tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7873774911963861412015-03-05T16:29:59.866-06:00Trenches of MommyhoodRandom Notes From A Stay-At-Home MamaElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.comBlogger1237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-78184371831574817212015-03-05T16:29:00.003-06:002015-03-05T16:29:59.878-06:00Worry Less So You Can Live More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KI1ppFrLlrU/VPjJMdSuHvI/AAAAAAAAE5E/8mwNEqcnclA/s1600/IMG_4256-776162.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KI1ppFrLlrU/VPjJMdSuHvI/AAAAAAAAE5E/8mwNEqcnclA/s320/IMG_4256-776162.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6122864909268950770" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Exchange your worries for delight in God...and God's delight in you. </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Worry Less So You Can Live More</u> by Jane Rubietta shows us surprising, simple ways to feel more peace, joy, and energy. Isn't that something we all need?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">While nothing struck me as life changing, due to the fact that I've studied worry and God's word before, I do feel that Rubietta gives us a glimpse into her own life worries and how she herself overcomes them. The theme of <i>been there, done that</i> comes across as genuine and hopeful.&nbsp; She shows us that life can be so much more and how to look to God's word in those times of doubt, struggle, and worries. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">With discussion questions and journaling prompts this is the perfect book for a Bible Study or small group.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.</span> </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-42233646158138582922015-03-05T09:33:00.001-06:002015-03-05T09:33:32.708-06:00Fluff Love<span style="font-size: large;">Look at that colorful goodness that arrived in the mail this week! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhvbQTDXr3M/VPXftmZxRaI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/4A2eyqBE8v8/s1600/IMG_7698-734175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhvbQTDXr3M/VPXftmZxRaI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/4A2eyqBE8v8/s320/IMG_7698-734175.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6122045242975798690" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago Fuzzi Bunz was having a sale on their "imperfect" diapers (as a side note I see nothing out of whack with the diapers so the imperfections must be slight!) and with a code for free shipping and a percentage off I was able to get 6 diapers for $32 shipped. This is an amazing price for brand new cloth diapers. I wish I could have stocked up on more but they were literally selling out as I carted so I had to quickly check out just to be sure I received some!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm an on again off again cloth diaper-er. I don't use them in the winter as I don't like to dry them in the dryer. Once the weather starts to warm is when my babies sport the fluffy cloth bums! We don't use them at night typically and when away for the day we use disposables. I have a large basket of diapers that I've picked up on sale as well as at <a href="http://trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/2011/06/jackpot.html">garage sales</a>. Many dating back to when Jacob was a baby (9 years ago!) so it shows you how long they can last. I'll almost be sad when sweet Amy potty trains! &nbsp; </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-22319936891730381402015-03-03T10:16:00.001-06:002015-03-05T09:22:38.349-06:00Mary & Me<span style="font-size: large;">Last week I was honored to be able to read a rough draft of my mom and her friend's book <u>Mary &amp; Me</u> (not to be released until Sept. 8th but already for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Me-Lasting-Link-Through/dp/1942934025/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1425398986&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=Mary+Potter+Kenyon">pre-order</a> through Amazon!). </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g89CGQUamq8/VPEYdGr2guI/AAAAAAAAE2k/yYcJ5XVkJfc/s1600/IMG_6503-779477.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g89CGQUamq8/VPEYdGr2guI/AAAAAAAAE2k/yYcJ5XVkJfc/s320/IMG_6503-779477.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6120700256863027938" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">It's a book about friendship. A book about women. A book about mothers, wives, and relationships. But especially about a friendship spanning close to 30 years and involving thousands of letters back and forth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I loved it!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And it made me want to sit down and write a letter.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q9YAbJbJQM/VPEYeI-PYnI/AAAAAAAAE2w/01sohwL_0vc/s1600/IMG_2429-783244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q9YAbJbJQM/VPEYeI-PYnI/AAAAAAAAE2w/01sohwL_0vc/s320/IMG_2429-783244.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6120700274656895602" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">It was only fitting that a few days later I hit the jackpot at a thrift store of vintage stationery. All this for $3.55?! Who can complain about that?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I've had penpals since the age of 10. My longest standing penpal and I have been writing to each other for 20 years. There is just something about a letter that can not compare to a phone call, e-mail, or quick comment on Facebook. It truly is a lasting link through ink.</span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-91114919019156775852015-03-02T17:50:00.001-06:002015-03-02T17:53:31.558-06:00Until You're Mine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPWncVErAyw/VPTuWS7uOBI/AAAAAAAAE4E/6x6Wv25wX-8/s1600/IMG_1692-744337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPWncVErAyw/VPTuWS7uOBI/AAAAAAAAE4E/6x6Wv25wX-8/s320/IMG_1692-744337.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6121779860310210578" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Claudia Morgan-Brown finally has it all. Pregnant with a much-wanted first baby of her own, she has a happily established family of two small step-sons and a loving husband with a great career. But she is also committed to her full-time job as a social worker, and her husband travels often. So when Claudia hires Zoe to help her around the house in anticipation of the baby’s arrival, it seems like the answer to her prayers. But despite Zoe's glowing recommendations and instant rapport with the children, there's something about her that Claudia cannot trust.&nbsp;</span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Moreover, there has been a series of violent attacks on pregnant women in the area, and Claudia becomes acutely aware of her vulnerability. With her husband out of town for work and her family far away, who will be there to protect her? And why does she feel unsettled about Zoe? Realizing appearances can be deceiving even in her seemingly perfect world, Claudia digs deeper into Zoe’s blurry past and begins to wonder – how far would someone go to have a child of her own?"</span></i><br /><br /><u><span style="font-size: large;">Until You're Mine</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> by Samantha Hayes had me glued to my seat from the very beginning. It is a very suspenseful story with a very twisted ending! This is a "must finish me!" book and my husband had to ask me to shut the lamp off last night at 11pm...so upon awaking this morning I picked it straight up again.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">After finishing the book I noticed a few plot holes, that did bother me as I think of them more. I still feel like this was a great read and would recommend it to anyone looking for a little "edge of the seat" reading. :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.</span> </span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-58579172022437141612015-03-01T12:52:00.001-06:002015-03-01T12:52:40.641-06:00Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTm_Ezj7lGk/VPM7bTD_muI/AAAAAAAAE30/0MMlhwgTl4g/s1600/IMG_8140-705051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTm_Ezj7lGk/VPM7bTD_muI/AAAAAAAAE30/0MMlhwgTl4g/s320/IMG_8140-705051.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6121301658686167778" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Cafe, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.&nbsp;</span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Cafe, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the cafe has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions. When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way."&nbsp;</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-size: large;">A book about coffee, cupcakes, and miracles? Sign me up! Or so I thought.