Week 31 School Starts

Well we are back from Florida, it was bitter sweet leaving. I miss the beach and relaxation, but I missed home even more. We got our school shopping done before we left so I didn't have that to worry about that. Now I've been playing catch up for the last week. Tending the garden, playing with the animals, Brittany mowing all the yards, etc. and ALL THAT LAUNDRY!!! But the trip was worth every minute. 

I've already been scoping out what the kids want for Christmas! Since there is 145 shopping days left. I think we are going to keep things simple this year, but we'll see as we get closer to Christmas. I'm getting ready to start my fall projects. One of them I found on Pinterest, and looks really cool. I'll be making a Halloween Villiage as a birthday present for someone special to me! I post before and after pics!

While down in Florida and learning to SUP (see pics from week 30) I wanted a waterproof case. After 3 days of non-stop research I finally settled on the Lifeproof fre case. I chose this case for several reasons.
1- Lifeproof has the most accessories for the case. This way I don't have to take the case on/off the phone all the time. Example- Lifeproof makes an armband for the case, so I can go running with my phone using the waterproof/dustproof armband, I can buy waterproof headphones and go SUP while listening to music! If I am going to pay $75 for a case I want it to have the best options/accessories available.
2- The best ratings for waterproofing. I have taken my phone in the ocean, shower (to listen to music) and have had a wonderful experience. If you are going into deep water, the case is only rated for a 6 foot drop into the water. So I bought 2 of those floats you use to keep your boat keys from sinking, and hooked it to my phone worked like a charm, my phone didn't sink more then about 6 inches!!! Very pleased.
3- Phone options available, meaning I can use the camera, volume buttons, etc without having to "unplug" a port/button to use my phone. 
4- Best color options. I wanted something bright and colorful, especially since I knew I would be in the ocean I wanted to see my phone if it fell. So I got "hot pink"! 
The only draw back to this case is the sound. By that I mean that the sound/call sounds a little muffled, until you get used to it. I can hear everyone, they can hear me just fine. The ringtones/music sound a little muffled but I have already gotten used to it, now it sounds normal to me. I am totally willing to give up a little sound to know that I can drop my phone in the sink, ocean or where ever and know it's waterproof! 

LOVE IT !!!

I can't believe Brittany started high school this year! She is growing up so fast. 

2nd day of 9th grade! (I missed the 1st day because the bus came 15 min early)

EATING HEALTHY- So I was playing around and also reading about fitness and nutrition while we were in Florida. I came up with this AWESOME snack. 

Banana dipped in peanut butter, then roll it in granola, now drizzle some honey on top!!!! YUMMY!!!! I can only eat 1 banana when its dipped, rolled and drizzled on, so filling!

We are doing great at eating healthy. I am drinking smoothies for breakfast and the possibilities are endless. My favorite so far is:

Strawberries

blueberries

spinach

greek yogurt

granola/oats

fruit juice

protein powder

Put in a blender and blend until smooth!! Yummy!!

I'M STILL SMOKE FREE- ALMOST 3 WEEKS NOW. I FEEL GREAT!!! 

EXERCISING- very proud to say I have gotten up at 515 the last 2 mornings and worked out. Just some floor exercises. Its only 15 minutes, which I can only do HALF. I did not realize how out of shape I was until I attempted to do this video. I must say it targets the main muscles (legs, arms, back, abs) so I will start slowly over the first few weeks and work my way up. I also found a cool Podcast on my Iphone. Its called PodRunner Intervals its FREE. The set I'm listening to is "First day to 5k". Its a Podcast you can listen to and it tells you when to walk, jog, sprint, etc and times you along with plays the music for you! Go check it out! 

 

Well until next week, have a great weekend!!! 

Yes this is Adyson wearing 5 inch wedges, she thought she needed these! 

Week 30

(Me & Brittany showing off my sun hat!)

The year is more then half over. 151 days until Christmas !!! Anyone started their shopping yet? 

A lot has happened so far this year. We as a family have had a great summer. We had a 2 week vacation in June, another 2 weeks in July. We only have 2 more days then we come home. I'll be sad when we leave. I'm going to miss the "beach bumming days"! 

Adyson has learned to Boogie board! She is so proud of herself! 

