Scotties Tissues!

Starting off with a hello! It is about 40 degrees outside but no snow here in VT! 
Its also cold season so boy was I a happy mom when I received from Scotties a box full of boxes with tissues! haha. I had won through a contest. 

They came just in time. I came down with a head cold a wk later. Hence why this blog post is  about 3 wks after I got them. I wanted to use them and really get to know and love the tissues!  Also truth be told I am usually that mom with the handkerchief,because frankly if I forget one in my pocket it does not break up into a million pieces on my clothes like tissues. But the boxes were so cute... and I entered the contest to win so I could try them out so HERE WE GO! 

I love them!  Its like a commitment.  After I was sick,my boyfriends grand daughter also got sick which then led to my daughter getting sick. Tissues all around!!

The held up in the hands of little ones. They caught sneezes. Left no dry noses and my my kids never complained. Life was alright sickness and all.

They also were used for dog boogers..My boxer is a fan!  (Boxer owners will understand!)

Now that everyone is feeling better,one of the boxes are on the dining room window sill. It looks so pretty there.  Everyone is a fan!

All honesty, they are soft,strong and just wonderful tissues. I am so glad I got to find this out. 

I love finding new products! Thank you Scotties. And please remember all opinions are my own no one paid me to "have them"! 

Vaseline-It's winter people!

As most of you know I live in Vermont and it gets cold here...windy,cold,snowy and just plain awesome!!! I do love all 4 seasons but it takes a toll on my hands and the heels of my feet especially. 

My point being I was stoked when I found out I was picked by Influenster (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SDOdnjGX0s <---A video for you to understand what Influenster is. Not my video,credits go to the maker.) for a voxbox containing Vaseline's Intensive care lotion! 

The lotion is proven to heal "very dry" skin in just 5 days and it does! I normally don't buy lotions because its hard and a waste of money to try and find the one that actually works and blah blah so being able to test this lotion out was fantastic.

What I found is my skin is not as dry as it looks apparently. In the box they gave me a before and after strip that you place on your dry skin to show you how dry your skin is and a after to show you how the lotion is working. Mine was at dry skin which I thought was pretty good. Day 3!!! Yes day three and my hands were at normal!! This thrilled me. I am a honest home making mama so I didn't want to have to write a review on a product that failed, Vaseline lotion didn't!!! 

I am 100% thankful for the chance to test this out. Great product.Great company. I remember my dad always saying to me when I got cut or what not "Put Vaseline on it". It always worked and the products to this day still work!  

 I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Lets talk Campbell's!

I was given the opportunity to sample products through #crowdtap for #campbellstasters. 

All opinions are my own, I was not paid to say anything. I am way to honest to lie to you about anything. I have been apart of crowdtap for 2 years. I was sent a sampling kit to sample. That is all. #sponsored.

Right to the point!  I love Campbell's! I grew up with their soups and products and I was down right over the moon when I was excepted into this #discovercampbells experience. 



I have made and posted my potato soup on here. Every time I make it I make it different. I love to experiment, I do not like to repeat things...lets face it I do that enough as a mom. 

So I was excited to see Swanson Cream Starter-Traditional in my box of goodies. I knew right away this would be the first product I would test out. They gave me a fantastic Loaded potato soup recipe,but being the stubborn person I am I wanted to re create my potato soup using the Cream starter.
And I did. I use half and half in my recipe. In the new one,half and half had no role. I used the cream starter in its place,and for the base of my soup.

I would like to remind you all I am first and fore most a mom and girlfriend not a food blogger. I am a amateur photographer but even that does not come into play. When I am taking photos for the blog its about getting it done so my family can eat! haha. These are in the moment not set up type shots! These bad boys are RAW! =)

Now this time around. No half and half. Less cheese and no milk. 

8-9 Potatoes

Chicken Broth (about 2 cups)

Italian Seasoning

Celery Salt

Garlic Powder

Chives

Salt

Pepper

21/2 Cups shredded cheese

Swanson Cream Starter(Traditional)

Turkey Bacon (4 pieces cooked and chopped)

I cut up my potatoes into chunks,placed them in with the broth and seasonings. They cooked for an hr on high in my crock pot. I then added the Cream starter and 1 cup of cheese. Let cook for another 2 hours,added the remaining cheese. On the 4th hr of cooking I added the bacon. Served about 3 mins later. This recipe didn't take as long because I cut the potato's up smaller then usual. Bite size. 4 hrs total on high in my crock-pot. 

Result: IT WAS DELICIOUS! The cream starter made it thicker so it was just a belly warming bowl of awesome!

I had three kids giving this a shot. Ages 2,5 and 6. Two are picky eaters. They loved it! My boyfriend noticed the thickness and complimented it. Ignore the salt on the table, I sadly am a saltaholic. They all said it had enough salt in it. 

I can think of a hundred things I could do with the traditional Cream Starter and can not wait to buy some to keep on hand. Winter is coming and soups are a twice a week thing and it could be a base for a bunch of diff types of soups,chowders etc. My mind is just going a mile a minute with ideas. I know there will be more posts involving this product!

Keep looking back for reviews on all the products I was given to sample. Again this is thanks to #crowdtap for picking me and thanks to Campbell's! #DiscoverCampbells #Campbellstasters #sponsored 

6 things no one told me about parenting Monday

School starts Thursday and I am sitting here thinking back to everything I have learned over the last 6 yrs. 

I know as parents we have done the unthinkable. Wiped noses,wiped bums,said sentences that even shock us,smuggled toys to the garbage,repeated ourselves 100 times.

