Heartfelt Balance | Handmade Life

Random Thoughts from the Week | Dinner time, recipes, coffee, swimming.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Wed, 30 May 2012 05:51:07 PDT

I've had a lot of random thoughts this week. I have a lot of random thoughts every week, but I'm going to take the time to write them down now. Here are some of those thoughts from this week!

I have forgotten how to "do" family dinners. Family dinner time is one of the most important things to me. I really do believe all of the studies and everything else that say family dinner time leads to better, well-adjusted kids who get better grades, get into less trouble, etc. But, with my hubby working nights, it hasn't happened. More likely than not, the kids and I eat something kid-friendly on the floor of the living room. Bad mommy! But, I'm sure they'll remember our floor picnics, too. My hubby keeps asking me, "Didn't you make anything for dinner?" I respond, "Who am I supposed to be cooking for?" The kids don't usually eat anything that I would make for the two of us.
Pretty soon it's going to be too hot to cook anything anyway! When it starts to get warm, we can't turn the oven on. The oven has to be from the '60s since it's a lovely shade of dark brown. It has no insulation and a great big hole at top for (venting?) And we have no air conditioner in the house. So, turning the oven on is not an option. That is also why I did that week of crock-pot cooking last summer.
I'm going to have "real" coffee for the first time this morning. I quit drinking coffee over a month ago. I've had a random coffee here and there. And, truthfully, I didn't feel very well when I drank it again. I felt all jittery and crazy. But, I made a half pot this morning. And I'm about to go get my first cup.
I'm ridiculously excited to be trying out some new healthier options for myself and the blog soon! Look for my reviews of Sunsational Sunflower Milk soon and for my review/Giveaway of Nature's Hand Granola. Woo Hoo!
Speaking of healthier options: I'm still trying out recipes with my rice and/or coconut flours. It's very hard to bake with them, because they are gluten-free. So, you have to use a lot of eggs. . . which I'm okay with. But, you still have to get the consistency right. I think my problem last time is that I was trying to make an "almond joy" type of cookie. I used dried coconut, almonds and chocolate chips. I think the coconut and almonds put Logan and daddy off. But, Jaycee and I ate them. . . . . typical!
Logan only has 7 days of school left! Then, we'll begin "The Best Summer Ever!" We'll have 75 days of great fun! I need to get my *stuff* together and create a playground passport. I saw that idea somewhere and can't remember where. So, if you were responsible for the idea, kudos to you! But, I have no idea who to credit right now. There are oodles and oodles of parks and playgrounds in Northeast Ohio. Might add separate sections for beaches and nature centers, too. That could probably keep us busy for all 75 days of summer break!
The kids have been taking swimming lessons. It is outrageously expensive, but very worth it. I can have a teeny, little bit more peace of mind this year knowing that they are a little stronger in the water. Jaycee has almost drowned at least three times in her life before! Luckily, we were always right there. And we still will always be right there. Don't think that swimming lessons will make me complacent. But, at least this year, they'll hopefully be able to have a little more fun in the pool.
I still have plans on working out throughout the summer. My friend and I signed up for the month of June. So, we'll still be getting back into the gym at least twice a week. Yay!
I'm drinking that first cup of coffee, now.
As for the rest of the crazy diet? phhhhtt! Um, yeah. . . . . it's just too hard not having a beer or wine on a holiday weekend. Or a hotdog with a bun. And all of those trips to McDonald's? I'm not in love with their salads. So. . . . I have definitely fallen off that bandwagon. But, I'm usually making better choices. For the most part. I still haven't had any Coke. So, that's good. It's all about the small victories, people!
I have to go pick out tile for the bathroom part of the addition today--for the shower. Mike is chomping at the bit to get this addition done. I don't know what he's doing for tile on the floor. He found two vanities for the bathroom on Craig's List. But, they're maple. I guess that's okay. But, I told him, the natural maple is starting to feel "generic" to me now. Oh well! Some day, when he goes away on one of his long jumping trips, I'll paint them! Heehee. (Just kidding, honey!)
We still can't find the *perfect* kitchen tile. I guess I'm going to have to give up and just pick one. My last tile had me spoiled. Oh well!
I wish Logan would eat bananas or raisins. It would make packing his lunch so much easier!
The birds are noisy in the morning! (starting at 5:00) But, it's nice. : )
We have been blessed with gorgeous weather this entire year.
My eyebrows are crazy-looking! They really need to have a little love!
We're probably going to go Strawberry picking next Friday! Hopefully we won't get rained out again this year.
I'm glad that yogurt didn't make me sick last night.
Man! My refrigerator needs to be cleaned out!
There were some other things I was thinking about, but I just can't remember them right now!!!!