Brittany and I have learned to Stand up paddle board! (Me on white board, Brittany on blue) I knew SUP was a workout, even Brittany was a little sore the next day!  Jackie got on the next day & did good!

Very proud of ourselves over the last 2 weeks we have had NO JUNK FOOD!!! (except kook-aid & ice cream) I bought fruits & veggies & nuts to snack on! No candy! We have had a few SLURPEEs. Only went out to eat 2 times! I'm definitely feeling better all the way around. Still have a few more "junky foods" to get eat/rid of when we get home. I'm loving how I feel all day long when I eat healthy!

I'M SMOKE FREE, almost 2 weeks now! My husband has been smoke free almost 2 months!!!

So I have discovered rashguard shirts!!! Surfer shirts that have sunscreen built into them! No more fighting Adyson to put on sunscreen & NO CHEMICALS!!! Brittany thought they were dorky, but Adyson & I LOVE them! No sunburn, no fighting to put sunscreen on, they are comfortable! They have been a lifesaver! 

See everyone next week! 

HALF WAY THROUGH THE YEAR!

Sorry I'm a few weeks behind, I'm traveling again! Weeks 26-29 have gone by too fast. 
Does anyone realize we are half way through this year already? Or in shopping terms 159 days til Christmas ?!?! I'm just as shocked as you are, where does the time go? I'm going to review my goals that I posted back in January. Make it Count is where my goals are listed. It's been the biggest challenge just keeping up with day to day life, but worth every moment.

QUIT SMOKING- was my most important goal to accomplish this year. It took me a few tries and attempts. This last time I really had to put my mind to it. I did buy the BLU e-cig to help me. No smell, no smoke, tastes OK. So I'm proud to say I have been cigarette free for almost a WEEK! I'm also proud to say my husband has quit smoking too (he quit first)!

FAMILY TIME-Over the last 6 months we have enjoyed more family time.We don't have to  "concentrate" Wow 6 months, time flies when you are having fun! We did our annual party for 4th of July. Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I made my famous Cajun Chicken Lasagna and my husband lights the fireworks. We had about 40 people come and enjoy the show. 

GETTING ORGANIZED- I'm proud to say every room has been organized. I started with the Kitchen in January. In March/April I did my daughter's room. The living room and dining room, well there's nothing to organize. I'm thankful I had the time to do all the little projects this year. 

EAT HEALTHY- Meal planning hasn't worked yet (especially) through the summer. I am finding TONS of healthier choices about food. I love the one with Greek yogurt. instead of buying sour cream, I have been substituting Greek yogurt for everything. Let me tell you the Greek in the BIG containers, is not as thick as the Greek in the small/individual fruit containers. 
I still haven't replaced my breadmaker. Oh how I miss my breadmaker. But since the end of the breadmaker era, we have turned to wraps! and those sandwich thins. YUMMY!!!
I have discovered smoothies! I have made all types in the last month!
Need to work on meal planning!!! 

GET IN SHAPE- I have exercised around the farm, shoveling, raking, gardening, but no actual workouts. Going to Florida in June and July and swimming, playing in the ocean, walking everywhere helps. I'm reading my fitness magazines that I subscribe to, SHAPE, Women's Health, Fitness.  I bought a spiral notebook for the workouts I find in the magazines. I cut out the ones I like and glue them into the notebook! So I don't have to keep all the magazines. 

READ MORE- According to my count I have read 22 books this year. And since I have been piling my magazines up in the floor for 4 months, if I counted 3 mags per month x 4 months = 12 mags I have read in the last week. But I have discovered iTunes U, and Podcasts on my iPhone. I have been reading about nutrition and exercise while on the go!

So I'm a little behind but still better then I thought I would be! I'm reading a new book by Carly Phillips "Perfect Fling" its funny, romantic and I love it! 

BRAIN GAMES- I fell off this wagon. I play these at least once a week (the goal was 10 minutes per day). The "good" brain game apps require a monthly/annual subscription. 

THINK, BE, ACT POSITIVE- I want to create a more positive life. Start thinking, being, acting more positive. This has worked great, trying to see the good in ALL situations. Sometimes its very tough to stay calm and positive. I think I have managed pretty well this year.

