Do you use 4-digit passcodes on your iPhone or iPad?

If your iPhone or iPad is stolen an attacker can guess the four-digit passcode, which allows for only 10,000 possible PIN combinations,  as quickly as 13 minutes or within 14-hours.  Once the thief has access to your phone they have access to all of the data and pictures stored on the phone.  They can also reset your online passcodes using the email accounts set up on your phone, even if you have two-step notification set up on your phone, because they now have control of your phone.

According to Computer World, Four-Digit Passcodes are a weak point in ios 8 data encryption so if you are currently using them on your devices you should seriously consider changing that, today.

This month we discovered some serious security breaches in our online life that has made me more aware of how our family uses technology and devices.  I wanted to share the information I’m learning with you so that you could begin to better protect your family and don’t have to go through some of the things our family has recently.

How to strengthen your iPhone or iPad’s Passcode and security features today

Go to SETTINGS

Select TOUCH ID & PASSCODES

Decide what features you want to use Touch ID for and add 2 of your fingerprints in.

Make sure Passcode is turned on for your phone.

Make sure require Passcode immediately is selected.

Turn OFF simple Passcode (which only requires 4 digit number and can be hacked in a few hours as there are only 10,000 possible combinations).

Enter a new complex passcode. (8-12 digits).

Also read:

Top 10 Passcodes you should never use on your iPhone

14 ios Privacy Settings everyone needs to understand (and probably change right now)

How are you currently protecting the data on and access to your iPhone and/or iPad?  Were you using  the simple 4-digit passcode?  Have you changed your settings after reading this post?

The post How to strengthen your iPhone or iPad’s Passcode and security appeared first on A Grateful Life.

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Are you over it?

Do you over romanticize it, building it up to this near impossible thing that it could never really live up to, only to find yourself let down?

Or is it all about the kids? 

I have done everything above at various times in my life.  This year I’m concentrating on simple ways that I can show MY love and appreciation to my husband, children and friends without any grand expectations on the day or from the people I love. 

Give the gift of grace to yourself and others this Valentine’s Day.

Love, Romance & Valentine’s Day

[Love looks like} 2:07am

Why you shouldn’t dine out on Valentine’s Day

There is a movement to boycott the 50 Shades of Grey film because of its potential impact on contributing to violence against women.  There is nothing romantic about abuse, no matter how good looking the abuser is on the surface.  The reality of a 50-shades relationship isn’t pretty or romantic.

Weekend Links & Things

Dear Mom who refuses to rest {Grace Laced} Is that you?

If you like the This American Life podcast you will really enjoy the invisibilia podcast.  It is so interesting, especially if you spend most of your day with little ones.  It is really thought provoking and will give you something to talk about, besides the kids.

This one little thing has made meal planning so much easier. You can try it FREE for 30-days. I’m obsessed.

Chatbooks might very well be my new favorite thing from my Instagram Feed. Use my code:74N996HV and get a FREE 60-page Chatbook so you can see the quality for yourself.

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I am most definitely in a transition season of my life and these four books really speak to where I am right now and what I’m trying to figure out.  Because they have impacted me so much I would like to offer the opportunity for TWO readers (United States Only) to each choose TWO books from this review that I will send to them as a personal gift from me.

Continue reading: Encouraging Reads

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Jumby Bay (named after the Antiguan word jumbee, meaning playful spirit) is a private 300-acre Caribbean island reachable only by boat, with no cars in sight.

This all inclusive resort offers a variety of activities that are perfect for the entire family.

Upon your arrival in Antigua your private escort will guide you through customs and take you to the private  dock where you will transfer for a  7-minute cruise to the island.

Around the island

Four and a half miles of pristine private shorelines give beach lovers something to appreciate. Jumby Bay Beach is the main resort beach and where you will find cocktails, cold water, snacks and beach attendants.   Although this is the ‘public beach’ for the resort, we never felt crowded during our stay.  The beach attendants come through several times offering cold drinks and snacks from trays in addition to taking your order for specific snacks and drinks.

