Old treasures...

Ever wonder what happened to your favorite pair of jeans? favorite photo of yourself? your child?

Have you ever started organizing and cleaning up the closet or file cabinet that you hadn't been in, in over 6 months? or a year? Only to find some "hidden" old treasures?

While looking for some photo CDs yesterday, I found some photos that I knew we had but had forgotten about. My daughter with Santa Claus, the photos taken when she was 1 and other photos. I also found this AMAZING book that I thought was only about healthy eating, turns out there is more to it....more on that in a bit! :)

It led me to signing into Myspace as I knew there were tons of photos there, because before Facebook that's all I had for convenience to share photos with family and friends.

Oh my, the fun and the laughter there was looking through the photos. Photos of just my husband and I (wasn't my husband at the time of course), our daughter when she was a newborn (now 3 years old) and so many more.

One of my New Years Resolutions is to be more organized and not keep the useless things in my life. I figure they go hand in hand. I want it to be easier and less frustrating for me when I'm looking for that specific item. Ya know?!

Another one is to take better care of myself and my family. The book I found will definitely help with that. Its called, It's The Right Time To Take a Pledge For Better Health. It was given to me so I didn't really think too much of it at the time, I was told it was a healthy recipe book.... I'm not going to lie, it got put down in the cupboard with the other recipe books I had received over the years because I really didn't cook from scratch, nor was I into "healthy" as normally it meant that it would NOT taste good.

Well, I'm going to be following some of the tips in the book for a healthier me. I will be sharing them over the weeks to come for all of you that may be interested as well. The title of the blogs that deal with the book will be called "Its the Right Time" and each one will have a number behind it so you know its a new one of course. :)

40 FREE prints w/ additional prints at $0.04 each

That's right you get 40 FREE (4x6) prints from York Photo. Any additional prints are just $0.04 each, which is less than Walmart!

Shipping is just $2.95, which even with that you can't beat that price any where!

Use the code 11YAPT44

Thank you Raining Hot Coupons for sharing!

Did you know?!

That you can help boost your metabolism?

I had no idea until I found an article that shared HOW you can with just 5 easy steps!

Boosting your metabolism is a "magic pill" to weight loss; a faster metabolism will naturally burn more calories. Your metabolism is dependent on several factors, some of which you inherit and some that you can actively change. Since you can't change your age, gender, or genetics, at least you can control your weight and boost your metabolism with these five tips.


Would you like me to share the 5 steps with you?? 

Save $15 on Avery office products @ Staples

That's right, thank you Raining Hot Coupons for sharing! 


You can save $15.00 on AVERY office products from Staples and get FREE delivery. 


The only "catch" is you have to have at least $15.01 of AVERY office products in your cart and choose delivery to the store nearest you for FREE shipping.  


Use the coupon code 25172 at check out! 


I just ordered:
3 sets of Avery Office Essentials Insertable Dividers Multicolor 5 tab
1 set of Avery Write On Big Tab Dividers 5 tab set. White tabs
2 1-1/2" Avery Economy Binder with Label holder and round Rings. Color black
1 Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Stack Fit Shagreen small box, color blue


My total was $15.23, shipping to my house would have been $9.95. However, I chose to have it shipped to the store, so my out of pocket cost was $0.23!!! 

Are you into photography?

There is a fabulous giveaway going on right now!

Head on over Ohsoposhphotography for your chance to win a lens valued up to $400!

Giveaway ends on Dec 29th at 9pm CST.

There are several ways to be entered!

Good luck!

NEW item released

Yes, that's right, Honie's Little Shop just released a NEW item!

Currently there is only an example of ONE style, but there will be more in the new year.

If you would like a specific fabric, simply use the contact tab on the Facebook page to send a message.

You could also use the contact form here if you'd like.

Pricing and more information will be released before January 5th, 2012. Right around the time that the FREE feather earrings giveaway will be announced.

If you haven't entered to win, don't delay, entries close Dec. 31st, 11:59pm PST.

