At Home with Ally

Post Ideas

2023-07-12T22:48:00.001-05:00

I had an idea for a new blog post today, really I did, I just can't remember it now!

Plans are under way for the new school year. I haven't made definite plans for a start date yet, but most of the curriculum is bought. The kids love the German School Cones--I can't remember what they are called. In Germany they are big cones decorated and filled with goodies and school supplies for kindergarteners on the first day of school. I like doing them for our first day filled with cute school supplies and yummy snacks. I also have a fun breakfast planned----most years.

I make the cones by rolling a posterboard into a cone shape and covering with wrapping paper. I then use tissue paper glued or taped around the top of the cone like a skirt. Once the cone is filled with all the stuff I fold the tissue paper up and gather it with a ribbon. The kids love it and it's a fun way to start the year.

Homeschool Curriculum Choices

2023-07-06T15:26:00.000-05:00

Choosing curriculum for the homeschool year can be daunting. There are so many options and promises of each being THE perfect choice.

Wait one minute, let's back up, first things first. Let's take a deep look into home life.

Does your family get up early in the morning? Or are you late sleepers? Are you super organized about your day? Or do you wake up and think 'it feels like a field trip day'? Do you love to be out in nature or sitting at the table reading? Arts and crafts or writing stories? Do enjoy hiking, boating, camping, long road trips? Or is your family homebodies? Do both parents work? As a parent do you prefer working side by side doing your own thing? Or would you enjoy teaching your child step by step?

Why does any of this matter?

Homeschooling is a lifestyle not a life sentence. By taking the time to assess your family's learning style and natural flow you can then pick curriculum that meets the needs and compliments the lifestyle you already live.

Ok now let's talk about learning styles. Your children will likely all learn differently, but that doesn't mean you can't have non negotiable studies for them. My non negotiable is a vocabulary curriculum call Wordly Wise that allow the kids to do to their best ability and interest. The goal is exposure to intelligent vocabulary.

Hands on learners will benefit from a math program that uses manipulatives and a language arts program like Winston Grammar or Montessori Language arts.

Auditory learners will do better with History of the World recording, audio books and video math lessons.

Visual learners may also benefit from manipulatives and programs like Winston Grammar as well as charts and graphics explaining concepts.

Now that you have defined and recognized learning styles and needs of your family let's talk about homeschooling styles.

School at Home. Many online programs are just this school at home. Parents have less say in schedule, curriculum and teaching methods. It is doing school at home.

Traditional Homeschooling. This can look so many different ways, but usually consists of reading, writing and arithmetic taught in a one room schoolhouse fashion. It is also farm chores, homemaking skills, and arts and crafts.

Unschooling. I've done this with one child, he turned out amazing!! This kind of schooling happens as part of life and is mostly child directed. I would have books, workbooks available and occasionally we would pull them out, but the majority of the time this child could be found researching, creating and building. When he got older there were metals being melting, fires, smoke bombs (from scratch) and tack welders being built (we bought him his first welding machine after that when he was about 13).

Classical Homeschooling. This would include reading classics, studying history focusing on the founding forefathers, writing stories, etc.

Most families will use a mixture of any of these to teach their children.

You should have gathered enough information at this point to define your family's educational philosophy.

Our family philosophy is to teach our children to love learning and to teach them foundational skills that will allow them to learn anything they want. If a child can read they can learn anything, if they can do basic math they can understand and manage their finances and life skills, if they can write they can communicate.

Once you have defined your styles in teaching, learning and lifestyle curriculum will be much easier to choose and use.

Homeschooling should not be daunting, it is meant to be joyful.

2023-06-29T15:10:00.001-05:00

Life sure does throw lots of curve balls. I put this blog down several years ago in the chaos of life. It has been brought to my attention in the last few months that maybe it is time to back to the blog if for no other reason than to record thoughts and experiences of being a stay at home, homeschooling, natural minded mother who also deals with chronic health issues and definitely thinks and lives outside the box.

