Planning Homemade Christmas Gifts

Good Afternoon Everyone!

   Today I would like to talk to you about Christmas. Yes, Christmas. I know that y'all have gone to the store and saw that there are Christmas decorations already out, right next to Halloween. The only reason that I am recommending this is because crafting takes what? TIME! We all know that as the holidays creep closer and closer we have less and less free TIME. Do you see a pattern here? Now I am with y'all procrastinators, waiting until the last possible second and then stopping at the gas station on the way to the party. I get it, more than you know. However, in the spirit of planning I am recommending a jump start on Christmas gift making. Now I know ladies who started back in January for December gifts, bless their diligent hearts. That is not me and if you are still reading, I assume this is not you either. I can plan like a rock star but I just cannot think that far in advance, and that is OK. Here are some tried and true steps to getting this stuff done before Christmas.

• Make a list of everyone you are gifting this year.
• Do a Pinterest search. (Suggestions are: Easy Christmas gifts, DIY gift ideas, mason jar gifts, homemade Christmas)
• Once you have all your ideas saved, make a list of items needed to make the projects (I recommend doing multiples of each gift {ex: if you have 5 aunts make all 5 the same gift with a small variation})
• Looking at the list determine if this is a realistic amount of money you can spend to make these gifts, if so, proceed. If not, try and modify it until it fits your budget.
• Gather materials and set aside some time to work. Let's be honest, you can craft and binge Netflix your favorite shows. Or even better is to get a group of friends together and make the stuff together, assembly line style, don't forget the wine.
•  Starting now will help you not panic at the last minute. You will show up to the party with a beautiful homemade gift and a non frazzled last minute gas station special.

I hope that these tips help you be a proactive gift maker/giver this year. Enjoy the time spent with friends and family with a little less stress this holiday season. 

Finding Peace in a Situation

 

    How many times have you sat there and just screamed inside? How many times have you been in a situation that you just could only see one side? I think we are all there more often than we like to admit.

 For those of you who do not know me personally, I started my first semester of college last week. I have been met with a whole hill of naysayers from the beginning but, throughout this whole process of registering and battling with the massive paperwork and dealing with some, who probably should learn to do their jobs better, I forgot something. I suppose forgot really isn't the right word, maybe failed to consider? Yes, I failed to consider the fact that once in these classes I will be dealing with 18 year old kids. Yes, kids. I am really trying to remember the world through their eyes and can't. I am taking classes and having debates with people who think that grocery shopping is a "mom thing." Kids that think that tattoos are a right of passage when you turn 18. Believe me, I have been there but, when did I transition? While debating different kinds of marriages for a class I find myself getting so frustrated with them. WHY ARE YOU TALKING!? I literally yell at the computer forum as I read through post after post of nonsense and then I remember that they don't even know what real love is. They don't understand the time and commitment and highs and lows of being with one person for the rest of their life. That is not something that will be taught in a textbook or class. That realistically may be something that they never experience. I feel so frustrated but who am I actually frustrated with? I am more frustrated with myself. I need to find a way to reach the kids who are open to listening. I sat next to someone who had asked about my planner. He said he had never used one or saw one in use. I told him how I lay it out and let him flip through the pages. He said he would go get one to organize his classes. Now if he does great, but if he doesn't I still won't be upset. He was receptive to listening and I was able to share "wisdom" ( am I really THAT old!?). I am hoping that as time goes on I will be more open minded because right now if I cannot find peace, it is going to be a loooooooong 8 semesters.

   That is my current situation however, you may be in something similar. At work maybe? Or maybe you have to call a service center and talk to someone. Maybe there is an obnoxious co-worker or friend of a friend.Whoever you are dealing with try and make sure you remember that they are people too. You are no less of a person to think to yourself, man, this dude needs to take a long run off a short pier, but find compassion for them regardless.