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I love Max Lucado's non-fiction and devotional books. At 184 pages it was a quick read but I feel that because of that the characters felt flat. There was no getting to know them or any depth to them.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I loved the concept of the human world as well as the spiritual. Seeing the light and the darkness. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I may be a bit disappointed that in a spiritual book everything was so easy. <i>I know, I know, it's a book. It's fiction. </i>But it was <i>so unbelievable. </i>In one day a small cafe made half of a tax payment due (<i>that tax payment was over $9,000. Meaning I got hung up on the fact that a small struggling cafe could make $4,500 in one day!). </i>Or that an unbeliever would ask God to help her uncle walk again and immediately he would take his first steps. <i>Seriously?</i> Was this inspiring? No, it left a sense that the author would rather make God do what the character wanted than show a real life struggle that could bring someone to God.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This book had so much potential. The storyline was fun and I saw how this could be an entertaining movie. If you want a quick, feel-good story this one will satisfy. Only if you go into it knowing that the storyline is a feel-good one at all costs. Meaning, completely unbelievable. <i>&nbsp;</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.</span><i>&nbsp;</i> </span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-81615178341310954072015-02-28T18:36:00.001-06:002015-02-28T18:36:18.757-06:00Little Lace Box February Box<span style="font-size: large;">Remember the <a href="http://littlelacebox.com/?LLB=42">Little Lace Box</a> that I loved <a href="http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/2015/01/little-lace-box-january-review.html">in January</a>? I was so excited to receive the February box.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">*Sigh* I had high hopes for this box, especially with the theme of "the lovers, the dreamers, and me". All their past boxes have been fantastic; this one? Not so much.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, I think they know it. The information letter stated that the dockworkers' strike in California kept the wonderful artisans and designers from finishing their products. This box turned out to not be an exact match for what they originally had in mind for the February theme. Judging from this mismatched box, which is so unusual from their spot-on themes, I'd agree. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YCxFEvfk4I/VPJXBsOMciI/AAAAAAAAE3A/2xgnkgg2uyM/s1600/IMG_9649-733851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YCxFEvfk4I/VPJXBsOMciI/AAAAAAAAE3A/2xgnkgg2uyM/s320/IMG_9649-733851.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6121050530112107042" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">It didn't scream rainbows, lovers, dreamers or ME at first glance. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PW4Ipvg7wmg/VPJXCi0I_vI/AAAAAAAAE3M/szm3DcrK0o8/s1600/IMG_9484-737616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PW4Ipvg7wmg/VPJXCi0I_vI/AAAAAAAAE3M/szm3DcrK0o8/s320/IMG_9484-737616.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6121050544766779122" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Stud Earrings by Whitley Designs (retail $54.99) If I wore earrings I would be thrilled with these. They are dainty and cute and just like something I would wear. But I haven't worn earrings in over 15 years and the holes have closed. Besides re-gifting these, they are useless to me. Seeing as how they were the priciest item in the box, I am not happy. There are variations, such as bracelets being sent. I feel earrings are not a one size fits all item, I would have loved the bracelet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Pink Arrow Stationary by P. Press Papers ($12.99) Very simple note cards, but cute. I look forward to using them. LLB founders believe that writing letters to those you love should be a habit for life.&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDYNoPeZesg/VPJXDWZ6R6I/AAAAAAAAE3Y/K9qTLfQCKs8/s1600/IMG_1279-740987.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDYNoPeZesg/VPJXDWZ6R6I/AAAAAAAAE3Y/K9qTLfQCKs8/s320/IMG_1279-740987.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6121050558615406498" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Bonus item was Hulu Bliss Goat Milk Lotion by Dancin' Goat Skin Care. It's been a long winter and time to get our skin ready for spring. Love this scent, wish the item was bigger.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Tub Truffles by CeeCee&amp;Bee ($18.99) These look just like fancy chocolates and smell divine. I can wait to soak in a tub scented with lavender!&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQUszeaJFaI/VPJXEISfU0I/AAAAAAAAE3k/tW8tCZr-X5U/s1600/IMG_6277-744107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQUszeaJFaI/VPJXEISfU0I/AAAAAAAAE3k/tW8tCZr-X5U/s320/IMG_6277-744107.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6121050572006052674" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Original Goat Milk Hot Fudge by Beekman 1802 ($12.99)&nbsp; Some boxes held the orange flavor, mine is plain fudge which I think I will like better. I haven't tried it yet but hear it is worth eating straight from the jar. :)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Had I received the bracelet instead or if I wore earrings I would be satisfied with this box, though it doesn't have the wow factor that past boxes have had.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I'm giving them a chance to redeem themselves and was thrilled to see the theme for March is "Here Comes the Sun". You can read the end of my <a href="http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/2015/01/impressions-on-soul.html">blog post here</a> to see why I can't <i>not</i> get this box! They say "in March, you can expect special items for the mind, body, &amp; soul...and we're sure that, even if it's cloudy when your box arrives, the lovelies inside will be just the thing to brighten your day!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Due to their recent growth, and item issues this month, <a href="http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/2015/01/impressions-on-soul.html">Little Lace Box</a> has decided not to open new subscription sales for the month of March. With that said, once they do open up for April subscription sales you can use the code <a href="http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/2015/01/impressions-on-soul.html">LLB10 for $10 off your first box</a>. I'm hoping that they knock the March box out of the water!&nbsp; </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-75720388360171887122015-02-25T19:48:00.002-06:002015-02-25T19:48:55.707-06:00Slow Down<span style="font-size: large;">One of the nice things about winter is the slower pace. It's the makings of creativity.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I worked on a little sewing project for Amy and ended up with this top. I know she will be looking fancy come spring.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt23qsLj8aE/VO5o3sAFqkI/AAAAAAAAE2I/NnNFjzQNCe4/s1600/IMG_7569-757729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt23qsLj8aE/VO5o3sAFqkI/AAAAAAAAE2I/NnNFjzQNCe4/s320/IMG_7569-757729.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6119944249556707906" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our school days have included more busy work. </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhR0tbKpJHA/VO5o4qjGGLI/AAAAAAAAE2U/52Gic2cTrtg/s1600/IMG_2093-761744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhR0tbKpJHA/VO5o4qjGGLI/AAAAAAAAE2U/52Gic2cTrtg/s320/IMG_2093-761744.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6119944266346535090" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Have kids running around the house or keeping busy at the table? I know which I choose! No snow days for these kiddos! ;)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I've been purging closets and continue with the S.O.S challenge (getting rid of at least 5 items per day). I even mailed out several packages this past week of clothing items I sold and cashed in an $80 credit from <a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/2ZKAUO">ThredUp</a> for the bag I had sent them and another $25 from my<a href="http://swapcom.refr.cc/22QXVMB"> Swap.com</a> account (by the way, use SPRING at checkout for free shipping when ordering - they have some great stuff!).&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I did good on my first $100 weekly grocery trip. I took $100 out of the bank and used that for all purchases that week. We ended the week with $10 left! This week is not going as well. I think we are at $160. :( That's not good, though it's not just food. That included gas, hair cut, babysitting, etc. Luckily the cash I mentioned above helps to offset that extra expense. Just keeping closer track of my spending is helping me spend less. &nbsp; </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-69592629710673901062015-02-25T11:00:00.000-06:002015-02-25T20:52:42.614-06:00U.S. Cellular Helping You Stay Healthy<span style="font-size: large;">With February being&nbsp; American Heart Month it's a good time to think about heart health. With my own Father passing away at the age of 60 from a heart attack it's an issue close to my heart (pun intended).