Then there is the things that our kids do that we are just simple like "Wait what?" like how can my son hear me take a bite of food when hes outside yet I yell his name and it takes 4 times before he hears me? How come my daughter will scream over something as simple as a bug landed 15 ft from her but she falls off a swing at 6 ft in the air she is fine? How come kids ask for a snack 10 seconds after eating a meal?  Why do they lose their shoes,and other items all the time and need my help but I stash snacks in a difficult spot to find and they find it? So many questions. It all comes with parenting. Each Monday I want to make a short list of things that first time parents should REALLY know.


1. Someone could have told me that things go up in price. I was all set thinking once my kids were out of diapers I was going to be rich. Then I saw the price of underwear. Then I saw the price rises with age. More fabric maybe? No idea but the more they grow the pricier it all gets. 

2. I had no freakin' idea I would be explaining to my son that you can not just pee anywhere.....

3. The words "Invest in a grocery store" would have told me all I needed to know. How can my kids eat a meal or not eat a meal then want a snack 30 seconds after? 

4. You don't want them to talk. Too soon. Honestly.

5. People failed to warn me that I would be saying things like "Get your finger out of your brothers nose" "Do not eat that worm!" "You don't mix flour and strawberry syrup!" "Stop pulling that cats foot!" "Stop throwing a tantrum before I start having one!"

6. You will contradict everything you do. You tell your kids not to yell and you yell. You tell your kids not to watch to much tv yet your on your phone more then you should be. You tell your kids not to name call yet you just totally called that driver that cut you off a BLEEP! Watching everything you do gets tiring! 


Parenting is not easy. Although pinterest and everyone around you makes it seem that way. Its the most rewarding! 

As I send my kids to kindergarten I am reminded that I will miss their antics. Of course only after I do a happy dance in the school parking lot. 

Good luck all teachers and students!! 

Tony Stewart and what doesn't happen with attitude.

I would like to first let those who are a bit confused about what I am talking about,to explain it.
Tony Stewart,a NASCAR team owner,Driver hit and killed Kevin Ward Jr another driver,age 20 when he stepped out of his car to confront what is to be said Tony over crashing. He was bumped and came to a stop,seconds later the video showed Kevin getting out and walking on the track where other drivers were still participating in the race.

The shock hit the social media like a ton of bricks. Many and I do mean many accused Tony of purposely hitting Ward. Now everyone is entitled to their opinion but what was being said was he hit him because of his anger issues. I have anger issues. My ex husband is bi polar. We have never hit and killed someone with our cars. Although this is a theory that out of anger he might have done such a heartless thing,its just that a theory,a thought and a rumor. 

The crash was video taped and there was no sign he purposely hit a hot headed 20yr old. Now I give my deepest condolences to the Ward and extended family of this young man. But experts,not us fans but experts have stated that any driver anyone in this business knows the safest place is in your car (if not on fire of course) and in the pit. Ward sadly should have waited if he felt he really needed to confront someone till he got to the pit. 
Another one was many people avoided him yet Tony hit him. He actually stumbles out of the way of one car by mere seconds..that car didn't try to avoid him, HE avoided the car. Bottom line he should have not been on that track. 
Bless the kids heart because at 20 your adrenaline is pumped and your thoughts are to a place where you are invincible.

Now something I stated just a ways back said that we are fans not experts. As fans we might know a lot about the sport and the being of some of these drivers but that's where it about ends. We have known Tony for years so we can say his anger does show but Ward we really didn't. A lot of us also are not Tony fans. I apologize to his family as it must be so tough dealing with all this. I myself do not follow Tony as I am not a fan. But I do know that if it was someone else everyone would have never said what they did. 

Truth is Tony has been driving for years,why now to hit and kill someone?
Also the media will drag and blow the shit out of this story so if you see where "Tony almost raced the day after killing another driver" then your gullible and that's sad. Media is met to get you all fired up. Just think if that was your driver that you love and admire and watch every race and hoot and holler for I bet your opinion would be very different.

I would like to clarify I don't know what to think about this whole thing,that's up to the detectives and cops to figure out. I do believe it was a unfortunate event that could have been avoided. I at this time believe it was unintentional. I think Ward should have had a cooler stance until after the race or in the pit.

I also know lots of other athletes who have FAR worse anger issues then Tony yet their story was more or less swept under the rug. For example I do not know if anyone heard of the EX UFC fighter, Joshua Grispi beat his wife and ended up siccing his dog on her. His dog is now possibly on death row and his wife is dealing with a lot of mental anguish. That story never hit my fb feed. Tony's did over 10 times. 

Lots of us have the same temper as Tony. We stand up and shout at the football team's who defense is acting like a bunch of morons. We get just as grumpy as fans so what tells you if you were the ACTUAL driver or the quarterback that you wouldn't act the same way. In this case I truly don't think Tony was out to get Ward in any way. In some cases it is the "one with a attitude" fault. We have seen it. We have seen the stupid childish shoving matches on the football field. We have watched the heated yelling arguments in wrestling. We have been or have seen how heated parents get at little league. We have seen just about it all. 

RIP Kevin Ward JR. Let your passion for driving land you fun times up above. 
Let Tony and his family deal with this.
And here to the cops,detectives and more that has helped with the investigation.

Anger issues does not make someone a murderer.

Robin Williams,May Peace find you.

