Fostering - Round 2!

So last Friday, I got a message from the front desk at the shelter to see if we were interested in fostering again.  

Originally, we talked about taking 2 sick kittens or maybe a dog that just needed to get out of the shelter for awhile.  We decided against the dog.  Dan and I aren't quite read for it, but are good at fosterin the kittens.  I called and found out that the sick kittens were taken, but then another sick kitten came in so we now have him.

He has grown so much within the last week and is doing so much better.  He might be about 7 weeks now.. He is still learning.  The first night we had issues trying to get him to eat and he definitely didn't know how to use the litterbox.  He now knows to go to the litterbox, but not cover it.  He's all over the food - wet and dry.  He still doesn't know how to use the scratchpad.

Last Monday I took him in to see the vet and they did a worm culture. He has a bald spot on his ear and I guess that is a sign of worms.  So are waiting on that before he can go back. 

International Vacation!

So this is the first year we have come to Canada without puppies in FOREVER.  It's been 3 years since we last came here, when Esa was still with us.  After that, we didn't want to come/needed to start some new memories first.

Today is day 13 of our vacation.  This year has been different because we have INTERNET!  Needless to say, I haven't gotten as many books read as I usually (like 1 because I need to give it back to someone), but I have gotten a lot of organizing done for the business that I have been putting off.  Just those little things that I haven't had time to get around to do AND now, I'm blogging.

I miss blogging.  I hate to say it, but I don't remember the little details like I use to and with blogging, I can get them all down.

So, day 13 and what have we done.  I have continued to walk 4 miles a day (except 2 days including today) and Dan has gone with me.  The first couple of days, we walked from the cottage and up the roads around here.  And I say UP the roads because they are HILLS!  Like crazy hills.  Definitely got my workout in on those!  The last couple of days, we have gone to the Trans Canada trail (which is flat) and did geocaching.

We haven't gone geocaching in forever and I definitely still enjoy it - I think Dan does too.  The great thing about geocaching up here is that people have usually heard of it so when you say you are geocaching, they ask about it or are open to you explaining it.  We've met quiet a few people on the trail along with their dogs - which by the way, most are off leash.

We saw some stuff while geocaching that we wouldn't see at home (in the wild) - a snapper hatchling and bear prints.  Both on separate days.

We lost a mudflap one day while parking to go geocaching.  Dan kind of pulled into a ditch then backed out of it and caught the mudflap.  Luckily all of the screws stayed with it so he was able to secure it back on when we got home.

Pictures will need to uploaded later on here since the connection is kind of slow with the hotspot.

We had dinner at a great restaurant in Peterborough - Ricky's; went to a Peterborough Petes exhibition game; had an anniversary dinner at Bercs Steakhouse (a tradition when we are here).

The cottage has changed a little since we we last up here - the bathroom has been painted, the washer was moved, there has been a lot of geese this year.  Neither of us remember there being so many geese.

And mice - the first night, we found a dead mouse in the pantry/food shelves, and Dan's cousin said they found quite a few when they were here in July.  We also have a black squirrel that visits.  He came right up on the deck towards me when I was sitting in the lounge one day and scared the shit out of me.  The next day, he came behind me and I heard him so it didn't scare me, but I think I scared him.

Foster Kittens Update

So, on August 7, we took the kittens back to the shelter to stay overnight while we went out of town.  Sonny was getting sick, so we left them there until Tuesday when the vet could look at them.

Tuesday, I stopped up to pick them up and they weighed enough to get fixed so they stayed.  On Sunday (the 14th) we stopped by to visit the Mobile Adoption Unit and found out that the kittens were back at the shelter but quarantined  because they thought they might be getting sick again.  So, I called the shelter and asked if they needed for us to take them for awhile.  YEP!

We went up and picked them up within 30 minutes of calling.  Friday (the 19th), I had to go back to the shelter to get Erythromycin for Sonny - he got really sick again.  Fortunately, he is MUCH better and I think ready for the shelter.

They are scheduled to go back to the shelter on Saturday.  This has been a great experience.  We definitely are not ready for adopting an animal yet.  The kittens are in their CRAZY stage.  It's kind of nice not having the time restraints and responsibility.

Maybe fostering is our new calling.  We'll see.

Fostering Day 4 and 5 (so far)

The kittens are definitely settling in.  I, on the other hand, need to stop playing with them and get to work!  Yesterday, I did TRY to work with them out running around and that didn't work out as well as I hoped.