I have been asked why homeschool so many, many times.

Let's get into it but before we do if you would like to learn more about homeschooling from other veteran moms join the lunch and learn series here linktr.ee/moms4libertyccok

First I was not your normal kid. In reality I probably would be diagnosed with ADHD these days. I was a daydreamer, I loved flowers, being in the kitchen, lining up dolls to play school and just being creative. I always wanted to be the smart kid but often found myself struggling just to be average, especially in the later years. I always loved learning new things.......I have my mother to thank for that. I really didn't want my kids to fall into the same scenario, I wanted better for them!

I think my other reason was probably selfish in some ways. I love my kids and wanted to be with them. I wanted to see them as the light bulb went on when they were learning how to read or do math. I also wanted to give them freedom to learn how the best learned. (One day I will tell you about my one unschooler who is a successful thriving adult now.

Adventures, who doesn't love a field trip? Zoos, museums, hikes, fishing swimming all these are great ways to learn and can't be used often enough in the school system because of budgets. My kids loved museums so much that some of them became volunteers in their teen years.

Business, yes business. What better way to learn about economics and finances. Over the years we have made jewelry, created engineering kits, weeded flowerbeds, baked, and more. It wasn't always met with success but my adults now know how to be creative when they need to supplement their income.

My biggest reason is curriculum. It doesn't matter to me what grade they are in (most the time my kids didn't even know what grade they were in). What did matter is that they were learning even if that meant they were in 3rd grade math and 6th grade reading----it just doesn't matter when you are homeschooling!

What would I change if I could go back? I would start with less anxiety about trying to duplicate a public classroom. I would let my kids play outside independently more. I would also be more proactive about getting my teens dual enrolled in college classes or trade school classes. I have no regrets though. I have 6 thriving, successful adults that I am extremely proud of!

If you would like to learn more about homeschooling from other veteran moms join the lunch and learn series here linktr.ee/moms4libertyccok

2019 Nursery for the 2 hour block

2018-12-30T20:10:00.002-06:00

I have searched high and low for ideas on how to schedule the new 1 hour nursery and can't find anything! Really? I can't believe that no one has an opinion on how to schedule nursery!

I have been a nursery leader for many years, it seems to be the only calling I am cut out for. I studied preschool education at Ricks College (BYU-I) many years ago. That is where it all started I guess.

We recently moved, and having been released from nursery 2 years ago and not having a calling wouldn't you know it, I get called to nursery in the new ward. Then the announcement of the new schedule. After spending the first few wee
ks getting nursery manuals, cleaning up the nursery and implementing an actual schedule I am ready to dive into this new schedule. I welcome discussion, I don't profess to know everything and I am very open to others' ideas.

My thoughts are focusing on the basics; lesson, singing time, active play, and lesson activity. I like to have the kids color while I do the lesson, it helps them focus and makes a quiet(ish) moment for a spiritual thought. I have also decided to do snack at the very end and have ziplock baggies available to send the snack home as they are being picked up. I think the 'bubble time' might be best at the very beginning after sitting in sacrament meeting for an hour. With all that in mind here is what I think my schedule will look like.

10am-10:15 Greeting time/bubbles/active play

10:15-10:25 Singing time

10:25-10:40 Lesson

10:40-10:50 Lesson activity/art project

10:50-11:00 snack time

I am sure this will be tweeked a few times to make it work just right, but for now I think it will work beautifully.

Give me your thoughts, what is your plan for nursery in the new year?

2014 in the rear view mirror

2014-12-24T10:22:00.001-06:00

Sweet and simple

Brent--Started a new job in January. In December his responsibilities changed--I think they like him!!

