My memories

  • family, My memories

    How to Create Calm Amidst The Holiday Chaos.

    We’re in that magical and slightly maddening stretch of the year where the calendar is overflowing with holiday parties, celebratory dinners, and family get-togethers.

    For the most part it’s fun, but sometimes all the activity can leave me feeling frazzled. 

    In those moments, it’s especially important to me that our home feels like a retreat from all the busyness.

    Scent is one of my favorite ways to create a calm, restorative atmosphere, so I’m thrilled that Mrs. Meyer’s is bringing back my favorite seasonal scents: peppermint, orange clove, and Iowa pine. 

    I find the peppermint especially soothing during those times where I’m fighting off a holiday-induced tension headache. One sniff is like snuggling up with a warm peppermint mocha! Cheerful orange clove is a great stress reliever, and crisp Iowa pine instantly puts me in the holiday spirit.

    Now you can experience the magic of Mrs. Meyer’s for free with this Holiday Set from my friends at Grove Collaborative.

    When you place your first order of $20 using my link, you’ll get:

    • Free Holiday Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap
    • Free Holiday Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap
    • Free Holiday Mrs. Meyer’s multi-surface spray
    • Free Grove Collaborative seasonal kitchen towel
    • Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial

    Existing customers will get a free set of Grove walnut scrubber sponges. They make tackling holiday pots and pans so much easier! 

    Remember that old saying, “Stop and smell the roses”? When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I try to practice mindfulness during everyday tasks like doing dishes or washing my hands. Mrs. Meyer’s rich, creamy hand and dish soaps make it easy to stay present in the moment, and I love that they’re a healthy addition to my home.

    This Grove kitchen towel feels like such a treat to use, too. It’s perfect for streamlining a busy kitchen, since you can use it to dry dishes, drape it over bread dough while it’s rising, and even grab hot cookie sheets out of the oven. It also works like a charm with Mrs. Meyer’s multi-surface spray for whisking away messes on the stove or counter.

    Another way that I bring order to my home this time of year is by using Grove Collaborative. Grove ships my favorite natural household products like laundry detergent, paper towels, and toothpaste to my doorstep on my schedule. No more rushing around stores and fighting crowds! It really helps me feel organized and on top of things which is essential during the holidays.

    Once you submit your first Grove order using my link, you’ll also be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, you’ll save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service — perfect if you’re trying to stretch your holiday budget! 

    I should warn you that last year, Mrs. Meyer’s seasonal scents sold out quickly. This offer is only available through November 19th or until the sets are gone, so don’t miss out! Here’s how it works:

    1. Sign up for Grove Collaborative here. You will receive the Holiday Set for free when you sign up!
    2. To receive this offer, your order needs to be a minimum of $20. Choose the combination of products and scents you love and receive your first box within a few days.
    3. You made it! Click Finish & Pay and place your order.
  • family, family tree, My memories

    Halloween Fun at Scary Hill

    This is a sponsored post, we were given free tickets to review Scary Hill.

    We had been to Cherry Hill Resort during the summer and were very excited to add this to our fall outings. Scary Hill is a family-friendly fun event. We arrived at 11 am on Saturday and walked around looking at the decorations. When you arrive you can get your tickets at the miniature golf area or the office on the hill. Since it rained most of Saturday we were only able to do a couple activities. Our family enjoyed playing miniature golf.

    We enjoyed the fun Halloween decorations and funny headstones at each par.

     

    We then went to the maze area that located behind the office, where we played Battlestar Blasters. The maze, bumper boats, hamster haven, rock wall, and bounce houses are in the same area.

    We spent a couple hours there and can’t wait to go back again.

     

    Scary Hill Pricing

    • $9.99 ages 5 and up, unlimited day pass
    • $4.99 ages 3-4, unlimited (excludes rock wall)
    • free ages 2 and under

    This day pass gives you UNLIMITED use of the following Activities:

    • Scary Hill Miniature Golf
    • Bone Yard Tractor Rides
    • Junior Jungle Boats
    • Spooky Maze
    • Hamster Haven
    • Spider Aeroball
    • Rock Wall
    • Battlestar Blasters
    • Bug Bounce House
  • family, My memories

    Green Cleaning Tips from Grove Collaborative

    *This post contains sponsored links from Grove Co. All opinions are my own.

