tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802436510942514342024-02-06T23:39:26.181-05:00Raising Sweet Graceraisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-39477322129123996722013-02-21T09:00:00.000-05:002013-02-21T09:00:07.580-05:00The Incredible Truth About Easy-peasy and A Little About Me<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's funny how when you are yourself, things become easy. Not that I wasn't myself in previous posts. It was just not me I was portraying. I felt rigid and stiff and certainly not fun at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I first started this blog I thought it would be easy just to write about homesteading and gardening. Then I found it difficult to write because I felt I was not qualified to give out such important information. I lacked the confidence to own what I was writing. Even though I had many successes doing it in my own home I could never just pen what I was doing to paper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Clearly this was not a good way to blog. So I needed a fresh start, a mulligan. Something that was all sunshine and lollipops. Okay, the sunshine blinded the living shit out of me, the lollipop is now stuck to the carpet and the kids now running naked in a sugar induced circle but it's all good, right? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So where do I start? Let's start with a brief introduction. How about a little about me......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are easily offended, I am not the right girl for you. I have an uncanny tendency to leave my filter at home most of the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have, what I like to call, an overacheiving brain, it's a blessing and a curse. But mostly a curse. So much sleep is lost just thinking about things. Things that I cannot change, things that shouldn't matter to me and things that are even WTF by my standards, which can be pretty low sometimes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to people watch. No, I'm not one of those old people sitting on the bench at the mall, waiting for their wife to finish up shopping, just watching the people walk by without a care in the world. I mean real people watching. I get all up in their life, without them even knowing it. I LOVE making up stories about the people I am watching. Restaurants are always full of people who are meeting secretly and they always have shady pasts. I told the Hubs I was buying a small note pad to write down my stories so I can share them with the world. Hey, you have your way of passing time, I have mine. Stop judging. Jeez!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I curse like I am the product of a truck driver who had a menage a trois with a sailor and Gordon Ramsey. But I don't see it as cursing, I see it as a sentence enhancer. Colorful words that make my point even better. The only time I am pretty much not cursing is at work, just trying to keep it professional, yo. And yes I do kiss my mother with this mouth!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-nLHu4-zeo8PrRVGyUuxHlt3q89ziaabFpQ_unIIPwyqFwZRo5RYVyoJKfLw9TnsdBKkFDHxVnvMOJyZovhibV5PDSUrCHEdgy-QKVRB7iOshRkKzneMDWyk9xxXm4OW_4wBq2S4P5yD/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-nLHu4-zeo8PrRVGyUuxHlt3q89ziaabFpQ_unIIPwyqFwZRo5RYVyoJKfLw9TnsdBKkFDHxVnvMOJyZovhibV5PDSUrCHEdgy-QKVRB7iOshRkKzneMDWyk9xxXm4OW_4wBq2S4P5yD/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still love gardening and taking care of my chickens. They are my little chicken bitches. They give me the good stuff, like poop and eggs, and we keep them in the lifestyle the are accustom too. Otherwise they end up like the other ones, frozen with their neck shoved up their asses. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really am fortunate and blessed to have created three wonderful little human beings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Peanut is my oldest, she will be 13 this year. Yikes! I am getting old. She was my sweet angelic baby, she listened all the time and did not talk back. So easy! She is helpful and does exactly what she is told without the faces or noises. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/737419_10200304242829718_242951761_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/737419_10200304242829718_242951761_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Then came Bird. Birdy is my middle child. My sweet, sweet Birdy Bird. I love this child more than a fat kid loves cake but this kid really makes me work for the title "mother of the year", every fucking day. Never mind that the first six months of her life where spent screaming all day long and barely slept due to colic and digestive issues, which was enough to make me want to rip out my uterus right then and there, she has continued the trend and now finds new things to cry about. If she is not whining about her latest tactile problem with the clothes she is wearing, she is screaming about how her hair hurts when I clip it up or how she does not like a certain food today. My neighbors must think I beat the shit out of her almost daily and I am surprised no one has called child services on me. I am hoping she grows out of it by the time she is a teenager, YEAH RIGHT!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/616114_4905992248650_2099115347_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/616114_4905992248650_2099115347_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Then along came Bug. She was our happy surprise. We were not planning on having Bug for at least two more years. Well, I got pregnant with her when Bird was about three months old. Yeah... SURPRISE!! Then she tried to come out at something like 31 weeks! Cuckoo, right? But with lots of bed rest and medication we kept her in there until 37ish weeks. Bug is so much like Peanut with a little side o' sass. She is quite mellow and knows what she wants. But when she gets mad? Watch out! I am waiting for the day her head spins whilst she screams redrum......This kids got a tempa!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/665790_4955612329121_1463505466_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/665790_4955612329121_1463505466_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other than that, I am snoring boring. I have breakfast with the girls each morning, drive their pampered asses to school, go to my little part time job, come home, pick up my pampered ass kids from school, slip into something more comfortable (read: yoga pants and a ratty sweatshirt), clean, do homework, make dinner, wait for the Hubs to arrive home, go to bed and if I am lucky enough, I get lucky. TMI, I know. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-58415694744160913902013-02-19T09:00:00.000-05:002013-02-19T09:00:05.283-05:00The wait is finally ova!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey there.....So I asked you to stay around and wait until February to find out what is going on with this blog. And if you are reading this thank you for sticking around and giving in the the hype. I promise you it will be well worth it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here's the scoop......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been in a serious funk lately. Serious effing funk. I tried to rally the troops and put my big girl panties on but, seriously, it just got the best of me. Nothing bad and nothing I want to get into here, just the type of funk where you are perceived as lazy. Cause we all know watching TV is way better than doing anything else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/1304457054867_7265272.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/1304457054867_7265272.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any who.....I am over it now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got some fun things in store for you. I am going to change the direction of this blog to a little to more of a lighthearted, fun poking look at our life It is sarcastic, and yes there will be some curse words, but I hope you enjoy it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If not then there's the door....Kidding. No wait come back!! I have beer?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still have no schedule for posting because life around here is just CRAZY! I am hoping that with time I will be able to get my shit together and post some stuff. So I hope you will stay around just a little longer. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-78405487636986469692013-01-06T14:51:00.001-05:002013-01-06T14:51:25.144-05:00A Change is in the Air....Hey everyone, long time no see! I have had a little writer's block and haven't really had the want to write about anything. I wanted to let everyone who does read this that I am making some changes to the blog. While I enjoy gardening and what not, I just feel that writing about it is just boring. <br />
<br />
