Happy New Year #newyear

Happy New Year to everyone who ever reads, comments or likes my posts. We may not really know each other but I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

I wish you a wonderful 2018 filled with laughter and love. From my family to yours Happy 2018!

Today I Said Goodbye To My Grandmother

Saying goodbye to a loved one is hard. Grandma was 100 years old this past October. She lived a nice long life. She had a lot of friends, traveled and had a husband who adored her. He passed this past May. She also buried two childen who were only in their early 30s. She had been in a nursing home, rehab since breaking her should this Spring. She couldn’t see or hear well anymore. She didn’t really know wherre she was anymore either thinking that she was at her home upstate in Millbrook NY.  She passed right before Christmas. We didn’t expect she would live past the New Year as she had stopped eating. Thankfully she wasn’t ill, just old. Her body just couldn’t do it anymore.

I remind myself that she is again with my Grandpa, not feeling alone anymore and with her children again. Losing her for me, means less of my mother here on the planet. I know my sisters, and I, along with our children are here and part of her but her core family is only my Uncle, her brother now.

Today at her funeral I found myself looking at her casket ready to go in the ground with my grandfather and her two children a few rows back and thought, this is life. This is what is supposed to happen. We live, we die and hopefully we make a difference in the world. This realization doesn’t make it easier but it reminds us that we need to always live for now. Tomorrrow is a mystery and we never know how long we have. I pray for everyone reading this to have a long, full life and if you are mourning someone know that they would want you to live your best life. Cherish the time you have, enjoy your family, take pictures, create memories because one day that is all they will have of us.

This Girl Makes Me Happy

My daughter is amazing. We all think that about our kids right? She is a challenge. She keeps me on my toes with an attitude that makes me cringe at times. She is quick witted, smart, talented and a total  crack up. She always gets the joke and loves to laugh. We have a special bond and too many times a day say exactly the same thing at the same time. Not sure if that means we spend too much time together but I will never get enough of her.

I usually tell people I want to be her when I grow up. She is oddly fearless yet extremely shy. She is not afraid to speak her mind or make a joke of herself. She truly is an amazing person and I am so happy to be her mother.

My Cat Luna Loves Her Christmas Gift

To Order

Merry Chistmas Everyone

Christmas Themed Books For Kids

These elves are off the shelves.Ollie and Celia think they know what the life of an elf is supposed to be like: Make toys. Help Santa. Make more toys. Help Santa. Try out a new ice-cream flavor. Help Santa.But then Santa rocks the North Pole with a surprise announcement! He's decided this is going to be his last year in the Big Red Suit--and instead of letting his oldest son, the unfortunately named Klaus Claus, take over, he's opening up the job to any kid who wants to apply--Claus or elf. The Santa Trials have begun!Ollie and Celia enter the contest, having no idea whatsoever that they'll soon have to squeeze through impossible chimneys, race runaway sleighs, sweet-talk a squad of rowdy reindeer, and consume cruel amounts of cookies and milk. It's both an adventure and a survival test, far beyond what any elf or Claus has been asked to do before. But whoever rises to the top will get a reward even bigger than Christmas . .

The 411:

I am not done with the book yet but so far I am thoroughly enjoying it so wanted you to know

When Santa decides he wants to retire early but doesn't want to just hand the red suit down to his first son who would be the next in line to carry on the tradition of Santa. Instead he holds a contest that is open to anyone who wants to apply including the elves. This competition isn't easy after all it is a huge responsibility to be Santa.

I love Ollie and Celia two elves who enter the Santa Trials and found myself thinking that Top Shelf was a combination of The Hunger Games and Five Nights At Freddy's with a whole lot of humor and heart.  The story is entertaining and moves along quickly.

Hopefully I can finish it tonight and hand it to my son so he can read it.

This is a great Christmas read.