     

    Here’s a common myth I hear a lot: Making the switch to green cleaning products is too expensive.

    I can say from experience that creating a green cleaning kit can be easy and affordable. You don’t need a cabinet stuffed with products — in fact, I now use fewer (and better!) products.

    You can get a jumpstart on your green cleaning routine by grabbing this free set of cleaning concentrates + glass spray bottle + microfibers with your first purchase of $20 from my friends at Grove Collaborative. Then come back here for my green cleaning tips:

    • I feel good about using reusable glass bottles for my favorite products and DIY recipes, knowing I’m not adding more plastic bottles to landfills. Plus, this colorful Grove spray bottle adds a dose of style to your cleaning routine! I love that they added a silicone sleeve to keep it from slipping out of your hand.
    • Concentrated products create less shipping weight and less waste. Each 1 oz. Grove concentrate creates 16 oz. of product — just dispense it into your spray bottle, add water and start cleaning.
    • I switched from paper towels to microfiber cloths for cleaning a few months ago, and I’ve never looked back. You can throw them in the washing machine when you’re done, and they’ll last for years!
    • The all-purpose cleaner can replace a shelf full of products. Grove all-purpose concentrate works on countertops, appliances, sinks, backsplashes and more.
    • Did you know glass cleaner can do more than windows? Use your Grove glass cleaner concentrate to get the grime off windowsills, clean dusty light fixtures, and shine up your wedding ring.
    • Choose a bathroom cleaner that does double-duty. I keep a bottle of Grove tub & tile concentrate under my sink, and it’s the only product I need to clean the whole bathroom.
    • Curate your cleaning kit by choosing gorgeous products in complementary scents. These Grove concentrates come in a heavenly orange & rosemary scent that works in any room.
    • I’ve found that purchasing products from Grove Collaborative not only saves me time, it’s also more affordable than picking up products at the grocery store. Grove hand-selects the best natural products and delivers them (carbon offset) right to my doorstep, on my schedule.

    New customers get the concentrates set and existing customers get the walnut scrubber sponges.

    Bonus tip: Once you’ve submitted your Grove order, you’ll be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, you’ll save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service.

  • My memories

    Stylish Hosting Kit from Grove Collaborative!

    This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

     

    Even though it’s summer, July is one of our busiest months. Between our family outings, summer day camps, and get-togethers, it seems like we’re always on the go.

    We also love to host groups of people in our home, whether it’s a dinner party with our friends or family from out of town.

    Naturally, I want my home to feel stylish and inviting. On the other hand, I don’t feel like cleaning for days just so my house feels presentable for guests.

    That’s where this Stylish Hosting Kit from Grove Collaborative comes in. Grab your FREE set of Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap + dish soap + hand lotion + Grove Collaborative sink tray. Then come back here for my favorite tips to set a stylish scene for your summer guests:

    • Greet your guests with an inviting scent. Lighting a few candles is my favorite way to make our home smell welcoming.
    • Your guests will be hungry when they arrive — this is true whether you’re entertaining your neighbors or a group of seven year olds! Set out self-serve snacks like hummus and veggies, chips and salsa, and cut-up fruit to whet their appetite.
    • A guest bathroom should be clean and convenient, but it can also be cute! This glossy white ceramic sink tray from Grove Collaborative is perfectly sized to contain your hand soap and lotion.
    • Speaking of soap, a luxurious hand wash is such a treat for guests. You can choose from Mrs. Meyer’s basil, geranium, honeysuckle, lavender, or lemon verbena scents, plus matching lotion. I have the basil scent in our bathroom right now!

    Party pro tip: Stock up on all your summer hosting needs like paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies with Grove Collaborative. Since Grove ships everything to your doorstep on your schedule, you’ll never have to make a last-minute dash to the grocery store for napkins when guests are on their way!

