by Kimberly | Aug 16, 2018 | Books
(AD : I was given this book by Tommy Nelson in exchange for an honest review of the book and this giveaway is also sponsored by them.)
We are big dog lovers in our house – until they get up to us.
I grew up with such a fear of dogs. My brother had a dog when we were little. Smurty was his name (I think). He died of heart worms. My brother loved dogs, and still does as he has several rescue dogs.
I was bitten by a family’s dog in middle school and remember being terrified of walking home from the school bus because there were pitbulls in the neighbors yard. I just walked or ran as quickly as I could.
My husband loves dogs . He had a beagle growing up called Cagney – like the 80s tv show.
Our boys love dogs. But, they love them until they get up close to them and see how big or how loud they are. Even if the dog is cute and friendly they don’t want anything to do with them unless they are at least 10 feet away.
We aren’t planning on getting a dog anytime soon, even though we have the perfect backyard for it. We don’t have the time or money for the vet bills and another mouth to feed. We won’t be having any family pictures with little fur babies in it. I’m a boy mom, not a fur mom. I think they are adorable, but for someone else.
Unless, you can offer me a cat. Yes, that’s right, I’m a cat person. A cat is introverted and content to curl up on the sofa. That’s me. But, my mister and one of our boys is allergic – so that won’t be happening either.
So, how do I get my boys to love dogs – I read them dog stories. Our boys have stuffed dogs that they have named and carry with them everywhere. And that’s as good as its going to get for a while.
Finding Gobi is a little tale about friendship, companionship through the rough times in life, and faithfulness. These are all traits that I’d love to see our boys develop as they get older. Persevering and faithfulness are two character traits that our world sees greatly lacking in men.
If you’d like a chance to get a copy of this board book about a dog named Gobi for your son or daughter, a great read aloud for little ones, just comment with what your ideal pet would be?
Thanks Tommy Nelson!
by Kimberly | Aug 8, 2018 | Books, Kids r Readers 2
Now that school has begun for both of my boys, I have more time to blog.
I thought I’d start by telling you some of our favorite read aloud books this summer. I started with longer books (like Farmer Boy and Trumpet of the Swan, but my younger one wasn’t into it). So, we will try again later.
But, picture books still rule in our home.
Little Wolf’s First Howling This is a good reason to have friends who love to read. I was recommended this book by two of my friends who have girls. My boys died laughing at this. We had so much fun reading it together!
The Circus Ship I heard about this book on a podcast that Sarah MacKenzie was being interviewed on. We totally enjoyed it – and we adults love the tale too.
When the Cows Got Loose This was a fun story with bright colors.
Dino-Racing What a perfect story combination for my boys: dinosaurs and race cars
Motor Goose My boys still love mighty machines, so this was a great one to read one afternoon.
Muncha Muncha Muncha – You gotta have ways to make your kids eat more vegetables, right?
At bedtime, we took turns reading a little bit of Farmer Boy, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and Frog and Toad
What did you read this summer with your kids?
This time last year: I gave you a review of my favorite book I read in 2017.
Two years ago I gave you some tips on how to survive Mondays – but really this applies to every day of the week!
Three Years Ago: I talk about farmers markets and cookbooks
by Kimberly | Aug 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
Now that summer vacation ends tomorrow, thought I would share with you some of my favorite recipes from this summer. What did you cook this summer that you would love to share?
Everything in this cookbook (so far)
This roast chicken
Lemon Cake – double the lemon curd!
Berry Mascarpone Cake
These for easy summer breakfasts
by Kimberly | Aug 6, 2018 | Uncategorized
My favorite way to spend long drives or time in car running errands is by listening to podcasts. I thought I would share with you some of my favorites each month.
Surviving Sarah (the one with Heather McFadyen)
5 Questions
Sally Clarkson
Chompers (for the boys to brush their teeth)
Lazy Genius (cleaning and salad ones are my faves lately, oh and the farmers market one)
God Centered Mom the one with Jen Wilkin
What are some of your favorite podcasts – especially specific episodes. Leave me some new ones in the comments! I’ll be sharing mine more next month!
by Kimberly | Jun 29, 2018 | Uncategorized
Ok – so 41 years in the making, and I think, at least for now, I’ve gotten my face routine down.
Wow. I remember using Noxzema, Mary Kay, every over the counter product or line basically. But, now, as I’m getting older my face has regulated (you know, changing in hormones – even with a few autoimmune disorders).
I’ve never really had problematic skin, but would have the typical hormone-related black outs as a teenager (and as a mama!). Seriously, do you ever get too old for acne – apparently not.
But, I really love my skin right now, so I thought I would share with you the products I use. None of these are affiliate and I’m not getting paid for any of this. Just like what I use!
And before I go on, I would like to tell you what I love about my skin: it is so soft right now. Its not oily. It breaks out minimally but then clears up very quickly. I have normal skin on my face, not too sensitive, not too oily or dry. So, if you want nice soft, clean skin…try these. Hopefully the routine will work for you:
Goat’s Milk Soap. My mister and I started using Goat’s Milk Soap when we went to a goat farm in PEI on our honeymoon. We loved the soap. Now, we don’t pay shipping from Canada, but we try to get local goat’s milk soap wherever we live. My mister uses this too and we use it on our boys’ ultra sensitive faces. You can usually find local ones at fairs or farmer’s markets in your area or at places like Sprouts, TJ, Whole Foods, or Fresh Market.
Witch Hazel. I use this as a toner for my skin. I’m not a huge rose (the smell of it) fan, but this scent is very light. And do the research, Witch Hazel has lots of other uses as well.
ReBuildU Vitamin C serum. I have a sweet friend in my life. This is hers. She has been my makeup guru and told me about this when she first launched it. And you can get it 30% off if you use this particular link (at least through the end of June, which is tomorrow.
Coconut Oil. I don’t use very much of it and I use it at night. Its already in liquid form in a pump so it is super easy! And I don’t have to remember to bring some from the kitchen. I just use a little and rub it all in my face and neck until it doesn’t feel oily anymore. (The link above isn’t the exact brand I use, but I use fractionated coconut oil – pure oil).
The above I do every night. I wash with goats milk soap in the morning.
Now, here is what I want to find.
Eye cream
Day skin cream (that would be good for wrinkles and pores and aging skin)
And powder foundation
All the above I would love to find OTC or available on Amazon that doesn’t cost more than 20$.
