Let's talk about leisure time goals. Every year for the past three years, I have set a reading challenge goal on my Goodreads app to make sure that I make time to escape my world and delve into the world of books. This year my reading goal is 20 books for the year.
My husband and I have an arrangement. He likes to sleep with the television off and I like to sleep with it on. A couple of years ago, we made a schedule. Monday - Wednesday the television is off, which gives me reading time before I go to bed. Thursday - Sunday the television is on. He always says he knows its Thursday because the television gets turned on and it helps him to be excited about the end of the week.
This year, I did something a little bit different. I went on Ebay at the end of December and gathered up a bunch of used books to read for my challenge. Right now, I am reading "Touching the Void" by Joe Simpson. This book is about Joe and his friend who climbed a 21,000 foot peak in the Andes, endured medical issues, a blizzard, and many other obstacles. I can't say that I am a big mountain climbing fan, which has made this book a little bit difficult for me to read so far. Right now, I am into Chapter 3. It is full of terms that I have to look up because I dont know anything about climbing a mountain, but it has been a good read so far.
The other books that I have chosen to read so far for this year's challenge are:
Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by James Howe
This is a children's book series that I remember reading in Elementary School and I always enjoyed it. So, before I pack it and its counterparts up and ship them off to Alaska for my nieces and nephews I figured that I would re-visit them.
Return to Howliday Inn by James Howe
Another book in the Bunnicula series.
The Celery Stalks at Midnight by James Howe
Another book in the Bunnicula series.
Bunnicula Strikes Again by James Howe
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
This is a book about a young man, Christopher Johnson McCandless, who hitchhiked to Alaska and walked into the wilderness of Mount McKinley.
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
This is a book about a working mom who suffers a traumatic brain injury after a car accident. I am a big fan of other novels that this author has written on Parkinson's Disease and Huntington's Disease. You may know her from the movie, or book, Still Alice.
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
This is a post apocalyptic dystopian society type young adult book. I was a huge fan of The Hunger Games, The Program Series, and other young adult novels of this type...so I am excited to start reading this series.
Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau
The second book in The Testing Series.
That is all that I have planned out so far, except for the rest of The Testing series.
What books do you recommend?
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Favorite Gifts from this Holiday
The holidays are filled with family, food, fun, and presents. This year, my presents came from multiple states...Indiana (where I am now), Florida (where I used to live), and Virginia (where my step-daughter is currently in AIT for the Army). Because it is so hard to choose a favorite gift from all three places, I have chosen one from each place.
Let's start with Indiana. My favorite gift this year was from my husband. Though he and my dad got me some really great gifts....the best one was my bread machine. My husband searched high and low for a bread machine for me this year. We ended up finding a used one together at the Goodwill closest to our home. When Christmas Eve came and I was able to use it, I made three different loaves of bread that day. Then, my daughter arrived after Christmas and wanted to know how it worked. So, she choose a banana chocolate bread and we made it. So Yummy! In fact, just a few minutes ago I was looking up how to make bagels with my bread machine, since the stores never seem to have the Asiago Cheese bagels that I love.
Next, Florida. My favorite gift came from my mom. She got me an Underarmor Storm Hoodie and a pair of Yoga pants. It gets cold here....which is probably evident. So, I was struggling to find something that I could wear to the gym and on runs when it is not so cold. This was the perfect gift for that!
Finally, Virginia. Of course, my step-daughter, Ally, coming home for a few days after Christmas was an awesome gift. But, if that weren't awesome enough, she brought with her my favorite perfume. To top that...no one helped her figure out what my favorite perfume was. She remembered from years ago when her father told her. She left this morning to go back to training, and then off to jump school at Fort Bragg. But, while she is away, I will have a bottle of Vera Wang Princess to keep her on my mind.
What were your favorite gifts this holiday season?
Let's start with Indiana. My favorite gift this year was from my husband. Though he and my dad got me some really great gifts....the best one was my bread machine. My husband searched high and low for a bread machine for me this year. We ended up finding a used one together at the Goodwill closest to our home. When Christmas Eve came and I was able to use it, I made three different loaves of bread that day. Then, my daughter arrived after Christmas and wanted to know how it worked. So, she choose a banana chocolate bread and we made it. So Yummy! In fact, just a few minutes ago I was looking up how to make bagels with my bread machine, since the stores never seem to have the Asiago Cheese bagels that I love.
Next, Florida. My favorite gift came from my mom. She got me an Underarmor Storm Hoodie and a pair of Yoga pants. It gets cold here....which is probably evident. So, I was struggling to find something that I could wear to the gym and on runs when it is not so cold. This was the perfect gift for that!
Finally, Virginia. Of course, my step-daughter, Ally, coming home for a few days after Christmas was an awesome gift. But, if that weren't awesome enough, she brought with her my favorite perfume. To top that...no one helped her figure out what my favorite perfume was. She remembered from years ago when her father told her. She left this morning to go back to training, and then off to jump school at Fort Bragg. But, while she is away, I will have a bottle of Vera Wang Princess to keep her on my mind.