  My challenge to you today is simple, see both sides of the world at face value.

ipsy Review

If you have not heard of ipsy and love to dabble in the art of "face painting" I highly recommend checking them out. I was gifted a year subscription by a dear friend and I love it! I am not a huge make up person but I like to be able to "put my face on" when needed. I also like the small sizes, enough to try, but not full sized and wasted if you don't like it. I am notorious for buying full sized makeup and then it dries out or "expires" before being used. I would say this is my go to gift for teen family and friends. Who doesn't like getting packages in the mail every month!? You take a quiz that highlights your interests and then sends you trials according to what you like. It is super simple and I just love the versatility. You earn points for every product you review and can redeem those review points for free product. Everybody loves free product!! As far as subscriptions go you can choose for a yearly membership which is $110 or if you have a budget to keep in mind you can buy a single month for only $10! Go ahead and try it out HERE.  Included above are all the products I have for my May 2016 order. Go on and ipsy it on up!

This blog contains affiliate links that benefit me in a referral program. All opinions are honest and my own.

Gel Pellet Hell ** What To Do When You Wash a Diaper**

Hey y'all. Before I was a mom I would laugh at the Facebook posts that start off. " Well, I washed a disposable diaper today......" I would always think to myself what kind of oblivious boob would wash a disposable diaper? Well folks, I am that boob. If you, like many, use disposable pads, diapers, pull ups, depends etc. then you are most likely that boob too. We can blame it on whatever we need to, lack of sleep, obliviousness, helpful kids, lazy kids, pre morning coffee but at the end of the day we are stuck cleaning it up, and cleaning it up, and cleaning it up. Those little pellets of Satan get EVERYWHERE, stick to EVERYTHING, cannot be swept or vaccumed up. So how, dear readers, do we fight and beat the gel pellet hell? I will tell you! Hope is not lost! We will prevail! Follow this step by step process for best results.
       Take a deep breath. No doubt this happened just as you were running late for work or trying to get some kidlets on the bus or the like. This too will pass and being angry at each individual pellet is not only unhelpful but it is also pointless.
       Take all the gel covered clothing and put them in a basket.
       Once your washer is empty of clothing but still full of pellets, take a dry paper towel and wipe out as much of the blobby goober globs that you can. Change paper towels often, this is not the time to be "eco friendly."
       I added some salt into the rinse and spin cycle (22 minutes on my washer) and ran the washer empty. Note: I had to repeat this step twice.
       While the washer is de-pelletifying *yeah, add that to your spell checker* shake off the clothing, I opted for outside...... (not the most eco friendly at this moment please forgive me)
       Put the clothing in the washing machine with more salt. I literally just took a salt shaker and tipped it over for two Mississippi (completely legit measure of time, if you are from Mississippi thank you for your contribution to our measurement system)
       Start the washer, put it on cycle heavy wash with the added rinse cycle. If you really would like to go for the gusto add on the pre soak feature as well.
       After your wash cycle, that will most likely take every bit of 3 hours toss the clothing into the dryer.
       Once your laundry is done drying, folded and put away (lets be honest, it will go into the basket until you need the clothes) pour yourself a sweet tea, lemonade, wine, coffee etc. and know that you worked hard today.

You know I have to say it because well, it is just who I am. But here are some preventative measures you can take.

        Don't wash disposable garments. (this right here is a problem solving, life changer!)
        Be eco friendly and use cloth.
        Hire someone to wash your laundry for you. ( so when they are the boob THEY have to clean it and not you..... ) 



Until next time............................


                                                                            

Hysterectomies for Everyone!!!!

As I venture out post surgery I have ran into some interesting comments. I am a 28 year old tooting around Walmart on an amigo of course people are going to ask. My children, bless their hearts, have taken it upon themselves to thwart off questions and like to announce, "my mom had her uterus taken out." Betcha didn't see that answer coming did you cashier? One lady nodded and without skipping a beat said well that is nice dear. Others blush or go "Oh, but your so young." The ones that have me absolutely baffled are the One Up Wendys. The who??? Yeah you know who I am talking about. Everybody knows at least one, and sadly a large portion of us know many. If you do not know any One Up Wendys I am sorry to tell you that you might as well accept that in your group of friends YOU are in fact, Wendy. Here is how the conversation goes:

Kay- I had surgery.

Wendy- I have had more than one surgery. Did you have it laproscopic?

Kay- Yes I did, I went home same day. It was nice to be able to relax in my own bed.

Wendy.- When I had laproscopic surgery I got up right off the operating table and walked home up hills both ways.

