Rid skin of everything ailment

https://www.bloglovin.com/@meganreneeslater/everything-rub

posted from Bloggeroid

Healthy snack..Apples with honey drizzle 🍯

ok an apple a day keeps the doctor away. And honey soothes not only sore throats but the soul 😂. And is a safer alternative to bleached sugar when you're having a large craving. Cut your apples, drizzle those little things and enjoy. 🐝🍯🍎😷
#myfavorite #latenightsnack #healthy #afterschoolsnacks #apples #honey#appleadaykeepsdraway #sorethroatremedies #soretgroat #naturalmedicine #naturesmedicine

Clay in a spray

Happy Death

SUMMER ORGANIZING/CLEANING HOMEMADE CLEANERS

NAUGHTY, BUSY MEGS~
OK. I turned spring cleaning to summer cleaning because of personal things that kept me away...family "issues." But #1 at least the kids can help clean and #2 who likes to be traditional? If we spring clean in the summer, we can clean, removing things we don't need. Our OLD treasures have you, that we "forgot," didn't use after all, wish there was somewhere to put it cause it takes up too much space and no one uses it, all the "old" things of the kids, and turn our clutter into MONEY. PLUS #3 I downloaded BLOGGEROID on my phone. So, when I'm not home, I can still keep up with our plans.

Since I turned Spring Cleaning to Summer Cleaning, we don't have to be in the house due to the RAIN! I'm not sure where you live but we get rained in sometimes. Sometimes, the opposite. I let the kids get rained "OUT." No lightning, yes you can "Jump up and down in muddy puddles" Like Pepa Pig. Like they say, "EVERYONE LOVES JUMPING UP AND DOWN IN MUDDY PUDDLES." So, even if it don't rain where you are spray a yard and jump in mud with the kids. If you haven't seen this cartoon, not just the pigs do it. Danny Dog, Rebecca Rabbit, Suzy Sheep, Pedro Pony, Zoe Zebra, Emily Elephant and whomever I forgot, they love it and so do their parents. Off Subject. ADHD again, but I work thru it. I don't take medications for that so work with me.

Next on our cleaning agenda was that I was going to list the SAFE cleaners you can make from your own household items, some that are staples you buy and wouldn't think of, some you may know about like I did, but I was unaware of the possibilities that each one possessed. So, I'll list the items we can clean with, and you make sure you have them.

SAFE, CHEAP AND MOSTLY CHEMICAL FREE HOMEMADE CLEANER SUPPLIES:

• BAKING SODA (I use 2 small a month one for in fridge and in freezer as a neutralizer,2 large ones, a box for laundry, and a second large box for actual cleaning tips or cleaning"paste")
• SALT (I rarely use a whole container of salt, its mainly used for scrubbing, so if you are like me and don't cook with salt, what's on hand should be fine. If your family uses salt for food a lot, or play doh, then I'd grab one for cleaning.
• LEMON JUICE (Though you can buy small lemon shaped containers, I get the big jug. I never use it all before it expires, BUT if you're not eating it and just cleaning, it still works and the fact it's expired a little won't matter)
• A LEMON OR LIME (I buy one every month to two months. They get rid of stubborn stains that need scrubbed, by pouring salt on a lemon half, it works better than a scouring rag, and even SOS pads)
• PEROXIDE( this is great to have an extra bottle or two in the laundry area. Just a few things it usually always will work on, getting blood out of clothes, it helps get rid of grass stains, and even got permanent marker out of my daughters new white shirt, red juice out of grandma's $700 rug and more, also a great disinfectant)
• WHITENING TOOTH PASTE-must be whitening and paste NOT gel (I buy the cheap brand for cleaning, they do the same. So, one example we'll use it for: whitening porcelain sinks and toilets if stained or just want them show room white, and whitening any white shoes...and more)
• VINEGAR(Again I have one for cooking and food, and a gallon every month to three months for cleaning. This gets rid of black mold-which causes brain damage, and that black GUNK behind the bathroom and/or kitchen faucet. Also a great disinfectant)
• RUBBING ALCOHOL (As with peroxide I keep an extra on hand. Rubbing alcohol amazingly, an obvious germ and bacteria cleaner, it cleans the mold, bacteria, and disease off your garden tools so your new garden don't catch a cold, cleans your combs, and not to mention chrome.)

Okay so, go get you this stuff, I already have cleaners to be made for spray bottles, and the other things these household items can amaze you with ALREADY to be posted. But, I want to research tomorrow to see if there are other common household items I missed that can help, or other grossness that these current ones can clean. SO NEXT STOP, MAKING YOUR CLEANERS. I will then woo you with foods and food garbage can ward off bugs like ants, beetles, spiders and whatever else so you can do the perimeter of the rooms you're cleaning. NOBODY likes getting in the mood to clean, or having to MAKE themselves do it, and then picture it: You get into sorting, throwing away, wiping down and BUGS! So, lets combat that next.

I promise I'll be around more. I will be on the computer more because: YAY I finally went and got myself enrolled to get a degree in Psychology concentrating in Human Services and Substance Abuse Counseling. So, in between assignments, I'll post more often. 

Happy Summer,

Happy Puddle Jumping and Swimming,

Happy Organizing and Cleaning,

Most important~Work to be a happy YOU,

XOXOXO 

MEGS

SPRING CLEANING~STEP 1 GETTING READY

READY TO CLEAN: CLEANING YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES:

When I said spring cleaning, did you think you'd be cleaning and organizing your cleaning supplies? Well this makes the most sense because you're going to need these things in order to clean and organize the rest of your soon to be humble home.

Things to do before each session is to grab a box, I get mine free from this link> The United States Postal Service Free Shipping Supplies you can throw all items in one box that you don't want or need, and sort later, or get a garbage bag for throw away, box for donate, box for yard sale(yes another GREAT step in this spring cleaning), and box for storage.