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It may seem silly at first that a smart phone can help your health but it's true.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">First of all, it's important to get immediate medical attention with the first signs of a heart attack. Having a mobile device with you means that whether you are at home, in the car, or fishing in a remote stream...you have that access to 911 at hand.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We all know that googling health problems can cause more panic than good, but most of us do it anyway. It <i>can</i> help with a serious problem.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now it's possible to "virtually" connect to a doctor with Telemedicine. Sometimes it's not possible to get into your doctor office immediately, or convenient. While you should go to the hospital at the first signs of distress, it is possible&nbsp;for <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8376">practitioners to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients remotely using technology made available through a reliable wireless network like high speed/4G LTE network<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8406" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;"></span> available at U.S. Cellular. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8429" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">It’s meant to enhance, not replace, in-person physician visits. Telemedicine is used to treat minor ailments like cold symptoms, which account for nearly a quarter of office visits to primary care doctors.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8429" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">It saves time as well as money. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8429" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">Wouldn't it be nice to avoid picking up <i>more</i> germs at the doctor office?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8429" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8429" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8459"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8458" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">Ask your Primary Care Physician</span></b><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8584" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">. Discuss your options with your primary care physician to get their recommendations and see if they already have a relationship with a telemedicine provider.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span></span></span></span><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8589"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8591" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">Check your insurance</span></b><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8586" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">.&nbsp; Determine whether your insurance provider covers telemedicine, and if there are any specifications surrounding this coverage.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8586" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span></span></span></span><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8594"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8597" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">Do your research</span></b><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8631" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;">.&nbsp; Third-party medical rating service websites like<a href="http://www.vitals.com/"> </a></span><a href="http://www.vitals.com/"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; line-height: 115%;"></span></a><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.vitals.com/">Vitals</a> and </span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; line-height: 115%;"></span><a href="http://www.ncqa.org/">NCQA</a><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span>provide valuable research on various telemedicine practitioners and services.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This post is sponsored by the U.S. Cellular Blogger Brigade. All opinions are my own.</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1424917612982_8600" lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-57836697193980232102015-02-24T13:09:00.000-06:002015-02-24T13:09:02.687-06:00Own Your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUkD3jqJP4c/VOvK5CEleLI/AAAAAAAAE1o/Ok5E7JSbtJM/s1600/IMG_2902-743634.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUkD3jqJP4c/VOvK5CEleLI/AAAAAAAAE1o/Ok5E7JSbtJM/s320/IMG_2902-743634.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6119207599870408882" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">I was a big fan of the book <u>Desperate</u> By Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae so I was looking forward to reading more from Clarkson. <u>Own Your Life</u> did not disappoint. Sally's writing comes across as someone having a chat over a cup of tea, not a sermon or a soapbox rant.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So many things in the book jumped out at me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Will you invest your life for eternity, or spend it, wasting the days on things that do not matter, on issues that will quickly fade away?"</i>&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Each person has the power and authority to bring his or her life back into order. Each of us is a steward of the days allotted for our lifetime."</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"There is no single way to serve God, but the point is this: We each have only one life to live to tell a story about Him, about His ways, about His love. And if we are Christ followers, then God calls us to use our gifts, to exercise our faith, and to become salt and light right where we are." </i>&nbsp;</span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8b0CXZHCzc/VOvK6IDQReI/AAAAAAAAE10/l0HjR17qJd4/s1600/IMG_3145-747648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8b0CXZHCzc/VOvK6IDQReI/AAAAAAAAE10/l0HjR17qJd4/s320/IMG_3145-747648.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6119207618655307234" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I could go on and on about what I liked about this book. It makes you stop and think about how you are living your life. How to stop making excuses for how your life has turned out because we all have the chance to change it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, it's not a "how-to" book in the way that other books seem to be. Clarkson helps us see that we don't always have to <i>like our current situation</i> in order to embrace it and use it to God's purpose. She writes about tough times in her own life that she saw worked towards the good of God.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Own Your Life</u> doesn't show us a magic formula on how to have the perfect life but rather how to take up our cross and be content in all things. And to own it. How to change how we view our life, view our days, view our life purpose.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.</span>&nbsp; </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-13992806662905253602015-02-18T11:46:00.001-06:002015-02-18T11:52:29.848-06:00February IPSY Bag<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ipsy.com/r/1g8p?sid=ipsypoints&amp;cid=general">IPSY</a> is $10 a month and each month you will receive a makeup bag as well as 4-5 trial and full size items, based on your beauty profile as well as the review you submit on their site.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The theme this month was LOVE and you could tell with all the pink!&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTILxtDUQiI/VOTJGrZ95jI/AAAAAAAAE0I/dvN-ysugjyE/s1600/IMG_4250-733071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTILxtDUQiI/VOTJGrZ95jI/AAAAAAAAE0I/dvN-ysugjyE/s320/IMG_4250-733071.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6117235310444013106" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">My bag included: </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6-7ctt9yBE/VOTJHiYAiBI/AAAAAAAAE0U/LSRlEEHsCzA/s1600/IMG_7030-737471.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6-7ctt9yBE/VOTJHiYAiBI/AAAAAAAAE0U/LSRlEEHsCzA/s320/IMG_7030-737471.