tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60718700586299647652024-03-24T02:10:33.977-05:00The Review BallerinaA blog of reviews, recipes, articles, guides, and more from of Mother, Wife, Witch, Dancer, Cat & Dog Mama, & Chronic Illness Warrior.The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-22122951332149636382023-09-17T15:12:00.000-05:002023-09-17T15:12:33.228-05:00My Weight-Loss Journey: How I've been doing it!<div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHOEJbRWQHgqJkh1Nr8Z5Bfzioinokl9fS86cFE8V6UKd69ODrTCbGot7IM6olZH9JwqgTxulsxC0WBj7Nbgbp6qp-RMVdiTDPonUwI2zOMZvxUedtGfnmCFk8yrO1_YtkXRs2dCu-_lKj8ORWgTfu5Bn2eyOTFQ9E3VX3Ut5B--srCuDEh4IX4lpFTcg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHOEJbRWQHgqJkh1Nr8Z5Bfzioinokl9fS86cFE8V6UKd69ODrTCbGot7IM6olZH9JwqgTxulsxC0WBj7Nbgbp6qp-RMVdiTDPonUwI2zOMZvxUedtGfnmCFk8yrO1_YtkXRs2dCu-_lKj8ORWgTfu5Bn2eyOTFQ9E3VX3Ut5B--srCuDEh4IX4lpFTcg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Left: Fall of 2022. Right: Fall of 2023</u></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">So I was told I should lay out what I've done to lose weight in the last year, and I figured I'd go ahead and tell! I mean it may not work for everyone but if it helps ya'll go for it! These are just some of the things I've been doing, because without health insurance I can't see a nutritionist, get weight loss surgery, etc.</span></div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJjouaLGoo1KMQGdsZZKsKdQAcCTJvY0sC_thQE-fB21d06sn74_AKYECd09jmcRhp1TrB94flZ7Zz3KyKe44NNBxakWeCybiJl5YJZu1H0vh82zQxPqsknDioDyofTQrALi_P_cHDXuO8tNoxEId-5SYtEK7xT2IoKWPJ-gsJ9N1ytCXO-WislSA3xEg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJjouaLGoo1KMQGdsZZKsKdQAcCTJvY0sC_thQE-fB21d06sn74_AKYECd09jmcRhp1TrB94flZ7Zz3KyKe44NNBxakWeCybiJl5YJZu1H0vh82zQxPqsknDioDyofTQrALi_P_cHDXuO8tNoxEId-5SYtEK7xT2IoKWPJ-gsJ9N1ytCXO-WislSA3xEg=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>October 31, 2011</u></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;">First thing that is very important is that I'm no longer on any kind of birth control hormones. I'd been on them since February of 2012. First it was the Mirena IUD, then birth control pills because well...my first pregnancy was very rough and I didn't think my body could handle a second. I'm now on the ParaGard IUD, and that alone has made me less depressed, more excited to try new things, less anxious and more. I have a sex drive again which I didn't for quite a few years, I feel sexy again, and I'm able to have energy which is fantastic whereas the hormones made me feel lost. </div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM4n2VxDAHoQnNMIXUBk7PhO7zWMCXrdQ6OahKQdqzlmJGdEGCG00rZ1FLEQHNiDHppt01oZvz7VL1k4gsJHWOWuuk_SEeJqFXStluZBEf_twe9BXFs4BEnI7Uy-qQVH5Qba6KWyc3d4XkxKURIdJG9jTh_WinQ-zT-5p1OyjrWHFolJCk1RwhMdBeNDo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM4n2VxDAHoQnNMIXUBk7PhO7zWMCXrdQ6OahKQdqzlmJGdEGCG00rZ1FLEQHNiDHppt01oZvz7VL1k4gsJHWOWuuk_SEeJqFXStluZBEf_twe9BXFs4BEnI7Uy-qQVH5Qba6KWyc3d4XkxKURIdJG9jTh_WinQ-zT-5p1OyjrWHFolJCk1RwhMdBeNDo=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>October of 2016</u></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Second Thing: My husband told me something that 100% changed how I eat: <i>"You will eat until you no longer feel hungry. Instead, eat the right portion of food, and wait until you stop feeling hungry."</i> He's right, I'd overfill my plate because I'd be starving and I wouldn't stop eating until I felt stuffed. Now? I eat what I should eat, and even if I still feel hungry I'll just drink more drink. That has lowered my sodium, calories, fat, sugar, and my stomach has shrank since I'm not over-filling it. I do feel hungrier more often, but number three ties into that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN_hBZNxZUbwodR4c8X_wCUQ3yyj123C-SBnBhaAJJ57Jl2-VpFKiN-G2EMGGGp74rfYCKv-jRJ_9EnlzSS30ZfCX_qilnqMiX_IhdesoF3xEHupyO5FgMtE76LEYzXUpraPTn6tRBSLVZlL3Ftmq_ftb_QlwZnj4ldOyos8zEiSJGr0WjsjMBk7zzZNE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN_hBZNxZUbwodR4c8X_wCUQ3yyj123C-SBnBhaAJJ57Jl2-VpFKiN-G2EMGGGp74rfYCKv-jRJ_9EnlzSS30ZfCX_qilnqMiX_IhdesoF3xEHupyO5FgMtE76LEYzXUpraPTn6tRBSLVZlL3Ftmq_ftb_QlwZnj4ldOyos8zEiSJGr0WjsjMBk7zzZNE=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>October 2017</u></b><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;">Third: When I get hungry to snack, <b><i>I make a salad!</i></b> Yep, I do lettuce, tomato, bell pepper, cucumber (sometimes), and a low-fat raspberry vinaigrette. Just a small salad, like a side salad size. I stopped eating as much candy, ice cream, cookies, cake, fried food as I used to and just munch a small salad! I'll even sometimes change it up and do lettuce, chicken, low fat bacon pieces, low fat cheese, and a small amount of <span class="xv78j7m" spellcheck="false">Hidden Valley Ranch</span> (buttermilk). </div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6-iRF34CbUfkZx_oynxv4tqFjAKNCuznChsF5xSefqxqe3GjcUxe9rWMNl2HzVPGRZy29gga2kh5LCutFs0sszoI8VTkNcQQ3QwZnamSL4DOgbEv6tglOoT7ZY5Xhuk92Ody9xgKo_Y0Dw0UdDoLUVQupM8FSM0XlWzv0_8MPC2D7x1GamTqI4ULDq6g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6-iRF34CbUfkZx_oynxv4tqFjAKNCuznChsF5xSefqxqe3GjcUxe9rWMNl2HzVPGRZy29gga2kh5LCutFs0sszoI8VTkNcQQ3QwZnamSL4DOgbEv6tglOoT7ZY5Xhuk92Ody9xgKo_Y0Dw0UdDoLUVQupM8FSM0XlWzv0_8MPC2D7x1GamTqI4ULDq6g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>July 2018</u></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fourth: We have pretty much cut all deep fried foods out of our diet. Only thing we deep fry are my husband's chicken tenders that he makes from scratch, and sometimes things that didn't come out crispy in the air fryer. Removing that excess oil has helped so much. I don't feel like I'm weighed down by the food I eat anymore. A HUGE thank you to Dreo for letting me review one of their air fryers because it has been life changing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHa5_hsfggaUa76CfQnPpQp2GDFqN7rA2bvpyOFAez812uQR9_l80V-w795Jk8flnpv7xFnk0RckPGH_Haa_-WA7cvS6FZEivr9UVo3PAVWC67U87IcGfA9Wuwu3CvUz4LLwaIp8iztidnBgOi1kxoYmhjKdAJFQpMsyq6mAxM6aqdgXWgj1WT1YP8DcE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1154" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHa5_hsfggaUa76CfQnPpQp2GDFqN7rA2bvpyOFAez812uQR9_l80V-w795Jk8flnpv7xFnk0RckPGH_Haa_-WA7cvS6FZEivr9UVo3PAVWC67U87IcGfA9Wuwu3CvUz4LLwaIp8iztidnBgOi1kxoYmhjKdAJFQpMsyq6mAxM6aqdgXWgj1WT1YP8DcE=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u>July 2023</u></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: center;">Fourth: My husband and I are now working out at <span class="xv78j7m" spellcheck="false">Planet Fitness</span> together. Each time we go, we aim to walk 3 miles in an hour, and then sometimes we do strength training. I've been focusing on my thighs and hips to gain some elasticity in my ability to wide step, as well as in my arms. I can't do much with my stomach area unfortunately as it seems I either have a hernia, or my muscles have lost their strength from my pregnancy (and I didn't notice until I lost weight) but that's what the cardio is for! </div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjxdoWyZgB-ROdiwpk7fHU_nSM4ln_9mAjCLf9rP9zlaCna0uJLZe2OMdFmUayUOnLls_7NdkBXYrJ0FHH3aOD9z8mOLT060IlznA0HJpBJp4SNPvMhVlaUPNn_L1gLjuMO5r_RVM4zCcCZ25tsNVOyACoctcRQrMplCoQnTRhgCwrnipIWyOV7p_-FTE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1900" data-original-width="1900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjxdoWyZgB-ROdiwpk7fHU_nSM4ln_9mAjCLf9rP9zlaCna0uJLZe2OMdFmUayUOnLls_7NdkBXYrJ0FHH3aOD9z8mOLT060IlznA0HJpBJp4SNPvMhVlaUPNn_L1gLjuMO5r_RVM4zCcCZ25tsNVOyACoctcRQrMplCoQnTRhgCwrnipIWyOV7p_-FTE=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>September 2023</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From 2011 to 2021, I had gained 70 pounds. But I had gained so much weight all over that I was in the size 20-22/22-24 woman's clothing size, and a size 20 pants. In one year, I've lost 38 pounds but the biggest thing for me is that I'm losing weight everywhere else. My thighs are thinner, my arms are thinner (the skin is hanging down now), my stomach is much smaller, and I'm loving how I feel. My weight loss journey will continue!!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-80932890933006445792023-07-27T12:00:00.000-05:002023-07-27T12:00:11.704-05:00Thinking Thursday: Thoughts on Nadine West:<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9tJ8DMLBU7Ns5cphiKQit3vNVyDHwnLF-TEumrs889SC2_tUpotj9vqZ1G73FO9RAkvEYOuJG2Pg9bh6NTekBrSHQbPH9GFAM8uYMtV3CWn0X1h3PeSfcNGbZ4YFhuqOisdm1l2ew7qf4xPV4I1u4W7_uHnau27NuM7uY42SgZ4RdMPvhq2hpGT3tZHQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1477" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9tJ8DMLBU7Ns5cphiKQit3vNVyDHwnLF-TEumrs889SC2_tUpotj9vqZ1G73FO9RAkvEYOuJG2Pg9bh6NTekBrSHQbPH9GFAM8uYMtV3CWn0X1h3PeSfcNGbZ4YFhuqOisdm1l2ew7qf4xPV4I1u4W7_uHnau27NuM7uY42SgZ4RdMPvhq2hpGT3tZHQ=w370-h400" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I have been a Nadine West ambassador for a year now if not a little more. I find myself with every Nadine West package having a wide range of emotions and I'll tell you why in this article! I know so many people want the truth about subscription services, especially clothes, so today, you get the truth!</div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpGXLh_oDv2x-SR3SZSmVpi1Fcs64oPEKQSN1UMck0QHZwQgREKpcNtaXwKG_3OXM0ddss_sb0GNiFMdQyIaCCP3rYxKTH2IvkIqJ64bXS79yPX4tlhHqlNmlwp9IBih8OhJRIte2PdqcR4bd_YhbI0-ek5RznElwrRVHClAcH-JJ1ofazYdjTwmB390A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpGXLh_oDv2x-SR3SZSmVpi1Fcs64oPEKQSN1UMck0QHZwQgREKpcNtaXwKG_3OXM0ddss_sb0GNiFMdQyIaCCP3rYxKTH2IvkIqJ64bXS79yPX4tlhHqlNmlwp9IBih8OhJRIte2PdqcR4bd_YhbI0-ek5RznElwrRVHClAcH-JJ1ofazYdjTwmB390A" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First off, how Nadine West works. You sign up <a href="https://share.nadinewest.com/x/cBXpf6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> and after signing up you complete a style profile. This profile will ask you questions such as your favorite colors to wear, the style of jewelry you like, and more. You can also put what colors you do not like to wear (which is good as I look awful in yellow) and so on. Then, you are assigned to a stylist who picks out your outfits and jewelry based upon your answers. Once chosen, your items are wrapped in pretty, pink paper and packaging and mailed out! I have seen that they give a 5-7 business day time frame for delivery, but 95% of the time my packages have arrived by next day. So yay for awesome shipping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivZ0Y4j0FWjJMxeqa7QpnwiOit6GitWvaqfYQ-Zz2mMUogHhX7Tz40OGvqZSYPUX4mHbXIJYN5aCsmkdSB_fZIab5jpHOGNPwY8vNNS-2mnK2cF3407BL3s7Ia94DiqLqOYu-HqFnUvUEXNMmel19eH_7tCPLxcjPzKl-RU9Se4fOFMyhiqgAphEkpCoU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivZ0Y4j0FWjJMxeqa7QpnwiOit6GitWvaqfYQ-Zz2mMUogHhX7Tz40OGvqZSYPUX4mHbXIJYN5aCsmkdSB_fZIab5jpHOGNPwY8vNNS-2mnK2cF3407BL3s7Ia94DiqLqOYu-HqFnUvUEXNMmel19eH_7tCPLxcjPzKl-RU9Se4fOFMyhiqgAphEkpCoU=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This outfit is a half sleeve, tummy control style tee shirt, ripped/torn jeggings, and a long daisy flower chunk necklace. All from Nadine West.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now keep in mind, while the items are in transit you will not be able to see what is coming. I love this, I love that sense of surprise! Once the package arrives you get a list of what's included, along with the pricing. Here are a couple of cons to when the package arrives:<br /><br /><ul><li>(Not Nadine West's fault) - Almost all of my packages arrive damaged by the shipping carrier. I've had them re-taped, the items come damaged with grease and dirt in the fibers which doesn't come out, I've had some items torn or ripped, but the good news is that Nadine West's customer service is quick to respond and fantastic. Obviously, they won't charge you for these items you just mail them back, but that's another bullet for later.</li><li>Your stylist unfortunately does not see you. You put your size down when you're doing your profile but sometimes you may get pants too long for you, shirts that are too short, jewelry that's too small, etc. But hey, the stylists are human just like you, and again you don't have to keep what doesn't work. </li><li>Sometimes even if you put on your profile you don't want certain things, they'll still come. This can be frustration but also remember: Clothing changes based upon seasonal availability. I myself have fallen in love with wearing dresses thanks to Nadine West, and yet there are times they can't send them. Or I'm a huge fan of pastel colors, pinks, etc. They won't have a lot of that in the Winter. </li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPXOSnRmVpBeD5aNWVKlcLUzvd9I6xhLPTBA2lf0LW1DxwvCfiI6L8kBszp6eqkE1im5pcMPKY5u_QOr_5BWQEDRHCRHLKY9e0KovrcCPoubA1DdSjrPxRq71eUq84nzq-Iac4e6dhT8ojcP01Ec_PWW5fjpbpl85wu8d5k_5VheeVg40KAb4I4lyolLA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPXOSnRmVpBeD5aNWVKlcLUzvd9I6xhLPTBA2lf0LW1DxwvCfiI6L8kBszp6eqkE1im5pcMPKY5u_QOr_5BWQEDRHCRHLKY9e0KovrcCPoubA1DdSjrPxRq71eUq84nzq-Iac4e6dhT8ojcP01Ec_PWW5fjpbpl85wu8d5k_5VheeVg40KAb4I4lyolLA=w280-h640" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This outfit is a long dress with a above knee slit on the left side, along with a tie belt around the waist and once again, the daisy flower chunk necklace. All from Nadine West.