What random things are you thinking about today?

Uncommon Goods $50 Gift Certificate Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Wed, 30 May 2012 04:34:00 PDT

Out of the 247 valid entries, Random.org chose #86

Congrats, Rita S! You won the Gift Certificate by saying,

"email subscriber"

Woo Hoo!!! Congratulations!

And thank you to everyone who entered!

More Summer Stripes | Daily Fashion Post

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:35:59 PDT

I, once again, had no clue how I was going to start this one. I decided to start with shorts and found these striped shorts. I love stripes, especially in the summer time. I had the shorts with a plain white tee, but it was so boring. So, I decided to add my "signature" ruffles! The sandals even have ruffles on them! I personally love these kind of tops because they help make small shoulders look wider. And I could use all of the help I can get when it comes to that. That darn Overhead Press is not working to give me big, beautiful, strong-looking shoulders. I am not built like my husband, daughter or son. . . who all have perfect shoulders. I'll keep working at it in the gym!! But, for now. . . . I can wear tops like these and they will perform their optical illusions.

More Summer Stripes by hbhl featuring ruched tops

Sass! Yourself Slim Book Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 29 May 2012 05:57:41 PDT

We have a winner for the Sass! Yourself Slim Book!

Congrats to Linda T. who said,

"I like on facebook"

Thank you to everyone who entered.

Linda will have 48 hours to respond to the emails.

I LOVE #EclosBeauty! | Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Sun, 27 May 2012 09:10:06 PDT

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of éclos Skin Care for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was recently given the opportunity to try out a new antiaging skincare line. You know I'm in my forties!! And once my hair is completely gray, I will definitely want to make sure that my skin looks the best it can. There are not enough positive words in the English language to explain to you how much I loved the éclos Skin Care line.

éclos Skin Care is made with the stem cells from a rare Swiss Apple. The ingredients used in this product used to only be available in high end department store brands. What can the special apple stem cells do? The Apple Stem Cells have shown the ability to stimulate skin stem cells. That encourages aging skin to behave like younger skin.

Memorial Day Red and White | Daily Fashion Post

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:52:35 PDT

Memorial Day Red and White by hbhl featuring red jewelry

Sit and Relax Weekend Hop #58

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:01 PDT

Hi everyone! Welcome to the 58th edition of the Sit and Relax weekend hop!

There are NO RULES!

Just link your blog up below and start visiting friends.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Also, while you're here, take a minute to go check out my feature at Baxtron Life! I'm sponsoring a Giveaway over there for a
mark. makeup bag and a
Super Flip Color Kit which has 9 eyeshadow shades and cheek color. Go enter to Win!

Turkey, Bacon and Avocado Sandwich with Spicy Garlic Mayo

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 29 May 2012 05:57:51 PDT

I was thinking about the ingredients for this all the way home today! As soon as I walked in the door, I began getting stuff ready for my sandwich.

It is so yummy! My hubby said that I could "make this for the rest of the year".

With it's warm, crunchy toasted bread, the saltiness from the bacon, the zing from the mayo and the cool creaminess of the avocado, it is an explosion of tastes in your mouth. Jaycee even said, "You're right, it's darn good."

Ingredients

6 Slices of Bread-- We actually used Old World Round, which gives long slices. So we used 3 slices of bread. You can use any type of bread that you like!

9 slices of shaved turkey

3 - 6 thin slices of cheddar jack cheese

1 plum tomato, sliced thin

3 strips of crunchy bacon

1/4 avocado thinly sliced into about 6 slices

Spicy Mayonnaise

3 Tbsp. Mayonnaise

1/8 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1/8 tsp. Black Pepper

1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp. Dried Parsley

Directions

Mix everything together for the Spicy Mayonnaise

Spread the mayonnaise on one slice of bread for each sandwich (this recipe makes 3 sandwiches)

Then layer on the cheese, tomato, avocado, bacon and turkey. Cover with the other slice of bread and grill. We used a George Forman grill. If you are using a George Forman grill, put the sandwich with the cheese side up so that when the cheese starts to melt, it will melt down over everything. Yummm! Also, if you want your bacon to stay crisp, you might want to wait until after you've grilled the sandwich to sneak it in.

Enjoy!

Orange, Cream and Taupe with Gold | Daily Fashion Post

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:08 PDT

I wanted to start with a flirty skirt for this collection. I fell in love with this skirt with the orange squares. You would of course tuck the shirt in so that you can see the detailing at the waist. And I love mirroring the squares with the jewelry. But, I also fell in love with the acrylic color-block bangles. For the shoes and purse, I pulled the taupe out of the skirt.

Orange, Cream and Taupe with Gold by hbhl featuring metal jewelry

I'm being Featured at Baxtron Life today!!! (With a Giveaway!)

