50 Reasons I Love Coconut Oil

50 Reasons I Love Coconut Oil

I use organic virgin Coconut Oil. You can find it just about anywhere, but I find this particular brand at WalMart. I had no idea just how beneficial coconut oil was until a few years ago. We all know it has hundred's of uses, but little did I know it is way more powerful than some prescription medications. That means a lot to me because I'm not one who cares for taking a medication that is chemically designed in a lab. I love naturally healing my body. 

Here is a list of the wonderful benefits coconut oil can give us.

1. Moisturize Your Skin

2. Conditioner

3. Weight Loss

4. Energy Booster

5. Itchy Dogs

6. Fungal Infections 7. Cold Sores
8. Coffee Creamer
9. Healthy Wood Polish
10. Lower Cholesterol and Risk of Heart Disease

11. Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s 12. Soothe Fly Bites

13. Oil/Butter Replacement 

14. SPF Lip Balm

15. Exfoliating Body Scrub
16. Make-Up Remover
17. Massage Oil

18. Nail and Cuticle Treatment 19. Diaper Cream
20. Nipple Cream
21. Fight Inflammation

22. Leather Polish.
23. Remove Chewing Gum
24. Shaving Cream
25. Dry Nostrils
26. Get Rid of Soap Scum

27. Season Cast Iron Pans
28. Deodorant
29. Bath Oil
30. Rash Soother
31. Cutting Board Conditioner
32. Go-To Carrier/Base Oil.
33. DIY Vapor Rub
34. Prevent Lice
35. Frizz-Fighter
36. Constipation Relief
37. Insect Repellant

38. Wound Care
39. Small Motor Lubricant
40. Reduce Hair Balls
41. Aromatherapy
42. Cracked Paw Pads
43. Metal Polish
44. Moisten A Little One’s Chapped Nose
45. Clean Your Retainer (or Mouth Guard)
46. Use in Toothpaste
47. Ease Arthritis Pain
48. Treat Athletes Foot
49.  Sore throat
50. Prevent Stretch Marks  

Coconut oil has so many uses as you can see and this is just a few. I recommend reading The Alternative Daily Special Report: The Coconut oil scecret exposed It has a lot of good information for those with thyroid and cholesterol problems. 

Homeschool Transcripts

The Homescholar Total Transcript Solution

If you are a homeschool family you will need a transcript if you haven't already. If your cover school doesn't supply you with your children's transcript, I highly recommend The Homescholar Total Transcript Solution 

They also have a lot of resources on their websites that you may just want to check out.  

The Three Week Diet

My Experience with The Three Week Diet

If you are struggling with losing weight this is a must read!

I have never been one to buy into any of the fad diets. Mainly because most of my life I wasn't overweight.  About four years ago I injured my back. As you know with an injury comes steroid shots and less activity. Over time I put on a little weight.

A friend of mine had ordered The Three Week Diet and believe it or not it was helping her lose weight. I couldn't believe she ordered reading material to lose weight. So I read through the material to see just how it did this. Well of course there is no magic but it explains what you should and shouldn't eat.You learn how to train your mind to eat better. 

I am proud to say I am back to my normal weight and holding. My eating habits are healthier and I'm so much happier. Now like I said there isn't anything magical about it, you have to have the willpower. 

When you are ready to make a change try The Three Week Diet I would not recommend it if I didn't believe in it.

Homemade Ice Cream Kid Friendly

Homemade Ice Cream 

Make your own homemade ice cream in less 20 minutes. 

What you'll need:

Ice
1 cup ice cream salt (coarse salt)
4 Tbsp. sugar
2 Cups half & half
1 Tsp. vanilla extract
Gallon-Size Ziploc Bag
Quart-Size Ziploc Bag

Mix sugar, half & half, and vanilla extract together. Pour mixture into quart-size ziploc bag. Press the air out of the bag and be sure to close it good. 

Put some ice in the bottom of the gallon- size bag and add 1/2 cup of salt. Place bag with mixture on top of the ice. Put more ice over the bag with mixture and add the remaining 1/2 cup of salt. Close bag. 

Now let the kids shake the bag for 10 minutes. They will see the mixture then to ice cream before their eyes.

If you're not crazy about vanilla or just maybe want to try some different flavors try these ideas:

• add chopped bananas to mixture
•  add chopped strawberries to mixture
•  add chopped blueberries to mixture
• add chocolate syrup to mixture

Enjoy!

60 Free or Cheap Summer Activities To Do With Kids

The weather is warm, the kids are out of school and you need something to keep them happy without breaking the bank. Emma, Ally, and I put a list of fun stuff to do together over the summer that won't cost much or will be free. Let us know what you think. Please feel free to add ideas of your own in the comments.