For those wanting something a little more private and secluded Pasture Bay Beach offers the ultimate in privacy and the hotel concierge can even make arrangements for a private set up or picnic.

Persian Black-headed sheep were the first residents of Jumby Bay Island and are still there today.  They move throughout the island freely and we enjoyed seeing them with their young each day.

Built in 1674 by Sir Christopher Codrington and named after his daughter Betty, Betty’s Hope is a picturesque Sugar Mill ruin that offers spectacular views of the entire island from the top.

Golf carts and bicycles are the only mode of transportation on the island and it’s fun to explore the island on either.  The resort provides a bicycle for each member of the family, due to the salt air some are in better condition than others.  We found the golf cart to be our favorite mode of transportation.

Memorable Moments & Special Events

The Resort Staff is very accommodating and their goal is to help make your stay not only enjoyable but memorable.  Before our arrival (booked just one week in advance) we received several emails offering assistance with reservations and planning excursions.  I knew I wanted to have a special dinner on the beach one night and the results were absolutely breathtaking!  By far, our dinner on the beach was one of our favorite memories from the trip.

To make our dinner even more special, the resort helped secure a fire performer and small band for our entertainment.   This would be a spectacular way to either kick off or end your vacation at Jumby Bay.

Continue reading: Vacation with Kids: Jumby Bay Antigua

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The week after my D&C we went to the Caribbean.  It was a trip booked out of grief and American Express  Reward Points.  It was good to get away. To be in a different and admittedly exotic tropical location.  Isolated beach locations have always been very healing to me and I was grateful that my husband indulged me.  The kids were filled with joy and they loved playing on the beach, searching for Starfish and enjoyed all the water sports and undivided attention of their parents that they could soak up.

It was good for their souls as well as ours.

When we returned I went to my follow up consultation with my OBGYN.  It was hard to sit in the waiting room with so many pregnant women.  Not that I wished that they weren’t pregnant.  I would never wish that.  Seeing them was just a reminder that I once was but was no more.

I don’t have these same feelings with friends who are pregnant.  I feel great compassion for how they must feel walking through my grief as they carry their blessing. I do sincerely mean every inquiry I make as to how they are feeling. I pray they know that.

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.
 Psalm 40:5

My focus for this appointment was to make sure that I had healed well without any scar tissue and to thank everyone who had so gently ministered to me during my last visit (confirming the death of our child before my D&C).   I had read that some women develop scar tissue after a D&C and I was focused on finding out if I would fall into that category and what that might mean for me if we wanted to try to conceive again.  So, imagine my shock when my Doctor sat down and asked, “Has anyone called you with the pathology report yet?”

The pathology report was something we were told would take a month to get back and repeatedly we were warned that we must not get our hopes up because it could come back ‘inconclusive’ due to the fact that our baby had passed away approximately 9 days before my D&C procedure.

“No.  I thought it was going to take a month to get it.  You have the report?  Did it come back inconclusive?” I asked him.

Continue reading: Perfectly and Wonderfully Made

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This week I shared that I don’t have a plan.  While I still don’t have a plan I have found that I need to do something each day or else the grief overtakes me and I don’t think that is healthy for me or my kids.

So, I signed up for an online calligraphy course.  I have no immediate goals for how I will use my calligraphy skills (if I am successful learning via this online course) but I signed up.  It’s a distraction. Have any of you taken this course or a similar one?

Links & Things

I’ve been frustrated with my Amazon Prime account lately because a lot of my Prime orders are taking 7 days to over 30 days to arrive instead of two. I realize that’s very #firstworldproblems. However,  Marc Lore thinks he can do better than Amazon.com with the launch of Jet.com which promises the lowest prices and even lower prices if you can be flexible on shipping items in one box or waiting a few extra days for delivery.  I’m curious to see how this pans out. You can sign up for a free 6-month membership.

