Pulling.....

Coconut Oil Pulling.....its a big fad right now... Well, I jumped on the pulling bandwagon....and....I LOVE IT!!! I kid you not, I think it has cured a toothache of mine....Before I started pulling, I thought I was going to have to get a root canal on one of my teeth....I went to the dentist several months ago- he was able to do a deep filling but told me if the symptoms returned I would need a root canal...And guess what?! Symptoms returned with a vengeance......So I happened upon a blog about coconut oil pulling.....It raved and raved about how oil pulling extracted bacteria and germs from your mouth- resulting in great effects all over....From clearer skin, to whiter teeth and healing of diseases.....Its been used by other cultures for centuries.....It does make me wonder why we are just now finding out about this though?! Nonetheless, I figured it couldn't hurt to try it and I was beyond curious.....Now- I do it every morning.....And since- NO MORE TOOTHACHE....The excruciating sharp pains are gone when I drink or eat something cold on that tooth! I believe its directly related to the oil pulling......Coconut oil is SUPER good for you...Its natural...I use it for a conditioner in my hair....And also use for moisturizer on my skin and on scrapes/bumps on my children....A lot of people cook with it- haven't tried that yet...Lets face it- I really hate to cook elaborate meals....We do simple, easy and quick at my house......But I would like to give it a try....Maybe I'll get Reese to bring some shrimp up when he visits in a few days... And we'll give my coconut oil a spin in the pan....

SO- if you wanna jump on board...When you wake up in the morning- get a scoop of coconut oil in your mouth and start swishing......I do it when I first wake up and jump in the shower.....Supposedly you are supposed to do it for 10-20 minutes... I lean towards the 20 minute side.......

Let me know whatcha think...

Oh yeah- virgin, organic is what I use....Any health food store carries it...I got mine at a Herb shoppe but GNC has- also have heard Walmart carries as well........

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY PULLING!

Lent. Doing without....

Lent started yesterday. Ash Wednesday.... This is only the second year I've participated in giving something up for Lent. I always thought it was what Catholics did...then last year I did some research.... Lent is for anybody!!!! Even me?!? Yepppp! Oh yea. I was def jumping on the bandwagon. I love a challenge. Gives me focus. Discipline... I was pumped up. What could I give up?? What zaps a lot of my time and energy? What do I spend a lot of time doing, that instead of doing I could focus on God. Pray. Read a devotional. Read my bible. Meditate... Hmmmm. Then it hit me last year...Facebook. Yep. Facebook had become my source of news since I didnt have cable. I'd peel my eyes open in the morning and to help me wake up I'd click on my Facebook app. Scroll, scroll, scroll..... Check everything, or everybody out... I'd find myself clicking on it anytime I was idle or "bored". (I hate that word because as a busy mom I never have time to be "bored..."). So last year for Lent I gave up Facebook. 46 days. No Facebook. The first few weeks about killed me. I so desperately wanted to be "in the loop" on everything and everyone. I felt like I was definitely missing out... But thank God I stayed strong. Because surprisingly, it got easier. Surprisingly, I felt free. I learned a lot through giving that up. Naturally, this year I decided as well to participate... But what could I give up?? Sure, I could give up Facebook again...but I like a challenge- and felt the second time around wouldn't be as challenging for me...I discussed this with my precious fiancé, Reese. Sweets?? No. I try to eat pretty healthy most of the time. Don't have a huge struggle with this... Reese decided to give up sweets and junk food.. Def one of his weaknesses... But what could I give up?! I tossed and turned several options over... Makeup?? My Chi hair straightener?? What do I love and when I'm having a stressful day or  I'm overly anxious, turn to?? Ohhhhh.... Then I knew. I knew what I must release for at least 46 days. Wine. W-I-N-E. Instead of relaxing on the couch after the kids are in bed with a glass or 2 of wine, I need to focus on Him. So. Here we are. Day #2. And I'm wine free. And life is good and fabulous and crazy and today, rainy.... So- maybe tonight it'll be hot chocolate while I'm staying cozy on the couch......

Here we go.....

Warning....This is my first blog!!!!!!! (as I jump up and down with excitement!!!)

I have been wanting to blog for sooooo long and honestly, have never just made myself sit down and DO it!!! After JUST updating my Facebook status with "There are those who try and those who do. Be a doer.."  I figured it was time to eat my words!!!!

I've journaled for years....and always said, Jesus and Journaling helped me through a lot of dark and dreary days....So now I'm putting it in a blog... I have so much to say about different topics and feel like this is a good way to talk about everyday things and then maybe not so everyday things- in hopes that I may help and encourage others, and provide an escape for myself as well....

We all have "stuff", or issues.. We all go through dark times, lonely times and happy times... I think its important to bring a voice to those times to help others... One of my favorite quotes is, "God doesn't waste hurt.."  There is a reason for everything we have to endure....

With all that being said... Please follow my blog...I'll be sure to include whats going on with my soon to be beautiful "Partridge Family" as we continue blending our families, as well as fitness/health related stuff, fashion, FUN for the kids/family, lots of LOVE topics and more....

Until next time.........Live, Laugh, Love........