I am only 26 but I have seen my share of celebrity deaths that hit home. Make you feel like you knew them. Unfortunately some were due to stupidity,drugs or recklessness. But last night as I sat on my porch I received a text telling me Robin Williams had been found dead. Then the next line is what stopped me in my tracks. "Apparent suicide". I then hopped on and thankfully have a wonderful network who also loved this man like they knew him. No one put him down for the fact he possibly took his own life.  What is sad is that some people did so I am here to tell you a little about depression and suicide. In honor of a great man. A great comedian who gave us laughs for so many years.

There is no right way to right about this topic because it comes in so many forms. But one thing I keep seeing is fans stating they hope Mr.Williams sees and feels all this love. The thing is where was the love prior? I always see Tatum Channing's photo up and quotes from other people but I must say I never saw much about Robin Williams and I am among those who didn't share. But that does not make it our fault. I doubt what goes on social media had anything to do with his mind set.

Another part of depression is its not that easy to feel love. Its like your heart is on thin ice. 

There's the fake part. Where you put on the act of being fine.

There is the part where sometimes the people around you are in denial themselves. I have been through depression and suicide thoughts more then once in my life. I have had people walk away from me. At the most crucial part,they walk away. They think your just sad,stressed,mad etc. Not always their fault. They are not psychiatrists or even aware sometimes. Its our duty in this world to make people aware and even more so now that someone who was loved by millions might have gone down this ugly path. People don't realize walking away is the worse thing for someone in this state of mind. Some refuse to help. Some don't know how. Some take it as you being selfish and drama like. Some people blame your age. (She is just a teen going through teen stuff for example) We think its so easy to spot someone with these horrible mental anguishes but its not always that way.

There's another side as well. Your fine your fine then BAM your night and that one time you are not is the time you take your own life. There's cases where depression was not even a factor it was about sadness a great anger that couldn't be controlled.  That make us fall off that cliff we call life. Other cases its years of depression. You just never know. Sadly you might never know. Even the closest of people the majority of the time will never be able to come up with those answers. I have been trying for 20 yrs to figure out why my family lost a great man to suicide. There is days the "why's" and "What ifs" put me in a dark place. Trying to get answers that I just can't get. They say committing suicide stops the pain for you but starts it for the ones who loved you,knew you,cared for you and admired you.

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporarily problem"

There is a million sides to suicide and depression. A million different events,emotions,thoughts,differences and such. All that matters is we lost as a whole,a great man. A wife lost her husband. Kids(although grown) lost their father. The industry lost a talent that won't be found again. 

Its hard to wrap your mind around all this if you have never seen this sad disease up close and personal.  I have walked the ugly path. Let me personally tell you,people put on blinders to you,people do walk away knowing how fragile you are,the love is not always there. People just assume there is always that support there,simply untrue. Some people do but depression blinds them to it. Its a ugly thing,I can not say that enough. You feel so much hurt and sadness. You feel worthless. You can over come it but sadly some people never get to that point. 

The number one thing I want to portray here is something I even did. When I got the text about suicide I automatically said "No way". What would make me say that? because he is a comedian? Because he always had a smile? A heart of gold? Someone like that can't be battling their own demons? That was silly of me. Wrong of me. Anyone can be battling demons. A mom,a deans list student,a comedian,a teen,elderly man...anyone. 
Demons are a every day battle for some people you just don't see it. This might come as a shocker but we don't know it all. 

Rest in peace,Mr. Willams. I hope you found the peace you needed and deserved. You brought so many laughs to so many homes. So many memories. You had a impact on so many. No matter what the reason. You did one of the hardest things,you left your life behind to leave your pain behind. That's not a easy decision no matter what people think. Its not selfish. Its devastating. Let your family find closure. That is hard to do with this topic. This loss.


"No matter what people tell you,words and ideas can change the world." Robin Williams

"Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?" Robin Williams

Taco Layer Pie Bake

A long name for a done in less then 30 min delicious meal!


Taco Layer Pie Bake

What you will need.

9 in or so pie or round pan. Metal or glass.
1 lb of Hamburg
Taco seasoning and the water it calls for.
Shredded Mexican cheese (You can use what you want)
Re-fried Beans
4 Flour tortillas (You can use more if you want more layers. I would double everything for a big family!)
Non stick spray
Cheese sauce.
Tomatoes
Lettuce
And other toppings you want. Taco sauce,sour cream,green onions..Etc.

Heat your oven to 350 degrees. While that is heating up brown your hamburg and  mix in your taco seasoning following the directions on packet. Open your re-fried beans. And spray your pan with non stick spray. Once the hamburg is done you can start assembling. Place a tortilla down then spread evenly the beans on it,add 1/4 of the hamburg,try to eye ball it so you can end with the hamburg on top and have enough for 4 layers. Sprinkle as much cheese as you want and then add another tortilla. Repeat 4 times. Top last tortilla with hamburg and beans combo but this time cover with evenly with cheese sauce. I heat up some from the jar. Place in oven,uncovered for about 10 mins or until cheese is melted and heated through. Mean while cut up your tomatoes,lettuce,avocado,green onion..etc for what ever you want on top. 

When done  serve with fave toppings. I cut mine into pie pieces.

I am not a food blogger. As you can clearly tell. Haha but when I find a good fast meal. I must share!

Next up is 3 recipes that your kids actually might eat! Also how to help them love their veggies! You would be surprised what we do  that might not help.

Thanks for reading!! 

Fast summer dinner

I can not take full credit for this recipe but I have switched it around a bit. 
I know all about those hot days and not wanting too cook. The crock pot number one go too, second is take out BUT for the few of us that once in awhile want to switch it up or its the end of the month and money is almost non existent. Here is a fast simple recipe that won't over bake your kitchen.

