About Wendy

SAHM of 1 school age kid, two adult kids (my 26 yr old daughter & 19 year old son) and one middle-age kid (the hubby). Avid animal lover who cares daily for our dogs, cats, and chickens. My MIL says I need a cow for fresh milk; I say No Way!!! LOL Hobbies include listening to music, reading, writing, cooking/baking, canning foods like pickles and green beans, making jams and jellies, crafting, knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching. I'm a laid-back mama who prefers not to micro-manage the lives of my family (though I feel sometimes like they micro-manage mine as my schedule mainly consists of coordinating all of their schedules). But, I love it and wouldn't have it any other way.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite
Disclaimer: I am sharing my personal experience with the Coca Cola Give program. The Coca Cola Company is in no way endorsing, contributing to, or compensating Beauty Brite Blog for this content.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child’s School

If you’ve read some of my previous posts on Beauty Brite you might have heard me mention my affection for Diet Coke. It’s one of my favorite drinks. I often have an icy cold glass of it next to me while writing, playing around on the internet, cleaning, reading or crafting.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite

They used to have a rewards program that I participated in. I entered codes from their products and traded those points for cool stuff. I think the coolest thing I received through that program was a silver tumbler with a lid and plastic straw. If I had enough points and there wasn’t anything else I was really interested in, I would trade points for a coupon for a free 12-pack of Coca Cola.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite

Each code you entered earned a specific number of points. The only thing I didn’t like about that program was that you there was a limit on how many codes you could enter to earn points each week.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite
Image Source: US Coca Cola website

First of all, several family members knew I was using that rewards program and would save all of their codes for me. In addition to the codes I had from purchased products, I often had some I couldn’t use until later.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite

Also, I was pretty sporadic about remembering to enter codes. This resulted in the accumulation of zip loc bags full of caps as well as codes torn from 12-packs of Coke building up in my mudroom.

Then, the company announced their intention to discontinue that rewards program, which bummed me out a bit. I was very happy to hear that they intended to launch a different rewards program. So, I held onto the cap codes until I could find out if they would be able to be used with the new rewards program.

This summer has been a bit hard so far with all the unrest in the country and the coronavirus stuff going on. So, I decided it was a good time to check out the new rewards program and do something fun to get my mind off of everything going on in the world for a short time.

I like their Coca Cola Give program because there isn’t a limit on how many codes I can enter (at least that I’ve found, so far).

You probably think I’m joking about having a bunch of codes built up. I assure you, I’m not. Check it out, here are all the codes I had sitting in bags in my mudroom to use when they launched this new program.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite

Yeah. Not joking! I had been collecting caps in quart-size zip loc bags, using gallon size bags only when I was out of the smaller size and even brown paper lunch sacks when I had no zip loc bags in the house at all. In the end, before taking this picture, I had nearly 30 various bags of caps. It was nuts! It took me about a week of working every evening for a couple of hours to get all of these codes entered into the website.

In looking at their new rewards program, I decided I was interested in using my codes to make monetary donations. To try it out, I chose the American Red Cross and entered a few codes. It is so easy and quick to do!

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite
Image Source: US Coca Cola website

Then I realized that you can make donations to schools! So, I have subsequently been entering codes with my daughter’s school designated to receive the donations.

If there isn’t a school you’re interested in donating to, here are the other organizations you can choose:

National Park Foundation

Boys and Girls Clubs of America

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Children’s Miracle Network Hospital

American Red Cross

Special Olympics

USO

And for all of you out there about to say I need to find a healthier snack — here ya go!

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite

I thought an apple was a fitting snack while entering codes to benefit my daughter’s school, cuz teachers … apples … pretty neat little connection there. LOL

After entering all the codes you can see in the pictures above, here’s where my total donation history stood.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite

Yes, that’s nearly $65 donated to my daughter’s school. But, some time has passed since this I took these pics. I have gathered more codes to enter.

Easy (And Free) Way To Support Your Child's School -- Coca Cola Give Program #beautybrite

As it stands right now, I have donated a total of:

$71.60!!!