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6117235325199747090" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Luxie Beauty Face Brush</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*ModelCo Blush</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Cargo lip gloss </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn5WeOCCRcM/VOTJIdRr6GI/AAAAAAAAE0g/7U0WHMnrXOs/s1600/IMG_1690-740926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn5WeOCCRcM/VOTJIdRr6GI/AAAAAAAAE0g/7U0WHMnrXOs/s320/IMG_1690-740926.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6117235341010921570" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Tini Beauty Eye Shadow</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*JOYA Composition No. 1 Parfum Oil (this smells amazing! but I was still a bit bummed that I didn't get the Demeter Fragrance this month)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The bag this month is cute as well! <a href="http://www.ipsy.com/r/1g8p?sid=ipsypoints&amp;cid=general">IPSY</a> is always a fun mixture of items to try out and it's been a favorite subscription company for years.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: Referral links included in post.</span>&nbsp; </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-14927142201069697662015-02-15T21:54:00.000-06:002015-02-15T21:54:02.778-06:00If I Fall, If I Die<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzrehLRa6rk/VOFlzy_O7KI/AAAAAAAAEz4/kippsuPZEzk/s1600/IMG_7519-706941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzrehLRa6rk/VOFlzy_O7KI/AAAAAAAAEz4/kippsuPZEzk/s320/IMG_7519-706941.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6116281709480570018" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Will has never been to the outside, at least not since he can remember. And he has certainly never gotten to know anyone other than his mother, a fiercely loving yet wildly eccentric agoraphobe who drowns in panic at the thought of opening the front door. Their little world comprises only the rooms in their home, each named for various exotic locales and filled with Will's art projects. Soon the confines of his world close in on Will. Despite his mother's protestations, Will ventures outside clad in a protective helmet and braces himself for danger. He eventually meets and befriends Jonah, a quiet boy who introduces Will to skateboarding." </i><u>If I Fall, If I Die</u> by Michael Christie</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I loved the premise of this book. Seeing the world for the first time through a 12 year old's eyes (which is the age I finally settled on for Will, though it took quite awhile to realize how old this boy was) was interesting to say the least.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Eating food only from a crockpot because mushy food was less likely to choke, changing light bulbs only if wearing a wet suit or dish gloves, wearing a helmet at all times. These habits that Will developed because of his mother's </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer997312149"><span id="freeTextContainer2068978884619346030">agoraphobia (fear of leaving the house) amused me.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer997312149"><span id="freeTextContainer2068978884619346030"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer997312149"><span id="freeTextContainer2068978884619346030">A lot seemed so out of character for the actual character of the book though. Would a boy, who had been sheltered inside his own for as long as he could remember, removed from all of society except for&nbsp; delivery men all of a sudden step into the world with little to no fear? Immediately immerse himself in public school by choice? He didn't seem to have the fear that a child growing up in a household as described above almost most definitely would have.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer997312149"><span id="freeTextContainer2068978884619346030"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer997312149"><span id="freeTextContainer2068978884619346030">The "mystery" in the book seemed so disjointed and didn't make much sense even once it was revealed. By about the last six chapters I wasn't interested much in the book, nor the characters any longer.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer997312149"><span id="freeTextContainer2068978884619346030">With that said, I did thoroughly enjoy the first half of the book. Christie's writing is vivid and fun. I just feel like he took a perfectly good dramatic fictional book and suddenly turned it into a mystery half way through, which I could have done without.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer997312149"><span id="freeTextContainer2068978884619346030"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.</span> </span></span></span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-74147232397654563332015-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:002015-02-14T07:00:01.576-06:00Hungry, Hungry Hippos<span style="font-size: large;">One of my most popular posts, even 4 years later, is<a href="http://trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/2011/08/feeding-family-of-5-for-75-weekly.html"> How to Feed a Family of Five Under $75 Weekly</a>. Daily I get a hit or two on that post alone.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">For years I was able to come in at $75 or under a week for groceries. All that went out the window when Jacob got sick. We were blessed by being surrounded by caring people who dropped off meals, sent gift certificates for the grocery store, or local restaurant gift certificates. That took a huge strain off of me having to closely budget and shop all the sales. It allowed me that extra time with Jacob, which I will forever be grateful for.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But a lot happens in three years, mainly rising costs of groceries. And boy, did the cost of groceries rise in the past five years! When I went back to budgeting, meal planning, and detailed grocery shopping in the fall of 2013, I was horrified by how our grocery budget needed to be doubled, if not tripled, some weeks.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Still, I am in sticker shock. My problem is doubled by the fact that I could care less about food. <i>No, I haven't stopped eating, probably the opposite is true, </i>but the pleasure of meal planning...<i>of even being able to think up a menu</i> seems a little beyond me yet. It's grief, it's not really caring about this issue, it's trying not to stress out about it.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But stress I do.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I find myself running to the grocery store a few times a week. Spending $30-$40 and walking out of there with just a few meal's worth of food, then repeating the process a few days later. I find myself sending hubby to the store for something, only to have him return with several bags of (unasked for!) stuff. I find us eating too much junk. Going through food too quickly. Wasting time and money. It's a circle way too easy to fall into.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I've gotten to the point that I don't even know how much we spend on food, and am a bit scared to find out. I don't even know what a reasonable weekly food goal is at this point. According the a quick Google search it <a href="http://www.loweryourspending.com/average-grocery-bill-for-family-of-4.html">sounds like $900 or more</a> for a family of four?!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I did the<a href="http://trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/2012/01/frugal-food-plan.html"> Frugal Housewife's $70 Menu Plan</a> (which ended up costing me $82) in 2012. We found the menu to involve way too much bread and not many meals that we liked. I did a <a href="http://trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/search/label/%24400%20Grocery%20Challenge">$400 Healthy Month Meal Challenge </a>in 2010 and don't think I could replicate that 5 years later.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">We are a family of five. My husband packs a lunch each day for work. With us homeschooling, every single meal and snack is on me to provide. That adds up to a lot of food. Add in a 6 year old boy that literally grew out of his shirts in a one week span and a tween that will soon be as tall as me. A toddler that burns her energy as fast as she makes it. Food, food, food seems to be the theme around here! Even the cats beg for food all day long. :/</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">What is my point? I'm hoping to get back on track. My first goal is getting together a good menu and shopping list for this coming week. My next goal is to figure out just how much we are spending on groceries each week. My next goal will be to see how low we can go. I shall allow you peeks into this process.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What area of the country do you live in and what is your grocery budget each week? </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-83001295378610740732015-02-13T16:50:00.000-06:002015-02-13T16:50:17.320-06:00Breathe Deep<span style="font-size: large;">Once again, I feel that I've jinxed myself. Saturday I boasted <i>"Becca and I haven't been sick all winter."