Bramell, Party of Five: 2016

Friday, December 9, 2016

Fun Music For Kids Makes a Great Holiday Gift



{Sponsored post}  Alright guys, I have to disclose the business first. I was given a CD from a Northwest Arkansas recording duo, momandpop, in exchange for my honest review on the blog. I was also given a second copy to give away to a lucky reader. (sponsored)







Momandpop are a husband-wife duo who live in nearby Eureka Springs, who have recently released their debut album. I have connected with Virginia (the mom) who was kind enough to send me a CD to let my kids try out. We've had it about a week now, and played it every time we've been in the car. My kids are BANANAS over this music!

 
It's actually kind of a funny story. My kids are ages 9, 6 and 6. When I first played the CD for them, the 9-year-old pretended to be too cool for "kid music." She said she didn't like it. Well, by 10 minutes into the CD, she was singing right along with the littles!
 
In short, we give this CD a glowing review. The lyrics are creative and catchy, and simple enough that we were singing along by the second chorus of each song. I personally appreciate the smart lyrics and punchy humor. We all have our favorites now, with these tracks being our top three:
 
1. A Week In the Life (the littles' choice)
 
2. Roy G. Biv (the big's choice)
 
3. Take Care (my choice)
 
 
 
 
 
WIN YOUR OWN COPY!
 
I will be giving away a copy of this CD to one lucky person next week. To enter, please leave a comment on this post. Make sure you leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win. Deadline to enter is 5:00pm CT on Tuesday, December 13th. I will have it mailed to you before Christmas.
 
 
I've decided this CD would make a great stocking stuffer for any kid---it's not too late! I think it would also make a great gift for a teacher, especially in daycare/preschool/elementary school.
 
To read more about momandpop, visit their website here. And, here is the link to purchase their CD, with 13 tracks of upbeat, positive and fun music for the whole family. They are very active on their Facebook page, so you might want to check them out there, too.

 
 
 

Monday, October 31, 2016

This Mama's Heart

 
 
Last Thursday, sitting in Big Sister's gymnastics class, I almost lost my mind. I had an overwhelming, uncontrollable urge to just ball up and cry. Yes, right there in the gym.
 
I'm not sure when exactly this nine-year-old grew up on me, but I just noticed it. Right then and there. BAM! It hit me as I watched her nail round offs, one after the other. My clumsy, awkward little girl suddenly is graceful and growing legs for days. 
 
This kid. She is so smart, strong, beautiful and confident; and she doesn't even know it. I watched in awe of her with tears in my eyes. She has the world at her fingertips, and she doesn't even know it yet. Every decision she makes from today forward will shape her heart and her life ahead, and she doesn't even know it. The sky's the limit with this girl, and I've got to figure out how to help her understand that.
 
This kid. For years, I've urged her to try new things, speak up and not shy away from talking to new people. I can't really blame her because I was just like her as a kid. But now I know how much I missed out on because of my shyness; I don't want that for her. She shocked us when she told us last week that she'd auditioned for a part in the school program next month. Not just that--a speaking part AND a singing part! Hello? What? Since I didn't have the courage to do that until I hit my senior year in high school, it seems that she is already many miles ahead of me at that age.
 
This kid. Maybe it's all in the approach. I stopped putting my expectations on her, and just let her be in charge of herself. She's doing great in school, makes friends easily, looks after her siblings and knows what she wants to do. I guess I'll just shut up and hold on tight.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Do It For Your Family, Do It For Yourself....Just Do It!

 
 
We are about to get personal here, so get ready.
 
October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As many of you know, I worked for the American Cancer Society for seven years, so I came to know professionally and personally how important this month is for a woman's health.
 
Today, let's talk about mammograms.  The American Cancer Society, and my own physician, recommends that healthy women with no family history of breast cancer start getting annual mammograms at age 40. Actually, I had my first one at age 36 because my doctor wanted some images on file to compare with, when I did turn 40. I've just had my third mammogram this year.
 