It feels good to do a nice thing for my community. Our children’s schools have always been appreciative of the different ways that parents have supported their efforts to provide kids with fun activities and additional educational opportunities that would otherwise be beyond their budgets to provide.

I think this is definitely a much more fun and consistent activity to support our local educational institutions than constant fundraisers. Our local Kroger also has a program that shoppers can sign up for to support schools, so I do that, also. I like these two programs because it’s easier for parents to do things like this. Also, if there were more programs like this, it would mean less time for school personnel researching fundraising efforts and more time doing what they love most — helping our kids to grow into successful, well-rounded adults.

What is your favorite way to support your schools? Alternatively, which of the organizations listed above would you donate to through Coca Cola Give?

Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet

Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet

Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet

Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet

You ever get down in the dumps? So blah that none of your regular pick-me-ups are effective at elevating your mood? I don’t get that way very often. I have several trusty hobbies that I enjoy very much, and though two of my three children are adults now I’m still pretty busy with my youngest child, doing stuff around the house, and all of our pets.

Even the Coronavirus currently circulating around the world and all the news about that and the changes to daily routines that have come from it haven’t really gotten me down too badly. I’m a homebody by nature, so staying home a little more than usual hasn’t been a hardship.

I hope that statement doesn’t come off glib, I don’t mean it to be because I know there are a lot of people for whom this situation has created great hardships and I’m not immune to those either despite my statement. My family has older, immune-compromised members for which we are taking on extra duties to allow them to try to avoid infection, and for those of us who work outside the home precautions are taken to reduce the likelihood of infection.

I am not immune to stress. None of us are. And this year has been a doozy. The coronavirus, the brutal election cycle, the protests across the country, and all the other crazy stuff going on has just taken a toll on all of us.

I sometimes like to pick up cute flowers from the grocery store while shopping to display in our home. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to liven up our living space. One such occasion that I used to do double duty in this area was for my youngest daughter’s Sweet 16 birthday celebration. I purchased some beautiful fragrant white hyacinths and lavender to create some pretty flower arrangements for her party. Then afterward I used them paired with a fun St. Patrick’s Day garland to decorate the living room mantle. So fun! And they smelled SO GOOD!

mantle floral/holiday arrangement
mantle floral/holiday arrangement
mantle floral/holiday arrangement

I will often take larger holiday bouquets and break them down after some plants in it start to wilt or die and continue to use the parts that are still healthy-looking to make different arrangements using a variety of different sized vases and other pretty containers I have around the house. It extends the fun for as long as possible and makes the expense worth it to me.

Well, one day recently I was just very blah. Nothing seemed interesting enough to spend time doing. I had been reading books like crazy and needed a break before starting a new one. I’d been working on a knitted afghan for my Mom (a Christmas gift later this year) and needed a break from that, as well. I didn’t feel like baking or making jam and had just finished binge watching all the Grey’s Anatomy available on Netflix.

Sometimes, inspiration can come so unexpectedly. I simply decided to step outside my house to wander to the end of the driveway to get the mail. As I neared the end of the driveway I noticed some flowering weeds along the tree lining and thought to myself that even those were clearly weeds that they were pretty anyway. Then I noticed some small yellow flowers (also likely weeds) that looked sort-of like daisies. And THEN, I noticed some branches that had bright red berries on them. Something stirred within me at the sweet simple beauty of them. I collected the mail and returned to the kitchen to sort through it.

But, my thoughts kept returning to those bright, sunshiny yellow blooms and the red berries. Even throughout other chores I was doing, I kept finding myself thinking about them and how pretty they were, even if they were weeds.

So, I grabbed a pair of scissors and headed back out there to snip a handful of them. And this pretty bouquet is what resulted from my efforts. I’m sure the blossoms are probably toxic weeds, so I placed the bouquet outdoors on the table of our deck.

Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet

And you know what? Who cares if they are toxic weeds? This activity fed my soul, lifted my spirits, and for the several days that they lasted it was a beautiful sight every time I stepped out on the deck to see such vibrant colors there in one of my favorite spaces. I didn’t have to leave my property or spend even one red cent and it gave me such joy!

Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet
Flowering Weed And Berries Fall Bouquet

I call this my Flowering Weed & Berries Fall Bouquet. Pretty fantastic!

If you’re looking for some fun and easy ways to do a little Fall decorating, check out these other fun ways I’ve decorated our home for the cooler season.

What has brought you joy during this difficult year? Please share, we can all use a little good right now!

One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter

One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter -- Candler Candle Co.
Beauty Brite Disclosure

The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter —

One of the most enduring childhood memories that I have is of my grandparents’ cabin in the mountains of Montana. It is a small home they built up a winding mountain road in a clearing surrounded by many types of trees, including fir trees. They had neighbors, none close enough to be seen from their home but near enough to be friends with them.

I remember that I would walk into the trees surrounding their cabin and get lost, figuratively, completely enchanted with the sound of the crackling of dry fir tree needles on the forest floor crunching under my footsteps, sharp-eyed for downed trees to climb over or scramble under and for pinecones to collect, all the while invigorated by the fresh clean fir tree scent that just makes one feel more alive and connected to the earth.

I like forest-related scents any time of year, but I especially seek them out as fall and winter descend over the land because the smell invokes cozy cold evenings in front of a fire with a snuggly blanket and a warm drink and it starts to get me in the mood for the cold weather holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It makes otherwise icky cold weather much more lovely and endurable. Once the holidays are over, I like to curl up on my couch with a hot cup of cappuccino and await the new year with optimism and hope.

Candles, wax melts, scented air fresheners — they all have a place in my home. It’s a simple, affordable form of personal expression that not only makes my home smell good, it’s a great way to inspire me to write, or craft, or clean. It just makes life very enjoyable.

One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter -- Candler Candle Co.

First of all, I should mention that Chandler Candles are gorgeous. They come in simple glass jars which are shipped in sturdy cardboard sleeves with tin lids to protect them from breakage. The second you pop open that packaging the scent envelopes you right away, before you even light the candle. 

The candles are made with all-natural soy wax with quality fragrances, and are hand-poured in small batches to maintain the high quality with which a great candle deserves to be crafted.

One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter -- Candler Candle Co.

I am very much enjoying their Balsam Fir scented candle. It takes my right back to my Gramma and Grampa’s cabin in the mountains, every time! In addition to several sizes of candles they offer soaps and lotions as well as reed diffusers and hand sanitizer. And let me tell you about the hand sanitizer. I’m in love with this one … it’s Lavender & Lime scented. I know, lavender and lime aren’t scents that I might think of pairing. But, it works!

I have been using it and the lime scent is a bit low-key but definitely there. It’s the lavender that I notice the most and it lasts for a long time. I mean, I’ve caught a whiff of the lavender more than 30 minutes after applying it to my hands. I love that!

One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter -- Candler Candle Co.

I recently decided to do a little writing work outdoors at the picnic table near the coop where my chickens spend their days pecking the ground and being extra cute and funny. I took along my Chandler Balsam Fir candles (since I am surrounded by wooded areas, and some treats for my hens to enjoy. They just go crazy for their treats! LOL

One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter -- Candler Candle Co.
A treat for me, a treat for my chickens!

There are so many aromatic blends available that I think anyone might be hard pressed to NOT be able to find one that they would like. I personally would love to try the Asian Pear Blossom, Italian Bergamot, and Pumpkin Chai Tea candles next.

One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter -- Candler Candle Co.
Chandler Candle Co. Scent List — Source: Chandler Candle Co. website

My adult daughter just had a birthday and loves candles just as much as I do. I gave her one of the Balsam & Fir candles as part of her birthday celebration. It is easily one of her favorite gifts, I think. I love that something so simple makes us so happy!

These are definitely on my short list for holiday gifts for my daughter and my mom, too. It can be hard to choose a candle scent for other people, so if you aren’t sure which one to gift you can purchase a gift card from the company to gift to coworkers, friends, and family.  Use coupon code HOLIDAY20 to receive 20% off orders till Dec 31.

Which Chandler Candle scent are you dying to try? Let me know! 