First step is making sure you have what you need. You can buy or make your own cleaning supplies. I'll eventually~shortly~be giving you access to making your own cleaning supplies to save money.

****ITS IMPORTANT THAT YOU REMEMBER YOU ARE CLEANING AND ORGANIZING. FEEL FREE TO DONATE, GET RID OF, THROW AWAY THINGS YOU HAVE NOT USED IN MONTHS. DO NOT FEEL GUILTY BUT FEEL EMPOWERED. YOU WILL LOVE IT WHEN WE ARE THRU ALL THE STEPS.*****

First, you should get out all cleaning supplies and put them into one pile, place, bucket, whatever. What do you NOT use, and why? Example: I do NOT use my store bought stainless steel cleaner because I have my own remedy. So I place that in the get rid of pile. I do NOT use "Goo be Gone" often because it's not something made to clean everyday items. I do use it when I need Goo to be Gone and nothing else works. So, keep.  Do this until you have gone thru all your cleaning supplies old and new. Don't keep something because you forgot you had it. There is a reason you forgot about it. Donating cleaning supplies to your local animal, homeless, or women's shelter is a great way to get rid of things without wasting them. Here is a list of MUST HAVES for Spring Cleaning.

You need very few store bought or homemade cleaners. You need:

• All purpose Cleaner
• Cleaner with bleach/disinfectant
• Sanitizer for air/surface like OUST, or LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY
• Window Cleaner
• Stain Remover for Carpet/Furniture 
• Fabreeze or room deodorizer

You'd be surprised at how much stuff you can clean with things you find in your cupboard in the kitchen. These are the household staples that you should have on hand that clean almost ANYTHING and almost EVERYTHING:

• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Rubbing Alcohol
• White Paste Toothpaste
• Salt
• lemon, or lemon juice. Always good to have a lemon on hand

You need these extra supplies that you can get cheap on Amazon, Walmart, or anywhere you shop. I have placed some ads for products I order and use, so look to the right, click on picture of the supply you need and buy, or grab at the store:

• Broom and Dust pan
• Mop
• Caddy to keep the next items in. Caddys can make cleaning so easy since you put what you need and onward to chore after chore, as well as provide a place for you to keep supplies). On the side of this blog is a link to the caddy that I bought and have had for 3 years now. It's blue and carries all I need to do a simple chore. I load it up pending which chore I have to do.
• Cleaning rags (you can buy your own, or use old clothes/towels)
• Napkins (You can be budget friendly and get the store brand, or for heavy cleaning, you can get the nice blue cloth like ones that are great for cleaning, either is fine)
• Small 13 gallon garbage bags, for quick room, cupboard, dresser, craft-room, toy room, anything you clean out.
• Spray bottles for homemade cleaners if you'll be going that route.
• Old newspaper for cleaning glass(optional)
• Scrub brush
• Colored Sponges-I color code, example: green=kitchen, blue=bathroom, yellow=toilets, pink=bedrooms, etc. Or you can use permanent marker and mark them. I use the pretty ones that I have listed next to the posts, looks like an amazon advertisement. ~I also use, promote, and swear by the Mr.Clean Magic eraser sponges. Name brand or store brand I live by them.
• Reusable or Throw away gloves. I have two pair of reusable gloves and I just disinfect them often.

This is a quick list of what you need to start your cleaning. I will be listing the homemade cleaning supplies in the next day or four. Don't forget to try the ones I use because if I advertise it I swear by it. This list should get you ready for what you'll need to do. Organizing your cleaning supplies is the first step to cleaning.

Check it out, and let me know what you like to have in your caddy, on hand for cleaning, and your amazing ideas for cleaning supplies made at home. 

Happy Organizing

Xoxo,

Megs

P.S.

with young kids try to either keep things locked up or refrain from using under the sink as your cleaning supply spot. Don't forget to put them up and teach your kids they are poison.

Are You "Crossing" Your Children? - PARENTING, CHRISTIAN PARENTING

Take a quick two minutes to click here, and read this link. Its amazing how true it is. By reading it we could stop our Children from doing BAD things.

CROSS YOUR CHILDREN! Definition of "cross" in this case:it  comes from the Hebrew word atsab, meaning 'to grieve' or 'to stretch into shape'. For us to "CROSS OUR KIDS," we need to stretch them into the properly disciplined shape. 

 

 

WOW!! I HAD TO SHARE THIS. I get emails all the time from this Website. I have found times that I was having issues dealing with something and next thing I know here is some advice from somebody. If you are not a Christian, please do not let this stop you from reading this. I am a Christian, and glad that I found something that would help me to deal with an issue I have at home, as well as share it with you.

     I have been having issues with my six year old daughter, and my two year old son when it comes to discipline. I'm just like the article says. I am busy, I want to pick my battles and sometimes if it's not hurting them, I just let it go. I'm very guilty of that.

     My 6 year old, Aerieannah, is on this little 'kick' when she's corrected. She doesn't have to be yelled at. She doesn't have to be told anything negative. We believe in the philosophy if you tell a child they do something wrong, you also throw in something positive. Example: "Aerieannah, I asked you to clean your room last night, and there are still mini rubber bands all over, and your dirty water bottles are still in here. But, other than those things you did okay, and I like the way you hung up your purses on the side of the closet that was creative." She is a very smart six year old so she knows that isn't being yelled at or put down. But instead she's always saying, "I don't do anything right." And my least liked, "Nobody appreciates me no matter what I do." I don't know where she heard the second thing. But, I'm guilty for the first statement when I'm frustrated. So, anyway I've been very carefully and lightly "picking my battles" with her. But I need to "Cross Aerieannah more." She is a great Christian for being six. She's at Bible school today as a matter of fact and we don't make her go. We let her go if she wants and she never misses. I'm going to share this passage with her, and explain that every time she's corrected, or told to do something different, it's because we want to "stretch her to be more Godly."

