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My Mom Arrives Tomorrow!

Posted by html404 on February 28, 2013
in Family Stuff, Home, Travel

My mom arrives tomorrow and we still have so much to do. Our plan to use five days to organized sort of back fired. Oh we’ve been working on things every day, but as soon as things are done they quickly become undone! That happens in a household of eight children! So we have track lighting, to put back up after some individual took it down from where it was over our rec room desk, for some unknown reason. We still have to set up mom’s bed and I have to get it made, with linens set out for her, laundry (we do laundry every day so that’s nothing new) and just general tidying; which I am sure will be undone before we can blink our eyes. Good thing mom had four children, but still it’d be nice if the house was presentable for her arrival at least.

Not to mention I am still working on March posts and will still have VA work to do while she’s here – trying to keep it to a minimum but I think it’s going to be tough. I think between contributing writers’ posts and mine we have posts every day up until March 18, which isn’t bad, but many of mine still need to be written! Here’s to hoping today and tomorrow are very productive…ha!

We are so excited to be able to spend time with my mom. She is excited about coming. She’s nervous about flying and getting lost, but I reassured her now that they have non-stop flights traveling from Nova Scotia to Chicago she doesn’t have to deal with Toronto or Ottawa airports. She’ll get off the plane and Robert should be waiting for her. She says she’ll be outside having a smoke after going four hours without! We are hoping her ecigarettes arrive within the week so she can try those while she’s here. She’s excited about trying them and I am impressed she has the desire to. Praying for positive results!

Here’s to three weeks of fun with my mom!

“This sponsored post was made possible by SheHeard. I have been compensated for my time and work on this campaign, however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.”

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Messages of Love – Wordless Wednesday

Posted by html404 on February 27, 2013
in Family Stuff, Kids Stuff, Parenting, Wordless Wednesday

On Valentine’s Day the children enjoyed making sugar cookies. They did the usual with flour on the table and rolling out the dough. My youngest daughter took it a step further and made me messages of love in the flour. So precious!

Then as I am doing this post putting the watermarks on it she saddles up to me and says, “No not pink” for the words “Messages of Love”. She takes me through yellow, blue, green when I finally say, “You just want to see the words change colors!” She snickered and nodded her head and promptly told me, “Pink!” She also informed me that she had other pictures and that she would choose the colors. So without further adieu her are the other ones she chose, above and below…

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10 Ways to Beat the Flu Naturally

Posted by html404 on February 26, 2013
in Health, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition

Did you know….

Dr. Richard Schultz (world-renowned Herbalist) calls this “The Deadliest Cold & Flu Season in Decades”

Dr. Joseph Mercola says “vaccinated persons, especially seniors, are still gettting the flu”

We have been fortunate enough to avoid illness this winter, at least so far. That’s amazing since we have eight children…..and we all know how often young children get sick. The only thing I can contribute our healthiness to, besides God’s grace, is to our new health regimen that includes using thieves hand purifier and 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils, which have in turn healed our cells, and diffusing essential oils into the air of our home keeps our air quality good.

Did you know our cells have memories? This explains why in past years we have always got sick at the same time every year. I think we have finally hit a plateau and the essential oils have repaired our cells’ memories. Did you know essential oils could do that? We didn’t until we started learning more about them. This leads me to share our 10 ways to beat the flu naturally before I go off on a totally different tangent, like explaining how the cells repair themselves! Another day….

10 Ways to Beat the Flu Naturally

1. Food and Supplement Supply. Healthy food and the right supplements are very important to staying healthy. We have been trying to keep a steady supply of Ningxia Red in the house but I cannot. We always run out.
2. Healthy Elimination. Lots of water, fiber, fruits and veggies help aid in healthy elimination. A build up in our colon can lead to a build up of toxins in our body.
3. New Toothbrush. If you have been sick get a new toothbrush or at least sterilize the one you’ve been using while you have been sick because it is harboring your cold or flu germs.

4. Pure Water. Not tap water. Make sure you filter your tap water to remove harmful toxins.
5. Clean Air. During the winter months it’s hard to get the air circulating in our homes. This is why we use a home diffuser to diffuse essential oils into to the air as it helps purify it.
6. Daily Exercise. Daily exercise is not only good for the body but your mind and spirit as well.
7. Hand Washing. Frequent hand washing helps eliminate the risk of illness being spread. A good hand sanitizer, like thieves hand purifier, that doesn’t kill the good bacterial is an essential in our home.

8. Changing Out Towels and Washcloths. When illness goes through our home I make sure to wash the hand towels and washcloths once a day, if not more depending on the illness.
9. Avoid Sick People and Crowds. Stay home. We don’t have any trouble staying at home. We stay home so much that a few of our children have become homebodies preferring to be home than going out anywhere. If that is impossible for you then at least stay at home when you know there’s illness at your destination, like a sick relative’s or friend’s.
10. Get Enough Rest. This goes without saying. Getting enough rest helps our body fight off any invasion of viruses and sickness.

Hope these 10 ways to beat the flu naturally helps you consider a healthier alternative to over the counter drugs and prescriptions, which often have harmful side affects. 🙁 All of the above do not.