What were your favorite gifts this holiday season?
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Holidays 2018
Today I was going to share my Holiday 2018 photographs with you....but, I only have one. I am horrible at remembering to take pictures during the holidays. Especially of family and especially since I no longer have a young child to document. My step-daughter is 18 years old now and was not here when we did our family Christmas party or our Christmas Eve family dinner or gift opening tradition. So, the photo I have for you today is of my Aunt's Christmas Party, which is my father's side of the family. Not all of us are pictured, but most of us were there. Show me your holiday 2018 pictures from Christmas or New Year's....or whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Happy New Year!
It's been a long time, apparently, since I have actually blogged....the schedule says April of 2017. I'd say that I am a little behind. However, because of the New Year and the time for resolutions and goals, I have decided that regularly writing in my blog should be on the list.
I thought about New Year's resolutions a little bit on New Year's Eve, as I am sure that most of us do...since Facebook is plastered with memes about resolutions. I can't say that I came up with much other than blogging regularly and attempting to stick to a daily skin care regiment to tame my adult acne....which I already forgot to do this morning and will inevitably have to put a sticky note on my bathroom mirror so that I can remember to follow through.
This morning as my husband and I were driving to the grocery store to pick up some carrots for our New Year's Day traditional corned beef and cabbage meal, he asked if I had set any resolutions. To which, of course, I replied "not really, you?" Which was obviously met with a "no" response from him. My husband does not really "do" New Year's....the party, the resolutions, the whole nine yards. He would be like the Grinch of New Year's, if it were a thing.
In any event, it got me thinking about New Year's resolutions for my personal and professional life that I would actually benefit from and possibily continue the whole year through, instead of just the initial one to three months that typical resolutions seem to do. So, as I write this I am thinking of possible resolutions.
Here is what I have come up with so far:
Personal:
Daily Skin Care Regiment - because it will help reduce my acne and I will feel better about it.
Business:
Start my own ecommerce website
Blog regularly and get to know my subscribers
Day Job:
Find a way to identify with my clients - who are a new population for me.
So, in order to fulfill my above resolutions, I may need a little help from my friends...here...which means you. I can't get to know you if you don't comment, right? So, please grace me with your New Year's resolutions/goals in the comments. What is going to make your 2019 great?
I thought about New Year's resolutions a little bit on New Year's Eve, as I am sure that most of us do...since Facebook is plastered with memes about resolutions. I can't say that I came up with much other than blogging regularly and attempting to stick to a daily skin care regiment to tame my adult acne....which I already forgot to do this morning and will inevitably have to put a sticky note on my bathroom mirror so that I can remember to follow through.
This morning as my husband and I were driving to the grocery store to pick up some carrots for our New Year's Day traditional corned beef and cabbage meal, he asked if I had set any resolutions. To which, of course, I replied "not really, you?" Which was obviously met with a "no" response from him. My husband does not really "do" New Year's....the party, the resolutions, the whole nine yards. He would be like the Grinch of New Year's, if it were a thing.
In any event, it got me thinking about New Year's resolutions for my personal and professional life that I would actually benefit from and possibily continue the whole year through, instead of just the initial one to three months that typical resolutions seem to do. So, as I write this I am thinking of possible resolutions.
Here is what I have come up with so far:
Personal:
Daily Skin Care Regiment - because it will help reduce my acne and I will feel better about it.
Business:
Start my own ecommerce website
Blog regularly and get to know my subscribers
Day Job:
Find a way to identify with my clients - who are a new population for me.
So, in order to fulfill my above resolutions, I may need a little help from my friends...here...which means you. I can't get to know you if you don't comment, right? So, please grace me with your New Year's resolutions/goals in the comments. What is going to make your 2019 great?
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Oh, E. O., It's Wednesday (Sage Essential Oil)
Happy Wednesday! Today we are going to learn about Sage essential oil. Apparently, this one little plant can do pretty much anything!
Sage essential oil is antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, & antibacterial. What exactly does that mean? It means that Sage is your go to for everything that you need to treat on your skin! It will get rid of fungus and bacteria while lessening swelling and refreshing your skin! Amazing, and with such a great scent! You go, Sage!
Here are some Black Willow Soaps products with Sage Essential Oils:
Non-Toxic Deodorant Spray
Ingredients:
Sea Salt
3 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops Purification Essential Oil
Distilled Water
Spray Bottle
Directions:
Drop a pinch of sea salt into the bottle. Add essential oils. Fill the bottle with water. Shake & Spray!
Sage essential oil is antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, & antibacterial. What exactly does that mean? It means that Sage is your go to for everything that you need to treat on your skin! It will get rid of fungus and bacteria while lessening swelling and refreshing your skin! Amazing, and with such a great scent! You go, Sage!
