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Dry Skin

Posted by html404 on February 19, 2012
in Family Stuff, Health and Nutrition, Personal Care Products, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Shopping

The winter months are hard on the skin and our family is no different. Dry hands, face, elbows and even feet and legs get that scaly cracked skin. This winter my face has been so dry and I cannot figure out why. My husband’s hands have been extra dry and very rough, but he thinks that his frequent use of hand sanitizer may be at the root of his problem. Some of the younger children’s legs have been dry. We do not bathe as often during the winter so it is hard to pin point what is causing the dry skin. It has become my quest to find a solution.

We have tried numerous products and lotion, one has worked better than others but still leaves a greasy residue. That’s why when we were introduced to Dial™ NutriSkin™ I decided to try it. It is new and they are adding extra vitamins and nutrients to it therefore it appealed to me to see what it was like. I went to Walmart since they were having an in-store demo so I could try it before I bought the lotion. I have to be careful what I buy because so many of my children have sensitive skin.

Walmart did not have the full selection of Dial™ NutriSkin™ lotions or body wash. I was really looking forward to trying one of their fruity scented body washes, but they only had two and one was not very fruity smelling. In their lotion, I could only choose from 2 products: Shea Butter and Aloe. The demo lady had a third lotion on the demo table but I forgot to try it after the Aloe because I had so much Aloe on my hands! I liked both in regards to scent, but decided on the Aloe because it was on sale for $3 and the demo lady gave me a coupons for $1 off. I really liked that price compared to the $4 regular price and the $5 price of other brands. So far my hands are still very smooth and soft, not to mention good! My husband just put some on so time will tell Dial™ NutriSkin™ lotion will work for him.

My oldest daughter will be the final judge on this product since she has the most chemical sensitivities.

As a side note, I was talking to a friend this weekend who has eczema and psoriasis and she takes Vitamin D supplements and/or cod liver oil to combat it and it helps. She only does this during the winter months when she doesn’t get enough sunshine.

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions expressed are my own. #DialNutriSkin #Cbias

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Macaroni Kid

Posted by Brande on February 19, 2012
in Community Issues, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, News Worthy, Parenting, Recipes

I’m sure it’s happened to you. You heard about a community or library event after the fact. And think, wow my kid(s) would have loved that. Sign up for your local Macaroni Kid newsletter and let them do the work! Every week your local Macaroni Kid newsletter will arrive in your email inbox! They have a variety of information in them besides a calendar of events. There are helpful article and tips, recipes, crafts, product reviews and even an occasional giveaway! Besides your local Macaroni Kid, there is the National Site, Family Travel, Family Safety, Macaroni Kid EATS!, Macaroni Military Family, Family Fitness, EVEN North Pole! Macaroni Kids has local newsletters all over the US, Canada (Ottawa Capital Region) and even International (North Pole, Trinidad & Virgin Islands).

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Encyclopedia Britannica Kids – US Presidents FREE App – Only Until Monday!!

Posted by Brande on February 18, 2012
in Deals, Downloads, Education, Family Stuff, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Music, News Worthy, Parenting, Politics, Saving Money, School

Hurry! Head to your itunes store and download – Encyclopedia Britannica Kids – US Presidents app for FREE, it’s usually 2.99! This offer expires Monday the 20th at Midnight EST!

Great app, I’m learning a lot myself! It has all the Presidents, when you select a President it gives you their dates in office, who was/is the Vice President, First Lady, when their birthday was/is, and fun facts!

In addition, there is a section of “Did you know?”. At the bottom of the screen, select menu and you are able to hear and see the words to “Hail to the Chief”. There is also a quiz section to test your knowledge.

It’s available for your iPhone and iPad. I checked Andriod and didn’t see this specific app, but did see other apps for US Presidents.

Enjoy!

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Toddlers Helping

Posted by html404 on February 17, 2012
in Family Stuff, Home

One of the benefits of having so many children is that the younger ones actually learn by watching the older children. We do not usually have much fuss when we ask the younger children to do something (oh there are exceptions to that with certain ones at certain times, don’t worry!) It was so cute when we were getting the garlic done because the garbage can was still out after sweeping and our one and only toddler in the house took it upon himself to put it back. Call it his contribution to the family work. But the thing is the garbage can is just as big as he is! You can see baby helping here, proof that toddlers can help. Or sort of. (wry smile!)

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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Goes Digital!

Posted by Brande on February 16, 2012
in Downloads, Ebooks, Education, Family Stuff, Free Stuff, News Worthy, Parenting, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, School, Techie Stuff

Homeschool parents, this one is for you! This app is available for Apple & Android devices! Now you can read “The Old Schoolhouse Magazine” at home or on the go for FREE!