So I am going to change the style a bit and starting in February you will see a whole new blog! It will lean more towards the funnier, lighter side of things....... I hope you are as excited as I am to see these changes! See you in February!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-72823951136583723622012-08-31T11:49:00.000-04:002012-08-31T11:49:40.890-04:00NOFA-NY Locavore Challenge- Join me!<i>I am not doing my regularly scheduled "This Moment" post today. Mainly because I was too lazy to put this post up on Wednesday like originally planned but I just spent a few days researching/buying a new TV because Bug decided to wash the old (and perfectly working) TV. She threw a freaking whole cup of water at time.</i> <i>The joys of parenting!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/557140_4356953883034_1891055490_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/557140_4356953883034_1891055490_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sure she's cute but watch out she'll destroy electronics!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love eating real food. It makes me feel good, helps me keep some of the more serious complications of the PCOS at bay and it is just plain delicious! I really cannot eat processed foods anymore without either tasting all the crap in it or getting sick. It has taken me a while to do this. On vacation I had one of those fake cheese and cracker packs and I took one bite and that was it, yuck!<br />
<br />
We have been slacking in the meal planning department a bit in our house this summer. I was looking through our bank statements and I saw just exactly how much we were eating out for dinner, which was way more than we were eating at home. Uh-oh! Don't judge, life happens! <br />
<br />
Then I realized September is right around the corner. This means that the NOFA-NY Locavore challenge will be here. What a great way to get back into eating healthy again! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nofany.org/events/ny-locavore-challenge"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs081/1105984884622/img/43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If you do not know what the NOFA-NY Locavore Challenge is let me enlighten you! The Locavore Challenge is simply 30 days of eating local, organic and sustainably grown food. You can challenge yourself to a day, week or the entire month. They also host events throughout New York State, ending with a statewide potluck on September 30th. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nofany.org/sites/default/files/2012LocavoreChallenge-Calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://www.nofany.org/sites/default/files/2012LocavoreChallenge-Calendar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are planning on doing the entire month. So I thought what a perfect time to also challenge ourselves to a month of no take out! The Hubs even said he would try to go a whole month without soda! I was floored! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So for the month of September I will share with you visits to farms, tips on how to take baby steps to get rid of the processed foods and replace them with real foods, real food recipes, and our trials and errors! It is going to be a great time! I cannot wait to share with you our trip to the beef farm! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I hope you will join me? Do you think you can eat real food for a day, a week, or a whole month! And you don't have to live in New York to challenge yourself, I won't tell. I would love to turn this into a little virtual challenge/party and share some real food recipes! Maybe have a little picture potluck on the 30th? Sound fun? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are interested in joining me leave a comment below or drop me a line at raisingsweetgraceATgmailDOTcom and let me know! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-32049936361789162522012-08-24T05:00:00.000-04:002012-08-24T05:00:02.273-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRPxohn54saExE6Yd8ZYJxrtAgdFsH_v_SE4xqA3ZXxL_LRXzGnCxqvAG14WvwLYp4SCd7Ig6ur0WvK1HIBxmAbbnEli9iF0F8us7Wievq3ovC5QRoYKKtgyamgC0bJcCRLI0hJ2JhzxU/s1600/IMG_0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRPxohn54saExE6Yd8ZYJxrtAgdFsH_v_SE4xqA3ZXxL_LRXzGnCxqvAG14WvwLYp4SCd7Ig6ur0WvK1HIBxmAbbnEli9iF0F8us7Wievq3ovC5QRoYKKtgyamgC0bJcCRLI0hJ2JhzxU/s640/IMG_0537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></em></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-88028020206737115792012-08-22T05:00:00.000-04:002012-08-22T05:00:01.171-04:00Ahhh vacation!Who doesn't love vacation? I could spend my life on the beach. There was nothing like the smell of the ocean and listening to the waves crash on the shore. We even got to see some dolphins swimming around. I took pictures of everything!! <br />
<br />
The kids spent a whole week in Wildwood, NJ, the Hubs and I came down and joined them later that same week. It was nice that the Hubs and I got a little alone time. We tend to put ourselves last for just about everything and it was nice to just focus on one another.<br />
<br />
Anywhoo!! We went on a bike ride on Friday morning and I gave Little Bird the camera. She took some awesome pictures of the boardwalk. Bug had my cousins camera so she was happy. I love Bird's perspective, take a look!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__LFtDduzjwcGWNhEzF6VRDbEPUeRGrFtoJ2AcwNvRrI5qxOvdCZyroFl-hIIBJIUXaCf-DpAkDQ13j7b_4A9YFxOGsXKIuoL0YCQVU9NwIh9V4-C_QZTsmRGuPDM3dDImQW-c2-xr6Ts/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__LFtDduzjwcGWNhEzF6VRDbEPUeRGrFtoJ2AcwNvRrI5qxOvdCZyroFl-hIIBJIUXaCf-DpAkDQ13j7b_4A9YFxOGsXKIuoL0YCQVU9NwIh9V4-C_QZTsmRGuPDM3dDImQW-c2-xr6Ts/s320/IMG_0359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw0v7emRGm7QrfCmYPbfKScROLcKIu7auyGcgF4MN2nNwkKMtXYP07I6BVqaMico9dKpW4cCVF1qkttwvr1K74TU0QGW8Xl5qLJV5hbgSfhuw0Q9YhmQ5GgrzGW4dUdLjSAIoRqzwpTuz/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw0v7emRGm7QrfCmYPbfKScROLcKIu7auyGcgF4MN2nNwkKMtXYP07I6BVqaMico9dKpW4cCVF1qkttwvr1K74TU0QGW8Xl5qLJV5hbgSfhuw0Q9YhmQ5GgrzGW4dUdLjSAIoRqzwpTuz/s320/IMG_0365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSpCjJnrXtbWqcrWI5E1Pb26M9Nyi9DioFQ6kk5ufRqmo1MzwVT-msCxO6KXMIB29cHG-z7xt3ug2gqk_KGVJq8fgUpyYmUwAnjfwcra0YCoN2uzKNzb-SacuJMkbf_bn_9vYOd7-SJlg/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSpCjJnrXtbWqcrWI5E1Pb26M9Nyi9DioFQ6kk5ufRqmo1MzwVT-msCxO6KXMIB29cHG-z7xt3ug2gqk_KGVJq8fgUpyYmUwAnjfwcra0YCoN2uzKNzb-SacuJMkbf_bn_9vYOd7-SJlg/s320/IMG_0369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRtO4PRG5pBTGiOXRC6e9Ng4K_WrPCBS3FfpN4nkPsLbKLdrUF_gcAMv-LPSnpjIlKeqZGzLDZsFUKA7GoEt-s3GuUAupMGBUr6saALBf4RcFBTeEYDfx9CAzXl0U0Ow9gMQiYpPS046J/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRtO4PRG5pBTGiOXRC6e9Ng4K_WrPCBS3FfpN4nkPsLbKLdrUF_gcAMv-LPSnpjIlKeqZGzLDZsFUKA7GoEt-s3GuUAupMGBUr6saALBf4RcFBTeEYDfx9CAzXl0U0Ow9gMQiYpPS046J/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-CzgoiLilbIuH6rhCwjMRNkfZZGymivEmItF-bHoiU8Apj0URvRZMZ_Sja3mUiGzn7tt8M-JWZLUCr__UmY_Dwh_fgOWOshXBb2ihROhKuc9-IWMBrV-3Biu_cSESfIaEs3ORxkWMjUN/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-CzgoiLilbIuH6rhCwjMRNkfZZGymivEmItF-bHoiU8Apj0URvRZMZ_Sja3mUiGzn7tt8M-JWZLUCr__UmY_Dwh_fgOWOshXBb2ihROhKuc9-IWMBrV-3Biu_cSESfIaEs3ORxkWMjUN/s320/IMG_0415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCjAh_lc8ddKRLpPFNKd16sJgtAFFAKPTvPIOhQUVaJO_oVQbEFl478CiVKwdGoz7BdybvG7_sjHi0i9MmVRYKTdfJiBKuqc9aIOzelYWkAk6rPNKmIASgsDXAC76KLe2xab5AiHViW0h/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCjAh_lc8ddKRLpPFNKd16sJgtAFFAKPTvPIOhQUVaJO_oVQbEFl478CiVKwdGoz7BdybvG7_sjHi0i9MmVRYKTdfJiBKuqc9aIOzelYWkAk6rPNKmIASgsDXAC76KLe2xab5AiHViW0h/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNui1vP7mB0nowL6Mm38zqCMsuBxTZEkiiLq8tD_SP5GBJPYk9PnLynU-6gvKHr5fRiGtmbtTuwxAsuklV99OL8VTTip73Icsx7lzqLsi4OBLJPPqFbuZsGSoJXPADghYG_v3NVbEWTqMa/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNui1vP7mB0nowL6Mm38zqCMsuBxTZEkiiLq8tD_SP5GBJPYk9PnLynU-6gvKHr5fRiGtmbtTuwxAsuklV99OL8VTTip73Icsx7lzqLsi4OBLJPPqFbuZsGSoJXPADghYG_v3NVbEWTqMa/s320/IMG_0462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3LAHhK1OCPujqypAUuVb_DucP0UUchTtsyDFBCJB0L4BhRrrGGk6w9WyHt5TzHKgD9bE3XKOqogsiEsss5FxGDUVO85KjdcUymzJzrv9pqZHyZlXH_JgnLK4Tb0fRWfgVVXJEzZEXZIc/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3LAHhK1OCPujqypAUuVb_DucP0UUchTtsyDFBCJB0L4BhRrrGGk6w9WyHt5TzHKgD9bE3XKOqogsiEsss5FxGDUVO85KjdcUymzJzrv9pqZHyZlXH_JgnLK4Tb0fRWfgVVXJEzZEXZIc/s320/IMG_0464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Pretty good for a six year old, right? <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-4535438469999136672012-08-10T12:00:00.002-04:002012-08-10T12:00:50.271-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/282659_4298797669165_1202030480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/282659_4298797669165_1202030480_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></em></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-22684678627067068782012-08-09T10:35:00.001-04:002012-08-09T10:35:31.186-04:00Sunbathing and Homemade Sunscreen<i>I am going to start this post with a disclaimer: Please use common sense when taking my advice, not that I would intentionally put you in harms way. That being said, I am not a doctor, I just do what I think is best for my family. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Now that I got that out of the way!<br />