     As for my 2 year old son Chris Junior, when he's corrected, he either doesn't care, or is on this "kick" of saying "I'm sorry." in a sad voice when he has no need to feel that bad about it. I know he only partially knows what it means but he genuinely feels bad when something happens and says sorry like that in the saddest voice. NEXT he'll say, "Oh, mommy mad at me?" Or "I make Grammy sad?" And we have been working on explaining when he hurts somebody and feels bad about it that is when he should feel sorry. We've explained we don't get mad at him, just upset because he knows better and we still love him so much. We explain that HE doesn't make anyone sad it's what he did that upset somebody but they love him more than an object. We are working on that. As for him being forgiving and wanting forgiven, I don't feel we'll have an issue stretching him that way. It's just throughout the day, when a two year old boy (I never went through this with my 3 girls) decides he is going to do what he wants to do. He ignores us. He throws the normal fit when he doesn't get what he wants. So, to make it less stressful for us, I now notice we are picking our battles with him there too. If he throws a fit because he wants to go outside and we are all inside, just so we don't have to fight him over the door (he opens and closes it on his own, and will step on just the top step-for now to test us), one of us will say he needs to get pants and shoes on. Then we are sitting on the porch despite what we had to do before we should 'play.' We now need to be more stern because he will learn quick what he can get away with him and we want to 'stretch him into a good listening, patient boy. See, we are TAKING patients from him by not making him wait.

 

      I'm going to share my favorite part of the advice from this email I shared with you. It's at the end. It tells us how to become more ACTIVE parents, (I feel I meet most of that part), how to hold our children accountable-I need more of that, and it helps us manage their attitude which I need to do with Aerieannah. Here is the quote from the end:

 

“Crossing” is simply another name for “active parenting.” Crossing is being involved in your child’s life and knowing their daily activities. It is being on top of their schedule and knowing who their friends are. It is placing yourself and God’s standard before them on a regular basis. It is governing what they read in books and see on the screen, both computer and theatre. It is having full access to computer passwords, iPod, cell phones and bedrooms. It is enforcing curfews and keeping them accountable. It gives you the freedom to not simply manage actions but attitude, facial expressions and tone of voice. It requires, at times, for you to grieve them and look for the opportunities to “stretch” them into the shape God desires. Ultimately, crossing says, “I love you” in a gritty, consistent, uncomfortable, unpopular way. And therein lies the problem. For many parents it is too much work and requires too much time. Because stretching is hard and grieving children is difficult, we neglect our biblical responsibility to our children’s peril.   As verse 6 indicates, crossing cannot happen without cross-examination – asking the tough questions. It is the responsibility of every parent to ask the confrontational question, “Why have you done so?” Regardless of your age or theirs, you are your child’s keeper, particularly if they sleep under your roof and are kept afloat by your financial boat. God leads by example when he cross-examined the first family:  

To Adam, “Where are you? Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” (Genesis 3:9, 11)

To Eve, “What is this you have done?” (Genesis 3:13)

To Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? Where is Abel your brother?  What have you done?” (Genesis 4:6-7, 9-10

~From The official blog of Rod Arters as posted on www.crosswalk.com

I think that part spoke to me the most.

I also  like at the end when they use the verse from Hebrews (they use 12:7-11). I think that 'softies' such as myself need to remember that it says in the Bible that we are loved if we are disciplined. It talks about how we are disciplined because we are loved and wanted to be brought up right. Also, how nobody LIKES to be disciplined, most of us form resentments in the process. But if we read the Bible and trust the Word, we will know that, like it says," though we do not like it while we are enduring it, in the end it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

 

Sure it hurts me and my feelings {as well as my kids' feelings} when I discipline them. I don't even hit them. But don't we all want our children to have a harvest of righteousness and peace? OF COURSE WE DO. So, I'm going to step it up. With summer coming, I'll report my progress on my two youngest kiddos. Let me know what you thought of this. I liked it and HAD to share it.

 

XoxO,

Megs 

APRIL AND MAY AGENDA: ORGANIZING HOME, A NEW YOU

HELLO~
I got some cool crafts to share with you this month. We are organizing like crazy. SPRING CLEANING of course. I want to share some of the cool ideas I found myself, as well as some that I found in magazines and thanks to other Bloggers. I hope that when I put the different things down that helped me, my husband, and my children to not only be organized but also, to put our house into perspective, you will get the feeling I got. RELIEF that the little spots of clutter are gone. Looks like a new house in places. YES I'm still working. I am going to master my daughter's bedroom and our craft area, as well as the toy/play area. This will lead into how to get ready to throw a killer yard sale in order to buy much needed things for summer, or just to get rid of the old.

NEXT a NEW YOU: as moms and dads, we don't have a ton of time to work out do we? I have found some 5, 7, and 10 minute workouts that you can do while cooking, cleaning, reading to the kids, playing with the kids, and just sitting on the computer at home, work, or school.

Along with a new you, I have been trying a TON of lotions, make ups, hair supplies, and everything beauty. As a mom, you play such an important role in your child's life. It's important your children know that you DO take time to paint your nails, shave your legs, throw on some anti-aging lotion, and keep your hair strong and looking new with different styles. I have not only found the highly recommended in magazines we read, but I have tried them and passed them to friends and family to get an opinion. I'm not a huge blog so NO I am NOT getting paid to recommend these products throughout these months.

FINALLY: PRODUCTS FOR THE KIDS. Lets share summer ideas for kid toys and trips. As well as our favorite must have summer products. Feel free to share now, or as the topic comes up. Deal? As we get more followers and more and more feed backs we will be doing more give always. It just seems like it's not a great idea to do that NOW since we have mainly friends of mine and family following. LOL. NOT FAIR> but down the road as the listings go up I will post freebies and you can find them on Pinterest. I'll post the link when that time comes.