Kay- That's cool. I was down for about a week.

Wendy.- Yeah I was at dinner at the White House the same night.

I mean come on ladies. What happened to solidarity. What happened to just being there for your fellow woman??? 

The worst thing I have ran into thus far are the Drive Thru Sues. I am appalled at the amount of women who have legitimately said oh you had a hysterectomy? I was thinking about having one cuz I am sooooo over periods. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!!!! You are not ordering a Happy Meal here you are talking about MAJOR surgery. Which should only happen when MEDICALLY NECESSARY. Not because you find blood inconvenient. The whole idea of going under the knife gave me anxiety of epic levels and this lady just said she wanted a hysterectomy so nonchalantly as if she was talking about ordering her morning latte. Pass. 

I hope you enjoyed the wonderful world through my eyes.

Until next time .......

The Winner of the Giveaway!!!!

For those of you who have never used rafflecopter..... if you every have a giveaway I highly recommend it. You create your original post and then literally rafflecopter does the rest...... they even collaborated with random.com to choose a winner.... all I had to do was click a button that says choose a winner!?!? Couldn't be easier. Thank you so much for taking the time to enter the giveaway. If you want to keep receiving information on MORE AWESOME GIVEAWAYS please send me a quick e-mail to infinitedabbler@gmail.com subject heading GIVEAWAYS and I will save and e-mail you only with giveaway information. All information will stay with me.... no third party mailing.


Thank you again! I hope to see you back here soon!


Check out the post to see if you won!



Winner is announced HERE!

Beekeeping, Just Starting Out Checklist

Hey everyone, welcome, welcome, welcome. Today I am all excited because it is almost time for BEE SEASON!!! Didn't y'all know? Winter, Bee Season, More Bee Season, Fall. Now you know, let's move on. I have a bunch of friends that come to me and say....." How do I get started keeping bees?" If you have ever had bees then inevitably you receive TONS of questions by people just baffled and completely in awe. SO I am here to tell you exactly what you absolutely need to get started. **Note this is not for a top bar hive set-up**

1. Before you even get started I recommend sourcing a local beekeepers association and attending meetings and maybe even find a mentor :) Normally, you can find them at your local university extension office, or Google. 
2. Source a bee supplier. These folks do not have bees for sale year round and a lot of them won't ship them to you..... also asking at the beekeepers association meetings on their sources is good.
3. Supplies:               

• bee suit 
• veil and hat (IF you do not have a full body bee suit) ((not a veil you get married in, this one is much less fashion and much more function. ))
• hive tool
• brood boxes (2) these are the large boxes that the bees will use all winter long
• honey supers (2) these are the boxes that will be added for the collection of honey
• bottom board this is the bottom of the hive  
• inner cover is on top of the hive before the top cover ...so the hive has essentially two lids, but both are needed so don't skip out
• top cover is the very top lid and the one you will see when the hive is all closed up
• frames for the brood boxes (10 per box) so 20 for both brood boxes
• frames for the honey supers (10 per box) so 20 for both honey supers.....**note: most people only use 9 frames in the honey supers HOWEVER... having two extra frames on hand is not space consuming or a bad idea.**
• hive brush
• plastic caddy to carry your tools to the hive with you
• sweat headband, bandana or hanky ( that suit in the middle of summer (aka More Bee Season) gets HOT!!!!!
• queen excluder this keeps the queen from going up into your honey supply and laying eggs in it (Sorry your Majesty I like my eggs from a chicken)
• smoker and cool smoke materials
• matches or lighter to light above listed smoke
• foundation (some people like beeswax, some like plasticell...... I personally don't use any)
• entrance reducer to leave a smaller opening when the bees are in for the winter, it discourages mice and other small vermin.

     4. I prefer to order the hive boxes and frames not assembled. There are a few reasons for this 1.) It gives my husband a task ..... that honey do list is never finished :) 2.) It helps you check the boxes and frames for any mis-cuts or issues with the wood.... you can never be too observant.