I really enjoyed this recap of the monthly discipline challenges from Laura {Hollywood Housewife}.  I really admire the discipline it took to complete a year’s worth of challenges. As tempted as I am to jump on the bandwagon I still am sticking to not having a plan this year.

In the last 9-months I’ve taken two personality tests and I’m starting to become obsessed with them and their results.  The first was Strengths Finder and the other was Color Code.  Amazingly I thought they were both pretty accurate. Which is surprising since the test for Color Code is considerably shorter. I plan on writing more in depth about this next month. Have you taken personality tests before? What do you think?

When we adopted our daughter we received very little information on her heritage or her medical records, even though it was a semi-open adoption.   After much thought I decided to do something about that and purchase a DNA kit from 23 and Me to help acquire some records on her ancestry.  We are also going through a doctor to have a complete DNA work-up done that will provide some missing information on her medical history that might be useful to her in the future.  If you’ve ever wondered about your heritage or your child’s ancestry  order a DNA Heritage Kit and find out.

Life via Instagram

It’s my favorite time of year: SAG Movie Awards.  Which means that movies are showing up in my mailbox almost daily. I’m really looking forward to seeing: The Theory of Everything, Cake and Boyhood.  Have you seen any of these movies?

We’re off to the Caribbean for an impromptu trip with the kids.   I plan on posting a few pictures on my Instagram account  and the  A Grateful Life Facebook page if you would like to follow along.

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Why jars are your laundry room’s best friend

Putting your washing soap or laundry booster in a pretty jar doesn’t just make your laundry room more attractive, it helps keep your detergent fresher and easier to access.  Especially if you live in humid climates, like Florida where your brand new box of Borax can easily be reduced to rocky clumps in 24 hours.  I skip the fancy tags in favor of  a  label maker.  However you can buy chalkboard labels for a more Pinterest-y look.

Must have Laundry Soap, Stain Removers & Cleaning Aids

I cannot live without: Borax, Washing Soda, Whitening powder,  Oxy clean, Totally Toddler , Woolite and Fels Naptha Soap.

Borax is my laundry booster of choice for bedding and towels.

Washing Soda is especially great on grease.  We use also use it on cleaning cloths/rags and mop pads.

Oxy Clean is my favorite stain soaker. You can add it to your washing machine but if you have a front load washer make sure you put it inside the machine (with your washables) and not in the detergent tray. It says this on the directions, but most people don’t read directions.  You’re welcome.

Whitening powder does just what it says. I throw it in with the whites and for exceptionally grungy, formerly white socks, I like to soak it before washing.

Our regular washing detergent is Ecos, available at Costco.  It’s a green detergent and works well with our front load washers.

The three best stain removers in my opinion are Totally Toddler , Clean Team’s Red Juice and Fels Naptha soap.  Fels Naptha soap even got ballpoint pen out of a dress! It’s ‘old school’ and terrific.

Know your Laundry Symbols

Care instructions on clothing often include just the Fabric Care Symbols, so it’s important to know what they mean so that you can properly care for your clothing and linens.  I handle this by simply printing out a couple care instruction sheets, laminating them and posting them in the laundry room. No need to try to memorize them, just print it and post it by your washing machine.

Sprinkling Laundry

I have to admit that I’ve never heard of sprinkling laundry until I started researching laundry care and ironing tips.  The sprinkle bottle is used to dampen fabrics before you roll them up in a tight ball and place in a plastic bag or pillow case (15 minutes to a few hours) before ironing.  This technique is especially useful when ironing cottons and linens.  Many dryers (including mine) have a settings to leave clothing or sheets “slightly damp”  but let’s face it. The dryer and I rarely are on the same schedule. I love the idea of using a laundry sprinkle bottle and it’s gorgeous so it almost makes ironing seem fun!

Pressing Cloths

Pressing cloths are another thing I never knew existed but I’ve fully embraced their usefulness.  Pressing cloths protect your clothing while ironing from scorch and water marks, shine, and pressing marks.  It also enhances your pressing techniques.  You can learn more about the various types of pressing cloths here.  Who knew there were so many options?