1.  Go on a scavenger hunt
2.  Have a PJ day
3.  Search for animal tracks
4.  Make your own Mad Libs
5.  Have a movie marathon on a rainy day
6.  Fly a kite
7.  Play volleyball

8. Go on a picnic

9. Play with bubbles
10. Draw with sidewalk chalk

11.  Run through the sprinkler
12. Visit local nature preserve
13. Find figures in the clouds
14. Play in the kiddie pool
15. Look for free museum days

16.  Take a hike
17. Make mud pies

18. Take a family bike ride

19.  Make paper dolls

20.  Water the plants

21.  Camp out in the backyard

22.  Start a nature journal

23.  Have a yard sale

24.  Eat dinner outside

25.  Go fishing

26.  Create an online photo book

27.  Make a craft from Pinterest

28. Teach your kids to cook

29.  Pick flowers

30.  Have a yard sale

31.  Go camping

32. Watch the sun set

33. Play cards

34. Try a new recipe

35. Try a new recipe

36. Play dress up

37. Go for a scenic drive

38. Catch fireflies

39. Create an obstacle course

40. Have a water balloon fight

41. Read books aloud.

42. Make popsicles

43. Give each other make overs

44. Take pictures

45. Make our own book

46. Cloud watching

47. Create a memory box or jar

48. Build a campfire

49. Play hide and go seek (in the dark)

50. Visit historical landmarks

51.  Learn family’s history

52.  Scrapbook our summer activities

53.  Make a map of our neighborhood

54.  Make a treasure hunt

55.  Visit our library (even though we do this weekly already)

56.  Paint our nails

57.  Go on a nature hunt

58.  Visit the pet store

59.  Stargaze

60.  Photo scavenger hunt

I'm sure there is so much more that could be added to this list, but we just couldn't come up with anything else. You are welcome to add anything I left out. I hope this list helps solve the summer time boredom. 

Top CashBack

Top CashBack

Do you make online purchases? Most of us do at least make a few online purchases per year. I've always been one to look up coupon codes or wait for a really good sale before I made a certain purchase online. The picking and choosing of coupon codes is now a thing of the past for me. About a month ago, a friend introduced me to  Top CashBack. Kmart had this really nice slow cooker on sale for $24.00 and if you purchased it through the link provided on Top CashBack they would pay you a rebate of $26.50. Of course I selected in store pick up so I didn't have to pay shipping charges. After it was all said and done I ended up with a FREE slow cooker and made $2.50 which covered gas going to the store to pick it up if we get technical about it. 

So far I have been extremely impressed with Top CashBack's offers. Most rebate offers are at least 6% cash back where as most other rebate sites are as low as 1% cash back. Top CashBack seems to have a good bit more online retailers to choose from also.

Another thing I really like about Top CashBack is that you can choose how you get your money back. First option is PayPal, second is ACH which deposits the money directly into your checking account, and third is Amazon gift card. If you choose the Amazon gift card they add an extra bonus of 2.5% to the total. 

Before you make that next purchase online click here and sign up!!

You will thank me later.

Wal-Mart Freebies

Wal-Mart Freebies

Please remember prices change from store to store. I will keep the list updated as coupons expire. Have something you want me to add to the list? Leave a comment or send an email and I will add it to the list and give you credit.

Buy (1) Oral-B Healthy Clean Toothbrush = $0.94
Use $1/1 Oral-B Toothbrush (RP 5/10) = -$1.00
Final Price: Free plus $0.06 MM

 

Buy (1) Gillette Sensor 2 Razors (2ct) = $1.97
Use (1) $3/1 Gillette Male Disposable Razor (RP 4/12) = -$3.00
Final Price: Free

Buy (1) Biotene Dry Mouth Gum, Toothpaste or Rinse = $0.97

Use (1) $1/1 Biotene product  = -$1.00

Final Price: Free

 

Buy (1) Crest Toothpaste = $0.94
Use (1) $1/1 Crest Toothpaste (P&G 5/3) = -$1.00
Final Price: Free

 

Buy (1) Curad Waterproof Tape (5 yards) = $0.96
Use $1/1 Curad Bandage, Tape or Gauze (SS 5/10) = -$1.00
Final Price: Free 

 

 

Not Freebies But still cheap

 

Buy (1) Schick Slim Twin ST2 Disposable Razors (6 ct) = $3.47
Use (1) $3.00/1 Schick Women’s Disposable Razor from (SS 5/10) = -$3.00
Final Price: $0.47 

 

Buy (1) Sure Deodorant = $1.96
Use (1) $1/1 Sure product (SS 5/3) = -$1.00
Final Price: $0.96 

 

Buy (1) Always Discreet Liner (26 ct) = $2.72
Use (1) $2 off Always Discreet Liner  = -$2.00
Final Price: $0.72 

 

Buy (1) Playtex Sport Liners (36 ct) = $3.97
Use (1) $3/1 Playtex Sport Liners = -$3.00
Final Price: $0.97

 

Buy (1) Bic Soleil Razor 3ct = $3.47
Use (1) $3/1 Bic Soleil Razor (SS 5/3) = -$3.00
Final Price: $0.47

Buy (1) Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polish = $1.50
Use $1/1 Rimmel Eye, Lip or Nail Product RP 4/26) = -$1.00
Final Price: $0.50

 

Buy (2) Cerave Hydrating Cleanser Bars $4.97/ea = $9.94
Use (1) $7/2 Cerave Products (SS 3/22) = -$7.00
Final Price: $2.94 for both

 

 

 

 

9 Free Learning Websites for Kids

Kid Tested Mom Approved

9 Free Learning Websites for Kids

These are a few of the websites that we allow Ally to use. Each one will be rated by her according to how fun they are. (Her idea)

1. Switcheroo Zoo - here kids can learn all about animals and play games. This is one of my favorites because it has virtual field trips, puzzles, scavenger hunt, and much more. I catch myself answering questions with her while she is playing games. Her favorite game is making her own animal.