Fruity, Fudge, Pumpkin Friday

Something is going on with me and I'm not quite sure what it is. Wanting to bake has gotten into my system, which it NEVER does and has taken over!

I think I might become some sort of Suzy Homemaker/Betty Crocker after all. haha I am writing up a plan that will hopefully keep me organized and help me stay on top of daily tasks and even allow some "extra" time for those WANTS that I've had and I'm guessing will continue to have.

You know like wanting to read, be able to sew without the "I should be doing this or that instead" in my mind, learn how to crochet (again) and the most important spend some time with my children doing whatever it is that their little hearts desire.

I am making it a New Years resolution.... but I'm starting tomorrow instead of waiting for the new year. I figure a few extra days will help and make it that much easier to stick with it.

Anyways, back to this Friday... I will be making some Fruity Crispy treats. You know instead of using Rice Krispies I'll be using some Fruity Pebbles. If you've not heard of them or made them before, man are you missing out. Well, if you like sweets anyway. They are divine! I encourage you to make a batch and see what you think. Please share if you do! Photos are great too!

I should add that I have NOT used fruit marshmallows, only the regular ones. I do want to try with the fruit ones now though!

Fudge... I tried making some fudge with a recipe that didn't quite turn out. Tried using a couple ideas from another recipe... It turned out better but not as it should have. haha It won't stop me from using a spoon to eat it though. However, I'm wanting to take some for Christmas, so I'm going to use this "fail proof" fudge recipe a friend was nice enough to share with me. We shall see just how fail proof it is.

That is one thing that is great with me baking...if you have a fail proof recipe and need to check just how fail proof it is, I'm the one you need to contact. Sad but true. HAHA

This is NOT the recipe that I have but it is a "fail proof" recipe that is on Allrecipes.com. By the way I LOVE this site if you didn't already know this. Its fabulous and especially for those like me that aren't sous chefs. Check it out and let me know what you think!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/no-fail-fudge/detail.aspx

I'll also be making a couple pumpkin rolls. Yes, I said a couple. I plan on taking them on Sunday to my in-laws for Christmas. My husband could probably eat one alone, so since there are 6 adults and 4 children, I think two should do the trick.

All of these items will be done before we head out to dinner with some friends. A friend of mine is turning 30 and invited us out for dinner. Of course we couldn't say no, and Grandma and Grandpa agreed to watch the kids OVER NIGHT!!! I'm excited to say the least!

Don't get me wrong, I'll miss my children but anyone with children knows that you need some time apart every once in a while. Besides they have a BLAST with Grandma and Grandpa.

Single Dads??

How many do you know?

I know they aren't as common as single moms, but there are some out there believe it or not.

I was sitting on the couch the other night crafting away for some items for Honie's Little Shop. On came a commercial talking about the holiday season and those in need.

Now of course, it isn't just because its the holiday season people are in need. The economy isn't what it used to be.

Anyway, it was talking about all those that could use some help. You know like the elderly, foster parents and  single moms. Continued on stating that if you wanted to help to call, or stop by XYZ address.

My first thought was, WHAT ABOUT SINGLE DADS??! I mean really, why do they not get mentioned?? Do they not need help just like single moms??

I don't know why but that stuck with me. I mentioned it to my husband and he was quite surprised as well.

How do you feel about it? Should single dads get credit for what they do like single moms do? Should they be included when commercials are talking about specific "types" needing help this holiday season?

Apple Butter...

Have you heard of it before? Have you had it before? Have you made it before?

I heard about it a few months ago and found it to be kind of interesting. I had never heard of it before then so of course I haven't had it nor have I cooked it before.

I'm not sure what it is lately but I'm interested in making things, BESIDES handcrafted items.

I have a couple adventures I've decided to keep secret for the time being. One will be disclosed in the next few days, the other won't be for a few weeks yet.

Anyways, Apple Butter is a new adventure for me. I cut up the apples, mixed them in the crock pot with the salt, sugar and cinnamon and now am just waiting.