     5. You will need to get some paint. I always scour the mistint section at the local depot for some cheap latex paint. However, if you are super fickle I recommend a color coding system to not only keep your pieces straight but, to fulfill the need to have order :)

     6. Once you have assembled your hives, you need to paint the outsides of the boxes. DO NOT PAINT THE INSIDES OF THE BOXES!!!!!  Why, Kay? Because I freaking said so ... the bees like a natural wood and the only reason you are painting is because you are protecting the outsides from the elements.... nobody wants flecks of paint in their honey. So, just don't do it.

      7.  Once everything is dried you can assemble and enjoy a job well done ... that is until your bees are ready to go in the hive..... that is a whole other post.

You will find that there are so many ways to keep bees. Some prefer one method and others swear that is the most absolute wrong way. As with anything you have to find your own rhythm and learn practices that you are comfortable with. Do research, try and find a mentor, attend meetings and enjoy the journey.


Happy Keeping and Bee Safe!


For all of my hive bodies and tools I have used:

Mann Lake

   

Joy GIVEAWAY

       I have great news to share with you today. Anyone who knows me personally knows that Joy is a blend that is a household staple. Joy is the very first oil we bought well over a year ago. Little did I know that one oil would lead me on an incredible journey to help promote my overall wellness and give me opportunity to meet some fantastic people. I am going to be dedicating my time and efforts into doing Young Living product reviews here and on YouTube and I would love for you to join me. I wanted to extend a giveaway in celebration of my (almost) 6 months with Young Living. To one lucky reader I will be doing a drawing via rafflecopter and mailing you 100% free of charge a bottle of Joy essential oil. I feel that everyone needs some Joy in their life. Now the important part.....HOW TO ENTER! There are quite a few ways to enter and win! May the odds be ever in your favor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Love to my Teams!!

Advocating For My Family

    Today I come to you as a woman, mother and all around frazzled human being. We recently relocated to a new state for my husbands job. It has been a good thing for our family but hard on me as an individual. I have tried to stay positive but failed attempts at mom groups and the overall self absorbed nature of the community we moved to has led to less than favorable social situations ( which I thrive on). I have leaned heavily on God, and essential oils. My two comforts that I can have no matter where I go. God is understandable, but essential oils? I know you are thinking yeah freaking right. I would probably feel the same way reading someone else's post. However, no matter what you think I tell you honestly that I have used essential oils as not only a way to help myself and my family's overall well being but as a way to live life with purpose. Let me explain. Before we moved I was very nonchalant about what I used in my home. After all we are all going to die sometime right>? Yes, but that is no reason to speed the process along by living in a home full of chemicals. Lets be honest, there are enough other chemicals we are exposed to without adding to the cocktail. After purging sooooooooo muuuuuuuuucccccchhhhhhh stuuuuuuuufffffffff I realized that I surrounded myself with quantity not quality. The new house we have doesn't afford me a bunch of spare room like my old home did. Through mindful prayer and some hefty tears I decided to try and live life with more of an advocate of my home mentality. We have gradually started switching over to using essential oils in our day to day cleaning with Thieves Household Cleaner and we have replaced all the plug ins with a few diffusers. I no longer use perfume with alcohol that dries and irritates my skin but instead like to change up between Joy and Stress AwayBlends. My laundry is washed in simple homemade blend with added essential oils to still feed that "clean smell" we all have grown to love. I love that I can close my eyes and take a deep breath and breathe in a variety of different fresh scents that not only smell good but promote my overall well being. You cannot tell me that in the dead of winter you don't miss fresh floral or citrus scents. I will call your bluff, every time. Essential oils have afforded me both and a whole lot more. I have found a grounding comfort in my essential oils and living a life with purpose has been therapeutic mentally and physically. So when you ask me why, I say why not advocate for yourself , your family and your environment. Now is better than never.