Okay first two steps will be coming within this week. Along with some COOL actual professional looking crafts and the how to's.
xoxo
Megs

The Parenting Book INSTINCT

When I was just about to have my first baby, Autumn~now 10, I remember every cold, sniffle, cough, rash(diaper or other) I was going to the doctor. He made me so angry always saying, 'you are just first time parents' and sent us on our way. If only babies came with instructions...especially nights those kids don't sleep. Well my daughter starts having so much snot at 2 weeks old that she'd cough so hard, choke on snot, turn blue, and throw up. As a first time mom I knew something was wrong. So did her dad. But did we want to go be told we are worried since her cough started at week 1. I have had 5 births and am blessed with 4 kids. It is normal for new born babies to cough and sneeze their mucus from the womb out. But still being a 1st time parent something was wrong. I thought I had no baby manual no instruction book, but in knew something was wrong. So back to doctor Make Me Feel Dumb. He said a cold& home with albuteral. Well, another week of it not working & her turning blue and now purple with bugged out eyes. So I went to the EMERGENCY ROOM. As the nurse witnessed this, and my baby was being admitted. She was watched by her doctor who said nothing was wrong. A week she sat there. No help no diagnosis no medicine, almost dying . I had it. I had the feeling in my gut that my kid needed help beyond what they were doing. I had a gut feeling &heavy heart telling me to get her to a Children's Hospital. Less than an hour later her main nurse said to me that she shouldn't tell us but we needed to move her to Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. So, we asked the Dr and he had a helicopter there in 20 minutes. She was at Children's Hospital in 1 hour she was diagnosed with Pertussis. Babies get vaccines for that at age 2 months, she was 2 weeks. They told me that if I would have put off getting her there another hour she would have DIED. BUT she's 10.
Why? Part God part my mother instincts. Parental instincts. We parents do get instructions, it's our gut.
My gut has instructed me tens of hundreds of times in the best interest of my kids. I DO NOT go by the book at all. I do what is best for my kids. And I know what that is by my gut.
PARENTS :
1~follow your gut its usually right
2~ paternal & maternal instincts exist
3~ you are more capable of raising, caring for, and helping a child reach full potential than you give yourself credit for
4~no parent is perfect. We strive to do our best for our children and if we do our best we doin it right.
5~your gut & heart are always right follow them.
6~ let your children make decisions they always need to express them selves
7~ if your kids are healthy and happy you got this.

posted from Bloggeroid

Feeding His Lambs: Being Responsible for leading ALL Children to Jesus

Day 30 - Fathers and Mothers Devotion | The New Bible.com
Each day I read the bible (or something like it). By going to youversion.com, and doing the devotional titled, "Father's and mother's devotion," I reached day 30 today and it talked about how Jesus was talking to Peter in John 21, and Jesus says, "Peter, do you love me more than these?" and Peter replies, "Yes Lord, you know that I love you." and Jesus replied, "Then feed my Lambs." To Me, this showed the importance of pouring our love for Jesus out by "feeding" each other. I was relating this to the reading and if you click on the link above at the very top, and sign up you can do the whole devotion. Or I'll copy the part that went to this to help you understand what I mean when I'm discussing this.
This is what the devotional to that verse in John 21 said:

It Takes a Village: Feed My Lambs
"Ora na azu nwa"--Nigerian Igbo proverb.
Some of you who are single or married without children may be thinking, “Well, this whole parenting thing is for somebody else.” Not true. The African proverb is right--it really does take a village to raise a child.
You may not have a child but are connected by blood, marriage, and faith to many young ones. God considers you a key part of the discipling process. Parents are often exhausted and overwhelmed by the day-to-day care of their children. They need and welcome as many Jesus-loving, hug-giving adults in their lives as possible.
After his triumphant resurrection, Jesus commissioned believers to feel a sense of communal responsibility for children. He told his main man Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord’, he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs” (John 21:15).
Whether you’re an auntie or uncle, a Sunday school teacher or a neighbor, a community or church volunteer, a coach or a teacher, Jesus is thrilled that you are willing to be part of his village, thrilled that you place such high value on his little people, thrilled that you are helping to feed his lambs."

This is very true. I believe 100% that Kids DO need as many "Jesus-Loving, hug-giving adults in their lives as possible. For many reasons. of course, to be Fed, but also, To be Loved so they learn to Love. All the 10 commandments are followed by doing TWO things. 1. Loving God Above everyone and everything with all your heart, and 2. Loving Your Neighbor as yourself. We must teach them to Love, not only by emotion, but importantly by action. I believe that when Jesus said to Peter, "Feed my Lambs," he was showing that WE ALL, as Jesus' followers are responsible to look after each other, including each other's children. By doing so we are also following some of his other teachings. We are responsible to feed His lambs. We each have a purpose, but this is a very special one. By feeding His "Lambs" we are following his teaching that we are to keep children innocent. We are to be like kids. Jesus says that if we are not like children we will NOT enter the Kingdom. In Matthew 19:13-15, People brought children to Jesus for him to Place his hands on them and pray for them. These people were rebuked by the disciples because in their minds, Jesus was much too busy to be bothered with some kids. But Jesus made it known: "Bring the children to me and do NOT hinder them. For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." Then he placed his hands on them and prayed. This TINY passage goes with this reading. We are to BRING children to Jesus' Kingdom and not hinder them from coming. how do we do this?  We Do this by following his teaching to Peter. We feed the Lambs and BAM! It's a domino effect. We are responsible for using our gifts to get to children, our own, our neighbor kids, nieces, nephews, and younger siblings, and feeding them spiritual knowledge. Feeding them love. Feeding them the Word of God. Feeding them kindness, gentleness, and EVERY ounce of Jesus we can. Once The Children are fed, once we have "Fed His Lambs," then we will learn to notice, learn to act like, learn to believe like a "lamb." Once we play with the children, teach them, get to know them, we will then, By Feeding them, learn how to get into Heaven. By being with a child and becoming child like, Jesus tells us that "The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to Such As These." So, we are not only responsible to feed the Lambs, but to become like them. How? BELIEF. Innocence. Children believe us adults out of faith, out of being unable to do much without us, by relying on us. They are so innocent that they have no choice but to believe we will feed them, we will cloth them, give them all they need because through their innocence, they are required to believe us, trust us, and have a strong desire to be like us. Why? Didn't your parent's ever say not to feed the stray cat? Once you feed it, the cat TRUSTS you'll always feed it, care for it, as do Children. We feed the Lambs, And once we feed His Lambs, we will learn to embrace that innocence of a child and enter the Kingdom. We will learn to just accept as a child does that Jesus will be sure our needs are met, and we will enter the Kingdom. They Accept what we tell them, as we need to Be "such as these" and believe what Jesus says. Don't be a "Thomas," who was low in his faith and had to see the sores in Jesus' hands To believe it was the Lord, Thomas had to have it proven to him, he wasn't innocent as a child and didn't just accept it, Jesus showed him his sores where the nails were THEN he believed, don't be like Thomas. But instead, Feed His Lambs His knowledge, God's Word, and in the process, learn to Be as a Lamb and eat Jesus' Knowledge as a child: Innocently, acceptingly, and most importantly with Faith and Strong Belief that what he says is true. As a Child (Lamb) eats the knowledge we read them and teach them of the word, we need to be such as those and eat the same knowledge we are feeding.
So, Always stay alert and Feed His Lambs. Then Become A Lamb yourself.
xoxox,
 Megs

