Brandi Raae

Alphablitz Game

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 21:45:00 +0000

My kids and I made up a fun game to play during our morning homeschool routine. My oldest came up with the name. We usually played once a week, so here are 52 categories to get you going. Feel free to come up with your own categories. Rules are below.

ALPHABLITZ

Ameo Life Giveaway & Review

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 21:07:00 +0000

Giveaway!

Would you like the chance to win 4 full-sized Ameo Life products? Click this link to enter.

What is Ameo Life?

Ameo Life is a company that specializes in creating natural supplements which support overall health and well-being. The products are unique in that they contain silver. Sound a bit scary? Well, these contain a substance called structured silver, silver that bonds itself to water molecules. Basically, It means the silver can't separate from the water molecules and build up in our bodies.

Some benefits of silver may include the ability to destroy bad bacteria, heal wounds, provide relief from inflammation, boost the immune system, and more. ***It's extremely important to use QUALITY silver products.

Ameo Life products are:

Gluten Friendly
Vegan Friendly
GMP Certified
Dairy Friendly
GMO Free
Made in the USA

A Closer Look

Ameo Life sent me 4 full-sized products to try.

pH Balanced Alkaline Silver Solution: designed to cleanse the gut of yeast, bad bacteria and mold. It's a safe and effective way to support digestive health.

Extra Strength Silver Gel: non-toxic, fast-absorbing gel that supports the skin.

Oatmeal Spice Silver Soap: exfoliating soap infused with essential oils and safe for all skin types.

Chelated Mulitvitamin: contains 18 essential vitamins and minerals, is rich in antioxidants, and helps increase energy and boost nutrient levels.

*All of the above products are third party tested to ensure quality and efficacy. Please check the website for more information.

My Experience

First of all, the oatmeal spice soap smells amazing. Perfect for fall! It's smooth even though it contains oats, and it's even sudsy enough for shaving in the shower. I also like that it doesn't leave a ton of residue in the soap dish. I have used it on my face, but I've continued with my regular face routine as well. (My husband likes the soap too.)

I have experimented with combining a small amount of silver gel with my moisturizer and also using it separately before I put on moisturizer. Now, I'm trying it out on only one side of my face to see if I can tell a difference between the two. The gel is lightweight and seems to soak into my skin pretty quickly. So far I haven't really noticed any changes in my skin since I started using it. I probably need more than 2 weeks to have a more substantial opinion.

The first day that I included the silver solution and multivitamin in my diet, I experienced some pretty nasty heartburn and GERD symptoms--not typical for me. I decided to stop taking the vitamin but continue with the silver solution. I thought it was the vitamin causing the heartburn since the silver doesn't really smell or taste. After a week of this, I still had heartburn and that feeling that something was stuck in my throat. So, I stopped ingesting that too.

I spoke to one of Ameo Life's cofounders on the phone about what was happening. He suggested that I may be having a herxheimer reaction which can happen when there's an overgrowth of yeast/bad bacteria. So, the silver solution was doing its job. Since I didn't want to live with constant heartburn, he suggested that I try again but only take 1/2 teaspoon instead of the recommended dose. So far, I am feeling ok and not having the same reaction that I did at first. Yay! He also reassured me that the solution was perfectly safe and that it was impossible for the silver (in this form) to build up in my system. Whew! I felt that he genuinely cared about my health and can't say enough about the great customer service I experienced. I plan to reintroduce the multivitamin soon.

After I've finished using all of the products I received, I will come back here and give my final opinion. Feel free to ask me any questions!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway to try these products out for yourself!

{Disclaimer: I received products in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.}

Bookish Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 22:07:00 +0000

I love books and bookish things! Here are a few bookish gift ideas from Etsy for the booklovers in your life. Many of the following items are from people I follow on "Bookstagram." If you love all things books, feel free to follow me on my bookstagram account.

*Affiliate links included! Please note that I make a very small commission from any items purchased through the links in this post.

Have fun shopping for the booklovers in your life!

Illustrated A Christmas Carol by Sweet Sequels. I follow Haleigh on Instagram and enjoy seeing all of her creations. Check out all of her illustrated books and other bookish quotes & artwork. She has over 13,000 sales and a 5-star rating! Below is a sample of her digital creations:

The Burrow

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Anne of Green Gables giftbox by AFineQuotation. Another account I follow. I'm a huge Anne of Green Gables lover--what about you? There are LOTS of literary (not just Anne of Green Gables) items to choose from: stickers, mugs, bookmarks, t-shirts, and more. Over 12,000 sales and a 5-star rating! See below for more samples:

Ramona Mug

Narnia Sticker

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Books & Coffee T-Shirt by PixieHallows. There is also a Books & Tea one which would fit me much better since I don't drink coffee. I also follow Laura on Instagram. Her shop has t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, stickers, and accessory pouches with over 600 sales and a 5-star rating! Look at this cute pouch:

Frankenstein Accessory Quote Pouch

How appropriate since I'm reading Frankenstein right now. :)

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Hobbit Mug by ShopLucyintheSky. I have this mug and LOVE it! I so enjoy seeing all of her creations on Instagram. I really like the artwork style and have a couple of LOTR stickers on my laptop. :) Check out her shop for all kinds of literary gifts. Over 6,000 sales and a 5-star rating! More samples below:

Booklovers Postcard Set

Laura Ingalls Wilder Quote I would love to have this on my bookshelf!

