My 2015 Resolutions and Goals

My bulbs pushing through the ground, ever upward to feel the sun.

I know that January is almost over, but I wanted to share with you all what I would love to accomplish this year, both off and on my blog. This is my time to reflect upon myself, the Lord, and my life. My resolutions like so many others are a window into what I would love to change, work on, and grow in.

As the first flowers of spring push through the ground ever upward to feel the sun, I am pushing ever upwards in my edification to be more like Christ, the Son of God.

My 2015 Resolutions and Goals

• To Better Myself - This is a huge resolution that encompasses many aspects of my life.
• I need to deepen in my faith in The Lord Jesus Christ and be more like him every step of the way. I need to also be more aware of what I do and say to become more Christ-like.
• I would like to become more independent. I don't want to rely so heavily upon others.
• A steady progression in my fiber arts studies (sewing, knitting, crochet) is also welcome.
• I would like to continue my studies about herbs, herbal remedies, foraging, nutrition, and wild/raw foods.
• My studies about permaculture and how to best apply it to our farm needs to also continue.
• I would like to learn how to play the guitar and to continue advancing on violin (when I get another one).
• My fitness regimen needs to be more than chasing kids around the house, shopping, and blogging.
• I want to make living sustainably a part of my everyday life. Pushing for a more simplistic and less plastic/less waste lifestyle.
• I would like to cook more healthy meals at home so we don't end up with unhealthy options like takeout or fast food. Growing and having my own healthy food (garden/orchard/greenhouse/aquaponics/chickens/quail) will help with this. Also creating a meal plan will help too.
• Become a lot more involved with my children. Become a better role model and teacher for them.
• I need to have a: more organized household and schedule. I need to plan better, be on time, and procrastinate less.

I know that I may not accomplish all of these goals, but I am willing to at least give it a try. I know that circumstances beyond our control sometimes get in the way of progression. Hopefully I can document my growth on here. This is the first installment in my posts about improvements I will be making this year...with me, my blog, and my homestead/farm.

What are you working on this year?

Orkin #BedBugFeud Giveaway & Blog App

I have the opportunity to give away a CleanRest Pillow Encasement below free for posting this information. All information and giveaway prizes are provided by Orkin and PartnersHub.

Orkin is back with #BedBugFeud - test your bed bug knowledge and see if you are keeping a clean bed in 2015!

Play the Bed Bug Feud and beat the clock to make the leaderboard!

At Orkin, we use the latest technology and unparalleled training to develop an effective treatment that's right for your needs. To learn more about our pest control based in science or to schedule an inspection, visit orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN.

Orkin on Facebook: facebook.com/OrkinPestControl
Ask The Orkin Man® on Twitter: twitter.com/AskTheOrkinMan
Orkin YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/OrkinVideo




Blog App:

• Test your Bed Bug knowledge and get on the leaderboard!
• Share your bed bug horror stories and what you’ve done so that the bed bugs won’t bite.
• Tweet using the #OrkinMan or #BedBugFeud hashtags on Twitter.
• Share the game on Facebook!

WIN IT
Prize: a CleanRest Pillow Encasement (retail value $20.00)

Giveaway open to the U.S. Each household is only eligible to win 1 ONE CleanRest Pillow Encasement via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about The Orkin #BedBugFeud App I am getting a Orkin CleanRest Pillow Encasement free for my readers as a giveaway and one to keep for myself. Thanks to PartnersHub for providing me this promotion information and free product. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this blog app and giveaway.

My #DisneySide @Home Celebration Kit Arrival & Unveil

I received free products to facilitate my party from Disney Parks and MomSelect. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Here is the moment of truth. My #DisneySide @Home Celebration Kit made the journey to my home safely and the moment to unveil the contents has finally arrived! Are you as excited as I am!!?? My girls couldn't really contain themselves either.

My girls, Teela and Zari waiting patiently for the opening of our #DisneySide Kit.

As I opened the box I was overwhelmed at how much awesome stuff they threw in! My girls squealed in delight and jumped up and down. We are certainly going to put it all to good use in the party planning. I am so excited to use the cookie cutters! I have so many ideas to use them for. I can't wait for my party! It is going to be GRAND!

My girls are ecstatic! Just look at their faces!

The unveil: My #DisneySide @Home Celebration Kit contents.