Alyeen--Gymnastics, Dance, Homeschooling, Wedding #3, New grandbaby, and another grandbaby on the way

Ashley--Baby number 3 came feet first, the midwife didn't make it AGAIN (that would be me) so aunties took care of everything! Ray started working at the State Deaf School. The babies are getting so big! RayLee is 6, Charlie is 3 she fell off a chair and broke her collar bone this year, Grace is 1 on Jan 3

Daphne--Is pregnant!!!! She has been busy putting her hubby through school and coaching gymnastics. Andrew graduates in May, baby is due in May!

Jessica--Married!! She is competing for her final year in Gymnastics. An Injury sidelined her about half way through the season last year and kept her out. She decided to go one more year just so she could have the satisfaction of completing the season and work on some unfinished goals. Austin started working at Halliburton 2 weeks ago.

Camilla---Dancing her heart out! She has her first job working the front desk at the dance studio 2 afternoons a week and between dance classes. She also student teaches dance to help cover her dance tuition! She is in love with ballet and looking for ways to perfect her technique outside the studio. She is also taking a tumbling class so she can tumble in dance numbers for competition.

Nathaniel--Chemistry is his thing this year! Mixing, watching reactions, making things go boom! He is taller than all of us (not a huge accomplishment in this family really) and really enjoys being and uncle. He is a gentleman, except when he is picking on me! He and his daddy have some deep conversations that the rest of us do not understand. On of these days we will teach them English! Nate is preparing for a Pre Engineering school in a few years he stays pretty busy with his studies (most of the time)!

Daniel--Gymnastics is his thing!! He is in the process of making a mushroom to workout on at home. His rings stay at the gym most of the time because the boys program has grown to include little boys that need rings low. (I coach the boys' classes now--and love it!) Three times this past year he has had the opportunity to watch the OU Men. Once at a meet for his birthday, and twice at the OU gym. He is excited to meet his new nephew in May! (Did I say Daphne is having a boy?)

My how we have grown!!

In Case you haven't noticed.......

2014-10-25T11:40:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I last posted!

Since December of 2013 my life has consisted of

Gymnastics
Dance
New Granddaughter
25 years of marriage
A Carribean Cruise
An allergic reaction to a yellow jacket
A trip to the ER
2 new epi pens for the 13 year old
An engagement
A wedding for daughter #3
An announcement of daughter #2 having a baby
A new son-in-law moving in
Renewing my nutritional goals
Exercise
Homeschooling
AND Gymnastics

To say that I have had a busy year is pretty much an under statement, but it has been a GREAT year with lots of good news and fun events!

2013 The year in Review

2013-12-18T12:43:00.002-06:00

I thought I would do a Christmas letter here this year! I know lame right? I am too lazy to get Christmas cards in the mail so this will have to do!!

Brent--Working hard as ever, designing equipment for the oilfield. That is what he does! He did try his hand at mixed martial arts and broke a board with his bare hands, but he didn't much like the contact part and claimed he was too old to fight with other people.

Ashley-- Ray and Ashley bought a new house on 15 acres and have big plans for their property. Charlie girl turned 2, yes 2, I mean 2--but we still love her cute little smile and all those curls! RayLee turned 5 and is learning her letters. She goes to Mamaw's house once a week to spend the night and do school. We are expecting grandbaby number 3 in January!

Daphne--Lives in Oklahoma City with her hubby Andrew. Daphne coaches gymnastics and says she has plenty of kids at the gym and doesn't need any of her own. She has something like 100 she told me one time! Andrew is finishing up an engineering degree at OU. I think we will all be glad when he is done!! Daphne still sings when she cans and is hoping to be on stage more in the near future. Andrew made his debut and sang a duet with Daphne and also played his guitar--they are amazing together!

Jessica--Is still competing in gymnastics and coaching and working as a personal assistant. She took a psychology class at the local college in the fall, made an A and seemed to really enjoy the class! It looks like she will be sending a missionary off in 2014 and trying to stay busy with school, gym and work while she waits for him to serve for 2 years.

Camilla- Got her first pair of point shoes this year. She is on the performance company at her dance studio and is student teaching 2 dance classes. She loves dance and looks for every opportunity to pick up another dance class or experience!