    • Set the mood with a great soundtrack. You can curate your own playlist, or look online for a fun summer mix.
    • You’ve cleaned, prepped the food, and picked a playlist — now don’t forget the lighting. The right lighting can transform your space (and camouflage any areas you didn’t have time to clean!).
    • Flowers make everything feel fancy! Fresh cut blooms can be pricey, so cut a few stems from your garden and arrange them in a pretty vase instead.
    • Nothing brings a party to life like color. Mrs. Meyer’s soaps and lotions come in a rainbow of happy hues to inject some energy into your home.
    • Guests will be here any minute, and the sink is full of dishes! Soak pots and pans with a squirt of Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap while you finish tidying up, then all you need is a quick scrub to get them clean.
    • When you’re done with the dishes, corral your hand soap, dish soap, and sponge on the sink tray for a pretty display.
    • Now that everyone has arrived, it’s starting to feel a little too cozy. Keep guests from having a heat stroke by opening windows and strategically placing fans to circulate the cool night air.

    Don’t forget, this offer from Grove Collaborative ends July 16, 2017 so grab your free Stylish Hosting Set now with your first order of $20! You’ll also be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service.

    Dates: Tuesday, July 11, 7 am PST – Sunday, July 16, 6 pm PST
    New Customer Offer:

    • Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap
    • Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap
    • Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Lotion
    • Grove Collaborative Sink Tray

    Existing Customers can redeem the tray for 25% off!

  • family, My memories

    How I Get the Kids to Help Clean with Method + Grove Collaborative

    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

    How I Get the Kids to Help Clean with Method + Grove Collaborative

    Our last day of  virtual school was last week. That means the cries of “I’m booooored!” will be starting soon. Of course I want to keep my kids moving, learning, and exploring this summer, but I also need to get things done like cooking and housework. That’s why I’ve been devising fun ways to get the kids involved in cleaning. Start by grabbing this FREE set of Method hand soap + dish soap + multi-surface spray + Grove Collaborative walnut scrubber sponges from Grove Collaborative. If you’re already a Grove customer, don’t worry they have something for you too — free Grove walnut scrubber sponges (I love these!). Then meet me back here for tricks to get the kids to help pitch in (and actually enjoy it!).

    • Choose products that are safe for kids to use. It goes without saying that I don’t want my kids around anything that could make them sick. I love Method because if there’s a chance an ingredient isn’t safe, they won’t use it. Method’s products are made from natural ingredients, but they’re still as strong as Superman.

     

    • Bright colors make cleaning more fun. The vibrant pinks, purples, yellows, and greens of Method’s products remind me of a box of popsicles. If you have little ones, you could even practice color names to make cleanup a learning opportunity.

     

    • Everyone loves bubbles. Method’s candy-colored hand soap is perfect for the kids’ bathroom. The pump is easy to use and my kids love how lathery it is — maybe a little too much! Sometimes I catch them having a bubble party in the sink, but let’s be honest, I’m just happy they’re washing their hands.

     

    • Give them their own cleaning kit. Having their own supplies makes little ones feel grown up. We picked out goodies from Grove like rubber gloves, a scrub brush, and a cleaning caddy. I showed them how to use each tool, and added multipurpose cleaning supplies like Method multi-surface spray to cut down on confusion. (Of course, my kids got really into decorating their cleaning caddies with stickers).

     

    • Kids love scented stuff — especially if they get to choose the scent. My kids loved picking out the scents for this Method Essentials Kit and were excited to make the house smell good. When you grab your free kit from Grove Collaborative, you can choose from cucumber, honeycrisp apple, lime and sea salt, lavender, pink grapefruit, sea minerals, sweet water, or waterfall scent.

     

    • Make chores a competitive sport. Sometimes the lazy days of summer leave everyone feeling sluggish (myself included). That’s when I challenge my kids to a kids vs. mom chore competition. Whoever is first to get their chores done well wins.

     

    • Help them take ownership. It’s not always easy to motivate the kids to help with dish duty. However, my kids are more apt to help clean up if they also helped cook since it’s “their dinner”. Plus, I enjoy having a tiny sidekick to measure, pour, and stir. Method dish soap and Grove Collaborative walnut scrubbers help little hands tackle big messes.