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Book Sleeve by aHumforHope. I follow this account on Instagram and love looking at all of the book sleeves she designs. I super love the design in the above picture, but it would be SO difficult to choose which one to get. Over 2,000 sales with a 5-star rating! She also offers super cute pencil rolls:

Pencil Roll

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Book Candle by FromthePage. I've ordered candles as gifts from this shop. Over 29,000 sales with a 5-star rating! So many creative bookish candles to choose from. I wish I wasn't so sensitive to smells or I'd probably have a bunch of these!

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Book Ornament by InkandShrinkSwag. I gave my daughter one of these bookstack ornaments a couple of years ago--a Maze Runner stack. SO cute. She loved it. Over 3,500 sales with a 5-star rating!

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Other Bookish Gifts from Etsy

Bookstore Candle

Pride & Prejudice Scarf

Personalized Book Locket

Book Heart Shirt

Mapiful: Custom Poster Prints {Review}

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:05:00 +0000

This post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission from purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

My heart happy-danced when MAPIFUL contacted me about becoming a partner. Since I'm a bookish nerd, anything mapish is right up my alley as well. You guys, MAPIFUL sent me a complimentary map that I designed and customized with just a few clicks!

Maps are a great way to add stylish and meaningful decor to your space. Or, if you're a bookstagrammer like me, how about using a map for book pics?

What is MAPIFUL?

MAPIFUL is a company that allows you to easily customize map or text art prints for your wall or any space you choose.

You can create a special map of where you live, where you got married, or where your kids were born. Or how about a map of your your honeymoon, a favorite trip, or even your favorite bookish place. Like Prince Edward Island, for instance, if you're an Anne of Green Gables fan like me.

Click here to design your own map!

4 Custom Print Types

Classic Mapiful

Star Mapiful

Zodiac Mapiful

Text Art

4 Easy Steps

Choose location
Change labels
Change appearance and style
Change size and orientation

For location you can choose a city, state, country, etc. Try zooming in or out for the perfect image that you want. For labels you can leave it simple, showing only the exact location. Or get creative and say "First Home" or write out whatever phrase fits your special occasion. There are many popular styles to choose from, or you can customize even more by playing around with different themes and colors. Maps come in three different sizes (U.S.) in either landscape or portrait.

*Check MAPIFUL for current pricing and for any sales going on! At the time of this post you can buy 2 prints and get 50% off the second!

My Thoughts

My Order

I kept my map pretty simple. England for location, and I didn't change any of the labels. I chose the popular style, Nära, for a modern, farmhouse/Scandi look. Between portrait and landscape orientation, I picked portrait. And that's it!

The Process

Ordering was super easy. Checkout was simple, and it took about a week for my map to arrive. Map came in a triangular shaped box and was nicely packaged. (I uploaded an unboxing video on Instagram.)

My Map

I really like it! I like its simplicity. It's modern and stylish - perfect to hang up or use as a book photo prop. I love historical English settings, so I figured it would work well for my bookish Instagram account. Plus, some of my ancestors are from Devon, and really, I just love all things English. I've never been to England, though. Maybe someday.

The map is printed on matte poster paper. Probably thicker than a regular poster you get at your local store. My map had a few waves on it from being rolled up, but it isn't noticeable hanging up in a frame. While taking photos, I forgot they were even there.

Here's a photo of my full map below. With ALL the windows in my house, it wasn't easy getting a good photo on my phone camera. I still hope this gives you an idea of what it looks like in a frame. :)

Unique Gift Idea

I think a map would make a great gift for any occasion. Maybe a Star Map for a birthday or a Classic Map for an anniversary. The sky is the limit!

Christmas is right around the corner. Can't think of the perfect gift for the person who has everything - consider customizing a meaningful map that will last a lifetime. Get a jump-start on your Christmas list now and let your creativity fly. Look at this Hogwarts map. How fun for a Harry Potter lover.

Which map style is your favorite?

What kind of map would you want to design for yourself?

For someone else?

Besides my England map, I think it would be nice to have a map of when and where my husband and I got married. (Memphis, Tennessee) Like I mentioned earlier, It'd be fun to customize a map of a favorite bookish world, too. So many to choose from, though!

Side note: I love this map of Norway (above). My great-grandparents came to America from Norway as children. I've also been learning Norwegian on DuoLingo for over a year now. As you can see, I'm going a bit map crazy. ;)

I'd love to know what kind of map you designed. Let me know in the comments.

HAPPY MAP-MAKING!

2020 Book List {July - December}

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:54:00 +0000

My 2020 Book List {July - December}

Instagram is where I post my thoughts on these books. However, you can click the links for details on Amazon.

Affiliate links are included in this post. I make a small commission for items purchased through these links. Thank you!