What's Inside My Kit (All the kits were a bit different from each other.): 

• Disney DesignWare Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Swirl Decorations (12 pieces: 6 foil swirl decorations, 3 foil swirl decorations with 7 in cutouts, and 3 foil swirl decorations with 5 in cutouts.)
• Disney Hallmark Party Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Fun & Friends Table Cover (54 x 96 in)
• Disney Hallmark Party Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Fun & Friends Plates (2 sets of 8, 7 x 7 in)
• Disney Hallmark Party Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Fun & Friends Napkins (16, 9 3/4 x 9 3/4 in)
• Disney Hallmark Party Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Fun & Friends Cups (8, 9 fl oz each)
• Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Fun & Friends Pencils (2 packs of 6)
• Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Fun & Friends Card Game (2 in one, Go Fish and Snap)
• Disney Sticker Pad (4 sheets, 200 stickers)
• Disney Minnie Mouse Mini Snack Pails (2 sets of 6)
• Disney Minnie Mouse Snack Stand
• Disney Minnie Mouse Resealable Sandwich Bags (20, 6.25in x 6in)
• Disney Princess Nail Polish (18, 0.12floz)
• Disney Princess Palace Pets
• ABC Family Orange Striped Reusable Bags
• ABC Family The Fosters Orange Reusable Water Bottle
• HP Photo Card Pack for MyPrintly
• Crayola Crayons (24 pack)
• Wilton Mickey Mouse Cake Pan
• Wilton Sprinkle Assortment Mix
• Duff Goldman Tie Dye Cake Mix
• Soy Vay Veri Veri Teriyaki
• Beyond Beef Beyond Meat Coupons
• Twinings Tea (2 boxes)
• All Stainlifters Mighty Pacs Oxi (56 loads)
• Wisk Deep Clean Original Sample (1 load)
• Show Your #DisneySide DisneyParks Free Vacation Planning DVD Signup with Luggage Tags inside
• Show Your #DisneySide Pin the Smile on Mickey Mouse Game
• Show Your #DisneySide Disney Trivia Cards
• Show Your #DisneySide Bingo
• Show Your #DisneySide Disney Character Word Search
• Show Your #DisneySide My Family Tree of Life
• Show Your #DisneySide Welcome Kit

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This post is in conjunction with Disney Parks and MomSelect. I received a party pack complimentary to throw a #DisneySide @Home Celebration to promote Disney's campaign "Show Your #DisneySide". My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

Olde Westport Spice Company Offer

US Family Guide provided me with this promotional information to share with my readers. I am getting something for free in return for posting this information. 

Online specialty Food Company stands the test of time - Spice Company creates custom spice blends, seasonings and dry soups. Olde Westport Spice & Trading Company is a 33-year-old spice manufacturer that is still going strong. This online company operates a small plant in Goodland, Kansas, and knows a thing or two about spices, seasonings and soups. This family owned and operated company was originally founded in the Kansas City area and has stayed true to its mission of making custom spice blends for main meal dishes and appetizers as well as nearly 20 varieties of dry soups. The products are available online at www.oldewestportspice.com; at food-related craft and trade shows throughout the Midwest; and at gift and gourmet food shops. Olde Westport's spice blends and seasonings include Italian, Cajun, Taco, Fajita, Chili, Jalapeno, Beef Sauce, Salsa, Garlic and many more. All of the products use quality ingredients for a balanced flavor that compliments meats, pastas and vegetables. The company also invented dry soup mixes that are simple and easy to make including Antonio's Minestrone, Country-Style Creamy Potato, Chipotle Black Bean, Creamy Broccoli and Cheese, Kansas City Steak & Ale, Gold Coast Garlic Pasta Alfredo, Mesa Flats Chicken Enchilada, New Orleans Red Bean & Rice, Southwestern Tortilla, White Chili Soup and more. Olde Westport Spice and Trading Co. is owned and operated by Bill and Judy Petersen, who along with their daughter, Ann Myers, also own and run a restaurant (Westport Grill) in Goodland featuring the products. Bill first custom created all of the spices and seasonings in the kitchen of his home. Today the company has a manufacturing facility where Bill still researches and develops new recipes and dishes for future products. For more information or to place an order, please visit www.oldewestportspice.com or call 1-800-537-6470.