CRAFTS- We have found a few things off Pinterest, especially when it comes to the organizing projects. We have made soaps, arts and crafts and when we come back from vacation we will be working on our Halloween decorations and costumes!

MUSIC- I have practiced a little but not nearly enough. I LOVE my keyboard, I just need to plan better, or schedule time for me to play.

NO CHEMICALS- I have been doing a GREAT job of tackling this goal. I am slowly working our way to a chemical free house. We have made our own soap, laundry soap, kitchen cleaner, fabric softener, baby wipes, face wipes, facial toner. We are using up the last of the "store bought" cleaners, hopefully by the end of the year the cleaners will be gone.

GARDENING- I did have my own garden this year! I learned a lot from this. In my garden the "sister" gardening (planting corn, squash and pole beans together) did NOT work.  The idea is the beans grow up the corn stalks, (so you don't have to put up poles) and the squash plant grows at the base to keep out the rabbits and critters. Well the beans took over the corn, and bent the stalks, so we have corn stalks but no corn! My tomato & pepper plants took FOREVER to take off (remember I started them inside, and transplanted them week 2) once they were outside. My toms were about 6 inches tall when I planted them in May, they are just now producing some green toms!!!!

I have learned that creating a blog for all to see has made a huge impact in my life. Going through these goals with you guys makes the challenge all the greater. Being honest about what goals I have accomplished and failed makes me realize what I need to work on. I'm going strong, I am going to finish the year strong!

How are you doing with your goals? Have a great weekend!

Adyson Brittany and Jackie, painting Chicken's coop light purple.

Week 23, 24, 25

I can't believe we are almost half way through the year!!! Time flies when you are having fun.  Its been a busy couple weeks. We had friends come stay with us for a couple days, so we had a house full! 

 My friend Amy and her boys came to visit us for a couple days. The boys got schooled by my girls! It was fun! 

Brittany wrestling with Josh

Adyson schooling Zach! 

At the CMA Fest in Nashville I got to stand next to the beautiful Clydesdale!!! 

 GARDENING-  It was time to put poles up for the beans. So I put the kids to work! They all did a great job. I tried the "Sisters planting" this year and it didn't work out very well. I planted corn, squash and beans together. I got the idea from Pinterest. The idea is that the bean will grow up the corn, the squash will protect the corn and beans (and you also shouldn't have to put poles up for your beans) but some corn didn't come up so I had beans running a muck in my garden. 

 

The cardboard worked extremely well in the garden except next year I need to remember to weight them down. Until the cardboard got good and wet/pounded down in the ground it kept blowing all over the yard. The cardboard was an EXCELLENT weed barrier for the garden! So we had to put some plastic down to prevent weeds in the bigger spots of the garden. I have already had a little harvest of squash and zucchini this year!

FAMILY TIME- it was great having good old fashioned fun. We actually bought water guns and the kids and Daddy had a ball!!!  The fun lasted almost 2 hours! 

 

Then we went on vacation to Florida and had a blast! We did go to the Ponce Lighthouse, the Marine Science Center and LOTS OF BEACH TIME!!! 

 

 

READING- Thanks to my WONDERFUL husband who bought me the NOOK Simple touch I was able to read to my hearts content on the beach! I was in the "murder/mystery" mood so I read....
 Malice by Lisa Jackson, AWESOME

Suspicions by Christine Kersey- this was OK, written for ALL reading levels (in my opinion) little too simple for me. 

Swim by Jennifer Weiner VERY SHORT e-book, not worth the time, only 40 pages

EATING HEALTHY- Well when I went to Florida that went out the window, especially after I found Salt Water Taffy..... My favorite! When we came home from vacation I couldn't find my paddle to the bread maker! So I have ordered another, hopefully it will come soon, my dying for homemade bread again. 

FARM HAPPENINGS- We have found out that Rella, the spotted cow LOVES to play in the sprinkler! it was so funny to watch her. I had turned the sprinkler on the garden and she walked the fence following the sprinkler! 

Then my husband built a fence for the Pigs!!!! We have 2, a male and female! So lets Welcome Hammy (the little girl) and Bacon to the Appleby Farm!!! 