Dream Catchers (Some people call them Cheesy Dreams)

English Muffins
Cheddar cheese
Butter (soft)
Turkey bacon (you can use normal)
Nice big tomatoes
Baby spinach(Can leave out if want)
               Or
Alfalfa sprouts (Can also leave out)


I toast my English muffins lightly in toaster. When done I butter them,but first cook your bacon!
Place your bacon on each half of the muffins (You do not put them together to make a sandwich). top with tomato sliced not to thin,baby spinach,then sliced cheddar cheese(We use sharp!) and then you place into toaster oven or oven depending on how many you are making and broil for about 8-10 mins. Make sure cheese is melted. Top with sprouts and ta da. I serve mine normally with a side of nice fresh fruit. 

 Shown with out the greens.

Two Tuesday-Two yummy recipes!

As you know I am not against but I am careful with boxed meals. I rather have a home made meal any day. I also am careful with money. 

One of the areas we lose money and might not even realize it,is wasting left overs. I tend to re use food in the fridge as many of my readers know.

First recipe is Twice mashed Taters.

Left over mashed potato
Green onion
Shredded cheese(any kind,I love sharp cheddar)
1/2 milk or more depending on much you have left over
2 TBS butter

Take everything and mix it. Green onion should be chopped pretty small. Sometimes you need to add more depending on how dry the potatoes are. Heat in microwave for 4 mins. Serve.

Second is Grilled Fresh Green Beans

After snapping the ends of the green beans,mix with Italian seasoning,minced onion and a touch of pepper. Place into foil with cut up butter. I used half a stick for two packets.(what I call the foil with green beans in it) This is a recipe though you could do anything with. Other seasonings.Italian dressing. Olive oil. Add garlic cloves. 

We double wrap then place on the top portion of the grill not directly on the heat but either is fine. Cook for about 25-30 mins. Take off and serve.

5 easy recipes and 4 easy cleaning tips,just in case your not Martha Stuart or Rachel Ray

I know its hard to admit that your not no Martha and no Rachael. Neither am I. I am more like that contestant on Hell's Kitchen that keeps getting yelled at. I am no Martha because I don't do cute,I rarely match anything and I am about as crafty as a snake. (you know since they don't have hands) Yea so metaphors is not my thing either. Anyway point being since being a mom I have found a few things to make life easier. I have lots. These are just a few and more simple ones.

 I'm also going to share 5 meals that I almost always have on hand. Cheap,fast yet good!



1. Chicken Alfredo or Kielbasa.
You can go either way.

Cut your meat up into bite size pieces,the kielbasa I usually just cut into half's. Saute, With the chicken I season it. Usually some garlic powder,salt,pepper and minced onion. At the same time have your water on for your pasta. Salt your pasta and if your using fettuccine use olive oil to keep them apart better. And because we are not Rachael Ray you will use jar Alfredo sauce. When pasta is done drain and stir in sauce,then add meat. Ta da. Serve with green beans or some other veggie and you have a meal.

2.Crock pot Chicken

Chicken breasts cut in half if they are thick. 4-6 pieces. Baby carrots,and cut up potato's. Not peeled. Put your veggies in,put some seasonings on, I do celery salt,minced onion,parsley and salt. Top with Chicken gravy then add chicken and season if want then add chicken gravy. Cook for 6-8 hrs on lo. Remember you can mix and match veggies or use a different meat.

3. Beef Pasta (Credit for this goes to my friend Becky)

Ground beef.
Beef Gravy
Egg Noodles

Cook your pasta,brown your beef. I put seasonings in my beef.  Drain pasta,add beef and 2 jars of gravy.

4. Cube steak Dinner

Cook your cube steak in crock pot with Ajur gravy and beef gravy on lo for 2-4 hrs. You can cut up if you want, I leave pieces whole. I sometimes add baby carrots. When done serve on top of mashed potatoes,home made or boxed. I always serve with green beans,sometimes I put them on top of cube steak.

5.Veggie pizza!
Pillsbury thin crust,pizza sauce,shredded cheese and veggies of your choice. You know how to make pizza. Only thing I do a little different is I put veggies on before cheese. My kids can't see them well and usually digs in before noticing and by then they like the taste so they continue eating!


Now as you can see these are not fancy! If you want to fancy them up or change something go a head. 

6 items I always have on hand:

1-Spaghetti sauce.

2-Pasta

3-Shredded cheese

4-Potato's

5- Cheese

6-Different gravy's

Of course I stay stocked up on veggies,meats and bread. I know money is tight. Thats why I do things pretty simple. I know how to make my own cheese sauce,white sauce etc but its cheaper when I buy a jar.

I also make big things of macaroni salad and potato salad during summer. A fast snack or meal for the kids. Or my whole family.


Now my 4 tips for cleaning and frankly I am not sure your going to like them.

1. I never get behind on laundry and if I do,I do it up. And by that I mean I wash,dry,fold and put away. I have never in the years I have lived on my own folded laundry and had it sit on a couch,table etc while it waited to be put away. If they fall and people step on it,you have made more work for you. 

2.Wash your dishes after a meal. Or put the dish washer on. =) Do you sit down for dinner? Then why must you go sit down after dinner? Do your dishes right after,no stuck on food and when your done,your done. You will wake up and not see a huge mess. 