Nathaniel- He is 12! He is turning into quite the young man! We refer to him as our family techy. He loves his electronics, computers, robots, creating, making smoke bombs (yes making them in MY kitchen--but I let him because I love him and want to be present so that I can witness any major explosions!) Engineering is in his future, or maybe chemistry or electronics or computer programming--who knows!! He did mixed martial arts with his dad but they had the same complaint--neither one of them are fighters but they enjoyed the technicalities of it and both advanced fairly quickly.

Daniel--Mr. Heavenly Father made my body for gymnastics is competing gymnastics for his 2nd year and loving it! He only wishes there were a couple more boys on the team. (Right now there are only 2). I noticed the other day that he has developed quite the muscles in his arms. I think he might be growing up just a little.

Alyeen--Discontinued her midwifery apprenticeship earlier in the year thinking she needed to spend more time with the kids. Not long after the school year started a family contacted us about homeschooling their 12 and 14 year olds, not long after that she added a 15 year old and then another 14 year old. She has since lost one of those students at the moment she is homeschooling 6 kids and loving every minute of it! She is also going through hormone treatments about every 4 months that have made a huge difference in her health and though the treatments are somewhat invasive. She is coaching gymnastics to help pay for the kids' activities and loves it as well!

Next year will bring Brent and Alyeen's 25th anniversary and an adventure at sea for them. The rest of the family will be carrying on as usual except for the big party they are planning for their Mama and Daddy in May! (Hope you can come!)

We all wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Juicing

2013-09-10T13:17:00.001-05:00

I never thought I would be the person that would do a juice fast. A friend of mine introduced me to juicing about 15 years ago and I bought a juicer (a Champion) and tried a few things but never really got into it.

I kept the juicer and every so often I would juice up some produce but never made a commitment to juicing every day much less eating nothing else but juice. Then I came across a video called Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. I watched it on YouTube but the connection was wonky and I didn't get to see the last 30-45 minutes of it. I finally got back to the last part and thought that maybe juicing as a supplement to my efforts of eating a raw diet seemed like a pretty good idea. I juiced a little and enjoyed it. My husband thought it was kinda silly that I wouldn't eat the whole fruit or vegetable, but he drank the juice and was semi supportive of the idea. I sat him down and had him watch Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and now he is completely on board. He is now using juice as a supplement to his diet because he is afraid of losing anymore weight because he is already almost too thin. I am juicing for all of my meals right now and plan to do so for at least 30 days and maybe longer.

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

Sunday evening, after watching the video with my husband, we juiced everything we had in the refrigerator. I drank it all yesterday. I won't lie, I was miserable yesterday evening. I was so hungry I could have eaten anything and everything you put in front of me. I stopped by the grocery store after coaching gymnastics to get more produce and had to psych myself up just to walk in the store. I survived the first day, barely!!

Here is the run down so far

Sunday I drank juice for dinner that morning I weighed 230

Monday I juiced all day that morning I weighed 228.5 Monday evening I was 229 (that is huge because usually at night I have gained at least 5 lbs sometimes up to 10 during the day)

Tuesday I stepped on the scale in the morning and I was 226.5

I am amazed! I am in for the long haul! If you would like to join me let me know!

Check out www.rebootwithjoe.com and click on forums for support and encouragement from others juicing!

The second week of the school year

2013-08-28T10:35:00.003-05:00

I enjoy home schooling more and more each year! My youngest three are getting older and more fun, I am doing things with them that I only dreamed of doing with my older kids and I am having fun with them. (Sorry Ash, Daph, and Jess!) I have added 2 more kids to the mix that is just going to make it even more fun, a 12 year old and 14 year old. They are working together to learn and helping each other stay focused and motivated. It is a blessing to have them with us everyday.

I was lucky to get this picture, silly boy does not like his picture taken!