CHAMPIONSHIP CHILI SPICE BLEND - This championship spice has helped chili creators win 12 state and national championships throughout the years and all over the US! But what is most important to us about our Olde Westport Chili Spice Blend is that our customers love to use it in their chili whether it's for a national championship cook-off challenge or simply for their own family in their cozy kitchen on a cold winter's night. We've heard from countless customers that our attention to detail and quality is what makes this chili spice blend stand out above the competitors. We know you might put beans in your chili or maybe you add apples and sausage or perhaps you have a special recipe that is top secret but starts with thick-cut bacon... however you concoct your chili we hope you'll try our chili spice blend.

GOLD COAST GARLIC SHAKE - Gold Coast Garlic Shake spice blend is truly one of those special blends of garlic, herbs and spices that our customers use in sour cream dips, sprinkle over steamed vegetables, fresh vegetables from your garden, garlic mashed potatoes or steak on the grill. There are more than 50 recipes in the Olde Westport Gold Coast Garlic Cookbook that will give you lots of ideas for quick simple meals with that high-end restaurant flavor. A garlic experience you will never forget. Check out the Olde Westport web site for a few recipes and placing orders.

Readers get 10% off of their order.
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11887&dealid=1844 @usfg

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am posting about the Olde Westport Spice Company Offer I am getting Get a free jar of Mesquite Seasoning, Garlic Seasoning, a package of Chili, Enchilada, and Chili Verde. Value is $22.50. Thanks to USFamilyGuide.com for providing me this promotion information and free spices. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this promo. 

Wordless Wednesday Delbin Sandwich

Teela and Zari giving their brother, Delbin, his daily hugs.

Wordless Wednesday Church Pews to Repurpose

We are repurposing these oak church pews for different things around our farm and home.

Schwan's Home Delivery Service Review

This review is sponsored by Schwan's through USFG.

Schwan's Home Delivery Service is a great convenience for saving time when meals at home need to be faster than homemade and healthier than fast food. On their website they have a great selection of whole meals, entrees, desserts, appetizers, sides, and drinks. They have items you can pick from that are especially great for people with special dietary needs including: gluten free, vegetarian, sugar free, heart healthy, low calorie, and low sodium. The food is delivered right to your home by refrigerated truck and it is so very easy to order the food online.

I received a $25 gift certificate to Schwan's to pick something out online. I wanted to pick out something that might feed my whole family of 6 and that my whole family might enjoy. I also wanted something semi-healthy. I selected the Home Style Chicken Bake, Pineapple Orange Juice, and Golden Fruit Blend. I was a little disappointed that they did not offer more organic items. There are only 4 organic items and they are all fruits and vegetables. I ended up going a little over the $25 with my order subtotal being $28.97 and the delivery fee being $1.75. I ordered my items and picked the date and time for it to be delivered.

My Schwan's driver, Harold, and his truck.

On the date and time I selected, the Schwan's driver from my area drove up to my drive in his refrigerated truck and knocked on my door. He introduced himself as Harold and was very friendly and punctual. When he got my order out of his truck he also handed me a current Schwan's catalog so that I could order again at my leisure without needing to look online. When he handed me the items I had ordered he let me know briefly about each one and what he likes to do with them at his home.  He also said I could peruse the back of his truck to see if there was anything more I wanted before he left. I politely declined his offer and told him it was nice of him to ask. He even posed for me with his truck so I could have a picture for my review.

Schwan's Home Style Chicken Bake, Pineapple Orange Juice, and Golden Fruit Blend in packages.

The Home Style Chicken Bake said it served 5 and although it wouldn't feed my complete family I figured that I could supplement with something else to go with it or make it on a day my whole family were not all home for dinner. I guess I could have picked the Six Cheese Tortellini which serves 9, but I was in the mood for a pot pie of sorts. The Home Style Chicken Bake was delicious and so easy to make! This meal has to be kept frozen until cooked and eaten. It can be cooked in a conventional oven or micro-baked (a combination of microwave and oven). It has no preservatives and has a gravy that is made from scratch with fresh frozen vegetables. When I opened up the one I received part of the flaky pastry crust that topped the gravy, chicken, and veggies was broken a little bit which probably happened in transit. I didn't really care about the presentation as much as the taste though. After I cooked it in the oven I tasted it and it was delicious! The combination of the white chicken meat, russet potatoes, sweet peas & carrots in chicken gravy topped with the pastry crust was so good. If you like pot pie you will love this even better!

