Turkey Day

Gobble Gobble!

So what are you going to be indulging in for Thanksgiving dinner?

I am so so very pregnant and while everything sounds so good, I am to the point a few bites fills me up. I think this year I will just keep a plate with me all day to graze on, haha.

I plan on making ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and undecided veggie. Then some sort of dessert too of course. 

Do you generally travel for Thanksgiving or stay home? Do you host or go some place else?

I will be home again this year. Every year used to be about going to my parents for a huge dinner. My mom would cook everything. One year I even told her I would make mashed potatoes and when I got there she made some too. She said she was worried I wouldn't make enough. Though since my brother passed away the holiday cheer did too. It hurt for a long time because my brother loved holidays and he always said it was all about being with your family. Though when you have a loss like that I guess you can't ever get all that cheer back. Now I live 3 hours away and don't really know anyone around so it will be just us. I'm worried about being able to stay on my feet the whole day cooking so I hope my kids can help out without complaining to much. 

Do you have any special traditions?

I can't say that I have any besides eating until I feel like I could burst :) . 

Homemade pleasures

Want some easy homemade bath salts that fit your wants?

1c Epsom salts

4 drops of food coloring

4 drops of your choice scented oil

Pour in a ziplock bag and shake. Use about 1/2 for your bath. Keep stored in airtight container.

Easy callus remover?

1-2 tbs of cornmeal

1tbs of avocado oil

Mix to make a paste and work IMO your callus. Do this about once or twice a week.

Aching Muscles

1tbs petroleum jelly

6 drops of peppermint oil

Warm water 

Mix jelly and oil. Place it in a warm bowl of water to warm it up some. (You know bowl in bowl method. Use a washcloth dipped in warm water and wring it out. Place washcloth on sore spot for 3-4 minutes then remove and rub in the jelly and oil mixture.

Ready for baby

I am 32 1/2 weeks now! Time sure is flying by for me. It is hard to believe that I am having my 4th child! I am ready for baby in my arms though. I go back to the doctor at 34 weeks and we will confirm the c-section date, which will be Dec. 30/31. My body aches and I am starting to nest but to sore to do anything :). I did finally manage to pick the take home outfit out and packed the baby bag for the hospital. 

I am ready to see little man in it and get him home with us.

I know I always talk about doing homeschool, raising kids and going I college myself. I will have to say I am scared about doing college after baby comes. I am currently in week 6 of my 10 week quarter and it is so hard to concentrate. I am taking next quarter off so I do not have school during birth and a fresh baby. But it won't be long before the next class starts. I have never done school with a newborn. I really hope I am get a good routine going and keep up with everything. So prayers would be nice if you have some to spare.

At Home in Dogwood Review

Vendor: Franklin Sanders from At Home in Dogwood Mudhole

Product: At Home in Dogwood Mudhole Book

Price: $22.95 paperback or $16.95 Kindle or PDF

 

I am a person who grew up on the land.  Growing up for me was living in a farm house in the middle of no where Arkansas.  There was government conservation land all around us which meant lots of animals and bears.  We did not have running water (we used a well and pump) or electric for a long time.  We gardened and bartered for most of our food.  It was a very simple life that most people my age never experience.  I was very excited to see this review come up about a similar type lifestyle.  Not many people live off the land these days.

At Home in Dogwood Mudhole that I received was volume one of three.  This volume is titled "Nothing That Eats".  The book is 379 pages in length.  The book is a good size and has a bit bigger print that is very helpful on those eyes that get a little tired with those tiny letters.  The book is also written not so much in a book format but in a way of letters.

Dogwood Mudhole is located in Tennessee.  This book is based on their move to this place and the setting up of their farm.  This was during the scare of Y2K which they were very fearful of. Frank and his wife Susan have seven children which also came to set up home on this land they got in Dogwood Mudhole.  They wanted to make themselves self-sufficient on the land so they would survive the Y2K.  The book goes on to tell about the many animals they had on their farm and the trials and lose that they had trying to raise them.

Though this is more of a funny remake of his life going through this more than a self help book I enjoyed it. Frank tells about his trials with his many dogs, good and bad, that he went through.  Then he tells about his fainting pigs, that liked to escape and his battles with keeping his chickens alive from predators.  These do help those starting out to see what kind of struggles they can possibly detour.  If nothing else the book provides a good laugh and shows you that no matter what trials you may endure you can get through something if you really want it.  I am excited to read the other volumes of the book.

The only thing I could say that I would like better is if it was more in order and book format versus letter format. Otherwise it is a very good read.

My love of vinegar

If you know me at all you know I have a love on vinegar for everything.  If you ask me what to use for something chances are I will tell you try vinegar first. So here is just a few more tips on using the wonderful product known as vinegar.

If you wipe your fingernails down with vinegar before polishing you will have a longer lasting manicure. Vinegar takes off the oils and dirt from your nails.

A vinegar rinse of your hair once a week will help keep a shine in it. Vinegar is good at stripping the old soap and product reside that builds up on your hair and scalp. Just work vinegar into hair and scalp and rinse.

Keeping a spray bottle in the fridge with vinegar in the summer will keep you cooled. If you get a sunburn spray vinegar on your burn for an instant relief. This also works for burns from cooking or working in cars too.

Vinegar also kills fungus. If you have athletes feet you can spray it between your toes to help get rid of it. Also if you use public showers (like at the gym) you can use it to prevent getting it. After your shower spray your feet and rinse.