Oregano

We grew Oregano and it's spread. We'll have to thin it out. I cut a bunch off to dry for us and much more will go to our co-workers and friends.

Serviceberries

We have a Serviceberry Tree in our front yard. This year it's finally gotten big enough for me to pick off berries to eat before the birds get to them all.

I think I'll make muffins with some and use some more for homemade juice.

Allergies!

I have allergies so bad that they are off the charts! I've had those back pricks done many times when I was younger. I would puff up so bad that the nurse felt bad for me.

I'm super allergic to environmental things, dust mites and any animal that is furry. It used to be that I would get itchy eyes and wheeze with asthma when I was around cats or dogs. Now I mostly get bitchy and tired! It's worse then PMS.

Some things that I do are:

• Sprinkle Baking Soda on our mattresses and vacuum it up.
• Wash my rugs and drapes on a regular basis.
• Vacuum under the couch cushions.
• Dust.
• Wash my hair before bed.
• Clean my pillow case with every load of laundry I do.

I'd really like to get a steam mop for my wood floors. We also plan on getting some industrial carpet for downstairs.

For carpet I'd love to have one of these:

Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is hosting a giveaway for a Hoover MaxExtract 60 Pressure Pro Carpet Cleaner!

What to Get the Men in My Life?

I always have a really hard time figuring out what to get the men in my life for any holiday. If you don't know what to get then men in your life for Father's Day, a zoo membership, local garden membership or a forest membership work great!

Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is hosting a giveaway for one winner to win a $50 gift card to RedEnvelope.

One thing I think my parents husband and I would all like is this:

Run with Footlocker

I like for everyone in my family to have one pair of good tennis shoes. Sandals are fun too. A good pair of tennis shoes is important!

Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is hosting a giveaway where one winner will receive a $50 gift card from Footlocker!

Outside

I went outside a lot this last weekend. On Saturday night we dug up a lot of wood chips to plant Buffalo Grass. It's still in process, but we're getting there.

On Sunday morning I went outside to play. The boy's and I had fun on their Slip 'n Slide! I went on it a few times, even though it's not meant for adults.

I'd love to win one of these Rocket Ship Resistant Tunnel's from Fun and Function at  New Age Mama!  Outdoor activities are the best!

BottlesUp

I have a glass bottle I drink out of all the time. I simply love it. I love how I can drink cold things and heat it up in the microwave if I want something warm.

I wish I had two of them because I drink a lot throughout the day. I fill my bottle up at home where I have a filter. Once the water is gone, I drink tap water. We don't have a filter system at work.

I saw this really cool glass water bottle that The Crafty Nest is hosting a giveaway for. The company that sells these sweet bottles is called BottlesUp. I love everything about it. From it's function to it's design!

Healthier Snacks

I've been trying to do away with some unhealthy snacks! It's easier for me then my kids. We still have Easter candy! At least I didn't allow them to eat it all at once.

I usually give them some of their candy {like a piece} and add a carrot or fresh spinach in their bowl. They don't complain. They just want their snack.

New Age Mama is giving away 1 bag of Yumnuts Cashews. They are a healthier snack that I'm excited to try out! I love to pour these into a bowl along with a carrot or fresh spinach.

Keep Your Drink Cool

The thing we drink the most of is water! I've been stopping off at a track when I'm out and about to get some exercise. Since it's getting warmer, it's harder to keep our dinks cool.

I spotted these fun bags from Chill It Bags! New Age Mama is giving away one of these bags. Perfect for the summer!

Warm Buddy Full Body Wrap

I think it's key that when you work full-time and have two small kids, it's key to have relax time! I don't usually have a problem relaxing, but my husband does. He's Mr. Stress Ball!

New Age Mama is giving away a Warm Buddy Full Body Wrap! I'd love to win this and give it to my husband for father's day. It the kids that stress him out often!

A Long Line of Artists

My Dad is an artist, my husband is an artist and I am an artist. I teach art, I design my blogs and I make what I call cookie art. Now our oldest son seems to be following along the path of being an art lover.

I love things that are handmade! It's the artist in me. I have memories of refinishing old furniture with my dad.

One store that has all kinds of handmade things is Novica. I'm totally in love with this site, and what it has to offer. Their drums, masks and furniture is so cool!

I like this piece:

A Nut in a Nutshell is giving away a $75 gift card to Novica.

Food Face

This is how I get my toddler to eat what I want him to eat:

I simply love these food plates!

Juice

My husband Travis, my son Isaak and I all get excited about making juice. The different kinds of fruit and veggies and combinations seem endless. It seems like I've had less IBS problems since we've started using the juicer. Maybe I've had less stress too.

This weekend we had company. One person didn't drink hardly any juice. I wondered if they just didn't like it, or if they simply were truly just full like they said they were? My feelings wouldn't of been hurt. Many people have a hard time adjusting to the no sugar part.

I just make a practice of eating and drinking anything that is given to me to not waist food. Since I've been watching what I eat, I lessen my intake. I use small plates more then ever. That morning we did make too much juice. I didn't know how much to make for two extra adults.

Here's a photo before water was mixed in:

I'm Back into Reading

I have to admit that I haven't picked up an adult book in years. This is besides what I read for work. I read books to the kids all the time. I do read blogs regularly. I really need some selfish time to read for me. It's much better then watching TV! I started reading a book that I got for a review. I read 100 pages in 2 days.

One thing I've been looking for is an e-book reader! One Savvy Mom! is hosting a giveaway for one winner to win a Nextbook Next3 Touchscreen Tablet!

Features include:

• Large Screen, Sleek and Compact
• Google Android OS
• WIFI
• Touch Screen
• Embeded Borders BookStore (Powered by Kobo Books)
• 8.4” TFT Color Display
• Built-in Battery
• 4 Way G-sensor
• Preloaded with 25 Free eBooks
• Build-in Speaker
• Music player & Video player

Projects Coming Up

A few things I'm want to work on:

• Organizing photo's in books. I'm way behind!
• Building robots for my oldest son. I want to make foamcore/paper ones for his room. He has streets painted on his walls. I want robots to be stomping in his streets. I already took photo's for reference and bought the supplies. Now it's the construction I want to work on.
• Paint the stairway. Our whole upstairs has bright walls and an old world feel. I want to make our basement the opposite. It will have an industrial feel. One Savvy Mom! is hosting a giveaway for some non toxic paint. I'd love to win some Mythic Paint!