Let me address the reputation of mammograms. I've always heard that they are painful and most women dread having one done. In my experience, this annual visit is no more unpleasant than a routine trip to the dentist. I've never dreaded it, or had a painful experience. Granted, with all the tugging and smashing, I'm sure it's a little more unpleasant for my smaller-chested friends. Bonus for the big-boobed ladies, I guess!
 
The whole mammogram visit literally takes about 20 minutes. It's over and done, with results coming in the mail about a week later. Better to get checked out than avoid it and have to find out about a problem when it's too advanced.
 
Which leads me to my next point. DO NOT PUT IT OFF! Ladies, I beg you. My sweet mother-in-law went for her very first mammogram when she was the ripe old age of 70. Yes, SEVENTY! And guess what they found? Breast cancer. She told me once that she never had a mammogram sooner because she didn't think she needed one. She battled that cancer on and off for seven years, before it finally got the best of her. I can't help but wonder if her quality of life would have been better if she'd had regular mammograms.
 
Here's one thing I learned from my work at ACS; mark your calendar for every October. Start your mammograms now, this month, so you will never forget. Every October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the month of your mammogram. Do it now, for your loved ones and for yourself. If you are afraid, call me; I will go with you.
 
Here is a great article called 7 Things to Know About Getting a Mammogram, that will tell you what you need to prepare for.
 

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Rockstar Kids



OK, let me be honest here. This is really a "back to school" post, but it's mid-October, and that would just be embarrassing at this point.

So, let me tell you about the kids' annual doctor visit yesterday instead. The doctor pointed out to me that we hadn't been in the clinic since our last checkup in September of 2015. Y'all. That's a whole year without seeing the doctor. I'm shocked and amazed. Then he proceeded to tell me that people with more kids are usually just too busy and tend to let the kids ride out their sickness. I'm sure I'm more guilty of that than them being well for a year. Ain't nobody got time to run to the doctor for every sore throat. 

They all checked out just fine, all in good health and growing like weeds. Then, this happened.

Before the appointment, I talked to them about the flu shot. In the past, they've always gotten the flu mist, but I knew that our clinic was no longer going to offer that option. Only the needle. So, I explained the vaccine--I gave them the pros and cons. I didn't take a position and let them make their own choice. By the time we got there, Big Sis and Boy Twin were on board with the shot. Surprisingly, Girl Twin conceded by the end of the appointment. They all chose to get the shot--without my encouragement---on their own. The doctor, nurses and I were all shocked. They took the shots like champs and never even flinched.

Now, if it will just do its job we'll all be happy. 

And here are those first day of school pictures that I promised, from August. :)


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Twin Tuesday Returns!




Twin Tuesday is here again! Isn't it great?

The kids turned six over the summer and are in the full-swing of first grade now. Which reminds me....I owe you a birthday post and a first day of school post. Since this is how my kids will have a record of their past, I don't want to forget these important ones. Did you know that I print out a book each year from the blog? It's my version of their memory books, that they will have to keep (or burn) when they are all grown up.  But I digress...

Boy Twin:
  • He's playing soccer and coach pitch baseball this fall--and doing great at both! We are so proud of him and how hard he tries at both sports. He is not ready yet to choose one over the other, so we are hanging in there for both.
  • He's doing great in school and seems to enjoy it a lot. Reading seems to be his strong area right now.
  • He is never, ever still. This kid will run, run, run all the time. They both come home from school and immediately go outside to play and ride bikes.


Girl Twin:

  • Oh, this girl is a hoot! Every day I find a selfie or a video on my phone that she's made. She is telling jokes or giggling all the time. It's funny that she's so happy because she was such a cranky toddler. (shhh!)
  • This one totally goes to school for the social life. She doesn't tell us much about her day, usually. We have to find out from her teacher that she had to move seats for talking in class! She loves her friends so much, and wants to be friends with everyone.
  • She is back in gymnastics and still loving it. Again, maybe for the social activity. But she is making great progress, too.

This is my favorite photo of them from our beach vacay this summer. Also, another post I need to do.




Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Helloooooo!