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The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter The One Home Scent That Gets Me Ready For Fall And Winter

Essential Oil Infused Wellness

Essential Oil Infused Wellness - MIG Living Ritual Oil and Cuticle Oil
Beauty Brite Disclosure

Essential Oil Infused Wellness-Also I should mention that MIG Living products are toxin-free, made with natural ingredients and without animal testing, and are made in the USA with ingredients sourced directly from farms versus commercial distributers. These are all important things I look for when shopping for products to use. 

Scent is something that I consider not only as a bonus but as an essential element in selecting products in my home. Items that smell great increase my personal feeling of well-being and make my home space feel more alive and productive.

I am especially appreciative of a product that provides a lingering scent. There’s nothing worse than buying something to use in your home and having the scent peter out after only a few minutes. Seems like such a waste of time and effort to me. 

Essential Oil Infused Wellness - MIG Living Ritual Oil and Cuticle Oil

MIG Living is a company that is focused on personal health through natural beauty and wellness products. Today I will be sharing two MIG Living products that I recently used and what I thought of them.

The first is MIG’s Ritual Oil for Activation – Bloom. This is a roll-on product that includes Apricot Kernel Oil, Passion Flower, and other ingredients that you can apply to pulse points and wrists. They recommend applying the product first thing in the morning and then placing your palms over your face, closing your eyes, and inhaling deeply.

Mornings can be hectic and it sometimes can seem like there is never enough time to do all the things that are necessary. But, how your morning goes oftentimes sets the tone and pace for the entire day. Taking even 10 seconds to do something for yourself can seem like a big ask. I get it. Been there, done that, hate it every rushed morning. But, it’s so worth it. I’ve been doing it for a few weeks now and it really does make a big difference in how my day progresses.

Essential Oil Infused Wellness - MIG Living Ritual Oil and Cuticle Oil

I would suggest keeping this product on your nightstand. When that dratted alarm goes off in the morning making you instantly hate the day to come for interrupting your blissful sleep, just grab it and roll on a little bit of the scent.

Inhale deeply as you drift between sleep and the full wakefulness that your snoozed alarm will bring when it goes off again. Let the beauty and luxury of that smell help you transition from the warm cocoon of your bed to the inevitability of having to get up and start your day. It makes the whole process so much more smooth and even, if I may be so bold as to say, enjoyable!

What I like best about it is that the scent lingers with you. I catch a whiff of it often throughout the morning and early afternoon and it always gives my spirits a lift. It’s also great that it comes in a conveniently sized bottle that will easily fit into a purse or computer bag, the pocket of your pants or jacket, or in the cup holder of your vehicle. Wherever you find yourself needing a little boost, stash a bottle there. You will not regret it!!!

Essential Oil Infused Wellness - MIG Living Ritual Oil and Cuticle Oil

The second MIG product I have been using is their Cuticle Serum. I wash my hands … a lot. And that has been true for many years, not only during the current public health crisis we are all facing. I do a lot in a day between feeding and caring for our animals, taking care of children, cleaning our home, and preparing and serving meals.

I’ve always been conscious of making sure to approach new tasks with clean hands to prevent spreading germs around. I will even stop to clean my hand during a task (especially meal prep) to prevent the risk of someone getting sick due to my carelessness. I’m not neurotic about it, it’s just something I do almost unconsciously.

So, that being said, my cuticles are often pretty trashed from all the hand washing and having dry skin. Cuticle oil is pretty essential for me. I like that MIG’s Cuticle Oil doesn’t have a scent and that it absorbs well while providing long-lasting moisturization. It helps keep my cuticles healthy and hydrated without competing with the scent of the Ritual Oil for Activation that I apply to my wrists each day.

Essential Oil Infused Wellness - MIG Living Ritual Oil and Cuticle Oil

Also important is value. The products that I purchase to use either for myself, for my family, or for my home not only have to work well they have to be affordable. Or at the very least, they must provide enough value to me to make the cost worth paying for the benefit received.

I will pay more for better quality, but I’m never one to spend more on something than the value I gain from it. These two products take very little use of them volume-wise to reap huge benefits. They will last for a very long time before I need to purchase replacement bottles. I really love that.