</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I should have knocked on wood.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Guess who is sick this week?! Yep, both of us.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I've been drinking cups of this tea</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> (very quickly, because it tastes gross)</span> several times a day.<i>&nbsp;</i> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahsuc_IOYs8/VN53mZ2oFmI/AAAAAAAAEzo/K-Dy8RPhln4/s1600/IMG_8175-752340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahsuc_IOYs8/VN53mZ2oFmI/AAAAAAAAEzo/K-Dy8RPhln4/s320/IMG_8175-752340.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6115456845674452578" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It really does work in clearing up congestion. Yes, I only paid 50 cents for this at the Amish bent and dent store. Along with the tea and the 85 cent peanut butter m&amp;ms that I also got at the Amish store, my homemade chicken noodle soup, and a warm quilt and a good book I've managed to make the most of this icky sickness. </span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-90194127798370790732015-02-11T15:41:00.002-06:002015-02-11T15:42:50.237-06:00Frontier House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HT8aX8wSZ6w/VNvB3sLDwzI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/o5QVhz-nmp4/s1600/MV5BMTg4ODk4Nzc1Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDA5ODkyMQ%40%40._V1_SY317_CR51%2C0%2C214%2C317_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HT8aX8wSZ6w/VNvB3sLDwzI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/o5QVhz-nmp4/s1600/MV5BMTg4ODk4Nzc1Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDA5ODkyMQ%40%40._V1_SY317_CR51%2C0%2C214%2C317_AL_.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This has to be the third or fourth time that I have watched the PBS series&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/frontierhouse/"> <i>Frontier House</i></a> (on DVD from the library). This time around Becca and Joe are also watching it along with me.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">This program is about three real life families from 2002 who spend 5 months on the frontier, as if it were really 1883.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I was curious how this experience changed these people's lives, 13 years afterwards. I did a little googling and found out that:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">*Nate and Kristen Brooks have three children now and do a lot of traveling around the world. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooks-Family/265067470260216?ref=profile">Their Facebook page</a> is a bit outdated but is fun to read nonetheless. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Mark and Karen Glen are divorced. You could easily see that tension in their marriage throughout the show, and a separation was shown during the ending of the series. Mark didn't enjoy coming back to the 21st century and instead <a href="http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/back-to-the-land-frontier-house-alum-mark-glenn-didn/article_c1258009-a3ab-5f91-a641-57f9b0100c28.html">went back to live on the ranch</a>. I can't find any more about the book he mentioned working on.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Gordon and Adrienne Clune divorced soon after the show as well. It sounds like the show changed them the least, as per their <a href="http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/back-to-the-land-frontier-house-alum-mark-glenn-didn/article_c1258009-a3ab-5f91-a641-57f9b0100c28.html">divorce records</a> they went on to buy million dollar homes (one 2.5 million, one 6 million). Last reported, Adrienne is now a <a href="http://www.malibubeachgourmet.com/about.html">chief</a> and was reported to be dating again and <a href="http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/real-weddings/158200/5">Gordon remarried</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I wasn't surprised to see that Nate and Kristen Brooks are still together and traveling as they were the most likeable and adventurous couple in the show.&nbsp; I wish I could have found more out about Karen's lifestyle nowadays. I'm shocked at Gordon and Adrienne's divorce. While they were the least likeable on the show, and quite the "Malibu power couple" they did at least seem to have a good marriage. I suppose appearances (especially on "reality television"!) can be deceiving! I had hoped, I think, to see that these couples weren't able to return back to a normal 21st century life (well, I suppose Mark wasn't able to). I was expecting them to have a little acreage, or be one of those "tiny house" people. Something along those lines. I imagine that an experience of living off the land for 5 months would change me and my family completely. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Did you watch Frontier House when it originally aired? What did you think of the series? </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-56900151377919128272015-02-09T09:40:00.002-06:002015-02-09T09:40:30.434-06:00Still Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LdYiubdqC0/VNjPlQiF_NI/AAAAAAAAEzE/Z1GDz0Rsb1Q/s1600/IMG_8162-758977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LdYiubdqC0/VNjPlQiF_NI/AAAAAAAAEzE/Z1GDz0Rsb1Q/s320/IMG_8162-758977.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6113864733155523794" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I loved Christa Parrish's <u>Stones for Bread</u> so was excited when I saw her new book, <u>Still Life</u> coming out.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">"<i><span id="freeText15122406987521228841">A tragic plane crash. One woman who lost her husband. Another who gave up her seat for him.<br /><br />Ada spent her first twenty-five years with her family as part of a fringe religious sect. Her only contact with the outside world was through customers at their farm store. Then she met Julian, a photojournalist who'd come to document their lifestyle. They eloped mere days later and Adah was thrust into a completely new life as a wife, city-dweller, and an individual allowed to make her own decisions. But she has no idea who she is."</span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText15122406987521228841">This book drew me in immediately. The sentences are so descriptive and poetic, but not in an overly done sort of way. I started and finished this book all within one afternoon, so it really was a "must read me!" type of book.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText15122406987521228841">I do wish that there was more of a back story with Ada, and feel some of the story was quite unrealistic, but it didn't turn me off at all. I think the whole point of the book was to give snap shots of lives...showing brief moments that change your life completely.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText15122406987521228841">I loved the characters and the way the stories of these people unfolded. I definitely plan to read Christa's three other books as she has become a favorite author of mine now.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText15122406987521228841"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.</span>&nbsp; &nbsp;</span><i><span id="freeText15122406987521228841"> </span></i></span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-5583595444881058082015-02-08T11:07:00.001-06:002015-02-08T11:07:18.834-06:00Mothering from Scratch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXRTfx-5EY8/VNbEv9axp9I/AAAAAAAAEy0/Y_Ha1UwxFNQ/s1600/IMG_1249-714669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXRTfx-5EY8/VNbEv9axp9I/AAAAAAAAEy0/Y_Ha1UwxFNQ/s320/IMG_1249-714669.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6113289872421791698" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>We’re not perfect mothers. We don’t have perfect children.</i>" Thus begins the book <u>Mothering from Scratch</u> by Melinda Means &amp; Kathy Helgemo. Finally, a book to stop telling you what you are doing wrong as a mother and one to give you ideas of how to love <i>where you are.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>I yell a lot."</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"My house is not perfect and never will be."</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Kathy and Melinda keep it real as they write about real mothering, real life, and real mistakes. This isn't a how-to guide on being the perfect mother. This is a how-to guide on how to change what we don't like and how to embrace what we do...because there are all types of mothers and all types of mothering that can be done. No one size fits all and no unrealistic expectations to put on ourselves. This is truly a feel good parenting book that inspires you instead of leaving you feeling worse about yourself<i>.&nbsp;</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.