These are very interactive apps. You can watch videos, zoom in on advertisers, web links to order, and more!

Here’s the links! Apple App – FREE Android App – FREE

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My First Kiss

Posted by html404 on February 14, 2012
in Family Stuff

I was reading over at Kiesha’s blog and when I followed her on Twitter I noticed she had a tweet that was titled “My First Kiss: Love Lessons Learnt in France” and it inspired me to write about my first kiss, then I am going back to read about hers. An appropriate Valentine’s Day post, I might add. My first kiss was with my husband. I saved my kiss and everything for him, yes, even hand holding was for him alone. I know I am in the minority in some circles, but that is a decision I made in my mid-teens – to keep myself pure for the one I married but by the grace of God.

I was 22 going on 23, I think. We had been dating for a few months and I had gone to visit him at school in Florida for his Spring Banquet. We went to it and then out afterwards. I believe the banquet might have been at a hotel though because that is where we were when “it” happened. My husband is not awake to compare notes! We walked the grounds, holding hands, of course. 😉 That wasn’t the first time he had held my hand though! He’d reached for my hand a month or so after we were in “like”. By the Spring Banquet were were “twitterpated” as he would say!

Let me back track a sec, before going down to see him, I remember asking my younger yet wiser and more experienced sister what I should do if he should try to kiss me. Her response was, “Pucker up and kiss him back!” 🙂 How’s that for advice? I was nervous to say the least and didn’t know if he would or if he wouldn’t try to kiss me.

Obviously, he did. For there we were on the balcony of one of the exits at the hotel and he leaned over and kissed me. Me? I puckered up and kissed him back. 😉 Yes, I enjoyed it and so did he because we haven’t stopped kissing for nearly 20 years! And he gets all the credit for being a good teacher! 😉

Update: When I told my husband this morning that I wrote about our first kiss, I said that I remembered it being on the balcony at the hotel, “Do you remember where we were when we first kissed?” He said, “We kissed everywhere!” 😉

Got a first kiss story? Would love to hear about it, so leave a comment before you go!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Oils & Pets – A Healthy Tuesday Tip

Posted by html404 on February 14, 2012
in All Natural Products, Animals, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff

Winter has finally sprung! Our family was kind of hoping for very little snow this winter, but now that it is here our children are going out to play several times a day and having lots of fun! We have a beautiful winter scene out of our patio doors that is just delightful to look at! We hope this post helps you become more aware of the products you use on your pets (and yourself!) and make healthy choices for them (and you!).

– An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Oil Tips for Your Pets
Vaccinations

Before any vaccinations give puppies and kittens 2-5cc of Ningxia Red for less soreness.
For larger Animals give:
Cats: 1/2 tsp
Small Dogs: 1/4 ounce
Medium Dogs: 1/2 ounce
Large Dogs: 3/4 ounce
X-Large Dogs: 1 ounce
Horses: 1-2 ounces (Start slowly)

This really helps with less soreness and also helps with any lethargy and reactions.

Shampoo

If you use traditional pet or human shampoos, consider the chemicals and try Young Living’s base shampoo that you may scent with whatever essential oil for your pet’s needs. For example: Lavender for skin issues, Copiaba for arthritis or Purification for fleas and ticks (once warmer weather arrives again!)

Flea Collars

Instead of the chemical laden flea collars you can use two oils Longevity and Purification and the supplement called Longevity. It has been found that animals that take the capsuls/oils and have the oils put on them are much less “appetizing” to insects! (Please note: This is not normally used on cats!)
Small Dogs : 1 capsule or 2-3 drops
Medium Dogs: 1-2 capsules or 3-5 drops
Large Dogs: 2 capsules or 6-7 drops Maximum
Horses: 1 Capsule or 3-4 Drops twice daily

A Reminder

Remember, we only recommend the use of Young Living Essential Oils for use in or around animals (and humans for that matter). This brand of essential oils consistently shows the quality needed for use in animals – and the use of other brands may prove dangerous for your animals. We know a vet who through research, case studies, and retrospective studies – is documenting the difference in qualities of essential oils in her veterinary hospital. We do not make this recommendation lightly!

Oils & Pets Book Recommendations

Essential Oils for Natural Pet Care: A Veteranarian’s Desk Reference for the Top Health Concerns of Cats, Dogs and Horses

Animal Desk Reference Website Click Here!

If you contact the author of either of the above resources, please let her know that Young Living Distributor – #1038605 Theresa Gould – sent you.

There are lots of new things coming in 2012 for our Young Living group and we hope you choose to be a part of it!