The Pineapple Orange flavored juice beverage comes in a package of six 8 fl oz cartons that each make 1/2 gallon of juice when the concentrate is mixed with water. Although this is thirst quenching it is not the healthiest juice. It does have high fructose corn syrup and sugar as the very first ingredients with preservatives and dyes. The flavor of the drink is too sweet for my taste, but my kids loved it. I am not sure how they made the pineapple flavor since pineapple juice or concentrate isn't listed as one of the ingredients...just natural and artificial flavors (whatever that means). I did like the combination of pineapple flavor (however they made it) with the orange and apple juice concentrates, but once I put some ice in it and a bit more water I liked it a whole lot more. It contains only 15% real fruit juice, but every 8 fl oz serving provides 100% of the daily value of Vitamin C. Next time I think I will buy their 100% Orange Juice fortified with Calcium that has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It is a much healthier choice, although also more expensive, go figure!

The Golden Fruit Blend is all natural 100% Grade-A cut chunks of pineapple and mango with thick-sliced peaches and strawberries. It is delicious and my favorite fruit blend, but I wish that it was organic. It has 6 - 3/4 cup servings in a 2 lb. resealable bag, Serves 6. This great as a snack, with yogurt, or put in a smoothie! My kids ate this up because they love frozen fruit...they hardly left any for me (see the small cup of it below). At least it is good for them and better for them than other snacks.

Schwan's Home Style Chicken Bake, Pineapple Orange Juice, and Golden Fruit Blend prepared.

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When you sign up to Schwan's Rewards you can also earn points worth 5%  back from every purchase to be used on a future order!

My Readers Save $ On Your First Order at Schwan's Home Service!
$5 off $25 Order - Coupon Code: JULIEN2
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$15 off $75 Order - Coupon Code: JULIEN15
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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this complimentary $25 for Schwan's as part of my participation in The US Family Guide Blogging program. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. No other compensation was received. 

Herbal "Coffee" from Delicious Obsessions for the New Year! Review and Free eBook

Delicious Obsessions Herbal "Coffee" blends.

This review is sponsored by Delicious Obsessions. Read on to find out how you can get a free eBook!

As part of my New Years Resolution Gift Guide I am reviewing a number of products that will help with getting healthier and living happier lives. One of my resolutions is to kick my habit of drinking not only coffee, but all caffeinated beverages to the curb! Caffeine and me just don't get along. I get too jittery, have migraines, and don't sleep well when I have it. Also, the acidity of coffee sometimes made my tummy do flips. I do love the taste of coffee though and that is one thing I couldn't get over, until now.

There are a number of coffee substitutes or alternatives that I listed on my blog a while back, but Delicious Obsessions has their formulation of ingredients to their Herbal "Coffee" perfected in my honest opinion. It tastes so much like the real thing it is uncanny. Not only that, but other brands do not use organic ingredients and most are made with grains and other ingredients that people with sensitivities can't eat.

Delicious Obsessions Herbal "Coffee":

• is 100% organic
• is sourced from ethical and sustainable sources
• is handcrafted with love
• is caffeine free
• is grain free
• is non-acidic
• has no added sugar
• has no preservatives
• has no artificial anything

I received 1 ounce each of their Clean Living blend which has Organic Roasted Chicory Root, Organic Roasted Dandelion Root, and Organic Roasted Carob & their Happy Liver blend which has these ingredients in addition to: Organic Milk Thistle Seed Powder and Organic Burdock Root. They both have a wonderful smooth, rich taste and are great alone or with cream, sweetener, and/or milk. I've always loved hot flavored coffee, so after trying a sip of the Herbal "Coffee" straight up black I added some honey and coconut milk. It is also delicious hot, iced, or frozen!

Delicious Obsessions Herbal "Coffee" Strained.

The Herbal Coffee is super easy to make! Add 1 tablespoon of it to 12-14 ounces of boiling water and let steep. I made my first cup to try it out with my Starbucks cup filter. I placed the table-spooned out Herbal "Coffee" into my filter while it was sitting in my cup and then poured the boiling water over it. I let it steep/brew for 15-30 minutes and then filtered out the bits of roots and herbs that were left over. After doing my first cup this way I decided that it would be better to make in my French press. I am so glad I did because it made the whole process easier.