Here are some Black Willow Soaps products with Sage Essential Oils:
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| Soothing Earth Bath Salts |
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| Soothing Earth scented Avocado Cucumber Soap |
Non-Toxic Deodorant Spray
Ingredients:
Sea Salt
3 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops Purification Essential Oil
Distilled Water
Spray Bottle
Directions:
Drop a pinch of sea salt into the bottle. Add essential oils. Fill the bottle with water. Shake & Spray!
Add it Again, Monday (Poppy Seeds)
Hello again! Welcome back to Add it Again, Monday. Unfortunately, today's post is on a Tuesday (sorry). Today we are looking at poppy seeds! We all know that they taste great on bagels and in lemon poppy seed muffins, but what do those little black beaded seeds really do for you?
Poppy seeds are packed full of your daily dose of iodine, manganese, zinc, magnesium & copper. They help to quench thirst, reduce fever, reduce inflammation, aid constipation & tummy aches. I never knew that about poppy seeds, did you?
For skin care purposes, poppy seeds are an excellent moisturizer and exfoliator. I add them in my soaps for that extra scrub! They also treat eczema and dandruff!
Here are some Black Willow Soaps products that contain poppy seeds:
Lemon Poppy Seed Sugar Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
4.5 oz granulated sugar
1 oz shea butter
1/2 oz jojoba oil
1/4 oz apricot kernel oil
1/2 ml lemongrass essential oil
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Directions
Melt your shea butter in a glass Pyrex measuring cup. Add jojoba oil and apricot kernel oil. Mix together. Add lemongrass essential oil and blend. (add coloring if you desire). In a separate glass bowl, combine sugar and poppy seeds. Pour the oil mixture onto the sugar mixture and stir together with a fork. Place into your favorite glass container and get ready to scrub!
Poppy seeds are packed full of your daily dose of iodine, manganese, zinc, magnesium & copper. They help to quench thirst, reduce fever, reduce inflammation, aid constipation & tummy aches. I never knew that about poppy seeds, did you?
For skin care purposes, poppy seeds are an excellent moisturizer and exfoliator. I add them in my soaps for that extra scrub! They also treat eczema and dandruff!
Here are some Black Willow Soaps products that contain poppy seeds:
 |
| Christmas Tree scented Olive Oil Soap |
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| Sea Breeze scented Olive Oil Soap |
 |
| Reindeer Poo scented Avocado Cucumber Soap |
Lemon Poppy Seed Sugar Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
4.5 oz granulated sugar
1 oz shea butter
1/2 oz jojoba oil
1/4 oz apricot kernel oil
1/2 ml lemongrass essential oil
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Directions
Melt your shea butter in a glass Pyrex measuring cup. Add jojoba oil and apricot kernel oil. Mix together. Add lemongrass essential oil and blend. (add coloring if you desire). In a separate glass bowl, combine sugar and poppy seeds. Pour the oil mixture onto the sugar mixture and stir together with a fork. Place into your favorite glass container and get ready to scrub!
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Oh, E. O., It's Wednesday! (Tea Tree Essential Oil)
Last week my stepdaughter, Ally, and I were racking our brains trying to come up with some new and exciting essential oil soaps to add to this blog! We were plucking bottles of essential oils from my drawer and smelling them. We both turned our noses up at first smell of tea tree oil. How horrible on its own! I then started digging through my fragrance oil drawers for something to add to the tea tree oil to balance out the fragrance. Eureka! A perfectly blended essential oil soap (that has not yet been added to my Etsy shop, but I am going to share it with you today anyway).
So, stinky (by itself) tea tree oil was named by sailors back in the 18th century who believed it to smell like nutmeg. I'm not sure if my senses are screwed up, or if the olfactory glands were not as developed back then as they are today, but I don't smell the nutmeg. Anywho, it comes from a tea tree plant and is used for a huge laundry list of ailments. Essential oils are amazing that way. Tea tree oil can be used for acne, fungal infections, lice, scabies, athlete's foot, ringworm and is a natural antiseptic for burns, insect bites, stings, boils, cold sores, and much more. Another wonder oil to add to your first aid essential oil pack, right?
Drum roll, please. Here is the soap that we have all been waiting for:
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Tea Tree & Tobacco scented Mango Butter Soap
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Remember how I said that tea tree oil was good for acne? Well, here is a DIY recipe for Tea Tree Oil Toner that will help clear that up!
Tea Tree Oil Toner
Ingredients:
Spray Bottle
Distilled Water
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
Directions
Fill the spray bottle 3/4 full with distilled water. Add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil for every 25ml of water. Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil for every 25ml of water. Shake and spray onto skin (spot test first). Shake before each use. (for an extra punch, you can add a few drops of Witch Hazel - that acne wont stand a chance).
**Caution** Tea tree oil can cause dryness of skin. Lavender essential oil should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
What do you use to get rid of that pesky acne? (P.S. I would really like to know!)
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