93rd Mommy Mondays - Carousel Rides

My kids were able to ride the carousel once each week the last 2 weeks with carousel coupons from their summer reading at the library.

This was my son's first time riding it without crying or getting scared.

This was my daughter's first time ever. She became leary of it halfway through but never cried.

The second time they went, their dad was able to come along and my daughter stayed on it the whole time.

What fun and simple things have you done this summer with your kids?

Ready for back to school?

124th Fashionable Fridays - Grey Chevron

Grey Chevron Dress made by The Polka Dot Alligator (on FB and Etsy). Love maxi t-shirt dresses!

Anyone know where I can find a wide purple belt (so I can wear this for future dōTERRA events) or any other colors besides red or black? I love wide belts to hide my tummy.

T-Shirt Maxi Dress: The Polka Dot Alligator
Necklace: Domestic Vixen (on FB and Etsy)
Belt - Kohls

28th Wellness Wednesdays - Roman Chamomile

A couple weeks ago, Roman Chamomile was a little life saver in my home. My son got stung by two hornets. A couple days later we found that there was a hornets nest under the slide. Scary! Glad we found it before a bunch of other kids came over to play.

He came running, screaming! Immediately I put lavender on them because that's the first one I remembered. He calmed down within 2 minutes.
I kept looking for major signs of allergic reactions since I've never been stung so I don't know if any of us are allergic. All I saw was a rash forming on his arm so I went to my trusty Modern Essentials book and looked up Bites/Stings. The number one recommended was Roman Chamomile with cold compress. So I got a wet rag put some drops of Roman Chamomile, put a ice pack in the middle and put that on his arm. Within 30 minutes, his rash was gone and you couldn't see the circles of where he was stung.

I also looked up Allergies and added some Peppermint on his arm too just in case.

Without my oils, I'd probably would have freaked out more. I love being able to help my family be calm in scary situations.

92nd Mommy Mondays - Butterflies

A couple of weeks ago, our neighbors brought us over 2 caterpillars to take care of so that my kids could watch them turn into Monarch Butterflies. So cool!

I was super nervous we'd end up killing them especially when they started hanging on the lid. If the fell off the lid, then they would be dead. The easy part was feeding them milkweed leaves. They ate through probably 3 whole leaves before they made their way to the top of the lid.

Luckily we survived it, walking super slowly when moving them (they shook a lot!).

Our first butterfly we found in the middle of the day moving around at the bottom of the jar. Opened the jar, my husband pulled it out and it immediately flew away. We didn't get pictures of that one.

Our second butterfly, I had brought it inside since it was storming outside. It was hanging upside down and out. I was afraid it was dead. I just think it was still stretching.

Woke my kids from bed to watch and get pictures this time. It just kept stretching its wings. Finally we had to leave for the day so we left it down by some plants to hide from prey. It slowly made its way out on to the plants. When we got home, it was gone. Hoping it flew away and wasn't eaten!

Us with our butterfly

123rd Fashionable Fridays - Budding Models

My kids like to try and copy my poses and get their picture taken =)

Modeling a Grey Yoga Skirt for The Polka Dot Alligator (on Etsy and FB)
I decided to show how you can dress this skirt up. It's easy to dress down with a t-shirt and leggings underneath too.

This Mod Top is also made by The Polka Dot Alligator

Shoes: Dilliards
Necklace: Paparazzi

27th Wellness Wednesdays - Sandwiches

In efforts to lose those surprising 10 pounds, I've been trying to add more fruits and vegetables into my diet and avoid the sweets.

One of my favorite sandwiches to make lately is

Wheat Bread, Turkey or Chicken Salad, Spinach, Lettuce, Cucumber, Avocado and Tomato

I've been keeping track of my calories to keep them at about 1500-2000, using the Slim & Sassy essential oil - just a couple drops on my stomach and rubbing it in, avoiding ice cream most days, walking or doing crunches, stretches and jumping jacks, and using my hand to help size out portion control. See image below.

When I followed this routine, I lost 2 lbs in the first week. It's tough - I hate dieting and watching calories, but I don't want this to be a trend. It's tough especially because I haven't been eating dinner with my family because my husband works until 8:30 - we usually eat dinner then or later! I think eating all before 8pm has also helped a great deal.

91st Mommy Mondays - Monkey Bars

Proud Mommy Moment - those firsts are always so filled with awe and wonder on how fast your child is growing up. My 4 1/2 year old son swung across the monkey bars for the first time. He jumped up to reach them too.

What first moments have your child(ren) had recently?

122nd Fashionable Friday - Aqua

Can you believe it's August already!?

Here's an outfit I love! Sorry my son took the pictures so not the best, but I'm sure you get the idea = )

White Top - Kohls
Maxi Skirt - The Nest on Main
Belt - Sexy Modest Boutique
Necklace - Nathalie Lynn Designs on FB
Bracelets - Brittany Rae Boutique