Splash of Sunshine Blog Party!

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1. What word are you totally loving at the moment? Incognito. It always makes me think of Prince Bumpo from Doctor Dolittle. "Tiptoe incognito." :) 

2. Any tv shows/movies you are excited for this fall? Doctor Who! and Merlin! Can't wait!! 

3. Anything that symbolizes something to you? I think this is the part where I say something profound, but I'm drawing a blank... ;)

4. Two favorite songs at the moment? "In Christ Alone" by Owl City, and "Work of Art" by Rachel Platten.

5. If there was suddenly a world taker over by an evil dictator what would you do? Hide somewhere out in the boondocks. :D

6. What is your favorite summer activity? Probably swimming.

7. What has been your favorite summer vacation? Going to my grandpa's cabin is always pretty much The Best Vacation Ever.

8. If you received an unlimited shopping spree to any store, what store would it be for? Wow... I don't know. Etsy has some pretty cool stuff... 

9. What is your favorite summertime food? Peaches. My favorite fruit ever.

10. What is your favorite summertime movie? I don't have a particular favorite, but right now my sister and I are watching the TV show "Smallville". :)

July 20, 21 & 22

July 20

Goin' for a horsey ride.

These kiddos are just way too cute. :) 

July  21

We spent the day boating on our pontoon, and of course, swimming.

July 22

 Pink clouds reflecting on the surface of the lake.

9 Things I Always Knew Were Good For Me

Last week I ran across an article written by Maria Rodale who must have gotten in my head somehow.  As I read her list of 10 good things...I was shouting amen and hallelujah sister all the way down the list.  Validation is a beautiful thing!  

9 Things I Knew...

1.  Coffee:  I was 41 when I had my first cup of coffee.  The reasons aren't important but, I knew in my heart that it couldn't be all bad...coffee is natural and the world LOVED it so!  (brb, must brew).  Life as I knew it changed after my first cup.  Even though my upbringing taught me differently, coffee has become one of my greatest joys and, my life is brighter because of it!  

2.  The whole (organic) egg:  I too stuck with the yolk while others shouted "FOUL" (hehe).  Remember when white was in and yellow was out?  My favorite part is the yolk, that's where all the good stuff is!




3.  Nature's Fats:  Organic butter, olive oil and even lard are what I'm talking about.  Fat is necessary for a healthy diet, there are foods that the body can't digest without healthy fats  like spinach and kale.  As long as these fats are organic and natural (without chemicals or engineered) and used in moderation, they can be part of a healthy diet.  

4.  Sunlight:  When did the sun become the enemy?  I've always loved the sun!  I feel rejuvenated and alive when exposed to sunlight.  The emphasis on sunscreen has become excessive to the point that people avoid sunshine at all costs! I'm not saying that sunscreen is all bad, but as a society, we've  become increasingly vitamin D deficient which is essential for good health!  Get out and enjoy the sunshine and, your "healthy (in moderation) tan".  

5.  Chocolate:  Nature provides and mandates that anything that tastes so good must have some healthy qualities (amen!).  For me, chocolate is right up there with coffee...a joy, in moderation of course (says my jeans).




6.  Buy organic:  I've been a believer and a consumer of organic products for years!  Even before the farmer's market and buy local movement became popular, I looked for and bought organic food.  I'm an avid organic gardener because it feels right.  I don't understand how people look the other way and buy cheap, chemical laden foods to feed their body.  Now, there's plenty of evidence to back up my hunch that organic foods and gardening are the right thing to do.  Never before have we had such high rates of cancer, diabetes, allergies and autism.  

7.  Getting out in nature:  More and more people isolate themselves from nature because they're too busy or it's too dirty.  For me, nature is one big AHA moment.  There is no place else that makes me feel centered or at home than being outside.  Get dirty, let your kids get dirty, climb a tree or hike a trail.  Get healthy, save money and cancel your therapist appointment, visit a National Park!


8.  Get some sleep:  Does anyone remember the movie "Baby Boom" with Diane Keaton?  She played the part of a high powered marketing exec in New York who had it all...or so she thought.  When did it become vogue to work and not sleep?  I'd rather get 8 hrs, early to bed and early to rise!  Like I've said before, I must have farmer's blood in my veins because that my natural rhythm.