3. Wash your walls at-least once a month. Base boards,behind your stove,behind your table,etc. Food splatters. Muddy paws splatter etc. You can wash it down and see the difference for yourself! I am wild about cleaning so I wash my walls down once a week. And I am talking more like in your main living space and kitchen then any other room. Mud room might be a good place too.

4.Keep your fridge clean and leftovers right up front and cleaned out.  You tend to eat more if you can see them and know your not going to open one that is moldy. Now even I have opened some and realized YUCK but for the most part my fridge is cleaned out and always clean. 


I am a vacuum almost every day,mop 3 times a week maybe more kind of chick. I live on a schedule so I am never behind. And I do thinks quickly. It does not take me a whole weekend to even clean my whole house. I am not behind on anything besides a paint job. I get to have fun because I am not behind. It takes me 30 mins a day to finish my chores,sometimes more if there is a sickness going around or animal cage cleaning days.



 Tip of the month from a reader:

"Don't over furniture your rooms. That can make a space smaller and seem too busy which looks messy."


?Raven? Send me your tips! =)

8 Easy steps to Spring cleaning!

I love love love cleaning! It calms me. 

And its that time of season where we are all trying to spring clean.

Here are 6 tips from me that I feel will help!

1. You can have a clean house but still have a messy house. This come from too much clutter! So its time to throw away!! Get your donation bags or your garbage bags and get cracking.

2. Make a plan. If you stand and realize how many rooms you have to do, you will get overwhelmed. Pick one room a day or even two depending on your house/place. I start with bedrooms.

3. Take the room apart piece by piece then as you clean it put it back. My boyfriend has a wall of Nascar cars, I take them all down,dust,wash wall,wash shelves and then put them back and move clockwise around the room. 

4. The dollar store has cheap baskets and organizing tools. My daughter has play food all over her room, I bought her 3 dollar baskets that are pink and lined them up on her shelf's in her room labeled. No clutter and looks adorable. Anything you can find to help update,orginize or hide items will improve any room.

5. Wash curtains!! Sounds funny but really,when you spring clean give it your all. Curtains get dusty and loose color after awhile. Go to tag sale? Look out for some new curtains,it will help any room. Same with blinds,set them in a tub full of soap,or bleach, anything to clean them then wipe them down. Your going to find cobwebs in places this also gives you time to dust with the stuff down and away from windows.

6. Wash windows!!

7. Try change. Sometimes changing a room around does wonders for a persons mood or even for the household. You might find more space with it another way or realize you can fit in that comfy recliner you have in storage now. =)

8.This is the funniest one but for me cleaning my ceiling in each room. It seems to be dirty even though they never look it. Also spruce up your floors. Do a bleach run down or get some polish for those wood floors. Maybe rent a Rug Dr for those nasty stains on the carpets.

Clutter for me is the worse that and the up high cob webs. I also wash my windows once a year. I know shame on me. 
Spring cleaning when I am done feels amazing. You don't realize how much got dirty till you see the room afterwards. Or even de-cluttering a room. Its worth the time. 

Most of all think of it as a "worth it" moment not a "have to" moment and if you have some extra cash add something new to each room. New pillows. New curtains. New area rug. New paint. Etc. As a woman we can find good deals on new stuff. And it makes us feel fresh and good at the end of the day. 

Sickness and what we might be doing wrong for our kids.

Happy Hump day!

If your a parent and you have kids in school more then likely you have seen your share of sickness this year. Which....
 
 Got me thinking the other day,about how we could do more as parents to help our kids bodies fight off those icky germs/bacteria etc.

We give our kids medicine the first sign of anything it seems. And I for one am thankful for medicine but my dad who bless his heart is 83 years young told me "Medicine just hides the sickness,it does not cure it" (Unless its antibiotics of course). Hes probably right. 


We can make them take medicine? but we can't make them take their vitamins? I think we are backwards.

Natural things help. Strong immune systems help. These are things as parents we can provide. I am not a naturalist so giving your kids medicine is fine, my kids just had cough medicine. 

What I want to do is help keep our kids healthy. Help raise awareness on what lack of vitamins and minerals can negatively cause.

Share some tips on what I have learned since being a parent and dealing with sickness.

One thing first.


Sometimes kids will be uncomfy. Do your research before giving medicine. We as parents sometimes act to fast because we are being selfish and we just want the crying to stop or the crankiness to stop. We can do more as parents then just shoving medicine at our kids. We can soothe.

 http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/ucm250024.htm 



Now that's out of my system lets move on to naturally keeping our kids healthy.
 
http://health.yahoo.net/articles/children/8-child-friendly-vitamins-and-nutrients-boost-their-immune-systems

Above is a link to what helps boost immune systems. Kids should have vitamins all the time. 

This is my parenting fails and my parenting yay's!

I have orange juice in my fridge all the time. Okay. I have it on hand but I am usually the only who drinks it. Fail.

My kids take a kids multivitamin every morning. Okay like once a week....

You have your basic hand washing etc rules as well. Which my kids do not follow.

My kids get sunshine. Vitamin D. If the sun is out your going outside at least once. (This one I got right! My kids go outside all the time)

Calcium!! I believe it does wonders for our bodies. Its also proven. Heres a link to talk more about calcium and what foods its in.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=45

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-fit-kids/food/kid-nutrition-basics

We eat fruits and veggies. Simple. A rule all parents can and should follow.

Milk and water alternate turns for drinks. We don't have sugary drinks. Well.Sorta. We drink apple juice.