</span><i>&nbsp;</i> </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-72772552763434903852015-02-04T18:11:00.002-06:002015-02-04T18:11:49.267-06:00This Week<span style="font-size: large;">*I'm having to remind myself of what day it is. This week is going so quickly but I'm getting nothing done!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*I started reading our book club pick <u>Catcher in the Rye</u>. I like how this book club (at our library) makes you read all types of books!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*I jinxed myself by saying that the kids haven't been sick all winter except for a slight cold once. Two of the kiddos awoke this morning with a runny nose and a bad attitude.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*I was about to throw this cute little blue bow away that was part of the packaging of a candle. I thought it too pretty so decided to attach a small amount of elastic on the back (which I had taken out of a pair of pj pants that <i>were</i> destined for the garbage last year and placed in my scrap pile).&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JS9q4HntXUc/VNF4DjpJFHI/AAAAAAAAEyk/j4FKXQOZEms/s1600/IMG_0245-701746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JS9q4HntXUc/VNF4DjpJFHI/AAAAAAAAEyk/j4FKXQOZEms/s320/IMG_0245-701746.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6111798171821216882" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Now that is upcycling! #recyclingatitsbest!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">*Amy is obsessed with watching Full House and screams "baby!" all day because she wants to watch it. As I watch it now as an adult I realize how it portrayed the kids as little snots who always get their way (don't want uncle Joey and uncle Jessie to work outside of the home?! Then they won't!) and that there is so much making out and dating on that show. Wow. Guess it went over my head as a kid but it just seems so odd for a "family show". </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-55989596051041824902015-01-31T09:24:00.002-06:002015-01-31T09:24:54.235-06:00Impressions On the Soul<span style="font-size: large;">I mentioned around Christmas that I would share my homemade gifts with you, and then completely forgot to! :) I started handstamping metal jewelry as a hobby and even started an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImpressionsOnTheSoul?ref=hdr">Etsy</a> store (which is still a mess since Christmas...I need to get it organized and filled with new inventory!).</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugM4GLk4pAI/VMwjejLjhQI/AAAAAAAAExw/mOiCBLiTUgk/s1600/IMG_9485-769525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugM4GLk4pAI/VMwjejLjhQI/AAAAAAAAExw/mOiCBLiTUgk/s320/IMG_9485-769525.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6110297802181674242" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">This is a quote from The Hobbit and made for my sister Rachel. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_e1vHwHTck/VMwjfTdZk3I/AAAAAAAAEx8/Z2zcpC9Vc_c/s1600/IMG_1108-772594.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_e1vHwHTck/VMwjfTdZk3I/AAAAAAAAEx8/Z2zcpC9Vc_c/s320/IMG_1108-772594.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6110297815141421938" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">398.2 is the dewy decimal code for fairy tales. This was made for my sister-in-law, Lydia, who is a librarian.&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgVapWJWaq4/VMwjgDQJDeI/AAAAAAAAEyI/rMdtrScKEzo/s1600/IMG_8522-775160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgVapWJWaq4/VMwjgDQJDeI/AAAAAAAAEyI/rMdtrScKEzo/s320/IMG_8522-775160.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6110297827970715106" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">This mother's necklace was made for my friend, Dee. Each penny has the name of a child and the year of the penny is the year they were born. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FpyuA_5UW6c/VMwjgoD3fVI/AAAAAAAAEyU/XLGCm9CfUZg/s1600/IMG_3406-777808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FpyuA_5UW6c/VMwjgoD3fVI/AAAAAAAAEyU/XLGCm9CfUZg/s320/IMG_3406-777808.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6110297837851344210" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">This leather bracelet cuff was my first attempt and is mine. It reminds me of The Beatles song, which was played on The Bee movie. Which Jacob and I watched over and over again at the hospital. It's near and dear to my heart.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">While my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImpressionsOnTheSoul?ref=hdr"> Etsy shop</a> is still being organized I have been taking personalized orders as well. So shoot me a message through Etsy or e-mail me if interested.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp; </span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-32409028743911457472015-01-29T22:31:00.001-06:002015-01-29T22:31:57.672-06:00Living Well Spending Less<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aS-Rp3IxOQ/VMsEiiru34I/AAAAAAAAExg/IvlNcpn1nI4/s1600/IMG_1942-713882.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aS-Rp3IxOQ/VMsEiiru34I/AAAAAAAAExg/IvlNcpn1nI4/s320/IMG_1942-713882.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109982310930505602" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>Ultimately, how we spend our money is a direct reflection of what is in our hearts</i>." Thus begins the book <u>Living Well Spending Less</u> by Ruth Soukup.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As someone who went from a complete penny-pincher to a careless spendthrift, I nodded at that assessment. There is a hole in my heart after the loss of Jacob and there is now a <strike>hole</strike> crater in my budget. I got to the point that I didn't care. Money is just money, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This book brought me back from the brink of excess spending. There isn't anything new in the book. Everything within, from why we need to be good stewards of our money to how to save at the grocery store are all things I already knew. But reminders are a good thing and it pressed my old money ways a little stronger on my heart.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It's not just about money. It delves into how you spend your time, how much you value your friendships, how your goals can make or break you, how simplifying your home can simplify your life. How less really is more. More than a "how-to guide", this is Ruth's own story of her shopaholic tendencies and how she is breaking herself of her bad habits, and why. It brings a lot of religion into play, which may not encourage someone who is not a Christian, but the main principals of her story should help anyone who spends a little more than they like or someone who wishes they could save more than they have been.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.</span> &nbsp; </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-33405854186349422012015-01-29T13:08:00.002-06:002015-01-29T13:10:05.629-06:00Little Lace Box January Review<span style="font-size: large;">I've gone from subscribing to several subscription boxes to just two absolute favorites (yes, I even dropped PopSugar Must Have in exchange for <a href="http://littlelacebox.com/?LLB=42">Little Lace Box</a>! and kept <a href="http://www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/2015/01/january-ipsy-bag.html">Ipsy</a> as well).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://littlelacebox.com/?LLB=42">Little Lace Box</a> is a newer subscription and became wildly popular immediately. There is a wait list and boxes sell out quickly, so I'm glad I have a monthly subscription and don't have to worry about stalking their page when the boxes go on sale each month!You can join their wait list if you can't purchase a subscription now. It is $39.99 a month (same as PopSugar but so much more original and better!) but you can use code LLB10 for $10 off your first box of a <a href="http://littlelacebox.com/?LLB=42">monthly subscription</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The theme for the January box is "The Dining Car" and was selected to commemorate the beginning of the fifth season of Downton Abbey. I was so excited about this month!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwCv7ldHvIk/VMp8Pyjcq0I/AAAAAAAAEvw/yXC451mYzxQ/s1600/IMG_4544-722962.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwCv7ldHvIk/VMp8Pyjcq0I/AAAAAAAAEvw/yXC451mYzxQ/s320/IMG_4544-722962.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832455191833410" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">It arrived in a large brown box and everything was packaged well. Digging in was such fun.</span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0msqTMDngk/VMp8QsI1jpI/AAAAAAAAEv8/IDedhv8hDdE/s1600/IMG_7974-725818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0msqTMDngk/VMp8QsI1jpI/AAAAAAAAEv8/IDedhv8hDdE/s320/IMG_7974-725818.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832470649474706" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">I pulled out the regular red Little Lace Box and a tea pot!