I was thinking once everything was in there that I might end up making homemade applesauce from now on. What do you think?!

Do you have a favorite recipe of something you'd like to share? I'm always up for new recipes as long as I know someone liked it! haha The recipes that don't take much work and are a bit easier than the rest usually are the best!

By the way in case you're wondering, I'm using the following recipe this time for the apple butter.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/all-day-apple-butter/detail.aspx

Facebook?!

Are you on Facebook?

Bigger question, are you a fan of my page on Facebook?! I know I have many, you can fan all of them if you would like.

If you aren't a fan of my blog on Facebook though I would HIGHLY suggest that you become one. I'm doing RANDOM GIVEAWAYS.

The only way to enter is to know they're happening and follow the guidelines.

I just announced the winner of the Catch of the Day earrings earlier... Was it you?!

FREE lip gloss

Thank you to Raining Hot Coupons for sharing, I can't wait to get mine in the mail.

While I had to refresh too many times to count, I finally got through!

Just go to this site http://www.perfectlyposh.com/sample-ksl.html

Click start and fill in your information.

You may get a 503 ERROR code, I did, a lot! Just keep going back.

I would open the link in a new tab, it seemed to help as "refreshing" would make the site just go away completely.

If you for some reason can't see all the photos that show up at the end or the text, there is one photo that says "return to the home page", that means you made it!

Let me know if you were able to snag one!

Favorite Christmas traditions..

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?!

What do you remember most about Christmas when you were little?

What do you plan on instilling into your children?

I love getting together with the family sharing laughs and eating delicious food. Mashed potatoes drowned in butter, deviled eggs, cheese ball and of course, DESSERT!!

I remember growing up that my dad loved the pecan pie that was always at my Grandma's house. I think it was there JUST for him. He would always be the first one to have a piece. Whatever was left when it was time to go home, usually ended up going with us.

I also remember being able to open one gift on Christmas Eve. My brothers and I were always so excited to pick it out. Some times we would pick out our "big gift" and of course we were told it had to wait til Christmas. haha

My husband and I like to see the excitement on our children's faces when they open a gift, but at the same time we're trying to teach them to be grateful for what they receive. We have decided that not only for Christmas but also for other special occasions (birthdays and such) that they will each get a $25 savings bond and one item from us.

This way they get the excitement of opening a gift, we get the joy of watching them but we also get to help them have a savings account for later when they want to go off to school, purchase a car to get them to and from work or possibly use as a down payment on a house.

I'd love to hear some of your favorites of the holiday season. Feel free to post as a comment here or use the contact form.

3 miles in less than 45 minutes??

Would you think that you could run 3 miles in less than 45 minutes? Do you work out regularly or somewhat regularly?

By the way, taking care of your children is not considered working out. I know it may feel like it at times but it really isn't. haha

Anyway, I was invited to go work out with a friend

of mine, Christina from Redmond Healthier Me... Little did I know that work out meant run 3 miles. Not only was it run 3 miles but it was running them OUTSIDE in the COLD!

My hands were red and numb before the first mile w

as even halfway completed. I was also without a coat, mind you. However, my arms were okay, my fingers were NOT. haha

I'm happy to report that I ran the 3 miles in under 45 minutes. I did NOT think that was possible before we started.

I am paying for it today of course. I can feel muscles I never knew I had and I can feel muscles that I did NOT think would be connected with running. Our bodies really are amazing.

For ANYONE that might want to get on the road to being healthier, I encourage you to start with the workouts on the photo. They're simple as you can see. You start out small and work your way up.

If you feel its "too easy" then do another set. Maybe do 3 sets a day. Its up to you. YOU are in control of what you do and how you do it. You get to decide if you are healthy and how you get there.

Does being on TV make you famous?!

I know it doesn't necessarily make you famous but I thought it made for a catchy title. ;)

I was on TV recently, just for a few seconds. Even with it being a few seconds, I think its kind of neat.