STRESS RELIEF: EVERYONE NEEDS it sometime

         This is a very helpful relaxation video I used today. Everyone needs some relaxation once in a while, and there are many for free on You Tube. Lately I have been doing these relaxation techniques and I notice how much calmer I feel. Let's face it, life is stressful. Though I LOVE my kids, they can do things that I allow my self to get stressed over. I have an anxiety issue that I've had since I've been a child so therefore, I had to find HEALTHY ways to cope with it. Sure my prescription of "nerve pills" is helpful, but is it really? It helps for the time being but when it wares off my stress and anxieties are still there. So, I turned to this recently. Because clearing my mind, letting go of stress, and allowing myself to calm down really puts a reality on stillness that is so needed in life. So, try this out if you never have. Try this out if you never  feel quiet, take ten fifteen minutes for yourself. Especially being a parent it's important because we need to learn to quiet our minds or calm down at the drop of a dime. Give it a go, and if it works let me know. If you don't have 18 minutes and 36 seconds for this one like I said, there are shorter ones out there. that last as little as 5 minutes. If it comes down to do this or flip out....take the time. Not into meditation, what are some other useful techniques you use for stress? Ive done guided immagry, running, exercise, and just flat out took a nap. What do you do?
xoxo

Megs

TIME TO START CHRISTMAS SHOPPING PART 2 KIDS

Okay so, I have done a part one on Christmas Shopping. I so far have a gift for 18/22 people on my list COMPLETED for Christmas and that is something to be proud about having accomplished this by last week which was. But my Kids, they are more extreme to shop for, especially our own. I have come across some websites that are new to me that I have started using that I'm about to share, I have some ideas for low cost, home made, handmade, personalized, and low cost gifts for just kids. So here are some very helpful tips I was taught, picked up or learned throughout the years.

Okay. FIRST THINGS FIRST: KIDS

ONLINE SHOPPING FOR CHILDREN



• As you know I was a skeptic turned huge fan of Amazon. The economy today doesn't leave much room for spending $5, $2, $6, $9, or even $0.75 extra on a gift if Amazon is able to search the SAME gifts from DIFFERENT stores at different prices, saving a few bucks here and there. EVERY PENNY COUNTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS TO AVOID DEPRESSION, AND AVOIDING DEPRESSION GIVES ONE THE REASON TO ENJOY THE SEASON: FAMILY, FRIENDS, LOVE, AND THE BIRTH OF JESUS. No need to say what we've all said ONCE at least, "I can't wait until Christmas is over!" Avoid it using every resource available. Click on the right side of the blog here to check out SAVINGS and GIFT ideas that are brought to your door. If you are one of those people who doesn't put credit cards online, that's fine, you'd still save money buying a prepaid credit card which doesn't require any personal information and can be purchased at your bank, grocery store, or drug store. (ALSO MAKE GREAT GIFTS). OR to avoid the WHOLE credit card or checking acct issue, then buy an AMAZON GIFT CARD, sold at the same stores, and pay with it. You can then chose to have it gift wrapped and sent to the person, or sent to your home. Christmas of 2011 I did ALL shopping on AMAZON. DIDNT ever leave the house.
• Next, I found a website GREAT for gifts of every holiday and reward in a magazine: Women's Day. ~This one can be used for your own kid/grandkid/etc. or a child you know little about. It's a Web Site you can get to by clicking this link named: The Toy Insider Guide: For the hottest toys of the season . It just lists toys well known, and little known of that are great for all kids.
• Remember all those GREAT toys from your childhood, or looking for either a specific or special toy for a child? Try this Web Site: The Land of Nod . I enjoy this site because the gifts are unique and if you sign up for their email, then you get coupon codes as well as special offers.  And as I will FOREVER and ALWAYS mention that making your own gifts is the best, and shows time and love as well as saves money, the Land of Nod also has a blog with some interesting things they call, "Tips, quips and tricks." on their blog that gave me some ideas for some DIY gifts. It's at this site: HONEST TO NOD.