The black kitten is definitely feeling much better.  I don't think he sneezed at all yesterday.  The black & white one is still sneezing quite a bit (in fits), and does get a little congested when it is about time for another dose of medicine (2x per day).

The b&w one also has some butt issues.  He scoots his butt across the floor which I looked up and I think he was constipated.  Today, he seems to have a little issue of not having a little control.  This morning I keep finding poop on me and then on the breakfast nook chairs - yes, they are climbing all over the place.

Sunday night they decided to start jumping up on the breakfast nook chairs and then yesterday onto the table and onto the top of the crate, so my whole afternoon was chasing after them to get down.  The chairs are now (cleaned and) in the other room so no more climbing.

They also like to get in the window sills of our family room.  Luckily, no climbing the drapes (yet).  Esa's ashes, favorite toy, leash, and collar are also in our family room, so they like to climb all over those items.  I'm sure Esa is loving it.  I can picture her playing with them in our house, trying to get them to chase her. Zed could have cared less about cats.  They probably would have gotten on his nerves.

Both are definitely bonding with us.  Yesterday morning as soon as I let them out, they came right up to me and gave me cuddles.  Same thing at night when they are winding down.

Babe
1988 - 2007

Having them in the house is definitely what I needed.  So many friends are shocked that we are fostering kittens, but they are the ones that have only known me for the last couple of years.  I have always loved cats and dogs.

Babe, my last cat, was in my life for 18 years and was through a bunch with me.  She was my one constant during losing my parents, moving to a new state, several jobs, and many, many roommates.

Fun stuff - I downloaded 2 apps for cats on my iPad.  Black kitten definitely gets playing it, B&W is slowly getting it.  B is much more active than B&W, so it makes sense.

I can't wait to post pictures of them.  Unfortunately,  part of fostering is no promoting them.  I haven't talked to the coordinator directly, so maybe next time I can.  I'll come back and post pictures after the fact.

In the meantime, I have been sending pictures to my friends and family directly on Snapchat and text.

Fostering Day 3

It's been a lazy day with the kittens today.  

We did go out to get some groceries and got a toy and litter bags for them.

They are definitely settling in and like us.  Both of them fell asleep on us (one on each us us.).

The routine has been have them out for about two hours and then in for a few (for them to nap).  They are really good at taking their meds and seem to be getting a little better.  The one is a little sicker than the other.  You can tell he is stuffed up and has sneezing fits. 

Fostering Day 2

Today went pretty well - basically just hanging out with the kittens.

We did have one fail.  They have been getting into the (dog) toy box, which we thought was cute, until one thought that it was a litter box!

Yep - peed all over the toys as Dan was cleaning out the real litter box from the other kitten.  Then Dan brought the fresh litter over and he pooped in it (and a little out of it).  Poor kitty - meds do that too ya!

So, we had to pull all of Zed's toys out.  The plastic ones are getting washed in the dishwasher and then the rope toys are getting washed in the washer.  I had on my shopping list to get a big plastic container to put all the toys in, so that will just happen sooner rather than later.

The pee went right through to the bottom of the wooden crate and onto the carpet.  So had to clean the carpet and then just threw away the wooden crate.  They are cheap anyway at the craft stores.  I think Z had peed on it once.  At least it looks like there is a pee stain on the side of the crate.

So, lesson learn, once one has to go, the other one goes.  I had just said see if the other one has to go, but he couldn't wait for the new litter.

First Day as Foster Parents!

Dan and I have talked about possibly fostering.  Well, today it became a reality.

Yesterday the shelter posted that they were in immediate need for fosters for a couple of set of kittens.  I immediately called Dan and told him about them and asked if he wanted to try.

The kittens we requested only need a foster for 2 weeks since they are 6 weeks old.  However, they have an upper respiratory infection so they are getting meds.  Oh, and they are eating regular wet and dry food.

I figured this would be the best scenario for first time fostering.

So, this morning picked up the kittens.  I was nervous and excited.  It's been so long since I've taken care of a kitten - 1988 was the year to be exact!

Day 1 is in the books and they are doing well.  We have them set up in Esa's crate.  Plenty of room for them, their food, toys and litter box.

So far, so good for the foster parents too.  The kittens were good at taken their meds, have been using the litter box, and using the scratch pad.  Dan made a special trip to Petsmart on the way home without telling me to pick up some toys and a scratch pad.