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:29:01 PDT

Hey you guys! I'm being featured at Baxtron Life today!

Go check out Courtney's blog and check out the mark. Giveaway I'm doing over there!
You can find my feature
HERE!!

Thanks, Courtney!!

This is what Courtney has to say about herself:

Storyland Yoga Kid's Yoga DVD Review and Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:35:16 PDT

This Review and Giveaway is done by SaraLee's Deals Steals and Giveaways

Product Description

Winner of Parent’s
Choice Approved, Mom’s Choice Gold,
Dr. Toy’s Best Green Product and
Creative Child Magazine “Preferred Choice”
in the Environmentally Friendly Category.

Storyland Yoga is a fun-filled adventure that infuses children
with an eco-conscious message. Two
unique stories, “Save the Whale” and “Condor Trek” engage a child’s
imagination through storytelling.
Kid’s learn yoga postures by becoming part of the story and imitating
animals. Yoga is great exercise and helps to calm children giving them greater
focus and increased clarity. StorylandYoga is equally fun for parents and family members who can benefit from
yoga, while enjoying ‘organic time’ with their children.

Ages 3 – 8

Condor Trek Run Time: 23:18

Save the Whale Run Time: 18:30

Produced by Playful Planet:

‘Empowering Kids and Their Families to Be Healthy and Live
Sustainably.’

100% Recycled Packaging

My niece and her friends loved doing this DVD and I was happy I could share this with them. Now she can be just like her mom and have her own Yoga time. I like that its 100% Recycled Packaging. My niece said she likes the Storyland Yoga DVD.

Now for the Giveaway: One
lucky person will be able to win a Storyland Yoga DVD. The winner will have a choice between the DVD or the downloadable format ( This helps the environment even more with providing a zero footprint in processing). The giveaway is open to US and Canada for the DVD and International for the downloadable format only. To enter, simply do
the tasks on
the Rafflecopter widget below and you're set to have a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Favorite Pinterest Finds of the Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 29 May 2012 05:58:32 PDT

There were sooooo many cute things on Pinterest today! There were quite a few cute sewing tutorials, some yummy, yummy food ideas (one looks really worth cheating for!), and some great quotes. Have fun! Which is your favorite?

Source: greenlitebites.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: lindawagner.net via Michelle on Pinterest

Winner of the New Chapter Holy Basil Supplement!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 29 May 2012 05:58:42 PDT

We have chosen a winner for the New Chapter Holy Basil Stress Supplement!

Congrats to Anne who said,

"I like Best Price Nutrition on fb"

You have 48 hours to reply to the email.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Wordless Wednesday | Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 29 May 2012 05:58:52 PDT

I love my new eco-friendly travel mug!

I'm afraid it might be hot to grab. But, at least it doesn't have any plastic or BPA or aluminum!

Good Luck making your dreams come true today!

Lady in Red | Daily Fashion Post

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:28:05 PDT

I've missed a couple days of my Daily Fashion Posts! Between our busy weekend and our computer service being intermittent since Friday, I just haven't been able to do it! I love red. I know some people say that they "could never wear red". Just remember that reds come in all different variations. Some reds are on the cool end with blue undertones and some are on the warm end with orange undertones. That means that there is a red for everyone! You just have to find your right tone.

Lady in Red | Daily Fashion Post by hbhl featuring long necklaces

Hiking at Whipp's Ledges, Hinckley OH

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 29 May 2012 05:59:22 PDT

There are a lot of great places to hike around NE Ohio. One of the best places is Whipp's Ledges in Hinckley. It has lots of rocks to climb, caves to go into and little teeny, tiny places to squeak through. We decided to go hiking on Sunday. Here are some of the pictures we got.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:35:34 PDT

I was recently given the opportunity to review Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil.

I was very impressed with how the oil was shipped. It was shipped in a box with cardboard dividers as a "cushion" so that it didn't get broken. I love that the quart size Coconut Oil comes in a glass jar. I'm trying to stay away from plastics as much as possible. All other Coconut Oil I've ever ordered before has come in plastic containers. So, the glass jar was definitely a plus for me!

Since I've received the Coconut Oil, I've used it for everything from scrambled eggs to baking cookies. I love the light coconut flavor and the richness that the coconut oil adds. I've heard people say they use coconut oil to pop their popcorn, so I'll be trying that next! I also look forward to trying it as a foot moisturizer as well. I'll let you guys know how that goes!

Over the summer, I plan on making major changes to our diet and Tropical Traditions coconut oil will be a great addition. I can't wait to browse their website a little more to find cool new ways to use the coconut oil and to find other organic products.