So, all around, MIG Living is a brand that I am very pleased to use and to share with you. They offer other products, as well, like a body detox, a dry brush, various lotions, facial products, soaps, balms, and even a line of products for men. I can’t wait to choose another product to try. How do I choose??? Agh!!!! 

Also I should mention that MIG Living products are toxin-free, made with natural ingredients and without animal testing, and are made in the USA with ingredients sourced directly from farms versus commercial distributers. These are all important things I look for when shopping for products to use. 

Do me a favor. Browse MIG Living’s product line and let me know which item you’d love to try and why? I’m insanely curious!!!

Find out more: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

Essential Oil Infused Wellness Essential Oil Infused Wellness Essential Oil Infused Wellness Essential Oil Infused Wellness Essential Oil Infused Wellness Essential Oil Infused Wellness Essential Oil Infused Wellness Essential Oil Infused Wellness Essential Oil Infused Wellness

Safe Non-Toxic Cleaner For Humans And Pets

Safe Non-Toxic Cleaner For Humans And Pets --- MomRemedy Everyday Household Cleaner & Stain Remover
Beauty Brite Disclosure

I hate cleaning. But I like a clean home. Oh, the conundrum! As a consumer I am more often looking for a non-toxic cleaner. I am also paying attention to what ingredients are included in the products that I use in my home in search of those that include natural and safe ingredients rather than a long list of unfamiliar sounding chemicals.

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Ginger Cat Appreciation Day: Meet My Cheeto-Boy

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day -- Cheeto

Today is Ginger Cat Appreciation Day. Some have called me a crazy cat lady due to always having multiple cats in my home. Well, I’ll take it. It ain’t the worst thing I’ve ever been called. LOL

My whole life has been populated by pets, I can’t imagine my life without them. Much the same as my children have been very loved and cherished, so too have my cats and dogs.

And my horses, ducks, and chickens. And the rat my son asked to have after a teacher sent her class pet rats home with a student for the summer and the males breached the divide from their section of the cage to the female side and had a little too much fun. And the fish my daughter was obsessed with for a few years before she moved out on her own. And the hermit crab we brought back from vacation when the kids were younger. And the little aquarium frog my husband and I had when we were first married — many a moon ago.

Since pets’ lifespans are much shorter than human ones, these loveable creatures come, stay a while, and then cross the Rainbow Bridge. I like to think that every pet I’ve ever had the pleasure to share my life with are all together over there, having the time of their afterlives — playing in rays of sunshine, napping on fluffy beds, swimming in cloud-ponds, and generally just getting all the rewards they deserve for all the joy they brought to us during their life times.

My daughter has moved on from fish (too much work for her to keep up with to her satisfaction). But, she is definitely following in my Crazy Cat Lady footsteps with her three little kitty-children that she loves and dotes on. We have a standing agreement that should anything ever happen to either of us, the other will absolutely adopt the other’s pets. It sounds weird to say (or write) that, but it’s important to make arrangements for the important things in life (children, pets, property and assets) in case the worst should happen, right?

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day -- Cheeto

This little guy, Cheeto, gave us quite the scare last year. He wanted to go outside so bad. We live in a semi-rural area and his big sister cats would go out and play in the yard, chasing birds up trees and squirrels into the woods. We decided to start letting him outside, even though I was worried that he might be inclined to wander unlike his sisters who stick near the house pretty well.

The first few forays into the outside world when well enough. Until my worst fear came true and he didn’t come home one afternoon.

What followed were 12 days of hell — posting flyers, visiting nearby houses asking if anyone had seen him, driving the neighborhood with the windows down calling his name, asking for help in neighborhood lost pet groups online, checking – rechecking – and checking again with local vets and pet shelters, leaving one of the litter boxes outside alongside bowls of food and water and one of my shirts draped over a chair on the deck hoping the scent would lure him home.

I went outside at all hours of the day and night calling his name hoping he was wandering around looking for the way back home and wasn’t hurt or dead somewhere.

