Coming Soon...

Expect some big changes here in the upcoming months. Looking to begin an all in one blog that will show you how to achieve a more frugal lifestyle, share our family's experiences, potentially a shop to buy homesteading-themed products, read product reviews of household/parenting products, enjoy prompt and exciting giveaways, and a link to book me for bulk-buying and stockpiling classes, plus tutoring for those of you local peeps looking for extra help with your writing. Stay tuned!

National Geographic Super Pack Winners

I so incredibly apologize for the delay in announcing the winners.  We've been dealing with illnesses (one being pneumonia), a car accident, the holidays, a sickness and then death in the family, returning to work (me), and so many other things.  It's been a bit of a stressful time in my life.  I am hoping to get off and running on blogging again shortly, and I am hoping to revamp my website in the next couple of months. 
Anyway, thanks to random.org, the winners of the Super Packs are:
Bonna
Pasi
Hemali
If you can email me your addresses at laurashelton115@gmail.com, I will send that to the proper channels so they can send the shipment out to you.  My apologies!

Coming Soon!

I apologize for the delay in posting, particularly the giveaway winners.  We have been dealing with issues from a car accident and sickness and the end of the semester and the holidays and hubby being swamped at work and am I forgetting something?  ;) Expect to see the winners posted soon, along with the belated conclusion to my Month of Gratitude!

Xlear SparX Candy Review

Thanks to Moms Meet (www.greenmomsmeet.com), I have the opportunity to review Xlear (pronounced "Clear") SparX candy.
I was way excited to review this product.  From the company: "Xlear, Inc. is committed to providing consumers with the health benefits of xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener, by manufacturing all-natural, health-enhancing products. Xlear® Nasal Spray is an award-winning, patented saline and
xylitol solution; a complete line of dental health products under the Spry Dental Defense System® brand; XyloSweet®, raw xylitol crystals used as a sugar substitute in cooking, baking and general consumption; and SparX® Candy, a growing line of healthy, xylitol based candies."
My personal dentist has recommended Spry Dental products to me in the past, and xylitol in general, because xylitol helps reduce the likelihood of cavities, among other dental uses (which I will expand upon in a minute).  I loved Spry mints, so being able to try a candy from the company was something that I looked forward to tremendously.
The candy itself comes in a handy plastic tube, which is portable and functional for mamas like myself.  The candy contains natural flavors and colors, and is sweetened, as mentioned, with xylitol, a natural sweetener, so I feel good giving it to my children.  The candy is in cute little "dot" shapes, and is fun to munch and crunch.  My children thoroughly enjoyed the fruity taste, and I loved the texture of it, which reminded me of an easier to chew version of the Runts candy that I ate often as a kid--but this is so much better for me!  ;)  My husband remarked that the candy was crunchy at first, but then almost seems to melt and soften at once with chewing, which he found satisfying.
Beyond the fact that I feel good giving it to my kiddos, I like another benefit xylitol based products like this one provide.  I am on several different prescription medications for minor health issues, and I struggle with dry mouth.  Dry mouth, in addition to being a nuisance, can also lead to cavities.  My dentist recommended Spry Dental products to me because xylitol helps create saliva, which remedies the dry mouth, and these candies have been great to have around when I have the feeling like there is a sock in my mouth.
For more information, check out Xlear SparX online at: www.Xlear.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/xylitol.experts. The candy retails for $1.49 a tube and comes in Berry, Fruit, and Citrus flavors (I like the Citrus).
There is not a giveaway of this product, unfortunately.  However, due to technical difficulties, I am extending the National Geographic Super Readers giveaway until 12/12/12 at 11:59pm, so you can still enter for a chance to win a Super Readers pack for your family!

UPDATED 12/09/12: National Geographic Super Readers Review and Giveaway

Today, I have the opportunity to share National Geographic Super Readers packs to my lucky readers, thanks to Moms Meet (www.greenmomsmeet.com).  At the end of my review, I'll be posting a giveaway as well!