And then sometomes kids get sick anyway. Lets try as parents to prevent it. We can't catch every germ and throw it the other way but if we can build our kids bodies up to be strong we are helping in the best way we can.

I know I am going to fix everything I am doing wrong. I am sick of being sick and watching my kids be sick.

We are not perfect and no one has too but lets be smart. The meals your kids eat are important. Now my kids have cheez-its and other snacks too. Pizza not healthy but its on our menu. We after all are human! 

Here are a few tips.

I keep disinfectant spray on hand at home. I don't over do it but I will pray once a day.

I have disinfectant wipes that I wipe down door knobs,fridge handle,lid to garbage can,etc.

I give NO DAIRY to kids who are full of mucus. Old advice that holds true,dairy creates more mucus. 

Once kids seem on the mend, I wash their sheets. Fresh and clean always made me feel even better as a kid. 

I will water down depending on age, ginger ale made with real ginger for a tummy issue. Pedialyte is a great thing but if the kids is not throwing up sometimes Ginger ale can help settle it and the ginger helps in other ways.

Tissues do not sit around. Right to the garbage. We actually use hankerchiefs. 

Phones get a wipe down.

We tend to give medicine(see I am not against it) before bed so the kids will sleep better as that's important when sick. Sleep.Sleep.

Everyone has their ways. As parents we need to know everything we can,figure out everything we can. I listen to elders and what worked back then. I listen to Drs.(even though I do not always agree)..that's me as a parent. And I need improvement. I have a few things backwards. But you live and you learn. =)

 
 ?Raven?
 

Steps to bringing home a pet found online.

First of all, Hi.

Second of all I am so against online dog/animal shopping that I went against grammar police and wrote this sentence.

Third I am talking more specifically about Craigslist,area online tag sales type things. Because those are less likely from a puppy mill. 
When you go to eBay and buy a dog or go to breeders websites. Those make me sick,you make me sick if you do that. You are supporting puppy mills. 

Now back to it.

Sometimes, okay a lot of times people have to surrender their pet for some reason or another and they end up on craigslist or the online tag sale sites in your area etc. Those pets need homes too. GOOD homes. So if you have found yourself considering an animal I have a few tips that might make life easier for you.


I have gotten 3 animals through online tag sales. One was a rabbit about to be stew meat and I said NO! And 2 guinea pigs for my kids birthday. We still have all three,all three were lovely ideas. We love them very much. Neither home was a breeding home,they came from families who either made a mistake and put two animals together that was a female and male or a family whose kids lost interest in the animal. So please don't think I am against re-homing animals.

Once you make the decision, if its a dog,cat,bird...ferret etc. I would really try to make a vet visit before you even bring it home. ESPECIALLY if its a puppy. I know that's hard when your eager to bring home your new life love companion. I get it. But puppies especially,parvo,worms,ring worms,etc can be in them and you bring them home and you have a whole 'nother mess on your hands. Sadly I have also seen death and people who are so mad they give up the animal. Yea. Stupid but people seem to think animals are easy, if you want easy get a Betta fish or a stuffed dog. 

 Try to get some vet info,proof they have been taken care of and some people don't have this so that's when you need to step up and have the animal checked out. Remember this is  for most animals not just dogs. Make sure everything is ready at home. Again or eagerness to bring home our furry,hairless,long, what ever creature sometimes makes us not be prepared and that can cause issues.  Are they potty trained if not get the items you need before getting them. Do they come with items like a leash or collar? If not get those before or right after. Make a plan of whose responsibility is which.What is expected of the household. New pets are "cute" for kids but you need to be ready because 8 times out of 10 the kids are just not ready. or will lack in some areas. We as adults lack in areas. Perfectly normal,just be ready. We were. I knew I was getting our piggies for my kids but also knew they couldn't clean a cage as wonderfully as it needed to be or remember EVERY day to check their water so that's where this mama steps up. =)

1.Get vet checked.
2.Be ready
3.Spay and neuter. 
3.LOVE THEM!
hehe.

Also a few warning signs that something may be wrong.

1. Small in size.

2.People will not tell you much about the animal.

3.Stray. (deff vet check)

4. Look at their eyes,their eyes say a lot.

5.Check for signs too of neglect. Too small of a cage for a rodent,reptile etc. Weight.Fur. Too long nails. etc so you can handle those things. Bath time.Extra protein food,bigger cage,nail clippers and so on.

6.Sometimes parents are on site. Check them out if you can. 
***Our Timber's mom was over bred. Very sad. Timber has a few health issues. (our boxer dog) They were not breeders they just were uneducated people who figured fixing their animals would help the world in no shape or form. 


It never hurts to check up on the breed you are getting or type of animal to learn all you can.  Read about some common things to be on the look out for. Don't scare yourself but educate yourself.

I would bring home every animal anyone posted if I didn't have a big enough heart to know these animals could get better homes then mine if I had 1239347356 animals living here lol.Enjoy your new pet. And please spay and neuter. <3

?Raven?

You eat your salad I'll eat my cheeseburger.

I have been contacted a few times about my pictures I have on here..Some people had brains others did not..let me copy a few of those comments for you.

"I love that you are a strong woman,shows us we can do just about anything and be feminine." <---Has brains.

"I wonder how you work out yet it noticed in ur pictures your arms are large" <--No brains.

"i feel working out makes a woman look to butch"<---BIG lack of brains.

Mhm. Now most of you are wondering if crazy lady showed up...She didn't. Everyone has an opinion and now Im about to be a fly in your coffee.

