Wednesday, April 30, 2014

what do I use on my pits?

I am so glad you asked, LOL!!

 A few months ago I was watching a health show, where they were talking about the aluminum in antiperspirant, and how it is bad for you (especially on freshly shaved skin).  My mother in law has been saying this for years.  Dr Oz has addressed this on his show, and said that there has not been any studies done to prove it is bad for you, but who wants to put aluminum on your delicate underarm skin??  

They had the creator of Schmidt's Deodorant on the show, talking about her all natural product.  I was intrigued, so I ordered a jar to try myself (THIS is the one I ordered).  I have to say, I really like it and it smells SO GOOD!!  The only downfall is that you have to apply it with your fingers (it comes with a small spatula to get the product out of the jar) instead of using a regular deodorant applicator (which isn't too much of a downfall).


When I received the jar in the mail,  I thought it was a little small, but it has  been economical.  You only need a small amount, the size of a pea (for both pits!).  
 
I LOVE the smell of the Lavendar & Sage deoderant and I have not had any complaints of smelling bad, so it seems to be working.  I showed Ashley and she said I should do a blog post about it, LOL!  So here it is!

While browsing Pinterest, I found THIS DIY recipe.  I think I might give it a try once I run out of my Schmidt's (it seems to have the same ingredients in it, and you can put it in an applicator). Plus I like to make my own stuff, makes me feel all domesticated!!

*this is not an affiliate or sponsored post.  
The opinions are my own.  
I am just sharing a great product!!

Enjoy Today!!

Monday, April 28, 2014

weekly iphone photo dump ~ april week {four}






From left to right:
 1.  Our pool resurface is complete!!  Sophie and Bella had so much fun playing in the water while we were filling it back up.
2.  Cereal for dinner.  This happens 1-2 times per week.  Some days I am just too tired to even think about cooking dinner (and the cleaning up!).
3.  Bella is taking medication for valley fever, which she will be on for a while.  She has gotten pretty smart with our disguises.  These are the best things EVER to hide a pill!!
4.  Love my Peeps!!  But I am getting rid of most of my Easter candy!!  My jeans are getting tight!!
5.  New specs for me!!  
6.  Mike and I went out for breakfast on Saturday morning.  I had an egg white omelet with spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes.  
7.  Bella got her staples out (well, it was 1 staple, she managed to get 2 out during the week) on Sunday morning.  Since the vets office is right near a Starbucks, we decided to get a coffee.  We even got the dogs a pup-a-chino (a cup of whipped cream), which I learned about on Pinterest,.  They were big fans!!  We were then off to the bark park for some doggie fun!
8.  Of course I got my usual.  tall, non-fat, no whip, white mocha.  DELISH!!
9.  Sunday night was a grilled cheese kinda night!

Enjoy Today!

Friday, April 25, 2014

{one project at a time} cleaning the oven - in between the glass.

A while back I saw a pin on Pinterest on how to clean  in between the glass window of your stove.  I sent the pin to my husband and let him know I would LOVE to do this, since I had some weird drips on the inside of the glass (this drives OCD people crazy!).  
He was not as excited as I was about this little project.  

Fast forward a couple of weeks...and while he was puttering around the house, I asked him ever so kindly  (as I always do, LOL!!) if he would take the door apart so that I can clean in between the glass.  He was happy to help!!  I nearly jumped for joy!!

Every stove is different, but it was pretty easy getting ours it apart 

*note: I had used the self cleaning feature earlier in the day, my oven isn't usually THAT dirty on the bottom, LOL!*




Once the inside of the glass was accessible, I cleaned the "in between" glass with my favorite cleaner.  

Recipe: In a spray bottle fill 3/4 full with Water; add 2 Tablespoons  Dr Bonner's Citrus Castille Soup, and 10-15 drops of orange essential oil; (fill to the top with water if needed)
.


Once the in between glass was clean, we put the door back together.

*lining up the screws and handle to put it back together were a little more of a challenge than taking it apart, but  really not that bad.*

Then I sprinkled baking soda all over the glass on the inside, 
and gave it a good scour.  


It took all the grease splatters right off.  I then went over it with some of my favorite cleaner and we put it back together.   