What a day!

Today was one of those days that just didn't go as planned.

I headed out to the Jeep to go to a networking meeting and it didn't start.  Luckily, we have AAA! Free towing to the shop!  This was the first time in the 12 years we've had the Jeep it has ever had to be towed for not running.

Come to find out the mechanic thought it was the alternator so we'll see if I have any other problems.  

On the bright side - I'm getting a new iPhone! I found a deal $99 for a 6s 128.gb. Unfortunately it he only color for that price is rose and Dan doesn't want that color. 😜 So we'll still need to get one for him.

Another fun thing that happened today was we finally got to see the baby bunnies in our yard - 4 of them! 

Will it ever get easier?

So once I changed my Instagram to Daily Zed, I started following a lot of dogs and animals in general on ther.  I found so many dogs that looked like Zed. Chauncey with ckc_advetures who I originally saw on Tails of Gray Rescue (tailsofgray). Another was Elmer with Elmertakesmanhattan.  Elmer REALLY looks like Z.

Elmer hasn't been doing well the last couple of days, and the hurt for Z has really come back from me looking at Elmer's pictures. Does it ever get easier? 

My heart goes out to Elmer and his family. I so understand what they are going through. 

I just wish I could hug Esa and Zed again. 🐶💔

Jealous

Friday was tough.  I am part of a pet grief group on Facebook so that has been a good release for me. I have felt this since Esa passed - jealous. Jealous of people who have their pets for a long time. It really hit me on Friday so here is what I posted.

It was nice to hear I was not alone.  I know that there is a plan for us - just can't see it right now.

****

Jealous - all I can say is that I am jealous of all the people who have their fur babies for a long time. 

Jealous and asking why our fur babies were both taken from us after a short 6 years when we were the best parents. And only 3 years apart. They were our kids and our world revolved around them. 

Yes, Zed was older, but still had a short life considering we think he was 10/11.  Still thought we would have more than 6 years with him. 

We know several friends who love their animals, but kids and life come first. So jealous is the only word I can think of to describe my pain.

Picture taken May 2013

Esa (l) - 2-14-07 to 12-1-13

Zed (r) - adopted 5-2-10 to 5-7-16

Cleaning and purging

So I finally got around to cleaning out my closet. I have so many clothes at so many different sizes, now that I'm down from my largest size (18), it's time to get rid of those so I don't go back.

I had two underbed storage bags FULL of clothes.  I went through the one back and I'm waiting on the other since they are mostly work clothes.

I went through my other bag of purses and pulled a bunch of those too.

Now - if I can sell some stuff, that would be great!  I'll be posting to Facebook and try to sell them that way. Otherwise, it will be donated.

 Before

4 bags of clothes to get rid of 

After

What a day

So today was the first time in years I was out of the house for a good 8 hours.

I had two networking events and left the house at 9 am.  They were done at 1:30 and I had an appointment at 3:30 for a massage. - yep, that's right - a massage.  Anyway, instead of going home, I hung out at Panera around the corner from my massage appointment. So, I didn't get home until after 5 pm today.

So about 2 weeks ago, my shoulder started hurting. Last Tuesday, it was so bad, I could hardly move my arm.  I went to the chiropractor and was told it was my rotator cuff.  After an alignment, it felt better and the swelling went down some.  I was also told to go get a massage.

My shoulder feels so much better.

Productive Day!

Yesterday, we took it pretty easy.  We went to the movies - which we haven't done in FOREVER! We went and saw "Now You See Me 2".  By the time we got home, the day was over,so we just hung out.

Today was different. I pulled weeds out of the flower beds and then cleaned the inside of the Jeep. Dan was busy mowing and weed whacking the lawn then pressure washing the patio then putting sand down on it.

I've also been posting stuff for sale and for free on Facebook. I might try selling some stuff to ThredUp, but not sure if it will be worth it.  I might just donate my old clothes instead. I'm afraid that I'll send them int to ThredUp and then they won't accept them.

Anyway - time to get rid of stuff.

Networking, working, walking and Let's Go Sharks!

Today started early with me going to a networking event. So 2 days with ting up at 5:30 - so glad I don't have to do that everyday, but the best part of having my own business is that I can take a nap during the day!

I also can do walking during the day. Today was day 2 of walking the neighborhood. Yesterday 1.76 miles, today 2.09!