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Once you receive your package and you open it all, you will usually receive anywhere from 6-10 items. This is the part I love because now I get to see everything they picked out for me. I did get a suggestion from Customer Service when I told them that after a couple of packages I was not feeling confident in what the stylist was sending: Create a Pinterest Board of what you like and send it to them! They then notate it on your file, and when your stylist is picking out your next package they can see what you want. This has helped me so much with my items. I can tell when the stylist uses it and when they don't. Whatever you do not want to pay for, you just put it back in the packaging (or a new package if it's all messed up) and use their pre-printed return label. It's perfect, easy, and as long as you do it on time it's great. <b>BUT</b>, I still find at times the stylist isn't listening to me. For example: I'll say that I really love pastel colors, pinks, sparkles, glitter, flowers, and what comes that month will be dark colors, nothing that matches my personality at all. I still like what they send but I do find that it can be frustrating at times.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIypp2i2ZmlyKNfpTbipi78KZ9NqZZj3-O4UEdv5w0i5USXrN4bslNlBvgTWtRjyMqvFo1HZGcvIS74wymRtxZNK4rCkf2AZSjOx1dMo76z-1Fv7opn1CVDT9Ol6Ugdw5rAHsNUvsYsmNK8d6bnfJZ5e5KediYEPHcel5hz2Ih8ywe_M8Iir_MlHJBC-I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="979" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIypp2i2ZmlyKNfpTbipi78KZ9NqZZj3-O4UEdv5w0i5USXrN4bslNlBvgTWtRjyMqvFo1HZGcvIS74wymRtxZNK4rCkf2AZSjOx1dMo76z-1Fv7opn1CVDT9Ol6Ugdw5rAHsNUvsYsmNK8d6bnfJZ5e5KediYEPHcel5hz2Ih8ywe_M8Iir_MlHJBC-I=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This outfit consists of a tropical floral style knee length dress, and a gold leaf necklace with silver within it. All from Nadine West</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>The real question is: Do I think Nadine West is worth the cost? Answer: <b>Absolutely</b>. Since I began receiving Nadine West attire I have grown so much in confidence. They've sent me tops I would never have worn before but I feel great in. I hadn't worn a dress or shorts in 15+ years (seriously) until I received the beautiful clothing from this company. I'm currently on a weight loss journey and I'm watching myself fit into the clothing better than I did a year ago. I'm wearing colors I'd never done before and my jewelry is so pretty from them.</div><div><br /></div><div>So my thoughts on Nadine West: <b>Completely worth the price and worth every step.</b> I truly believe that working with Nadine West has not only helped me in terms of my own style, but helped me become confident and strong inside. So do yourself a favor, and try them too!</div></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">#reviewballerina #nadinewest #nadineweststyle #thinkingthursday #thoughts #article</div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-57672404063324262332023-07-26T16:19:00.002-05:002023-07-26T16:19:24.412-05:00Recipe Wednesday: Summer Fruit Salad!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijzqFpSOgTFFpEnLFMNH2JGnR4oLgG--TsJ7-ZNr96GI4jg3T6ePcUdvTsh1v7cvP8QGMaAci2ZgRBYRYvr_H72muzWNENZNVB_48lxvNbLhPxVdWgdYs6X-3tz_uXwkeTCkfN1L0ASy5lhp3H9edvDKj_Q0cjzwNH6txleq0jq5I1rG5Y9x9n1EitAMQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijzqFpSOgTFFpEnLFMNH2JGnR4oLgG--TsJ7-ZNr96GI4jg3T6ePcUdvTsh1v7cvP8QGMaAci2ZgRBYRYvr_H72muzWNENZNVB_48lxvNbLhPxVdWgdYs6X-3tz_uXwkeTCkfN1L0ASy5lhp3H9edvDKj_Q0cjzwNH6txleq0jq5I1rG5Y9x9n1EitAMQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know about all of you but Texas Summers just suck. I cannot stand Texas heat, I love cold. So when I wanted a fruit salad, this was the perfect one to make!! Although this calls for bananas due to my stomach I can't eat them, but you can make sure to add them to yours!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="loc heading" style="background-color; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95); font-family: SourceSansPro, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"><h2 class="comp mntl-structured-ingredients__heading mntl-text-block" id="mntl-structured-ingredients__heading_1-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: CopperPot, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 2.75rem; margin: 0px 0px 2rem; padding: 0px; text-underline-offset: 0.5rem;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sauce:</span></span></h2></div><ul class="mntl-structured-ingredients__list" style="background-color:; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95); line-height: 1.75rem; list-style: none; margin: 1.25rem 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-underline-offset: 0.25rem;"><li class="mntl-structured-ingredients__list-item " data-id="5140" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1rem 0.8125rem; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">⅔</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">fresh orange juice<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">⅓</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">fresh lemon juice<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">⅓</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">packed brown sugar<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">½</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">grated orange zest<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">½</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">grated lemon zest<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">vanilla extract</span></span></p></li><li class="mntl-structured-ingredients__list-item " data-id="16424" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1rem 0.8125rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div data-v-2de2c288="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div></span><p></p></li></ul><p class="mntl-structured-ingredients__list-heading type--goat-bold" style="background-color: ; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95); font-weight: 700; line-height: 2rem; margin: 1.5rem auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-underline-offset: 0.375rem;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Salad:</span></p><ul class="mntl-structured-ingredients__list" style="background-color:; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95); line-height: 1.75rem; list-style: none; margin: 1.25rem 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-underline-offset: 0.25rem;"><li class="mntl-structured-ingredients__list-item " data-id="5188" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1rem 0.8125rem; padding: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cups</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cubed fresh pineapple<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cups</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">strawberries, hulled and sliced<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">3</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">3</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">bananas, sliced<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">oranges, peeled and sectioned<br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">seedless grapes <br /></span><span data-ingredient-quantity="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span data-ingredient-unit="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cups</span> <span data-ingredient-name="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;">blueberries</span></span></p></li></ul></div><u><span style="font-size: large;">Instructions</span></u></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><p class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_2-0-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: section 0; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">For the sauce: Bring orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">For the salad: Layer fruit in a large, clear glass bowl in this order: pineapple, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bananas, oranges, grapes, and blueberries. Pour cooled sauce over fruit; cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours before serving.</span></li></ul><p></p><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">#recipe #recipewednesday #summer #summerfruitsalad #reviewballerina</div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-69075583191115470442023-03-17T21:11:00.000-05:002023-03-17T21:11:01.457-05:00I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye...<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5lDr5o4plUTpMm0_q0TKKa0jCm0y1KdbRzHpDahJju5GtDmdcyXV8aVaeqzQhm_pIR3wwsXaN4yNoa3R2V-IusINQXVbCMEPBlnKQvYeHT3LO51k5fSP-PqaFUITDVTm1NpiWNdGz05B35YnF4au6pQ9cFcTvJkYntLyUCwJRXM5PHCGZ2AnEcLe/s500/artworks-000056167933-ncicbq-t500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5lDr5o4plUTpMm0_q0TKKa0jCm0y1KdbRzHpDahJju5GtDmdcyXV8aVaeqzQhm_pIR3wwsXaN4yNoa3R2V-IusINQXVbCMEPBlnKQvYeHT3LO51k5fSP-PqaFUITDVTm1NpiWNdGz05B35YnF4au6pQ9cFcTvJkYntLyUCwJRXM5PHCGZ2AnEcLe/w400-h400/artworks-000056167933-ncicbq-t500x500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I look over to my right every day at my desk and see your face. I remember taking that picture of you. I was sitting on the couch and you had just finished talking to Bryan. As he walked away, I called out "Dad!" and you turned and gave me a sarcastic smile. You didn't mind doing it though and now I have this picture of you. I wrote on the back "Uncle Larry (Dad)" and immediately I feel my heart break. That wasn't right, that wasn't right at all. It was just Dad. Completely just Dad and now that you're gone, it hurts even more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our last full conversation rings in my head every day. You told me you wanted to come up here and surprise your Granddaughter at her school for lunch one day just to make her smile. I was going to make sure I was off work and meet you there. We weren't sure when it would happen but you were so excited at the idea. You were so proud of her when I told you how she was planning to do honors math and science starting next year. You planned on giving her your telescope the next time we came to your house because you found out how she was so excited to learn about space. You had to tell the pup to quiet down so we could hear each other, but I could hear how tired you were so I said I had to go get some things done. Truth was, I knew you wanted to rest but talk at the same time. Dad you never liked ending a conversation and I knew you wanted to just rest before Mom got home. Now I wish I'd just kept going.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't want to leave that day. I saw Mom walk out of the hospital room at 2:30pm, and I knew I had to go get my daughter from school. Sadly I'd kept the stupid card from the car, so her Dad couldn't even go up there and get her I had the only card for release. I didn't want to leave. I watched her go out of the side of my eye, and then I just looked at you. I touched your arm, and it was warm. I was almost petting it because I was so afraid to go. I then just said "Daddy, I love you." and you looked at me. You pushed the words out. "I love you." and I smiled. Then I said "Merry meet, and Merry Part." and your face...you nodded and just shut your eyes. It's like you knew, that was it. I didn't want to leave that day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I got to the hospital after the call to hurry back, I ran in thinking there was time...and you were gone. When she told me, my heart sank so far down it almost felt like it had stopped. We went to walk in, and my feet didn't want to move. Then I saw you...and for one fleeting moment I hoped you would open your eyes again. You looked the same as you did when I left and then I saw the machines were off. I wasn't ready to say goodbye. When I touched your arm... it wasn't the same. You didn't open your eyes and look over and nod realizing I was there. It wasn't until her small voice quivered saying goodbye to you, that I lost my strength. I'm so lucky your son in law became such a strong rock for me in the recent weeks because I feel completely weak. I wasn't ready to say goodbye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sleep all day now. I only eat out of necessity. I go to bed so late because I just don't feel like going to sleep. I play Sims 2 and my phone games just to pass the time not because of any enjoyment. I had to call the doctor and they had to prescribe me another medication on top of what I am already on just so I could function again. I'm so lucky my boss understands that this has hit me so deep and has allowed me the time to cope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In front of others, I'm smiling and laughing. I post videos for my blog and unboxings and cat videos just so I keep that going as I know you were proud of the work I'd put into it. I'm thanking everyone for their kind words but inside I feel like a large part of my soul has been ripped from me. You were one of my best friends Dad. I could call you any time just to shoot the breeze about anything. You'd call me to do the same and we'd spend an hour just talking about it all. You helped me find my Wiccan path and having that special connection with you was so wonderful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mentor is gone. My Dad is gone. My rescuer is gone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wasn't ready to say goodbye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daddy, I love you. But I can't say goodbye, yet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-56399860394461150402022-09-19T07:30:00.001-05:002022-09-19T07:30:00.170-05:00Mommy Mondays: I'm a Mom first, and a friend second!