Well, hi there! Look who's come out of the fog>>>>>>>ME! It sure has been a while, and I'm ready to dust off the cobwebs and blog again. Pardon me, but I've been in a bit of a funk lately. Ten months of being unemployed tends to do that to a person, I guess.

If I'm being totally honest here, I've just been down. I don't want to write when I'm down, and there's been nothing worth writing about.

I spent the last 10 months applying for, and being rejected from, more jobs than I can count. I'm not joking. I quit counting after 45. I sat through interviews that I thought I nailed, only to find out they hired "a candidate better qualified for the job." Friends, through my top-notch investigative skills, I can tell you that means someone younger and prettier (and, in several cases, with less experience). Yes, I have hit middle age. Yes, it sucks.

In the meantime, I did a lot of substitute teaching to keep my mind sharp. I fell in love with some Pre-K kids that I colored with, read stories to and helped put together puzzles. I got lots of hugs, high fives and beautiful artwork given to me.

I also got to spend all summer with my own children! When has that ever happened? NEVER. I'd like to say it was glorious, and it mostly was, but the summer of 2016 was not our best. I can sum it up with two words, basically: HEAD LICE. Y'all. It was awful. For 30 days, yes THIRTY, we washed, combed and picked for hours and hours. All three kids and myself were infected. We cancelled a lot of summer plans, sleepovers and play dates. It pretty much sucked.

There were some bright parts of the summer---vacation--that I'll share in another post. But, mostly, our summer was a bummer. Alas, blogging was not to be.

Fast forward to now: I have two jobs through contract work, allowing me to work from home. Kids are doing great in school. Summer is behind us, and I think my creative juices are flowing again. Welcome back, my friends. I hope you keep coming back for more.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

The Cure For Summer Boredom {sponsored}



This is a sponsored post. I am currently serving as a blog ambassador for The Jones Center, who has compensated me for such. The photos and opinions are real, and are my own. This is a reflection of my family's personal experience as members of the facility.



Here we are now, about a month into summer vacation. If your kids are like mine, you've gotten to the point where the excitement is starting to die down. I'm starting to hear grumblings of "I'm bored," and I'm having to work a little harder to keep them entertained. 

Lucky for us, The Jones Center has a few ideas to help us out. In case you missed it, The Jones Center has been hosting Free Movie Nights for a while, but the June schedule is particularly strong. I'm sure a new schedule will be coming out soon, but here's the one that runs this week, Thursday through Saturday. All movies are free and suitable for all ages. Call ahead or check their website if you have questions.




The Jones Center has just recently announced a new activity that is sure to get parents and kids alike excited. I know we are! We've been spending a lot of time this summer at The Jones Center at gymnastics and swimming in the pool. Now, we have a new option just for the kids!

First Friday Kids Night is a new addition to the activities at The Jones Center. This sounds like like every kid's dream: games, inflatables, pizza and a movie! For a family with three kids, I'm thrilled that it's so affordable to us. It's $15 per kid for the first kid and only $10 each additional kid (price is slightly higher for non-members). What a great way for mama and daddy to enjoy a date night! The bonus is that my kids already love The Jones Center and will have no reservations about hanging out there without us for a while. Speaking of reservations, make sure you make yours in time to save a spot for your kids. Here's all the info you need below, or click the link:



Remember, if you aren't a member of The Jones Center yet, I highly recommend you check it out. It's a great value and they have a ton of activities and amenities available for all ages.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Rest and Recovery

I've just reached the five-month mark of unemployment. That is surely something I never thought would happen. Let it be known that I'm still actively looking, but haven't found the right thing for me yet.

Now, if you know me well, I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that I am freaking out right about now, with a capital F. However, I'm really not. I'm really OK with waiting for the right job to come along; I don't want to settle and be unhappy.




What's interesting is that, over the past few months, I've seen a few friends that I don't see often. Each one commented to me in some way that I "look so relaxed" and seem so "refreshed and not stressed out." This really got me thinking about how I usually appeared to people--friends and strangers. Yes, I know I was uptight, stressed out, overworked and tired all the time. And guess what ? Now I AM NOT! I think I needed this break more than I could have imagined possible, and now I'm thankful for it. In 20 years, I've only had extended time off for having babies--and we all know that's no time to relax!!