    My kids look forward to receiving our Grove Collaborative order each month. They get so excited when they see the Grove box sitting on our porch! I get excited too because Grove ships my favorite natural products right to my doorstep on my schedule. Grab your free Method Essentials Kit and give Grove Collaborative a try this summer! You’ll also get a free 60 day VIP trial, which means free shipping, free gifts, price-matching, and exclusive service.

    Here’s what’s in the set:

    • Free Method Hand Soap
    • Free Method Dish Soap
    • Free Method Multi-Surface Spray
    • Free Grove Collaborative Walnut Scrubber Sponges
    • Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial

     

  • My memories

    Ultimate Bundle Essential Oils

     

    You knew you wanted to take charge of your family’s health when you first began learning about natural remedies. You probably even knew it wouldn’t be easy.

    But you had no idea you’d be so overwhelmed and confused by how much there is to learn and all the conflicting opinions.

    I’ve had the same frustrations. When I first became interested in natural health, I spent so much time researching. I squeezed our tight budget to find funds to grow our family’s health arsenal.

    Here’s the thing, though: I didn’t really have the extra time or dollars I wished I had to devote to my new goal.

    I did my best with what I had, but it was hard work. And that’s why I want to make it easier for you.

    What if I told you someone had already put together a complete package to get you up to speed on using natural remedies – one that’s already carefully vetted for you (saving you time) – at a price that’s way too low to miss (saving you money)?

    Well, look no further, because it’s here!

    Introducing The Herbs and Essential Oils Super Bundle!

    For six days only, everything you need (and then some) is in one fabulous package, for the most affordable price ever. (Seriously, just wait until I tell you the price.)

    This year’s edition of the Herbs and Essential Oils Super Bundle includes 16 ebooks and printables and 10 full eCourses!

    These top-quality resources cover everything you need to give you the skills and confidence to start using natural remedies in your home.

    You’ll get a complete library to help you:

    • Rebuild your medicine cabinet with natural remedies
    • Create beauty and skincare products without harmful ingredients
    • Treat your digestive complaints, pain, colds, and flus with everything in your medicine cabinet
    • Preserve, harvest, and cook with healing herbsDiscover the cancer-sugar connection and take back control of your health
    • Boost your mood, heat up the romance, and increase mental clarity with essential oil blends
    • Liven up your meals and get major health benefits by using the right herbs
    • and so much more!

    Plus, it comes with over $100 worth of bonus offers from companies you’ll love (even essential oil products!).

    You sort of need to see it to believe it, but the package includes 26 digital products and it’s worth over $770!

    Besides being so incredibly helpful, one of the things I like best about the bundle is the price. By offering it for a short time only, the team at Ultimate Bundles is able to give you access to over $770 worth of amazing products for a whopping 93% off!

    Here’s how it works:

    1. Visit their website, take a quick look at all the goodness that comes in this package, then click the “Get my copy now!” button to go through their simple and secure 3-step checkout process.
    2. You’ll receive an email with a login to their online access portal, where you’ll begin downloading your eBooks, signing up for your eCourses, and redeeming your free bonus offers.
    3. Use their Getting Started Guide to pick the topic you want to tackle first and start using natural remedies!

    The most important detail, though, is that this bundle is available for just six days! After Monday night, May 22nd, the sale ends and you’d have to buy all of these products individually.

    I’d hate for you to miss out, so click HERE to learn more or buy the bundle.

    It’s even backed by a 100% happiness guarantee, so you can make sure it’s right for you.

    You want to protect your family’s health. You shouldn’t have to feel overwhelmed because it costs too much or takes too much time to find the right resources.

    Learn more or get your bundle HERE:.

    (Psst… the bundle goes away at 11:59pm Eastern on Monday, May 22nd, so don’t wait!)

     

    motionmailapp.com

  • family, My memories

    SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium Review…

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help keep this site up and running AND keep it ad free!  In exchange for a review, SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium gave our family an annul pass.  Thank you for your support!

     

     

    Last May we were invited to visit the new SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium that was being built at the Layton Mall in Northern Utah.

    Our kids fell in love with all of the animals we met that day.