Ally's review- 10/10

2. Funbrain - this one is packed full of Math and Reading games. There is also an arcade and playground. The games on this site don't have names, but her favorite has two characters on a teeter totter. You have to toss one of the characters in a pool. They do have some games that are not educational but, they are still suitable for children. 

Ally's review-9/10

3. PBS Kids-has educational games based on the cartoons they show on their t.v. station. This is more for the younger ones because an 8 year old is grown according to Ally. However, she does like the games Dr. Daniel and My bedtime.

Ally's review- 10/10

4. Into The Book - helps elementary aged children work on reading comprehension. This one has them draw out what they read and plays the drawing back to them as a slide show as the story is being read back to them. I love this site, but Ally is not so crazy about it. 

Ally's review- 2/10

5. Starfall - is more for the little ones learning to read.  It has some great games. Actually both of my girls used Starfall when they were learning to read. She likes the songs and the game Who am I?

Ally's review-10/10

6.Seussville -  doesn't have many learning games. They do have printable worksheets.

She didn't review this one since they didn't really have many games. She said it would be unfair to them.

7. Storyline Online - the best way I know to explain this site is an online library. Well kind of. It has a few books, but the cool thing about it is they read they book to your child. I may be the only parent that gets excited about a site or app that will read to my child. Yes, I do read to her daily and she reads to me daily, but some days I get tired and those little things do help. 

Ally's review- 0/10 (only because it's not games)

8. ABCya - this one has games grouped according to grade. The grade levels go from kindergarten to 5th grade. I'm not sure how accurately grouped they are because Ally plays the 5th grade level. She is extremely smart too. 

Ally's review- 7/10 

9. Highlights Kids - has games, stuff for them to read, and crafts. When I was younger we would get Highlights books and I always looked forward to getting them. This is a virtual Highlights book basically. We do a lot of Science experiments around here and this is definitely one of our go to sites.

Ally's review- 8/10

So here is the basic sites we use. We do use a few others, but I just wanted to go over a few of the most used. These are just Ally's, Emma has a whole other list she uses since she is older. I would love to hear of any other great educational sites out there. I'm sure there are tons I've never heard of.

Chicken Potpie

Chicken Potpie

I have been making this for close to 20 years. Wait.. Am I old enough to even say that? Well I have been cooking since I was 12 years old, so I guess so. This is one of my go to meals when I'm tired or just don't have time to cook a full meal. 

What you'll need:

• 1 pound cooked chicken shredded (I use a rotisserie chicken)

• 2 can cream of chicken soup

• 8 oz sour cream

• 1 can Veg-all mixed vegetables ( I do not substitute this for anything else because it makes a huge difference in the flavor for some reason) 

•  2 sleeves of Ritz crackers- crushed

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• dash of each salt, pepper, and garlic powder

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2.  In a large bowl mix together chicken, cream of chicken, sour cream, veg-all, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

3. Then spread mixture evenly in the bottom of a casserole dish.

4. In an bowl mix Ritz crackers and butter together coating crackers well with butter.  

5. Spread topping over chicken mixture evenly.

6. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Mixture should be bubbling some and crust will be slightly brown.

7. Enjoy!

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

What you'll need:

• 2 cups of diced cooked chicken
• 2 cups broccoli pieces
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1½ cups shredded cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise
•  2 tbsp melted butter
• ½-3/4 cup crushed corn flakes

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. While oven preheats mix together chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, rice, cheese, and mayo. Add mixture to casserole dish.
Next mix corn flakes and butter making sure to coat the flakes evenly. Spread corn flake mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes or until everything is heated and topping is slightly brown. Enjoy!

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

Crock Pot Sesame Chicken

My family loves this and so do I. It's so easy, and what Mom doesn't love easy. This recipe feeds the four of us, but I also make fried rice to go along with it.

What you'll need:

• 2 pound boneless skinless chicken - cubed
• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth.
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
•  teaspoon of garlic powder or 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
• dash or two onion powder..
•  sesame seeds to sprinkle on top (optional)

1. Mix the broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and onion powder together.
2. Place your cubed chicken in your crock pot and cover with the sauce, stirring to coat your chicken well.
3. Let cook on low heat for 6 hours.

That's all for the chicken.

This can be served with fried rice, white rice, or low mien. Enjoy!