Sure, there were some things that had to change due to tightening the budget, but it has all worked out.

1. We had to cancel our scheduled Spring Break trip to the Smoky Mountains.....boo! BUT, we got to spend a few days in Yellville with Lee's brothers and sister, who we rarely see. In fact, we had 15 people packed in the house and shared a lot of food, laughs and funny stories. The kids enjoyed seeing Uncle Rob's animals, riding the ATV, playing with little Pugsley and taking a hike around the Buffalo River.  Here are a few pics that I borrowed from Lee and his sister, Dee.










2. I got to be home for my kids. I've been home when they get off the bus, which gives us extra afternoon hours to play, watch movies, take walks and do homework before dinner.  I got to volunteer at their school, help with classroom parties and eat lunch with them, which would have been difficult if I was working. I've been able to get to all the 5:30 ball games without having to rush from work. What a blessing!

3.  I hate winter! And you know what? This winter, I didn't have to get out in it traveling back and forth to work. I got to stay home in my sweat pants. So, there.

4.  I was able to substitute teach in Springdale during April and May, which helped our bank account and helped me exercise my brain a little. I made some new teacher friends and spent many days with some sweet little pre-K kids that stole my heart.

5.  We had to delay putting new carpet in the house until later this year, but even that's OK, too. 

6. I got to attend a Moms on the Farm tour, which I've always wanted to do. The tours are always on weekdays, which is hard for a working gal. Even better, my mom was visiting and got to go with me! We had a blast and enjoyed the tours so much; we went to an operational dairy farm and a beef farm. If you are in Northwest Arkansas, I highly recommend this fun, free and educational activity.







In case you're wondering, I've had a couple of really promising interviews recently. I'm waiting to hear if I get called back for additional interviews or an offer. Stay tuned! I may be working soon, or I may be spending the summer at home going on adventures with my monkeys.


Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Twin Tuesday

It's Twin Tuesday! We've had a lot of stuff going on with end-of-school activities and sports. We are also getting ready for kindergarten graduation next week...I can't believe the school year is wrapping up! But I'm not sad about my babies growing up; we are having fun.

I had lunch at school with these two jokers yesterday. 




Here's a funny. We were getting ready for church on Sunday when the girls came into my bedroom in their pretty dresses. Girl Twin was up to something...

Her:  Mama, who looks prettier---me or Big Sis?

Me: Don't ask me that! You both look pretty.

Her: Well then, I'll just go ask Brother.


*Luckily, he didn't answer it either!! :)

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Twin Tuesday

As the twins are wrapping up kindergarten, I thought it was time to share a few things that have been going on.


The kids went to an "art party" birthday over the weekend--fun!


Girl Twin's sweet tooth has caught up with her; she had four cavities at her last check up. She was a rock star at her first two fillings, and we have to go back in a few weeks to finish.

I also love her confidence and her humor! The other night, we were flipping through the channels on TV when I stopped on a female MMA fight. We both watched in awe for a few minutes before she nonchalantly said, "I could do that." No doubt she probably could. Ha ha.

Boy Twin is showing off his skills this spring in soccer and tee ball. His games and practices are keeping us busy for sure. We are so proud of him for getting out there and trying his best! 





He made us laugh the other day when we were snacking on some gummy bears. Before he ate one he asked us, "Are these fat free?"  

We are coming up on kindergarten graduation soon and they are both so excited. Stay tuned to see what other things they can get into.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Hitting the milestones


Look what Big Sis learned how to do over the weekend! She practiced for two days straight until she finally got it. She even made her daddy go to the store and pick up a giant bag of bubble gum for her.




It's so exciting to learn to blow bubbles! I remember when I was about her age, I participated in a "biggest bubble" blowing contest at some sort of event or festival in downtown Wynne. I won the contest and took home a plastic bag with a goldfish inside! It's funny how bad my memory is, but I can remember this like it was yesterday. However, I don't remember what happened to the goldfish....but I can guess.