 

SPECIAL HANDMADE GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

• I find a home made gift one that means more as children grow. It's also especially special if you can get one or more siblings in the mix of making a Do It Your Self gift, because they will STRESS how special it is.  Last year I did some sewing for my children. I went and picked out two fabrics per child, some stuffing and made a pillow per child. NOT JUST ANY PILLOW. I made fleece on one side, regular cloth on the other, and put a patch of the regular cotton cloth on the fleece side, making a nice pocket for them to place books, Diaries, E readers, ETC. So you have a pillow with fabric that matches their personality, and EVERYONE loves doing things they shouldn't once in a while, right? So in that pocket I also gave them a SHARPIE PERMANANT MARKER. This was because the pocket was intended for books~regular, chapter, or E books. And when they were done reading this stuff, they could write the name of book, and date. Like a book journal on a pillow. My youngest daughter still loves hers.
• 

  Have you heard of "Quiet Books?" They are books which are made of felt and are real unique, not just another reading book, but a book with activities to keep the kids quiet, entertained, and imaginative. I'm going to share two from one of my best loved ideas I found from a blog named: SUNSHINE, LOLLIPOPS AND RAINBOWS.  A HUGE plus, not only do kids like them, they are easy to make, and last a life time, BUT this blog SHARES the templates/patterns you need to make them. For free. That's right, free templates to a one of a kind kids book. (If you make one, as I'm going to, make it your own, add your own few touches and share it with the bloggers. FIRST QUIET BOOK: Kids of all ages like MR. POTATOE HEAD. I would make one for all my children ranging from ages 2-10 and when you see it, and see how easy it is, you'll fall in love as I did. If you're not an expert sewer, so what, neither am I, and you don't have to sew you COULD use fabric glue, right??? :) Here is my most favorite, click the link it will take you to the blog that has the templates; Mr.Potatoe Head Quiet Book and I'm sure your little one, tween, teen, or even older children like me at 29 will love getting this. The next one I'm sharing is getting made for my 2 year old son. He I obsessed and LOVES cars. It's great for the car in my opinion, Junior can sit in his car seat with his quiet book, being quiet, driving. Being a back seat driver while daddy drives up front. To get to this blog's pattern for the car and roads quiet book: Car page Quiet Book . These are just TWO of my favorite quiet books, and there are many more. Just be sure to check out the whole Blog: THE WHOLE BLOG~ "SUNSHINE, RAINBOWS,AND LOLLIPOPS" they are quite creative.
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  Ok not a fan of sewing, not a fan of felt books, or looking for something else to do? Then here is an idea that I recently made my kids for their walls. I received two metal trays from a yard sale for a total of $0.15 each. I then made my 6 year old PINK Chalkboard paint, and my 2 year had his chalkboard paint done in blue. So, step 1 find old metal trays (I used decorative trays, but you could use old metal trays from TV dinner stands, old metal serving trays, I'll show an example picture, as long as it's metal it'll work). We made these as a craft/home made gift for my son's 2nd birthday this past October 4th, and of course the sibling helping needed her own, so she got it. Any way we took acrylic paint, mixed it with unsanded grout until it was the consistency of thick pancake batter, painted over the beautifully decorated trays, let it dry and hung them on the wall. They now had a magnet tray AND a chalk board to hang on their wall in one.
• My all time FAVORITE BLOG is called A Beautiful Mess, just like ME! So, these are two sisters that do crafts, home décor, photography, fashion, beauty, and recipes ALL year long. They also taught me to make my chalk board paint I made for the last project I listed ^above^ , however I believe it's important for kids to have a creative journal at all ages. That is a great way to let them outlet their feelings, thoughts, fears, happiness, and be okay with it. Now this blog has a TON of DIY ideas, but my favorite journal for kids is made little, but special. I put stickers and used different sorts of craft and cardstock papers for my daughter's. But check this easy to pack in your purse, your son's back pack, a diaper bag, your daughter's purse, etc., It's called a Mini Magazine Notebook. Click on the link to check it out. (this would make a good gift for an adult who doesn't remember well or who's always taking notes too) The DIY Mini Magazine Journal. For more gifts like more types of journals and scrapbooks, as well as  textile printing, phone cases, sewing for beginners, DIY decorating for your kid's room/toy room/and the rest, and most importantly at the bottom of this next link the DO IT YOURSELF KIDDO, with a bunch of ideas for kiddies. Here's the link to their DIY crafts: DIY Crafts~Choose a gift for ANYONE in the family, there is EVERYTHING! And if you want to see what's newest, and start at the main page of the blog, get to know about Elsie and Emma and how they are so creative, then you can chose your categories for a gift by going to: A Beautiful Mess Blog, Everything creative
• FINALLY FOR NOW: Who has better, and more perfect ideas than Martha Stewart? Well in my opinion it's the Beautiful mess blog, BUT I stopped by and checked out some of Martha's things. I think that you could make a gift for a kid of ANY age with her help. There are gifts in a jar, gifts kids can make, gifts for book lovers, bath and spa gifts, stocking stuffers, pet gifts and even MORE! So, here is the link to get Christmas Crafting: Home Made Christmas Gifts, How to with Martha Stewart . There will be something FOR everyone to be able to make and something FOR everyone to LOVE.

Well I KNOW this has been a long list, a lot of information, and a LOAD of links to check out, but I'm confident you'll get your "shopping" done early and find the right gift for everyone you look for just by looking at these links. REMEMBER: last minute shopping=stress and regret and dread. So Stress, Regret, and Dread=RESENTMENT. AND Resentment of having to shop for the Holidays=not enjoying the reason for the season: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus, and sharing with family. Not just toys to kids gifts to others BUT love, togetherness, and happiness.