Finally, after twelve long days and nights, less than 20 minutes after one of my outdoor calling sessions he showed up back at the house. He was missing his collar, much skinnier, afraid and clingy, but with only a small wound on the base of his tail. He ate like there was no tomorrow. And once he settled down a bit, he purred so loudly and cuddled like he thought he’d never see me again. He didn’t even try to go back outside for months.

I was so relieved. And angry — with myself for not getting him microchipped before allowing him to wander outdoors. We did a well-check visit to the vet and got that microchipping issue taken care of immediately after his return. I just felt so bad that he’d been on his own for so long, but a little proud that he had figured out some way to get food and survive and find his way home.

He’s finally started going outdoors again a little bit. And, so far (fingers crossed) he’s stayed close to the house and comes when he’s called. But, he’s still a boy. And cat or no, boys will be boys, so I still worry he might wander off again. I hope not, so I just do what I can and enjoy him, love him, and spoil him rotten for as long as I can — and hope it’s enough to keep him safe in this big old world.

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day -- Cheeto

So, this is my long-winded way of expressing my deep love and appreciation for my little ginger boy, Cheeto. He makes every day better!

Check out my Cheeto Boy in his Unicorn Zoo Snood. He was pretty cute, though not as adorable in it as our Callie Girl was. Zoo Snoods have some pretty awesome hand-knit headwear for cats and dogs.

Tell us all about your favorite ginger-colored feline friend! What is your favorite memory with him or her?

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day Ginger Cat Appreciation Day Ginger Cat Appreciation Day Ginger Cat Appreciation Day Ginger Cat Appreciation Day Ginger Cat Appreciation Day Ginger Cat Appreciation Day

Simply Real Eating

Simply Real Eating--Cookbook Simply Real Eating by Sarah Adler

Simply Real Eating Simply Real Eating Simply Real Eating Simply Real Eating Simply Real Eating

Life all around us just seems to keep getting crazier, busier, and more unbalanced. Sometimes, no matter what you do trying to balance one area of life can tip another part out of whack. It’s definitely a balancing act, constantly in motion and needing adjustment and consideration as we are constantly assessing what best meets the needs of our families and ourselves.

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A Wonderful Winter Read

A Wonderful Winter Read - Lost At Sea by Erica Boyce - Keurig Junior Mints Hot Cocoa K-Cups
Beauty Brite Disclosure

I am always keen to find new authors to read and new genres of the written word to dive into. This winter, a new author I’ve found is Erica Boyce

I love a book with unexpected turns that makes me think about or see a situation in a totally new way. I’ve read novels about people who were adopted and I’ve read memoirs/biographies about people who were adopted. But, I don’t think I’ve read a book that explored the adoption of one child from so many different people’s perspectives at once before. I found that aspect of this story to be very fascinating and fulfilling.

On top of that this story takes place in a small town, features a mysterious disappearance that baffles everyone, the unraveling of secrets, and tackles the topic of substance addiction in and around all of the other plot elements.

Even though there are a lot of different characters and elements, I never felt like the story was rushed or confusing. At the same time, I think that there is enough of a foundation here that Ms. Boyce most certainly might have created a whole series or at least a very long novel out of it easily without losing her audience’s attention. Not saying she should have done that, but I mean it as a high compliment to her that I could easily have become ensconced in the narrative for a much longer time if she’d wanted to go that route. I would love to learn more about the town and its inhabitants.

I mentioned that one of the elements in the story was substance addiction. Without spoiling anything, there is one character who is supplying narcotics to addicts that I just didn’t see coming at all. Total surprise!! And honestly, I’d love to see an exploration of that topic and how seemingly ordinary people come to do very surprising things like this (just a thought I had after closing the last page of the book).

Lost At Sea by Erica Boyce will be on sale March 3, 2020. Definitely pick up a copy and give it a read. I’m glad I made it one of the 50 books I try to read each year for my Goodreads reading goal!

A Wonderful Winter Read - Lost At Sea by Erica Boyce - Keurig Junior Mints Hot Cocoa K-Cups

Synopsis:

When beloved fisherman John Staybrook vanishes in the night, his loss stirs up more than grief. His daughter Ella is convinced he’s still alive and vows to bring him home.