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpVRPtim8LBAtlwsJ54ZBDx_5giV2GjbeYfK0gkIope6YKiUiXWqnEpN8CqFI3O1kMi2tRE9WEjtzXpN79IdcmLK7NEyDq1diCIN3d15AxZZXyk4LIkc3oHyt1yNRYxzVMiiS6IYqY5kqDRGFSGvCwSiDYto5i67qBwTGNFCyyyh8jsrvwZdC1LGJ/s1250/mommymonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="1250" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpVRPtim8LBAtlwsJ54ZBDx_5giV2GjbeYfK0gkIope6YKiUiXWqnEpN8CqFI3O1kMi2tRE9WEjtzXpN79IdcmLK7NEyDq1diCIN3d15AxZZXyk4LIkc3oHyt1yNRYxzVMiiS6IYqY5kqDRGFSGvCwSiDYto5i67qBwTGNFCyyyh8jsrvwZdC1LGJ/w640-h216/mommymonday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The following is the opinion of The Review Ballerina and though it may not be shared by everyone, it is a proud opinion!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGrEWZYRiCdEwHfUqoAgpldrsMRNWN3EVPC0eki9OUbKbE_fTYueAx8S2n93s9plpA12UnNgI5vZNS9NO-72ePudNU1kBbvc3g4rihBMCHrgMbgZVE9bl26xbHt0LIctD3dkMbCCslo62HKI97BiiMJRgQ5fyg_YKLsDIJG1AYI5cBSV-cQQ9lLQl/s2048/278445770_10226431062818619_8406755061544957973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGrEWZYRiCdEwHfUqoAgpldrsMRNWN3EVPC0eki9OUbKbE_fTYueAx8S2n93s9plpA12UnNgI5vZNS9NO-72ePudNU1kBbvc3g4rihBMCHrgMbgZVE9bl26xbHt0LIctD3dkMbCCslo62HKI97BiiMJRgQ5fyg_YKLsDIJG1AYI5cBSV-cQQ9lLQl/w400-h400/278445770_10226431062818619_8406755061544957973_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I was growing up, I was raised by my Aunt, Uncle, and Grandmother. Sadly, my Grandmother was not really a "Mom" to me but moreso a friend kind of position. The other sad part is I spent Sunday night through Friday morning with her, and only Friday night through Sunday afternoon with my Aunt and Uncle. So I really did not have the "parental" influence in my life as much as I should have. I've seen so many people in the generations after me (with my generation as their parents) become disrespectful, criminals, smart-mouthed, and more all because in this time for some reason society has stopped parenting. Well, I continue to do so.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I believe all children should do the following:<br /><br /><b>1. Respect your teachers/tutors/instructors/elders.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2. Respect the police and authority figures.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>3. Say yes "Ma'am" and "Sir" to those older than you.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>4. Do as your told, even if you don't want to do it.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>5. Expect to be "embarrassed" in public as badly as you hoped embarrassing your parents would work.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>6. Expect to come home and be afraid of the result, if you do not follow #2.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why do I believe in these? Well, think back to when you were a child. You knew if you got in trouble with the police, your parent would be right there at the door to greet you and you knew what was about to happen was going to be worse than the talk you got from the police. Did you forget to do your homework and come home with a failing grade on your report card? Yeah, we didn't just get a "try harder next time" speech did we? Nope, we got 6 weeks of punishments and that grade better have been pulled back up by the end of that 6 weeks! Did you pitch a fit in public because you couldn't have ice cream because your parents told you to eat your vegetables? Nope, and you didn't have an electronic to occupy you either you had to listen to your parents talk all night about stuff you cared absolutely nothing about. <br /><br /><b><i>Don't even get me started on how my Great Grandmother stabbed me in the elbows with a fork if I put my elbows on the table...and I still have the scars!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzh8Tkn9rk7ULWVFwcBuG367VQ4-HLKrUlmec4PRRgl_me0Kt2bPdbsQgn44NsIGrCs9KPjr8CRWSg6tcbNeVUttw76Ns5N1BXvxYeSERXCjYbR0QU_vRzTCUi7fWJ3ynTxYjGxwnuF5bOfux9VIrTO1wz43IC6Ve_IUGGmPtlyAH-DmXthfjnklSW/s902/98185705_10221437113132998_6955859806871617536_n%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="902" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzh8Tkn9rk7ULWVFwcBuG367VQ4-HLKrUlmec4PRRgl_me0Kt2bPdbsQgn44NsIGrCs9KPjr8CRWSg6tcbNeVUttw76Ns5N1BXvxYeSERXCjYbR0QU_vRzTCUi7fWJ3ynTxYjGxwnuF5bOfux9VIrTO1wz43IC6Ve_IUGGmPtlyAH-DmXthfjnklSW/w400-h400/98185705_10221437113132998_6955859806871617536_n%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As parents, we are the guiding hand for our children to be able to survive in the world. Of course, we are there to support them, cheer them on, hold them when their heart is broken, take pictures of them in formal outfits, and we are their friend their entire lives, but... <b>we are their parents first</b>. Our daughter knows we expect her to do her chores every day. She's 10 years old and does more than most kids I know around us. In fact, at Christmas when I will be doing the dishes at the family get together, she is planning to help me while her older relatives won't and I am<b> proud of her for that</b>. She is rewarded for doing her chores, and buys her video games, stuffed animals, fast food meals, etc with that money and she is PROUD of herself for EARNING that money. How many kids today do you know around you, <b>EARN</b> their money? No, I don't mean walk up to the parent and ask for the money, or ask for something and the parent just buys it (like I did lol) I mean <b>EARN IT?</b> Exactly, it's a proud feeling she has when she does so, and it instills in her a level of respect not only for herself, but for the work she knows we do around the house as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, I rambled haha. The point is, lead your children. Don't let them lead you. They can't lead when they start a job right out of high school can they? They can't just call in and go "Eh, I don't feel like coming in today." can they? Nope, they'll get fired. They can't go rob a store just because they don't feel like earning a living can they? Nope, they'll end up with worse situations that'll follow them the rest of their lives. Did you get a call from the school because your student didn't want to listen to their teacher, and went toe to toe with them? Well, I don't know about you, but my kid would be worried to come home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsU9BWNqgW0OnitCINdtbkPdlr13rvYOcNhtxjU94Cu_3tQyKV5H09eYwB3gZ7idAgbsUU0uu5UE5ZrzY-iXfhEoChsX8DFvzrOVP50stgXq-xaXjA_rbPW67cVQlLdwqWumdP5Q170yyQ0uRRhYwvXXpZhnwTNu6uHcfED03J6sCmMR-0ZP-KagE/s1792/96420449_10221332791765029_2108487290572505088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1792" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsU9BWNqgW0OnitCINdtbkPdlr13rvYOcNhtxjU94Cu_3tQyKV5H09eYwB3gZ7idAgbsUU0uu5UE5ZrzY-iXfhEoChsX8DFvzrOVP50stgXq-xaXjA_rbPW67cVQlLdwqWumdP5Q170yyQ0uRRhYwvXXpZhnwTNu6uHcfED03J6sCmMR-0ZP-KagE/w640-h518/96420449_10221332791765029_2108487290572505088_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the other side of this though, my daughter knows I'm her friend. She knows she can come and sit with me and tell me she has a crush on ----- (yeah I'm not saying his name lol!!) and how it makes her feel. She knows she can tell me her dreams, her favorite movies and shows, her favorite music and songs, and more. One of my favorite things in the world is her running from her room or the dining room or wherever she is, just to happily tell me that something happened. This morning, it was to tell me about how in the cafeteria at school they offer sunbutter and jelly sandwiches with every lunch option. Not exactly hot off the press worthy, but she was excited to tell me this, and I listened and smiled and explained what those sandwiches used to represent in schools, and how it's great they don't anymore. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But my daughter also knows when I go tell her to empty the dishwasher, and she gives me an attitude or puts it off, those electronics are gone for the rest of the day and there is no discussion about it or way to "earn them back". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFURkM7QoCgTSyrJybxseTYqGgYuQ-cdzga0V91sXXs13aIYxQwfWtXYYzLJMO13QO_aEZBPUGN5JEM8qmacV5IdrTGYxWD-MH26I-Pdz_vCFYcr5OhkAVnhd2jzLApBylw4Jv06BtanM5Cnw1ftDnGGJJb8qfK_QMag-4Eg37jDXmkxsGpP7VnOY/s720/15823660_10210741785396489_5259035407757661308_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFURkM7QoCgTSyrJybxseTYqGgYuQ-cdzga0V91sXXs13aIYxQwfWtXYYzLJMO13QO_aEZBPUGN5JEM8qmacV5IdrTGYxWD-MH26I-Pdz_vCFYcr5OhkAVnhd2jzLApBylw4Jv06BtanM5Cnw1ftDnGGJJb8qfK_QMag-4Eg37jDXmkxsGpP7VnOY/w400-h400/15823660_10210741785396489_5259035407757661308_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I am proud to say, I am a Mother first, and a friend second!! I know you other mothers are too! I'm proud she can give me a big hug, a kiss, be happy, and yet know where those lines are drawn. That makes me the proudest Mother ever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">#reviewballerina #mommymondays #parenting #proudparent #monday #article</div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-5509236821034716802022-07-22T10:06:00.000-05:002022-07-22T10:06:01.853-05:00Nadine West: The Subscription Box for Women!<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIaSf9DMh953j9XQROYgs3ddz7qZOwE-tKU2QlsQT-DVK7jDhU0zPTZ7GTuhEkx42-l3tAYRfIxMzosKCDyo_FcfUh04mpcehk-ZFUHiL810t_gCokaa2IaxE1LlAQOQ-p9RJt0BdnVkFUtGr9A8N84oqOOojn_T1v5QbhgV1AsKp_tVtnMojQcb67" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="176" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIaSf9DMh953j9XQROYgs3ddz7qZOwE-tKU2QlsQT-DVK7jDhU0zPTZ7GTuhEkx42-l3tAYRfIxMzosKCDyo_FcfUh04mpcehk-ZFUHiL810t_gCokaa2IaxE1LlAQOQ-p9RJt0BdnVkFUtGr9A8N84oqOOojn_T1v5QbhgV1AsKp_tVtnMojQcb67=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://nadinewest.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Nadine West: Official Website</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NadineWestOutfits/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Nadine West: Official Facebook</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmByjpEOCDYjH2tYSxVkvArCSaPydaBND2nfhQBVbWoiLPE4TKlOVdpGUyXnmY5DdhcYESnlMSxjI9rhxyZe34PzHKfHAZvbl7ReKjCyj8YHqa1xTfTfDmxs7MLMj6pkHM7N1S7kSpKu_ZREyv_KCy-suR21b3OMc7KsWkV9SJCA3EMUqViEQzei-z/s472/Disclaimer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="472" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmByjpEOCDYjH2tYSxVkvArCSaPydaBND2nfhQBVbWoiLPE4TKlOVdpGUyXnmY5DdhcYESnlMSxjI9rhxyZe34PzHKfHAZvbl7ReKjCyj8YHqa1xTfTfDmxs7MLMj6pkHM7N1S7kSpKu_ZREyv_KCy-suR21b3OMc7KsWkV9SJCA3EMUqViEQzei-z/w200-h57/Disclaimer.png" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you're like me, finding clothes that not only fit, but look good on my body and also are affordable is almost impossible. But then I heard about Nadine West and after a few packages, I have to tell you all about this awesome subscription service!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b97logF_pdPDcE6GYm9xzvxiqWgBFWPD5LBeEViHEQ49eSQKIbqxFUJHb1HuK_B9at14_VP_fm4bXRc-LOqBoNzI36xQ2o52rWZFDhmKZKw09Ok3uL0qPj1cdcTTiIyWSY_3VeySwwJepsDaw16gjDxXlu6WJfVp18AiAWo3irqiSs4SwAFYvrUw/s900/Nadine-West-Subscription-Service-For-Women-7-900x600.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b97logF_pdPDcE6GYm9xzvxiqWgBFWPD5LBeEViHEQ49eSQKIbqxFUJHb1HuK_B9at14_VP_fm4bXRc-LOqBoNzI36xQ2o52rWZFDhmKZKw09Ok3uL0qPj1cdcTTiIyWSY_3VeySwwJepsDaw16gjDxXlu6WJfVp18AiAWo3irqiSs4SwAFYvrUw/w400-h266/Nadine-West-Subscription-Service-For-Women-7-900x600.jpg.webp" width="400" /></span></a></div><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Within a pink package that is delivered each month, are wrapped items that you cannot wait to tear open. I love how everything is pink ("On Wednesdays we wear pink!" - Mean Girls) as that is my favorite color. I'm hoping to actually receive more pink clothing soon, haha. Each package has anywhere from six to ten items that can include anything from shirts, skirts, jeans, jeggings, leggings, jewelry, dresses, and shorts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeMD-0iTE2nzwueY-YjpXl0fFZ1SGS7phOXSsaq4Mhl_g8PgePu9CAF9EOw3SZcexX8M0xL4w6dH2TOoNDUp4ag_L34lLwtN_q66LAajDAofP-IbI1mSv551yUlnRL-CDdI9LpTygJg90ZJ7VJxpPH_wz351hLWiJ2dBCvPN_7xnEiu8HcG1WEU0r/s2048/280717304_505148874506068_8650449452727453055_n%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1114" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeMD-0iTE2nzwueY-YjpXl0fFZ1SGS7phOXSsaq4Mhl_g8PgePu9CAF9EOw3SZcexX8M0xL4w6dH2TOoNDUp4ag_L34lLwtN_q66LAajDAofP-IbI1mSv551yUlnRL-CDdI9LpTygJg90ZJ7VJxpPH_wz351hLWiJ2dBCvPN_7xnEiu8HcG1WEU0r/w347-h640/280717304_505148874506068_8650449452727453055_n%20(1).jpg" width="347" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">This was the very first dress that I received from Nadine West, and immediately I fell in love. This picture actually does not do the dress justice but it gives you a good idea of everything. The dress is a plum color, and comes with pockets. I had not worn a dress in many, many, MANY years due to my lack of self-confidence. Anything that showed off my legs or I thought made me look even larger than I was already I would avoid. But this dress with the beautiful color and how soft it was I couldn't help myself! The straps across the chest are a bit of a "peek-a-boo" but I'm still covered and I love that I can feel cute, and a bit sexy, while also being modest. This dress was around $20-$25 I believe in my first package.