If you have any questions: infinitedabbler@gmail.com
Or for you independent folks:  http://yl.pe/3ck4

Acai Berry Colon Cleanse & Detox

Let's talk poo. Not the cuddly bear but the waste. We all do it and we all eat junk we probably shouldn't. Our bodies are super complex and as such they store up unfavorables that should otherwise not be there. Yes, before you say anything more I did volunteer to test a product that cleanses, do you see the sacrifices I do for you, my lovely loyal readers!?! Appreciate! lol.  That is why I highly recommend the Acai Berry Colon Cleanse & Detox. First and foremost I know that most people pronounce this wrong so sound it out with me ah (like open for the dentist) -si (like the fave uncle on that duck show)-ee (like the letter) ah-si-ee. Ok, not that that is out of the way lets talk some poo.First off, these are pills and not a drink mix that you have to gag down. This bottle contains a 30 day supply for a nice long detox. The Supplement People have put out a good product. Not only did it cleanse, you ask how do I know? Well lets just say that it either cleaned out my colon or I shat death into the toilet. Either way I see it as a win win. But also, it was not a forceful or immediate cleanse, like preparing for a colonoscopy, but rather just a normal movement. I urge you to make sure you are drinking plenty of water and light exercise will do wonders in keeping your guts healthy. And to be fair, who cannot benefit from some light exercise? I know I need it :) So all in all I really have nothing bad to say about the #AcaiBerryColonCleanseAndDetox. If you are in the market for a cleanse take time to check this out! You can get it on Amazon here and if you have prime shipping you are set!

** I did receive this product for free for my honest review. All opinions are solely mine**

Titanium Herb Grinder Review

I was given the opportunity to  review an herb grinder, Not just any herb grinder but a Titanium 4 Piece Herb Grinder. I must admit I have never used an herb grinder before so I was a little bit nervous. I am not always the best in figuring out functionality. I am happy to say that there were no issues in how to use it or difficulty cleaning it. I liked the magnetic top that secured the two grinder pieces nicely and the threads to screw the pieces together were smooth and not a struggle to match up. I ground up rose petals for a bath and was quite pleased how uniform the pieces ended up after grinding. If you have dried herbs you want to add to a dish and don't to buy herbs at the store that are not at the pique of freshness I recommend grinding your own. You could also make your own blends in this manner also......... the possibilities are endless. Your kitchen is not complete until you have #ElCoquiGrinders in it.

** I received this product for free for my honest review. All opinions are solely mine.**

Charlotte Wander On Review

BOOK REVIEW

Today, I bring you a different kind of review. I had been given the honor to review a children's book.  Charlotte, Wander On. is a fantastic, whimsical and moving book. I was apprehensive at first because I didn't really know how to voice my opinion, how much opinion can one have on a simple children's story. I genuinely did not know what to expect. The illustrations are not what you are accustomed to. It is no a cutesy rhyming story about a little girl and a kitty or whatever. It is a real story that spoke to me as an adult, it was a smooth read to my children and yet engaging for myself as an adult. The pages blend  and give you a view that makes you feel like you are on the journey with Charlotte, sharing her determination, and her struggles. The meaning and emotion evoked is not only real but is touching. I highly recommend checking out this book. You can find it on Amazon HERE.
#TheWilderWay you nailed this book, thank you for allowing me to review.

** I received this product for a discount for my honest review, all opinions are solely mine. **

Saint Noir - Ultra Premium Womens Designer Circle Gold Metal Sunglasses Review

         To all my fashionistas out there here is a review just for you. I had received the opportunity to review this super fun designer sunglasses just in time to place you order for Spring Break. We all know that eye protection from the super harsh sunshine is important but let's be honest, we need to look good doing it..... incentive and perspective. You can do BOTH with  Saint Noir Premium Designer Sunglasses. These sunglasses are offered on Amazon and come quickly with prime shipping. There are a few different styles to  choose from and you can pick your favorite and protect your eyes. Win/win. I have been testing durability on these glasses and they are holding up well. It is nice to find something that can handle normal wear and look great doing it.  I want to give a shout out to #zooshoo for allowing me to review their sunglasses.

     *** I received this product discounted for my honest review, all opinions are solely mine. ***

28/28

Today I turn 28. I have been an "adult" for a decade........ looking back this time seemed so far away and yet I woke up and today...... it is here. So I thought in the spirit of celebration I would share 28 things I have learned in the past 28 years. 

