was so excited and began the process of convincing hubby this was a smart purchase, promising I would sell my old one.
He said yes, thankfully and I met the nice lady who had my coveted machine in a grocery store parking lot a few days later. I can't pinpoint exactly when our conversation turned to essential oils, but it did. Turns out she uses them and began to tell me how wonderful they were and what they had done for her family. I didn't tell her this, but I always love to hear real-life experiences (but then again who doesn't, right?), whether they're good or bad. I listened carefully as she ticked off what her family of seven had used essential oils for just in the last two weeks...stomach aches, Achilles heel problems, headaches, cough, and asthma to name a few. I was intrigued. I had actually downloaded a free ebook on my Kindle some weeks earlier, but had never gotten around to reading it. This prompted me to read it and do a little research.
Last week I finally broke down and ordered a kit filled with some of the most popular essential oils, used to treat a host of ailments. I was so excited to try them, but didn't want to go overboard. Lucky for me, I had just gotten over an illness right after Christmas. I had been well for about week before the croupy cough returned out of nowhere. I applied one of the oils to my chest and neck and can honestly say it made a difference. I did this for three days and my cough is all but gone (just clearing it every so often now).
I still have other "ailments" I will be trying these on and will definitely let you know how it goes. Hoping this helps alleviate some of the doctor bills too!
Anyone else use essential oils? If so, I'd like to know your experience as well.
He said yes, thankfully and I met the nice lady who had my coveted machine in a grocery store parking lot a few days later. I can't pinpoint exactly when our conversation turned to essential oils, but it did. Turns out she uses them and began to tell me how wonderful they were and what they had done for her family. I didn't tell her this, but I always love to hear real-life experiences (but then again who doesn't, right?), whether they're good or bad. I listened carefully as she ticked off what her family of seven had used essential oils for just in the last two weeks...stomach aches, Achilles heel problems, headaches, cough, and asthma to name a few. I was intrigued. I had actually downloaded a free ebook on my Kindle some weeks earlier, but had never gotten around to reading it. This prompted me to read it and do a little research.
Last week I finally broke down and ordered a kit filled with some of the most popular essential oils, used to treat a host of ailments. I was so excited to try them, but didn't want to go overboard. Lucky for me, I had just gotten over an illness right after Christmas. I had been well for about week before the croupy cough returned out of nowhere. I applied one of the oils to my chest and neck and can honestly say it made a difference. I did this for three days and my cough is all but gone (just clearing it every so often now).
I still have other "ailments" I will be trying these on and will definitely let you know how it goes. Hoping this helps alleviate some of the doctor bills too!
Anyone else use essential oils? If so, I'd like to know your experience as well.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Not a Happy New Year!
Not even two full days into 2013 and I'm ready for this year to be over.
First off, this fical cliff has loomed heavy over me, as my job is greatly affected by sequestration. No pink slip yet, but I don't think we're out of the woods yet.
Came into work this morning to be greeted by an email that came just after 4 pm on New Year's Eve (most of us were off that day, so I'd say well played) stating that beginning in January, we would lose the 4.67 hours a month of sick/personal leave we accrue...oh and one extra holiday. Happy New Year to me, huh?
Did I mention that I'm sick?? Started with a cold, which has now morphed into a sinus infection. If you're wondering why I even went to work today, see the paragraph above.
I was really hoping for a better year than I had last year, but it's not looking so hot right now.
On a good note, I have placed my seed order for our garden. A little bummed they were already out of the corn and onions I wanted, but I made substitutions. Also placed an order for two more blueberry bushes, another peach tree, another apple tree and quite a few more strawberry plants. And ready to submit my chick order for some more layers. This year was hard on our animals. We lost all of our rabbits, our calf and many of our chickens.
My goals this year are: stick to the budget I've set for the family (may have to tweak it with the way the economy is headed), pay down some debt, focus on more sustainability, produce more food on our land & can more for the winter (oh yeah and a little weight loss in there as well). I will be less dependent on the stores as I forsee this to be an even harder year for our economy.
Here's to a wonderful 2013!
First off, this fical cliff has loomed heavy over me, as my job is greatly affected by sequestration. No pink slip yet, but I don't think we're out of the woods yet.
Came into work this morning to be greeted by an email that came just after 4 pm on New Year's Eve (most of us were off that day, so I'd say well played) stating that beginning in January, we would lose the 4.67 hours a month of sick/personal leave we accrue...oh and one extra holiday. Happy New Year to me, huh?
Did I mention that I'm sick?? Started with a cold, which has now morphed into a sinus infection. If you're wondering why I even went to work today, see the paragraph above.
I was really hoping for a better year than I had last year, but it's not looking so hot right now.