I was so happy that San Jose Sharks won last night! The opening commentary was so one-sided last night but I think it was because NBC sports was just assuming that Pittsburgh was going to win since they only need one more win. Or it could have been because it was in Pittsburgh, but we'll see if they do the same on Saturday when they play at San Jose.

Moving forward...

So I've been trying to figure out what to do with the blog since Esa and Zed are no longer around.

I'll probably just post about daily stuff and my opinion at least for now.  It'll be different than my Facebook posts. Of course those are private anyways.

Definitely need to do some updating on here - I don't even think the background layout works anymore and who knows about the plug-ins and widgets.

I'll probably be posting more from the Blogger app (which is what I'm doing now), which is limited.  BTW - I prefer to work on desktop on almost every app. I do the apps for on-the-go though.

So - what do you want to know/read/hear about? Ideas are wlcomed.

Book Tour: Loving Emmi: How Baby Morgan The Broken Jaw Puppy Stole Our Hearts And Our Wallet (Dog-Ma) (Volume 2) by Barbara Boswell Brunner

And the Dog-Ma saga continues...

In this highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Dog-Ma, The Zen of Slobber, Izzy, the feisty and ferocious terrier, has lost her eyesight. Following on the heels of this devastating loss, her arch-rival Morgan - a gentle giant of a Rottweiler - suddenly succumbs to cancer. Finding herself a lonely-only, it's not long before Izzy finds herself nose-to-nose with her humans' new pet project: a foster Rottie pup also named Morgan. Quickly renamed Emmi to avoid confusion (and the wrath of Izzy,) it was to be the beginning of a journey unlike any other.

Severely injured as a newborn, Emmi—affectionately known to her fast-growing online fan base as Baby Morgan the Broken Jaw Puppy—is hanging onto life by a thread. Living with a crushed jaw that has left her unable to open her mouth to eat or drink, the prognosis is grim. Baby Morgan is starving to death. Having rescued her from a horrific life, her parents spring into all-out desperation mode to find her the best lifesaving medical care. Despite the advice of veterinary professionals to euthanize, her parents are determined to save her at all costs. Taking to the Internet, they rally a huge online community of dog lovers who quickly become their second family. It does not take long for Emmi's sheer determination and ferocious will to live to take hold.

This is Emmi's miracle. A story of hope, inspiration and triumph in the face of adversity.

Available to buy at....

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Author Site  Barnes and Noble  

“This book is a must read for animal lovers, everywhere. Barbara Boswell Brunner pulls at your heartstrings in Loving Emmi, a rescue story like no other. When Barbara, and her husband, Ray, decide it's time to foster another dog, they have no idea what they're getting into. This is their story, but it's also the story of every "imperfect" shelter dog; a story that promises to open eyes and hearts. A fantastic read. Two paws, way, way up.” - Author Nick Antinozzi – Desperate Times Trilogy 

 “A captivating and heartwarming story that illustrates the deep and trusting bond that exists between dogs and humans, written with true understanding, compassion, and love. A must-read gem of a book.” Author Kathryne Arnold – The Resurrection of Hannah

Read an excerpt HERE

 

Also Available....
Dog-Ma: the Zen of Slobber (Dog-Ma Book 1)

Barbara's vivid and dramatic stories, told with a wicked sense of humor, will make you laugh out loud. She definitely gets what living with rescued dogs (nine of them!) is all about. 

When Barbara meets her future husband, Ray, it is love-and dog-at first sight. Over the course of thirty-two years, seventeen relocations and nine dogs, their mutual love of dogs guides them on their unconventional path. The love that Barbara and Ray get in return is literally lifesaving, with one dog attacking a lethal intruder and another discovering Barbara’s cancer. Her own survival story underscores the story of how her dogs become survivors themselves. 

Each new dog adds its own dynamic to the family, sometimes upending it. From Turbo (whose Spock-like ears may have provided super powers), Barbara learns about the will to live; Lexington demonstrates incredible patience and an inexplicable love of golf; Madison teaches that laughter is truly the best medicine and that the whole “nine lives thing” is not reserved just for cats; Morgan should be sainted for tolerating Izzy, who is as cute as she is bad. Barbara is certain that somewhere in doggie heaven there is a poster that says “If you are sick, injured or in need of really expensive medical care, FIND THESE HUMANS!”