• Always be kind.
• Cherish moments..... even the bad ones.
• The habits you develop early on are actually really important in shaping your adulthood.
• You will not always agree with your friends, but true friends you will embrace because of your differences.
• Invest in meaningful relationships.
• Take time for yourself.
• Always strive for more knowledge.
• Find someone who will love you at your worst.
• Don't be afraid to fail.
• Do not stop making goals... even the small ones are worth achieving.
• Find a supportive mentor...... for me it was a wonderful woman who I swear is me 20ish years from now.
• Pray.
• Materialistic things will never replace a memory. ( I struggle with that.) 
• Respect.... that is all encompassing. Respect yourself, your spouse, your children, your neighbor, the grocery lady, the homeless person.... respect.
• Draw in that Bible. 
• Take time to talk to the elderly, they are not only wise but they are a hoot.
• Your kids will push you to unimaginable limits.
• Money is just a tool..... don't let it control your life. (also easier said than done) 
• Be good to the body you have, because it is the only one you get.
• Trust that "the one" who broke your heart is not the only person you will love...... even if it feels like it at the time.
• Marriage is a lifelong commitment.
• Sleep is actually decently important.
• Just because you are related by blood does not mean  you have to like them.
• Smile til your face hurts.
• You will get wrinkles....... it is just a fact of life.
• Take your vitamins!
• Everyone needs a dog (bonus if you adopt a shelter dog.... just sayin')
• Give generously, you came in to this world naked and you will go out the same.
  

Thank you for spending 28 years with me, Lord willing I will be able to be chatting it up for many more years to come. 

For Everything There Is An Opinion

    In today's world people have a bunch of access they never had. Access to personal information, access to knowledge, access to your life and access to voice their opinion on a international scale. Let us be clear, I am no different. Writing this blog post I am taking advantage of the opportunity afforded to me via freedom of speech and the internet blogging world. I have found that over the evolution of just a few decades that opinions have become a huge part of our lives. Back in the "day" you were taught to hold your tongue and mind your own. This seems to no longer apply. With heightened "access" people feel now more than ever that they can weigh in on every intimate detail of your life, your family and promptly step in the second you are "doing it wrong." Car seats, baby wearing, essential oil usage, homeschooling, breastfeeding, just to name a few..... I know there are so many more. What used to be a way to gain knowledge is now used to impose your beliefs on everyone else. Can we say "there's a link for that?" Any boob can post an article, I have two and HERE I am. But the point is simply this. Have compassion for one another and instead of bullying your ideas upon the masses become a friend and help someone. For those of you itch finger copy and paste Linky Lou's, I can link you to tons of research that says having compassion and being nice works. :) And, I suppose if all else fails........ "you catch more flies with honey."   

XYZlicone Ring Review

When I was given the opportunity to review the XYZlicone Ring I was really excited. I have been seeing advertising and really wanted to know if the hype of this ring was real or not. Let me tell you folks this is the real deal in the awesome department and to boot it is on Amazon!! Double win! You can find it here HERE . Upon receiving my ring I immediately put it on.... and by immediately, I mean after I lathered my wedding band in lotion to get it off my finger .......eeeeekkk! It was a hard fought battle but I came out victorious! So THEN, I put the new ring on and even in my poor fingers abused state the silicone ring was literally weightless. I was awe-struck by the "ghost" feel of wearing a ring but not feeling it on....... it takes some adjusting let me tell you. Throughout the entire process of the review I have found that this ring does NOT disappoint. I have worn it through my day to day life so normal cleaning, showering, baking, cooking, using my essential oils, knitting, OH! and KICKBOXING!!!!! Yes, I worn this bad boy to a kickboxing class and I didn't leave it on on purpose... I had forgotten to take it off!? So I have been busy #XhibitYourZeal all over the place. The only con that I had to the whole thing is that is is a bit grippy when sliding your hand across a handrail (by no means a deal breaker). However, if you are a stripper or a fireman (do they slide down poles still?) then this is definitely something to take into consideration.

Lets talk packaging for a second. As you can see, from the photo above, the ring comes in a really nice box, it contains two ..... YES TWO rings! It also has an authenticity code so you can register your product.

I also wanted to point out that I received the "man ring". So as you can see it is a bit more chunky than a feminine version (which I am hoping to test in the near future). Even with the bulk I had no issues. I am not near as hard on my hands as some folks but the reviews on Amazon speak volumes to the hard on their hands men in the world. If you have been waiting to try this product wait no longer.

** I did receive this product discounted for my honest trial and review. All opinions posted here on this product are solely mine. **