On a good note, I have placed my seed order for our garden. A little bummed they were already out of the corn and onions I wanted, but I made substitutions. Also placed an order for two more blueberry bushes, another peach tree, another apple tree and quite a few more strawberry plants. And ready to submit my chick order for some more layers. This year was hard on our animals. We lost all of our rabbits, our calf and many of our chickens.
My goals this year are: stick to the budget I've set for the family (may have to tweak it with the way the economy is headed), pay down some debt, focus on more sustainability, produce more food on our land & can more for the winter (oh yeah and a little weight loss in there as well). I will be less dependent on the stores as I forsee this to be an even harder year for our economy.
Here's to a wonderful 2013!
(not my photo)
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
An open letter to my SD
Yes, I know it's been a while. So much has been going on in our home that I really didn't have time to blog...and honestly wasn't really ready to share anything (selfish of me, probably). As you can tell, my blog is all over the place at this point. I apologize...
Dear A,
I'm angry.
I'm disappointed.
I'm sad.
I'm angry at the way you just so willingly left our home without so much as a conversation. Nothing. I'm angry that you have led everyone to believe that your father knew about this. I can assure you he did not. I expected you to leave once you graduated high school, but the day you turned 18?? Nope, wasn't expecting that. And the way you did it? That was more heartbreaking than anything. I was cooking your favorite dinner, while your favorite cake chilled in the fridge. We had planned a family dinner and you walked out right under mine and your sisters noses.
I'm disappointed that you ran to live with your older sister, who is an adult (much older than you) and should have encouraged you to sit down with us instead of running away. I'm disappointed that you have made no attempt to contact your father in the last four weeks. You want your money and car, but can't pick up the phone to speak to your father like the adult you assume you are. We don't know your phone number, we have no way of getting a hold of you, other than facebook and I refuse to use that as a speaking tool. I'm disappointed that your ex boyfriend thought it was okay to contact me and blame me for being a terrible step-mother, telling me my husband should choose his kids over me. I have done nothing but loved and cared for you. Provided a cell phone and braces when legally I didn't have to. Provided meals and tried to be a shoulder to lean on when you needed one and your own mother couldn't be one.
I'm sad that you think so little of us that you are now trying to convince your younger sister that in a few short years, she too can have the "carefree" life you are living. Would it really be so bad if she actually enjoyed being with us? Would it be so bad if she decides to go to college and we support her, much like we do EL? Please let her make her own decisions, just as you have.
I hope one day you'll look back and regret the way you handled this. I'm sorry we didn't let you run up and down the roads like you wanted, I'm sorry we had curfews, I'm sorry you had chores, and I'm sorry you had rules....wait, you know what...I'm not sorry. You were treated just like the other children in our home. I'm just sorry you don't realize how good you really had it.
Just know that your father and I do care, regardless of what you think of us. One day when you have children of your own, you will understand this.
Dear A,
I'm angry.
I'm disappointed.
I'm sad.
I'm angry at the way you just so willingly left our home without so much as a conversation. Nothing. I'm angry that you have led everyone to believe that your father knew about this. I can assure you he did not. I expected you to leave once you graduated high school, but the day you turned 18?? Nope, wasn't expecting that. And the way you did it? That was more heartbreaking than anything. I was cooking your favorite dinner, while your favorite cake chilled in the fridge. We had planned a family dinner and you walked out right under mine and your sisters noses.
I'm disappointed that you ran to live with your older sister, who is an adult (much older than you) and should have encouraged you to sit down with us instead of running away. I'm disappointed that you have made no attempt to contact your father in the last four weeks. You want your money and car, but can't pick up the phone to speak to your father like the adult you assume you are. We don't know your phone number, we have no way of getting a hold of you, other than facebook and I refuse to use that as a speaking tool. I'm disappointed that your ex boyfriend thought it was okay to contact me and blame me for being a terrible step-mother, telling me my husband should choose his kids over me. I have done nothing but loved and cared for you. Provided a cell phone and braces when legally I didn't have to. Provided meals and tried to be a shoulder to lean on when you needed one and your own mother couldn't be one.
I'm sad that you think so little of us that you are now trying to convince your younger sister that in a few short years, she too can have the "carefree" life you are living. Would it really be so bad if she actually enjoyed being with us? Would it be so bad if she decides to go to college and we support her, much like we do EL? Please let her make her own decisions, just as you have.
I hope one day you'll look back and regret the way you handled this. I'm sorry we didn't let you run up and down the roads like you wanted, I'm sorry we had curfews, I'm sorry you had chores, and I'm sorry you had rules....wait, you know what...I'm not sorry. You were treated just like the other children in our home. I'm just sorry you don't realize how good you really had it.
Just know that your father and I do care, regardless of what you think of us. One day when you have children of your own, you will understand this.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Confession time
I'm a terrible blogger...I admit it! I have all these great things I want to share and then I get lazy and never do. Hence the reason I haven't posted in so long. I'll try to do better, I promise.
EL left for college almost two weeks ago. I'll admit, I cried a little before we left, but was strangely calm afterwards. I miss her like crazy though! She's slowly getting used to it and really, she's only just over an hour away, but it feels like hundreds of miles. I went up and saw her last Saturday. We did a little shopping and had lunch, which was so nice.
For the most part, it was a fairly quiet summer in our household. My tomatoes were super late coming in (I'm still getting a few here & there), as were my cantaloupe, which were much smaller than I anticipated. My squash did wonderful though.
I canned 39 quarts and 3 pints of green beans, none of which came from my garden. Also managed to get in 35 pints of pickles (a mixture of bread & butter and dill). Still waiting on some local roma tomatoes, so I can put up some tomato sauce. Turns out I wasn't the only one with late tomatoes this year. Already started planning my garden for next year...despite what hubby says, it will be bigger and more organized than this year.
On the animal home front, we found out that J's female bunny turned out to be a male, so now we have two male and two female lionheads. We've added a couple of chickens since we built our chicken coop behind the shed. I tried my hand at incubating eggs last month, but that was disastrous. Only nine eggs even hatched out of about 28. We ended up with four Silkies, three Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, one Golden Sebright and one Silver Sebright. All died within a few days. I was heartbroken. So I have eight Lavender Silkie eggs in lockdown right now. I'll try this one more time and then I may just give up. Of course our Blue Silkie is setting on about a bunch of eggs right now...not sure if they'll develop.
I guess the biggest news is the addition of our calf...yes, I said calf. We have no lush, fenced pasture, yet we now are the proud owners of a calf. How, you ask? Well my father raises Black Angus and called me early on Labor Day stating that he had twin calves born, one died and the mother wouldn't have anything to do with the other, so did we want it? In haste, I said yes. In defense of my wonderful father, I know he meant well. J is notoriously begging for an alpaca or a calf to raise, usually we just laugh at her and remind her that when she's an adult with a job, she can buy it. Well guess who's laughing now...
Meet Patriot or as J and EG like to affectionately refer to him as, Bubba. We didn't think he'd make it out of my parent's driveway, but alas a week later, he is strong as ever. I really, really wanted to believe we would raise him & turn him into steaks and hamburger and roasts (my freezer is almost empty btw). But a funny thing happens when you bottle feed...you become attached. So I think we'll just sell him eventually and let someone else do that.
EL left for college almost two weeks ago. I'll admit, I cried a little before we left, but was strangely calm afterwards. I miss her like crazy though! She's slowly getting used to it and really, she's only just over an hour away, but it feels like hundreds of miles. I went up and saw her last Saturday. We did a little shopping and had lunch, which was so nice.
For the most part, it was a fairly quiet summer in our household. My tomatoes were super late coming in (I'm still getting a few here & there), as were my cantaloupe, which were much smaller than I anticipated. My squash did wonderful though.
I canned 39 quarts and 3 pints of green beans, none of which came from my garden. Also managed to get in 35 pints of pickles (a mixture of bread & butter and dill). Still waiting on some local roma tomatoes, so I can put up some tomato sauce. Turns out I wasn't the only one with late tomatoes this year. Already started planning my garden for next year...despite what hubby says, it will be bigger and more organized than this year.
On the animal home front, we found out that J's female bunny turned out to be a male, so now we have two male and two female lionheads. We've added a couple of chickens since we built our chicken coop behind the shed. I tried my hand at incubating eggs last month, but that was disastrous. Only nine eggs even hatched out of about 28. We ended up with four Silkies, three Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, one Golden Sebright and one Silver Sebright. All died within a few days. I was heartbroken. So I have eight Lavender Silkie eggs in lockdown right now. I'll try this one more time and then I may just give up. Of course our Blue Silkie is setting on about a bunch of eggs right now...not sure if they'll develop.
I guess the biggest news is the addition of our calf...yes, I said calf. We have no lush, fenced pasture, yet we now are the proud owners of a calf. How, you ask? Well my father raises Black Angus and called me early on Labor Day stating that he had twin calves born, one died and the mother wouldn't have anything to do with the other, so did we want it? In haste, I said yes. In defense of my wonderful father, I know he meant well. J is notoriously begging for an alpaca or a calf to raise, usually we just laugh at her and remind her that when she's an adult with a job, she can buy it. Well guess who's laughing now...
Meet Patriot or as J and EG like to affectionately refer to him as, Bubba. We didn't think he'd make it out of my parent's driveway, but alas a week later, he is strong as ever. I really, really wanted to believe we would raise him & turn him into steaks and hamburger and roasts (my freezer is almost empty btw). But a funny thing happens when you bottle feed...you become attached. So I think we'll just sell him eventually and let someone else do that.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
So I took a vacation
Well more like a "staycation". Hubby told me a few weeks ago that they were closing up the shop for a few days after the Fourth of July, so I decided to take off too. The kids were excited...wondering where we would go. Boy were they disappointed when I told them we weren't going anywhere. Nowhere? They asked, their eyes wide as if I couldn't possibly deprive them of a vacation. Nowhere, I repeated. I explained that dad and I had some things to take care of around the property, so that was our vacation. It's clear they've never heard of this!
Those five days went by in a blur and most of it was spent building a new chicken coop for our new babies coming on Monday. I did manage to join my neighbors at a small animal auction on Wednesday, which I probably should have skipped out on. I bought a pair of Blue Silkies and another lionhead rabbit. Turns out the rooster has bumblefoot on both feet (you can inspect the animals, just not remove them from the cages, so I missed this). We "operated" on Friday, though I can't be sure we got all of the infection out. He is putting weight on both feet, so that is a good sign. And the cute little rabbit J got apparently got her foot caught in the cage today and pulled a lot of fur off her foot. We doctored her up too. Between the "vetting" and trying to keep animals hydrated, I feel like I didn't get much else done.
I was able to can 20 pints of bread and butter and dill pickles on Saturday and hit up the Berry Farm with my sister on Friday. I picked up some peaches, which I made into homemade ice cream today. I swear I took pictures, just haven't had time to upload any.
O starts summer school tomorrow, so now I'm busy trying to get her ready for that.
Those five days went by in a blur and most of it was spent building a new chicken coop for our new babies coming on Monday. I did manage to join my neighbors at a small animal auction on Wednesday, which I probably should have skipped out on. I bought a pair of Blue Silkies and another lionhead rabbit. Turns out the rooster has bumblefoot on both feet (you can inspect the animals, just not remove them from the cages, so I missed this). We "operated" on Friday, though I can't be sure we got all of the infection out. He is putting weight on both feet, so that is a good sign. And the cute little rabbit J got apparently got her foot caught in the cage today and pulled a lot of fur off her foot. We doctored her up too. Between the "vetting" and trying to keep animals hydrated, I feel like I didn't get much else done.
I was able to can 20 pints of bread and butter and dill pickles on Saturday and hit up the Berry Farm with my sister on Friday. I picked up some peaches, which I made into homemade ice cream today. I swear I took pictures, just haven't had time to upload any.
O starts summer school tomorrow, so now I'm busy trying to get her ready for that.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Just a little update on EG
I'm so conflicted in regard to doctors for EG. I'm not happy with the psychologist she is seeing now and EG doesn't care for her either. Not only does she not prescribe medicine, but she doesn't have a very good bedside manner either. Her pediatrician is who is prescribing her two medicines right now and I can honestly say the addition of Intuniv has helped a bit. She doesn't scream and have outbursts as much. Problem is, the pediatrician's office would prefer a psychiatrist to prescribe it and finding a pediatric psychiatrist is like trying to find gold in my yard.
I was given a list of five possible canidates at her last visit. Two are at least two hours away, which is impossible when I work an hour in the opposite direction. One is not taking patients for almost a year and the other two are not part of our insurance network, so I would have to pay a much higher amount. That, too, is not possible right now. We were also given two additional doctors in another city, both of whom aren't taking new patients right now.
I have not canceled her appointment next week for the doctor we don't care for, since the pediatrician's office has reluctantly agreed to continue to prescribe her medicines as long as she is seeing someone. But I'm at a crossroads. I can't afford to drive her two hours to another doctor...this one is an hour from our house as it is, yet I can't find one closer who will see her.
I guess I will leave this up to the pediatrician's office, but will let them know my stance on it. I can't drive two hours and will not see someone who is not in my network. They can make they call on where we proceed from there.
I was given a list of five possible canidates at her last visit. Two are at least two hours away, which is impossible when I work an hour in the opposite direction. One is not taking patients for almost a year and the other two are not part of our insurance network, so I would have to pay a much higher amount. That, too, is not possible right now. We were also given two additional doctors in another city, both of whom aren't taking new patients right now.
I have not canceled her appointment next week for the doctor we don't care for, since the pediatrician's office has reluctantly agreed to continue to prescribe her medicines as long as she is seeing someone. But I'm at a crossroads. I can't afford to drive her two hours to another doctor...this one is an hour from our house as it is, yet I can't find one closer who will see her.
I guess I will leave this up to the pediatrician's office, but will let them know my stance on it. I can't drive two hours and will not see someone who is not in my network. They can make they call on where we proceed from there.
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