Today we will be playing a game called Rummy Roots. I have had this game since my oldest was about 13 (she is 23 now) and haven't played it much because the little kids were always needing something or in the middle of the game. Now we can play with no interruptions!

My 10 year old is learning Spanish this year and I can actually take the time to study with him and help him with his workbook pages!

I am anticipating a fantastic year ahead of us!

New things happening today

2013-08-27T13:41:00.002-05:00

My teenage daughter and her friend just started their first Etsy Shop. Take a minute and take a look. They will be adding more products this week so make sure you come back often to see what kind of new things they are coming up with.
Madkitty Designs

Eating Raw is easy, Changing isn't

2013-08-27T09:52:00.003-05:00

I fell off the band wagon but I have climbed back on! I am determined to go 100% raw for at least 30 days! So far it feels like it has been a long difficult process. I buy produce, run out of grocery money, run out of produce and have to wait until the next pay day. Then the cycle starts over--UGH! It seems that this is a new balancing act. Then there are the foods that are staring you in the face but the kids aren't willing to change as much as I am. They are eating more healthy foods and helping me juice so it has been good for the whole family, but they still love their mac and cheese and other stuff that I am swearing off completely!

My ultimate goal is to do a juice fast for a couple of weeks! Anybody want to join me?

I came across a website today Cleanse America . I am really wanting to do this, but with the way I have been going I will need that $25 it costs to register to buy produce! I am feeling very inspired by all those that are involved and committed to eating raw foods. It is amazing to me that so many people recognize that our food can either kill us or heal us.

Our Second week of school--Entrepreneurship for kids

2013-08-26T09:34:00.001-05:00

We are starting our second week of the school year with an addition to our adventures! We are adding two students to our day a girl age 14 and boy age 12. They are friends of the family and we are all excited about the addition and adventures that should ensue throughout this year.

With extra students my head is swimming with ideas. I want the kids to put together a business this year and give entrepreneurship a try. I have some ideas floating around in my head but I want them to be the brains (and brawn) behind the whole idea! I am thinking we will spend much of the week brainstorming and planning.

I keep thinking about a book I bought for my oldest daughter about 10 years ago called Better Than a Lemonade Stand.
When I looked on Amazon to get this picture I was surprised to see several other books dedicated to kids and entrepreneurship. There really isn't a reason that the kids won't be able to come up with something to build a little business around there is definitely no lack of education in the area of kids starting businesses. Check back often for updates on the what they are deciding to do!

Thoughts on Getting Healthy, Juicing and a Raw Food diet

2013-08-25T20:06:00.000-05:00

Next May is mine and my husband's 25th wedding anniversary and I want more than anything in the world to wear my wedding dress on the day of our party! I have been working out hard since November 1st of last year and lost very little weight. I have cut high fructose corn syrup, gluten, MSG and junk food. 3 weeks ago I started a raw diet that was going very well until I got a sinus infection and felt lousy so didn't put forth the effort I needed to do the preparations--my bad!

I just finished watching a documentary on Netflix that I started about 6 weeks ago on Youtube (our internet would not load the entire documentary). It is called Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead ! What an eye opener! I highly recommend that anyone with any kind of health issues watch this immediately.

Another documentary that I have watched recently is called Simply Raw, you can order the DVD at Raw For Thirty Days . This documentary is about six people who greatly increased their health and decreased their diabetes in 30 days just by eating a raw diet. It is also a must see.

I am now thinking about doing a juice fast for at least 10 days just to see if it will help with the weight loss then continuing with the raw diet. I have tried everything I know to try and I am thinking it is time to pull out the big guns. I am not a big fan of diet fads and trends or weight loss surgery, so this will be my last ditch effort to take the weight off once and for all and just plain get healthy! I have enjoyed the juicing I have been doing the last few weeks so I know that I can handle drinking the juice. The hard part will be the detoxing and trying to stay motivated with everyday life obstacles! If you would like to join me in this adventure I welcome the company.

