My Books of 2019

9
Jan
2020
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Ahhhh, a new year. I really love this time of year…I love the fresh start, planning, goal setting, the possibilities. I dream a little bigger, work a little smarter, and focus a little sharper. It’s a time of renewal for me in so many aspects of my life.

I tend to draw a lot of inspiration from books.

What can be better than a few moments of quiet time curled up with a book, taking in some positivity and encouragement to fuel your soul?

If you are looking for some worthwhile books to boost your motivation and inspire you, here are some titles that spoke deeply to me in 2019.

Personal Growth

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

I read this book each year as a refresher to be in tune with life around me.

A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman

As an avid Podcast listener, this book helped to reconnect all the pieces of who I am, and how God wants me to be.

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

Such a powerful read.  When life is unfolding in different ways than you planned, this is the book to read!

Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World by Emily P. Freeman

Slowing down, appreciating the moments and giving practical ways to do so.  I loved this book and may be circling around again to read it.

Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman

As a recovering perfectionist, I am in a season of re-learning a lot of habits that had me trying and trying and trying to earn friendship, belonging and acceptance.  It’s done.  Such a refreshing read.

Wait and See by Wendy Pope

Waiting… being in the middle of a season and not knowing when it will end.  This book gave me new perspective and shifted my altered thinking.  It drew me closer to God.

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman

Again, her podcast friends…..  just go listen if you have not.  Getting stuck is no place to be.  I love her approach to helping each of us grab hold of the Next Right Thing.  Pure perfection.

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

I had procrastinated reading this book because honestly, I had heard all the hype.  I enjoyed parts of the book, but there were some portions that just did not resonate with my heart and that is okay.  At least I read it for myself, rather than assuming from what others had shared.

The Empath’s Survival Guide by Judith Orloff

As an Empath, this was really eye-opening and gave me some food for thought on how I am wired.  Totally recommend it.

Love Does by Bob Goff

GAME CHANGER!!  So good for truly learning to live your life as Christ would desire.  This life is not about us… just not about us.

Everybody, Always by Bob Goff

Again, this second book of Bob Goff’s was just a joy to read.  He is the example of someone living it all out for God. I want to be like that and have a new drive to do so.

Healthy Living

Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Gin Stephens

The fasting lifestyle became part of my routine back in July and am so happy I did.  It’s been so freeing, helped me feel the best I have felt in a long time and been empowering.

Feast Without Fear: Food and the Delay, Don’t Deny Lifestyle by Gin Stephens

An other extended book on the topic of fasting — so worth your time.  If you are struggling with weight, health issues or exhaustion, do yourself a favor for sure!!!

Medical Medium Life-Changing Foods by Anthony William

Fascinating – simply fascinating and how you can use certain foods to help certain conditions.   I am grabbing a hard copy to keep in my library to quickly look things up.  It’s a must have book.

Medical Medium Thyroid Healing by Anthony William

Another one that was so interesting.  Do you struggle with thyroid issues, Auto-immune issues, brain fog, weight gain or unexplained symptoms.  Get this book and read it.  You can then determine for yourself how you want to proceed.

Community Building

The Seed by Jon Gordon

I just love Jon Gordon’s story telling ability – bringing a real “teaching” book into a format that is engaging and empowering.  Finding happiness in both your business, community and personal life can be done.

The No Complaining Rule by Jon Gordon

Everyone needs to read this.  The power of our words and how we, especially as moms can initiate complaining in our home (or not initiate it) is so eye-opening.  I know I know this stuff. but to be reminded is so needed.

We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God by Kendall Vanderslice

Breathtaking…. such a treasured view of the local church redefining itself in the homes and space all over the country.  As one who is looking to do more hospitable worship in this next season, I loved everything about this book.

Fun Fiction

All great books to take to the beach, read while cozied up by the fire and take a mind break for a bit!

Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey

The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Lies and Other Acts of Love by Kristy Woodson Harvey

The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle

Nobody’s Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle

Curious, did you read any books in 2019 that will stick with you for awhile?  I’d sure love to hear.

Filed Under: Faith and Family

Four Powerful Essential Oils

2
Nov
2019
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Four powerful essential oils for depression

Are you aware how powerful essential oils are for our emotional wellbeing?  

As a mom who struggled with depression for over 16 years, I’ve learned a lot about how essential oils can be used to during my emotional ups and downs.  I have managed to live a healthy lifestyle free from the anti-depressant drugs which I was bound to for over 16 years, with amazing results.

Finding Hope

With the help of my doctors guidance and a weaning processes involving essential oils, self-care and healthy additions to my supplement routine and diet, I have been emotionally healthy and overjoyed.

I used a variety of essential oils over the years, but one of the most profound routines I have put into practice is one called, “The Great Day Protocol.”

The Great Day Protocol was first shared by D. Gary Young, founder of Young Living, at a class in Wyoming in 1994, and has been used by thousands of people, since then, to help them live happier lives.

Why does it work?

When you inhale essential oils, those molecules travel through the nose and affect the brain through a variety of receptor sites, one of which is the limbic system, which is commonly referred to as the “emotional brain.”

The limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance.  This relationship helps explain why smells often trigger emotions.  You know what I mean, right?  When you smell a certain scent, it can bring up a very specific memory.

Also, oils inhaled reach the brain within twenty seconds – that is profound and quick!

Inhalation and Topical Benefits

Layering and blending specific oils in distinct ways can help cultivate the right mindset and create an emotional balancing which will equip you for your day!

Oils applied topically on the skin reach the bloodstream in 20 minutes. So by combining inhalation and topical application you are truly making a big difference. When you rub your hands together with an oil you reach the reflexology points on the hands during the process, which leads to even greater results.

In addition to setting the tone for the day, those who have made the Great Day Protocol a daily ritual have said that they’ve noticed some of the following things:

  • More attention to details
  • Communication has become more solution-oriented with others
  • Increased enthusiasm
  • More follow-through with projects
  • Increased positivity
  • More open outlook
  • Better ability to handle stressful situations
  • Calmer demeanor

If you could have all that with NO adverse side affects – wouldn’t you take action?

Here’s a video sharing how to use the “Great Day Protocol” and how you can easily incorporate it own your life.

I want you to have easy access to this routine, so I have included a downloadable PDF with an easy, step by step guide for you as well.

DOWNLOAD YOUR PDF HERE

Start each day with this self-care routine to feel balanced, intentional and emotionally stable. If you are missing an oil, use what you have.  These four powerful essential oils will change your life.

If you are ready to get started with your own set of essential oils, the time is now!  You can grab your own starter kit of 12 oils, a diffuser and other goodies for over 50% off retail.  I am here and ready to help walk you along with education and community.  Let’s do this friend!!

Young Living Special

Filed Under: Essential Oils, Healthy Living

My FIVE Favorite Things Right Now

13
Sep
2019
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My Five Favorite things

I am super excited to hop in before the weekend to share my FIVE Favorite things (right now).   These are making my life a little more sweet these days!

Intermitten Fasting

I was inspired to check out Intermittent Fasting when a friend of mine jumped in.  Now hear me on this, I had heard of this before and had determined I could NEVER do black coffee.  I liked my coffee with almond milk just fine.  Over the years I have cut back from the terribly tasty, but incredibly bad for you “coffee-mate” creamers, to raw milk, then went to NutPods (French Vanilla is my favorite) and/or almond milk.

I also thought I could never go without eating for 17-20 hours a day.  But after her incredible testimony of reduced inflammation, weight loss, healing of diseases and dramatic energy increase, I decided to jump in.

I read, “Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle,” by Gin Stephens and was totally onboard.  She gave all the information in clear concise chapters, and linked to all the science stuff and studies to back up what she said.  

I just passed two months and I honestly have so much energy, have lost a few inches, and saved money in our family budget on food!!!!  I have found food more enjoyable and honestly, it has less control over me.  If you struggle with weight, disease or illness, I encourage you to read the book.  You also may want to join the incredible Facebook group to see amazing transformations from real people.   People have overcome arthritis, diabetes, thyroid issues, obesity and so much more.  And the best part…. it’s FREE!

I love this APP for helping keep track of my fasting hours too – LIFE Fasting APP.  I did a Facebook live on my two month journey with some tips here, and share why it is crazy amazing for those even not looking to lose weight.

Naturally Alkaline Spring Water

I know that my body needs water – every.single.day.  Even almost as important is the fast that the quality of the water you are consuming can truly impact you – most especially when you are doing things like fasting to help heal your body.

When I discovered FLOW alkaline spring water I was hooked.  This water is sourced from an artesian spring, which contains naturally occurring electrolytes and essential minerals – giving it an alkaline pH of 8.1.  FABULOUS!!!!   I love the taste and the added minerals help my body during the fasting state especially.

It is packaged in 100% recyclable Non-PET & BPA-Free packaging, which is music to my ears. I do not like to buy bottled water in plastic and will rarely do that, even when out.  I prefer to bring along my own water in my own glass water bottle.  But when I am traveling, it’s been so refreshing to have multiple containers of FLOW to help me stay hydrated all day long.

Try it yourself for 30% off when you use my sharing link here.  I love the ease of delivery to my door, but also have purchased from Whole Foods.

A Sweet Book for the Soul

I am a big reader for personal development, but there are times that I just need a good book for my soul.  I am almost finished with, “Nobody’s Cuter than You: A Memoir about the Beauty of Friendship” by Melanie Shankle and it’s been such a joy!!

If you’ve read any of Melanie’s other books, and girl… you need to because she is hilarious…… you know how enjoyable they are.  She has a way of drawing you right into her life and sharing the details in such a humorous way that you just want to laugh out-loud.  And, I did – often!!

Go grab it and check it out for a cozy fall read – just you, a book, cup of tea (I love this tea) and a blanket!

Pumpkin Spice Diffuser Blend

I use to be such a candle addict, until I learned all the dangers of burning them in my home!!  So, I have turned to my trusty diffusers in my house and since it’s September, I can diffuse all things FALL!!!

This is one of my favorite essential oil blends to diffuse, makes it smell all cozy and like my home is ready to bring in anyone.

If you haven’t made the switch to essential oils, I’d be honored to help you grab your very own starter kit.   It includes a fabulous diffuser, along with 12 essential oils and others goodies that will help you kick off the fall season armed for battle!

Dry Skin Brushing

As I am focusing on intermittent fasting, I want to also be sure that all the icky stuff is getting out of my body.  Hydration is key for sure in that process, but I’ve also added Dry Skin Brushing to my routine.

Why add this into my daily routine?  Dry Skin brushing is excellent for getting rid of dry, dead skin cells and helping the body with it’s circulation.  I love doing a routine of Dry Skin brushing with this all-natural  bristle body brush  or this firmer body brush each morning before I get in the shower.

Here is a great video that runs through the details.

There you have it, my Five Favorite Things Right Now that are bringing some sweetness to my daily life!

Filed Under: Healthy Living

5 Apps I Can’t Live Without

13
Aug
2019
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5 of my Best Apps for motherhood and parenting

Saving time, creating engagement, building relationships , making motherhood and parenting a bit easier – if an App can help me in those areas, I am all in!!

Let’s get ready to kick off the school year with some of my best recommendations for some Apps that will surely help you out – are you ready?

Calm App

I discovered this app almost nine months ago when I began to do some deep personal work on myself.  She suggested I use it for the meditation options, and I seriously rolled my eyes.  For me, meditation is just not part of my routine and I honestly feel it was a  complete waste of my time.  But I took her advice, downloaded the app and began using it.

I discovered the meditations to be very much needed and certainly NOT a waste of my time.  It was a perfect  way to  start my day or take a fifteen minute break in the middle of the day.

Even For the Kids

My nine year old also discovered he loved the bedtime stories and will ask to listen to them all the time!  His favorite time is while soaking in the bath (with some epsom salts added in for good measure!), which then allows me some extra “kid-free” time while he relaxes and listens in.

I truly hesitated at the end of my Free Trial to join and pay for a membership.  However, it has been so worth it.  I also use the app for the music, the stories and more while driving in the car. It’s a win/win for the entire family!

And, right now Calm is giving away the App for FREE to every teacher!  GO HERE to snag it if you’re a teacher, or forward the info to a teacher friend.

Also, if you are a health care practitioner, you can grab the App for FREE too – GO HERE!

Libby

How would you love to easily download an ebook or audio book from your library with one touch?  The Libby App does just that!

There are thousands of ebooks and audio books available through your local library, so why not take advantage of them?  The convenience of this App for searching and downloading books has been life changing for me.  I get a book recommendation and immediately will go to my Libby App to see if the local library  I am connected to has the book.

If it does, I can either immediately download it or place a hold for it.  After I read it, if it’s a book I know I must have in my hands, I can then choose to purchase it.  I have literally saved thousands of dollars by using our library system.  What a gift!

My nine year old uses the App as well, and we are currently listening to an audio book as we travel to our long-distance chiropractor appointments.  It’s time well spent.

Thrive Market

I’m an absolute freak when it comes to time saving tricks.  Having the Thrive Market App is one of those amazing time savers.  We order at least once a week from Thrive, because their prices are good, they carry a TON of amazing gluten-free, organic and healthy alternatives to foods we normally purchase and I so love the fact that it is all delivered to my door.

Seriously – you can save up to 50% on things you would normally buy, they offer freebies and I only order when there is a great freebie offered, so I just keep a list going and boom, order when it gives me the best goodie!  I also save my items so I can order $49 at a time, so I can get the FREE shipping offered too.

There is a yearly membership fee, but we save way more than what that costs, and Thrive Market gives back, which I really love.  You can try it out for FREE, and you can get 25% off your first order by clicking here.

Marco Polo

Do you like to stay in touch with friends and family?  Do you have friends and family that do not live close by?  I hope you have heard of Marco Polo!!  It’s a  video chat for busy  people  – and it’s amazing!

I  first began using it for communicating with my Young Living community, but soon  saw the amazing value in using it to keep in touch with my friends and other family.

If you have little ones and perhaps family members who live out of  the area, you must get this!  It’s kinda like FaceTime without having to be live on the phone at the same time.  I love it for connecting and sharing ideas that take too long to type out.  And, let’s be honest, there are times when we really need to share our expression with a sentiment that texting or email just cannot do.

Go get it today!!

YouVersion

I saved the best App for last.  God’s word at your fingertips – it’s simply the best ever and it’s Free!  This Bible App is simply amazing.  It’s a bible, with a gazillion translations, it has a million devotional plans and you can invite others to do a plan along with you.

They also have a Bible App for kids, designed specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level.  Isn’t that the best!!  I have enjoyed allowing my nine year old to use it through the years.

Bible Lens is also another offering they have where you can transform your own photos into images to share on social media.  Download it and try it out – how fun would it be to use social media for a good cause, like spreading the Gospel?

So, tell me – do you have already use these Apps?  Do you have another one you’d add to the list?  I would love to hear about it.

Filed Under: Family Manager

Frugal Travel Tips

2
Jul
2019
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frugal travel tips

Planning a vacation can be exhausting and frustrating, especially when you are trying to stay within a budget.

I’ve learned some amazing secrets over the years and I want to share them so your family can benefit.  Wouldn’t it be great to take more vacations and spend less money?  I am frugal to the bone.

I am currently away on a solo retreat, AKA, Soulcation….just me….alone…. with no one to care for.

I know, mom to mom, this is what we dream of!  Do not get me wrong, I love my family for sure, but there are seasons where some alone time can really be beneficial for our soul.  This post is not about that topic, however it is about how I managed to get away for FOUR nights at a FIVE star resort with airfare for about $150, including meals.

If you prefer to check out the Facebook Live I did, you can watch here, otherwise I will give you the written tips here!

Credit Card Perks

Okay, if you are a Dave Ramsey fan, you will likely not agree with this section, but just hear me out.  I will say this, if you can not pay off your credit card each and every month, please skip this section.  Now, if you can use a credit card to your advantage, by collecting it’s perks while purchasing your normal, everyday purchases, then pick one or two that will benefit you.