NO CHEMICALS- I am glad to be home from the beach, I actually missed having a full schedule during the day, gardening, dealing with the animals, etc. What I missed most was my homemade face wipes!!! I forgot them when we left, and after using all that sunscreen on my face and the poor diet down there my face is punishing me for it! So I made my toner and wipes as soon as I got home! 
Link for face wipes
Link for toner

I'm feeling very blessed the last couple weeks. I can't wait to see what else comes up! Until next time! 

Week 20, 21, 22

I know I have gotten lazy about posting every week. I am going to get better about this. I PROMISE! Time flies on a small farm. The animals need attention, the kids need attention. You get caught up in projects around the house. Crafts the kids want to do. This past week was a special week in our house. My oldest daughter graduated the 8th grade. We ARE SO PROUD OF HER. Time flies when you are having fun!

FARM HAPPENINGS- this past week Tessa went down. My neighbor & I FINALLY got her back up and to the water bucket. She has milky mucus coming from her nose and the scours really bad. The vet determined she probably ate something that didn't agree with her. Both girls are doing fine and the horns are healing nicely.

I have had flies REALLY bad on all the animals and the "summer" is just starting! So I went to TSC (Tractor Supply Co) and bought Permethrin 10. Its great for all animals and their living spaces/kennels/stalls. You mix according to directions and spray on animals/living areas.

My poor husband, every time he comes home there is always something for him to do. This time he had to put up a fence for the pigs pen.

Adyson's chicken finally laid an egg!!!!! She was so excited.

I was able to rescue a hummingbird from my garage. It was really weird. The little guy was caught between the blinds and window in the garage. He couldn't figure out how to get out. So I GENTLY used a broom to trap him. It was so cool to hold him. I couldn't feel him on my arm.

 

GARDENING- I saw on Pinterest (somewhere) a gardening tip using cardboard. Basically you use all you old cereal boxes, etc and lay them around your garden as a "barrier" for weeds. So this week me and the kids got out there and made a "pathway" of cardboard in the garden. As the cardboard decomposes it also provides some nutrients! Less waste in the garbage, less weeding for me! I'll let you know throughout the season how this works out!

NO CHEMICALS- So this past week I ran out of facial toner. I searched and searched for the "hoemmade" version and found several recipes. My "standards" for making homemade toner weren't easy to come by.
#1- I had to have all the ingredients. As you slowly make the transition to homemade products it gets a little frustrating because of all the stuff you have to buy, but if you make the change slowly/as you run out of the "chemical version" its not too bad. I have been chemical free since I made a COMMITMENT to switch my family over to homemade/chemical free products at the beginning of the year. I love knowing whats in ALL of my stuff.

#2- can't be too drying. I have combination skin. I do not want more steps in my routines (putting on lotion, rinsing my face, etc). When I apply toner to my face I shouldn't have to rinse it off, or apply lotion afterward.

#3- simple to make. I don't want something that takes days to "set up". I want to be able to use it by the next day, not 2 weeks from now. I also don't want to cook it! Some recipes I found you actually had to warm/cook it, NOT ME!!!

So here is what I have found for a homemade facial toner

3/4 cup green tea - take 2 green tea bags & steep in hot water, until the water cools down to room temp
1/4 cup witch hazel
10 drops tea tree oil

Mix all ingredients together. Apply toner to cotton ball and then to your face. No need to rinse. No lotion needed afterward. I have been using this for almost 2 weeks and LOVE IT!

HOMEMADE- I was searching Pinterest for side dishes for dinner. Since I am not purchasing packaged stuff anymore I had to find a "break down" of the stuff that's in the "Pasta/rice & sauce" packets. I found a wonderful pin on Pinterest, from Suzanne her website she writes wonderful recipes and everything. I check her out at least once a week. So on her website/Pinterest I found a wonderful Herb & Butter recipe for rice/pasta. I tried it on the family and it was a HIT!!!! It tastes so much better then the package junk! I can't wait to try another flavor.

UPDATE FACIAL WIPES- I love the face wipes I made during week 13 & 14 they take off the make up. They are gentle, they don't dry out my face, best of all I know whats in them!

UPDATE ON DRYER- During week 15 & 16 I was having "air flow" issues with the dryer vents. The dryer is still working FABULOUS!!!