Look out for my FINAL and Part 3 of Christmas shopping for ADULTS.

xoxo happy shopping and crafting~

Megs

TIME TO START CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Part 1

So, it's that time again. Fall. And what's right around the corner? That's right. Christmas. And what's worse than last minute shopping? Not a whole lot. Last minute shopping comes with too many emotions: fear, dread, anger, remorse, and the ever hated regret and resentment.
Christmas for my family is a time to celebrate. Not just celebrate getting and giving, but to celebrate being together, and most importantly the Birth of Jesus. So, why allow Christmas to steal your cheer, as it has mine so many times?
Don't. I stopped this mess a long time ago. This is what I do. Around now, mid October I log on to Amazon.com. No You don't have to shop there (though it's a good way to avoid the rush at holidays), but it will help organize the things you must buy for Christmas. Espescially if you are like me and have more than one school age child or younger. I have to date a 2 year old boy, and 6, 8 and 9 year old girls, with one more bundle coming the end of March (sex is unknown). So, what I do is start watching the comercials. And you WILL see plenty of them. Our TV is rarely on anything BUT Nick Jr., or Disney Channel so of course I see plenty of toy comercials. You'll hear your kids saying the occasional, "Wow!" or "EW I want/need THAT!" and take note. Even my 2 year old sees toys and says, "ME!" And I say, "Oh do you want that?" And he replys with a smile, and an, "KAY!"-As he has not yet mastered "yes" as a way of responding but replaces it with "Kay."
I will then write them down and when I get a moment, I'll log into Amazon.com, and look up the toys and if they are worth it or interesting, I'll add it to my WISH LIST. This is a free service AMAZON offers so you can be notified if the price goes down, or up, and when it goes down, I order it, and avoid the Christmas rush. Here is one of my Just started lists for 2013. Click on it and it shows the price and the toy, and if you are buying for multiple people like myself, you can write notes as to who its for, or where it's going on sale, and even print your list and take it to the store. Check it out, make your own, whatever.

Sample Christmas Wish List

Next step: Buying for adults. My kids are in many programs, Bible Study, Girl Scouts, the Gifted Program, SCHOOL. So, I always have access to fundraisers. Though most things are expensive, you can stock up on things this way for adults. Ever have Christmas dinner and someone show up you do not have a gift for? Me too. This will help you not only buy for those adults you have on your list, but you can also have a few extra gifts "just incase." This year I took advantage of my oldest daughter's gifted program by ordering mason jar candles for only $8 each for adults. I also hit my youngest daughters Girl Scout Nut and Magazine sale, got each kid a magazine subscription for Christmas, but also bought 10 cans and jars of nuts because they are great adult Christmas gifts that are priced at $5-$8. This helps kid's activities and you at Christmas, as they ALWAYS come by November.
Finally, I visit the Dollar store regularly. The reason is, everything is $1 and there are SO many awesome stocking stuffers for the kids, and great containers to stuff home baked cookies in for gifts to friends, family and neighbors.
This is just a quick note on How to Jump Ahead On Christmas Shopping by Starting in the FALL. Shopping early means less stress and more time for family and to enjoy the meaning of Christmas.
Look for part 2.
xoxo
Megs

GREAT DEALS ON STUFF MADE BY HIPPIE HEMP AND SUCH (my family's store)

HEY OVER THERE>>>>>>>>>> IT SAYS "I SELL ON ETSY. JUST SO YOU KNOW THAT MEANS YOU GET A DISCOUNT JUST FOR READING THIS. WHEN YOU GET TO THE CHECK OUT MAKE SURE YOU ENTER COUPON CODE HEMP10 AND RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR TOTAL ORDER. EVEN BETTER NEWS: TONIGHT I SPENT ALL NIGHT AWAKE TAKING PHOTOS AND MEASUREMENTS OF MY ANTIQUES, JEWELRY, AND PAINTINGS IN ORDER TO POST THEM SO YOU'LL HAVE A GREAT VARIETY OF THINGS TO CHOSE FROM. THE GRAND OPENING IS BEING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 3RD BUT HEAD THERE NOW>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>    CLICK ON THE ETSY ICON AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO MY STORE. EVEN BETTER NEWS, AFTER YOUR FIRST ORDER, YOU'LL GET A SECOND COUPON CODE SENT TO YOU THAT WILL GIVE YOU 25% OFF OF YOU SECOND ORDER AT MY SHOP! THAT WILL GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO ORDER ONE OF A KIND ITEMS, ANTIQUES, OR SPECIALTY ITEMS NOW FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON SO YOU WILL NOT GET STUCK SHOPPING ON BLACK FRIDAY....ok we all like it and complain about it.  :)  ANYWAY, CHECK OUT MY STORE, AND IF YOU WATCH THIS BLOG CLOSELY, I WILL BE POSTING FREE GIVEAWAYS RANDOMLY. NO YOU DON'T NEED TO STARE AT THE COMPUTER ALL DAY, IT WILL BE FOR A BLOCK OF TIME. FOR INSTANCE:  IF I WERE DOING IT NOW I'D SAY YOU HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER FIRST TO ORDER.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY BLOG
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR FAMILY STORE
AND THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU, BECAUSE WE ARE ALL SPECIAL.
xoxoxox
megs.
I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU, I HAVE BEEN APPROVED TO SHARE SOME COUPON CODES AND A FEW GIVE-AWAY FROM WELL KNOWN STORES AND WEBSITES. SO THIS WEEK, NEXT WEEK, ALL MONTH, ALL YEAR, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR COUPON, FREEBIE, AND SWEEPSTAKE TAGS.  
FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AT: hippiehempandsuch@gmail.com IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, OR RUN YOUR OWN STORE AND WOULD LIKE IT TO BE PROMOTED. 

PARENTS: Better Safe Than Sorry, DO YOUR HOME WORK!

EVERYDAY I pick up the news paper. EVERYDAY-give or take one or two a week there is someone in the paper for Child Molestation!!! As a mother, a Christian, and a HUMAN BEING, I can't imagine what, why or how someone could take the innocence of our children and not see anything wrong with it. It is amazing. The people I know-(I know a lot of people), are always bringing this subject up as well. I was reading up on it, to try to understand it and although I CAN'T grasp it, I did learn a bunch. I found out that a child molester is most likely someone who knows our kids. A family member, a neighbor, and often at one point even our priests.
Although we can not stop it from happening, we can lessen the chances of it happening. If it did happen we can stop it from continuing.