July

46. Victoria's War: A Novel by Catherine A. Hamilton

47. The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis (January 02,2008) by C. S. Lewis

48. The Runaway Bride (The Bride Ships Book 2) by Jody Hedlund

49. The Last Battle (Chronicles of Narnia) by C. S. Lewis (2007-08-14) by C. S. Lewis

50. The Green Ember (The Green Ember Series: Book 1) by S. D. Smith

51. The 1000 Year Old Boy by Ross Welford

52. The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game, Book One) (1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

53. Sorrento Girl (Historic Hotels Collection) by Dawn Klinge

54. Brides of Texas: 3-in-1 Historical Romance Collection (50 States of Love) by Cathy Marie Hake

55. Tidewater Inn: A Hope Beach Novel by Colleen Coble

56. The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home by Russel Moore

August

57. Wedded to War (Heroines Behind the Lines) by Jocelyn Green

58. The Deceiver's Heart (The Traitor's Game, Book 2) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

59. The Warrior's Curse (The Traitor's Game, Book 3) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

60. Westward Wanderers-Book One: Where He Leads: Clean Christian Historical Oregon Trail Fiction with Romance by Angela Castillo

61. Pursued (Intrigue under Western Skies Book 1) by Elaine Manders

62. Beneath the Blackberry Moon: the Red Feather: Book 1 (Creek Country Saga) by April W. Gardner

63. Name Unknown (Shadows Over England) by Roseanna M. White

64. The Crowns of Croswald (The Croswald Series Book 1) by D. E. Night

63. Rosemary Cottage (Hope Beach) by Colleen Coble

September

66. The River Between (The River Series Book 1) by Jacquelyn Cook

67. Toothbreaker by M. H. Elrich

68. Saratoga Letters by Elaine Marie Cooper

69. Some Through the Fire by Jennifer Q. Hunt

70.Back to Shady Cove by Jean L. Kuhnke

71. The Loyal Heart (A Lone Star Hero’s Love Story Book 1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

72. A Bend In The Road by Jean L. Kuhnke

73. Unblemished (The Unblemished Trilogy) by Sara Ella

October

74. Relentless Joy (The Relentless Series Book 3) by Jennifer Lynn Cary

75. Beholden (The Fairest Maidens Book 1) by Jody Hedlund

76. Unraveling (The Unblemished Trilogy) by Sara Ella

77. A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz

78. Unbreakable (The Unblemished Trilogy) by Sara Ella

79. Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds (Second Edition) by Jen Wilkin

80. The Pink Bonnet (True Colors) by Liz Tolsma

81. The Homecoming by Earl Hamner, Jr.

82. Beguiled (The Fairest Maidens Book 2) by Jody Hedlund

83. The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz

84. The Water Keeper (A Murphy Shepherd Novel) by Charles Martin

November

85. Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

86. The Peasant's Dream by Melanie Dickerson

87. Gentleman of Her Dreams (Ladies of Distinction): A Novella by Jen Turano

88. The Hope of Christmas Past: Sweet Regency Romance (A Dickens of a Christmas Book 1) by L. G. Rollins

89. Bride of Convenience (The Bride Ships) by Jody Hedlund

90. Almost a Bride (The Bride Ships) by Jody Hedlund

91. Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

92. Season of Love (Christmas Love & Joy: Three Sweet, Clean Christian Romances Set in a Small Town) by Alexa Verde

93. Ivy Hill Christmas (Tales from Ivy Hill) by Julie Klassen

94. Up from the Sea: A Whose Waves These Are Novella by Amanda Dykes

95. Besotted (The Fairest Maidens Book 3) by Jody Hedlund

December

96. Christmas in Sugarcreek: A Seasons of Sugarcreek Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

97. Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

98. The Christmas Doll by Elvira Woodruff

99. Girl behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker

100. A Christmas Courting by various authors

101. Winterhouse (Winterhouse, 1) by Ben Guterson

102. Angel and Bavar by Amy Wilson

103. The Secrets of Winterhouse (Winterhouse, 2) by Ben Guterson

104. Bespoke: A Tiny Christmas Tale: (Inspirational Victorian Novella) (Espoir Archives Book 1) by Amanda Dykes

105. Tin Can Serenade: (Inspirational Victorian Christmas Short Story) by Amanda Dykes

106. Occasional Moments of Happiness by Shana Donyaei

107. The Promise of Miss Spencer: A Victorian Romance by Sarah L. McConkie

108. The Ickabog by J. K. Rowling

And so 2020 ends with 108 books read! While I can't pick a favorite book (too many good ones), I can say that Amanda Dykes is a new favorite, must-read author. Her word-weaving speaks to me. :)

Book Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Here's a list of books I reviewed as a BookLook Blogger. BookLook is currently undergoing changes, but I hope to begin reviewing again this summer! Click titles or images for the full reviews of each book.

Freedom's Light

The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Daughters of Northern Shores

With This Pledge

The Warrior Maiden

Fawkes

The Orphan's Wish

The Love Letter

The Weaver's Daughter

My 2020 Book List

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 18:43:00 +0000

My 2020 Book List

Instagram is where I post my thoughts on these books. However, you can click the links for details on Amazon.

Affiliate links are included in this post. I make a small commission for items purchased through these links. Thank you!

January

Technically, I've only read 8 books this month since I'm still slowly working my way through Little Women. My favorite fiction of the month was The Piper's Pursuit. Nonfiction is harder for me to rate, so I will keep my favs to fiction for now.

1. The Piper's Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson

2. Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa Terkeurst

3. Captured By Love (Michigan Brides Collection Book 3) by Jody Hedlund

4. Forgiven: The Amish School Shooting, a Mother's Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace by Terri Roberts

5. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor (The Cornwall Novels) by Sarah E. Ladd

6. Little Women: The Original Classic Novel by Louisa May Alcott

Still reading through this one . . .