<br /><br />When signing up for Nadine West, you'll begin a profile and choose different categories as to what you would like to wear. You can choose from florals, solids, abstract, etc for clothing which I must say, I have received a <i>LOT</i> of florals since I marked that one. There's also four different categories for the style of jewelry you'd like to receive, and also a few other options. When you first start, don't be surprised if you have to change the sizes you receive for your next package, or your styles. The first package will not be 100% perfect but keep in mind, you have a random person picking out your clothing for you and they have not only never met you, but they haven't seen you! So don't get discouraged by the first package not being exactly as you had predicted. Out of ten items on my first package, several shirts didn't fit me, the pants didn't fit me, and the jewelry was too small, but I didn't give up! After each package, they request you give feedback on all the items you were sent, which then helps them with your next package.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFceIFwcqhtCbk4wL-BQ7Nccz4GgDPC9GBh403zXlVZPdPmByENhsQri6w91-VVmpJzLMvCEVcAmfYwGrR8mlLje9pPL-HpvOdCBmPDlQS_U43Mwf7qGeXK3zYmuRPnL66QM457bWtNXHyDtXPafdXkvqephXSPSqI6YQi6ys74GqTb8AefYLJnGb1/s1686/290791311_540566570964298_7743096275300248773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFceIFwcqhtCbk4wL-BQ7Nccz4GgDPC9GBh403zXlVZPdPmByENhsQri6w91-VVmpJzLMvCEVcAmfYwGrR8mlLje9pPL-HpvOdCBmPDlQS_U43Mwf7qGeXK3zYmuRPnL66QM457bWtNXHyDtXPafdXkvqephXSPSqI6YQi6ys74GqTb8AefYLJnGb1/w242-h640/290791311_540566570964298_7743096275300248773_n.jpg" width="242" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">With package number two, I fell in love with the tops right away. I received two floral tops, and this one has become my favorite. It's a little short, but more importantly this shirt helped me to become more confident in another way. I have not worn shorts as long as I haven't worn dresses. A long time ago, I was wearing my bathing suit and some people started joking about how white and pale my legs looked. Being Scottish, it's not like my legs can tan! But for some reason that stuck with me, and I never wore shorts again no matter how hot the Texas Summer would get. In comes Nadine West! I had this pair of shorts from my Mom that fit great and now with the Nadine West shirts, I feel so confident and pretty! Sure, I'd love to be skinnier, and tanner, and be that "ideal body type" that society says I need to be but right now I feel gorgeous! The clothing from Nadine West can be thin so I'm going to have to buy some tan/strapless bras but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that they listened to my feed back and voila! The jewelry in package number two still didn't fit, and this time I got a dress that was so big, it fit me like a muu-muu. Very unflattering, lol. But the tops were so beautiful and I was, well in the words of Craig on Southpark "I was <i>so happy.</i>" Haha. In this package, the only two things that I could not enjoy out of six items were the necklace, and the dress. Everything else fit me wonderfully!</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">After the second package, you may begin to notice that your style is not quite what you thought it was. Don't be surprised if you decide to go in and continue to tweak your profile. The stylists at Nadine West will work with what you send, and they won't ignore you and what you say!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SeO5SfbR1tFVXCtJgoxXbLjdzuRZePM-nAGZF3iHM1LbKyQYWg7croh2vI9R9MCOZV4kLZCmMOshk0OcQtzKjOm2ZLRcT9PoOSeKnO2NAbvTIM5wVeHIpgNHo74a2IWdDUALlzL3GG5SJLDbcveVvqVAhtWgzuLDp6Igoa50a9vzo5JXL7OV8GV-/s2048/292687930_10226912993986597_1024444782587147070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1118" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SeO5SfbR1tFVXCtJgoxXbLjdzuRZePM-nAGZF3iHM1LbKyQYWg7croh2vI9R9MCOZV4kLZCmMOshk0OcQtzKjOm2ZLRcT9PoOSeKnO2NAbvTIM5wVeHIpgNHo74a2IWdDUALlzL3GG5SJLDbcveVvqVAhtWgzuLDp6Igoa50a9vzo5JXL7OV8GV-/w350-h640/292687930_10226912993986597_1024444782587147070_n.jpg" width="350" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">By package number three, I am now in Nadine West heaven! Look at this gorgeous dress! These pictures really do not show you the absolute gorgeous detailing and again, it has pockets! This one is also very soft, and is a little longer than the plum-colored one so that makes me feel more confident especially if there's a bit of wind that day. What I love is that this dress isn't as low cut, nor does it expose my chest. I'm a bit of a conservative when it comes to that sometimes so I don't want to show off everything! Can you believe this is what I got by package number three? It's so beautiful and fits so great!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj611oTt5ZZqcAPJgpBfbCwbE56vJbZ0ICf4ETSKYj0tNhdfwDyCtyMCilverD3EF5vb4Knp9PIOGnQNT0VGYb4vK1wi9UZDLkCwdaDYYxxQl8bRp2E64dvCam6uJPv2T5Y63MS_x59SI5jmFwfms86rOIWf6uVtE21GFau62HmjyZuG1EkX6d2KJGM/s960/292294188_10226913317754691_4157857889808869275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj611oTt5ZZqcAPJgpBfbCwbE56vJbZ0ICf4ETSKYj0tNhdfwDyCtyMCilverD3EF5vb4Knp9PIOGnQNT0VGYb4vK1wi9UZDLkCwdaDYYxxQl8bRp2E64dvCam6uJPv2T5Y63MS_x59SI5jmFwfms86rOIWf6uVtE21GFau62HmjyZuG1EkX6d2KJGM/w426-h640/292294188_10226913317754691_4157857889808869275_n.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is another shot that shows you all the detailing. It still doesn't reflect the coloring that you can see in person especially when out in the sun. But you can see the glamour of it and how much I enjoy it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvBttjyI-krnHcKB2NvtJuDhufVo367_M0al__cGJzucxFN8ARktPaLSy7AD54IYQcil3tHpphcVElkHj2dw_DbDuqBUOdmgXJl-wv_Bi6ezuXKqGcgANL6bB8M7kI7HUFGpiiyv5yZcj0_IfcVV7vm2k8-uhjn-ndMT477vmZaBH6I67s5C8M0dl/s1515/293867849_551198329901122_2577341569755972399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="1212" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvBttjyI-krnHcKB2NvtJuDhufVo367_M0al__cGJzucxFN8ARktPaLSy7AD54IYQcil3tHpphcVElkHj2dw_DbDuqBUOdmgXJl-wv_Bi6ezuXKqGcgANL6bB8M7kI7HUFGpiiyv5yZcj0_IfcVV7vm2k8-uhjn-ndMT477vmZaBH6I67s5C8M0dl/w512-h640/293867849_551198329901122_2577341569755972399_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In conclusion, I have to say that Nadine West is perfect for someone like me. The shirt above also came from them, and I'm actually wearing it right now. I feel lovely and confident thanks to Nadine West, and I want you all to feel the same! You can try Nadine West out, and get free shipping on you first package! Please note: I was not paid by Nadine West to post only a positive review for them. I know many have said negative things but keep in mind: It is more common for people to post negative than positive on the internet. I learned that a long time ago! So don't take my word for it, and don't take a negative review's word for it, try it for yourself! You won't be disappointed!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*referral link*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://share.nadinewest.com/x/ClgtnF">Click here to try Nadine West!</a></span></div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>#reviewballerina #nadinewest #nadineweststyle #clothing #monthlysubscriptionboxes #review </b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-20059842267280505512022-06-22T07:00:00.001-05:002022-06-22T07:00:00.178-05:00Recipe Wednesday: Baked Cinnamon Apples!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWCOvHsjH0zF2S_EDy56hKJKuIha5jk-5PlY-APpSDEbV610MmPWSe_LtTRimk9FKRpO3D75auraccrXO5tmn9qybDWbNUJU3dJ4QpCf_xvCFbiRgw9AddEgWSMIv2Gr6HY_-k4ri3hGDnYoRXy57WZCCG6Ftv5o1uWSfJIQ0WFefz_lujRNifneN/s975/DSC_5568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWCOvHsjH0zF2S_EDy56hKJKuIha5jk-5PlY-APpSDEbV610MmPWSe_LtTRimk9FKRpO3D75auraccrXO5tmn9qybDWbNUJU3dJ4QpCf_xvCFbiRgw9AddEgWSMIv2Gr6HY_-k4ri3hGDnYoRXy57WZCCG6Ftv5o1uWSfJIQ0WFefz_lujRNifneN/w426-h640/DSC_5568.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This has to be one of the most incredible desserts we've ever made! Make sure to make this with a little vanilla ice cream to cut the sweetness, as Dolly Parton said in Steel Magnolias!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="two-subcol-content-wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95); display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; justify-content: flex-start; margin: 0px; padding-right: 20px; text-align: start; width: 168px;"><div class="recipe-meta-item" style="align-items: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; padding-bottom: 16px; width: 148px;"><div class="recipe-meta-item-header elementFont__subtitle--bold elementFont__transformCapitalize" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 4px; text-transform: capitalize;">Prep:</div><div class="recipe-meta-item-body elementFont__subtitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px;">10 mins</div></div><div class="recipe-meta-item" style="align-items: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; padding-bottom: 16px; width: 148px;"><div class="recipe-meta-item-header elementFont__subtitle--bold elementFont__transformCapitalize" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 4px; text-transform: capitalize;">Cook:</div><div class="recipe-meta-item-body elementFont__subtitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px;">45 mins</div></div><div class="recipe-meta-item" style="align-items: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; padding-bottom: 16px; width: 148px;"><div class="recipe-meta-item-header elementFont__subtitle--bold elementFont__transformCapitalize" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 4px; text-transform: capitalize;">Total:</div><div class="recipe-meta-item-body elementFont__subtitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px;">55 mins</div></div></div><div class="two-subcol-content-wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95); display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; justify-content: flex-start; margin: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: start; width: 168px;"><div class="recipe-meta-item" style="align-items: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; padding-bottom: 16px; width: 168px;"><div class="recipe-meta-item-header elementFont__subtitle--bold elementFont__transformCapitalize" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 4px; text-transform: capitalize;">Servings:</div><div class="recipe-meta-item-body elementFont__subtitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px;">4</div></div><div class="recipe-meta-item" style="align-items: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; padding-bottom: 16px; width: 168px;"><div class="recipe-meta-item-header elementFont__subtitle--bold elementFont__transformCapitalize" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 4px; text-transform: capitalize;">Pan:</div><div class="recipe-meta-item-body elementFont__subtitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px;">1 8-inch glass pan</div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><u><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3-4 Golden Delicious Apples</li><li>2/3 Cup of Water</li><li>2 Tablespoons warm butter</li><li>1 1/2 Teaspoons all-purpose flour</li><li>1 Teaspoon corn starch</li><li>1/2 cup brown sugar</li><li>1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</li><li>1 Tablespoon honey</li><li>pinch of salt</li></ul><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div><u><span style="font-size: large;">Instructions</span></u></div><div><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Layer apple slices in the bottom of an 8-inch glass baking dish.</span> </li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix water, butter, flour, and cornstarch together in a bowl until no lumps remain. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Pour apples in the baking dish.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until soft and juicy, about 45 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once cooler, add one scoop of vanilla ice cream into bowl, and top with delicious apples!</span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">#recipe #recipewednesday</div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-11010006120979289312022-04-23T13:22:00.006-05:002022-04-23T13:22:58.982-05:00Positive Prints: Custom Star Map Review!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoS7CrrxVxxzQuiosJMF3ZmeW2q_QQtbeGBzBmf_HlmSzg8w222xENe-NycIdXOVH7hn8ZV9vO8d9jPt6H9xAJ07H9ieD2QBIeqkJK9EvuIkHop_GXcw2zGdkd1OwJwINR_FTR4GVpNFF7boxMyhHsodsnih1aaiExNQ1kkHMJQZouYm2XBnmC9-3/s2000/wp9744491.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoS7CrrxVxxzQuiosJMF3ZmeW2q_QQtbeGBzBmf_HlmSzg8w222xENe-NycIdXOVH7hn8ZV9vO8d9jPt6H9xAJ07H9ieD2QBIeqkJK9EvuIkHop_GXcw2zGdkd1OwJwINR_FTR4GVpNFF7boxMyhHsodsnih1aaiExNQ1kkHMJQZouYm2XBnmC9-3/w400-h200/wp9744491.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://positiveprints.