9.  Laugh!:  Everyone must know this...it's pretty much a no-brainer, no rocket scientist needed...but maybe a  neuroscientist?  I love this:  When in doubt, choose comedy over tragedy, laughter over tears and common sense over peer pressure.  I've always detested scary or sad movies, books or plays.  Why on earth would I want to spend my precious free time creating anxiety for myself?  

Thank you Maria Rodale for your insightful list!  If you get the chance, check out her blog, Maria's Farm Country Kitchen, I love it!

What did you always "know"?

How to Repel Bed Bugs...Naturally

Unlike the last post, the pretty lavender spritzer for linen and home, this post is gross, sick and gag reflex worthy!  I could talk myself out of staying in a hotel for the rest of my days after reading about bed bugs.

*shudder*  *cringe*  *gasp*

Bed bugs ugh!  I know this isn't a pretty subject but if you're vacationing this summer in a hostel, hotel or any other place where large numbers of people sleep, we need to know this stuff!

Bed bugs can be found in the swankiest hotels and the humblest  hostels.  The little buggers are no discriminators of taste but, they're particular of their habitat and who they dine on.



I should post a photo of a bed bug but I can't do it!  I can't!  You can google it if your curiosity is getting the better of you. I've seen enough vermin on enough websites to last a good long while.


The glaring truth of the matter is that when traveling, you don't know if you're going to come in contact with bed bugs because even the newest, trendiest hotels can be infested.  Sad but true.  Why not give yourself some peace of mind by mixing up a spritzer of "Bed Bug be Gone" for your next trip.  This spritz is made with key essential oils that will send the buggers packing instead of you!

Buy some small glass spray bottles that will fit in your luggage.  If you're going to carry it with you on the plane, make sure it meets TSA regulations.  Here's a link to a great source for all sizes of glass bottles, Aroma Tools.


Recipe for "Bed Bug be Gone" Spritz


1  C. water
10  drops lavender 
10  drops rosemary
10  drops eucalyptus 
3  drops clove 
1  teaspoon vodka (acts as an emulsifier)


Fill several bottles, use some as refills or distribute to fellow travel buddies.  When you get to your hotel room, do not put your suitcase on the bed or the floor, use a luggage rack or set in the shower.  Pull back the comforter and sheets and spray between all layer.  Essential oils are not oily so don't worry about staining the linens.


FYI - Lavender is a well known insect repellent.  Interesting that something so fragrant repels bugs!  Of course, my hopes for all of us is that we never encounter horrid bed bugs at all but...in the words of UPS...

 Expect the unexpected. 

July 17, 18 & 19

July 17

Raspberry-Cream Cheese Muffins.

July 18

Our cherries are ripening.

July 19

Mollie decided to play dress-up, and wanted her picture taken. :)

Daybook 16

Outside my window- It's a lot cooler today than it has been the last few days.

I am thinking about-  I have a sunburn. Ouchy. :/ 

From the kitchen- I made three batches of raspberry jam before supper.

I am creating- I did some sketching this afternoon.

I am reading- I read yet another Agatha Christie book over the weekend- the reason I've been reading so many of her books lately is that I have a bunch of paperback copies of some of her books, and they're super convenient for bringing on weekend trips. :)

I am hearing- I've got Pandora turned on. Right now it's playing Owl City.

I am planning- The camping trip we had planned for this weekend got cancelled, so I'm not sure what we're doing instead.

I am wearing- White capris, and a purple and teal shirt.

My hair is- In a bun.

Around the house- Between gardening and various weekend trips, we've been pretty busy lately...

CW Extra! No Spill {To Go} Cup!

We're constantly on the go, we're a big deal and we're B U S Y.   And...we want things fast, simple and delicious!

Here's an idea who's time has come!  We love this for our Baked Oatmeal in the mornings but, it comes in handy for any time of day!  If you have kids, it's perfect for picnics and beach days...just fill with fresh fruit or yogurt or both!

Portability and versatility with a cup, a lid and a spoon!