7. Number of Love (The Codebreakers) by Roseanna M. White

8. Rhinestone Jesus: Saying Yes to God When Sparkly, Safe Faith Is No Longer Enough by Kristen Welch

9. Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz

February

I liked ALL of February's books so much, but if I have to pick a favorite, I'm going to go with The Mark of the King. It was intense from the get go and so vivid. More on Instagram. :)

10. The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

11. Cry of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga) by Morgan L. Busse

12. Love Still Stands (The New Hope Amish Book 1) by Kelly Irvin

13. On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers) by Roseanna M. White

14. The Spice King (Hope and Glory Book 1) by Elizabeth Camden

15. Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin

16. The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

17. The Yellow Lantern: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime by Angie Dicken

March

18. Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper (I listened to the audio version on hoopla.)

19. Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga) by Jocelyn Green

20. The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

21. Reluctant Bride (The Bride Ships) by Jody Hedlund

22. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

23. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

24. Cress by Marissa Meyer

***My daughter and I also put together a beautiful BOOK PUZZLE (Moruska Puzzles for Adults 1000 Pieces Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge and Fun - Bookshelf Dam) this month during spring break! Unfortunately, it looks like it has gone up in price. Click my affiliate link or photo to see this puzzle or to browse for other book puzzles. :)

April

25. Winter (The Lunar Chronicles Book 4) by Marissa Myer

26. The Gravedigger's Son by Patrick Moody

27. A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

28. Journey to Joy by Anne Perreault

29. The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron

30. The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane by Julia Nobel

31. The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

May

32. A Light on the Hill (Cities of Refuge) by Connilyn Cossett

33. The Secret of White Stone Gate (Black Hollow Lane) by Julia Nobel

34. The Sea Before Us (Sunrise at Normandy) by Sarah Sundin

35. The List by Patricia Forde

36. Messenger by Moonlight: A Novel by Stephanie Grace Whitson

37. In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character by Jen Wilkin

38. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel) by Suzanne Collins

39. Hope's Highest Mountain (Hearts of Montana Book 1) by Misty M. Beller

June

40. Romanov by Nadine Brandes

41. Lightning Thief, The (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan

42. Dawn at Emberwilde (A Treasures of Surrey Novel) by Sarah E. Ladd

43. A Bride's Journey to the Colorado Territory (Frontier Legacy Brides Book 2) by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

44. Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1) by Angie Sage

45. The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal) by Kelly Barnhill

*Since this post is getting quite long, I am going to start a new post for my July-December 2020 book list.

Spring Tiered Tray/Shelf Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 21:01:00 +0000

I'm right in the middle of a forced kitchen remodel. Chasing a mouse under the stove led to the discovery of a big, fat pipe leak. And so much hidden damage. Anyway, I'm hoping to get a tray of some sort to add a nice pop of color to my mostly white, new kitchen. :) Ooooh, and my favorite season is right around the corner - spring! (Well, it already feels like spring in the desert.)

If you're looking for some spring decor to freshen up your kitchen, check out these Etsy items. Click links for details.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

You Are My Sunshine Sign

Bouquet Sign

Easter Wood Bead Garland

Mini Easter Signs

Hello Spring Sign

6x6" Easter Signs

Carrot Signs

Fabric Carrots

Set of 3 Reversible Mini Signs

Honey Signs

Fabric Bunnies

Flower Pots

Fabric Birds

Bird's Nest

Set of 3 Wooden Flowers

Potted Flowers

Flower Market Sign

Spring Gnome Sign

Beaded Butterfly Garland

Lavender Mason Jars

Farmhouse Style Kitchen Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 22:38:00 +0000

Farmhouse kitchen decor perfect for all year round. Whether for decoration or functionality, these items I found on Etsy will give your kitchen unique farmhouse charm! Some of these treasures make great housewarming gifts, too.

One of the vintage teal signs is my favorite, and I have the perfect spot for it! Maybe I can put it on my Christmas list. And the bakery tin is calling my name as well. :) What's your favorite Etsy item in this post? Treat yourself or a friend!

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

Floating Shelves

Rustic Bottle Wall Sconce

Animal Signs

Tea Towel Ladder (Plus FREE Tea Towel)

Pot Head Sign

Sweet Tea Sign

Farm Fresh Eggs Sign

Vintage Teal Farm Art

Bakery Tin

Personalized Cookbook Holder

Rae Dunn Inspired Cream and Sugar Bowl

Customized Stove Top Cover

Cheese Grater Floral & Lights Arrangement

Grow and Make Lip Balm Kit {Product Review}

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 23:40:00 +0000

Do you ever get the itch to craft but end up getting too overwhelmed with research and having to gather up all of your own supplies? I know I do. I've had a block of beeswax sitting in my closet for over a year now just waiting to be turned into chapstick. What about you? How many unfinished projects do you have lying around?

Well, it's summer . . . the perfect time to satisfy that crafting itch! GROW AND MAKE is here to make your crafting adventure super easy and fun!

GROW AND MAKE is a made-in-the-USA company that provides crafting kits for every occasion. In Portland, Oregon GROW AND MAKE manufactures kits in a sustainable manner with quality items and ingredients. The company was founded in 2008 by entrepreneur, Will Johnston, who wanted to start a business that would inspire people to create with their hands. The goal is to teach you the core, do-it-yourself skills so you can take those newfound skills and run with them. Host a DIY party, have a fun parent/child date, create gifts for loved ones, or get inspired to start your own business.