The entire project probably took 20 minutes total, and that even included wiping out the inside (because of the self cleaning feature, which makes me think...why do they call it self cleaning?  I still have to wipe that junk out).  

Now when I go into the kitchen, I LOVE looking at my clean oven!!


Enjoy Today!!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

I LOVE lists {and a freebie}

I know I have said this before, but I love lists!!

I LOVE making them and I LOVE checking stuff off of them!!  

I have finally come up with a template that really works great for me.  

I was drawing 4 separate columns and category headings on a piece of computer paper each week, and then decided to make a template in Photoshop, so I can just print it off each week (and it is much cuter).

I put all the things that HAVE to get done in the {to do column} (ex. clean bathrooms, vacuum, laundry etc).  
Then I put the items that will make me happy in the {want to do column} (ex. work on my PL pages, organize an area, etc).  
Mike and I have had a lot of home renovation projects lately, so these things go in the {projects column} (ex. mount family room television, install living room blinds, etc).  

And we always have a few errands to run too, YUP...you guessed it {errands column}.  

I like that it is all in one place.  
The following week I just carry over the items that were not completed onto my new list and start all over again.  





I thought that since I love lists so much, that maybe a few of my blog readers  would enjoy it too...so here you go!!

You can download the PDF HERE.

Happy List Making!
Enjoy Today




Monday, April 21, 2014

weekly phone dump - april {week 3}


From left to right:
1.  Just watching TV with Bella.
2.  Mike and I have been saving up to have our pool resurfaced.  The guys came out on Tuesday and jack hammered the plaster out.  Bella was very curious about the strangers in the back yard.
3.  Mike made hamburgers on the grill for dinner on Wednesday night, even though we grill out all year long here in AZ, there is just something about the first burger of the season that just tastes so yummy!
4.  Soph just waiting patiently for some watermelon.  I cannot say NO to that face!!
5.  Bella in the chiseled out pool.  Both dogs like to play in there, I hope they are as excited about it when the water goes back in!
6.  I bought peanut butter m&m's this week (in a GIANT bag), and come to find out, Mike does not like this kind *gasp*  I am going to have to share, because I don't want to eat that entire bag myself!!
7.  Mike was hanging my new bamboo blinds and curtains on Saturday (He ROCKS!!).  At 4pm we realized we did not eat lunch.  Off we went to YC's for a big bowl of YUM!
8.  Here is the finished product!!  I finally feel like things are coming together!!  I am hoping for a house tour blog post very soon!!
9.  We had a very low key Easter (thanks mom for our cute table decorations!!).  The kids and dogs came over for lunch.  Bella had her stitches taken out and then we had to turn around and bring her back, because the cut opened up.  she now has 3 staples.

Enjoy Today!

Friday, April 18, 2014

{simplifying my life - one organizing project at a time} closet

I am still plugging away at simplifying my life.  
I would love to take a month off from work and just concentrate on organizing my entire house, but since that is not an option for me, I am doing it one project at a time.  

Next up...my closet.  
I do keep my closet pretty organized, for the most part.  This time I REALLY went through my clothes and purged!   

I pulled out everything:
 That I had not worn in a year.  
I didn't LOVE how it fit.
and things that were worn.  
I ended up with 2 giant piles of clothes and shoes.  

I have always hung my clothes by color (it is the OCD in me)!  Here is a glimpse of my (not very huge) closet.  It is a walk in closet-meaning I can walk in and turn around. LOL! 


I hang my shirts on the the top, pants on the bottom.  Purses and tote bags go on the top shelf.


I keep my shoes on a shoe rack to the right.

Behind the closet door, to the left.  I keep my jackets (and Mike's), sweatshirts and dresses here.  Sweaters (which really got purged) on the shelf with our bathing suits (which will be getting some use soon-the temps are heating up here in AZ).


On the back of my closet door I have a hook where I keep my belts and Turbie Twist Towel  
(I wrap my hair in it on the days I don't feel like washing it).


Mike hung a big hook on the wall for me to hang up my jewelry organizer (for my necklaces that do not fit in my jewelry box) and scarfs.


Well, there you have it!!  I am almost finished with my bedroom (I still have to do Mike's closet and dresser), but it feels so great that mine are done!!

