Pattern Test for Little Kiwis Closet

I was able to test for Little Kiwis Closet. The pattern I tested was the Sweet and Sassy Bubble shorts. I loved the pattern. I love the shorts on my little man and it was a very quick sew!!! Im so pleased with them. It was the first pair of shorts I have ever made. They turned out so cute. Even my husband likes them. Which is an accomplishment for sure!!! I have made some questionable items in my day.  There are so many options with these shorts. Pockets, no pockets, or add bows. If you buy this pattern you will not be disappointed!!!
Here is the link the the shorts.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/177632668/sweetnsassy-bubble-shorts-prem-24months?ref=shop_home_active_4

Here I am Lord

Lately I feel like God is going to use me, my skills, my desires, in a new way. Maybe at a different place or somewhere I never expected to be used, maybe big or small.  I don't know where or what but I feel like "here I am Lord, send me." I pray daily that He will open whatever door He wants me to walk through. There are desires in my heart and I pray He uses them for His glory. However, I am content where I am right now. I know that sounds strange. I feel like He's preparing my heart and mind and yet I love where I am at right now.

Moms Bomb Egg Salad

tired of your ordinary egg salad heres the best alternative!!!

hard boiled eggs cut in small pieces
cheese
corn
bacon
ranch dressing
mayo
garlic salt
italian seasoning
paprika

i did not really measure anything - i used about 6 eggs and 4 pieces of bacon. I really just put it all in a bowl and tasted and then added as I saw fit!
Enjoy!!!!

Homemade is the best!!!!

I have a lot of friends who ask me what my recipes are for all of my homemade items... so here they are just for you!!

Homemade deodorant - this stuff actually works. I dont know about you but the natural store stuff does not work. No matter how much I use - i just smell no matter what!!! Heres an awesome deodorant and way cheaper!!!

• 6 T coconut oil
• 1/4 cup (4 T) baking soda
• 1/4 cup (4 T) arrowroot or cornstarch
• essential oils (optional)

What to Do:

1. Mix baking soda and arrowroot together in a medium sized bowl.
2. Mash in coconut oil with a fork until well mixed.
3. Add oils if desired.
4. Store in small glass jar or old deodorant container for easy use.

http://wellnessmama.com/1523/how-to-make-natural-deodorant-beating-the-b-o-with-natural-deo/

Homemade toothpaste

• 5 parts Calcium powder or Calcium Magnesium Powder
• 2 parts Baking Soda
• 3 parts Xylitol Powder- This ingredient is not completely necessary, but just keeps it from tasting bitter. (I use stevia)
• 3-5 parts coconut oil to get desired texture
• Optional ingredients: Essential oils for flavor (mint, cinnamon, and orange are all good), Grapefruit Seed Extract, Myrrh and Trace Minerals

[Note: To keep things simple, I just use a teaspoon or tablespoon, depending on the size batch I'm making, so the above recipe would read 5 TBSP calcium powder, 2 TBSP Baking Soda, etc.]

http://wellnessmama.com/2500/homemade-remineralizing-toothpaste-recipe/

Homemade Hand Foaming Soap
I use and old foam hand soap dispenser. I fill it mostly up with water and then add a little dr bronners castile soap. I also add a little vitamin e, so my hands dont get dry. wallah!!!!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

weve had this recipe for so long and because we are a large family we make a very big batch. im pretty sure this is the recipe we use though.

Hot water
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap (grated)

• In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
• In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
• Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring before each use (will gel).

Homemade Baby Wipes

2 cups water
1 tbls coconut oil
1 tbls dr bronners castile soap

cut paper towel roll in half and remove the brown core. (save for giving to a church). soak the paper towels in above solution and wallah!!!!

Homemade Lotion

• 1/2 cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
• Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference

Note: All ingredients and many essential oils are available here.

How to Make Lotion:

1. Combine ingredients in a pint sized or larger glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives or other foods.
2. Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
3. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
4. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage. Small mason jars (8 ounce) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
5. Use as you would regular lotion. This has a longer shelf life than some homemade lotion recipes since all ingredients are already shelf stable and not water is added. Use within 6 months for best moisturizing benefits.

Note: A litte goes a long way! This lotion is incredibly nourishing and is also great for diaper rash on baby, for eczema and for preventing stretch marks!

http://wellnessmama.com/3765/luxurious-homemade-lotion-recipe/

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ingredients:

• 3 lemons
• 14 oz water
• 4 oz white vinegar
• 1 cup salt

Cut lemons and remove all seeds.  Chop lemons into small pieces. Put cut pieces in blender with water and blend at maximum speed until smooth. Pour into a stainless steel pot, add salt and vinegar, and stir. Cook just below boiling for about 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally if needed.  Let cool slightly, stir, then store in glass containers. {If your blender is not super powerful, strain final mixture with a thin mesh strainer.} Fill the dishwasher soap dispenser and also put a small amount on the inner side of the dishwasher door. You can also use it to clean your counters and stove!  I would test a small area first just to be sure.  Don’t want to be the cause of ruined household parts!  But it worked really well for me.

http://motherofpearlspcos.org/homemade-lemony-all-natural-dishwasher-liquid-i-love-this-stuff/

5k

yesterday and today i ran a 5k at lake murray - despite my calfs hurting and my nike thing bring wonky i did good :) i cant seem to get out of the 180s. i weighed myself today and i weigh 180.2. ugh trying to break these 180s - im still hoping i hit my goal of 140 by aug 15th :). i feel no difference with my shots. once they stopped making me sick i have felt no difference.

2lb off

I did not meet my goal for my health class. I am 2 lbs off. However, I am still on track for my goal by the time we renew our wedding vows. I am very excited about that :) I have been able to lose weight eating all whole foods. That is something I did not think was possible. Though tonight is my last class I will continue on my health journey. Since the beginning of January I have lost 20lbs. I am getting there, slowly (which is better), but getting there. One lb at a time :) Sometimes in life we come short of our goals but that doesnt mean we have to give up or throw in the towel. Keep on keeping on!!!!

Musings of a genetically mutated mom

I started my health journey quite a few years ago and in that found out I needed thyroid medicine (natural kind). There were other things too like my estrogen was super de duper high. Probably more but I cant remember. I lost 69 lbs and then was pregnant with our 5th beautiful blessing. In January of this year I started the weight loss journey again. I found myself at 201 lbs. I started MediFast again and it was slow going. I then started an 8 week health class. Eating low glycemic. My goal has always been to lose the wight without a program, on whole foods. This class was what i needed. Someone to monitor my food intake and help me where I struggled. Apparently I wasn't eating enough. Can you believe it...not eating enough. How could that help me lose weight. Tomorrow is our last class. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and will be bummed when its over. While in this class I discovered that I have some genetic mutations. This basically means my body cannot absorb nutrients like folic acid and b vitamins. I started a natural shot regimen. The first shot was a full dose and made me sick. The second shot was a lower dose and did nothing. This last shot was a full dose and made me sick but not as bad as before. I really want my body to accept this. my friend is doing so well on it. Im so happy for her!!!! It will be my turn one day, I have hope that it will help me and my body will accept this treatment. I really want to know what it is like to feel normal. When i tell people they way i feel or the way my body behaves people tell me that is not natural....one day my body will behave itself. Im praying sooner than later :)