<br />
There is so much controversy about the amount of time we should spend in the sun, should we use sun block, should we not. But did you know that you can get your daily dose of Vitamin D from 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure and it can decrease your risk for certain cancers including breast cancer and colon cancer? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/18334_1326819491568_7355032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/18334_1326819491568_7355032_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in Florida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Personally, we do not use sunblock unless we are going to be out in direct sun all day long or during peak sun hours (even then I am reluctant to use it). In my opinion sunbathing, in conjunction with a healthy diet, is extremely good for you. I also think the risks of the sun out weigh the risks of sun block. Commercial sunblocks contain tons of chemicals and <a href="http://www.activistpost.com/2012/06/cancer-causing-ingredients-in-sunscreen.html">research</a> shows sunblocks are often the cause of cancer. It is scary to think that we are constantly being told to slather this stuff all over ourselves for the sake of preventing cancer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/18334_1326817571520_8385745_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/18334_1326817571520_8385745_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bird at the beach a few years ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With organic and natural products being so expensive (I have seen some sunscreen that were upwards of $20, ouch!) I started researching how to make homemade lotions, soaps, tooth paste, etc. I know exactly what is in them and I feel comfortable with my family using them. I am absolutely in love my <a href="http://raisingsweetgrace.blogspot.com/2012/08/homemade-lotion-bars.html">homemade lotion</a>. I gave some to my neighbor and babysitter this past time and they loved it too!! So I thought why not sunscreen? You can use this on your face, just avoid the eye area. Since it contains absolutely no chemicals, it is safe to use on the whole family. <br />
<br />
HOMEMADE SUNSCREEN-About an SPF 30<br />
<br />
1/2 cup beeswax
<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil
<br />
2 tsp of Shea Butter
<br />
1 cup almond oil<br />
2 tsp Vitamin E oil<br />
4 Tbsp powder Zinc Oxide (Be sure not to inhale)<br />
Essential oil (EO)- (Do not use citrus oils as they can cause an unpleasant reaction when exposed to the sun causing it to lose it's effectiveness)<br />
<br />
Start by putting water in a double boiler, if you do not have a double boiler use a glass bowl in a pot or I have seen people use mason jars. I prefer the glass bowl, it's easier to clean. (Side note: do not use any bowls or utensils that you plan on eating out of at a later time.) Add everything except the zinc and EO and melt. I like to add the bees wax first, then the coconut oil, then the shea butter, vitamin e and almond oil. Once melted take off the heat and mix in the zinc and EO. Pour into a small mason jar or muffin paper and enjoy! It is a thick lotion and cannot be put into bottles but it will melt if the temperature goes over 75 degrees so store it in a cool dry place like the fridge! If you want a higher SPF just add more zinc. THIS IS NOT WATERPROOF, YOU WILL HAVE TO REAPPLY IF YOU SPEND TIME IN THE WATER!<br />
<br />
The sunscreen will be good for about 6 months. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzFGWNIc097M2Otd3YqgV2HMxyc0kfl10E0x98COxvUiJYpH0wO0ippIss2EPLGHIepq3zDgrMoMll2lkwgHJUbkAFiBPKLmFdDduVpGr7BJnCM_EY1Cy9k8iLrRxUXP8m81S5L3zHeKm/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzFGWNIc097M2Otd3YqgV2HMxyc0kfl10E0x98COxvUiJYpH0wO0ippIss2EPLGHIepq3zDgrMoMll2lkwgHJUbkAFiBPKLmFdDduVpGr7BJnCM_EY1Cy9k8iLrRxUXP8m81S5L3zHeKm/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the dark picture, there is not a lot of light in my kitchen at 10:30 at night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Are you inspired to start making non toxic versions of your favorite products? It is incredibly easy to do! Let me know what products you have started making below!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-43509007732504956652012-08-03T10:39:00.001-04:002012-08-03T10:39:51.480-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYqlNJOYpaHf631KHwln_7p2bo3eKVbEBT9WUXCXVji-knLKbYexS4Clg4uvtL4BCO0S6a8NRntoHBlDAxJIU7CFXj9juJk_-tOLXoqcSBVSssv0A2ZDCTN42Wj0Q65uh-2dt0cXUegUE/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYqlNJOYpaHf631KHwln_7p2bo3eKVbEBT9WUXCXVji-knLKbYexS4Clg4uvtL4BCO0S6a8NRntoHBlDAxJIU7CFXj9juJk_-tOLXoqcSBVSssv0A2ZDCTN42Wj0Q65uh-2dt0cXUegUE/s640/IMG_0472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></em></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-68002538147404147362012-08-01T11:44:00.001-04:002012-08-01T11:44:31.828-04:00Homemade Lotion BarsWe have been testing and testing different homemade beauty products. I just love these homemade lotion bars. One application in the morning lasts me all day without having to reapply and are not full of toxic waste!<br />
<br />
I have dry skin all the time. No matter what time of the year it is my skin is dry. I stopped using soap because it would dry my skin out too much. I tried everything store bought but no matter how thick the lotion is I always have to reapply it a few times during the day if I want my skin to be soft. I finally bought this stuff the other day at a "real food" store which was all natural and felt so good on my skin. But it was $14.99 an ounce. That's just a little too expensive for me. <br />
<br />
So I thought how can I make this myself? I know I can make it myself for a lot cheaper than $14.99 an ounce with no chemicals or other crap in it.<br />
<br />
I tried using straight up coconut oil. Yeah, no. I felt greasy and couldn't put real clothes on or sit on any furniture for about 2 hours. My skin felt smooth but I do not have two hours to dry off everyday. I think it is better left for a once a week deep moisturizer after a nice long soak in a warm tub, not for everyday application. Who am I kidding about being able to take a long soak in the tub, some days I am happy if I can go to the bathroom all by myself!<br />
<br />
These lotion bars are made out of a few relatively inexpensive ingredients and is much thicker feeling than store bought lotion. I have found that I only need to put it on once a day and my skin stays soft all day long. They are also super easy to make. Besides the drying time, it took me about 20 minutes from start to pour. <br />
<br />
Homemade Lotion Bars<br />
<br />
1/2 cup beeswax<br />
1/2 cup shea butter or cocoa butter<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil<br />
Essential oil (Optional)<br />
2 tsp of Vitamin E<br />
<br />
Using a double boiler on medium heat, get the water to a boil, then melt the beeswax, then the coconut oil, then the shea butter. Shea butter turns grainy when you over heat it so I add it last. Take off the heat and add the essential oil and vitamin E. I used about 30 drops for this recipe but you can use as much or as little as you like. Stir thoroughly. I use the paper cupcake cups in a muffin tin because it is what I have on hand but you can use any type of mold you please. Allow them to dry for at least an hour or more depending on the size of your mold. Use the warmth of your hands to melt the bar a bit and rub on any dry spots!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/561705_479106295433481_786265228_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/561705_479106295433481_786265228_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just poured into the molds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
CAUTION!! Do not keep these in the car or anyplace it gets really warm. Since they do not have chemical stabilizers, they will melt. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/603520_479249278752516_55124345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/603520_479249278752516_55124345_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These lotion bars are good for everyone. The coconut oil is a natural antiseptic so you can use these bars on raw, dried or cracked skin without the painful stinging like the store bought lotions. Coconut oil is also naturally an SPF4, so you are getting some sun protection. Shea butter is good for healing dry skin, reducing wrinkles and scars, and is a natural anti inflammatory. The beeswax locks in the moisture, softens skin and protects the skin from environmental factors. Beeswax also has anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties making it safe to use on raw, cracked skin. <br />