Enjoy Today!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Project Life {feed my starving children-service project}

I really enjoyed putting this page together and remembering the day. :) 
Back in August, my office took part in a service project.  We had 2 teams that volunteered at Feed My Starving Children.  
I really LOVED volunteering there. 

What is FMSC??  
I am glad you asked!!

Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit. The approach is simple: children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, and ship these meals to nearly 70 countries around the world!!  

They also educate you about their organization and show you how to have fun while packing food.  I was glad that Jess was on my team!!  She had volunteered there before, so she was an expert.  FMSC does AWESOME work.  If you have one near you, I would highly recommend volunteering (you won't regret it!)!!  And if you want to help out with a charitable donation you can go HERE or purchase items made by the families who receive food from them  (or FMSC logo items) HERE.  
(all the $ from items purchased goes directly to the ministry).

*I covered up my co-workers faces, because I don't know if they are comfortable being displayed on my blog.  Jess on the other hand is used to it.*




Left Side
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Right Side
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Enjoy Today!

Monday, April 14, 2014

weekly iphone photo dump ~ april 2014 week {two}

From left to right:
1.  Taxes done~refund on the way.  YIPEE!!
2.  I am a big Tootsie Roll lover!!  I like to switch it up sometimes with the fruity ones.  Vanilla is my FAV!
3.  Just Bella taking a nap on the pillows.
4.  Cleaned and organized the fridge the other day.  Such  a great feeling!!
5.  Some days you just want to wear a bun (cause you don't want to wash your hair)!!
6.  Mike and I tried a new-to-us restaurant on Saturday.  We give it 2 thumbs up!
7.  First watermelon of the season.  I could eat watermelon until it comes out of my ears!!  So YUMMY!!
8.  Poor Bella got cut on something (we have no idea how it happened).  We did not realize how deep it was.  Sunday she was at the vet all day getting sedated and stitched up.  Poor puppy!!
9.  Sophie had to go to the bark park solo on Sunday.  Luckily Kodi and Hershey came along to keep her company.  

Enjoy Today!!

Friday, April 11, 2014

one project at a time {dresser drawers}

I am still working on simplifying my life, which includes getting rid of stuff I do not need and cleaning & organizing. 

In my last {one project at a time} post, I tackled under the master bathroom cabinets.  For today's post,  I moved into my bedroom and started with my dresser drawers (sorry, I forgot to take a before picture~I was just so excited to get started!!). 


I started with an empty laundry basket and went drawer by drawer, pulling everything out.  Once I went through the contents of one drawer, I purged what I didn't wear anymore, was worn out, or didn't like how it fit me (then repeated with the other drawers).  Then I put back the things I love and wear, into the drawers. 


Surprising to me, I filled up the entire laundry basket with stuff to donate to Goodwill.

So here is what I ended up with:
Top row or drawers = unmentionables, jewelry/watches and glasses/sunglasses.
Second row of drawers =  socks, summer pajama tops/shorts, exercise shirts/tank tops.
Third row of drawers =  pantyhose/tights/trouser socks, tank tops, luggage tags/luggage locks/extra buttons.
Bottom row of drawers = yoga pants and shorts I lounge around in, pajama bottoms (winter pj's)



 (don't mind the carpet squares under my dresser, we are still painting molding after installing our bamboo flooring, they make it easier to slide stuff away from the wall...TRUST me, they are not staying, LOL!!).

It is so much easier to put my laundry away and find stuff now!!  

This is what I dropped off at Goodwill on Thursday (it was not all from my dresser drawers), and I am sure I have lots more to go!! Feels GREAT!!


And if you follow me on Instagram, you have already seen this photo for my #100happydays post.  

YES, getting rid of stuff really does make me happy!!

Enjoy Today!!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Project Life {July Birthday's}


Here are my July Birthday pages for 2013.  
Last year we decided to celebrate the July birthday's together.  I am not really sure why we did it that way, probably due to everyone's schedule. 

Food, Family and Fun!!  It is always a great time when we are together!!  


  
 Left Page
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 Right Page
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Enjoy Today!