Available to buy at....

Amazon.co.uk     Amazon.com    Author Site    Barnes and Noble  

"Anyone who loves dogs and animals will thoroughly enjoy this book, you will find the authors love, compassion and kindness to her dogs unconditional and the sacrifices both her and her husband make are unbelievable." - Beck Valley Books

"A sweet, funny and poignant book that I read, cover to cover in just one sitting. It caused me to shed more than a few tears, brought many smiles to my face and even made me laugh out loud a time or two. Whether you’re head over heels for furbabies or are just looking for a great read, this is the book for you!" - Jayedee Halpin Dewitt

"If you love dogs, if you’ve ever rescued a dog, or if you just want a book that exemplifies the extraordinary bond that develops between dogs and the humans who love them, you must read Dog-ma the Zen of Slobber." - Terrier Torrent

Read an excerpt HERE

About the Author

Award Winning Author, Barbara Brunner grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with her parents, sister and always a dog, or two or three. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from a small women's college in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Meeting her husband in Washington, DC, they continued together on a journey as self-proclaimed dog addicts. In the ensuing years, she founded three successful businesses in the Pacific Northwest and is a prolific fundraiser for breast cancer research. She and her husband are retired and now reside in Southwest Florida with two dogs and copious amounts of dog fur. She is currently working on indulging her well known flip flop addiction.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Book's Facebook  Twitter   Pinterest   Google+   
Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Follow the tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!

Win $50 Amazon.com/Paypal (winners choice)
Open Worldwide
Ending on Sunday 15th May at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below & Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour: Go Clean, Sexy You by Lisa Ryan

I was so excited when I saw that Beck Valley was doing a tour for Lisa Ryan’s first book! I had purchased this book within the first week of its release, so of course I jumped at being in this tour!

I have done several of Lisa Ryan’s detox programs. I found that her programs are always easy to follow and the best part is that Lisa is available to you at any time! All of her recipes are easy to make AND she gives you alternative options for meals if there is one that you like more than another or you don’t like something.

 In Go Clean, Lisa breaks it down for you. She gives her story and explains what detox is/does. She goes so far as to telling you exactly what you should have in your kitchen regarding tools and staples. Lisa has created this book like a “Detox for Dummies” book – breaking it down into who, what, where, why and how.

The detox sections are broken down by season so the items needed are easy to find. The plan is set up as to what to eat and when – and I LOVE the shopping lists! Talk about making it easy!

I will admit, unfortunately, I have not done any of the recipes out of the book yet, BUT know that Lisa’s recipes are good! I am not a regular clean eater or even a healthy eater. However, like I mentioned, I have tried several of her programs and they have opened my eyes to some really good recipes. Even if you don’t want to do a detox, I would recommend checking out Lisa’s book just for the recipes.

*****

Amazon best-seller is now in a second print run, Go Clean, Sexy You not only serves up a collection of delicious recipes, but off ers a holistic approach on how to live a healthier life—putting whole foods into your body, detoxing every season to regularly cleanse your system, associating with those who fuel you not bring you down, and managing stress with activities that bring you back to balance.

A certified health and nutrition coach, author Lisa Consiglio Ryan provides straightforward guidance on how to overcome the obstacles that keep you from losing those last ten pounds, make you feel exhausted every afternoon, and compel you to indulge in unhealthy habits. Spending years struggling with a growing arsenal of health-destroying conditions that ranged from fi bromyalgia, hypothyroidism, candida and rosacea to cystitis and tons of allergies, Lisa decided to turn to nutrition and lifestyle to reclaim her health. Then pursuing her education with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she turned her personal quest into her vocation with the launch of Whole Health Designs.

As a nationally acclaimed wellness expert, Lisa has worked with thousands in her detox programs. Her approach incorporates easy-to-adopt eating habits, free from counting calories and fat grams. As you navigate through the seasons with Lisa’s whole food–based detox plans, you’ll be tapping into your body’s wisdom, forming sustainable habits, and developing loving, respectful relationship with your body. Not only will you feel better, you’ll look better too!