Next mountain to climb? Teaching the twins how to tie shoelaces...stay tuned.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

In A Day's Work...

I just wanted to give an update for those who are trying to keep up...I'm still not working. I'm not sure what's going on, but it's almost comical now. I seriously think that I've applied for close to 50 jobs and nothing has panned out; I'm either not qualified or OVER qualified for just about everything! Doesn't that put me in a pickle! I've had some really good interviews--and gotten some really nice rejection letters. Even worse, I've had some interviews then been totally ignored afterwards. 

Anyway, I've made pretty good use of my time at home. Contrary to what my kiddos think, I'm not just home partying it up all day while they are working hard at school. It is fair.

Here are a few things that I've been up to during my work hiatus.

  • I've been letting Fergie ride with me to take the kids to school every morning. She loves it! She gets so excited when the kids start putting on their shoes; it means it's time to go. Sometimes, we even make a Sonic run.


  • I may or may not change out of my pajamas before taking the kids to school. Depends on my mood. Hey, this will likely be the only time I can slack off like this, so I'm totally taking advantage of it.
  • I've got two more episodes of The Office to watch on Netflix. This is probably my all-time favorite show! I will admit that we quit watching it when Michael Scott left the office and never finished the series. I think something happened during that time, like I had two babies or NBC changed the night, or something. Anyway, I went back and picked up where Steve Carell left. Gosh, I didn't realize how much I missed Jim and Pam.
  • On a related note, daytime TV is horrible! What in the world??? After Kathie Lee and Hoda, just turn it off. Apparently, anyone can get their own talk show now. Ugh.
  • I've discovered yoga! I. Love. It. At the referral of a friend, I tried Yoga With Adriene on You Tube, and I'm hooked. 
  • I've purged a lot of the excess junk in the house, now I'm ready for warm weather so I can get out in the yard.
  • I've been cooking...A LOT. I'm so good that I've got dinner on the table most nights by 5:30. My people are getting spoiled. One night it was 6:30 and they nearly killed me.
  • The girls are still going to gymnastics on Thursdays. Boy Twin will start soccer and t-ball this week. Life is about to get crazier.
  • I road tripped with my girls to Keisha's wedding in Arkadelphia last weekend. Good times: staying in a hotel, seeing our girl and swimming!




Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Sharing My Faves...continued.

Note: I am not being paid or compensated in any way for this post. These are products that my family uses and we pay for. This is a voluntary personal product review.


Last month, I wrote a post about the chemical free, non-toxic products that we use from Melaleuca. I told you about my Top 3 favorite products. Well, since that post I've had a lot of questions from you guys about the company, the products and what else the company offers. If you want more information, you can google it or refer back to my first post. Or just send me an email! I'm not going to be all salesperson on you, I just want to share what I know.

I wanted to post again to show you some more of the household products that we regularly use. 


Essential Oils:  Now, I'll admit that I was late getting on the essential oil bandwagon. I just didn't buy into what everyone else said about them. But once Melaleuca started to offer them, I thought it was worth a try. I use them a lot now! And some of you already heard my story about how using Bergamot oil has helped with Girl Twin's molluscum contagiosum skin condition.





Laundry products: I love the way the liquid detergent makes our clothes smell! This is a very concentrated liquid, so this size bottle will do 96 loads. The other item is a stain remover, which obviously I need. I am excited about trying the new OXI boost that is coming in my next order.





Kids' bath products:  We use the Koala Pals bath soap and shampoo for all the kids; it's very mild and doesn't burn their eyes.



If you want to learn how to switch out the harsh, chemical-laden products you are currently using with these great products, just let me know! I can get you connected.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Conversation With My Kids

Girl Twin has always been the kid we knew we'd have to worry about. It's no secret; she's always up to something. I'm also fearful that the child doesn't have a filter. I've already apologized in advance to her kindergarten teacher, just in case.

She also is guilty of filling up my phone with selfies. As you can see, she loves the camera.








One thing that has surprised me is that Girl Twin has been letting me snuggle and rock her before bed again. One night when we were snuggling, we had this lovely exchange--

Me:  Sis, I sure love you.