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Positive Prints: Official Website</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepositiveprints" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Positive Prints: Official Facebook</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Positive Prints is a beautiful company that creates amazing artwork of your life events that are most important. Whether it's when you became a parent, met your spouse, moved somewhere, it doesn't matter! You can have a perfect print that shows off that moment for the rest of your life. I was lucky enough to receive a <a href="https://positiveprints.com/product/star-map/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Custom Star Map</a> which I customized for the day our daughter was born, and now I get to show all of you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqLMrYId0_sxiMNQRvuABbkWzz3b3QMXff6dHx16taJP3lbiZbsmAjItTbDXE2egP-DsrPf4AkK0S5fm_rFeKBiAoqq4PJ167iJzNhykO3_8B10UXy7DB49EF3PwuARTMTxDiJ8bn21HAl1-_Hvjguc6zR4xCuMmcQAhlYBR2kh2jCnHTageMPXdr/s4032/IMG_0647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqLMrYId0_sxiMNQRvuABbkWzz3b3QMXff6dHx16taJP3lbiZbsmAjItTbDXE2egP-DsrPf4AkK0S5fm_rFeKBiAoqq4PJ167iJzNhykO3_8B10UXy7DB49EF3PwuARTMTxDiJ8bn21HAl1-_Hvjguc6zR4xCuMmcQAhlYBR2kh2jCnHTageMPXdr/w480-h640/IMG_0647.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pardon my reflection, haha. Unfortunately the way our house is laid out there is not a window near the hallway, and the dining room light added too much to where you couldn't see the detail of the work. This positive print star map is from the night we became a family. On October 29, 2011 at 6:51pm in Arlington, Texas. I was lying on a table while our daughter was born via C-section to Nickelback's "If Everyone Cared" playing in the background. At 6lbs, 2oz and 19 inches long she was perfect. The moment she let out her first cry my husband and I wept and that began our adventure as a new family. I was able to enter in the following information on Positive Prints' website to re-create that event via a Star Map:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆ Time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆ Date</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆ Location</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆ Title</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆Subtitle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆Footnote</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgPhemBHn_CY-NkFRydWA4ejRdXOkp2AN6otI3JcxZ-tsKCxNjD0Pb-faYeIXJFqb0Y_1wJ4RsZhHlbH5_799_bgRKV84HT7aJhk78RLn-7j8rW94NLZdAWr0TlhPmVhCExcRBSaEER7W6KnRKjVDaBwEUOuDxubv1Ay54G7wcbEYrIpXePiO2mGl/s4032/IMG_0649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgPhemBHn_CY-NkFRydWA4ejRdXOkp2AN6otI3JcxZ-tsKCxNjD0Pb-faYeIXJFqb0Y_1wJ4RsZhHlbH5_799_bgRKV84HT7aJhk78RLn-7j8rW94NLZdAWr0TlhPmVhCExcRBSaEER7W6KnRKjVDaBwEUOuDxubv1Ay54G7wcbEYrIpXePiO2mGl/w480-h640/IMG_0649.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Immediately, you can see the preview move around to show you the night sky at that very moment which was really awesome. Then, you can choose different colors and styles for your amazing map. On top of that you can also include the following:<br /><br />⋆ Constellations and Names</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆Milky Way</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆Planets and Names</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆Grid Lines</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">⋆Ecliptic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjbHFSrhJq0BYlWzA5e-dwrzO74j9sErbMQWuIDy81ACMDISiaAP_kScbc90VtZvjwpy_q1VifZ7wlBSwl8bxOl1S_WKeEBS9XIpMnQ3UT6Y11T5sc2mTwOIfZcEN072GP-XRZGBgO3BnDhWH2pnBirZYTfIi0DFuYE6le4c5J_s3WPgWwmtr3v94/s4032/IMG_0648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjbHFSrhJq0BYlWzA5e-dwrzO74j9sErbMQWuIDy81ACMDISiaAP_kScbc90VtZvjwpy_q1VifZ7wlBSwl8bxOl1S_WKeEBS9XIpMnQ3UT6Y11T5sc2mTwOIfZcEN072GP-XRZGBgO3BnDhWH2pnBirZYTfIi0DFuYE6le4c5J_s3WPgWwmtr3v94/w480-h640/IMG_0648.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I chose the constellations but did not choose names so you can see all the constellations over Arlington, Texas that night right over our heads. Isn't that amazing? While our beautiful miracle creation was being born, all of these constellations were right over our heads! I also chose the heart shape because she truly is the love of our lives. We bought a $5 frame from Walmart which worked perfectly to showcase the coloring of our amazing heart and this beautiful work now rests in our home where everyone can see!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9cW4umMb8HP3G8Z_4xFHzKZYf0ZXc5FrSyRe7WKYlQTwA7ikltam53u1SQDjmK3jKZsMQh5Z7JSAqCD7e4WC8IpyDS0fVJJnYzBR7ZD98KHVcWpYmSNhM26AUU8Q8apEmQqrT1wjPaAHabfwoDx5TQyEnIXon3qmypZaKxUKqF7aXnKJLMBQtmSW/s4032/IMG_0650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9cW4umMb8HP3G8Z_4xFHzKZYf0ZXc5FrSyRe7WKYlQTwA7ikltam53u1SQDjmK3jKZsMQh5Z7JSAqCD7e4WC8IpyDS0fVJJnYzBR7ZD98KHVcWpYmSNhM26AUU8Q8apEmQqrT1wjPaAHabfwoDx5TQyEnIXon3qmypZaKxUKqF7aXnKJLMBQtmSW/w640-h480/IMG_0650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aww, my sweet little girl when she was itty bitty! I love our Positive Print, and it brings a newfound sense of family and love into our home every time we see it and pass by it. To know that was the night sky the night she was born makes me even more connected to her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can get your own Custom Star Map starting at <b>$28 </b>by going <a href="https://positiveprints.com/product/star-map/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> or you can view the other amazing prints they have by clicking their link above! I will say, it only took about 7 days for me to order, get the confirmation of the print, and get the print in the mail and I didn't pay for faster shipping! So you <i style="font-weight: bold;">could </i>order this in time for Mother's Day so take a look!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6vwxZm7KxSx2RDoVAqcIr5dMGo5XYL8_EwliwSF2R8x4bRTqeUnCgMyhMUs_4ISSFS5BS_O3MtMoZ--EZzn207pRyXJ7lTC7V4wKuLegBSqMUceb8ionJExB4jq7WFp3NJ6t9ruAuuKfPeTD_Lu7trXwDmjo-Z4Z4QwaUK9iveVFlotNkmBMb0DC/s472/Disclaimer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="472" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6vwxZm7KxSx2RDoVAqcIr5dMGo5XYL8_EwliwSF2R8x4bRTqeUnCgMyhMUs_4ISSFS5BS_O3MtMoZ--EZzn207pRyXJ7lTC7V4wKuLegBSqMUceb8ionJExB4jq7WFp3NJ6t9ruAuuKfPeTD_Lu7trXwDmjo-Z4Z4QwaUK9iveVFlotNkmBMb0DC/w200-h57/Disclaimer.png" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">#review #reviewballerina #positiveprints #homedecor #mothersday #love #heart #stars </div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-14158859694999941572022-04-13T08:47:00.001-05:002022-04-13T08:47:11.763-05:00Free Chocolate Bar from Red!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIWB60AkpWTTmUCrQFL36eOWybJLjsfzQ2k85F8hyMunXWmaI4N7dYJGsd799cC4NaBrzp8Y1NhPYBvjSTRhAOmljf6dAi5Br5Y-T1jqeXVYeQa-co-r6DJh2HvOymLoaNsibjK3ATbqexlhu95V2lfE5w3rT_ng-0K6GtHgFK1HHPiKaIKNiBs77z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIWB60AkpWTTmUCrQFL36eOWybJLjsfzQ2k85F8hyMunXWmaI4N7dYJGsd799cC4NaBrzp8Y1NhPYBvjSTRhAOmljf6dAi5Br5Y-T1jqeXVYeQa-co-r6DJh2HvOymLoaNsibjK3ATbqexlhu95V2lfE5w3rT_ng-0K6GtHgFK1HHPiKaIKNiBs77z" width="295" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey everyone! Check out this delicious opportunity for free chocolate! Just go <a href="https://red-chocolate.com/emotive/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and enter in your information to get a free chocolate bar! You should see “The form was sent successfully.” after you submit your information. Get it now!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-61406440311694517292022-04-13T08:00:00.004-05:002022-04-13T08:00:00.184-05:00Recipe Wednesday: Five Minute Fudge!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6Z92VnGNxmPsEBJ1YFwSR99De2mVmAi5UQTtb4GssVOX5fkMamgrPu9CKEVdgmSjJzaR0tgitjUcg602i-McbQCPFlH28JgqJXT3V1hYbFM2PKZ9IvVWl4t9m0yFFdrxmSq0rmq_QybAU5CJJ79std5Qj5gcWQgaPG6OirY13VIsfHobgIo3aMd7P" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6Z92VnGNxmPsEBJ1YFwSR99De2mVmAi5UQTtb4GssVOX5fkMamgrPu9CKEVdgmSjJzaR0tgitjUcg602i-McbQCPFlH28JgqJXT3V1hYbFM2PKZ9IvVWl4t9m0yFFdrxmSq0rmq_QybAU5CJJ79std5Qj5gcWQgaPG6OirY13VIsfHobgIo3aMd7P=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delicious, Decadent, Quick and Easy to Make! Take a look on how to make delicious 5 minute fudge!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips</li><li>9 ounces butterscotch chips </li><li>1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk </li><li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><u><span style="font-size: large;">Instructions</span></u></div><div><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lightly butter an 8-inch square pan. </li><li>Heat chocolate and butterscotch chips along with the sweetened condensed milk together over low heat. </li><li>Stir until fully melted and smooth. Velvety!</li><li>Stir in vanilla and remove from heat. </li><li>Pour into the prepared pan making sure the top is smoothed out, and chill covered in the refrigerator. </li><li>Slice and serve when fully cooled and you have some delicious, amazing fudge!</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><u><span style="font-size: large;">A Couple of Sweet Notes:</span></u></div><div><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you’re adding nuts, make sure to add them before removing the mixture from the heat. It will set up quickly once removed and you don't want the nuts to just fall off.<br /><br /></li><li> Any type of chip can be substituted for the butterscotch. Some suggestions: peanut butter, mint, a different depth of chocolate flavor, or even those delicious peppermint ones from Toll House!</li></ul></div></div><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">#recipe #recipewednesday</div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-53874459962445071872022-04-11T07:00:00.001-05:002022-04-11T07:00:00.178-05:00Mommy Mondays: Reasons I love being a Mom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5P3azYlEV1hGbPPoYE5QwuxTybZ-c7S4Ta7XWvFB-CSXfhc-yBygE-pHv3l1WKPX92ZlpB2cKq4jiOeARcavcAWAcH_b5cxihkoHYfj5p6ZJ_LzJojO0Wm2xkQiHSyUxl0t1FdC9Vbin7piuZWEO13La1Wj6-s_czAsiyTjcfTgX3v1xH4mgbFrz/s1250/mommymonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="1250" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5P3azYlEV1hGbPPoYE5QwuxTybZ-c7S4Ta7XWvFB-CSXfhc-yBygE-pHv3l1WKPX92ZlpB2cKq4jiOeARcavcAWAcH_b5cxihkoHYfj5p6ZJ_LzJojO0Wm2xkQiHSyUxl0t1FdC9Vbin7piuZWEO13La1Wj6-s_czAsiyTjcfTgX3v1xH4mgbFrz/w462-h156/mommymonday.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi Moms! It's Monday! I wanted to write something inspirational and something feel good. I realized, it's Mommy Monday! I should write about, being a Mom (duh!). I know how hard it can be sometimes. You are tired, stressed, running around cleaning and cooking, working, helping with homework. Sometimes you feel so guilty just wanting to hide in the closet with your glass of wine for five minutes. But, remember why you're so happy being a Mom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. My child brings me so much happiness!</b> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvR3jpFyxLb27knRyJxqKfVbHjuyJqaS-VyOAWTDLZVBSOvFRacFm8fNc_8Q4xASbEO-vOURKjUUfQr1M9fJdScoWqTQ-aCx5itu8uSp-smiwkqq-I11VKeXWUeZqqW2S3hCQAGyRWyrh-gdcQ8ANFMwOznOQwfeRAaWO0gGUdgPccpiu4hbLRG3g/s902/98185705_10221437113132998_6955859806871617536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="902" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvR3jpFyxLb27knRyJxqKfVbHjuyJqaS-VyOAWTDLZVBSOvFRacFm8fNc_8Q4xASbEO-vOURKjUUfQr1M9fJdScoWqTQ-aCx5itu8uSp-smiwkqq-I11VKeXWUeZqqW2S3hCQAGyRWyrh-gdcQ8ANFMwOznOQwfeRAaWO0gGUdgPccpiu4hbLRG3g/w400-h400/98185705_10221437113132998_6955859806871617536_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Has your husband/spouse ever just come up behind you and put their arms around you? They hug you close and smile and then you feel all your stress melt away? When my daughter rests against me, snuggles, cuddles, "Nuggles" (as we jokingly call it), hugs, or kisses me I feel that same feeling but times a thousand. She's my sweet miracle baby and finding that joy of Motherhood with her is completely a blessing. Life feels so incredible with her, and I know your children make you feel the same!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. I'm so proud to impact someone's life and guide them in a positive way!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDQJuM0k2ZQkrNIy_lAFWS4lqUQ9gnwH8bQQyThuovru1lwbWEwVoXHyh4a1Jkt2BxOYJQ8WMR_xFHRxLv8nElYZNat9WQFjhf7iMpSsxQ6d4A15YaeVZxXHSz8qgZ6RmpLT5v5yy-_XD3VxRYkwnlAORiq6BOrheNx6_ucyIt9WSBxQCmXtV7a9V/s2048/269703413_10225762550386226_8324370777161252288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDQJuM0k2ZQkrNIy_lAFWS4lqUQ9gnwH8bQQyThuovru1lwbWEwVoXHyh4a1Jkt2BxOYJQ8WMR_xFHRxLv8nElYZNat9WQFjhf7iMpSsxQ6d4A15YaeVZxXHSz8qgZ6RmpLT5v5yy-_XD3VxRYkwnlAORiq6BOrheNx6_ucyIt9WSBxQCmXtV7a9V/w400-h400/269703413_10225762550386226_8324370777161252288_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Growing up my childhood was split between two households: my Grandmother, and my Parents. My Grandma really didn't do a lot of "guiding" moreso she just kind of went through the motions in raising me. I wasn't taught how to balance a checkbook, understand about credit card debt, student loan debt, auto loans, etc. I wasn't even taught about how to live on my own and what happens if you don't pay a bill. I think if I'd had more time during the week with my parents they would've taught me so much more and helped me be an independent person. I'm so grateful that now as a Mom, I'm able to teach these things to my daughter. She already knows she doesn't <i>have</i> to attend college, but she can learn a trade (like auto tech) or something along those lines. She's learning about how to handle bullies so she doesn't skip school (like I would), and more. The fact is, being a parent is so rewarding because you get to help guide and lead a young soul into their own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Being a Mother is something no one can take from me, or you!