To Purchase

Make a Next-Gen Gingerbread House

One of our favorite seasonal traditions is decorating a gingerbread house with the family. Some years we go all out and bake one from scratch. Other years we pick up a pre-made kit at the store. Either way, hands are sticky, hearts are full and memories are made. This year, we're giving the traditional gingerbread house a Go Organically "renovation" with fun swaps and alternative decorations that everyone will love. We're calling it the "Next-Gen Gingerbread House." Here's how it's done!
Step 1: Go House Hunting
First you'll need the gingerbread structure itself—meaning the walls, roof and doors. Your two options are baking and buying.

• Baking: Find a basic gingerbread house recipe online, like this one from The Food Network. It includes paper patterns for your gingerbread house template so you'll know how big to make the walls, roof, etc. It's easy to swap out any of the ingredients for organic versions, such as organic butter or organic all-purpose flour.
   
• Buying: The holidays can be hectic, so if you can make things easier with a pre-made kit, why not? This one from IKEA* includes just the structure itself and lets you add whatever decorations you want. Better yet? It's only $3.99. Perfect! If you're not near an IKEA, any kit will do. Simply save any unused decorations or icing for other holiday baking projects.

Step 2: Make the Cement
Next you'll need to make a binder to hold the structure together. Traditional royal icing is made with confectioners' sugar, egg whites and vanilla extract, and you can find the instructions here. For a Next-Gen version, consider modifying the recipe with coconut confectioners' sugar and free range eggs. Or skip the royal icing altogether in favor of melted organic white chocolate. Use your "cement" of choice to assemble the house and let it sit for a bit while you gather your decorations.

Step 3: Decorate with the Unexpected
Now comes the fun part: decorating! While we love candy canes and gumdrops as much as the next person, there's something so elegant about a natural-looking gingerbread house adorned with nuts, popcorn and fresh herbs. A few ideas to get you started:

• Thatched roof: Use shredded wheat cereal to create a thatched roof. You can either apply whole pieces as shingles, or shred them with your hands and scatter them across the roof for a rustic effect.
• Pathway: Create a "stone path" leading up to the front door using a mix of almonds and walnuts.
• Windows: Outline your windows with pumpkin or sunflower seeds to mimic the look of a wooden frame.
• Wreath: Shape a wreath out of fresh thyme to hang on the front of the house.
• Pop of color: Use Go Organically Organic Fruit Snacks to add visual interest while keeping the rest of the look low key. Stick on a red door knob or outline the roof with a string of colorful holiday "lights."

Happy decorating from all of us at Go Organically! Made with real fruit, our gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free kids snacks are a great choice for your on-the-go life. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more kid-friendly ideas!

*Note: Go Organically is not associated with IKEA.

Have Christmas With Despicable Me

The 411:

Kids will love Despicable Me 3. Minions and their adorable gibberish are still there.  Gru and his three daughters, Edith, Agnes, and Margo are still there as is Lucy.  This time around Gru is dealing with a 80s star has-been named Balthazar Bratt who is a tad upset that his show was cancelled and the fact that he has a twin brother.  Beside all that villain stuff there is the family sitch. Lucy is working hard to be a step mom to Margo, Edith and Agnes. Agnes wants a unicorn )who doesn't?), Margo accidentally becomes engaged to a boy and Edith...wait, what happened to Edith? I need to watch it again?

It is a family friendly movie. Maybe not the best of the 3 but I loved it anyway as did my kids.

Try A Winter Rose During Your Holiday Celebration This Year

Winter Rose

-2 oz Haikara Yuzu or Haikara Momo
-½ oz rum
-1 oz Lime Juice
-Dash of Simple Syrup
-Dash of Rose Water
-Dash of Lavender Bitters
-Ginger Ale for topping

-Cranberries or orange peel (for garnish)

Directions:
-Add all ingredients, except ginger ale, to a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat.
-Strain into rocks glass. Top with Ginger Ale and garnish.
Created by: Nick Mautone

Reasons to Call an Electrician

It only takes a few years before a home needs some electrical repairs. Electrical codes that govern how electrical wiring is installed in newer homes are designed to keep a home safe. Unfortunately, older homes do not have these electrical upgrades. It’s important for homeowners to keep up with changes made with the goal of keeping their family safe. There are some things that homeowners, especially those who live in older homes, can look for as a sign that they may want to talk to an electrician.