Monday, April 7, 2014

weekly iphone dump ~ April {week one}


From left to right:
1.  Just smiley Sophie.
2.  This Popcorn has been out of stock at Costco for weeks.  I heard that it was finally back in stock, so I ran to Costco after work to pick some up.  It was funny, on my way out of the store, 2 people asked me where I found it (cause they keep moving stuff around at Costco!).  In case you shop at my Costco (Elliot Rd), it is on aisle 322.
3.  As soon as I get home from work, this is what goes on.  I could live in yoga pants~for reals!!
4.  Mike and I ran to Home Depot on Saturday.  The self check out has a camera right above the register.  It is a little creepy!!, so what did we do?  Took a selfie!
5.  On the way home see #4, we picked up two of these!! McDonald's ice cream cone.  I LOVE them! and $2.17 for both of us.  
6.  While running errands on Saturday, we decided to sign the pups up for Banfield's wellness plan.  Since we spent a small fortune last month on Bella's valley fever, we figured this would probably save us money in the long run.
7.  Bathroom cleaning was on the to-do list this weekend. I can procrastinate with this chore (and grocery shopping) like nobody's business.  I finally finished-WOOT!
8.  Sunday is our bark park day, and look what I found on the community board.  I flipped it over and sure enough, it belonged to Kodi.  I think this was his very first tag.  
9.  Just some bark park fun.  Bella guards her ball, she is not a very good sharer. LOL!

Enjoy Today!

Friday, April 4, 2014

one project at a time {bathroom cabinet}

I have been reading THIS book.

And it has really got me in the organizing and simplifying mood!!  Clutter makes me stressed, which is probably why I am OCD.  

One of the first chapters in the book says to go through your closet, drawers and cabinets and purge.  I am usually pretty good about doing this, but this time around I really asked myself  "have I used this in the past year?"  and "do I really love it?"  I  was doubting myself every so often (trying to talk myself into keeping something), but I stayed strong.  

I decided to start in my bedroom/master bath, and work my way downstairs.  So the first project I tackled was under my bathroom sink.  Mike and I both have a sink and cabinet (I organized both, but only took pictures of my side, since his stuff is a little boring), LOL!

  Honestly, I think stuff breeds under there when I am not looking!!  I don't know why I had so much stuff under there that I did not use.

Here is the before photo...
 


I pulled everything out from under the sink, and gave it a good cleaning.  
I used my favorite cleaning solution:  
In a spray bottle fill 3/4 full with Water; add 2 Tablespoons  Dr Bonner's Citrus Castille Soup, and 10-15 drops of orange essential oil; (fill to the top with water if needed).



Then I grabbed some plastic bins and started putting like items together (only items I was going to keep).

I ended up with a hair brush bin  
(these are not my everyday brushes, but I do use them occasionally).



curling iron bin,



and a nail care bin.



I keep my hair products up near the front of the cabinet, so they are easy to grab in the morning, while I am getting ready .  (Ulta recently had a sale on Big Sexy Hair products, so I stocked up.  I LOVE the Root Boost!!  And my absolute favorite hairspray is Kenra)

And Here is the AFTER...

 

I stacked the bins,  and put away the items that I use. 

It felt so good to get rid of all that stuff!!  
Throughout the day,  I would open up the cabinet every time I went upstairs, just to look at it.  It really did make me feel less stressed!! 

I even decided to do a bonus project,  
I cleaned all my every day brushes and hubby's combs.  



Next on the list...my closet and dresser drawers.  
Stay tuned for that post next week!!

Enjoy Today!!


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Project life {Father's Day 2013}

Here are my pages from Father's Day.   
I am still plugging along with my 2013 PL pages.

I finally purchased the Kraft Edition digital kit, which was on my wish list for a while!  I like that it has some "masculine feel" designs, perfect for documenting Father's Day.

It was really crazy, that while I was putting this page together, I realized that I don't remember what we ate for lunch (can you tell food is important to me, LOL!) I asked Mike, and he could not remember either, so I decided to guess in my journaling, because I didn't take a photo of our food (I did get a photo of dessert, LOL!).  Which makes me realize how great it is to get some of these memories documented, because I forget so quickly!

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Left
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Right
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Enjoy Today!