In exchange for my honest review, GROW AND MAKE sent me a complimentary Lip Balm Making Kit With Exotic Flavors, a complete kit for making 12 tubs of lip balm at home.

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

My kit arrived in a sturdy, compact box with all of the ingredients and an easy-to-follow instruction card. Ingredients in this particular kit include:

Beeswax pellets
Shea Butter
Sweet almond oil
Lip balm flavors ( Asian pear, mint, mango peach, and pineapple tangerine)
12 tubs
Pipette
Blank labels for lip balms

First, I took out all of my supplies and spread them out on my kitchen counter. I used a few of my own containers to to be able to mix up the four different lip balm scents.

I love how I didn't even have to measure the ingredients to melt in a pan. Everything comes neatly packaged and labeled.

It didn't take long at all to melt the beeswax, shea butter, and sweet almond oil over low heat.

Containers are ready to be filled with the melted lip balm. Mango peach is my favorite scent, so I made 4 of those. Asian pear and pineapple tangerine smelled yummy, too, so I made 3 of each. I only made 2 mint, since that flavor is the least exotic to me. I use mint essential oil on a regular basis, so I liked that the other flavors were different and fruity.

Working fast enough was the trickiest part of the process. The lip balm base starts to harden pretty quickly. I realized I needed to keep the lip balm base on the stove until I was ready to use it. So, I worked with mixing only one scent at a time and then filling the tubs right away.

I definitely used more than the suggested 3 drops of scent per tub. To make sure the surface of the lip balms stay smooth, I think it's best to mix in a separate container and then pour into tubs. But, you have to work FAST!

All done! Tubs are labeled and ready to go! I even had some extra lip balm that I put in a small plastic container. The exotic tropical flavors really smell amazing.

My Thoughts

I had a fun time making my own lip balm with the help of this kit. Made it super easy to do. Instructions are easy to follow, and it doesn't take a lot of time to complete. It's truly a quality kit. I've already shared a tub with my daughter and look forward to sharing with friends.

One negative thing for me is that I do prefer my lip balm to be in a tube. Tubes make application easier and less messy. Also, I think it would have been helpful to have four pipettes, one for each lip balm scent.

On a side note, I purchased an oatmeal soap kit last summer to make with my daughter. So, the lip balm kit is my second one to try. Both kits have been great, and if you like DIY, you should try one for yourself!

*Here's a discount code to get you started: TRYDIY for $5.00 off your order.

Website: www.growandmake.com

Instagram: @GrowandMake

Facebook: @GrowandMakeDIY

Twitter: @GrowandMake

Farmhouse Style 4th of July Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:20:00 +0000

Independence Day will be here before you know it! Get your patriotic farmhouse style decor supplies now for celebrating our country's special day. These decor items will work perfectly for your tiered tray display. If you don't have a tiered tray, you can display items on a shelf or entertainment center. All items below are from one of my favorite places to shop for unique items - Etsy. Click on titles or images for details.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for items purchased through these links. Thank you!

Red Truck Sign

Patriotic Sign Bundle

Tiered Tray Sign Bundle

Farmhouse Gnome W/ Slouchy Hat

Land of the Free Sign

Mini Rolling Pins/Tags

Party Straws

Farmhouse Style Lemon Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 30 May 2019 01:20:00 +0000

Lemons and summer just go together, don't they?

There's something cheerful about lemons - their color, perhaps? Or maybe the pleasant nostalgia of summer days past conjured up while joyfully sipping a tall glass of freshly squeezed lemonade? Whatever it is, this lemon decor has me feeling all happy inside.

Brighten up your home for summer with this lemon decor from Etsy or decorate for a lemon-themed summer party! A lemon pillow is perfect for the rocking chair on the front porch. And lemon mini decor will look so perfectly summery displayed on a tiered tray. So many possibilities.

Take a closer look by clicking on the titles or images below.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

Lemon and Sage Wreath

Mini Galvanized Jugs

Personalized Towel

Sugar Bowl Beads

Shelf Lemonade Signs

Lemon/Greenery Arrangement

4x6 Picture Frame Sign

Lemon Garland - 6 ft.

Lemon Print Set

Lemon Soy Candle

Farmhouse Style Outdoor Playhouses

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sun, 19 May 2019 19:02:00 +0000

Farmhouse playhouse? An outdoor dream come true if you ask me! Let your kids' imaginations run wild this summer with one of these outdoor playsets. Your kids will create fun memories to last a lifetime!

I have fond memories of playing on my swing set when I was a child. I'd pretend it was a "house" or a "fort" of some sort with my brother, sister, and friends. I also remember how fun it was when my husband surprised my two boys with a swing set after the boys and I got back from a 10-day trip visiting grandparents. And after I had my little girl, I dreamed of getting her a playhouse like the ones in this post. Unfortunately, that dream never materialized, but I hope one day when I become a grandma that I can have a super fun backyard with one of these playhouses in it!

My favorite is the tall farmhouse, but I'd want a slide and a swing, too. And that cafe and food truck are pretty awesome. All fun for play, but I'm seeing some photography opportunities, too. :) Fun place to host a backyard birthday party as well. Ideas are endless - maybe you could even rent out the cafe and food truck for kid parties and earn some extra $. Who knows?

All outdoor playsets are from Etsy. I love shopping on Etsy, and I hope you do, too! Just click on titles or images for details.

Happy Shopping! And have an awesome summer. :)

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. THANK YOU!