Let's Get in Shape Together

2013-08-23T11:23:00.001-05:00

August Specials end in a week! I am ordering Focus T25. Join me as I get in shape and get healthy!

Our Fall Plans and School is back in Session

2013-08-23T11:20:00.001-05:00

We started school this week and have settled in nicely! Today is a field trip day for us so we will be leaving the house in a couple of hours to go to the County Fair! We didn't enter anything this year but I enjoy going and looking around. We always meet new people and see friends that we haven't talked to in a while. Hopefully tomorrow night we will get to go to the rodeo which is always a highlight of the county fair!

I am also working on my plans for my Fall workout this Summer was a little hit and miss. I made sure to stay active but formal workouts were not very consistent. I am thinking that I am going to order the Focus T25 and add it to my regular weightlifting and cardio that I do at the gym. I would love a workout buddy or two so checkout the specials for this month and get your own Focus T25 and follow along with me!

Beachbody August Specials

Journaling

2013-08-14T21:41:00.000-05:00

I love to journal. This year I have been creating an art journal that is a two page spread showing a calendar for the current month with a few pages following the calendar for me to write my thoughts and an overview of the activities of that month. I used a sketch book that I purchased at WalMart then decorated the cover. The sketch book provides heavy paper that holds up well to all the gluing and glittering I like to do and with a spiral binding it is somewhat expandable. I think I found the idea on Pinterest, but I am not sure. My kids like to tease me about it whenever I get it out, but then again they tease me about a lot of things.

One of my favorite resources for journaling ideas is Easy Journaling. They have ideas for many forms of journaling including and online journal that is fun and easy to use. Easy Journaling even hosted webinar on journaling that was fantastic and very informative as well as encouraging.

Some other journaling sites that I have enjoyed are

Writing Through Life
Some great articles on journaling here.
Create Write Now

How I treat my adrenals

2013-08-06T21:29:00.004-05:00

I had a friend ask me today how I was treating my adrenals. About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with 'adrenal demise' (I know sounds horrible). Basically my adrenals work backwards from what they should. I have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning but I can stay up all night. Here is what I have been doing for my adrenals

Nutmeg essential oil in the morning gets me going
Dr. Christopher's Adrenal Formula (I sometimes also use Enzymatic Therapy the two brands work equally well for me)
Seriphos is another product I have used with some success though it is kinda slow acting
I also use a natural cortisol product that works pretty well
Revitalizing Sleep Formula by Enzymatic Therapies this helps me sleep when I am supposed to sleep without the hangover feeling the next day.

Recently I discovered a juice blend that is supposed to nourish the adrenals.

juice the following
beets
apple
carrot
and ginger root

I don't think there is a magic formula here just juice and enjoy. I would keep the ginger to small amounts until you get used to the flavor it is potent!

Let me know if you would like to try any of these and I can order most of these supplements from sources that I have set up.

Raw Food Cleanse

2013-07-25T00:26:00.000-05:00

I have been research raw diets and have more than plenty of information on raw food diets. I am excited to try some of the recipes I have found. I thought I would list some websites that I have found in my search for raw food ideas.

www.rawfor10.com
www.rawforbeauty.com
www.rawmazing.com
www.rawfoodrehab.com
www.choosingraw.com
www.sweetlyraw.com
www.thefitchen.com
www.radiantlyrawlifestyles.com
www.withrawintentions.com
www.thisrawsomeveganlife.com
www.thecleandish.com
www.theglobalgirl.com
www.kristensraw.com

Have fun with that list, it is a big one for sure!

Hormones are interesting things

2013-07-08T21:51:00.001-05:00

I am intrigued by our hormones and how important they are to our overall wellbeing. I came across this article that I found very interesting and thought I would share it here. I think I fit a couple different body types but then again I am completely messed up right now so I am not surprised.

Enjoy!

How hormones affect your body shape

Here is some really good information on the endocrine system of the body! I think it is very fascinating how the glands are all interwoven. If one isn't working it is like a domino effect and other glands will also not work efficiently. This explains why it is so difficult to diagnose people with strange symptoms it just turns into a guessing game.