I attended the event for the Deschutes County 4H this past weekend. I took items that I made from Honie's Little Shop.

If you watch until the end you can see me just before the clip is over.

http://www.ktvz.com/news/29969711/detail.html

You'd probably only recognize me though if you knew what I looked like. Either way, its still kind of exciting!

Christmas gifts..

What are you doing for Christmas gifts?

My husband and I decided that this year we were going to be giving gifts that were more personal, handmade and something that everyone could enjoy.

Of course, that means I'm the one doing most of the work. HAHA

I don't mind though really. I like to do crafty things and it is going to help me learn a few things along the way as well. Which is a nice added bonus.

I of course can't share what the items will be as our family may read this and I don't want the cat getting out of the bag just yet.

I will be taking pictures along the way and sharing once Christmas is over. Be on the look out.

Saving money...

Who doesn't like to save money? I know I do. I also like free samples so that I'm able to test a product that I'm not so sure is worth the number on the price tag.

If you want to be kept up to date with some of the best savings and free samples, I urge you to check out Raining Hot Coupons. Sarah also has a Facebook page.

A great way to get started with couponing is to have a binder for your coupons to help you stay organized... Sarah has those too, that she makes personally. You can check out her coupon binder page on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/buyacouponbinder

She is great at getting the deals out quickly and keeping you up to date on issues that may be happening.

I've been a follower of Raining Hot Coupons for a while now, while I may not use all the deals she posts, I'm always in awe at the savings she is helping everyone save.

Be sure to check her out if you're wanting to save money, get good deals and some free samples from time to time. Please let her know I sent you over!

NEW merchandise

I have a photo to share and would like you all to guess what you're looking at.

The photo depicts an image of NEW merchandise that is available for Honie's Little Shop.

What's your guess??

Ultimate Body Applicator

I know there are several of you out there that not only question how the applicator works but also want to know what it looks like and how to wrap. So here I am to give you an overview of the ultimate body applicator.

The photos you are about to see are ME! I'm bearing all to show you just what it looks like on a body and will share the results over the course of the next 72hrs.

First things first. For those that might not know about the ultimate body applicator. It is a non-woven cloth wrap that is infused with an all natural botanical formula. The formula is absorbed into your skin to help tighten, tone and firm in 45 minutes while detoxifying your body.

BY THE WAY, just thought I'd share.. I'm wearing one RIGHT NOW as I sit in the comfort of my own home typing this out.

One very IMPORTANT thing to know about the ultimate body applicator is that it is NOT like the wraps you will find in salons. It is NOT a water loss wrap. The results that you have from the wraps last any where from 2-6 months without any change to your daily activities or your diet. However, the results CAN be permanent if you do make those healthy lifestyle changes.

You can get the ultimate body applicators directly from my site.

https://wrapandlose2011.myitworks.com/Shop

You place it almost ANYWHERE on your body; your back, arms, belly, love handles, legs and even your feet. Wear it for a MINIMUM of 45 minutes and as long as 8 hours if you'd like. Heck, you could go to bed with it on if you wanted or wear it to work!

Once taken off the wrap will continue to work for up to 72hrs. You should drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water EACH day. So for 3 days if you weighed 200lbs you would want to drink at least 100 ounces of water.

As a loyal customer you get a package of 4 wraps for $59.00. Being a loyal customer is awesome because you not only save up to 45% on products but you earn perk points while you shop, which can be redeemed for future products. You could essentially get FREE products.

Another benefit of being a loyal customer is FREE shipping after 3 months on auto ship or if you order is $125 or more. Not to mention you get the Fit Works program ($59 value) FREE!

Don't worry those that aren't loyal customers can order too. However, the cost of the 4 wraps would be $99.00. Honestly, $99 is a bit of money, however, I assure you they are totally worth it and they're less expensive than what you would pay in a salon for ONE wrap that you would then have to take time out of your day in order to do. Not to mention you'd be required to undress (to a certain degree) in order for someone else to apply it.