     

    The SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium opened in December 2016 and we have been there a couple times already since then.  We love that our kids can touch the animals, feed the birds, and interact while learning about them.

    Here is a list of some of the things we saw while we were there.

    Amazon Rainforest: Freshwater Stingrays, Iguanas, Snapping Turtle
    California Coast: Wolf Eel, Starfish, Anemones, Moon Jellyfish
    Creatures of Light: Giant Scorpion, Axolotl, Red-Eyed Tree Frogs
    Mayan Jungle: Eels, Coral and Reef Fish, Brazilian Seahorse, River Fish
    The Boardwalk: Macaws, Doctor Fish, Interactive floor games
    Shark Lagoon: Grey Smooth Hound Shark, Bamboo Shark, Nurse Shark, Green Moray Eels
    Caribbean Cove: Cownose Rays, Southern Rays, Bat Rays, Blacktip Sharks, Leopard Sharks
    Egyptian Desert: Giant Sulcata Tortoise, Black & White Tegu Lizards, Coconut Crabs, Baby Turtles
    Pirate Ship: Yellow Tangs, Blue Tangs, Emperor Angels, Queen Angels, Lionfish
    We met the Mermaid and fed birds.
    But the favorite part of our trip was getting our fish pedicure. It was a relaxing experience, that our kids have been asking to go do this again soon. We plan on spending a lot of time there this summer. My daughter is wanting her birthday party to be at SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium this summer; another one of the options you have at SeaQuest. We love having something so fun and wonderful nearby to visit.

     

     

    Go visit SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium in Utah! Purchase now and save on Birthday Party Packages! @SeaquestUtah

  • family, My memories, save money, saving money

    Garden Salsa + a Free Chef’s Set from Grove Collaborative!

    This easy, healthy salsa happens to be my favorite summertime recipe. Skip the store-bought seasoning packets and make this with fresh ingredients straight from your garden or farmer’s market. Our friends and family ask for it whenever they come over!

    The best part about this recipe is it doesn’t require a lot of dishes or utensils. That’s especially important to me during the summer because when it’s beautiful outside, the last thing I feel like doing is slaving over the sink.

    Before you dive into the recipe, grab this FREE Summer Chef’s Set of Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap + dish soap + multi-surface spray + Grove Collaborative Bubble Up with your first order from my friends at Grove Collaborative. It’s everything you need to make cleanup effortless, from salsa to full-on summer barbeques. (If you’re already a customer, you’ll get a free set of Grove Walnut Scrubber Sponges.)

    Now, here’s the recipe:

     

    Garden Salsa

    • 6 Roma tomatoes (or about a pound of whatever variety you have on hand)
    • 1 small handful of cilantro
    • 3 green onions
    • ½-1 jalapeno (depending on how spicy you like it!)
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste

     

    The next part is so simple: Toss all the ingredients in your food processor and give it a whirl! We prefer chunky salsa, so I’m careful not to over-process it. Then place it in the fridge for ½ hour.

    While you wait for the salsa to chill, give the food processor a quick scrub with your Bubble Up dish brush set and soap. Then wipe down the counters with your Mrs. Meyer’s multi-surface. So easy!

     

    Serve the salsa with chips, on top of tacos, or spooned over scrambled eggs or tofu.

    Bonus tip: With summer right around the corner, I’m planning on stocking up on essentials like Seventh Generation stain remover and Badger Balm bug spray. I love that Grove Collaborative hand-selects the best natural products and delivers them (carbon offset) right to my doorstep, on my schedule.

     

    Right now when you sign up for Grove Collaborative, you’ll also get a free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, you’ll save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service.
    Don’t spend time running to the store for dish soap when the sun is shining! Grab your Summer Chef’s Set and try Grove Collaborative now…

     

     

  • My memories

    Perfect gift for Mom!

    Craftsy is having a great sale this weekend. ALL CLASSES under $20.00!!! I love this site so much! The classes never expire, and you get to talk to the instructor if you have a question.

    You can take everything from gardening to baking classes. I have taken so many classes with them. Ncow that the weather has warmed up here in Utah, I grabbed  one of the gardening classes, Extended  Harvest, grow vegetables for every season…