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uuKH--qHO0/VMp8Ri1UOEI/AAAAAAAAEwI/p8VVVJ4Lq2c/s1600/IMG_7511-729562.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uuKH--qHO0/VMp8Ri1UOEI/AAAAAAAAEwI/p8VVVJ4Lq2c/s320/IMG_7511-729562.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832485331548226" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Siena Tea Collection - Tea for One ($29.99) This is such a lovely set, I can't wait to use it (it would make an excellent gift as well).</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lr9PjL0TmNs/VMp8SVx54PI/AAAAAAAAEwU/MsJCLV6G8NI/s1600/IMG_1756-732996.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lr9PjL0TmNs/VMp8SVx54PI/AAAAAAAAEwU/MsJCLV6G8NI/s320/IMG_1756-732996.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832499007447282" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, the saucer in the bottom arrived broken. I'm not sure how, as the box was protected to the max. I contacted Little Lace Box and they responded immediately and will be sending a replacement. Excellent customer service. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvu3vYTxCxM/VMp8TPMIHPI/AAAAAAAAEwg/Bx--UwLDi1E/s1600/IMG_2674-736209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvu3vYTxCxM/VMp8TPMIHPI/AAAAAAAAEwg/Bx--UwLDi1E/s320/IMG_2674-736209.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832514418253042" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Royal Apothic Bubble Cream ($18.99) This is bath gel but lathers up so nicely. And the vintage packaging is amazing. Can you say pampering?!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Beekman 1802 Authentic Hand-forged Britannia Fruit Spoon ($19.99) This was hand-forged by a master blacksmith with Britannia metal. This mold is an actual late 18th-century spoon mold that was found in the back of an abandoned shop on the grounds of the Beekman Mansion.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9tq4BzRWB8/VMp8UBfCrmI/AAAAAAAAEws/v46U7YMeYDE/s1600/IMG_2925-739208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9tq4BzRWB8/VMp8UBfCrmI/AAAAAAAAEws/v46U7YMeYDE/s320/IMG_2925-739208.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832527919361634" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">While I didn't think I could get excited about a spoon the detail is just amazing. Imagine serving a bowl of fresh strawberries in the summer with this spoon! It will be something to pass down to the children as well. I actually love it! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSiL9FD-UX8/VMp8Uxfd6pI/AAAAAAAAEw4/X81KccSEoIU/s1600/IMG_5012-742408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSiL9FD-UX8/VMp8Uxfd6pI/AAAAAAAAEw4/X81KccSEoIU/s320/IMG_5012-742408.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832540806048402" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Lucy Bs Roll-on Perfume Oil ($16.99) This smells delicious and quite sophisticated!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Classic Edwardian Hair Jewelry Bobby Pin Set ($21) Who knew there was a Downton Abbey Collection?! Each silver fastner features white diamond Czech jewels that decorate Edwardian era filigree. It can't help but scream vintage! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQXhrR9qdT4/VMp8VkCr_5I/AAAAAAAAExE/FhOx7iUiHZY/s1600/IMG_5231-745138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQXhrR9qdT4/VMp8VkCr_5I/AAAAAAAAExE/FhOx7iUiHZY/s320/IMG_5231-745138.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832554375544722" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Capital Bee Raw Hand Cut Holly Honeycomb - Yum!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*<u>How to Be a Lady</u> ($16.99) Manners are timeless. I can't wait to dive into this book. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvj3Vy8L5Z4/VMp8WXqBGGI/AAAAAAAAExQ/-9HXPpXTZVw/s1600/IMG_0720-748934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nvj3Vy8L5Z4/VMp8WXqBGGI/AAAAAAAAExQ/-9HXPpXTZVw/s320/IMG_0720-748934.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6109832568230713442" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The information card alone is worth a read. I love the detailed descriptions of the box contents (on the other side). The sneak peek for the February <a href="http://littlelacebox.com/?LLB=42">Little Lace Box</a> is "The Lovers, The Dreamers and Me". Based on the song by Paul Williams'. This will be a box for those of us who are still searching. And a box for those who've found it. It will include hidden gems for you AND your home!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I'm thinking this subscription box is the best of what I've ever received. I can't wait to see what the February box includes!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: Referral Links included in post.</span>&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-2276106861383474722015-01-26T12:14:00.000-06:002015-02-08T11:13:53.774-06:00U.S. Cellular Helps to Stay on Track<span style="font-size: large;">This is the first new year that I've started with an iPhone 5s in my hand. While I don't think a smart phone is a fundamental element to happiness and success I do see benefits to having one, especially when setting goals and staying organized.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I may still use a paper planner but being able to pull out the phone at the grocery store to check a recipe for ingredients helps me meal plan. Showing the gas station clerk a text for savings at the gas pump helps my budget. The list could go on. Help while on the go isn't the only benefit to a smart phone.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What about an app that helps you lose weight or get in shape? <a href="https://www.runtastic.com/sixpack">Runtastic Six Pack</a> can allow you to create plans from home that help you do just that.&nbsp; Pair that with <a href="https://jawbone.com/store/buy/up24">Up by Jawbone</a> which is a fitness wristband that can track what you eat and the activity that you do throughout the day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Need a best to-do list and task manager? Get the app <a href="http://any.do/">any.do</a> to help keep you organized.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Saving money is usually a resolution for everyone in the new year. The app <a href="http://www.check.me.com/">Check</a> can help! </span><span style="font-size: large;">The free app allows users to link bills, bank accounts and credit cards. The app will notify users&nbsp; when a payment is coming up and even lets users set up automatic payments.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">All this in the palm of your hand. No more searching through papers on your desk, forgetting to pay a bill, and so on.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font: 7.0pt;"></span>Those looking for help sticking with some of the most common New Year’s resolutions can use U.S. Cellular’s <span style="background: yellow;">4G LTE network, with speeds of up to 10 times faster than 3G</span> to download some of the most helpful apps onto their smartphones and tablets.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This post sponsored by U.S. Cellular Blogger Brigade but all opinions are my own.</span>&nbsp; &nbsp; </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-56016134405701307722015-01-22T14:25:00.000-06:002015-01-22T14:25:12.786-06:00Brain Splat<span style="font-size: large;">*Last week we had such a nice little warm up (if 35 to 40 degrees can be considered warm, which in Iowa in January it can be!). We made the most of it and took daily walks and soaked in the sun. Maybe that can last us until Spring as winter has once again arrived, blanketing us in soft fluffy snow. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_J8j6y1xf3U/VMBi4cbsIZI/AAAAAAAAEvU/pQ2V5tw0pWY/s1600/IMG_7984-768784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_J8j6y1xf3U/VMBi4cbsIZI/AAAAAAAAEvU/pQ2V5tw0pWY/s320/IMG_7984-768784.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6106989816558920082" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*I was amazed that Amy walked to and from downtown herself! She didn't seem to grow tired at all and loved the exercise. Bonus points for the deep sleep she had those nights!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*In an unrelated note, I just had to buy this hat for Joe when he exclaimed, "I look like a butler!" That boy may have been watching too much Downton Abbey! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8wdBlido8Q/VMBi5UIayRI/AAAAAAAAEvg/DGEFKmNpIbk/s1600/IMG_9407-772345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8wdBlido8Q/VMBi5UIayRI/AAAAAAAAEvg/DGEFKmNpIbk/s320/IMG_9407-772345.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6106989831510477074" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Are there any other Downton Abbey fans here? What are you thinking so far of this season?