The Residence Playhouse

Farmhouse Style Food Truck

Farmhouse Style Cafe

Sunshine Vibes Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 13 May 2019 19:48:00 +0000

Looking for summer gift ideas?

Brighten up her life with a little something yellow!

Target's got you covered whether your budget is big or small. :) Check out the items below by clicking on titles or images.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. THANK YOU!

Lemon Zest and Berry Candle

Pineapple Jewelry Tray

Artificial Lemon Bunch Arrangement

Mini Wallet

Pineapple Planter

Canvas Backpack

Pineapple Drink Dispenser

Farmhouse Style Honey Bee Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 09 May 2019 02:46:00 +0000

I don't know if farmhouse decor can get any cuter than honey bees! With all the flowers in bloom and bees buzzing about, these items are perfect for spring and summer. The tiered tray signs are absolutely adorable. :)

All items are Etsy finds. Click on titles or images to get details.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through these links. THANK YOU!

Tiered Tray Signs

Rolling Pin/Honey Dipper/Bee Charm

Vintage Farmhouse Sign

Twine Bee Hives

Faux Whipped Cream Topper

Home Is Where Your Honey Is

Pillow Cover

Fresh Honey Book Decor

Rustic Local Honey Sign

Metal Sign

Farmhouse Style Fruit Printables

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 07 May 2019 22:45:00 +0000

I like decorating with fruit in my kitchen. Bowls of bright yellow lemons or fresh green apples from backyard fruit trees make a beautiful table centerpiece. As much as I love bowls of fruit sitting on tables, eventually the fruit rots if it doesn't get used up!

Fruit printables that will never rot make great kitchen wall art! I would love to have one of these prints to go under my diy farmhouse style FRUIT SIGN that's part of a lovely kitchen wall collage.

If you're looking to update a kitchen wall with some farmhouse style fruit prints, take a look at these affordable printables from Etsy. All items are digital files.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. THANK YOU!

Lemon Slices Art Print

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Fruit Printable Set of 6

Fruit Set of 4

Farmhouse Watermelon Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:32:00 +0000

Nothing says summer like a bright red and green watermelon!

Watermelons are so juicy and yummy and are the perfect posterfruit for summer! I wish I could have better luck growing them in my backyard, but for now I will have to stick with buying them at the store.

How fun to add some summer farmhouse charm to your kitchen or other room in your home with watermelon decor! Check out these signs, beads, and more. . . or how about a charming watermelon wreath attachment to welcome summer friends?

All farmhouse style watermelon decor is from Etsy. Just click on titles or images for all of the details for each item.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

Small 3D Watermelon Signs

Mini Watermelon Bunting Banner

One In A Melon Sign

Watermelon Kitchen Sign

Watermelon Farmhouse Beads

Watermelon Sign Wreath Attachment

Watermelon Sweet Summertime Wreath Attachment

Watermelon Kitchen Decor

Watermelon Slice Sign

Watermelon Slice Square Sign

Watermelon Sugar Bowl Beads

Watermelon Tiered Tray Sign

Watermelon Burlap Banner

Watermelon Sweet Summertime Rectangle Sign

Fresh Watermelon Barnwood Sign

Watermelon Wood Stacking Blocks

Feedsack Style Pillow or Panel

Watermelon Tea Towel

Watermelon Garland

Watermelon Pillow Cover

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd {Book Review}

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 00:55:00 +0000

Affiliate link included in this post. I make a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links. Thank you!

"How foolish to think she'd be safe in this little Penwythe refuge,

with its idyllic seashores, rolling orchards, and ancient gardens.

She'd lost sight of how the Greythornes would stop

at nothing to get their way."

CORDELA GREYTHORNE is no stranger to hardship and heartache. Forced to leave her home in Cornwall three years ago after being blamed for her husband's death, she began a new life as a governess to five children in Yorkshire. Though suffocated by secrets, she tried to bury herself in her work. It was the only way to escape the fear of her mother-in-law's parting warning and curse spoken against her.

Unfortunately, Cordelia finds her life in upheaval again when her employer suffers a fatal riding accident. She gives her word to a dying man and promises to stay with his children even though it means returning to Cornwall. Will she be able to keep her secrets and remain unnoticed, or will she be putting her life and possibly others' lives in danger?

JAC TWETHEWEY longs to restore Penwythe Hall to its former glory. While busy trying to revive the once-thriving apple orchards, his plans are interrupted when his distant brother's children, along with their governess and tutor, arrive unexpectedly.

Determined to be a good guardian, Jac spends time getting to know the children of his deceased brother. However, it's not only the children he's growing attached to. Despite the mystery surrounding Delia and her past, Jac can't help but be drawn to the governess. He desires to provide for and protect her in any way he can. If he only knew how. When betrayal and disaster threaten his financial security, he wonders if he'll be able to continue providing for his new charges.

Unfortunate circumstances brought Jac and Cordelia together, but will secrets, danger, and betrayal tear them apart?

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is Sarah E. Ladd's latest regency romance and is the first book in the Cornwall series.

My Thoughts

I like novels set in England's early nineteenth century, and I like governesses as main characters too. The Governess of Penwythe Hall has both! I'm already familiar with and fond of Ladd's writing style, so I figured this would be a wonderful story to abandon myself to each night before bed. The apple orchard setting captured my heart right away! I love apple trees and desperately miss having my own.