To give you some background on the packs, National Geographic states,
"About National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids inspires young adventurers to explore the world through award-winning magazines, books, apps, games, toys, videos, events, and a website. It is the only kids brand with a world-class scientific organization
at its core. National Geographic Kids Books is the leading nonfiction publisher with as many as 100 nonfiction titles each year, including the New York Times best seller National Geographic Kids Almanac and our best selling series
National Geographic Super Readers. Publishing books for kids from 1 to 14 years of age, National Geographic’s best selling titles include: Weird but True series, Treasury of Greek Mythology, National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books series, and Just Joking series.
Find National Geographic online at:
kids.nationalgeographic.com/superreader
kids.nationalgeographic.com
Facebook.com/NatGeoBooks
Twitter.com/NGKidsBks
®, SM, © 2012 May Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
About National Geographic Super Readers
• Developed in consultation with literacy education experts, each National Geographic Super Reader is filled
with cool information about nonfiction topics kids love such as dinosaurs, tigers, planes and trains, plus
big, colorful photographs, all in an easy-to-read and kid-friendly design.
• With fun incentives to keep reading, an interactive website, and fun characters to get to know, the National
Geographic Super Readers program has everything you need to get kids SUPER excited about reading.
• At kids.nationalgeographic.com/superreader, kids can sign up to become Super Readers, download the
Super Readers poster, and start reading! Once they finish their book, they can cross it off on their poster
and start getting fun rewards and prizes"

National Geographic provided me with an activity kit (which included a National Geographic reader called Ape Escapes), a program information guide, a poster with reproducible activity sheets, and price incentives likes stickers, badge, and bookmarks.  They also included a very vivid, glossy, hardback book called Ultimate, Weird But True, which had bright illustrations that caught my son's attention from the get go.  This book had 1,000 wild and wacky facts with photos, and my son gobbled up the information.
I feel like this program would be very successful in encouraging young readers to seek out knowledge.  The information captivates them, and the materials are bold and created in such a way to entice reluctant readers to them.
We have not tried any reading programs as a family before because many of them seemed too "academic" on the surface, as in, they seem like they possess the right "stuff" in terms of education, but they fail to possess the ability to lure in children with interesting graphics and information.  National Geographic clearly knows what children are looking for, and it is refreshing to see a program that is neither too "school like," nor is it loaded with cartoon characters from movies and television.  This program focuses on useful information and real world knowledge and packages it in a way that makes kids have fun while learning.
Three lucky readers will win a Super Readers book, poster, bookmarks, and badges.  Each participant is limited to one entry or he/she will be disqualified.  To enter, write a comment about why you feel the Super Readers program is right for your child/children.  Entries will be accepted until December 8th at 11:59pm, and will be chosen via random.org. Good luck!
UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties, I will be extending the giveaway for three more days, and will be choosing a winner on 12/12/12.  Submit a comment to enter until 11:59pm that day.

 Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms
MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the
manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and
post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Update on Giveaways

I am working on giveaways and reviews of both National Geographic Super Readers packs and Xlear Candies/Spry Dental children's toothpaste, and they should be completed in the next few days. Something for YOU to be thankful for...upcoming goodies! :-)

A Month of Gratitude, #14, 15, and 16

Day #14: I am grateful for the beauty of this earth, for the oceans and lakes, ambling rivers, peaceful plains, and majestic mountains.  I am also grateful for the opportunities that I have to enjoy them, through hikes and travel, and so forth.
Day #15: I am grateful for laughter, and those moments where I can make others laugh, or when I get to experience those rare belly laughs that make me teary eyed.
Day #16: I am grateful for two reliable cars. I know that as soon as I write this that one of them will break down because I am a champion at jinxing myself, but I am thankful that I have a dependable mode of transportation to get me and my family everywhere that we need to go.

A Month of Gratitude, #10, 11, 12, and 13

I'm totally not very good at this whole "updating daily" thing.  ;)
I am grateful today for:
-Second chances.  The fact that we can wake up every morning and start anew.  And as someone who makes a lot of mistakes, I really need that gift.
-My job.  I can be frustrated with my work at times, but I still truly love what I do, and I am grateful that I have an employer who works with me and my schedule, allowing me to still spend the days at home with my little ones.
-Good books.  I struggle going to sleep at night these days without the escape of a good read.  When I first received my Master's in English Literature, I went through a spell where I had trouble reading for "fun" instead of for "work."  Luckily, I am past that, and now have 5 hard copy books and 5 e-books I am working through all at one time.
-My friends.  My friends have taught me that family is what you make of it, and that there's more to the concept than simply blood.  I am blessed to have and know them.

A Month of Gratitude, #7 and #8

I have some catching up to do....
I am grateful for my animals.  Although they shed and make me sneeze, and sometimes they drive me bonkers, they also are so wonderfully cuddly, and they are a constant source of unconditional love, my flaws and mistakes and all.
I am also grateful that we live in an area where I have access to bulk food stores, thrift shops, discount grocery stores, active online yard sale sites, inexpensive local produce/farms, local butchers, reasonably priced organic foods, etc.  This area makes it easy to find high quality clothing, furniture, and food for my family at good prices.  And if I cannot find what I need, there are multiple resources an hour in any direction.

Toddler Was Here

A Month of Gratitude, #6

I am grateful today for modern conveniences that make my life easier: the washer and dryer that remove the dirt and grime from my kiddos' clothes (even though I don't know how to fold said laundry), the bread machine that takes the fear out of yeast and rising dough, the stand mixer that preps cake batter while I work on other tasks, the vacuum that removes the pet hair from my carpets and furniture, the heat pump that can cool and heat my home at the touch of a button...I am a spoiled mama.

A Month of Gratitude, #5

Today, I am grateful for fall...pumpkins, the smell of wood burner smoke in the air, hoodies, fallen leaves, seasonal foods, mild weather, hayrides, warm apple cider and hot chocolate...le sigh. :-)

A Month of Gratitude, #4

I am grateful today for a good night's sleep--the ability to rest, recover, and wake up to start afresh another day.  What a wonderful blessing for us all.  Today especially was nice, seeing as we gained an extra hour to our night--I look forward to the "fall back" portion of Daylight Savings Time every year. 

A Month of Gratitude, #3

Today, I am grateful that we live in a society where we have the right to elect members of our government (or to not elect them, as the case may be).  I might disagree with a candidate, even strongly at times, but I am also grateful that we live in a country where I feel we do not have to worry about having another Hitler in power, or someone who is seeking to destroy us as a nation.  Contrary to what some may feel, while I have strong feelings on who will be the best option for us as President, I believe both candidates would be capable of the job, and would do what they felt was best for the country (I just might not agree with it). 

Coming Full Circle

In other entries, I have mentioned the fact that my church counsels its members to have a food storage and to be prepared for those little emergencies and crises that come up along life's path.  I have also mentioned that, in the past, before I understood the value of this advice, that I used to gleefully make fun of the women who became excited over traditional things like storing wheat or making their own bread/flour. 
I have now come full circle...in addition to the seven #10 cans of wheat that we have on our shelves, I just purchased 100 lbs. of wheat, and a few pounds of spelt and rye, and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Wondermill so I can make my own whole grain flour (I'm also getting a hand operated mill for Christmas).  (To be fair, once I received the diagnosis of insulin resistance, and was told to avoid commercially processed foods and to eat more whole grains/fiber...and less carbs/sugars/fats...the idea of processing my own flour became appealing, perhaps even necessary.)
So, who's laughing now?  I stand corrected in my views.  :)

A Month of Gratitude #2

Today, I am grateful for my children.  I might get frustrated sometimes, and feel lost as a parent, but they still provide me a joy that nothing else even comes close to.  They warm my heart and soul, make me laugh, teach me how to enjoy the little things in life, and their sweet spirits are an example to me of how to embrace and experience life.  They are my motivation to be a better person, and I am grateful for what they show and teach me every day.  I never realized how much I can learn from little ones.  I love them so much.

A Month of Gratitude: #1

Throughout the month, I will be posting something that I am grateful for each day in November.
Today, I am thankful for the counsel my church gives to keep a food storage and a 72 hour kit. When facing a "super storm" such as Hurricane Sandy, it was a relief to me to know that we would have food, water, and light, should we need them. The counsel is even more important to heed when you have a family that relies on you. So, today, I am grateful for my food storage and emergency preparations.

On the Fast Track...To Diabetes?