I personally LOVE that I can do these wraps in the comfort of my own home and I don't have to undress for anyone. If I chose to leave my house with it on, I could totally do that. I could do household chores, go grocery shopping or even take a walk with my children. You can't do that with the salon wraps.

Now what you all have been waiting for... PICTURES!!

First photo is of the wrap itself. The left image is what it looks like once you've taken it out of the packaging. The second photo is just a glimpse at the formula on the wrap once its opened. *It does NOT show the full size of the wrap which is 11X22 inches.

This photo below shows images of me before placing the wrap on. Image on the top left is a view of me standing straight in front of the camera. While the image on the top right is a side view. Both bottom images are the same as the top, except that I'm wearing the wrap. I wanted to show how big of an area it covered.

This image here shows what it looks like when you're all wrapped up in plastic wrap. The "lines" are where I twisted the plastic wrap to help keep it on as I didn't want to spend time adjusting it and fixing it.

Check back later to see the transformation after 72hrs.

***click on the images to enlarge them for a better view!

Feather Earrings... FREE

The following picture is a pair of light purple feather earrings that were made by myself.

This is the item for December's Giveaway.

If you would like a chance to win, please follow the directions! If you know someone that might like a chance to win, send them my way please.

HOW TO ENTER:::

Become a follower of my blog

Comment on THIS post

**while I don't mind you subscribing to get an email each time a new post is made (which I recommend even if it is just for the giveaways) it doesn't count for an entry as I can't confirm you're a follower. Please use the GOOGLE follow.

Winner will be announced Jan 1st-5th, 2012 and have 48 hours to contact me.

I apologize for the poor photo quality, it is a product of my cell phone. I'm hoping in the future to have a better source for taking photos. Until then, it will just have to do.

Water, water everywhere...

I am challenging myself to drink at least five 16oz glasses of water a day for the month of December.

After talking with my friend Christina that does Redmond Healthier Me and has lost over 50 lbs herself (not just by drinking water of course) since January. I'm thinking its time to make a change.

Not to mention I heard one of the trainers from The Biggest Loser talk about how important water is and how it is necessary for your body and can help with your skin.

I figure its good for me, I might as well consume more, it isn't as if it is going to hurt me. Another benefit is that it is important to drink water when using the ultimate body applicator. Which I will be using once a week.

I will be taking a photo tomorrow when my husband is home as a before photo. I will then take a photo once a week. I will continue to eat as I have been, which isn't healthy to say the least.

If you would like to join me feel free! You might be surprised at what water can do for you!

FREE monthly giveaway?!

Yes, that is correct, I will be giving away an item to ONE lucky winner MONTHLY.

To be entered you MUST follow my blog AND comment on the post that has the giveaway information.

Between the 1st and 15th of each month I'll post a photo, description or both of the item that is up for grabs.

The winner will be chosen and posted between the 1st and the 5th of the following month. They will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

I will be posting numerous blogs through out the months to come. Subjects will vary. They could be anything that is related to parenting, business, friends, relationships, products etc.

If there is a specific topic you would like to see discussed, yes, I'd like reader interaction, please leave a comment.

***I'm in the process of trying to find a way for my readers to contact me via a contact "button". Until I am able to do that, leaving a comment is the only way to interact unfortunately. I would post my email address but there are too many spammers. Thank you for understanding.

Thanksgiving = long car ride

Our yearly Thanksgiving tradition involves going up to WA to spend it with my brother, his wife, their baby and my mom. We reside in OR so it is at least 7hrs if not more depending on the traffic and the weather.

Thankfully most of the trip is on the freeway which means you can go a little faster than if it was on the highway. However, the traffic and the weather play a big part in being able to go the speed limit, regardless of what type of road you're on of course.

This trip up to WA was thankfully dry for the most part, no snow or ice like last year. Traffic wasn't too bad on the way up there as we had left our house at about midnight Wednesday morning.