Hope everyone has a great week and I'll see you next time!

Rella LOVES the camera! 

Week 17, 18 19..

I know its been 3 weeks!!! I'm so sorry!!! Its been a busy couple of weeks. (Well except for the RELAXING weekend I had after week 16) Adyson has finally opened her mouth for the dentist, after going every 6 months for 3 years she finally opened her mouth! I am so proud of her!

FARM HAPPENINGS- The vet came out and checked the cows over again and dehorned them. Both of my girls are doing wonderful and finally have all their shots


UPDATE-----
From week 15 & 16  when I had the issue with my dryer, I am happy to say that my dryer is still running fine and I was able to save myself about $200! 

CRAFTS- I found at Hobby Lobby what is called a "Melt & Pour" soap. This means the soap has already been made & cured. It also means its a softer soap so you can melt it and pour it into your own molds and make cute little soaps. I bought a Goat's Milk soap ($ 8.50 for 2 pounds) and Glycerin (the clear soap, $17.50 for 5 pounds) a 3 pack of soap coloring ( $4 for 3 pack red, blue, yellow) and 2 different fragrances( $2 each). The kids and I came home and had a BLAST melting the soap chunks in the microwave and adding dye, fragrance and pouring them into the different molds. For the molds I went to the Dollar Tree and bought the "travel" soap holders, and small/snack size tupperware. Now that Adyson has her own soap it takes her FOREVER to wash her hands, or take a bath. Not to mention the soap at Hobby Lobby has less ingredients in them!

I added a few sharks to the mix! 

 

I bought the rubber duck at the dollar store, and melted goat's milk soap and stuck the duck on top of the soap. This is my nephews birthday present! 

 



FAMILY TIME-  has been going great! Even simple things bring a family closer together. Dad decided to bust it out "old school" with the coloring books!

 

Then Dad figured out to hook Adyson's powerwheels Jeep to her wagon & had a "tractor & jeep" race through the front yard! 

 


HOMEMADE- When I got the bright idea to make my own laundry soap see week 6 I never thought it would work out so well. I paid about $10 for all the stuff and it makes 10 gallons! And after some TOUGH testing I will never buy commercial stuff again. As you can see from the pictures I let Adyson put it to the test! I must admit I did rinse off the big mud clumps with the hose, then threw them in the washer right away. There was NO "pre-treatment" used.

 

After the HOMEMADE laundry soap! 

NO CHEMICALS- I am very proud to say that since JANUARY, I have NOT BOUGHT STORE BREAD!! I love the way my house smells when my bread is cooking! I'm not trying to take all the credit, I do use a bread maker, but all the different types of bread you can make. I have a dough setting on my bread maker, so I can make pretzel bites, pizza dough and many other things. For Mother's Day my husband and kids got me a KITCHENAID stand mixer! I was so excited, I 'll let you know what I create as I go along. 

GARDENING- remember the African violets that I planted in January.How I grew African Violet shoots I was DETERMINED to grow more African violets and succeeded!!! It took longer then the 6-8 weeks to get the shoots to come up BUT they still came up. I planted the leaf cuttings in African Violet soil, then put the little planter in a gallon size ziplock bag to create a "greenhouse" effect. I planted 6 leaves. 2 have rotted away, 2 are still green, 1 looks like its trying and the final 1 SPROUTED!!! ( top middle plant, see the little leaves?)

My African Violet shoots!! about 12 weeks after planting!

We have 1/2 of our little garden planted. I already see the squash coming up. The tomato & green pepper plants have survived all the rain we have gotten the last couple weeks! Still waiting for corn to pop up! My strawberries have started blooming! I can't wait for my strawberries, so I can make jam.

I started a bunch of herbs inside, tarragon, rosemary,parsley, sage, basil, oregano, thyme. All have sprouted & transplanted into bigger pots. Now I have lavender, dill, & mint.

MOVIES-

Argo- it's a great movie, a little slow but based on a true story!
Hope Springs- funny, loved all the characters!

Did I miss anything? It always feels like I am forgetting to tell you guys something. Leave me a comment and let me know. In the meantime have a great weekend

HAPPY GARDENING!