For our family we have two different airline credit cards which are used in order to accrue mileage to locations we desire to go, like Hawaii. In February 2018 our family of three went to Hawaii for literally free.  We paid taxes on our airline ticket and we had a hotel room for six nights for free.  More on that in the next section.

A few tips with credit cards.

Pick an airline that has routes you desire to travel to and from.  This can take a bit of research, but well worth your time.  For our family, we like Hawaii and the Pacific Coast, so one of the cards we chose was Alaska Airlines.  It works well for our needs.

Look at the yearly fee.  I know we will pay a yearly fee on a credit card that gives us great rewards, we consider it a cost of doing business and getting “free” stuff.  You can be smart to find a card with the lowest fee and the perks you desire.

Pay the card off each month. This is non-negotiable.  If you are carrying a balance on your credit card, you’ve lost any ‘reward’ perk you could have earned.  Paying interest is just not smart.

Hotel Loyalty

My husband travels for a living and we do a lot of side travel as well.  For us, having one hotel company we try to stay at consistently has proven to have huge benefits.  With frequent stays at the same hotel (Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott) you will accrue points when you sign up with their free loyalty programs.  The hotel we chose had us moving up that program fairly quickly and we soon had free nights to redeem.

We redeemed six nights in Hawaii last February and it was amazing.  An ocean front room with a club lounge for breakfast and evening appetizers, which also ends up saving you a bit of money with food expenses.

You can also get free room upgrades, special gifts from the hotel and more.  We’ve also decided to snag this hotel chains credit card as well, because we can earn that much quicker.  It’s been a huge benefit and has additional rewards.

I just returned from four nights in Huntington Beach where I had an ocean view deluxe room for free.  I also redeem airline miles for a ticket and paid $11.

When you pick a hotel chain to stay with consistently it does end up paying off with rewards and perks.

Uber for the Win

When you are traveling by air, truly look at your options for getting around.  Sometimes, the parking fees at resorts is expenseive.  The hassle of driving around, finding locations and driving in new areas can be stressful.  If you are going to a resort and pretty much staying put, consider not renting a car and using Uber to get around.

Lately when I’ve been traveling, I have ditched the rental car and used Uber to get form the airport to the hotel as well as traveling a few places during my stay.  It has saved me money since I was not paying for a car and paying for parking.

Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Door Dash

Traveling with a family is expensive, but there are always new ways to save.  Consider doing Uber Eats, Grub Hub or Door Dash for a few meals while on the road.  I recently used Uber Eats for several meals and saved a lot over dining on the resort property or ordering poolside.  I actually purchased for two meals, lunch and dinner.  I ate the hot entree and usually put a salad in the hotel refrigerator so I could enjoy that later.

Room service is nice for sure, but it is costly.  Those fees add up.  You can still enjoy dining from your balcony but just a bit differently when you order in using one of these services.

Amazon Prime Now and Instacart

Another great tip for food and supplies while at a hotel with out a rental car is using a delivery service like Amazon Prime Now or Instacart.  I mean, you’re on vacation, who needs the hassle of grocery shopping?

Amazon Prime Now is a Free APP – and I have used it to get bottled water delivered, wine, kombucha, fresh fruit, personal care products we’ve forgotten and more.  If you order a certain amount, usually $40 delivery is free, you just pay a tip.

Instacart is a service which is paid  service, so you will be paying a  fee for delivery.  Depending on your area, this may be the only option.  I recently visited Salt Lake City and instacart was the only option for grocery delivery.  It was much easier to just pay the delivery fee than venture out and carry my items myself.  So much easier.

Zeel

This is a special one for all the busy mamas!!! I have used Zeel for massages while traveling and it’s been one of my best discoveries!!  You can even grab a membership and use it in your own home town, unfortunately it’s not available where I live, so I can only benefit when I travel.

You simply type in your zip code and if they service your area, you can book a massage.   The provider comes to your location, no going anywhere and you can choose from a variety a massages and durations.  The prices are so reasonable and I simply have loved not having to leave our rental home or hotel room.

Be sure to check it out the next time you travel, or if you are wanting a little self-care for you, make an appointment for when your little ones are napping!!  WIN, WIN!

What tip did you find the most helpful?

 

Filed Under: Family Manager, Frugal Living
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