Laundry Room Equipment:

Although it’s a luxury, if you can fit the Miele Rotary Iron  and appreciate ironed sheets (a true luxury) or cloth napkins, then I have to tell you this iron is the greatest thing since sliced bread.  No one I know has been able to master ironing clothing on it, however it is made for ironing clothing as well.

My favorite irons are the Rowenta Promaster Iron, which is an excellent basic iron and the Rowenta Pro Steam Station which is definitely an investment but worth every dollar.  It must be stated that ironing is not my favorite domestic chore and let’s just say I won’t personally be teaching a Home Economics class on ironing anytime soon.  That said, every Laundress we’ve ever used prefers the Rowenta irons as well and when I use the Rowenta Pro Steam Station I’m always impressed with the results, even with me doing the ironing.

While my ironing skills may be questionable, my steaming skills are on par with most Professional Wardrobe Stylists. It was actually a Wardrobe Stylist (and friend) who first told me at the Jiffy Steamer.  Ours is 14 years old and going strong.  We have the Jiffy Personal J-2 Series and have been quite happy with it.

Don’t forget to clean your iron! Martha Stewart has a great video on how to clean an iron.  It’s really easy and makes a huge difference.

Resources:

Brabantia Deluxe Wide Top Ironing Board

 Folding Drying Rack

Laundry Wash Bags

Stackable sweater dryer

Rolling sectioned laundry cart

Sprinkle Bottle Tops

Pressing Cloth

Italian Glass Swing Top Bottle

1 Gallon Glass Penny Candy Jar

1/2 Gallon Penny Candy Jar

60 Ounce acrylic large jar

30 ounce acrylic medium jar

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In the last six months I’ve become an avid listener of podcasts.  It has integrated so easily into my already busy schedule because you can easily listen to a podcast while: driving, waiting for children at activities, cleaning, cooking etc.  I even listen to some episodes in bed with headphones when my insomnia rears its ugly head.

14 Favorite Podcasts for Moms (and their Kids)

Encouraging Podcasts for Moms and Homemakers

Inspired to Action- Inspiration for Motherhood with Kat Lee.  Kat is a mother of 2 and an amazing source of encouragement for Moms.  Everything on this podcast is applicable to mothers and leaves you feeling encouraged rather than further behind the goal of what an ‘ideal mother’ is.

Homemakers by Choice with Donna Otto Is packed full of grace and wisdom.  If you’ve ever read any of Donna Otto’s books you will love this podcast. It’s like sitting down to tea with a wise Christian mentor.

God Centered Mom Podcast is a new one for me. I’ve only listened to a few episodes but it is worth a mention.

Christian Podcasts

Grace to you: John MacArthur I cannot describe it any better than they do on the podcast description page: “This powerful broadcast will boost your spiritual growth by helping you understand and apply God’s Word to your life and the life of your family and church. John MacArthur, pastor-teacher, has been offering his practical, verse-by-verse Bible teaching through Grace to You for 40 years.”

Organizing, Time Management & Productivity Podcasts

This is your life by Michael Hyatt.  This is my go to for inspiration on productivity, writing and blogging.  Although this weekly podcast  is geared more towards business and leadership I always find nuggets that I can take away and apply to my own life and circumstances.

The Lively Show with Jess Lively is a bit eclectic so it’s hard to pin point exactly the best category for it but since the focus is on enhancing various aspects of your life I’m going to put it here. Each episode is in interview format and features a guest who has a blog or popular website.

For Entertainment only…

This American Life hosted by Ira Glass.  This award-winning weekly podcast picks a single theme and covers it with multiple first-person stories and some fiction pieces.  It is so well done it is addicting.

Serial.  This is the podcast you’ve probably already heard about that covers a single crime in 12 episodes.  Brought to you by the creators of This American Life and hosted by Sarah Koenig.  The first series was the topic of much debate and speculation.  If you listened to the series you must read this article: Jay Speaks Out!