In older homes, it is not uncommon for electrical circuits to trip frequently. If this happens, it means that more current is passing through the circuits in the home than the home can safely manage. This also means that there might be some faults in the circuits that could present some potential dangers. Electricians can review the quality of the existing electrical system and make recommendations about improvements.

Another problem that may happen in homes with inadequate electrical wiring is that when certain appliances are activated, there is a drop in the electricity in the home. For example, this can happen when the air-conditioner is turned on or when a hairdryer is used. If small appliances are causing these problems to happen, an electrician may recommend the installation of a 20 amp line to improve the stability of the electricity in the home.

Some homes were not designed with enough electrical outlets. So when you look at the electrical outlet, you see that there are multiple multi-receptacle add-ons. These add-ons are used by the homeowners to allow them to plug in more devices. However, these add-ons are pushing the capacity of the home’s electrical system beyond what it was designed to bear. An electrician can help to restore order and safety to the home.

A lot of older homes have two-pronged outlets. Some may think that this is just a minor inconvenience, but actually it means that the home’s electrical system is not grounded. An electrical system that is not grounded is not safe and could lead to potentially fatal electrical shocks. It is definitely a good idea to have an electrician review these and set up a grounding system.

Some outlets or switches might feel warm to the touch. If so, a Ponte Vedra electrician should review them. This is especially true if there is blackening on the switch plate or on the wall. If a switch gives a mild shock, it could be a complicated and potentially dangerous problem that needs to be fixed.

Coobie Seamless Bras Are The Most Comfortable Bra EVER! @usfg #shopcoobie

I don't know about you but the best part of my day when I get in the door is when I can finally take my bra off right through my sleeves. Sometimes it happens as I am walking up the stairs. Sometimes in the kitchen as I am making a snack and sometimes I do it the normal way, by taking my shirt off! Wearing a bra is uncomfortable. They either feel too tight, too low, cut me in the wrong place or just hurt. UNTIL NOW!

Introducing the Coobie Seamless Bra!

 

Coobie Seamless Bras are The World's Most Comfortable Bras!

You need this amazing bra in your life!  Coobie Seamless Bras are ultra comfortable and supportive. Perfect for everyday wear our versatile one-size fits 32A - 36D, available in 7+ styles and 70+ colors/patterns, with adjustable straps and removable pads! Try one, you'll love it!

My Readers recieve 30% off any order of Coobie Seamless Bras at www.shopcoobie.com  Use code: USFG

Now, I am not going to show you a picture of me in a bra but my crazy baby was willing to model one for you'll.

The bra is a large and while she would be a small it fits her as well as it fits me.

Coobie has a bra for all tastes. Whether you like sport, lacy even nursing. They are like wearing a tight t-shirt. I feel supported and pretty but more importantly, I feel comfortable. I have forgotten to take my bra off twice until it was time for bed. I love that there is no clasps or weird, metal cups. This is a perfect bra.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received.

 

My Luna's First Christmas and She Loves Hanging Under The Tree

Saying Goodbye To A Pet Is Never Easy.

My daughter added the cross to the photo

The 411:

It is never easy to lose a pet. I remember as a kid my friends would bury their pets in the backyard in a cardboard box. It never felt right. All I ever thought about was how cold the pet must be. It was a pathetic resting place for a loved pet.

The Pod is 100% biodegradable and made of bamboo powder, cornstarch, and rice husk which allows it to break down to beneficial compost within 5 years.

They Pods come in different sizes from fish size to medium pet size and can be painted or personalized if your child wishes. Let them lead the best way for them to cope. Maybe leaving good-bye messages or writing their pet's name is what will help them most.

It also comes with a sympathy card in the same shape that is featured on the top of the pod. After placing the pod in the ground you can place this card that contains seeds for a living memorial

I think this is a beautiful tribute to a much loved pet.