1.  Do your homework. There are 47 sexually violent predators and a total of 53 people on Megan's law within a 25 mile radius from my home. I showed my daughter photos of the ones who lived within 2-3 miles, and explained if she sees them not to talk to them. I KNOW people change. But, these are our kids. I'm not taking any chances.
2. Do your homework. If your child shows the warning signs as listed below, talk to your child. You can easily say, "You are not in trouble, and have done nothing wrong. Did somebody touch you in your private areas in a way they shouldn't."
3. Do your homework. Check Megan's Law to keep you and your children aware of anyone who has harmed children in the past. They show photographs of the predator every six months at least.
4. Do your homework. Look for warning signs.

•  Extreme fear of someone shown by your child. Your child may not know that something wrong has happened, but they may lose interest in being around the predator, or show anxiety when they are mentioned.They may even break down emotionally or throw an unusual fit when they know they will be around the predator.
• Loss of interest in playing with friends, and doing activities that they normally love to do. They may even lose interest in school, refusing to attend.
• Shame: a child could suddenly become over obsessed with their body in either negative or positive ways. Normally, it's negative. They may even state that their body is hurt, bad, or not good anymore. 
• Unfortunately a child who has been hurt in this way is exposed to sex before they should be. So of course, they may talk about it, when you as the parent may not have brought it up yet. The child may even introduce sex into play with dolls, figurines, or even friends.
• Behavior changes. Since children have trouble expressing how they feel, they may channel their anger or hurt into acting out. They may end up with a behavior issue, where as before they didn't have one. They may even channel this anger towards other people, even those they love most because they aren't sure how else to say they are hurting, angry, mad, confused, or any emotion for that matter.
• PHYSICAL CLUES: Don't make a huge issue of it at first, because these signs don't mean your child has been hurt FOR SURE in this manner. Do a physical examination. Watch your child. Does it hurt when they sit down, are they having trouble pooping or peeing, wetting the bed unusually, swelling and or bruises in the vaginal area, redness or blood.
• Loss of sleep: Child wakes more than normal, is suddenly afraid of the dark or has more nightmares than usual. Your child may ask for a light when they did sleep in the dark.

I was astounded at the amount of people in my hometown-small home town who are child predators. you can check your hometown, or a specific person by clicking on this  link:
Megan's Law Registry for The United States of America 
So parents, do your homework and don't be afraid to discuss this with children. Child abuse is on the rise. If your child, your child's friend or someone you know is being harmed, or you have a suspicion that someone is hurting a child, sexual, physical, mentally, or emotionally, don't let it continue. YOU alone make a difference. Call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A CHILD (1-800-422-4453) where there are counselors available 24/7/365. Or click this link, and once you are there click on the purple tab that says "GET HELP" for more information on this service. Here's the link: Find resources, information, statistics, stories, or get involved by helping, even if you don't know anyone who's been harmed.
I hope you found help, or will now use this knowledge, as I will to help children in the future or present.

xoxoxox
Megs

10 Tips for Praying as a Couple, Christian Engagement, Newlywed Couples

10 Tips for Praying as a Couple, Christian Engagement, Newlywed Couples

I FOUND THIS SITE TODAY. IT HAS EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO HEAR, AND I GOT SOME ADVICE ON MAKING A STRONGER MARRIAGE. I WILL SAY CHRIS AND I DO PRAY TOGETHER. THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. IT IS COMFORTING KNOWING THAT I HAVE A HUSBAND THAT IS WILLING TO PRAY FOR ME INSTEAD OF POINT A FINGER AT ME. ITS COMFORTING WHEN WE TAKE TURNS PRAYING TOGETHER AND WE TAKE THE WORDS OUT OF EACH OTHERS MOUTH OR WE ARE ABLE TO SEE HOW EACH OTHER ARE GROWING IN CHRIST. p.s. this pic is not of Chris and I. It's from the website.

Cleaning tips and 11 awesome DIY outfits for summer

Cleaning tips that will blow your mind, DIY outfits for summer

 I found this site, it has cool DIY cleaning products like how to clean glass and mirrors with shave cream, remove stains with bread, neutralize odors with Vodka,
They also show you so many cool ways to make AWESOME HOT clothing from T Shirts.
I recommenced it.
xoxox
Megs

FREE PAINT!!! MOMMA LOVES FREEBIES!

Free Paint at Ace Hardware (8/3)   

SO, surfing the web I got onto this freebie site. And most of them stink. Meaning that the items aren't free, there's some catch to getting said free items or it's stuff that a normal person wouldn't want (a.k.a products companies couldn't sell so they have to GIVE them away). We need to paint our shelves, so, I was looking at paint samples, and paint websites and getting ideas for painting the 4 tier shelf backs different colors. That's how I ran across an advertisement for "free paint." I thought, "humm wonder how much I have to buy first." Well, one click of my mouse and I found my answer, NONE. I printed the coupon. You can get one quart of paint (perfect for small jobs or to have around for arts & crafts). So, bottom line: you  can get one quart of Clark + Kensington Flat Enamel primary tint base(and it includes tinting to most colors)  at ACE HARDWARE but ONLY on Saturday, August 3rd 2013. So, hurry hurry get your coupon. BONUS: GET THE FREE PAINT AND YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED TO WIN 1 OF 10 $1,000 ACE GIFT CARDS AND A PERSONALIZED PAINT COLOR RECOMMENDATION. >>>>Rumor has it that they are doing this again on Saturday August 10th 2013 as well. That's a rumor so I'd just do it now for sure. CLICK THE ABOVE LINK.

 ******If you missed out on this offer STILL click the link, as it takes you to a REAL FREEBIE website with great offers.*******