Besides the lovely apple trees, I liked getting to know the main characters Jac and Cordelia, or Delia as she's called in the book. The main focus is on them: Delia trying to make a new life but having to deal with her dangerous past, Jac trying to revive his estate and dealing with the unexpected responsibility of having to provide for his nieces and nephews, and of course the possibility of a budding romance between the two. I don't remember their faith being mentioned a bunch, but it is there subtly woven throughout the book.

The plot was predictable but in a comfortable way. I wasn't bored at all. I looked forward to finding out about Delia's secrets and how everything would play out. Mystery and threat of danger kept the pages turning. Though I had a feeling the end would turn out how it did, I wasn't disappointed.

It's always fun to start a new book series, but I sure wish I didn't have to wait until January 2020 to read the sequel to this lovely book! If you like good, clean, and wholesome English historical romance novels, The Governess of Penwythe Hall is worth the read.

Book Rating: 5 stars

Purchase the book here.

Or you can purchase through my Amazon affiliate link:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Farmhouse Herb Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 23:39:00 +0000

I love having an herb garden! For my birthday last month, my hubby bought me my first raised garden box to help keep our big dog out. This year Italian parsley, peppermint, garlic chives, thyme, and basil are growing strong. Here's the exact garden box he bought on Amazon:

I chose to paint it white. I just bought some cheap outdoor paint from Walmart. I love the way it turned out. This was taken right after I planted all my herbs. They are all MUCH bigger now, and I'm already using them in smoothies and other dishes.

I like drying herbs and not only using them in food but also hanging them on my kitchen wall as decor. Adds a nice natural, farmhouse look. :) I used to have some lovely herb prints, but they don't fit in my current kitchen. Herbal touches liven up a space if you ask me!

If you're like me and like to use and decorate with herbs, I hope you enjoy these farmhouse style herb decor items from Etsy. Just click on the titles or images to view details for each item.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission for purchases made (at no cost to you) through the links in this post. Thank you!

Set of 6 Watercolor Prints

Set of 9 Vintage Botanical Prints (Best Seller!)

Set of 8 Herb Illustrations

Set of 3 Digital Prints

Square Pallet Signs

Set of 4 Distressed White Herb Pots

Metal Pots With Tray (Choose labels)

Wire Wall Planter

Zinc Metal Wall Planters

Herb Nesting Boxes Set of 3

Distressed Wood Sign

Dried Herb Rack

Barnwood Sign

Word Sign

Metal Word Sign

Farmhouse Style Baskets

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:07:00 +0000

I love baskets!

I really like multifunctional items, and baskets are perfect for storage and decor all in one. And I think basket wall arrangements look pretty cool, too. I use baskets in my own home for books, food, blankets, magazines, toilet paper, video game controllers, seashells from beach vacations with my mom, and more. I even use my daughter's old white nursery baskets outside for storing garden tools and dog stuff. I want to eventually paint my daughter's old bike and use as garden art displaying glorious baskets of flowers.

How about you?

If you love baskets like I do, take a look at all of these baskets I found on Etsy. Just click on the images below to find out more.

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission for items purchased (at no cost to you) through the links in this post. Thank you!

Daughters of Northern Shores by Joanne Bischof {Book Review}

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 23:09:00 +0000

Affiliate link included in this post. I make a small commission for purchases made through links on my blog. Thank you!

A brother's regret.

An enemy's revenge.

Both may draw the Norgaard family back together again.

But at what cost?

Aven Norgaard is finally feeling settled in Blackbird Mountain. The sorrow of losing her husband in Norway and the difficulty of sailing to America to begin a new life are but shadows now. Aven is enjoying married life once more, and she and Thor are anticipating the birth of their first child.

All seems to be going well until Thor, who has been deaf since birth, agrees to an interview and medical examination to help the Bureau of Research for the Deaf and Dumb. During the interview Thor and Aven discover that longtime enemies of the Norgaards are back in town causing trouble. Shortly after the examination, Thor becomes extremely ill. Liver disease from past drinking habits or foul play?

Haakon Norgaard, Thor's youngest brother, has spent the last four years at sea running from his past. Time and distance have done nothing to erase the pain and regret of trying to force more than friendship upon Aven. And now there's a widow in Norway to add to his list of regrets. Longing to finally make amends, Haakon is torn between two women on opposite shores and wonders if he'll be welcomed by either.

Determined to start somewhere, Haakon finds himself in a battle that may cost him more than he bargained for. In the end, will Haakon find restoration or rejection?

Daughters of Northern Shores is the sequel to Sons of Blackbird Mountain.

My Thoughts

Even though I haven't read the first novel in this series, Sons of Blackbird Mountain, I was captivated by Daughters of Northern Shores. This was my first acquaintance with award-winning author, Joanne Bischof, and I'm definitely craving more from her!

Her writing is emotionally deep and rich, which created a story that I felt more than read. Joanne has a way with words that caused me to pause and ponder along the way. Oh, and there's this quote (actually part of a quote) that I absolutely adore and would love to have on my living room wall: ". . . with time and lives precious, there seemed no better hour than this." This quote is such a wonderful reminder for me to be present and take advantage of the time given to me each moment.

The icing on the already delicious cake for me was the fact that the Norgaard family hails from Norway. Norwegian blood runs in my veins, and my grandpa even bears the name of Thorson. It's just fun to read stories about places my own ancestors are from.