The trip on the way home was another story. Not because of the weather. Not because of the traffic... but because of our daughter. She was NOT happy about how long the trip was taking as we had left just after noon on Saturday. She was awake as she doesn't take naps.

She repeatedly asked, "Why is it taking so long?". She also kept saying, "This trip takes too long.".

Try explaining to a 3 year old how long a trip takes when it is over 300 miles from your house. It doesn't happen.

We even have a DVD player in our Denali. Brought along ALL of the kids' movies so they could watch whatever they wanted. The DVD player was no match for her.

I guess its a good thing we don't normally take long trips!

Honie's Little Shop Swamped...

I have been SUPER busy working away at getting things ready for this Sunday.

I'll be at the Local and Lovin' It event in Bend with some AFFORDABLE one of a kind handmade and hand sewn items.

If you're local it is at the Phoenix Inn Suites. What better way to get your Christmas shopping started and/or finished than to purchase from those that it really makes a difference for?!

I have had so much fun with the NEW items I've been creating. I'm sad that I didn't start them sooner.

One thing I've learned is, "You live and you learn". It is a part of life. I've been teaching myself to read some patterns, the easy ones of course. Once I master those, I'll move on to the more difficult ones.

Here are some photos of what I've been working on for the event.

Little Boys burp cloth and bib set (working on girl sets too)

Tutu... so many color & layer options available

Seashell Charm Bracelet

Events for Nov., Dec. and Jan.

I have quite a few things going on over the next few months. I'm going to be so busy!

I'm excited for all things to come but I have a feeling I'll be exhausted when its all done.

Tomorrow I'm meeting up with a friend who is hosting a Croptoberfest. I will be working on cutting out fabric for items to be sewn, along with cutting tulle to make tutus. I will be kid free as they're staying home with their father, so that should allow me to get quite a bit done.

On the 20th, I'm going to be at the Local and Loving It Event in Bend and the Phoenix Inn Suites. I'll have some handmade and handsewn items there available for purchase from Honie's Little Shop. I'll also have some business cards for Wrap and Lose and Your Wedding Day Your Way.

Dec. 10th and 11th I'll be a vendor at the A Big Deal for 4-H craft show that is being held at the Expo Center in Redmond. There will be a rummage sale along with the craft show. You're sure to find something for everyone. Not to mention you're helping the youth of Deschutes County!

January 14th I'm attending the Central Oregon Wedding and Event Show as a vendor instead of the Bride to Be. I can't tell you how excited I am. The wedding show is HUGE for Central Oregon and is put on by Incredible Events at The River House.

Almost immediately after is conference for It Works! Global, which is where I started Wrap and Lose from. Its held January 19th to the 21st in Tampa, Florida. It is still up in the air on whether I'll be attending for sure or not. I would really like to but with everything going on, 2 small children and the cost, it might not happen.

I am however, pushing to do what I can to get there.

After January it seems as for right now things will be calm and back to "normal".

In between the events that I'm attending I am free for wrap parties. If you're not sure what that is, its basically a time for you to get your friends and family together to tone, tighten and firm in as little as 45 minutes.

Hosts that have 7 participating guests get their wrap free! Its a $35 value, however, for parties its only $25 per guest. You save $35 and they save $10 each! There are other host perks too!

More information about products can be found at my website Wrap and Lose.

WAHM of 2

I'm a work at home mom of two wonderful children.

The other pages on this blog will allow you to have a little insight on the businesses I'm involved with.

With having two small children, a husband and 3 businesses there is never a dull moment in this house.

Some times I wish I had a little more down time than I do, but when I have it, I wish that I didn't. Kind of a catch .22.

There are days that I wish I had some help around the house and others I wish I had an assistant for the businesses.

Things generally work themselves out though and so there is no maid (unless you count myself) and there is no assistant...unless you count my children whom usually make a bigger mess.

As you read these posts on the home page, you'll find that some pertain to work, some to my family and some may just be random.

Whatever the case, I hope that you get a laugh or learn something from each one.