That is not fat on my arms my dear readers that is what you call a tricep and yes its a bit bigger then most woman's. My shoulders sit higher then most woman my height and build. But I am not butch nor do I like that term and second I can kick your a$$.

Now I am for healthy eating and habits! I have no game consoles in my house and no tv. I do that so my kids know the outside and being active is the way to go. But let me tell you if I catch my daughter acting like teens do today which more then likely she will,I will be stationed at fort Crazy lady until I get it through her head what real beauty is.

Teens today are so worried about being fat its disgusting. I won't allow that around my daughter for as long as I can protect her. I don't want her skipping meals or eating candy for meals. I don't want to hear her at age 10 or 11 or 12 that shes fat.  

She does not need to be hit on or get attention to know shes beautiful. 

This is how my house hold works. I work out to be strong and if I lose the baby fat from my daughter I had 5 years ago....then awesome. I am a size 7-9. Not a 1...I'm cool with that. I will not be stopping my eating anytime soon. I will not be skipping meals and pretending I am not hungry any time soon. You can eat your salad. I'll take the steak and taters any day my dear.

Look, I could eat a water cress salad and go out and get hit by a bus....I live once. I am healthy. I might not eat the greatest things but I feel good,I have energy, I am not tired,I know what vitamins,minerals and sources my body needs. We eat no pork. We have a veggie almost 3 times a day.  We drink our milk. Fresh fruit is a must. Iron,calcium,potassium are all considered into what I feed my family. I don't buy very many if any some months,sweets. We do not eat candy here. Except special occasions of course. Processed food is a don't. Red dye 40 is avoiding. We take vitamins. We drink OJ by the gallons during cold season. lol. And we are active. Best thing is because I don't stress over diets and dieting I have not gained weight in 3 years,I crave salads like crazy because no one has instilled in me that I MUST eat them. My kids don't see me stress,they don't think they have to be perfect and to them me working out is their mama being strong and independent. I'm OK with that.

I know some people have to diet and excersise to regain their healthy status. Thats fine. Your kids seeing that is normal. They will understand. And hopefully you make them understand its for your health not for a man/woman/media..etc.

Please though remember to be a parent. Don't allow or at-least try to keep your kids from saying they are fat. Pre teens and teens don't need to even think that. Watch what they say on FB,in your living room or anywhere. Make sure you don't just laugh it off,say something to them. I do with my daughter and she is 4. 

And remember to be a human. If your into exercise and perfect eating then awesome.  But if your that person that does it to be "sexier then the other woman" or "so he will keep loving you"... "Make sure your wanted by men"...if your doing it the un safe way? Then your wasting your life and if I meet you I will be the fly in your coffee because I will tell you off. I won't allow you near my kids. 

My size 9 butt and my bigger then normal biceps and triceps will go on and eat our pasta and drink our coffee and be fine with who we are. I love me and I have a man that does too not that I need him too ;-) My confidence is when I look in the mirror and feel healthy not skinny. Not perfect. But me.

Now excuse me while I box the calories right off me and keep these arms fit.

*Please remember I won't judge you no matter what but society does enough to destroy what woman are really worth. What REAL woman look like. Lets not contribute to it. *

?Raven?

My Cheeseburger Soup recipe!!! Line up for this recipe,its awesome!

So I searched the internet the other day,and by search I mean I went to one website couldn't find what I was looking for so I called my mother... but anyhow for a CROCK-POT Cheeseburger Soup. I found some recipes,but a lot had carrots. I like carrots but not in a cheeseburger. I found none that was for a slow cooker though. Even the one my mom had was no help so I decided to wing it. I made my own. It was delicious. Even more the second time around.

I have one rule when you read my recipes that you don't shoot it down because its missing something or has something you don't like in it. If I say celery and you don't like it then don't put it in. If you would add more salt then do it. Cooking is a open book.


1lb ground beef I use the less fattier kind 85% 
1/2 of a onion.
1/3 cup of Celery
3 Cups Chicken or Beef Broth. I used Beef.
5-6 Smaller sized potatoes peeled & cut up.
2 TBSP butter
1/2 Cup Half and Half
1 cup whole Kernel corn(I used canned and put it in last but you could use frozen and add at the same time as the rest of the food)
4 cups of Shredded cheese. I used double Cheddar and a blend called Mac and Cheese mix. You can use what ever you want. Most recipes call for a 1/2lb of Velveeta so you could use that instead.
Salt (I added quite a bit so you add what you want)
Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Basil
Garlic Powder

Cook your ground beef and onion with the butter in a pan. Once browned add to crock-pot with everything else except cheese,corn and half and half.

I cooked on high. In the 3rd hr of cooking, I put in the corn and half and half. Then at the 4th hr and about the time I was going to serve it. I put in the cheese to melt. Then Served. Of course make sure your potato's are cooked through and done. 

You could add taco seasoning,more cheese,more seasonings,carrots,diced tomatoes,chilli peppers...list is endless.

Sometimes simplicity in food is not what people want,they want clams in it and odd ingredients that I just don't cook with. For this house though that has two semi picky kids the soup was a hit! Thicken it up and you have a chowder as well. 

Happy Eating!

Who let the Seahawks out...

9 Chances out of 10 you have heard about the superbowl if you didn't watch it like the rest of the world. Haha.

I am a die hard Steelers fan but foremost I am a die hard FOOTBALL fan. So I watch the Superbowl with excitement even though my team was not playing!

Now I am a Peyton Manning fan, have been for years.  This is the kicker though, the moment I knew the match up for the Super Bowl, I knew the Seahawks had it.