<br />
Ready to toss your old chemical laden-store bought lotion and start making your own? Let me know what you think!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-78385698771174387832012-07-27T09:15:00.001-04:002012-07-27T09:20:46.459-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599343_4343298621661_1575362293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599343_4343298621661_1575362293_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-87955312399848934502012-07-23T09:38:00.000-04:002012-07-23T09:39:01.316-04:00What's happening around here?Sorry guys, summertime has us busier than bees some days. We have been testing out some fun things, enjoying family and friends company, celebrating so there has been little time left during the day to blog. <br />
<br />
We have.........Good news, Our chickens started laying just the other day. We enjoyed a tasty omelette this past weekend. We look forward each afternoon going out and getting the eggs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRPvrsGLa7_q8RHt4h9MwBKoiNeEN8KSGEZcfGp1VME7v-kEDFXJrynWJsDBoiHLc1NfUQJ3aMWsd09GXW3wwEY5qG2Io6_7N7Un0ENpqhMYUYSZPZdPF1jhyphenhyphenlK7s195ZlqzWQMPAyPgM/s1600/DSCN4802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRPvrsGLa7_q8RHt4h9MwBKoiNeEN8KSGEZcfGp1VME7v-kEDFXJrynWJsDBoiHLc1NfUQJ3aMWsd09GXW3wwEY5qG2Io6_7N7Un0ENpqhMYUYSZPZdPF1jhyphenhyphenlK7s195ZlqzWQMPAyPgM/s320/DSCN4802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have.........Bad news (only for those chickens!).Our Freedom Rangers will go for processing in about 2-3 weeks. I won't lie, I hate those evil demon spawn and will laugh all the way to the farm! Muhahahahahaha!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_bWMhF3pgGLdIaVXLM_DCfAVMMn4LkTWWxL1_RFhmW6MtuSLzT_XbOZmPETc7N7S7zV4jaj3MENpO7cZj_lfccztwUVSzkyTBZvplePKbFIHTJVlNHu9wbkYU7X0XKM9g2wNcFPEQI3T/s1600/DSCN4868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_bWMhF3pgGLdIaVXLM_DCfAVMMn4LkTWWxL1_RFhmW6MtuSLzT_XbOZmPETc7N7S7zV4jaj3MENpO7cZj_lfccztwUVSzkyTBZvplePKbFIHTJVlNHu9wbkYU7X0XKM9g2wNcFPEQI3T/s320/DSCN4868.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom Rangers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">We tested............Coconut oil, tooth powder, dishwasher detergent and homemade yogurt to be exact. I am not crazy about the dishwasher soap via <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/02/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-revised.html">here</a>. My dishes just are not getting clean so I still have a bunch of testing to do. I hope to have a post about the coconut oil, tooth powder and yogurt soon. PS...I am a total fan of all three of these things but I am totally hooked on the tooth powder! The Hubs on the other hand is kind of on the fence.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/images/stories/food/Coconut%20Oil/CoconutonBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.organicfacts.net/images/stories/food/Coconut%20Oil/CoconutonBeach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image <a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We planned..........Figuring out where our duck house and bees will go has been a little trying. Only having three quarters of an acre with one third of that being wooded makes fitting gardens, swing sets, trampolines, chicken coops, duck houses, duck ponds, and dog houses a little trickier. Nonetheless we will find the room so everyone is happy. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR2XmXCa_8DZ4Ur0TeAW1qrYiWG9nyTQCpW_DvlJDUNOzfJb9M1ELJ7-asWEGcbKVx7JgZXlfu2meFXKGIjd6i8Vv_L1STOfxH_6gLxA5ytU9hJmJ6aby6dkUldS2PMVsPLHisX1FvZKa/s1600/DSCN4805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR2XmXCa_8DZ4Ur0TeAW1qrYiWG9nyTQCpW_DvlJDUNOzfJb9M1ELJ7-asWEGcbKVx7JgZXlfu2meFXKGIjd6i8Vv_L1STOfxH_6gLxA5ytU9hJmJ6aby6dkUldS2PMVsPLHisX1FvZKa/s320/DSCN4805.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Buff's peeking out of the chicken coop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We researched..........We have been researching ducks, the Hubs has wanted ducks (and goats) for a while now. Since we had bad luck with the chickens last year, I wanted to concentrate on the chickens. Now we are semi sure we know what we are doing so we are getting ducks, no goats right now. It looks like we will be getting some Runners, Rouens, and Pekings, next month. They are all docile ducks so the kids can help and I don't have to worry about one of them getting pecked.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://prickereepines.homestead.com/baby_ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://prickereepines.homestead.com/baby_ducks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image <a href="http://prickereepines.homestead.com/baby_ducks.jpg">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We gardened.........Getting our butterfly and bee garden established. This garden is three years in the making and I have to say it is coming along well!! Thanks to our friend Frank. He sells the greatest perennials, never uses pesticides on his perennials and I have never had any problem with any plant he has ever sold me. I make one or two trips there a year and just love seeing everything he has to offer! We were out until about 10 pm Sunday evening trying to get the last of the mulch down. We ran out of landscapers fabric and called it an evening! Hopefully I will be able to finish this today!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy4fuCHMEUBmfhSBRn8USGrexHNkoVohrvapnQOeJvQTICh71vQ0eBOGXCtDJSPeNjyo-z13X8dh_mMgy7kgYXmLUdfu3H3mkIW7VYfIYu760VyaR5ULOmvpSgLuBm5hUNMRKkGz9IEdd/s1600/DSCN4788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy4fuCHMEUBmfhSBRn8USGrexHNkoVohrvapnQOeJvQTICh71vQ0eBOGXCtDJSPeNjyo-z13X8dh_mMgy7kgYXmLUdfu3H3mkIW7VYfIYu760VyaR5ULOmvpSgLuBm5hUNMRKkGz9IEdd/s320/DSCN4788.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A butterfly on an echinacea flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We celebrated......... Little Bug turned 5 this past weekend. She is such a love! What a sweet and beautiful little girl!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/557140_4356953883034_1891055490_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/557140_4356953883034_1891055490_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
So this is what we have been doing for the past week, with a little rain mixed in! How is summer treating you? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-70783983340724801382012-07-09T05:00:00.000-04:002012-07-09T05:00:07.536-04:00Freedom Rangers<span style="background-color: white;">We decided that this year we would get meat chickens. And after talking to a local chicken farmer, we decided to go with Freedom Rangers, which were suppose to be somewhere in the middle of Cornish X and a heritage breed. We got them on June 1st and figured they would only be with us a short period of time, what could go wrong......</span><br />
<br />
I have never hated an animal in my life as much as I hate these chickens. They stink to the high heavens, they poop EVERYWHERE, they eat ALL THE TIME, they are the ugliest birds ever, I do not think they actually groom themselves and at one point I thought they all had tumors growing out of their breasts. Turns out they grow that way. We have gone through three bags of feed in the past six weeks. They forage but they prefer the feed over foraging. I only supplement feed with the egg layers, but these guys think they are going to starve to death and will follow you around until you feed them. They are vile and disgusting and I actually cannot wait to send them to the farm. I will never get Freedom Rangers again. I think next time around we will go with an actual heritage breed. They may take a little longer to grow but that is okay. Having raised other dual-purpose breeds I know what to expect.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/548550_4298804429334_547819061_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/548550_4298804429334_547819061_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom Rangers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Our egg layers, of which our three Buff Orpingtons are dual-purpose, do not smell, they forage, and they look like normal chickens. I love our girls, they are polite and let us pick them up and pet them, they love their little mealy worm treats and kitchen scraps. I gave them some grass clippings from the lawn mower and they went crazy!! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/282659_4298797669165_1202030480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/282659_4298797669165_1202030480_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our egg layers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />So I will continue our quest for a meat bird that is slow growing, docile and doesn't eat like a pig! I will let you know what breed we try next!!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-84734147285638345362012-07-07T05:00:00.000-04:002012-07-07T05:00:05.210-04:00Christmas in July- Really?Yes, I am crazy for making a Christmas post in July. But why not? I LOVE Christmas! It is absolutely the best time of the year. I always feel like all is good with the world from about Thanksgiving to New Years. But I digress!<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