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCeVog3ThC98rqu0k3s4zGYoJBJCPX34-EktGp9cP_kb2tkJZCfCR4wtsTWDk-CSfUiazsh568PlrIutvujnEuPo0ZV_UjY1DTb2PA98JutFC7vZzEXTX500XlgmN_RzPsrsK7T4792vHWkbcQJKCaFiJ1z3_WMvpEwYjg2OUNzyKBnc0eGpeBZS3/s960/21764919_10213236459521783_4193834603212504151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCeVog3ThC98rqu0k3s4zGYoJBJCPX34-EktGp9cP_kb2tkJZCfCR4wtsTWDk-CSfUiazsh568PlrIutvujnEuPo0ZV_UjY1DTb2PA98JutFC7vZzEXTX500XlgmN_RzPsrsK7T4792vHWkbcQJKCaFiJ1z3_WMvpEwYjg2OUNzyKBnc0eGpeBZS3/w400-h400/21764919_10213236459521783_4193834603212504151_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My situation is very unique in the sense that my Mom, is not my biological Mother. She though, is my Mom and no one can take that from her. Just as no one can take from me that I am my daughter's Mom. I work very hard to ensure she is taken care of, she is loved, respected, and more and that feeling is something that will never be taken away. Do you know that feeling? Whether you carried your child, adopted your child, or helped raise them, you're their Mom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMlKwYcYDaJaRaUUWlEt6UE07AMa4O7cJFkNeNbEq6KE3QzX-N-lm27gGjbAe2JP_IWR1I7HS0TJU6lHa6rr8duMyx1HBZe-Ew_QwNSrrMp-HBbDianX8XWOAqUgRP7bsyhMRHgLdQXNSRoGfvFYxgP1aHI33Tuel8LxQZg3_x55wWrljHg1CdOiB/s640/12313928_10207392914356806_1874398869307070799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMlKwYcYDaJaRaUUWlEt6UE07AMa4O7cJFkNeNbEq6KE3QzX-N-lm27gGjbAe2JP_IWR1I7HS0TJU6lHa6rr8duMyx1HBZe-Ew_QwNSrrMp-HBbDianX8XWOAqUgRP7bsyhMRHgLdQXNSRoGfvFYxgP1aHI33Tuel8LxQZg3_x55wWrljHg1CdOiB/w400-h400/12313928_10207392914356806_1874398869307070799_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. Being a Mother has helped me to be a more caring and giving person, and being more of a nurturing individual!</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I struggle with my own medical conditions, and sometimes I can appear grumpy even when I'm not. But when my daughter comes to me because she doesn't feel well, or wants to be snuggled, or wants to tell me something that is important to her, I get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside! I'm sure you do too, because you get to become this big cuddle bunny for your child to not only take care of them, but love and protect them. It makes you a better person too, because you put them before you.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. I love getting to see my husband be such an amazing Father!!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03dkdmiqQh8qYxec50lCJgzj_ofcsnDMNsU8hsO-gQncWOxX7IMbb4fPeya6Su2aLoYXi7vfMQNkO5wrNUWimESgWEwzjN0NXMqPHDrBPgalYExEBUIWZM5rOFaYG9C4AHFy9QvYd3Li2tvdoghwSPcWudS0W4gqVMA5pedXcsS9Qng-_cwG30NKX/s864/19145794_10212363741144369_4089004979968909934_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03dkdmiqQh8qYxec50lCJgzj_ofcsnDMNsU8hsO-gQncWOxX7IMbb4fPeya6Su2aLoYXi7vfMQNkO5wrNUWimESgWEwzjN0NXMqPHDrBPgalYExEBUIWZM5rOFaYG9C4AHFy9QvYd3Li2tvdoghwSPcWudS0W4gqVMA5pedXcsS9Qng-_cwG30NKX/w400-h400/19145794_10212363741144369_4089004979968909934_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I saved the absolute best for last, because this is definitely the best part of being a Mom for me. My husband did not grow up with a purely supportive household. His Dad really was never there for him, in fact his Dad was abusive at times. He went through that abuse until he was 15 or so, and then ended up homeless. The one thing he has always told me is he was going to raise his daughter, to never feel he wasn't there for her. My husband is an incredible father, and I adore knowing that I gave him that chance. <b>He has always told me that having me in his life made him a better man, but having his daughter has made his life perfect. </b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">#article #mommymondays #reviewballerina #moms #parents</div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-65693497436219720452022-04-09T16:01:00.000-05:002022-04-09T16:01:10.640-05:00April 9 - National Unicorn Day!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivMWEA2CjpoYBR7hZE9L0_771kD8zQQ6p9QzPLxfEHR6sU2VutxUjoMkR5zo2V87QYzqylQndGlnDzfsAvRdolMBxqrqo2FRzQNDEz-wWOKZglR-OjkxDtdaSkxbJYpKTUBwydgJ7bd89rifhlvS1ZO0Tyqh9UeMNDJrOsEk55YrhjnU5MtNswlyXq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1028" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivMWEA2CjpoYBR7hZE9L0_771kD8zQQ6p9QzPLxfEHR6sU2VutxUjoMkR5zo2V87QYzqylQndGlnDzfsAvRdolMBxqrqo2FRzQNDEz-wWOKZglR-OjkxDtdaSkxbJYpKTUBwydgJ7bd89rifhlvS1ZO0Tyqh9UeMNDJrOsEk55YrhjnU5MtNswlyXq=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you know that April 9 is National Unicorn Day? What a beautiful day for such a beautiful creature!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unicorns are mystical, majestic and of course, fictional. Although you'll see many places add cute little horns to their horses for children to pet and ride. Remember, Unicorns do not have wings, but they definitely floated right into all our hearts with their sprinkles of magic flying behind them as they run!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS77Ryl48rOWEOH-FJReFVEXHHCc9XOm12FA39mUViJz4tHRi1B-lMYB3-JxvZrR6y0XIfBgXOK9T6m81XNB_S4giMpqol5fKdWVzi16M5_lIT7jwBvc1GEDc6QryV4TJqJK74EtmfykOL0Ms0_U5HxP92pv73HJSj3lGruLtAhA8hqtXRZPeCQqzP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS77Ryl48rOWEOH-FJReFVEXHHCc9XOm12FA39mUViJz4tHRi1B-lMYB3-JxvZrR6y0XIfBgXOK9T6m81XNB_S4giMpqol5fKdWVzi16M5_lIT7jwBvc1GEDc6QryV4TJqJK74EtmfykOL0Ms0_U5HxP92pv73HJSj3lGruLtAhA8hqtXRZPeCQqzP=w640-h512" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>For your own Unicorn photoshoot, check out our experience <a href="https://www.thereviewballerina.com/2019/06/enchanted-fairies-beauty-of-return.html" rel="" target="_blank">here</a> or their official website <a href="https://enchanted-fairies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How about some adoriable (adorable, adoriable, you say tomato I say...) facts about the fictional Unicorn??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />1. Unicorns are born, and are only found on Earth - Despite possessing beauty and power that seemingly defy the laws of our universe, unicorns call our Earth “home.” Aren't we blessed to have them?<br /><br />2. Unicorns are energized and fed by the Sun! - If you happen to stumble upon a unicorn in the forest, you won’t see it munching grass. That’s way too boring, and come on grass is pretty bland. They actually use their horns to absorb the sun’s light and convert it into energy. No wonder we have so much sunlight every day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Unicorns are only found in Forests (Enchanted they must be!) - You’re pretty unlikely to ever see a unicorn unless you hike far and away. Of course, you should still stay vigilant the next time you take a stroll through the woods. Who knows, one could pass right by you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Unicorns tend to have Blue or Purple Eyes - Sometimes if the prominent color of a passing Unicorn is green you may find their eye color matches. But just like humans, that is more rare than the sighting <i>of</i> a Unicorn! <br /><br />5. They are magical beyond all worldly feeling and love - If you manage to lay hands on a white unicorn, you’ll receive a special gift: Eternal Happiness. Finding one that happens to sheen rainbow in the sunlight will give you Everlasting Peace with Nature, but again those are even more rare!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcaKIH6APu71hIT8GY3E3RcpX8IadmMYPAbk0tRCVtU0IghgQBy9MhiIk-iDqjRNuzZ68VDeusrpqJ6ehIql7t6tIKWB5oI4j82nKSWEfbHzHz29J6U43TFsfPwMAcB4bpI0fLhnFspQTxgun4N3VOacxjsvU0pqwqA0d7AmpkvhOKPPhiBIwTEzrL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcaKIH6APu71hIT8GY3E3RcpX8IadmMYPAbk0tRCVtU0IghgQBy9MhiIk-iDqjRNuzZ68VDeusrpqJ6ehIql7t6tIKWB5oI4j82nKSWEfbHzHz29J6U43TFsfPwMAcB4bpI0fLhnFspQTxgun4N3VOacxjsvU0pqwqA0d7AmpkvhOKPPhiBIwTEzrL=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unicorns today can be found on clothes, shoes, furniture, wallpaper, and more. Try to get with your children today, and "find" a Unicorn in your home! Comment below, or tag @reviewballet (instagram) or @reviewballerina (Twitter) with the picture of you with your Unicorn!</div><br /><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media4.giphy.com/media/26vUw5sYGcqmMDoBy/giphy.gif?cid=e2a3cbdeqf8hzzocn4fjfop3b489islo5blyluy9y31b963j&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="425" height="461" src="https://media4.giphy.com/media/26vUw5sYGcqmMDoBy/giphy.gif?cid=e2a3cbdeqf8hzzocn4fjfop3b489islo5blyluy9y31b963j&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-29588141711535274652022-03-27T15:11:00.004-05:002022-03-27T15:11:43.194-05:00Luca & Friends: The Fun Way To learn STEM and More!<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaz_JJWaadOaIDgDnC6d_B5Lv4I18KMhtjgtSgivYgJp4jNMCcnzcb0ffuo062Vr8a8puYEpnzYeFUAHQh48A50caiD_DFDKcNZP2axqWAmM-9BHTcB71EZTMXGowiQ6DE7D_K-5Ka9Xk8ZNJvQ43mnua9-w_CGWf9XyJaky4bEv-XugXsKFyfW1UQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="81" data-original-width="400" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaz_JJWaadOaIDgDnC6d_B5Lv4I18KMhtjgtSgivYgJp4jNMCcnzcb0ffuo062Vr8a8puYEpnzYeFUAHQh48A50caiD_DFDKcNZP2axqWAmM-9BHTcB71EZTMXGowiQ6DE7D_K-5Ka9Xk8ZNJvQ43mnua9-w_CGWf9XyJaky4bEv-XugXsKFyfW1UQ=w400-h81" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.lucafriends.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Luca & Friends: Official Website</b></a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucafriendsofficial/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Luca & Friends: Official Instagram</b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have a child ages 4-8, you have probably already started wondering how to keep them immersed in learning, while knowing that these days it's all about apps and gaming. Luca & Friends is a new ground-breaking children’s app from GOFA INTERNATIONAL. This is a one of a kind learning app that connects your children to education, fitness, and healthier habits through AI technology! Whether your child goes to school then comes home, does K12 Public School, or is homeschooled, this is a fantastic opportunity for them to grow at their own pace!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>All images courtesy of Luca & Friends.</b></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM4OFf2_Le7XZGMibfTcdShpRWCQ07QeJ14AD5_ZykvRmMWG7aMZ9bQXMjrt-rC-BaGL_KEJV1UO5Erm5mlUxO0lYeDV9AckgL1_-V0cHWJo6nHuVyH4dI7D3kojPTGJnF31LH79oWQC-J-ck6Qymf180hVUWlWfjVJgBPmHc_HVNUuoVZIYwVIbu-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="462" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM4OFf2_Le7XZGMibfTcdShpRWCQ07QeJ14AD5_ZykvRmMWG7aMZ9bQXMjrt-rC-BaGL_KEJV1UO5Erm5mlUxO0lYeDV9AckgL1_-V0cHWJo6nHuVyH4dI7D3kojPTGJnF31LH79oWQC-J-ck6Qymf180hVUWlWfjVJgBPmHc_HVNUuoVZIYwVIbu-=w400-h253" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So who are Luca and his friends? Well, Prince Luca has three fluffy friends: Pumkey, Digby, and Mighty Coca. Together, these awesome foursomes accompany your kids to the exciting worlds of learning. By getting up and moving in a meaningful way this can make up for the lack of genuine movement they get on an every day basis. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoBRl4rdrWB9TdMnpcNGKBSKGxctsZHHnn2mtls2zgY4s-4J3kf9G60sIHNFxbcxiaYwOKKiRMkdiUbSVI7TwIcy0NM572YLRC5LtjsPrNdKPpHbzl3Nn7i9W0C92zxYWvlJVHTlJUH0Z0F0_Z6yS0fjKLMCBnPEZhOExkVN9qFgYWpuvclZa3z2ym" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoBRl4rdrWB9TdMnpcNGKBSKGxctsZHHnn2mtls2zgY4s-4J3kf9G60sIHNFxbcxiaYwOKKiRMkdiUbSVI7TwIcy0NM572YLRC5LtjsPrNdKPpHbzl3Nn7i9W0C92zxYWvlJVHTlJUH0Z0F0_Z6yS0fjKLMCBnPEZhOExkVN9qFgYWpuvclZa3z2ym=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you have calibrated your device with the software (as simple as standing in the middle of a square and following simple directions to ensure the progress bar runs and can keep up with your child) your child then simply stands in front of the device, moving around catching objects! It's fun, silly, but they are learning as they go! During school summers, this is a great way for a child in Texas to still exercise and have fun while the over 100 degree heat outside keeps them indoors!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizL8Li5jUuNFxv0peLis_qHJT7Bui2GDKSFT02tR2vScb_1KkgrqRPxWiSncM1xVUh_Xc-u4ZNbDxJW_WsBYok4sAynrKASQ0W9_OOut2HDWQTgeXTy9uUtORRuF38fBXXeVZBhBc5OS050rimxDlB9x6p27iFCkrOslnOcdwSb7Gt73K7eIX9_TNU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="840" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizL8Li5jUuNFxv0peLis_qHJT7Bui2GDKSFT02tR2vScb_1KkgrqRPxWiSncM1xVUh_Xc-u4ZNbDxJW_WsBYok4sAynrKASQ0W9_OOut2HDWQTgeXTy9uUtORRuF38fBXXeVZBhBc5OS050rimxDlB9x6p27iFCkrOslnOcdwSb7Gt73K7eIX9_TNU=w400-h209" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A perfect example of how to keep your child having fun, while doing so indoors! There is no way I'd throw this many soccer balls at my daughter going "Here! Don't hit the glass!" Haha. So this way, your child is having fun, safely, and the best part, <b>the parent dashboard!!