But as she searches the small Massachusetts town, secrets throughout the community begin to bubble to the surface. As the pieces fall into place of what really happened, everyone from the babysitter to the local librarian are swept into a more urgent question: Why would someone go out in the middle of a deadly storm?

Erica Boyce weaves a tense yet hopeful tale of family secrets whispering across the rocky shores and the unshakeable strength that love leaves behind.

A Wonderful Winter Read - Lost At Sea by Erica Boyce - Keurig Junior Mints Hot Cocoa K-Cups

Nothing goes better with a good book during the winter time than a nice hot beverage. Hot tea is fine, but I prefer a nice cup of hot cocoa or cappucino.

Junior Mints Hot Cocoa K-Cups are an easy way to get a fast cup of hot cocoa. Smooth and minty chocolate flavor warms me all up inside and the scent takes me back to that smell when opening a box of Junior Mints at the movie theater as a kid.

A Wonderful Winter Read - Lost At Sea by Erica Boyce - Keurig Junior Mints Hot Cocoa K-Cups

The only way this might be better is to have some whipped cream I could dollop on top and some soft, doughy, sweet doughnuts to snack on. You can also find other candy-inspired flavors like Charleston Chew (creamy vanilla marshmallow flavor) and Sugar Babies (caramel cocoa flavor)!

You can find these pretty much anywhere you like to shop for k-cups — like Amazon, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.

Find Erica Boyce at Goodreads and her website to learn more, and find her book at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or anywhere else you shop for books.

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I love a book with unexpected turns that makes me think about or see a situation in a totally new way. I’ve read novels about people who were adopted and I’ve read memoirs/biographies about people who were adopted. But, I don’t think I’ve read a book that explored the adoption of one child from so many different people’s perspectives at once before. I found that aspect of this story to be very fascinating and fulfilling. word word word word word word word word

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil
Beauty Brite Disclosure

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healthier

Every once in a while I try out some new healthy food and drink options to see if they are something I could add to my everyday life. Recently, I have tried a new kombucha drink, healthy dark chocolates (because chocolate is life, am I right?), a new coconut oil for cooking healthier, and even a mushroom superfood drink powder.

I like variety and trying new products because it allows me to get out of my everyday rut when it comes to food and drink. So, here are my thoughts about the new items I’ve tried.

Om Mushrooms Superfood Drink Sticks

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

I might as well start with the one item that I was the most skeptical about. I mean, I like mushrooms … but as a drink? I was doubtful that I would like it, but intrigued enough to give it a shot.

I think it was pretty smart for Om to pair this superfood up with fruit flavors. Most people are used to enjoying drinks that have some degree of sweetness to them, and while mushrooms add a fantastic layer of savory flavor to many dishes they are not something I would sit down and eat just by themselves.

Varieties

Citrus Orange – Energy+

Lemon Lime – Energy+

Super Berry – Immune+

Mocha – Brain Fuel+

Strawberry Lemonade – Beauty+ (Hair, Skin, Nails)

I tend to like red fruits just in a general sense. So, it was really no surprise to me that I liked the taste of the Super Berry and Strawberry Lemonade flavors. I love chocolate and enjoy coffee, on occasion, so I was reasonably certain that I would enjoy the Mocha flavor (I added it to a few cups of coffee and really enjoyed that).

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

But, I’m not a huge fan of lemon lime or orange drinks. Which is a bummer, because I thought I might not like the Om versions, either, and I really wanted to since they were the two varieties which offer energy benefits. Lack of energy is something I’ve been struggling with as I get older. I tried both, and I think they both tasted great!

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

I like that Om Organic Mushroom Superfood Drink Sticks offer a variety of different types of flavors, to appeal to people who like different tastes. I love that the supplement powder is so portable and easy to carry with you everywhere. That makes it so easy to add into water or coffee or whatever you happen to be drinking for a healthy boost. And, it looks like these are good for just about everyone as they are gluten free and appropriate for popular dietary programs like Paleo and Keto.

Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Speaking of health drinks, here is yet another variety of Kombucha that I’ve tried in the last year or so. Honestly, most kombucha drinks leave me wondering what all the hype is about. I get that they have health benefits, but I can’t generally get into the taste of some of them.

Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha is a bit different. First of all, these are canned drinks versus the other’s I’ve tried which were in glass bottles. I don’t know if that makes a difference in taste or whatever. But, I do know that this is the first kombucha that I have tried and liked well enough to consume the entire drink.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Second, though it is a healthy prebiotic drink, it comes in some definitely delicious sounding flavors: Apple Mint, Ginger Peach, Tropical Mango. I thought they each tasted pretty good, though the Apple Mint was my favorite overall. Not that I have to choose a favorite, but just in case you’re interested.

These drinks contain a certified organic, plant-based, prebiotic fiber called Xylooligosaccharides (XOS Fiber) which will nourish the probiotic bacteria that is naturally present in your gut, helping it to grow. 

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

While, the previous brands of Kombucha I’ve tasted have never made their way back into my home, I think Wonder Drink would be the one that I could see myself stocking in my fridge on a rotating basis with some other health foods that I like to have around.

Alter Eco Dark Chocolate

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Chocolate.

Enough said.

It’s good. Buy these chocolates. You will not be sorry.

LOL — I don’t know what to say here. Chocolate is either good or bad, in my opinion. I’m not usually so black and white in my judgements. But, it’s true here.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

And these are good! Taste is everything when it comes to chocolate. I don’t care how healthy it’s made, if it doesn’t taste good I’m not going to eat it. Period.

Alter Eco uses dark chocolate (known to have health benefits), is organic and gluten free, and uses fair trade ingredients. All of these things make it even easier to enjoy one of my favorite snacks.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

My daughters are both interested in products that are healthy and that benefit people and communities over corporations, so they have both been interested in learning about the company behind these delicious chocolate bars and truffles and sampling the treats.

Salted caramel chocolates are my number one favorite overall. So, my personal favorite of the ones pictured here are the Salted Caramel Truffles. Of the chocolate bars, my fave would have to be the Crisp Mint.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

The chocolate in all of the products is smooth and very satisfying and the truffle centers literally just melt in your mouth! So, so good!!! You can’t really go wrong no matter which one you choose.

Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

I like to cook. Finding new and interesting recipes, ingredients, and stuff like that is a fun hobby for me. New cooking oils are something I have enjoyed exploring as they each have different tastes and health benefits.

One of the most recent new finds in our house is sesame oil. We love Asian foods, and the peanut-y flavor has made things like my daughter’s fried rice recipe a whole new dish!

Coconut oil is something I began seeing covered in the media a year or two ago and decided to try. I’m still experimenting and learning about different oils and what uses they have and benefits they offer.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil is the latest one to grace my pantry. It’s organic, non-GMO, and Keto certified and labelled as an organic superfood.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

I know, the other items listed are things you can eat or drink on their own, and coconut oil isn’t. But, I still wanted to mention it here since it’s a health food item that I’ve tried and have enjoyed using. I will, however, talk about it some more in another upcoming article about a new cookbook I’ve been dabbling in preparing recipes from.

It’s called Simply Real Eating by Sarah Adler. It’s all about using real food ingredients and preparing easy and healthy meals. One of the cooking oils talked about in her book is coconut oil, so I will be using this Nutiva Coconut Oil in preparing a recipe from Ms. Adler’s book to share with Beauty Brite readers. Keep a look out for that very soon!

What healthy food swap have you made in your life and how has it worked out for you?

Silky Smooth Feet Without Breaking The Bank

Silky Smooth Feet Without Breaking The Bank -- Brio Personal Care-SilkStone Electric Pedicure File and Replacement Rollers
Beauty Brite Disclosure

Silky smooth feet

The one single thing that I hate the most about personal care is trying to care for the appearance of my feet. Having silky smooth feet is desirable, though it can be a pain in the butt to achieve. But, I like to wear flip flops and sandals when the weather is nice outside during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. So, I keep a pumice stone in the bathtub for the purpose of trying to keep my feet looking nice.

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