I spent last December DIY'ing most of our Christmas presents to our family and I felt so rushed. But I was browsing through the internet and Pinterest the other day and started finding all kinds of Christmas stuff to make and give!<br />
<br />
I am inspired to start planning in July. <br />
<br />
I made a Ornament wreath this past year for my sister, maybe I should make her some garland to match? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.studiodiy.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-bulb-ornament-garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.studiodiy.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas-bulb-ornament-garland.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.pretty-quirky.com/2009/12/08/more-fun-with-ornaments/">Pretty Quirky</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Or some glitter ornaments for our tree.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyVe8JXrHSR9xfwtyw6J5erWcpKnG6ktOjnl5WNTWV7o6kGK5P9hez5drOET2nwMAUafQqvu2OY7q9S0b9vM0VMS-1YvA3uVxxEQkhl4ZPBXnBtj1GKP4F-BsDI8iOh76-ObJdIqw03H3/s400/PB268087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyVe8JXrHSR9xfwtyw6J5erWcpKnG6ktOjnl5WNTWV7o6kGK5P9hez5drOET2nwMAUafQqvu2OY7q9S0b9vM0VMS-1YvA3uVxxEQkhl4ZPBXnBtj1GKP4F-BsDI8iOh76-ObJdIqw03H3/s320/PB268087.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://cooklovecraft.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-glitter-ornaments.html">Cook~Love~Craft</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Or I could make more paint ornaments, like last year.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/380986_2739876697115_1230415488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/380986_2739876697115_1230415488_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade by me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And maybe I will let the girls get crafty with me again this summer and we can make these!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/382798_2694319878223_82757968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/382798_2694319878223_82757968_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bird's hand print snow family!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have a new found love to make things and I am kind of good at it! Toot! Toot! And now that my family room is complete I have another Christmas tree to set up and decorate! Yay!<br />
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
When do you start feeling inspired for Christmas? What do you do to keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed? <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-54319653109684751192012-07-06T10:02:00.002-04:002012-07-06T10:02:20.471-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/600122_4277944387846_952678347_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/600122_4277944387846_952678347_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></em></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-84263825830101995732012-06-29T09:44:00.001-04:002012-06-29T09:44:40.365-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/581085_4176986503962_831679397_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/581085_4176986503962_831679397_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></em></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-11350929209071304002012-06-26T10:52:00.000-04:002012-06-26T17:28:46.790-04:00Being green<strong>Welcome to the June 2012 Simplicity Parenting Carnival: Green Living</strong><br />
<em>This post was written as part of the monthly Simplicity Parenting Carnival hosted by <a href="http://www.lonehomeranger.com/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">The Lone Home Ranger</a> and <a href="http://simplysahm.blogspot.com/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">S.A.H.M. i AM</a>. This month we are discussing how we find ways to be more natural parents and stewards of the environment. Be sure to read to the end to see a list of the rest of the excellent carnival contributors.</em><br />
***<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit I got really excited when I read that green living was the topic for this month's Simplicity Parenting Blog Carnival! Becoming green can be one of the easiest, healthiest and cheapest changes you can make in your life! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used to think that my house had to smell a certain way in order for it to be "clean" and it wasn't disinfected unless bleach was used on every surface. I also used to think that being green was unattainable and so hard I couldn't possibly do it. I was certainly wrong!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those "smells" in my home that I loved so much, were actually toxic VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which have both short and long term effects and they cause things like irritations of the eyes and nasal passages. It made me to think about my kids growing up with all kinds of health problems that could have been avoided had I just not used the bald guy or bubbles that scrubbed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where do I begin with bleach? <span style="background-color: white;">The companies who sell these products will make you think nothing else could kill those nasty germs!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> But did you know b</span>leach isn't the safest method for getting rid of germs?<span style="color: red;"> </span>Bleach can also cause respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies, cause skin burns, be absorbed into your skin, and cause damage to your vital organs and central nervous system. There are many <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/128508-disinfecting-essential-oils/">essential oils</a> that do the same job as bleach but without the harmful side effects!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being green really couldn't be easier. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, so how did we do it? Baby steps. We changed our habits one thing at a time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First we started with a garden and determined that we were going organic. That meant no pesticides anywhere in our yard. I thought this was going to be hard because we have carpenter ants. But...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got chickens; they are like a natural pesticide. They were the one, two punch we needed to get rid of the bugs without having to use harmful chemicals. I watch them pick bugs out of mid air! They are adorable too! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/577656_4018631225179_1712725620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/577656_4018631225179_1712725620_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happily eating bugs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we changed the household cleaners from the harsh chemically stuff over to Mrs. Meyers. Then I found out I could make the same Mrs. Meyer's cleaners myself. Cheaper. I like cheaper, it saves the money we work so hard for! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a list of the household cleaners we have changed so far:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laundry Soap- Recipe below</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fabric Softener- Recipe below</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All-purpose cleaner</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Powdered tub cleaner</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wood Floor cleaner</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flea powder (for carpets only)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also decided that we were going paperless for our everyday life. I took exception to things like parties because I am just not that into doing the dishes! Pretty much we just stopped buying paper plates, napkins and paper towels. Microfiber towels are our best friends now! I do keep a few rolls paper towels in the house for when the dogs or cats mess in the house or to clean up something REALLY yucky, but that is all we use them for.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can you start your baby steps? Here are three tips to get you started:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Decide what you want to change. Maybe you just want to start out by making your own all-purpose cleaner. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Research and test. Find some recipes for homemade cleaning products. I like <a href="http://tipnut.com/">TipNut.com</a> a lot and use it as a starting point for a lot of different things! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Start small. You do not want to make a huge batch of that all-purpose cleaner only to find out you hate it or it does not work as well as you thought.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope I have inspired you to start becoming greener!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP- Recipe from TipNut.com </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hot water<br />1 cup Washing Soda<br />1/2 cup Borax<br />1 Soap bar- I use scented castile soap or Fels Naptha, </span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.1em;">Grate the bar and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until it dissolves and is melted. Do not let the water boil! </span><span style="line-height: 1.1em;">Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted mixture, Borax and Washing soda; stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water. </span><span style="line-height: 1.1em;">Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 1.1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 1.1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER- </b>I almost feel like this is cheating but it is just too good not to share!!</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; padding: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vinegar</span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use a fabric softener ball to measure the amount but I would say it is about a quarter cup of vinegar for a large load of laundry.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">How easy is this?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<!-- START BOTTOM CODE -->
<p>
***</p>
<p>
Thanks for reading the Simplicity Parenting Blog Carnival! We hope you’ll take time to read these other great contributors’ posts:
<img class="alignright" src="http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o536/justinerows/SimParCarButton150x150.jpg" alt="SimParCarButton150x150" align="right" border="0" />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://mollymakesdo.blogspot.com/2012/06/almost-crunchy.html" target=”_blank”>Almost Crunchy</a> - Molly at <strong>Molly Makes Do</strong> writes about her life as "Almost Crunchy" and the baby steps she's taken to get from "Not at All" to "Almost."</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ourmindfullife.blogspot.com/2012/06/mostly-plastic-free-life.html?m=1" target=”_blank”>A (Mostly) Plastic Free Life</a> - Kellie at <strong>Our Mindful Life</strong> reflects on the recent intrusion of plastic into her usual plastic free home. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.urbanhippiemoms.com/2012/06/26/slowly-greening-our-home/
" target=”_blank”>Slowly Greening Our Home</a> - Dana at <strong>Urban Hippie Momma</strong> has slowly reduced the amount of paper waste in her home with a few simple practices. </li>
<li><a href="http://raisingsweetgrace.blogspot.com/2012/06/being-green.html" target=”_blank”>Being Green</a> - Anne at <strong>Raising Sweet Grace</strong> shares her tips on being a green parent.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.lonehomeranger.com/2012/06/back-to-basics.html" target=”_blank”>Back to Basics</a> - Justine at <strong>The Lone Home Ranger</strong> channels her greatgrandmother’s cleaning tips to make her household healthier, more frugal, and more earth-friendly.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.simplysahm.blogspot.com/2012/06/not-easy-being-green.html" target=”_blank”>It's Not (Always) Easy Being Green</a> - Emily at <strong>S.A.H.M. i AM</strong> discusses the little things her family does to be more eco-friendly but admits it's not always as easy as it sounds.</li>
</ul>
Thanks to all the fabulous writers and readers for being a part of our simplicity parenting community! Stop by <a href="http://www.lonehomeranger.com/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">The Lone Home Ranger</a> and <a href="http://simplysahm.blogspot.com/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">S.A.H.M. i AM</a> to see how to join us for a future carnival.
<!-- END BOTTOM CODE -->
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-80414346123801494432012-06-18T11:26:00.001-04:002012-06-18T11:26:18.931-04:00And the Winner is......Angel Colandrea......I meant to post this yesterday but totally forgot! Sorry!! I have already contacted you and will send your book out by the end of this week! Thank you for participating. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-29447661172953417422012-06-15T06:00:00.000-04:002012-06-15T06:00:01.241-04:00This Moment<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317841_2512007440526_678590545_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317841_2512007440526_678590545_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I was going through old photos this week and I just am so in love with this picture I had to post it!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-67762475728821838412012-06-08T09:11:00.004-04:002012-06-08T09:11:59.921-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522843_4121884046435_1817531355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522843_4121884046435_1817531355_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></em></div>
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-59661764159629701112012-06-06T13:57:00.000-04:002012-06-06T13:57:03.928-04:00A contest!Hi everyone! I am so excited to tell you all about my new series of posts. I just haven't figure out what to call the series! I am at a loss for a catchy name and I need your help! More about that in a minute......<br />
<br />
****<br />
<br />
First let's take a moment and look at what we picked this weekend! Yummmmmmm!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543006_4114900911861_1101883043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543006_4114900911861_1101883043_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This picture was brought to you by Little Bird, Little Bug, and our backyard strawberry patch, now on to our regularly schedule program!<br />
<br />
****<br />
<br />
Last year I participated in a blog series called Kindergardens. I met other like minded parents who loved gardening and getting their children involved. What a great time we had celebrating and commiserating with each other over our children and our gardens. I was all geared up for this year. Then I found out it is not going to happen. I wrote to Kim to see if I could continue the series but sadly have not heard back from her and she has not posted to her own blog for months. I really hope Kim and her family are doing well and this is only a hiatus! I really did love posting each week about all that was going on in my garden. I would be lying if I said I was not bummed about the series not continuing.<br />
<br />
Kindergardens was about teaching our children where our food comes from through experience. Sadly most children do not know that their food starts on a farm. But by getting our children involved we can change that and maybe get them to eat more of their veggies! I plan on posting this every Wednesday during the growing season with different themes for each week. <br />
<br />
But then I thought why not just continue with the premise but call it something different? Kindergardens is a super creative name and I do not take things without permission. Maybe someday Kim will be back and will want to start doing Kindergardens again. <br />
<br />
What should I name the series though? I have been stumped for DAYS!<br />
<br />
So, I thought I would let you guys name the series for me. Please think of a title that is relevant to the series which is kids and parents gardening together. It can be anything, including a short phrase or acronym but no longer than four words. No profanity, vulgarities or the like. You will be disqualified from the contest. <br />
<br />
Here are the rules: Like my Facebook page, <span id="goog_706169760"></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raising-Sweet-Grace/268087526535360">Raising Sweet Grace</a>, and leave a comment either below or on Raising Sweet Grace's Facebook page with your best response. You must like RSW's Facebook page in order to be considered. The contest starts today, June 6th and ends on June 15th at midnight est. Me and my crack team (the Hubs, Peanut, Little Bird, Little Bug and maybe some others) will pick out the best phrase using algorithms and other scientific means. The winner will be notified via Facebook on June 17th. <br />
<br />
Ok here is the fun part......The prize. The best response will win the book Who grew my Soup by Tom Darbyshire. It's about a boy named Phin who had questions about his vegetable soup. Mr. Mattoo shows up in his flying tomato balloon and takes Phin on an adventure from farm to farm to learn all about the vegetables in his soup. A great book to show children that even though their food came from the grocery store or farmers market, it more than likely it started the journey to their plate on a farm!
<br />
<br />
May the best person win, good luck and all that fun stuff!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-55061860103926804342012-06-01T09:26:00.003-04:002012-06-01T09:26:56.538-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/521371_4105254230700_484823704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/521371_4105254230700_484823704_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a>.</span></span></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-5888553648192209902012-05-31T00:03:00.002-04:002012-05-31T00:03:21.756-04:00Confessions of a perfectly imperfect mom<i>Before I begin this post I just wanted to say a few words on this Time Magazine article about being "Mom enough". I know I am a really late on this and it's probably old news, but this whole "Mompetition" crap is, well, crap. I don't believe that any single person in this world has parenting down pat and there is no right or wrong way to parent your children. We all do what is right for our families and really we are all Mom enough. Shame on Time Magazine for making parents question if their choice of parenting is right. Enough with the Mompetition bs. Am I right? Yeah! High fives all around! </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Okay, I am off my soapbox! Now for our regularly scheduled program. When I read someone else's blog, I feel sometimes they are not completely forthcoming with their lives. It's not that they are lying it's just we get a small glimpse into their world and usually they are putting their best foot forward. Writing about things like how perfectly clean their house is, a schedule they follow or well behaved their children are. And believe me, there is nothing wrong with showing of your accomplishments!. I just thought I would write a really, real post about how things go down most of the time in my house. I am far from perfect, I am perfectly imperfect!<br />
<br />
Some days I dream of being "that Mom". You know the woman whose hair is perfectly coiffed, impeccably dressed, always saying the right thing, knows where everyone needs to be and when, gets them there with a big smile in her minivan. Her kids are well rounded, incredibly polite and also impeccably dressed. They have been playing/doing (insert choice activity here) since they were born. <br />
<br />
Then my dreams are dashed by reality......<br />
<br />
Instead there is me, "oh that Mom". I am lucky to blow dry my hair most days, let alone find something to wear that looks like I didn't just put on whatever was laying on the floor. I spend most mornings just wanting to pull my sopping wet hair out, while trying to get the kids up, fed, dressed, groomed and out the door. I am normally in my pj's until 8:10, we need to be to the bus stop by 8:15. Isn't that how everyone starts their day? Completely stressed? I thought so.<br />
<br />
I yell most of the time, even more so when we are in the car. Normally it goes something like "Stop hitting", "Stay on your side of the car", "I don't care if you threw that into the back back (totally the technical term for the cargo space in my SUV), you cannot take your seat belt off while I am driving" and my favorite "Don't make me pull this car over." An idle threat, I know, because I am normally running late and really cannot pull the car over. Car rides are very frustrating for me in general because of the whole walking and chewing gum thing....Please let's just not go there. <br />
<br />
I swore I would never be like my parents. But I always catch myself saying "if you are going to eat like a pig I will put your plate on the floor because that's where animals eat." or "If you slam that door or stomp your feet one more time, I am going to take your door off for the rest of the night and make you march." Then I say to myself "Self, damn it, shut up! You cannot say the things you vowed not to say."<br />
<br />
My kids frustrate me and push my buttons all day long, as I am sure most kids with parents do. Who needs a time out? ME! I am always asking if I can go to my room and stay there, they tell me no. My punishment is to go get them something to eat. Wait, I though I was the parent......GO TO YOUR ROOM until I tell you you can come out! I shake my head again at how much I sound like my parents.<br />
<br />
I curse, a lot. I sometimes say things that make a truck driver blush. I sure do make my Momma proud! I honestly thought my kids first words were going to be curse words, I was <strike>shocked</strike> relieved that they were not!<br />
<br />
I do smile a lot, when there is alcohol involved. Never while driving though, because it is against the law to <strike>smile</strike> drink and drive. I have heard that going to jail can put a huge damper on an otherwise good day. <br />
<br />
The Hubs wants to buy a minivan because it will "give us more room to transport things", but I cry silently inside every time we look at one. I cry not tears of joy like when you hold your newborn baby for the first time, they are tears of why-on-God's-green-earth-do-I-want-to-become-a minivan-mom? I mean, no offense to my minivan mom friends, you all still rock in my book. I just admit I am not cool enough to rock one! I also have not found one that is 4 wheel drive, not that I go ANYWHERE in the snow, it just makes me feel better that I have the wheels that grip while I grandma it down the road, faster than a speeding snail! I don't want to tote other people's kids around, all cry-y, snotty noses, and what not. Does that make me a bad person? I don't think so. I am happy with my little CR-V, just me and my family, no snot nose kids. That baby has 200K on her and still runs like a champ! I say why mess with a good thing? Totally done ragging on the minivan moms!<br />
<br />
<strike>Every</strike> Some Saturday mornings I would like to sleep in until 7:30 or maybe even 8 am, so a movie-to-keep-you-occupied-whilst-I-sleep-a-little-longer is how we usually begin our weekends. It is better for them this way. Then I wake up all bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to start my day, not really.....<br />
<br />
They whine about STARVING. I <strike>scream at</strike> gently remind them that they should be thankful that they will never know what starving is and how there are all these children in Africa who maybe get one meal a day or week, whatever, they are starving. My kids on the other hand are just bored. I also swear they have a hollow leg or an extra stomach cause these kids can EAT. And they are tiny little stick kids. Damn, I sound just like my parents. Whatever, go ahead and judge but I am way cooler than they ever were. <br />
<br />
Dinner is rarely on the table when it is suppose to be. Actually I spent too much time working on this post this evening and now am typing this between stirs, it is 6:30 and the Hubs will be home at any minute. Whoops. Oh well, at least tonight we will eat. I kid. We always eat, remember my kids don't know what starving is!<br />
<br />
I am by no means, Donna Reid, June Cleaver or the like, nope, I am Anne. I work, I am a mom and my energy is spent on other domestic goddess duties. Cleaning is rarely one of them. I am usually running around chasing children and saying no a lot. It's tough being a no person, they always call you mean and what not. I am just keeping it real for when they get older. It won't be such a let down when they are told no by their bosses, right? Wait, what was I talking about? Oh yeah, how much of a domestic goddess I am.....I am known to do a mean load of laundry and leave it in there for a few days before realizing that I put laundry in there. Mmmm, yummay! I loathe folding laundry and usually allow it to amass on various pieces of furniture for days on end before folding. My toilet gets a good scrub only when I know guests are coming over. Note to all, please have no expectations of cleanliness if you show up unannounced.<br />
<br />
This entire house erupts in serious lahahahaughter whenever someone farts, burps or makes either noises with other body parts. Peanut and Little Bird can burp the ABC's; I have never been prouder.....<br />
<br />
The Hubs and I co-parent. This means he is their father and takes part in most of the parenting duties. Some of this has been solely my responsibility because I don't know any man that can breastfeed or give birth, but it would be nice, right?<br />
<br />
My kids don't sleep in our bed. It's my bed, I paid for it and I choose who sleeps in it. My money is mine, unless the kids need something, notice I said need not want. When the kids get a job they can spend their money on things they want. I am selfish like that and I know it.<br />
<br />
All joking aside, I love my kids and husband more than anything in this world and I would go to the ends of the earth for them. We may not be perfect but what family is? And while I joke about the day to day things, because it keeps me from the insane asylum, in all reality my family is loved and well taken care of. They don't need a perfect mom, they just need me to be me. <br />
<br />
Oh and I know you just cannot blog without pictures but seeing as I am not perfect, well, there are no pictures. End-of-story.
<br />
<br />
So, what makes you a perfectly imperfect parent? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-16944946671459547492012-05-29T05:00:00.000-04:002012-05-29T11:51:10.021-04:00Simplicity Parenting Blog Carnival: Organization<strong>Welcome to the May 2012 Simplicity Parenting Carnival: Organizing</strong><br />
<em>This post was written as part of the monthly Simplicity Parenting Carnival hosted by <a href="http://www.lonehomeranger.com/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">The Lone Home Ranger</a> and <a href="http://simplysahm.blogspot.com/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">S.A.H.M. i AM</a>. This month we are discussing how we organize our lives. Be sure to read to the end to see a list of the rest of the excellent carnival contributors.</em><br />
***<br />
<br />
How do you organize life? Do you put things in boxes and label them neatly? Or do you have a calendar filled with highlights and "penciled" in activities, showing who goes where and when? Can you put life in a box, highlight it or pencil it in? Life cannot be organized. Things and plans are organized. And try as we might, life happens whether you are ready for it or not. <br />
<br />
What do I mean by this? <br />
<br />
Well little kids don't plan snuggles, kisses, and impromptu trips to the park, they just joyfully happen.
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/536239_3668111702410_1263343103_33611559_457935075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/536239_3668111702410_1263343103_33611559_457935075_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My dog decides to try and have porcupine for breakfast, this was certainly not on my calendar! And thanks to our fantastic vet; he is doing just fine! Hopefully the old man has learned his lesson!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/548475_3979274761292_1263343103_33746372_1277477869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/548475_3979274761292_1263343103_33746372_1277477869_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear v porcupine, the porcupine won!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love happens, and if you desire, more than once. I have fallen in love 4 times, with the Hubs, Peanut, Little Bird and Little Bug. I had always hoped to fall in love one day and it just happened. No plan, no penciled in appointment.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/64391_3518294357070_1263343103_33545729_455686299_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/64391_3518294357070_1263343103_33545729_455686299_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubs with Little Bird and Little bug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523755_3606106192311_1263343103_33583518_153042092_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523755_3606106192311_1263343103_33583518_153042092_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet sixteen party! (r-l) Peanut, Little Bird and Little Bug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That is what I mean by life happens. <br />
<br />
How do I organize the things in my house? The simpler the better I say! I have learned to pare down my stuff. And believe me, as a <strike>hoarder</strike> lover of things, it was hard. I would buy something because I liked it at that moment, it never really had a place; it was always in the way. The mindset was someday I will find a spot for that. Until I realized one day that these things did not make me any happier. So I set out on a mission in the beginning of the year to rid my life of the stuff. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also last year we decided to pare down our schedules. We decided that one activity per season was enough for the kids, it gave them the social interaction they needed and still kept us sane. We were finding that if we did too much we end up with cranky children. And who likes cranky children? Not me! So our schedules are pretty light. The kids get to pick one activity to do, Little Bird is playing Little League. In the fall her and Little Bug want to play soccer. Nice, easy, and light. <br />
<br />
So can I tell you this has been the happiest year of my life. I feel so liberated! And while I do agree that it should easily be able to find spices, spoons, toilet paper, etc., I think that slowing down and spending time with my family is way more important than anything else! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<!-- START BOTTOM CODE -->
<p>
***</p>
<p>
Thanks for reading the Simplicity Parenting Blog Carnival! We hope you’ll take time to read these other great contributors’ posts:
<img class="alignright" src="http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o536/justinerows/SimParCarButton150x150.jpg" alt="SimParCarButton150x150" align="right" border="0" />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://craftygardenmama.blogspot.com/2012/05/finding-our-organizational-groove.html" target=”_blank”>Finding Our Organization Groove</a> - Becky from <strong>Crafty Garden Mama</strong> has been working on establishing organizational routines in her house. The Fly Lady program has helped, but she understands that flexibility and reflection are important parts of finding her groove.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.pardonmypoppet.com/PipSqueaks/2012/05/weekly-cleaning-schedule-may-2012-simplicity-parenting-carnival-organizing/" target=”_blank”>Weekly Cleaning Schedule</a> - Joy of <strong>Pardon My Poppet</strong> thinks the only way to stay sane while raising a family, and still maintain a clean home, is to follow a weekly cleaning schedule. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.sherisilver.com/?p=4940" target=”_blank”>My Organized Kitchen</a> - With 3 kids (ranging in age from 3 to 20), a landscape design business and a house to run, it is essential to be organized. Sheri at <strong>donuts, dresses and dirt</strong> shares her secrets for organizing recipes, meal-planning for her family and her growing piles of cookbooks and magazines!</li>
<li><a href="http://raisingsweetgrace.blogspot.com/2012/05/simplicity-parenting-blog-carnival.html" target=”_blank”>Simplicity Parenting Blog Carnival: Organization</a> - Anne at <strong>Raising Sweet Grace</strong> asks: Can you organize your whole life or does life just happen?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.lonehomeranger.com/2012/05/martha-and-me.html" target=”_blank”>Martha and Me</a> - Justine at <strong>The Lone Home Ranger</strong> figures out she might not have to be perfect to resemble Martha Stewart. It's a good thing.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ilovejunkmail.blogspot.com/2012/05/keeping-it-clean.html" target=”_blank”>Keeping It Clean</a> - Jamie at <strong>I Love Junkmail...and Other Stuff</strong>, a second-time new mom, finds a way to organize care of her home and self.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.simplysahm.blogspot.com/2012/05/finding-new-rhythm-or-letting-go-of-my.html" target=”_blank”>Finding a New Rhythm (or, letting go of my lists)</a> - Emily at <strong>S.A.H.M. i AM</strong> discusses how letting go of her long to-do lists and focusing on one day at a time leads to a simple daily rhythm and better organization in the long run.</li>
</ul>
Thanks to all the fabulous writers and readers for being a part of our simplicity parenting community! Stop by <a href="http://www.lonehomeranger.com/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">The Lone Home Ranger</a> and <a href="http://simplysahm.blogspot.com/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">S.A.H.M. i AM</a> to see how to join us for a future carnival.
<!-- END BOTTOM CODE -->
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
</div>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380243651094251434.post-18295084014096354962012-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-25T06:00:11.361-04:00This Moment<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559425_4055006654542_1263343103_33786340_82538924_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559425_4055006654542_1263343103_33786340_82538924_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. </span></em><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Via </span><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">soulemama</a></span></span></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/162/F705F4384D7299C7C18C17141096CE8D.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>raisingsweetgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765446984651484957noreply@blogger.com2