Testimonies:

Ningxia Red

“I once forgot to give my own kittens Ningxia Red, they limped after a vaccination. Within 1/2 hour of me giving them a dose of Ningxia Red – all limping had stopped.” ~ Melissa Sheldon DVM, Minnesota

My Dog is Playing Now!

“My dog, Wolf, has never been playful, or had a ‘sense of humor’, even as a puppy people thought he was old. His fur felt like a cheap stuffed animal. I figured it was because he is half coyote.

I started giving him Sulferzyme, to see if it would cut back on the hair loss, and he started PLAYING for the first time in his life, sticking his rump in the air and wagging his tail. I thought ‘Hey, I am on to something here!’. Thinking maybe he had been in pain all this time, he is 7, I started giving him Longevity. His hair started growing thick and full, not feeling so cheap.

He now instigates playing, stealing socks, etc, and running with them. I am not sure if he was lacking something, or just feels better, but he will be on these two forever now!”
~ Mona Cheney, Nevada

Purification

“I was not a ‘believer’ of using essential oils, but I am now. My son adopted a stray cat and began feeding him. We have three large dogs, so the cat could not come into our house. The stray was plagued by fleas, unbeknownst to us, and each time we pet him, then came inside- we brought quite a few fleas in with us. It wasn’t more than a couple of weeks, when we had a flea infestation in our house. I bombed the house, and applied frontline($$), bathed all 3 dogs numerous times, but the fleas never went away.

I had to tell my 5 yr old son, that he couldn’t pet his cat, or get near him, because of the fleas. My one dog Marley actually is highly allergic to fleas, and had to be put on steriods.($$$) I had to bomb the house again, and bath the dogs 3 more times. I was also being bitten, and couldn’t sleep. My sister told me to try Purification, and I was skeptical, but at my wits end. I put 2 drops on the necks, and butts of the dogs, diffused it, and actually put 2 drops on the cats neck. The FLEAS WERE GONE IN 2 DAYS!!!!! I apply Purification about every 2 weeks to everyone.

A side note- the cat now has a beautiful shiny black coat, the discharge is gone from his eyes, and he hasn’t been sneezing like he was before. My son is happy- he can pet his cat again, and my house is back to normal. Thank you Purification!”
~Tracy Slavitsky, New York

Don’t expect the same results unless you are using Young Living Therapeutic Grade essential oils and supplements. Also, each person is different so they may not work as well for you as it does for others, So try another oil or supplement that might work better for you.

Essential oil testimonials are an effective way of learning and sharing. With this knowledge, We can take control of our own personal health. However, we are required by law to state:

“These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and Techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided here is in no way intended to replace proper medical help. Consult with the health authorities of your choice.”

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Review ~ KitchenKuffs

Posted by Professor on February 13, 2012
in Cleaning, Clothing, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gardening, Handmade Items, Home, Houseware, Products for Dad, Products for Mom

KitchenKuffs Keep your sleeves up

KitchenKuffs is a great product designed to keep your sleeves out of the way of everyday tasks! I was very excited when I received my KitchenKuffs…I can honestly say that this product has so many uses! Basically the product slips over your sleeves near the wrist area and helps keep your sleeves out of the way of dirt, grime, water, muck…etc. No more continual pushing sleeves up after they slide down…KitchenKuffs keep them up!

I have used KitchenKuffs around the house in so many capacities…especially cooking and washing dishes… they have been invaluable in these two tasks! Once the weather gets warmer I cannot wait to use them while I garden and put up preserves and vegetables in the fall!

I received two pairs, a medium size and an adjustable size. When you visit the website they have a fitting guide so you know which ones to order! When in doubt order the adjustable!

I used the adjustable ones and actually gave the second pair (medium) to my mother. My mom owns an ice cream stand and when I showed them to her she was practically begging me to let her try a pair…so of course I did. She was so excited about how they worked. She usually uses a rubber band to keep her sleeves up when she works serving ice cream and now she has a more comfortable, more fashionable way to keep her sleeves up. Mom also said that she liked that if they got dirty she only had to wash the KitchenKuffs and not her whole jacket!

What a Myriad of uses …KitchenKuffs come in handy in work, play and everyday!

You can find out more about the product here:

http://www.kitchenkuffs.com/

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More Free Kids Apps, Plus One For Your Cats!

Posted by Brande on February 9, 2012
in Family Stuff, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Saving Money, Techie Stuff

**(When I downloaded these apps they were free, I cannot guarantee if they started charging a fee.) **

SKEE-BALL!!! I love skee-ball. We live near the east coast and head to the beach every year. After a day on the beach, we find an arcade and play skee-ball. Now, we don’t have to wait for the summer. Currently, it’s snowing and we are playing Skee-Ball in the house.

