Making a Healthier Lifestyle

I've been on a health kick for the last several months. It all started with Christmas when I asked for new pans. They're ceramic instead of teflon so I'm not poisoning my family when I cook amymore. I've been implementing new ingredients into our menu too...quinoa, couscous and making my own seasonings. I started with my own taco seasoning and this weekend I made a mix to use instead of cream soups called S.O.S mix (soup or sauce mix). 

                                 

                          Ingredients in the taco seasoning.          Finished product!

 



S.O.S (soup or sauce mix)

 

Why did I decide to make my own seasoning and cream of soup mix? Because now I know (and can pronounce) all the ingredients that are in our taco seasoning and other dishes. When it comes to the cream of soup mix it's a little different. It isn't as thick as a creamy soup so I need to look into it more. Do you make any of your own mixes? Pinterest gives me a lot of inspiration when it comes to cooking and new recipes. My only problem is trying to find the time to make these recipes. If you have a favorite recipe or homemade mix to substitute for another item I'd love to hear it!!

 

What is Scentsy? It's Awesome!!

I had heard about Scentsy, but didn't really know what it was until a friend of mine signed up to sell it. I figured I would have a basket party to help her get started and of course I needed to buy a few things for myself.
 
I've come to love Scentsy! Why? Because safety is a must with two young children at home. Because I want a scent that doesn't disappear after a week. Because the warmers are fun, unique and add style to our home/office. Because Scentsy isn't just scented wax...it's more. They have adorable Scentsy buddies, travel tins for lockers and back packs, scent circles for cars and personal care items.

Are you interested in finding out what Scentsy is all about? Have you run out of your favorite scent and need more? Would you like to host a house or basket party? If so, let me know because I'd love to help you out. You can view my Scentsy webpage here.

More Changes...Good Ones!

So here are a few months later and we have made progress. First, we have a hole in the ground that will soon be our basement. Woohoo! Our SIPs walls should be delivered at the end of the week which means framing will begin late this week/next week. We check out the progress almost every day and it's amazing how much those guys can get done in one day.



We've ordered pine trees too and they should arrive at the end of April. When this is all said and done we'll have a new home with a windbreak to help protect us from these chilly, windy nights. We're SO excited!!

Great Gift Idea for the Men in Your Life

My husband recently purchased this Urban Warrior backpack and is in love with it. You can purchase it at Military Luggage for only $79.95. Here's what my husband had to say about this:

The Black Urban Warrior Backpack was exactly what I had hoped for in a backpack. My 17” HP fits nice and snugly, and there is plenty of room to keep the electronics accessories safe. I love the big bottom pocket for a space to keep the used PT clothes away from the rest of the packed items. It also fit my entire ACU uniform, with boots, and had plenty of room to spare. I put some of my MOLLE gear on the side with the MOLLE webbing on each side of the backpack pockets.

 

I also wanted this backpack for my outdoor activities, which at this time of year includes cold water walleye fishing in MN. The Urban Warrior held my four plastic cases for the different rigs, the extra cold weather gear, waterproof gear and lunch. My 5 year old loved having the insulated pocket for his hot chocolate, and getting his own big pocket in the backpack for his favorite lures, scale and camera!

 

We also filled it with our ice fishing tackle, electronics and warm clothes, and we did a practice pull of all of our stuff through the snow filled yard. The pack handled well, felt good on the back and was easily able to hold all of our equipment.

 

Lastly, we took this and packed it with both the boys (5 and 3 years old) toys and clothes for a weekend at Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving weekend. Each boy had a pocket for their stuff (toys), changes of clothes and all their winter gear to play in the snow. It was just right for their stuff and all of their snowpants, big jackets, boots, hats and gloves. We cannot wait to use this for all of our outdoor activities, and I will keep using it every day for work!



Army Wife/Girlfriend Must Have

Are you trying to figure out what you want for Christmas? I LOVE my Army purse! (It also doubles as diaper bag.) Not only does it serve a purpose, but it's a way for me to show everyone how proud I am of my husband. It's unique, it's personalized and it's mine. I LOVE it!
Take a look at all the fun bags and purses you can choose from at Hero On My Arm. You can get free shipping now if you use the shipping coupon Minnesota. I hope you find something you like as much as I do. Happy shopping!

Shout Out to Benjamin Moore

I'd like to give a big shout out to Benjamin Moore! They were kind enough to donate a few gallons of their Aura (low VOC) paint. We decided on a blue color that we'll use to paint each of the boys' rooms. Both boys were given several colors to choose from and they each chose the same color. If only all decisions were this simple!

Shout Out to American Standard

I have to give a great big shout out to American Standard for donating a waterless urinal to our family. In a household with three males this will be a tremendous asset! (Especially for our 5 year old that has a hard time hitting the target first thing in the morning.)

 

Even though this is the only thing in our future house that I won't use, this is probably my favorite item. Not only are we building a new house, but our goal is to build an energy efficient house. This is just one part of the equation that will help us achieve green certification. What are the benefits of a waterless urinal? Water savings, possible energy savings, water pollution reduction, lower costs and improved restroom sanitation. Did you know that American Standard is an EPA WaterSense Partner of the Year? They have several WaterSense labeled products including toilets, faucets and shower heads. What have you or would you do to become more water or energy efficient?