I think it's safe to say it's a good book when tears stain my cheeks as the end of the novel draws near. Tears for the words wrecking my heart and tears for reminders of loves and losses in my own life.

I loved this Christian novel and can't wait to go back and read Sons of Blackbird Mountain!

Book Rating: 5 stars

Purchase the book here.

Or purchase through my Amazon affiliate link:

Christian Farmhouse Style Easter Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 19:02:00 +0000

As much as I love all things that represent spring and Easter, Jesus' death and resurrection shines brightest! Nothing wrong, in my opinion, with bunnies and carrots and such. However, if you're a Christian who loves to decorate for Easter, consider adding some faith-based items to your trimmings. All items are from Etsy. :)

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

He Is Risen Sign

He Is Risen Pillow Cover

Worthy is the Lamb Sign

He is Risen Wood & Black Sign

Pastel Dunn Inspired Eggs

Christ The Lord Is Risen Today Sign

5x5 Shelf Sitter Cross Sign

Tetelestai Sign

Mini He is Risen Sign

It is Finished Sign

Easter Burlap Banner

He is Risen Tea Towel

Dunn Inspired Faith Egg Decals

Crown of Thorns Love Sign

Barnwood Cross

Cross Wreath

By His Wounds Sign

Vintage Decor Shops on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 16:46:00 +0000

Bunny Designs and Gifts

This is the first shop I'm featuring because it's extra special. My mother-in-law is the shop owner!

Though she's a school principal by day, she loves perusing antique stores and finding one-of-a-kind items to use in her own home, give as gifts, or sell in her Etsy shop.

Bunny Designs and Gifts is all about sewing, crafting, quilting, all things vintage, and things that make you happy. Take a look around her shop and get something unique for you or a friend.

Here are a few items from my mother-in-law's shop:

1940s Glassware

McCoy Pottery Country Strawberry Casserole with lid

Weathervane Pattern Dinner Plate

*As a bonus, she also sometimes sells original paintings like the one below:

I hope you enjoyed Bunny Designs and Gifts Etsy shop! Below are 14 more Etsy shops that highlight different kinds of vintage treasures.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for items purchased through the links in this post. Thank you!

CFMvintage

PerpetuaVintageShop

The Scavenging Sisters

rarefinds4u

3LadybugsInaRow

ModernVintageProject

ArtifiedJunkRescue

TheDustyWingVintage

VintagelovelinessCo

vintageandblush

FindingHomeVintage

MilkweedHillVintage

JackisJustVintage

VintageDecorFrancais

Essential Oil Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 21:08:00 +0000

I've been using essential oils for about 15 years. Currently, I'm all about Eden's Garden oils and have been purchasing them for a few years now. Four reasons: (1) they're not a pyramid type of company you have to join to buy, (2) they're pretty affordable, (3) the company claims their oils are 100% pure therapeutic grade and free of synthetics, and (4) I can conveniently buy them on Amazon.

Today I want to share with you two of my favorite essential oil accessories: diffusers and bracelets. I'd like to eventually get a necklace, too. Maybe with some birthday money this week? :)

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

#1 Diffuser

My original diffuser that I got from Young Living around 8 years ago or so finally gave out. So, I asked for a new diffuser for Christmas - a ceramic one from Eden's Garden. I absolutely love it!

It's super easy to use, and I love that it looks like a candle. Here are a couple of photos of the taupe diffuser I have:

This ultrasonic ceramic diffuser includes the following:

Ceramic outer cover
Base
100 ml water tank
Power adapter
LED light
Easy pour measuring cup

For more details, you can click the photo below (amazon affiliate link.)

#2 Bracelets

While I've been using diffusers for a long time, wearing essential oil bracelets is a new thing for me. My husband is actually the one who asked for a bracelet for Christmas. He liked his so much that I ordered a 5-piece bracelet set for myself.

My favorite oils to wear on my bracelets are frankincense, tangerine, orange, and ylang ylang. Sometimes I mix lavender and ylang ylang. I bet I will use peppermint when those summer temps go sky high here in the desert! I believe my hubby likes to wear patchouli and cedarwood.

Click on my amazon affiliate links below to get the details on my and my hubby's essential oil bracelets.

Necklaces

So, I don't have an essential oil necklace yet, but I've saved a few different styles that I might go back to in the near future. Which one is your favorite?

If you've never ordered essential oils from Eden's Garden, may I recommend:

Edens Garden Top 6 Essential Oil Set, Best 100% Pure Aromatherapy Starter Kit (For Diffuser & Therapeutic Use), 10 ml. I'm pretty sure I have all of these in my bathroom cabinet.

I love the pamphlet that comes with Eden's Garden essential oils that gives tons of suggestions for use, too.

Other oils I love:

Do you use essential oils? What are some of your favorites? I love trying new ones!

Farmhouse Style Easter Decor {Carrots & Bunnies}

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 18:40:00 +0000

Decorate for spring and Easter with cute farmhouse style bunnies and carrots. Add a festive touch to tiered trays, tablescapes, vignettes, and more. I love that Easter decor can stay out for all of March and April!

All products shows are from Etsy. Scroll down for decor ideas, and just click on titles or images for details.

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through the links in this post. Thank you!

Wood Bead Carrots

Rustic Wood Carrots

Buffalo Check and Orange Polka-Dot Carrots

Orange Fabric Carrots