To see all of their products (including organic cleaners, organic popcorn, grass-fed bison products, a video on how to make fudge with coconut oil and so much more) visit the Tropical Traditions website.

Read more about Tropical Traditions and how they discovered their unique organic coconut oil.

Or, watch the video to learn about the company!

GIVEAWAY

Win 1 quart of Gold Label

Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America's source for coconut oil.
Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their
website:

What is Virgin Coconut Oil? You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries
other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online.
Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

Giveaway will be open 5/22/12 until 6/5/12 at 11:59 PM EST

US Residents Only

HOW TO ENTER GIVEAWAY

MANDATORY ENTRY

(1) Subscribe to receive Coconut Oil Special Sales Newsletter

Additional Entries (Please leave separate comment for each and include your email address)

(1) Subscribe to Heartfelt Balance Handmade Life by Email

Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter @troptraditions

Follow Tropical Traditions deals on Twitter @ttspecialdeals

Follow @HBHandmadeLife on Twitter

Follow Tropical Traditions on Pinterest

Follow Michelle G. on Pinterest

Follow Tropical Traditions on Google +

Follow Heartfelt Balance Handmade Life on Google +

GOOD LUCK!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Winner of the Let's Doodle Art Supplies Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:20:41 PDT

We have a winner!

Congratulations to:

"Shooting Stars Mag"

Random.org chose comment #5

May 7, 2012 2:49 PM "the Potato Slider Rolls"

You have 48 hours to respond to the emails.

It's Me! Peter Pan $200 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:01:01 PDT

Relive a classic fairy tale starring your child! Use your child’s face as Peter Pan and embark on an adventure with the lovable Tinker Bell, Wendy, John and Michael where they meet Peter Pan’s arch nemesis, Captain Hook. Can your child become the Hero of Neverland?

Download It’s Me! Peter Pan for FREE from the iTunes store here:

It's Me! Peter Pan

To celebrate, It’s Me! Peter Pan will be giving away a $200 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky reader! Giveaway is open worldwide and ends May 31st at 11:59 PM EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vlog! Our most recent Garage Sale and Thrift Store finds

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Tue, 29 May 2012 06:00:01 PDT

Hey you guys! I told you I'd be back with another Vlog this week. Here are some of the things we've found while garage saling and thrift store shopping in the last two weeks. I forgot to tell you guys that I found a whole garbage bag full of water pitcher filters--23 filters to be exact. I found those on the day that my friend and I skipped the gym to go garage sale shopping. I still got my workout lugging those things around! I also forgot to tell you that the picture in the video was $7.99 and the wooden bowl set was $7.99. I think I told you the prices for everything else.

What have you found lately?

Sit and Relax Weekend Hop #57

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:37:30 PDT

Hi everyone! Welcome to the 57th edition of the Sit and Relax weekend hop!

There are NO RULES!

Just link your blog up below and start visiting friends.

Have a wonderful weekend!

And if you haven't seen my Vlog yet, check it out!! You can see and hear what I look like in "real" life!

Recycled Toilet Paper Tube Decorative Art from Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:38:09 PDT

There were so many creative, crafty ideas on Pinterest for toilet paper tubes that I had to break it down into two separate posts. Here are the recycling projects that actually look like nice art! I just thought the owls were cute and whimsical.

Recycled Toilet Paper Tube Kid Crafts from Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:38:09 PDT

As I had to go get another roll of toilet paper for Jaycee, I decided to Pin all of the toilet paper tube crafts that I could find! There are so many cute things that people are doing with those little cardboard rolls! I had to break this post up into two posts because there are so many. I'm doing the kid crafts in this post and the adult toilet paper tube art in a separate post.

SEE MORE!!

Tonal Brown and Gray Strapless Maxi with Copper/Bronze/Turquoise

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:55:55 PDT

I saw this dress and thought it was gorgeous! This is another one that is completely out of my price range, but I'm sure you could find something similar that would be less expensive. I love it with copper or bronze accessories. You could go all brown/copper/bronze or you could add a little color with turquoise or a dark green if you could find it.

Tonal Brown and Gray Strapless Maxi with Copper/Bronze/Turquoise by hbhl featuring dangle earrings

Three weeks until Summer Fun begins!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle G) — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:08:28 PDT

Well, it is approximately three weeks until our summer fun begins! Yay! I'm so excited. I hope to make this the best summer yet.

My kids are getting bigger and bigger every day. I can not even tell you how quickly this year flew by. And the more the years go by, the quicker they fly. Pretty soon my kids will be flying the coop and leaving me with an empty nest!

So, I intend to make this summer great! We'll go to the beach. We'll go to the zoo. We'll eat lots and lots of ice cream. We'll buy another slip 'n slide.