Unsubscribe: A Story About One Man's Profound Discovery Book Review

I received this book free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Unsubscribe: A Story About One Man's Profound Discovery is written by Ross Newkirk. This easy to read chapter book is short and to the point. It tells of a man by the name of Keith who like a lot of the world has gotten swept away with too many unwanted tasks and other unwanted things that fill their days. Instead of the things that really matter he has gotten lost in his busy, go nowhere life until one day of personal self reflection when he rediscovered a "Honey Do List" that his wife made him. This ultimately led him to a more simplistic way of living, by merely "unsubscribing".

My Thoughts:
I've got to be really honest, I have a hard time letting go. I am a stuff magnet. My husband has told me time and time again to simplify and unclutter. I feel that the stuff somewhat does rule my life. I ask myself, "How much do I really need?". Not much is always the answer, yet I find myself thinking that more will make me happy...when all it does is do the opposite. With more clutter I find it is hard to: find things when I actually need them, stay organized, and focus on what is really important in my life. I do occasionally find myself "spring cleaning" and getting rid of extra junk that we have seldom if ever used, but then I just end up getting more to replace what was given away or sold. If my husband had his way, my stuff would be whittled down to what he thought was just the essentials. Maybe he would be right. Change is hard...for some more than others. I am in this category, but I think I will give it a try. I think that I will "Unsubscribe" more and live with less junk. Even though I have had this in the back of my mind this book has put it into better perspective for me and has opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about this. What a novel concept and something we should all consider doing. Thank you Ross for writing this book.

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. 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. Affiliate links can be found in this post. Thank you for your support of this blog!

The Planet Friendly Diet Book Review and Giveaway

I was provided with a complimentary copy of The Planet Friendly Diet to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

A part of my New Year's Resolution is getting my family to eat a lot healthier. This is a huge undertaking, let me tell you! My husband and kids have been less than cooperative with the changes I have tried implementing in the past few weeks. When I go grocery shopping with my husband he usually breaks down and buys something unhealthy. I have been trying to change my family's habits, but habits are very hard to break!

Enter, The Planet Friendly Diet by Cat Smiley, a book about getting back to healthy over the course of 21 days. This is how many days it usually takes to create good habits. You may be thinking to yourself why does a skinny lady like me need a weight loss book?? Well Cat's book is really more than just a weight loss book. I need all the help I can get to stay a healthy weight since usually I am considered underweight by physicians and I really do need to eat healthier and exercise more. This book is chocked full of helpful advice and hints to get you well on your way to a healthier, happier lifestyle. It is based on a gluten, wheat, dairy and meat free diet. Some suggestions with recipes in the book do involve fish, with a totally vegetarian option also available. The Planet Friendly Diet is a cleansing program that resets and replenishes without resorting to fasting, hunger, or deprivation. It basically consists of drinking 4 liters of clean water a day - 2 liters before noon and 2 more before 5pm, having a super smoothie for breakfast (or alternative breakfast listed) and super smoothie for lunch, a sensible dinner with healthy ingredients, and nutritious snacks in between. All of this should add up to about 1200 calories per day.

The recipes for the dinners all sound delicious and not at all bland. They usually consist of fish or tofu (these are used instead of red meat and poultry). She also uses beans, brown rice, quinoa, dairy free yogurts/cheese/milk, veggies/mushrooms cooked in veggie broth, and lemon/herbs/garlic/spices/homemade salsa/etc. to season and flavor her recipes. Each single portion recipe has a lovely photograph of the completed meal, is under 500 calories, takes 20 minutes or less to prepare, and costs less than $5.

I love that The Planet Friendly Diet book includes a lot more than recipes and nutrition information. It has a total of 63 tips to help start you out on this journey and make things easier. These tips include information on what to do to get started, basics, hydration, fruit & veggies, grains & fiber, eggs & dairy, meat & fish, salt & sugar, and how to keep going after the 21 days have ended. There are blank lined diary pages to fill out for each of the 21 days with weight, goals, notes, what you ate for each meal and snack with cost and time taken, estimated calories eaten, and how much water you consumed. Weekly shopping lists are also included for the 21 days to ensure zero-waste.

This is a great 21 day guide to sustainable weight loss and optimal health. I do feel that in addition to a physical exercise routine The Planet Friendly Diet book would be the perfect melding of disciplines. If you stick to the plan and don't stray you will be well on your way to a beneficial lifestyle in 21 days.

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Prize: One Copy of The Planet Friendly Diet by Cat Smiley!

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DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. 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.

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?

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.

2011 Year in Recap and New Year's Resolutions

So as 2011 ends and 2012 begins I would like to share with you some of our family's highlights for 2011 and then make a few New Year's resolutions.

My son Jaedan started 2011 with a bang and joined his older brother in Cub Scouts. He made his first derby car and entered it in the pine wood derby race with style. Both Delbin and Jaedan had fun at day camp with the rest of the scout troops in the area and Delbin advanced to Boy Scouts.