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   iBooks   Kobo

"Go Clean, Sexy You is the ultimate guide in how to balance and detox your body with easy-to-follow meal plans that are filled with delicious and nourishing whole food recipes." ―Debbie Adler, award-winning author of Sweet Debbie's Organic Treats: Allergy-free & Vegan Recipes from the Famous Los Angeles Bakery 

 “Lisa’s ‘make-it-work for you’ approach to detoxing empowers readers to love their clean, sexy bodies from the inside out.” ―Cynthia Sassi, Founder of FabulousArizona.com

"Go Clean, Sexy You is a must-read for anyone wanting to live healthy, feel their best, and love what they cook and eat. The recipes in Lisa's cookbook are simple, yet full of tasty ingredients that are both healthy and satisfying." ―Melissa Mayer, Editorial Assistant for Style Within Reach

About the author

Lisa Consiglio Ryan is the author of the cookbook, Go Clean, Sexy You. She is also the founder of Whole Health Designs, juicy clean living advocate and mama of two. She loves her yoga practice, running, and has a mission to spread the word, "Food is love." She provides detox programs and private coaching for women who desire to embrace clean living.

As a nationally acclaimed Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Lisa has worked with thousands in her Renewal 10 Day Detox programs. Her work has been featured in Fitness Magazine, TinyBuddha, Elephant Journal, Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Life , The Daily Meal, Fox News and Mind Body Green. You can also check out Lisa's membership program, Clean + Sexy (year-long detox + community), Eat Clean 21- 21 days of gluten-free meal plans for plant lovers, and Juice Shop.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Pinterest   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Join Lisa's Newsletter & Grab your FREE 12 Step Reboot Your Body Guide 

complete with menu plan, recipes and shopping list! HERE

I WROTE THIS BOOK FOR YOU BECAUSE… 

 I know first-hand how it feels to be overwhelmed with all the diets, quick fix plans out there in the world. 

 I obsessed about my weight, and wrote endless to-do lists. I counted calories and carbs, took all kinds of vitamins, and worked out until I nearly keeled over. All the while, I dreamed of the day I’d be lean and fit and full of energy and confidence – the day I’d finally feel like I was “good enough”.

 Nothing worked though. I’d start off well, and then a few weeks later, I’d go straight back to my old ways. Each time I dieted, it made me feel more and more exhausted, depressed and out of shape, as I beat myself up for not having the willpower to make it work. 

 And even though I was trying so hard to be healthier, the reality was that I was getting sicker. I had chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, rosacea, chronic cystitis, candida, thyroid issues and IBS… all before I was 30! I didn’t want to take meds, so I tried holistic therapies, got certified in holistic nutrition and my world changed. 

I developed my own detox programs that I based on anti-inflammatory foods (fruits, veggies, and dark leafy greens), and started limiting inflammatory foods (dairy, gluten, caffeine, alcohol and processed sugar). 

 And for the first time in life, I started to see the results I’d dreamed of. I lost weight, felt lean and light, and had pep in my step. But best of all, I started feeling at ease around food. Instead of looking for quick fixes and diet programs, I started listening to my body, and letting it tell me what it needed.

 For years, I used food as an enemy and after stepping back and truly listening to my body, I am now free of letting bad habits and twisted views of food run my life. I want you to experience the same freedom… and I’m here to guide you every step of the way with Go Clean, Sexy You. 

 Plus I want you to feel AMAZING! 

Based on the results of the thousands of women (and super cool dudes) AND my own experience, here’s what you can expect: 

• all-day energy that starts the moment you wake up and doesn’t quit 
•  the best sleep of your life: deep, blissful, uninterrupted rest the whole night long 
•  clothes that look – and feel – better on you than they have done in years 
•  a 4-10 pound weight loss (on average); could be more depending on your specific body and lifestyle 
•  a happier gut: bloating and bowel problems become a thing of the past 
•  no more cravings: the longing for sugar, caffeine and all the other nasties disappears 
•  a clearer mind: that frustrating brain fog melts away, and you can finally focus again 
•  increased sex drive (oh yeah!) 
•  a radiant, natural beauty emerges: you’re suddenly awash in compliments about your clear, dewy skin; bright sparkling eyes; and soft, shiny hair 
•  better immunity: getting rid of the toxins takes a load off your immune system, so you’re less likely to catch any of the bugs going around 
•  renewed confidence in yourself: you can’t even remember when you last felt this sexy, vibrant and alive 

 AND being a part of something bigger than just recipes… a movement where we stand up for our health and truly tap into our bodies wisdom so that our loved ones can join us and be healthy too.