How about you, have you been sick yet this winter? What do you do to beat the flu? Leave me a comment telling me about it!

This post contains a link to one of our other businesses.

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5 Random Facts About Our Family

Posted by html404 on February 25, 2013
in Family Stuff

What would we do without family? Family is so important to each of our existence….unless of course you are a hermit. A friend from my teens and I use to talk and joke about becoming hermits. On hard days I am still tempted to become one and live in a cave somewhere all alone, but know in reality I’d be very lonely.

Each of our families are so different. Our families are made up of not only completely different DNA, but personalities, experiences and history. We are totally different packages. That’s why I want to share 5 random facts about our family.

1. We love pizza. ALL ten of us.
2. We rent a 30+ year old home.
3. We have awesome landlords. Example: A few weeks ago the furnace went out and they offered to put us up in a hotel until it was fixed. We opted to stay at home because it was just easier with all the animals etc. We had to really convince them we would be ok. We all bunked in our master bedroom like one big sleep over. They even brought us heaters.
4. We usually make homemade banners and decorations for birthdays. Decorating the night before so the birthday person wakes up to a festive house.
5. We live with mice that just don’t seem to want to go away or get caught in mouse traps. 🙁 Wishin’ we could have the cats inside to clear the varmints out!

Inspired by another one of Mama Kat’s Writing Prompts: 5 Random facts about you and your family.

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Children’s Mucinex Review for Smiley 360

Posted by html404 on February 24, 2013
in Blog Stuff, Health, Parenting, Reviews

’tis the season. Oh the joys of noses running and hacking coughs. As much as I appreciated the Smiley 360 Blogger offer to do a Children’s Mucinex review, I didn’t want to have to try it. I’m sure all you Mom’s understand. Well, low and behold my little darling started showing signs of the stuffy nose and cough. Good thing we had our Children’s New Formula of Mucinex in the closet. The multi-symptom cold with expectorant cough suppressant and nasal decongestant was just the thing we needed. It covers the stuffy nose, cough, chest congestion and breaks up mucus in a favorable flavor of Very Berry. After I read all the warnings, uses and directions the first thing I noticed when I opened the box was the dosing cup. It’s a short and wider than other dosing cups included in other brands. Which was much easier for my daughter to drink, it fit her mouth more like a cup she normally drinks out of. She’s not fond of tastes of medicine (but who really is, right?), she said it was good. The Children’s Mucinex helped her cough and stuffy nose, especially throughout the night, which makes this Momma happy. 🙂

Children’s Mucinex is alcohol free and there are 7 kinds of liquid forms to choose from depending on the ailment. In addition, there are 3 “mini melts”. From what I read about Mini Melts, you open the packet and pour the contents on your child’s tongue and they swallow it.

Complete drug facts, uses, warnings, dosing chart, and active ingredients please click here.

If you are unsure about using Children’s Mucinex® Multi-Symptom Cold liquid for
your child, talk to your pediatrician. With Children’s Mucinex and all medication, please read all the instructions before you dispense it to your child! Please call the toll free number 1-866-MUCINEX (1-866-682-4639) if you have any product related questions.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product and promotional products from Smiley 360 in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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The Importance of Family Bonding

Posted by html404 on February 23, 2013
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Home

Amazing things happen when a family comes together to do things together. A family that can bond will be a family that is united forever. It is important to plan family bonding activities because they strengthen family relationships. Family bonding happens naturally, but it can also be enhanced with just a bit of effort. Good communication and group activities are good ways to improve your family ties.

In today’s fast paced world, work tends to take away the time we spend with our children. It is important to take some time out of our busy schedule and make sure that we provide them with the quality time that they deserve. One particular activity that my family and I love to do is already done right in the comfort of our own home, and that is having lunch or dinner together. Eating a family meal together not only promotes healthy eating habits, but also gives family members time to catch up with the day’s activities. Another thing that my kids love to do is to watch movies together. Whether it is a new film on the cinema or an old Disney classic watched from your living room television, the warmth and presence of the whole family together certainly helps in strengthening family ties.

Another thing to do as a family is to have fun and play games together. We actually have one particular night were in we play board games like monopoly at home or play a game of bingo on weekends. My love for the game of bingo started when it was introduced to me by my grandmother when I was still a young child growing up. And in today’s world of online games and in today’s world of online games, I was lucky enough to come across Cheekybingo.com to enjoy my favorite game. Cheeky Bingo is the UK’s top online bingo site and has grown to become an iconic figure in online gaming. Playing bingo and other games at home with my family is certainly an activity that helps promote family bonding. These are just some of the many activities that a family can do together to maintain good family ties. It is important to tell your children you love them every day, but it is just as important to show it to them. Spending quality time with the family is the key.

This is a featured post by a guest writer.

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Decluttering Made Easy Giveaway

Posted by html404 on February 22, 2013
in Cleaning, Family Stuff, Giveaways, Organization, Reviews, Uncategorized

Decluttering and organizing has been a recurring theme here at Faith and Family Reviews. It started with a new year and setting goals. Then the news of my mom’s three week visit, which is now only a week away! Eeeks…..going to be busy this weekend!