This Herbal "Coffee" is a wonderful alternative or substitute if you have a love/hate relationship with coffee. We all know that some of our bodies have rebelled against coffee and the caffeine/acid in it. Some of us can't have it altogether for health reasons. If you are one of these people consider trying Delicious Obsessions Herbal "Coffee" blends and give your body some healing rest from the torment regular coffee gives you.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Right now Delicious Obsessions is giving away their $17.99 recipe eBook called "Grab a Healthier Cuppa Joe" FREE when you place an order and mention my name, Crystal Abel! This eBook is not available anywhere else!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. After 10 people make an order and mention my name I will receive a pound of my choice of one of the Delicious Obsessions herbal "coffee" blends. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Wordless Wednesday I Mustache You a Question

Zari with a Milk Mustache. Clever girl comes up to me and says, "I mustache you a question, but I'll shave it for later".

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil Review and Giveaway

I received the products below for free from Apothecary Extracts using Tomoson in exchange for my honest opinions. All opinions remain my own. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

As part of my New Years Resolution Gift Guide I am reviewing a number of products that will help with getting healthier and living happier lives. One of my resolutions is to get rid of all the harmful and toxic cleaners, makeup, cosmetics, and bath & beauty products in my home. One of the many things I have incorporated over the years to help me do this is Tea Tree Oil.

Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is a wonderful find I have came across. It is different from most essential oils. Many essential oils are diluted to cut costs, but this is not the case with Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil. Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil is all-natural, 100% pure, and unadulterated. It also has the advantage of being Pharmaceutical Grade as established by the Australian Tea Tree Oil Industry Association with no fillers, additives, bases or carriers added.

Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil is a pure oil obtained from the leaves of a tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) native to Australia. The oil is extracted by steam distillation and bottled in a dark amber glass bottle to keep it unexposed to light as much as possible so that it keeps longer on the shelf. The bottle comes with a euro style dropper that is very handy when needing only a drop or two. Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil has a gorgeous label as well on their bottle. I love all the information they provide at first glance.

This precious oil has a vast history that dates back more than centuries. The aboriginal people of Australia have used Tea Tree Oil for centuries as an all purpose cure-all remedy. In World War Two, the oil was a highly valued product as it was issued to each soldier and sailor as part of their kit in order to treat tropical infections and infected wounds.

Tea Tree Oil is one of my favorite essential oils because it is so versatile in its many uses. This almost colorless liquid has a wonderful aromatic smell that is almost minty with spicey back-tones. The fresh, antiseptic and medicinal scent is great for clearing sinuses and lowering stress. It is also antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal. It is a wonderful all-natural cleaning agent to clean your home and a topical remedy for skin and hair (dilute when necessary to avoid skin sensitivities). I have used it when I had babies in cloth diapers to deodorize and disinfect them when the went through the wash cycle and while sitting in the wet bucket. I also use it to disinfect surfaces like counter tops, tabletops, and doorknobs. It is great immune stimulant for colds, flu, sinusitis, and infections. For skin and hair, Tea Tree has been used to combat acne, oily skin, head lice, fleas, dandruff, toenail fungus, yeast infections, skin tags, warts, cold sores, dandruff, ringworm, psoriasis, eczema, etc. You can use it to make your own shampoo, lotion, soap, face cleaner, body wash, and toothpaste.



BUY IT
Every large 4 ounce bottle comes with a FREE 100 page guide that has 53 uses for Tea Tree Oil. Apothecary Extracts provides you with all the ways to use tea tree oil to improve your life, and replace harmful cleaners around the house. Stop polluting your home and make all natural household cleaners, detergents, shower sprays, bathroom disinfectants, and kitchen sprays. One bottle can last you well over a year even with regular use!



WIN IT
Prize: Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil (4 oz bottle)

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received I received a 4 oz bottle of Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil to try out for free to facilitate my review and another to giveaway. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review or giveaway. The medical information provided on this blog is, at best, of a general nature and cannot substitute for the advice of a medical professional (for instance, a qualified doctor/physician, nurse, pharmacist/chemist, and so on). I am not a medical professional, just a mom with a opinion. Even if a statement made about the natural remedy is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms. I am only suggesting that you should try it for yourself and see if helps you. People are all different and outcomes could vary drastically.