Let me tell you why, and I am sure you are so tried of hearing about the game because to many of you, you were saying it was "blah" game "It was a stupid game" etc. Well to me it was entertaining and it was football my favorite sport of all time.

First of all the Seahawks had something HUGE to go for. P.Manning is a great QB we all know this. But the Seahawks have been waiting 35 years for something like this. That's pretty big. Now lets talk about one of my favorite people lately...that was a lie...But R.Sherman. Everyone was so negative and saying we would only know him for his anger. Those people clearly don't watch football for the actual game. He has been playing great,hes a good team player. And sorry to say..lied again..I am not sorry...he proved again he brings his A game and he does it with his team mates. Need me to re cap that score for you? Seattle 43-Denver-8. Just sayin'.   The Seahawks have made a huge difference in their performance thanks to many people. How did anyone not think they were gonna rise out of the ashes..Stole that from a song.. sorry anyway how did they not know they were gonna finish what they started. How did all the sports casters and the football freaks that watch football for the GAME didn't  notice the improving QB for Seahawks,Mr.Wilson? Because he is not Peyton we all just assumed he would fail? What kind of football fans are ya'll!?!?

This is out of the mouth of a babe(not really) that LOVES the SPORT. I watch the players not because of their tight pants but for the GAME. I knew what the Seahawks had done all season. I actually watch all games. Peyton is amazing and this game will not make anyone doubt how good of a QB he is but we made a hype of someone who really had nothing to prove. We forgot about the little guy who had a poop load to prove and the drive to do it. He also had a team who had different reasons among themselves to play the game the way they should. This was SuperBowl baby!

R.Sherman "Mr. ghetto","Mr.Gangsta"..Hope the people who called him that are working on their college degree now after that lose.  Did one thing a lot of sports players forget to do....he left the drama he had been enduring all through the weeks and played one mean game of football. No over abundance of stupidity due to cockiness. No coach stuck their foot out...yes My Steelers coach did that..We all heard about that.  No rude comments from the very doubted QB,Wilson. They came,The played, They conquered! And I mean conquered!

I do love a tight score game but for some reason this game was not BLAH to me...Or boring. Or stupid. It was a "IN YOUR FACE" "WE GOT THIS" game and I like those too because when it comes down to it I am a die hard football fan. 

I would also like to shout out to the awesome inspiring Derrick Coleman. A deaf NFL player whose team made it to the Superbowl and say it with me..WON!!!
Do not let anyone ever tell you, You can not do something.

I am sad that Peyton and the Broncos didn't have more fight. I like the team I do. But on record...I did say right out of the gate the Seahawks had this game. Oh c'mon woman have to keep bragging when they are right about something involving "Mans territory" aka sports. =D

You won't see me bashing Peyton. Maybe the Broncos because it was a funny loss. But when it comes down to it. I stayed up for it. I had fun. Its one I will remember and I am glad the Seahawks made it!

Watch for my Steelers in it next year!! <3

Well done once again Seahawks. Seattle 43-Denver-8. Peyton is still a great QB. Patriots should still be sad by loosing Welker and he still is rough but will get there. Broncos still are a good team. Its over. The End.

FYI- The commercials were not great.(Work on that,companies!!) Half time was good. Better when the R.H.C.P were out there. And that is.. The End. Wait no. I have to say this. The car commercials make no sense!! Really. Show me a car that can fit groceries,2 kids,2 adults and 2 big dogs and you will get my attention, O.K? good. The End.

?Raven?

Hip hip horray the kids are fighting said no Mother ever.

It's just 8am and my kids have been fighting the whole 45 mins they have been awake.

A normal in my home.

A normal that I am tired of. And by tired I mean I am ready to crack open a beer,put on my flip flops,grab a beach towel,go to my room and pretend I am somewhere exotic! 

This morning I made a mistake though. I made it because I was not calm. I was at my wits end.

My daughter heard the heat kick on and laid down on the heater. My son went ballistic. That made her go ballistic. I then joined in on the fun because obviously its fun if they do it so much! I told my son "to leave her alone and stop being hateful towards her for no reason. She can lay where ever she wants. Its winter its a cold morning,shes still in pjs. If she is not bothering him then don't let her bother you." He then replies with "Rich no like Weeda(version of my daughters name thanks to my Son mispronouncing it) on heat" I out of anger and clearly not thinking said "Is Rich here!?" followed by "No,he's not"..... Mhm. Go ahead think it. My son then states again how Rich does not like it and tells  "Weeda" to not sit on it. I ignore him and in that moment I realize I am ignoring him because he is right.

Instead of explaining to him that he could nicely speak to her and tell her the rules or calmly tell me what she is doing wrong. He goes right into hateful tone,raised voice and a brewing fight. He also does not stop. As I type this he is telling her that if Rich gets home she will get in trouble. So they are still fighting. I went against Rich and got a outcome I still don't want.  I could have just calmly spoke to him so that hopefully he will start behaving in the same manner. I did the opposite. I got irate as well and broke a rule that he obviously has been listening very closely too,which he should!

Of course I wish he also followed the no fighting rule. 

The no touching things that are not yours rule.

The no....

Well you get where I am coming from the one rule that went against his sister he found,remembered,told,fought about and now won't forget. Yet other rules he seems to forget.

Children!!

Now I have to go explain that Rich is right and he has rules he likes the kids to follow even when he is not here. I need to explain the right way to communicate. And I need to get stronger coffee. 

Happy Saturday!

?Raven??