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">*I'm still keeping to my S.O.S challenge (Sick of Stuff). I donated a huge bag and giant box of items yesterday. I sent off a giant box to <a href="http://swapcom.refr.cc/22QXVMB">Swap</a>, which I've had great success selling to (<i>and buying from, oops!)</i>. I've taken some spring items into my aunt's consignment shop. I've sold some boutique clothing items on Facebook pages as well. I'd estimate that this month so far I have gotten rid of about 200 items, at least. Yay me! That's way more than the 5 items a day I've challenged myself to. So far so good!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*I set my reading goal for Goodreads at 75 books for the year. How many books do you think you average a year? Excited to see if I reach my goal! I surpassed my goal last year of 50 books by more than double. So far, 22 days into the year, I am at 5 books. I love keeping track and having a "log" of all the books I read now. </span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-6496222618488100342015-01-16T19:01:00.004-06:002015-01-16T19:01:47.915-06:00Bonita Avenue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mswe1vFiaOM/VLmshdqqvCI/AAAAAAAAEvA/2O-_kBGh6m8/s1600/IMG_1033-768130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mswe1vFiaOM/VLmshdqqvCI/AAAAAAAAEvA/2O-_kBGh6m8/s320/IMG_1033-768130.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6105100460776668194" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">"<i>Siem Sigerius is a beloved, brilliant professor of mathematics with a promising future in politics. His family—including a loving wife, two gorgeous, intelligent stepdaughters and a successful future son-in-law—and carefully appointed home in the bucolic countryside complete the portrait of a comfortable, morally upright household. But there are elements of Siem's past that threaten to upend the peace and stability that he has achieved, and when he stumbles upon a deception that’s painfully close to home, things begin to fall apart." </i><u>Bonita Avenue</u> by Peter Buwalda</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It sounded like the perfect makings for a book. I doubt I can even say I "read" the book as I didn't even get 1/4 way in before quitting. Nothing in the book interested me. It was immediately confusing with the back and forth between present and past, person to person. I didn't know where I was or who I was with.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The characters weren't likeable, interesting, or real. I didn't care about their story at all. I didn't want to read 500+ pages about them.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I wonder if the book lost something in the translation from Dutch to English because it seemed to lack any depth or interest.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: This book was given to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.</span></span><br />&nbsp;<span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-10107389126836662762015-01-16T14:43:00.003-06:002015-01-16T14:43:37.661-06:00January IPSY Bag<span style="font-size: large;">My January <a href="http://www.ipsy.com/r/1g8p?sid=ipsypoints&amp;cid=general">IPSY</a> bag is here!The theme this month is "Fresh Start".</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhYFnvpqarg/VLl2EqsECpI/AAAAAAAAEuM/N9VtDWn0eso/s1600/IMG_4886-727630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhYFnvpqarg/VLl2EqsECpI/AAAAAAAAEuM/N9VtDWn0eso/s320/IMG_4886-727630.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6105040592428075666" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Each bag will contain 4-5 sample (sometime full size) items, based upon your beauty profile. So my bag contents wouldn't necessarily be your bag contents. My bag included:&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byv6wFQOZ8g/VLl2GYre8kI/AAAAAAAAEuY/stngIQWmSSA/s1600/IMG_1792-736276.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byv6wFQOZ8g/VLl2GYre8kI/AAAAAAAAEuY/stngIQWmSSA/s320/IMG_1792-736276.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6105040621953544770" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*Manna Sheer Glo Shimmer Lotion</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Pacifica Coconut Eye Shadow</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Nourish Renewing Eye Cream </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoAEW-AqNfI/VLl2HnUPwGI/AAAAAAAAEuk/X7jUbaPZqI0/s1600/IMG_4317-740363.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoAEW-AqNfI/VLl2HnUPwGI/AAAAAAAAEuk/X7jUbaPZqI0/s320/IMG_4317-740363.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6105040643062480994" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><span style="font-size: large;">*J.Cat Gel Eye Liner</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPpQ2M9Cdzo/VLl2JNbRFPI/AAAAAAAAEuw/pbiWCJIYkzU/s1600/IMG_6603-746752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPpQ2M9Cdzo/VLl2JNbRFPI/AAAAAAAAEuw/pbiWCJIYkzU/s320/IMG_6603-746752.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6105040670472344818" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The cute bag (blue on one side and white on the other with a cute orange zipper)...adorable! The Benefit Fake Up was a bonus item that I had traded 500 <a href="http://www.ipsy.com/r/1g8p?sid=ipsypoints&amp;cid=general">Ipsy </a>points for.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I loved everything except the gel liner and liner brush as those are two things I don't use. I especially like the bag itself this month so that is a big bonus.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: Referral links included in post.</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-787377491196386141.post-56639625522864686152015-01-14T11:31:00.000-06:002015-01-14T11:49:22.829-06:00This Week<span style="font-size: large;">*We've been running lots of errands and getting caught up on a lot.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Dentist appointments for Becca and Joe. No cavities!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Warmer weather. Yay!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*A new fascination with handwriting. Within the past week he went from messy to near perfection!&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHvxokAM2qU/VLakv_TlbPI/AAAAAAAAEt8/GiB5zne7jhc/s1600/IMG_3793-770044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHvxokAM2qU/VLakv_TlbPI/AAAAAAAAEt8/GiB5zne7jhc/s320/IMG_3793-770044.jpg" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6104247489301671154" width="300" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Crockpot meals. Crockpot meals. Crockpot meals. So easy! Tonight it's: </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Black Bean Taco Soup</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients: </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey works too!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 medium onion, chopped<br />1 package mild taco seasoning mix<br />1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn<br />1 (16 oz) can black beans drained and rinsed (you could use kidney beans or pinto beans)<br />2 (14 oz) cans stewed tomatoes<br />1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce<br />1 (4 oz) can diced green chilis</div><div style="text-align: center;">Throw in a crockpot and cook on low all day. </div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">*Watching long forgotten home videos of my own childhood. I'll admit to bawling in the bathroom after seeing my Dad and Grandma on video. How I miss them. :(</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">*An hour of boy-free shopping this afternoon when Joe is at a playdate with his neighborhood friend.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">*A husband who grabs a bottle of wine for his wife on his way home from work when he knows she is having a bad day. And tells her to take a glass of it with her into a hot bubble bath. A good book, a glass of wine, and a hot bubble bath = bliss.</span><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/397/DE2AABA3E4B88E0DBAEE1909DFDFA56E.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01791021335260285130noreply@blogger.com1
http://trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com
crawl=CC-MAIN-2015-11
150971
application/http; msgtype=response
sha1:PBBF4WLZSKCIONNH6IR3JYJVAYFSFNKE
<urn:uuid:b4c001d4-c2e9-468a-9b09-9bd3a0242820>
2015-03-07T01:35:53Z
173.194.121.44
sha1:RSZYRKT4LCICHTSLSCKEUW6LBGRTQRPL
<urn:uuid:192312b4-d296-4d22-b79e-039cce94c8b0>
http://trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
length
response
<urn:uuid:957d40d2-9633-4274-98ed-bddef4c4d071>
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-28-5-156.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)/CC WarcExport 1.0
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2015-11
operator: CommonCrawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web with URLs provided by Blekko for February 2015
publisher: CommonCrawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf