Retro Workout Gear

Get your sweating to the oldies on with this retro headband and wristband set by Suddora.  I had different options to choose from to review, but I selected this one because it was just perfect for sporting our patriotic flare for fitness at our next running event, or even 4th of July team run.  

The wrist bands look totally hipster a vintage t-shirt, and paired with a few black jelly bracelets worn with it.  Then, when your dancing at a party getting your grove on ~ you can wipe the sweat before it ruins your make-up.  Fun + practical! :D

This combo set is actually of a good quality of  80% Cotton, 12% Spandex and 8% Nylon - and will get you noticed 100% of the time at the gym...I'm sure of it!  :)   

Honestly though, my family is very partial to the red/white/blue combo for just about everything.  While we are on our journey to physical fitness as part of our homeschooling curriculum, my son already claimed the set.  He LOVES his Captain America and wants to be rocking it out old school.  With these on, he is motivate to take on his trampoline like no one's business!

What makes you sweat!?!  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
  

Boo It Forward!

*This is not a paid for post

Everyone does their own thing for the holidays.  Especially for Halloween, it can be so controversial in the parent world.  

I seize every opportunity to be an example and teach my children to be of a giving heart on a daily basis, holidays just gives us a fun theme to run with!  I'm sure by now you have heard of the 'Pay it Forward' initiative, so we did our own version of it except a 'Boo it Forward'.

And so, like a great momma - I taught my boys the art of one of my favorite childhood street kid games Ding Dong Dash, (sorry, it's the Philly girl in me yet).  But instead of the neighbors coming to an empty doorstep irritated that some kids pranked them - they found gift baggies filled with goodies.  Another Bonus: The boys received a gym credit for the hours of sprinting they were doing!  

Some of my neighbors don't have kids, so for them we went with tasty treats and small decorations, inexpensive Halloween themed hand towels, fall reed diffusers, etc...for the ones that we knew of that did have kids, we threw in kid oriented toys/spider rings/candy/trinkets.

A blogger friend of mine put these adorable "We've been Spooked" and fall cards together, and we added them to each bag. 

Some of the items gathers

And you will never believe what we found tonight....someone spooked US back with glow sticks and a bag of tasty treats!  The boys were so surprised!!

The spooks on us! 

 Our neighborhood trick turned out to be a sweet treat!  Holidays are just another way to make memories with your family, no matter how you choose to do it.  I hope you get the chance to 'Boo it Forward' in your neighborhood next year!  :D

 

Papa Bear Always Knows the Right Thing to Say

*This is not a paid for post.  You may click on the 

 book for easy ordering through my Amazon affiliate link.

Please Click above Book Picture for Ordering information

  Author Lisa Tawn Bergren is a very talented author.  I have loved her words of wisdom passed through the story lines of her children's book series for years.  There is many teachable moments in, 'God Gave Us Angels'.  

  Papa Bear finds his Little Cub searching for angels.  This Little Cub asks her father all sorts of questions regarding angels.  Everything from what angels look like, what they do, their purpose, and where they came from.. And with tenderness, Papa Bear answers all of Little Cub's questions.  I love and appreciate how biblically accurate {accoding to the documented chapters in James Holy Bible} this book is written, in a perspective that a child (and some adults) can easily comprehend.     

  I am stashing this one away till Christmas for my littlest.  I have high hopes for it to stay of good condition in his library so that one day, it may be passed down to his children, just as some of his books have been passed to him by his father.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Have you read any from the 'God Gave Us' series to your children?  What is your favorite childhood book?  

Eco - Friendly Way to Rid your Property of Wildlife

*Not a paid post, I did receive a free roll for my honest review.

Predator Guard Scare Tape - Bird Repellent Tape Scares Birds & Daytime Predators From Gardens, Docks, Boats & More - Highly Effective Deterrent, Easy Installation, No Maintenance Required! (Lawn & Patio)

  As much as I love living in the mountains, sometimes the wildlife assume my yard is their domain, including my back patio!  Silly varmints!      

  I wish I would have ordered this at the beginning of spring to keep the birds from eating away the seeds from my garden.  But thus far, it's become a very effective tool to keeping the deer from eating away at my mums and coming up on my back patio knocking my pottery over.  It's a good thing the roll is a hundred feet long, because I had more than enough to hang several feet of strands between the trees surrounding my back patio and the perimeter of my side yard that seems like there should be a welcome sign hanging coming from the forest to my yard.  

  This reflective tape got huge brownie points from me due to the safety of my family.  It is seeming to deter the family of red foxes that have a bad habit of running across my yard (in broad daylight) while my children are out playing.  Their lack of human fear, has been scaring me for month.   

  This hardy reflective mylar strip (yet very light weight), and is perfect for a variety of uses.  The packaging mentioned that it's great for keeping boats safe from birds, which will be another bonus once we get a boat.  Thus far, I've only used it for yard/patio on the side I prefer NOT to have any extra visitors and it is fulling it's purpose quite well.  The Scare Tape has held up perfectly through several rains storms with no sign of wear or fading.  I will be looking forward to getting another roll in the spring to further secure my tomato patch.  


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I'm {Eco} Nuts about these Balls!

Attention Fellow Household Laundry Attendants!  I found a company named Eco Nuts and they have a whole product line that is rite up our Natural/Organic alley!  You know how I love finding and sharing with you ways to save our planet and some green($), so let me assure you - this company is AMAZING on so many levels!

As the days get colder, it's less feasible for me to now line dry.  With a large family, my next organic option for soft clothing is with wool balls!

2 Products I personally tried

Click here to buy Eco Nuts Wool Dryer Balls, 4 Balls

First, let me tell you about My experience with their Balls:

Unlike my previous post about wool dryer balls {tutorial} ~ these wool balls are KING SIZE and are 100% Felted.  Meaning they won't risk becoming unraveled over time if they aren't made correctly.
~ They expedited my drying time as I suspected.  
~ They are reusable for years ~ so I'm continuing to save money for my family by eliminating the need to purchase fab sheets or pricey bottles of liquid softener and cutting back on dryer time.
~ Of course, they are chemical free - so no rashes on my sensitive skin son {win-win}!!

Click to buy -  Eco Nuts Organic Laundry Soap, 6.5 Ounce
- 

Now to tell you about My experience with their Nuts! 

Certified Organic and grown in Nepal.  They are actually a dried berry shell that came from a tree in Asia that had been used to naturally clean clothes for years.

~ I only put 4 soap nuts in the muslin bag and used them 10 times so far, (I think I can get several more washes with them yet since they still have a soapy consistency to them).

NOTE: If you have a nut allergy, this is OK for you!  The Soap Nuts are actually deseeded soap berries. =)

Instagram Love!

  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. 

Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

*For your convince, I have included my amazon affiliate link for easy purchasing.

Wordless Wednesday

Trick or Treat!?!  

I'm still in debate of pulling this little trick on my boys...bahahaha!

Words for Pictures, by Brian Michael Bendis

A must have for the Marvel collector, or aspiring comic book enthusiast!  

Title: Words for Pictures
By: Brian Michael Bendis
Author Bio:  Random House

I was tickled pink to be able to review this book before it's release.  I doubt I will make it to Stan Lee's ranking in my son's eye, but I definitely made my way up the cool mom ladder a few notches!

Writer Brian Michael Bendis is a Rock Star within the comic book world.  This book provides some key tools and techniques of the trade used in the production of some of the most popular comic books of all time...but most of the content is him interviewing other writers.  Given Bendis' reputation and vast achievements, I was expecting more depth to this text.  

My teen has been one of Stan Lee's biggest fans since he was a toddler.  Through the years, he developed an impressive Marvel collection.  Since he could draw, he was making his own little illustrations and comic books.  He and I marveled over the words that led us through the creative method provided for making comics.  From the creative method, such as taking an idea, how to turn it into script to the finished art.

However, this book does not compare to Stan Lee's, 'How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way', but as a collector - this is a great addition to have.

*Not a paid post, I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

 Do you know a Marvel Fan?  What was the last book you have read?

Snail Mail Supplies {free!}

Your Students are going to love getting boxes of these goodies!  And you're going to love getting them for FREE!  :D    

FREE Educational Resources via: Snail Mail!

US State Travel Brochures and Color Maps:  http://www.heyitsfree.net/free-state-maps/

State Park Brochures - request from sublinks here  http://www.nps.gov/index.htm

Coal Kit - http://teachcoal.org/energy-and-you/coal-kit-order-form/

Nutrients For Life Agriculture and Nutrients Lesson Plans https://www.nutrientsforlife.org/teachers/curriculum/toolkit

USDA Team Nutrition Curriculum   http://tn.ntis.gov/Index.aspx

Railroad History Toolkit http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/community/2012/0814_teach_kit.shtml

Teacher Packs for Loan (United Kingdom)  http://www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk/

Free science teaching resources  http://www.hhmi.org/

Economics, history, and US gov. with a sample of shredded money http://www.dynamindspublishing.com/free/fed.html

Medical Institute of Science

http://www.hhmi.org/educational-materials

Education material can be costly...I love having back-up resources (especially free!) to foster the educational growth of my students.  I hope you too can find some great material here within this post!

We are currently working on an intensive geographical project that started as 50 states months ago - but had quickly expanded to getting pen-pals from all over the globe!  I can't wait to share that post when we're completed!  :D    

It's Fall Y'all!

  This week, I savored the beginning of my favorite time of year ~ Fall!  Everyone that knows me, knows I go bonkers with decorating for the holidays and cherish all the festivities of each.  I think I can contribute my fondness of decorating to my late grandmother.  Her entire basement was nothing but boxes of carefully labeled decor for each season, and the corner was all her bomb shelter supplies.  Poor grandma, she lived through a rough era, but it never broke her spirit!

  

  I started this week with the annual decorating every room in my house with fall decor, yes - even bathrooms.  Halloween is not added till October here, so it's all autumn theme, (which is an easy transition from autumn, Halloween, then Thanksgiving). 

  Then I took my boys on a field trip to Farmland Adventures :) Here's a picture of the birthday boy having sensory overload playing in the corn pit!  

  This weekend, my son requested we lite up the fire pit for his birthday. It was a perfect chilly night for our weinie roast, smores and bottles of cream soda!  :)

  

To help cut costs on filling our insanely priced propane tank, I purchased this awesome electric fireplace that puts out heats for 1,000 sq. feet!  (That's not a real tea kettle on top, but a ceramic tea light wax melter a.k.a tart burner.  The back side has an opening for the tea light to be placed in.  It just looked so adorable in my rustic themed bedroom - and I am a tea lover!).  I chose this heater because of the room size output - I definitely wanted something more than the typical 400 or less sq.ft....and for the aesthetics.  Think warm thoughts :) We're going to be toasty this fall and winter!  

*Here is my affiliate link to amazon, thank you for considering making your future purchases through my page!  Every little bit helps :)

  And finally, I stocked up on my soy wax for making candles with my boys.  I still have plenty of leftover supplies from last year minus the wax.  I'm so glad my boys love our candle making time as much as I do!

What do you do to celebrate and/or get ready for fall y'll?

Fact or Fiction {all about Persimmon Seeds}

So, the Farmer's Almanac is forecasting a very bitter/colder than normal upcoming winter...but what do the seeds say?  

Photo provided by Sherry Creps

  I love the natural beauty of this earth.  We are surrounded by everything we need to thrive.  As another little life skill lesson for my boys, I showed them what we are expecting this time of year here.  My oldest son said, "But, we only have 1 shovel!"  He catches on quick. ;)

Above is a picture of a Wild Persimmons.  Look for them in your area and slice the seed in half after drying.  You will find 1 of 3 different shapes inside.  The myth goes ~ If the kernel is almost spoon-shaped, lots of heavy, wet snow. 

 Spoon = Shovel to "dig out" of a snowy winter.

Fork shaped = "good eats" in a milder winter with light, powdery snow.

Knife shape = expect to be "cut" by icy, cutting winds.

  There may be some proof behind the persimmon seed folklore - U.S. is about to be hit with another El Niño which brings a lot of moisture.  We had been in a La Niña, which bring milder winters.
oklahomafarmreport.com

  You can make lots of yummy foodies with it...Persimmon: pudding (popular in the south), bread, muffins (like banana bread), cookies, even wine!

Click here for recipe ---> Persimmon Jam

Here is an amazing video I found on the History of Persimmons.

  What is your take on this post about Persimmon's?

How to Survive a Sharknado and Other Unnatural Disasters

Learn the keys: 

Fight Back When Monsters & Mother Nature Attack! 

 If you like science fiction, your going to love this book!  It's entertaining and fun for adults and my kids alike!  Looking back to the past week, I wish I would have recorded my boys initial reactions when I began reading over this book to them - everyone was hysterically laughing.  It sparked quite the imaginary play with my 7 and 11 year old with their action figures.  (They even created their own version of a sharknado with their lego sharks and people).  With every page turned, even I got a chuckle.  This book touched base on all the major sci-fy charters with a few unnatural disasters to go along with it. 

 I give it up to the author Andrew Sharffer, he is witty.  He put these scenarios together with humor and yet logical plans of action should an 'Anthemic' spring upon us.  I also now know how to identify, study, avoid and survive a Sonehenge Apocalypse.  Should I get thirsty, I even now have a recipe to make Four Horsemen, Nuclear Rainbow and Apocalypse Now.  Even though it's the end of the world, you must be twenty-one and older to drink in the United States.  Drinking ages very elsewhere.  Always designate a driver and drink responsibly.

  

  Without giving the whole book away, this was a great, read.  It would make the perfect gift for the Syfy addict, pepper, survivalist, or the every day tin foil hat wearing love in your life.

  And remember when you see a Sharknado coming your way...Grap A Chainsaw!  :D

  * This was not a paid for post, I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  Opinions are my own. 

So what have you been reading lately?

The Best Natural Deodorant!

...aside from laying out in the sun and tanning your pits...this really is the healthiest choice I've found for under arm, chemical free hygiene.  

  I must tell you, before I bought this, I was VERY skeptical.  Especially when the label boasts 24 hour coverage, hypoallergenic, Non-staining, unscented..it seemed to good to be true.  This was the very first product I bought when beginning my all natural journey well over a year ago.  I resisted publishing this post in order to give my long term use honest review.  And honestly, its AMAZING!  I've used it during all 4 seasons waiting for it to fail me.  It never did!  

    After finding out that one of my closest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer, (in addition to her mother and 2 aunts on the other side within months of each other).  They were all told by their cancer specialist it was likely because of the cancer causing Parabens, Alums, Aluminum, etc...in the antiperspirant they were all using.  Breast cancer has spread like fire in the past few years.  I, like so many others, want to know why.  I dove into reading a magnitude of controversies and medical studies (**some sourced below) regarding the connection between all these claims of cancers and Alzheimer's connected with antiperspirants - I've come to the conclusion I just didn't want to risk it.  I called the Cancer Center of Philadelphia myself and asked what was the best deodorant to use to avoid breast cancer and I almost fell out off my chair when I was told not to use anything at all.  Just wash with soap and water.  Well, since I'm not Amish and care about others around me ~ that wasn't happening...so when she said the next best alternative was this Thai deodorant stone because it is just mineral salt - no other harsh chemicals...I had to do more research.  I found this site by Dr. Marcola that reinforced what she said.  

  Label reading has become so important to me since then.  Not just deodorant, but with lotions, cosmetics, hygiene products, cleaners, FOOD.  What you put in and on your body affects your whole quality of well-being.  Thus, my friends dubbing me now ~ a hippie ;)  But, I'm on first name basis now with my local natural health food retailers - so it doesn't bother me.  Whom of which, I've received more affirmation of this particular brand being their number one recommended and best selling deodorant stick.

 Okay, so health class aside - I've been using this salt stick daily for over a year,  it's barely gone down an 1/8 of an inch.  I do apply liberally after showering - but it seems like it's going to last for years to come at this rate!  Another perk - your actually saving money by how long this stick lasts too.  

  Also, did you know its not sweat that causes armpit stains, but the chemicals in deodorants!?  This stick gives you the coverage to eradicate BO without all the chemicals - its awesome!!  (shhh...don't tell, but all my loved ones are getting this for a stocking stuffer this year too).

  

  Also, you can use this magic deodorant stick ANYWHERE you would NOT like smells to emanate from, such as - but not limited to: arm pits, feet, under bosem, between buttocks (wish I had this when I was going to the gym regularly!).  

*This is not a compensated nor sponsored post but does have my affiliate link.  Thank you in advance if you choose to make your future Amazon purchases through my site!  You do not have to order this stick through me - but I urge you to label read everything and take care of your health to the fullest.  

**(Journal of Applied Toxicology, April 2014)
**(Journal of Applied Toxicology, April, 2011)
**(Journal of Applied Toxicology, March, 1998)

What do you think of an all natural deodorant that is healthy for your body?  Or, have you ever heard of or tried THAI Crystal Deodorant Stone?  
                                                     

Gear Shopping!

*Not a sponsored post.  

Yes, the tents were hanging upside down from the ceiling!

 Taking my boys into Uncle Sams Gear (a military surplus store) for the first time went over as well as I had expected.  Their little Alfa male instincts kicked in immediately - and they wanted everything the store had to offer!

  Each isle offered a lesson.  They questioned everything.  From what is this used for - to what else can this be used for.  I was so pleased with all 3 of them.

  I'm very impressed with my youngest son's critical thinking skills.  With our little venture, I noted a shift in my prepping concern.  Oddly, the order goes backwards from my youngest to oldest with survival skill knowledge, and ease of use.  I appreciate each of my children are different...but I don't want my oldest to ONLY be a video game player and pencil pusher.  His level of caution with handling anything that's not a book or game is really scaring me.  As I mentioned before, at 10-he got his first BB gun.  At 12 a nice pocket knife.  Both in like new - still in the box condition.  He is genuinely afraid to handle any kind of 'weapon' because at public school he was taught to avoid them like a plague.  Now that we're homeschooling - I'm trying to UNbrainwash him in the sense that these items are tools.  I predict this may take some time for him.  Whereas my younger 2 sons - using 'survival products' comes naturally.

We discussed camping, and how useful primitive items can be.

Vaughn found his vest ~ he wanted one with the most pockets.

Malachi wanted a hat to keep his head safe, and food for his belly.

Attack face lol

Jungle man!

Of all the things Kingston wanted, it had to be the swing.  He justified this one by saying if he had to sleep outside, he would be off the ground where crawling predators could get him.

  Personally, I could have spent all day shopping in the camping supply department and really wanted to pick out a hammock for home reading, and living in the Ozark Mountains provides lots of beautiful hiking trails and they had a lot to offer for hiking gear. This trip was intended for an introductory life skill course.  So, what items do you think would be best fit for kids to have on hand that they could at a supply store?