When I was pitched to review and share about a brand new Decluttering Made Easy ecourse another blogger developed I thought it was an appropriate topic as so many of us do seem to struggle with staying organized and keeping clutter to a minimum.

Decluttering Made Easy is a 52-week long ecourse that includes coaching, exclusive website membership and access to the Decluttering Made Easy Community Facebook page and private forum.

Each week members will receive tips, ideas and an actual assignment for the week to declutter their home and get better organized. Time management is also discussed. Included with the weekly assignments are 15 minute how-to videos, PDF assignments and goal sheets (beginning lessons).

What I Liked About Decluttering Made Easy

The questions and suggestions are great and help make decluttering decisions of what to keep and what to get rid of and how.

Encouragement and support through the Decluttering Made Easy online community, IF you make use of it.

What I Didn’t Like About Decluttering Made Easy

Tiffany really didn’t show us examples or what she personally does. Guess I wanted proof of what she was learning herself. I love real life testimonies and photos of before and after a decluttering session. I would have loved to see what her home looked like and how she stays organized. She does tell her story but you have to read about it on the forum, at least I did.

The course is a bit long and cumbersome, at least for this busy working mom. Even though each lesson was 15 minutes long, the thought of having to sit down and listen to a video, do an assignment etc. made me feel a little overwhelmed to be honest. These days I need something simplified, like the 5 Days to a Clutter Free House.

Decluttering Made Easy Giveaway

Need extra help getting organized? Enter to win a year of full access to Decluttering Made Easy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product. It also contains an affiliate link in an attempt to earn money to support this blog for those who sign up by using it.

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Sears Patio Furniture #GrillingisHappiness @Sears #Ad

Posted by html404 on February 21, 2013
in Appliances, Furniture, Home, SALES, Seasonal Stuff, Uncategorized

This is the first year winter has gone by fast for me. I spend all winter looking forward to spring and summer. What about you? Warmer weather will be here soon, considering it’s only a month before it is officially spring. Warm weather brings longer days (yay!), BBQs and lots of outdoor activities. Sears believes outdoor living is a lifestyle, not just a seasonal must-have.

Remember last year when I did a post about my dream patio and included Sears patio furniture? I am still dreaming of that patio. If you are looking for a new patio set, you’ve gotta check out this new lighted patio furniture Sears has available!

This exclusive patio set will extend your time outdoors with the Halley collection of patio furniture from La-Z-Boy and Bella Luna collection of patio furniture from Agio – only at Sears.

Don’t let the outdoor fun stop there though, Sears also has this new Kenmore Elite Grill for this summer of 2013. It has three burners, 692 sq. inches of cooking space and a warming rack.

We can agree that Sears patio furniture and grills offer sophisticated outdoor furniture to match your taste and pocket book. Get ready for warmer weather by heading to Sears for all your summertime needs! http://bit.ly/Yy6TVk

“This is a sponsored post. I am a Sears blogger, though all opinions are my own.”

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Sears All Things Baby Sale #Baby @Sears #Spon

Posted by html404 on February 21, 2013
in Baby Products, Parenting, SALES, Uncategorized

New parents often have a long list of items to purchase and to do before their little bundle of joy arrives. There’s the baby nursery to prepare, a pediatrician to choose and a birth to plan. It is mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting and stress can take its toll if expectant parents are not careful. Added stress can be finances. If you are expecting or already have a new baby, the Sears All Things Baby sale is just for you! Relaxing techniques are physically helpful but baby sales are wallet savers! http://bit.ly/124Q0ne

“This is a sponsored post. I am a Sears blogger, though all opinions are my own.”

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World War II Air Force Pilot – Wordless Wednesday

Posted by html404 on February 20, 2013
in Family Stuff, Wordless Wednesday

This post is inspired by MamaKat’s writing prompts, which are a blessing when blog topics just do not seem to be forming in this head of mine! The prompt was “Share an old picture of a parent or grandparent…who were they back then?”

The photo below is of my grandfather when he was probably between 20 and 25 years old. I did not get a chance to talk to him much about his time in the war, but I know my cousin, B, did as he inherited grandfather’s war medals…if I remember correctly. I regret not being interested in that part of granddad’s life when I was younger and I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up!
I am the oldest grandchild and B was the second oldest. We are only a year a part so we spent Christmas, spring and summer vacations together at our grandparents. Though B’s time was split between their house and his father’s, as his parents divorced when he was quite young.

World War II Air Force Pilot

Granddad was a quiet man. A family man. An accountant. He teased and had a great sense of humor. Both my grandparents swam with B and I, taught us how to play cribbage (card game) and just spent time investing themselves in our young lives.

It’s rather hard to imagine granddad as a brave soldier during World War II, flying fighter planes over Europe in the 1940’s. A World War II Air Force Pilot. Wow. I wonder what he experienced and saw as a young man? No wonder I enjoyed Sarah Sundin’s Wings of Glory series so much!

My grandfather would have turned 91 last month had he lived past his 68th year. I still miss him and my grandmother, who passed away in 2007. They were very dear to me and I am grateful for all of the wonderful memories they created for me while they were living to remember them by.

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