Podcasts for Writers and Bloggers

How they Blog Podcast with Kat Lee.  This was actually the first podcast I started listening to.  In this podcast series Kat interviews successful bloggers who share their tips for blogging success. So many of my favorite bloggers have been featured on this show and it’s fun to listen to them after reading their blogs for so long.  The feed hasn’t been updated in awhile but there are riches to be found in the archives.

The Lede from Copyblogger.  If you are a blogger you probably already subscribe to Copyblogger. Think of this as the podcast version of the blog that is packed full of great information on marketing online.

Podcasts for kids

Sherlock Holmes Adventures – This is a favorite with our 11-year old boys. The sound effects are really incredible.

Classics for Kids Podcast is a great way to introduce classical music to children.

Storynory has classic fairytales, stories, myths and poems.  It is great during lunch time or in the car.

Sparkle Stories is a weekly podcast that features original stories for children.  There is a nice intro to each story.

Are you a fan of podcasts or are you a newbie like me? What podcasts do you turn to for encouragement?   How do you organize and listen to your podcasts?  Please share your tips in the comments so we can all learn from you too.

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I was always the girl with a plan.

The one who made lists of what I wanted to accomplish, how I wanted to accomplish it and what I needed to do to accomplish it.

I start every day and New Year with a goal.

I have a vision of what my day looks like and what my life should look like.

It is organized and often color-coded. It goes without saying that I don’t do well when things don’t go as I planned.

I feel unsettled.

The only thing worse to me than a change in my carefully organized plans is being unable to make a plan.

In their hearts human’s plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Growing up I was raised Catholic and purgatory was always described as that awful place between heaven and hell.  For some, it might have seemed a blessing. Sure, you weren’t in heaven, but at least you weren’t burning in hell.  I, on the other hand, worried not only about going to hell, but being stuck in purgatory—limbo seemed hellish to me as well.  What if no one ever prayed you out? Not knowing always seemed like a bigger punishment to me than knowing. Even if the result was a negative one.

Continue reading: I don’t have a plan

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I turned 43 the day after Thanksgiving.

Three days later I received confirmation that I was pregnant!

I, in my advanced maternal age, was actually pregnant, after two IVF attempts in 2014.

It was a miracle and I vowed to celebrate every second.

After being released from my IVF Doctor’s care the week before, I went in for a 9-week  monitoring appointment, with 5 children in tow. It was an unusually long wait and in the back of mind I had a nagging feeling that this wasn’t going to be a good appointment.

When the Ultrasound Tech started her examination I knew immediately something was wrong. I could see it on her face. Yet she continued asking me questions about Christmas and I continued to pretend nothing was wrong and answer them.  Finally, she removed the probe and told me our baby had stopped growing and no longer had a heart beat.

Our baby had died on New Years Day.

In shock I left the exam room, gathered the children and drove home. Tears pouring down my face. It felt surreal.

How do you hear your baby’s heart beat, twice, and then suddenly there is no longer a heart beat?

The next day, at was to be my first OBGYN consultation with a new Doctor, I found myself scheduling a D&C.  I had originally had a list of 8 questions for him concerning my pregnancy and delivery and now I had only two questions: When could they schedule the D&C and how long would it take to get back the pathology report?

A confirmation ultrasound (more for my peace of mind than anything) was scheduled for the next day with the D&C a few hours later.  I went home and simply cried.

The next morning we loaded up the kids and headed to the ultrasound appointment.  Bringing them wasn’t ideal but we didn’t have anyone to watch them that morning.

While we were sitting in the waiting room our 6-year leaned over and said, “Mom, don’t forget to have them check for the baby’s heartbeat again.”

The night before she had pondered the possibility of our baby’s heartbeat suddenly beginning again.

I wanted nothing more than to give her that hope. I wanted nothing more than to believe that was possible. But I knew it wasn’t and I knew I was the parent.

Continue reading: His grace is sufficient

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