A Recipe to try!
Chilled Tomato Soup 

serves 1 

Ingredients: 

3 tomatoes 

1 cup coconut milk 

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 

¼ cup chopped yellow onion 

¼ cup chopped red bell pepper 

1 tablespoon lime juice 

½ teaspoon cumin 

In a blender or food processor, puree all ingredients until smooth. Chill in fridge for 15 minutes. 

Serve.

Follow the book tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!

SIGNED Book Giveaway to five lucky winners!
Ending on Sunday 15th May at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Becoming Betty: Balsamic Chicken

I just wanted to try something new for dinner - I'm so tired of the same old, same old. So off to Pinterest! I have a bunch of recipes that I have pinned and wanting to try.  A lot of them are crockpot recipes.  So, I picked 

http://.com/cooking/balsamic-roast-beef-recipe/#.UmPpCGTk8Vk

I thought I had beef, but nope - so I used chicken!  Luckily I had all the ingredients.

Easy enough!

The final product - 

served with rice - and it was a winner!  It was REALLY good and will definitely make it again.

Cutting back on expenses

So we have been struggling a little financially - just because we have been so used to being DINKS. Not anywhere near not being able to pay bills, but we now have a small credit card balance after years of paying off the balance every month.

I finally called to see about our insurance policies (home and auto). WHY didn't I call befor now???  I saved about $50 per month on auto and about $500 per year on home!  We have been waiting for our cable agreement with Comcast to end. It started off at a great price - like $109 for all of these channels and movie channels too - it ended up at almost $170 per month.  We are now switching back to Verizon for about $140/month.  However - much less channels - and I need to do some detoxing since  the two channel new packages we got were the sports packages so we can get local hockey.  No more Oxygen, OWN, Lifetime, DYI, TLC etc.- all the channels I was watching.

I have said several times - I wish we didn't have cable because I waste so much time.  Now to put my money were my mouth is! 

We also changed our cell phone plans and saved like $90 per month! I had a sweet plan of unlimited data that I hesitated to get rid of but we weren't using that much data.

Wish me luck on less TV!

Becoming Betty: Garlic Sesame Noodles

I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner.  We didn't have any tomato sauce, so I figured there's got to be another non tomato sauce out there!

I ended up trying this recipe:

Garlic Sesame Noodles

Now, of course I didn't have everything that was listed (like the oyster sauce), so I figured, I'd just double the soy sauce.

Here's the end result:

They weren't bad, but not really great.  It was ok for something to eat.  I might trying another asian noodle recipe, but I prefer my Francesca Rinaldi tomato sauce on my pasta.

Adventures: Health and New Years

Last Tuesday, Zed got some blood drawn to check his liver enzymes.  

This has been a concern because back in May, his Liver Enzymes were at a high count.  We put him on Denamarin (a supplement) at that time and his count came down.  

Tonight we got a call that the lab work showed his liver enzymes are still low! YEAH!

New Years Day, we went to Dan's mom's house.  Z had a good time, but was tired when we got home.

Helping Daddy-o drive to Grandma & Grandpa's

Taking a nap on Grandma& Grandpa's couch.

Today, Facebook posted a memory from 2 years ago.  It's amazing how white Z has gotten.  I've said he's going to end up being described as a white dog with black instead of black with white.

Cashing in on my online income

It has been YEARS since I cashed in my online rewards accounts.  And when I say years, I mean years (maybe like 4 years).  I didn't even know I had so many points with my Media Insiders account.

New Years is the best time to reset the clock on these accounts.  Maybe next year, I'll remember to cash them in.

Before I cashed in, I reviewed all of the accounts I had to see if I could redeem and if not.  I was then going to close the accounts and concentrate on a few instead of many.  Unfortunately, there are a few that aren't close to the redemption minimum (mostly shopping apps).  I think when I get to that point, I'll be closing them.

SavingStar - $26 (paypal)
MyPoints - (1st account) - $25 (paypal)
MyPoints (2nd account - $50 (paypal)
Swagbucks - $5 Visa Giftcard; $5 Amazon Giftcard, $25 Chipotle Giftcard, $25 Maggiano's Giftcard
Media Insiders - $10 Amazon Giftcard, $175 (paypal)
UPromise - $10.67 (check)

So, what's going to happen with the money?  Probably going towards the credit card.  Z has been expensive.  Amazon gift cards will probably go towards a new toaster oven.  Chipotle and Maggiano's  - straight to our stomachs.