The thyroid and other glands

It has been a while

2013-07-08T11:14:00.001-05:00

I have been plugging away! I am anxiously awaiting lab results from my doctor to tell me how my hormones are doing. I sure hope they come in soon!!

I am staying stable with the weightloss. With no energy my workouts have been sparse and very low intensity. Kind of frustrating! I have been staying with my Shakeology which I think is my saving grace at the moment! I LOVE the stuff! Seriously you check it out www.myshakeology.com/pandamom8 !

We are working hard preparing for our trip to Oregon. The whole family went shopping on Saturday to fill in the gaps in wardrobes for the trip. The fights were few! Have you ever taken two preteen boys and two teenage girls shopping? Yeah not a good idea! Next time I will take the boys one day and the girls another. The only thing that saved our sanity was my husband was with us, so we were able to divide and conquer. We were victorious on everything except the camera--we really need a camera for the trip!!

Our spa night!

2013-06-07T10:56:00.002-05:00

We had fun trying out a homemade mask! Nothing like avacado and chocolate all over your face!
I am the only one that did the wrap and I forgot to measure before I did it! The lotion I made was amazing. I am lying down because I couldn't sit and I have a heating pad on my stomach that switched from my stomach to my legs.
My sister-in-law in her chocolate and avocado mask. Yum!!

Quick post today

2013-06-05T14:53:00.000-05:00

I love this blog www.cheeseslave.com. She has wonderful ideas and recipes that are about REAL food, (no processed stuff here!)

This month she is giving away a kitchenaid mixer. How cool is that? Run on over there and enter!

Give away and Detox Wraps

2013-05-30T19:01:00.001-05:00

Have you heard about the detox wraps? They are expensive!!! My girls and I are playing with some homemade ideas tonight. I will keep you posted maybe even take some pictures. I made some lotion to use with the wraps. Here is what I did. (Sorry I don't measure anything so I know it will be difficult for some of you to duplicate).

I melted together

a little beeswax
coconut oil
some honey

When that was melted I added
vitamin E oil (about half a bottle)
lavender oil
lemon oil
peppermont oil

I poured this mixture into my blender and then slowly added
about 1 cup of detox tea
about 1 cup of green tea (both were previously brewed)

I am thinking that we can use this as a lotion and/or add a little epsom salt to some for a scrub.

We have some great ideas for the wraps but I will save that for a later post (just to keep you in suspense)!

While you are anxiously waiting for more go check out this give away for a blendtec blender

http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2013/05/blender-giveaway-for-oklahoma/comment-page-373/#comments

I love my smoothies

2013-05-28T19:50:00.000-05:00

I came up with a wonderful smoothie combination yesterday. Here it is (sorry there are no measurements)

8 oz water
1 scoop Tropical Strawberry Shakeology
frozen strawberries
frozen bannana
half an avocado
mango
spoonful of coconut oil

This was delicious

After the smoothie cam an hour of Yoga Booty Ballet.

A great start to the day!!

Let's get healthy

2013-05-26T19:31:00.000-05:00

I was approached by a friend who asked if I wanted to get involved with Beachbody with her. I thought why not and holy cow now I am hooked on Shakeology! I mean I LOVE this stuff! It is an amazing nutrition shake that I drink at least once a day. I have squelched my sugar cravings with it, and lost about 6 pounds in less than a week. My workouts have been more productive because I have more energy and stamina. I am telling you this is the greatest nutritional shake I have found. I thought I would share some of the nutritional info with you.

Nutritional Information on Shakeology
What is Shakeology

If you need a great reason to workout and get fit then you should get in on this fitness challenge on Facebook. It starts on Monday and there are prizes. Check it out Fitness Challenge.

I am so looking forward to getting in on this fitness challenge and having some motivation but one thing is for sure I do NOT need motivation to drink my shakeology!