Her:  (looking deep into my eyes) Can I touch your eyeball?

Ummm, no.







Then, when she got off the bus after school I noticed that her face was super red and flushed.

Me:  Why is your face so red?

Her: I attacked a kid.


WHAT?  I never did get the story on that one. Sheesh.


At least we aren't bored around here, right?


Thursday, February 4, 2016

Have a Heart! Go Red on Friday!






Did you know that February is national Heart Month? Not just because it's the month of love...but the month of healthy heart awareness, too! 

Here are some interesting heart facts from my friends at the American Heart Association, where I'm a social media ambassador for them. Coincidentally, heart health and stroke awareness is our #NWARKCares blogger group focus for this month as well...so I'll be getting lots of social media help from my bloggy friends on this one.


  • Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. 

  • When it comes to beating heart diseases and stroke, change can be the cure.  


  • Cardiovascular disease knows no borders. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.3 million deaths each year. That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030. 


How can you get involved in Heart Month? 

One way is very easy! Tomorrow, February 5, join me with the American Heart Association and Northwest Arkansas Bloggers to wear red to show your support for the movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. It’s not just a man’s disease! Learn more: http://www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday 

Post a selfie of yourself wearing red on Friday and join the awareness! Use hashtags #NWAheart and #NWAGoRed

Here's the link for more Go Red information.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

My Kids are Flipping Out {sponsored post}


This is a sponsored post. I am currently serving as a blog ambassador for The Jones Center, who has compensated me for such. The photos and opinions are real, and are my own. This is a reflection of my family's personal experience as members of the facility.



My girls have decided that they would like to give gymnastics a try. This makes me happy for several reasons, one being that I waited until I was 12 or 13 to start gymnastics and it was too late for me to be successful. I was always sorry that I never learned basic tumbling skills; I never even learned to do a cartwheel. Boo!

As we've discussed the possibility over the last few weeks, I told the girls that we'd go check out the gymnastics class at The Jones Center. Since we go there a lot already, I knew that they recently started offering both dance and gymnastics classes. 

I'm happy to report that we went to visit a class last week and the girls loved it! There are about a dozen kids in a class and it's beginner level, right where my girls need to be. The kids were all welcoming to my girls and the instructor was very patient and kind. After one night of testing the waters, I came right home to sign them up online. For the record, Boy Twin chose to stick with soccer this spring, so he won't have time for gymnastics, too.









We are going to be in the Thursday evening classes. Girl Twin is in the age 5-7 class, which meets first, and Big Sis will be in the age 8+ class afterward. The classes are very affordable for anyone--especially for families with multiple kids. The cost is only $25/month per kid, which I can totally justify. I sat with another mom who was watching her 10-year-old twins practice. She said the same thing---The Jones Center really is a blessing to mamas who need to enroll more than one kid in class. Yes!

Another cool feature of the gymnastics class at The Jones Center? They offer multiple nights for convenience (even some daytime classes for younger kids) and you sign up online. You enroll each month. This means if you get busy during the summer and need to take off a  month, then you aren't stuck paying. Or, some kids want to play spring sports and take off gymnastics--no harm done! Just come back and sign up for the month that you want to participate. I love this convenience! 

Here's the link for more information about gymnastics classes at The Jones Center in Springdale. Check it out if you are interested. 

Monday, February 1, 2016

Conversation With My Kids




With me not working right now, I'm spending a lot more time with the kids. I've really enjoyed it and I know they have, too. Mostly because they tell me, and often. It actually breaks my heart...they like that I'm home when they get home from school. We have time to play before dinner and not rush around like we do when I'm working.

It's funny how they are each reacting to me being out of work. I try not to make a big deal out of it, because I don't want them to be worried about the "grown up" things like money and bills. They know I'm looking for a job and know when I have interviews lined up.

Girl Twin has been the funniest about it. Every day when she comes in the door from school, she does the same thing. Literally, throws down her backpack and comes to ask me, "Did you get a job today?" Seriously, the very first thing out of her mouth. I can't figure out if she's genuinely asking because she cares or if she's just trying to keep me accountable. 