I received a new sewing machine from my husband and a new to me sewing table with all the bells and whistles free from a church friend that needed more space in their home. We made new curtains for my living room and dining room with it and took down the old blinds that were looking fairly damaged from kids and pets. I also made a skirt for myself and some other things with it. I plan on sewing a whole lot more. I also got some new knitting looms and some yarn to learn knitting on.

When the weather turned good my husband and some church friends helped us put new shingles on the roof of our home and put a new skylight in above our kitchen. It took a few days to finish because of rain and we had to put tarps over our home to cover it so the roof wouldn't get damage in between fixes. With our cars, boat and trucks out front in various states of repair and a pile of shingles and old roofing on the side of our place we kinda looked very ghetto. I bet our neighbors were really glad when that project was done.

We received word from some really good friends of ours that have a farm at the edge of Rainier that the owner of a mini pony had abandoned it and wasn't making payments for it to be boarded there anymore. So since we love horses and ponies we took up the payments for it and have been feeding it and caring for him ever since. His name is Gizmo and he is a registered mini pony stallion. He has warmed up to us nicely and now that winter is here has fluffed all out like a pony puff ball, LOL! Have you seen the animated movie Despicable Me? Remember the clip where Agnes gets the unicorn toy from the carnival and says, "It's so fluffy!"...well that is what I feel like saying about our mini pony :)

My sister, Jennifer, returned from her LDS mission in Hawaii and came to visit us in May. We celebrated multiple birthdays and her return at the zoo. It was Zari's first time and when we went back to the zoo in October to celebrate Zari's first birthday Zari was even more thrilled to be there. She loved the elephants and the primates the best.

My husband, Brian's mom came to visit us and we went to Ape Caves. For about a month previous to that visit Brian was feeling not quite himself and had to take off work because he was feeling dizzy, light headed, and brain fog every time he stood up and it was getting worse. While we were at Ape Caves he had to sit down a lot and take it easy. He was finally diagnosed with what is known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, POTS after a whole lot of persuasion from him to his regular doctor and a visit by an actual Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O. or DO). He is being treated now, is feeling better and has been back to work for a while now.

Brian has been tremendously busy with all his various projects. He has been doing a lot of house remodeling like the roof project, vehicle repair and renovation, and trying to get our business, Pony Feathers, up and running...all of this while working at the power plant and dealing with his health.

Our dog, Prince has been having fun chasing a green laser across the floor that my husband got to point at celestial bodies in the night sky for use with our homeschool astronomy lessons. He is also very spoiled with lots of hugs, petting and love from all of us. Zari's favorite word is dog and she says it every time Prince is scratching on the door to go out or in, barking, trying to nibble on Zari's food when we are not looking or she sees him or any other dog.

Teela has been loving her play food and small play kitchen. She is quite the little imaginative cook. I have been trying to have her help out in the real kitchen with food preparation and she is a wonderful helper. She also loves her dolls and rocking horses.

Zari has been growing a lot! She is walking, running, saying some words like mom, dad, dog, Delbin, Jaedan, baby, etc. She has 8 teeth all in front and some molars coming in. She loves books and enjoys music a lot. She loves giving big hugs and kisses. She absolutely adores her sister Teela and loves playing with her.

Delbin my oldest son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It has been an interesting ride so far with this and we are still trying to figure out how to manage the carbohydrates he eats in foods. We still haven't gotten quite away from prepackaged food and drink yet for him because it is easier just looking at a label for what the carbs are. For now it is really hard for me to figure out carbs for a casserole or other mixed dish I normally make for dinner but maybe we will someday get the hang of it.

We had a really great Christmas. We received unexpected gifts from Secret Santa and the Rainier Gift Giving Program this year. We had a real Christmas tree donated to us, got gifts for the kids from giving souls off the Rainier Giving Program (sorta like the angel tree) and received an unexpected knock on our door and two bright red sleds with a large bag of peanut M&Ms left at our doorstep. My oldest has been asking for a sled every winter. Our neighbors sang carols at our door too like they do every year even though they were super busy with the giving program and even though it didn't snow for Christmas it was still wonderful!

My sister, Melody welcomed her new baby girl into the world at close to the end of December. This will be her first child. She along with her husband will learn so much parenting skills and gain so much experience and knowledge by doing. I know I have.

So, my New Years resolution is to have a healthier happier home. What ever I can do to achieve this I will try my best to accomplish. I wish to make healthier meals for my family including Delbin. We bought passes to the local YMCA so that we can go swim and workout so I want to do that more, gain some more upper body strength, and maybe tighten my abs :) I would love to spend more time with my family doing things we all love to do and I am trying to live a better more eco-friendly lifestyle. All in all our 2011 was pretty good. How was yours and what are your New Year's resolutions??