This app is only compatible for an iPad. You gain points by playing skee-ball and then you get to pick out “prizes” to spend your tickets on. This is a good one for the whole family.

SIMON’S CAT IN “PURRFECT PITCH” – If your not familiar with Simon’s Cat Cartoons. Simon’s Cat is drawn by Simon Tofield an English Animator, who can draw a cat’s temperament “purrfectly”.

This app is available for the itouch, iPhone and iPad. With this one you play the piano, but when you hit the key the cat meows. It’s really funny. Funny Quick Story – My daughter and I were waiting in line to see Santa in December and I brought along my iTouch. She started playing Simon’s Cat and the people around us started laughing. All you heard was meowing. (I guess you had to be there;-)). There are options of “Free Play, Challenge, and Play Back”. Lots of fun!

RIO THE MOVIE COLORING WITH BLU – Remember this movie? We enjoyed it and downloaded it.

This app is available for iPad, iPhone and iTouch.

You color. It’s that simple. Choose one of two birds and the background. The color pallet is at the bottom on the screen and your off and coloring! When you done you can save it and email, post it to Facebook or print it!

OK! Get your cats ready for a frenzy! I got an email earlier this week from Friskies about an app for Cats. I haven’t tried it on mine yet, they are currently sleeping (surprise, surprise). Here it is!

It’s CAT FISHING 2 BY FRISKIES –

So, you start it up and let your cat go. The fish start swimming around and your cat taps them and gets a score. The more fish you cat taps the harder the game gets. There are 3 levels and you can post their score to Facebook or the “World-Wide Leader Board”.

It’s again only available for iPhones, iTouch and iPads.

Let your kitties in on the fun too! 🙂

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First Aid – A Healthy Tuesday Tip

Posted by html404 on February 7, 2012
in All Natural Products, Family Stuff, Guest Post, Health, Health and Nutrition, Home

We use 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils for our natural medicine chest. I have always been wary of using over the counter drugs and even prescription drugs due to having grown up with family members who have been addicted to alcohol. You could say that I have gone to the extreme of what I witnessed growing up – to me that is a good thing – but my desire is to use a natural remedy that doesn’t have any side affects! And having the right essential oils on hand when a first-aid situation arises is a must in our home. Below are some suggestions on what oil to use when. For detaild uses of the oils mentioned, please refer to the Essential Oils Desk Reference book, which is available on Amazon or EssentialScience.net

Cuts – Melrose, DiGize, Purification

Puncture wounds – Thieves, Melrose,Purifications, Mt. Savory

Scrapes – Melrose, Purification, DiGize, Lavender

Burns – Lavender, Idaho Balsam, Frankincense

Blister – Lavender, Palo Santo, Frankincense

Bleeding – Helichrysum, Tsuga – DO NOT use Cistus with a bleeding wound

Bruises – Lavender, Deep Relief, Cistus

Broken bones – hospital, Idaho Balsam nearest joint, PanAway nearest joint

Sprains – Marjoram, PanAway, Lemongrass, Aroma Siez

Food Poisoning – DiGize, Peppermint, Thieves, Mt. Savory

Oils to have on hand:

Lavender – burns, cramps, headaches, stye on eye

Frankincense – head injury, trauma, tonsillitis, emotional release

Tsuga – stop bleeding, cystitis, uterine prolapse, gingivitis, wounds, mouth sores

DiGize – nausea, morning sickness, constipation, antiseptic for cuts, diarrhea, vomiting

Melrose – cuts, scrapes, ear aches, abrasions, candida, canker sores, rashes (staph), airplane ear popping

Basil – anti-spasmodic (back muscles, eye twitch), bug bites, nervous tension, malaria, poisonous snake bites

Deep Relief – muscles aches, headaches, pain

Breathe Again – couch, congestion, respiratory, asthma

Ravensara – virus, RSV, flu, colds, chest

Thieves – strep, gums, tooth abcess, dog bite, splinters

Thyme – West Nile, virus, sleep, athletes foot, fungal

RC – expectorant, allergies

Ledum – diarrhea, lymph glands, ears

Cistus – regenerate tissue, blood clots, heart health

Mt. Savory – like oregano but not hot

There’s just a few of the above oils that we have not used yet, but the rest we wouldn’t do without.

Don’t expect the same results unless you are using Young Living Therapeutic Grade essential oils and supplements. Also, each person is different so they may not work as well for you as it does for others, so try another oil or supplement that might work better for you.

Essential oil testimonials are an effective way of learning and sharing. With this knowledge, We can take control of our own personal health. However, we are required by law to state:

“These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and Techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided here is in no way intended to replace proper medical help. Consult with the health authorities of your choice.”

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