Big Sis has been a little less obvious about it. Some days she asks and some days she doesn't seem to care. One day she came in and looked at me funny, "Where are you going," she asked. When I said nowhere, she said, "But you are dressed." Now, I know that I've slacked off a little, but I do get dressed most days. Thanks, kid.

Boy Twin isn't exempt from this discussion, either. In fact, he'll always tell me just how he's feeling. One night last week when I was tucking him into bed he said, "Mom, I want you to stay fired." When I asked him why, he said, "Because I like for you to be home with us." Awww, man. Talk about a broken heart. 

These sweet kids. Just when I think they aren't paying attention to things, they show me that they are. So perceptive and yet a tiny bit judgmental. We will survive...


Monday, January 25, 2016

Healthy Family, Happy Family

Hi friends! Today's blog post is a little different from what I usually post. Usually, you see me posting funny stories about my kids or documenting our adventures with photos. I've even done some paid product endorsements from time to time. But this time, I'm telling you about some products we use in my household just because they are wonderful.

We are Melaleuca customers. Maybe you've never heard of Melaleuca--I hadn't, until our friend shared the information with us almost six years ago. That's right, we've been using Melaleuca for over five years!

Melaleuca is a private label company that was established in 1985 with just a few household and wellness products. Today, they offer 450 different products. They don't have big marketing budgets or do commercial advertising, which keeps their prices low. You pay a membership fee to sign up, much like a wholesale club. You just shop online for the things you used to leave your house to purchase! Read on...

Why did we sign up to use Melaleuca?

First of all, I was pregnant with the twins when we started our membership. The idea of online shopping and home delivery was so appealing to us! Anything to cut down on our trips to the store with three kids. You place your monthly order online, and it's delivered right to your door by UPS within 3-4 days.  Now, I know not everyone gets such good service, but my UPS man will even carry my package inside the house for me! Convenience!



Second, we have three kids and want to keep them alive. Melaleuca products are all chemical-free and safe for kids and pets to be around. You know what? They don't even have kid-proof lids on the cleaning products because they are non-toxic! In 30 years of business, this company has had ZERO insurance claims over safety. Chemical-free and non-toxic means safe for the kids, safe for Fergie and I don't have to choke on bleach fumes when I clean the bathrooms. Safety!

Why are we still using Melaleuca today?

We love the products! Honestly, there isn't one thing we've tried that we didn't like. Here are the things that we regularly use: vitamins, lotion, laundry detergent, dish detergent, first aid supplies, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, essential oils, household cleaners, insect repellent....and more.

This is our most recent order below. So excited to try the new toilet cleaner--it's a brand new product! Melaleuca is always adding something new. 



Also, the company cares about the environment. Products without chemicals are easier on the environment and packaging is created with less waste; many of the liquid products are highly concentrated so you use less and it lasts longer.


I can't tell you all about the products in one post, so here are my TOP 3 (today). I'll post a few more later in the week, so keep watching. 


This is the Attain crave blocker shake mix. There are lots of flavors, but I'm a chocolate gal all the way. I mix it with milk for breakfast and it keeps the munchies away until lunch. It works!



This is Sol-u-Guard, one of the all-purpose cleaning products from Melaleuca. It comes in the concentrated bottle on the left, and you mix it with water in a spray bottle to use. This is a disinfectant with no chemicals! I love the way it makes my kitchen smell. 



This. This is my beloved Renew lotion. Let me tell you, I have super dry skin. Like, all the time--even in the summer. Renew is the first lotion that I've found to actually help me! I have relief from my dry, itchy, flaky skin all year long. God help us if we run out of Renew.

IMPORTANT! SALES PITCH! If you are interested in a membership to shop Melaleuca, please let me know. The membership fee is only $29 but through January, it's ONLY ONE DOLLAR. You only have a few days left to get the sale price. There is no risk, no contract and you can cancel anytime. You know me....I'm skeptical of everything. This is legit, y'all.  Let me sign you up today. You can even Google "Melaleuca" and you won't find anything negative at all, I promise.



 
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