</b> That's right! When all the events are over, you can go onto the dashboard to check out the results! This provides a summary of progress, a game log, and overview of skills learned. I love that, I love that it'll tell me what we should work on rather than just going from lesson to lesson and hoping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiENeYNeI467vZrYc36Z0Ys_xAgEbdCsbG1S112K3LDVbTz5cu01OXmj2HNUIiYIwYDU7dD_VKNA19adr40e7hg_SjBMwKfzFTguTFJFaLcxYy5Z05lG15I9gFEYvD1s1R1ZdrimGuX-fyFIwZrGiASGTCdBhogPsz1jo2fQkL8HkCRsyVVz5B1rDSL"><img alt="" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="822" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiENeYNeI467vZrYc36Z0Ys_xAgEbdCsbG1S112K3LDVbTz5cu01OXmj2HNUIiYIwYDU7dD_VKNA19adr40e7hg_SjBMwKfzFTguTFJFaLcxYy5Z05lG15I9gFEYvD1s1R1ZdrimGuX-fyFIwZrGiASGTCdBhogPsz1jo2fQkL8HkCRsyVVz5B1rDSL=w400-h181" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Teachers and Educators!!</b> Also keep in mind, this could be amazing in your class room! Do you have Kindergarteners that are just so energetic, and it's raining outside so there is no recess that day? Get them bouncing to Luca and his friends! They can learn, be silly and laugh as they play games while you know they're getting to their highest potential! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can find these products in your app stores or you can go <b><a href="https://www.lucafriends.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> </b>to find out more information! <b>Please note: At this time, the app is free, but it will be switching to a subscription model soon! So that means...<i><u>GIVEAWAY!!!!</u></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>To enter to win a one year subscription of Luca & Friends, just go below and enter, that simple! The winner will be announced on April 15 on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reviewballerina" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Review Ballerina on Facebook</a> as well as the <a href="http://www.thereviewballerina.com/p/giveaways-winners-announcements.html" rel="nofollow">Giveaway Winner Page</a> so make sure to have that page liked and keep an eye out! Winner will have until April 20, 2022 from announcement to claim their prize otherwise another winner will be picked! Good luck everyone!!</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div><br /><b><center><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="a8f096f024" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a8f096f024/" id="rcwidget_2shsmq4r" rel="nofollow">Go Here to Enter!!</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></center></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><i>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</i></div></div></div></div></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-76734561423384919302022-02-21T07:00:00.010-06:002022-03-27T10:29:49.311-05:00Mommy Mondays: Top 3 Things to Remember Always Being Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjU-cWklQ2nc5s_gDc4PRi8Ufmj2TYCWpVqeucgSHFeDGQXW7Z3ST7FMWDoP6KWNDt3IkWfXXs5s9VsiP-UYbLg1w1KT9uhAVEs0szjXeXO5h59mPTH-z8jI18rPl8qyUQhUTWjyd24oDiHOikL1Nex3oLPR6oFcttTp03lC6rXsGKE07tV7D2kLvfL=s1250" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="1250" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjU-cWklQ2nc5s_gDc4PRi8Ufmj2TYCWpVqeucgSHFeDGQXW7Z3ST7FMWDoP6KWNDt3IkWfXXs5s9VsiP-UYbLg1w1KT9uhAVEs0szjXeXO5h59mPTH-z8jI18rPl8qyUQhUTWjyd24oDiHOikL1Nex3oLPR6oFcttTp03lC6rXsGKE07tV7D2kLvfL=w446-h152" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been working from home since 2012. I have found over the years that many women have moved from working in person to at home, and even though my husband is a stay at home father (explained before and later in this) I tend to do a lot on my own. My daughter is also doing her school from home so during the day I'm not only an employee for a company, I'm a learning coach, and a Mother. Here are just some tips that help me get through the days that may assist you all as you transition!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://c.tenor.com/cCrgKg64-ngAAAAC/the-simpsons-marge-simpson.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="498" height="373" src="https://c.tenor.com/cCrgKg64-ngAAAAC/the-simpsons-marge-simpson.gif" width="498" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1. </b><u style="font-weight: bold;">Do not panic if you get handed many things at once.</u> I have to tell myself this all the time. I'll be working on two jobs at the same time from home (I have an on and off part time marketing job as well as my other job) and suddenly, my daughter needs help with 4th grade math. On top of that, I have many people that are overseas that come to me with questions and comments about work that have to be answered quickly. I've learned one very important thing and that is<b> prioritize</b>. Your daughter needs help, and most of the time that is the reason you are working from home right? You wanted to be able to assist your children, spend more time with them, etc. Fine, tell your co-workers "give me two minutes." and quickly help them. If you can't do it in a couple of minutes, tell your child to pat the head and rub the tummy for a couple of minutes and catch up your work! <b>Just don't do both at the same time</b>. By the time you're done your heart will be going so fast you won't want to slow down and people will tell you to "calm down" when you're calm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a6c5d235206d12a465e741713733ca52/tumblr_pc1mm6NeU71wmthl7o1_500.gifv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="480" height="368" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a6c5d235206d12a465e741713733ca52/tumblr_pc1mm6NeU71wmthl7o1_500.gifv" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>2. </b><u style="font-weight: bold;">Take care of yourself every day</u>. This is one I tend not to do, and I should but it's so hard when you get run down. My daughter finishes school and immediately you go from teacher to parent again. But, you're still working. By mid-day you're starting to wonder if your work is even getting done at the quality it should. I've also learned as a mother that even though my husband is very hands on with our daughter, I tend to want to be in charge. Not his fault, I just feel like if I don't see what is happening then if it goes wrong how can I fix it? Some days, I should just hand him the reins but...I don't. So take care of yourself as a mother! Soon as you can tell your husband he needs to take care of the kids so you can go hide in the bed room! Sneak a snickers bar, sit in silence, take a bite and savor it. If not you'll get cranky and you don't want to be cranky. Believe me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BackPhysicalAlbacoretuna-size_restricted.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="370" height="250" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BackPhysicalAlbacoretuna-size_restricted.gif" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, this is really important you must remember this every day: <b>YOU ARE ONLY HUMAN! </b>Society expects women today to somehow be perfect robots. We're expected to wake up, wear make up and dress perfectly, make gorgeous breakfasts, send the kids off to school, do laundry and clean the house while somehow working 8 hours from home, help the kids with homework, make dinner (see how I forgot lunch since most of us don't get to eat mid day?), all while the husband goes to work and comes home. <b>You're a human, not a cyborg</b>. If you can't get the laundry done, just do it the next day! If you didn't do dishes, well he's perfectly capable of doing it even if he does it wrong. The bed doesn't need to be made every day if your back is killing you. <b>Listen to your body</b>. You only get one life with the family you're with right now, so relax and enjoy those days with your kids! Mess is fun, mess may be annoying but it also means...your home and children are loved. </div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div></b>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-39789561180856923732022-01-20T09:54:00.002-06:002022-01-20T09:54:21.902-06:00ShutEye - The Application That Records You at Night!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9l-ay9k-0suBJ2Je8iFfvLjqGX16mNdxkd8omvkVjLkVkxiD_k4nGF6LnWukYHZzrHLMzGMlQ7O04Ea0W7aTvvLSjzVl_Q56g5EgVPtgNaOzUnQZdFeBdgZLURfF0SOW9zheLOgF-LAE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9l-ay9k-0suBJ2Je8iFfvLjqGX16mNdxkd8omvkVjLkVkxiD_k4nGF6LnWukYHZzrHLMzGMlQ7O04Ea0W7aTvvLSjzVl_Q56g5EgVPtgNaOzUnQZdFeBdgZLURfF0SOW9zheLOgF-LAE/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shuteye-sleep-tracker/id1490078804" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Store Link</a><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the last several...well years, I have not been able to sleep well. I've gained more weight, had severe stress due to bad neighbors, struggled financially due to COVID19 impacting one of my jobs, and even my blog took a nose dive like many others because companies are forced to shut down. Just like millions of other people in the world stress makes me think and worry once my head hits the pillow. I was scrolling through Facebook one night in bed (who doesn't, right?) and saw this advertisement for ShutEye. You get a 7-day trial period and I thought, what the heck? Let's give it a shot!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxnqJGbB3sBRBKf1LadHPNLq8wKB2L92idX56uikLpi4jR4ZNPIDykCyJHEt1cRN3p_jws7ufiO5TpFp5i17X5BWqJLOAoxo_VzbpWG9CotSBcSX4bF8j5ZgUkzlodhBIPjVewvPAZGU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxnqJGbB3sBRBKf1LadHPNLq8wKB2L92idX56uikLpi4jR4ZNPIDykCyJHEt1cRN3p_jws7ufiO5TpFp5i17X5BWqJLOAoxo_VzbpWG9CotSBcSX4bF8j5ZgUkzlodhBIPjVewvPAZGU/w296-h640/IMG_0045.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After signing up for the trial I started checking out the main page. I love how there are daily insights that give you the opportunity to learn more about sleep patterns. On the same page, are chants, mantras, music, white noise/nature sounds, and more. I used the "Thunderstorm" sound to fall asleep the first couple of nights and let me tell you...when you don't have to worry about a 67 pound chocolate lab turning into a lap dog due to thunder and lightning, and instead just relaxing listening to the rain, it's <b><i> WONDERFUL!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMGkCoiu30TaEolpwkaAfOUmX3HwuXKzuBlSFOawIjtqGsy_e9kXZd1J3xOq9toGt4nIG3HMKDKIB49BDSgoJT6l5J-yxgcMBMJSv_kI3G7GvoiFd7z-4nbNkpciI_tHWxT5XKpmD7fc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMGkCoiu30TaEolpwkaAfOUmX3HwuXKzuBlSFOawIjtqGsy_e9kXZd1J3xOq9toGt4nIG3HMKDKIB49BDSgoJT6l5J-yxgcMBMJSv_kI3G7GvoiFd7z-4nbNkpciI_tHWxT5XKpmD7fc/w296-h640/IMG_0046.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now here's where I get critical as obviously, I want this application to assist me correctly. This application assumes that I'm asleep as soon as I click that little blue moon at the bottom and tell it, "I'm going to sleep". The moment it begins recording it seems to think we're just knocked out. I only have one friend who can do that, haha. But it does seem to handle the deep sleep, light sleep, etc very well. I do remember waking up at the times it's showing. Boy, do you see my snore length? Ugh boy do I hate snoring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07P5pn4_HQaWt12sP80U60-nlB1Hzt44oxxmFgq8NxpQioVDBIDpFrtkLHQWfXzMPfUkTE1ymkeFEQjqn53iyfusG_SOpH1HWOOWTGFZBBT4amrp6Saaw12j6iBLtH-BLPFgjwIFG6JM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07P5pn4_HQaWt12sP80U60-nlB1Hzt44oxxmFgq8NxpQioVDBIDpFrtkLHQWfXzMPfUkTE1ymkeFEQjqn53iyfusG_SOpH1HWOOWTGFZBBT4amrp6Saaw12j6iBLtH-BLPFgjwIFG6JM/w296-h640/IMG_0047.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hah, their version of "talking in sleep" is me just letting out a groan here and there. The snoring? Yes, definitely that's me snoring and unfortunately in the Winter I am a loud snorer. Our heater has to run more frequently, it dries out the sinuse and blam, you've got snores! I'd use the humidifier, but that's a whole other ball of issues. Anyway, the "Noise" part I actually was grateful to have. My ceiling fan after the heater has been blowing on it makes it creak, and I had no idea it was waking me up so much! It was pulling me out of my deep sleep quite a bit, so now we need to figure that out to make a more quieter sleep for me. At the bottom you can see where it discusses risks. It even tracks your Sleep Apnea! I do have it it seems, for 30 seconds at a time but not often. I need to lose weight, but who doesn't?<br /><br />I'm not going to purchase this application, and I may go ahead and shut it down. It does make mistakes that can cause some false recordings. My daughter sleeps with me sometimes and it was mistaking her whines, whimpers, and so on for me. I also don't like that it records all night which can cause major problems on your cell phone battery. If you keep it plugged in, and use it at the same time for too long you can cause your battery max power to go down. But for those who really like the scientific form of Sleep assistance, I say go for it!</div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div></b>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-59976536674077119442021-10-13T18:20:00.001-05:002021-10-13T18:20:02.023-05:00Recipe Wednesday: Lemon Lush!