I have been having several reasonably minor, yet annoying, health issues lately, and have been in and out of doctors in an attempt to solve what has been going on.  I have been battling chronic fatigue and a general sense of just not feeling well for months now. I have had blood work and ultrasounds and everything else, and in the meantime, because it has been a fight some days to even want to get out of bed, I am now battling depression (something I am prone to).
I found out yesterday that my triglycerides, cholesterol, and sugar levels are out of whack, and that they suspect that there might be plaque or thickness or something in my arteries (I have no idea what any of this means over the phone while I was driving and using a hands free set up...need to get a copy of the lab work).  They are watching me for diabetes, saying I am "insulin resistant," and want me to change my diet and my exercise routines, allowing for less processed foods, less fat, less carbs and sugars, and more fiber/whole grains, plus exercise for 30 minutes as many times a week as I can handle.
I felt a bit of a blow to my pride--I felt like I took OK care of myself, I mean, not the best, but I have never smoked and don't drink, and we have been trying to eat a healthier diet (we have a long way to go).  But I will use this as a wake up call and as a positive opportunity to change my life for the better, and to help my whole family learn to have better habits and routines when it comes to their health.
It's still scary.  Wish me luck. 

Giveaway Sneak Peek

I am teaming up with National Geographic to provide you all a review of a National Geographic Super Readers pack, and they will be giving three of said packs out to readers in a future entry. Stay tuned for the review and giveaway in the month or so. :-)

Asheville, Days Three and Four

On Sunday morning, my friend made us yummy cinnamon rolls for breakfast (they completely hit the spot...so good).  They were a great way to start out our day of traveling about 30 miles or so of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We visited the Folk Art Center (basically a visitors' center right outside of Asheville along the Parkway) before we ventured out to see the mountains.  We crossed the French Broad River and made out way through the mountains (sometimes literally, via tunnels).  The views/overlooks provided us breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains on either side, and we snapped a lot of pictures.  Being in the Appalachians is a wonderful chance to ponder simplicity and what truly matters in life.  Being out in the middle of nowhere reminds you of what truly matters.  You've left the stress behind you, and you're out in the majesty of what God has created and given you.  You reflect on your forefathers who lived in the mountains and who were the epitome of self sufficiency and provident living.
We traveled back to Asheville and lunched at Burgermeister's (a turkey reuben for hubby, and a catfish po' boy for me) before heading out with Amy and Jake (Maya was at a friend's house) to the Biltmore, the largest home in America (250 rooms and land encompassing 8,000 acres).  We didn't pay to see the house, and Amy's pass did end up being enough to get us in, so we instead went around Antler Hill Village (I believe that was the name) on the ground.  We toured the Biltmore winery and visited the on site farm to see the animals (a goat even climbed into my lap!).  Jake really enjoyed the animals, as did I, but the people around were very, um, wealthy, and it wasn't always comfortable at times.  Hubby and I dealt with one really rude man in particular who was upset because hubby "almost" touched his son with a gate.  It was a bit embarrassing.  At least it was a reminder of what I do not want to be.
At home, after the kiddos were in bed, we were able to get one on one time with Amy, just talking and watching television.  It was so nice to have time just with her to talk about things, life, whatnot.  I think that was one of my favorite parts of the trip.  It's wonderful to find people who understand you and who you can relate to.
Monday, we unfortunately had to leave (I admit, I was teary eyed, and oh, I miss Splenda the dog...she became my little pal).  We breakfasted at Waffle House, which I haven't had in YEARS, and hubby had never been to one. On the ride home, we stopped and snapped photos on the overlooks along I-26 in North Carolina and Tennessee, our last views of the mountains there for a while.  The trip home flew by.  We opted not to stop at the gorge again and just blew through, though we did meet back up with my mama and walked through the mall and lunched with her in the afternoon before heading home.
The children were thrilled to see us, which made me feel so good inside, and the animals seemed to miss us as well.  Buddy seemed to do well being at the kennel (he can be easily stressed), but Sunflower, our foster kitty, is still acting a bit nervous a day later.  She is very happy to be home.  The kids loved their Build a Bears, too.  We are unpacked and home, a bit sad that such a wonderful trip is over, but happy to see our loved ones.  We are hoping to go back to Asheville twice a year.  :)