<div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMecXvWvFOvo96fIy3EBSCwuKmg8RkfcRV-yHsrsC4yn34izZMQTuw8Pp0BjMv4kaS6P9c6H_2Wo-PhqA-mqao-RKvpbXcSSw4Mic_6EBj-BbqdSW2DGlDWsSeqrPU-dBFCmmMvGFReU/s752/lemon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="525" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMecXvWvFOvo96fIy3EBSCwuKmg8RkfcRV-yHsrsC4yn34izZMQTuw8Pp0BjMv4kaS6P9c6H_2Wo-PhqA-mqao-RKvpbXcSSw4Mic_6EBj-BbqdSW2DGlDWsSeqrPU-dBFCmmMvGFReU/w446-h640/lemon.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><br /><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">It is seriously like the best lemon merengue pie ever but in a different form! Enjoy!!</span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span><a name='more'></a></span><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><u>Ingredients</u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><u>For the Crust Layer:</u></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><ul><li><span>1 cup butter softened, but not to room temperature</span></li><li><span>2 cups flour</span></li><li><span>1/4 cup sugar</span></li><li><span>1/2 cup pecans chopped in small pieces (Personally, I like this without nuts!)<br /><br /></span></li></ul></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><u>For the Cream Cheese Layer:<br /><br /></u></div></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 packages cream cheese 8 oz</li><li><span>1 cup powdered sugar</span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><u style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">For the Pudding Layer:</u></div><div><u style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></u></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;">2 packages lemon instant pudding 3 oz</span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;"><span>3 1/2 cups cold milk<br /><br /></span></span></li></ul></div><div><u style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">For the Topping:</u></div><div><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;">1 container cool whip 16 oz<br /></span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;">lemon zest optional</span></li></ul><div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><u>Instructions</u></b></div></div></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;"><u>Crust Layer</u></span></div><div><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;">Stir together butter, flour, sugar, and chopped pecans in a mixing bowl. (A fork works really well to get everything mixed together.)</span></li><li><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Press into an ungreased 9x13 baking dish and bake 15-20 minutes at 350° F, or until a light golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.</span></span></li></ul><div><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><u>Cream Cheese Layer<br /><br /></u></span></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;">Beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Spread over cooled crust.</span></li></ul><div><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><u>Pudding Layer</u></span></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;">In another mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mixes and milk. Allow to sit for 5 minutes to thicken up. Spread on top of the cream cheese layer; cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour.</span></li></ul><div><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><u>Topping</u></span></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505; font-size: 14px;">Spread whipped topping over the pudding layer. Cut into 18-24 pieces (depending on how large or small you cut them) and garnish with fresh lemon zest. Keep leftovers covered and stored in the fridge.</span></li></ul></div><div><u style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-49629226457652229472021-10-07T11:52:00.010-05:002021-10-07T14:46:36.477-05:00Recipe Wednesday: Strawberry Shortbread!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M3Awk6zO1PKx7bWnXViCxUNzzPnUqOFCyuCDoSpC09apW2tIWcLKolY3Ml1H01FFDAR8JjgzX0Zg4AHafb9drvtC082yHCU0DwMLVg59TLjjl766oWfzSL2QTDJ1sjbscl4aSdhBMdE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M3Awk6zO1PKx7bWnXViCxUNzzPnUqOFCyuCDoSpC09apW2tIWcLKolY3Ml1H01FFDAR8JjgzX0Zg4AHafb9drvtC082yHCU0DwMLVg59TLjjl766oWfzSL2QTDJ1sjbscl4aSdhBMdE/w443-h640/image.png" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delicious Strawberry Shortbread, a must have during a get together!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><b><u>Ingredients</u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><u>For the Bread:</u></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;: pre-wrap;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3/4 cup granulated sugar</li><li>1/2 cup milk</li><li>1/2 cup oil</li><li>1 large egg</li><li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract</li><li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>2 teaspoons baking powder** (see notes)</li><li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li>2 cups diced strawberries</li><li>2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</li></ul></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><u>For the Glaze:</u></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><u><br /></u></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 cups powdered sugar</li><li>2 tablespoons melted butter</li><li>1/3 cup finely diced strawberries</li><li>1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract</li><li>1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk** (optional)</li></ul></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color:; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color:; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><b><u>Instructions</u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: ; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; : pre-wrap;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.</li><li>In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, milk, oil, egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.</li><li>In a small bowl, toss together the strawberries and the 2 tablespoons of flour to coat the strawberries. Fold the floured strawberries gently into the batter.</li><li>Pour the bread batter into a greased 9"x5" bread pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center of the bread should come out clean. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes, then remove the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.</li><li>To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, diced strawberries and extract in a small bowl. Mix until it is smooth.</li><li>Once the bread is cool, spread the glaze on top of the bread. Slice and serve. </li></ul></div></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-91451067198848341712021-06-30T07:00:00.004-05:002021-10-07T14:52:29.722-05:00Recipe Wednesday: BLT Deviled Eggs (KETO)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UbCWCRssuDOAq_ogz_e3diGyTHgUkGIy2F57aSbSyJ6FmxG8Mv5k_lbxTCsm_jqSpYOV7XNZsHBZe4MBALMCPcRBL8UUgcyiNZKxOWJk1JcjQhwzNqRwF3HiB8mB4BrwJ4QzMA2UCsQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UbCWCRssuDOAq_ogz_e3diGyTHgUkGIy2F57aSbSyJ6FmxG8Mv5k_lbxTCsm_jqSpYOV7XNZsHBZe4MBALMCPcRBL8UUgcyiNZKxOWJk1JcjQhwzNqRwF3HiB8mB4BrwJ4QzMA2UCsQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvEk0pQd3YWVjf2OqtGkF6lOQbOaH6zPTb3PqWTztYjB-0eot-M7-id9mYId-OtZqCFAIoUQC8qFr3tmbcIHgcTr969zr9UnfvkDnaXjKnmZiUOPLgYurn2PL0i_fVNmV_6nl6UQPzP4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvEk0pQd3YWVjf2OqtGkF6lOQbOaH6zPTb3PqWTztYjB-0eot-M7-id9mYId-OtZqCFAIoUQC8qFr3tmbcIHgcTr969zr9UnfvkDnaXjKnmZiUOPLgYurn2PL0i_fVNmV_6nl6UQPzP4/w605-h640/image.png" width="605" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://ketogasm.com/blt-deviled-eggs-recipe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BLT Deviled Eggs (KETO) Recipe</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My husband makes these for every party practically that we go to. They are devoured and requested on numerous occasions! I'm sharing this amazing recipe with everyone because it's just too good to keep to ourselves...just know we'll still bring them to parties!!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div id="zlrecipe-prep-time" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13.6px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="background-color: ; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prep Time: <span content="PT45M" itemprop="prepTime" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 minutes</span></span></span></div><div id="zlrecipe-cook-time" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13.6px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="background-color:; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cook Time: <span content="PT25M" itemprop="cookTime" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">20 minutes</span></span></span></div><div id="zlrecipe-cook-time" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13.6px; font-stretch: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span content="PT25M" itemprop="cookTime" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: ; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Makes: </b>12 servings</span></span></div><div id="zlrecipe-cook-time" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13.6px; font-stretch: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span content="PT25M" itemprop="cookTime" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div id="zlrecipe-cook-time" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span content="PT25M" itemprop="cookTime" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.25em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients</span></span></div><div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-0" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-1" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-2" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul style="line-height: inherit;"><li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6 eggs - hardboiled</span></span></li><li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled to bits</span></span></li><li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup of Mayo</span></span></li><li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, minced</span></span></li><li><span style="font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 stalks green onion chopped</span></span></li><li><span style="font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></span></li></ul><div><div class="h-4 strong" id="zlrecipe-instructions" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 1.25em; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instructions</span></span></div><ol class="instructions" id="zlrecipe-instructions-list" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 3em; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Halve each of the eggs from end to end. </span></li><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remove the yolk and place in medium sized bowl. </span></li><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pulverize the yolk and mix in the remaining ingredients: bacon, mayonnaise, sun-dried tomatoes, and most of the green onion. Save a small amount of the green onion for garnish. Stir until the the mixture appears smooth and ingredients are evenly distributed. </span></li><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Taste the yolk mixture and add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier mixture, take this opportunity to fine tune the taste and texture by blending in more mayonnaise. </span></li><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fill the wells of the egg whites with the yolk mixture. You can spoon the yolk mixture into the wells, but I prefer to use a piping bag to evenly disperse the mixture. I find it easier and more aesthetically pleasing. </span></li><li class="instruction" id="zlrecipe-instruction-0" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Garnish with the remaining green onion and arrange on a serving platter or storage container. Chill until ready to serve.</span></li></ol><div><span><br /></span></div></div><div><span><b>Side Note:</b> We actually prefer these slightly warm, like room temperature but many prefer them chilled! Have one, five, or all twelve!!</span></div></div></span></span></div></div><br /></div><div><div class="ingredient" id="zlrecipe-ingredient-3" itemprop="ingredients" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 19.2px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make sure and take pictures if you choose to make these and send them to me!</span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 19.2px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div></div><span face="'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" id="zlrecipe-ingredients-list" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div></b>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-51324588753852652832021-06-29T07:00:00.001-05:002021-06-29T07:00:00.201-05:00Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten 90s Shows Kids of Today will Love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media4.giphy.com/media/NNLh4XfRK6t9e/giphy.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://media4.giphy.com/media/NNLh4XfRK6t9e/giphy.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am definitely a 90s Mom. Seriously, I would prefer watching the original Roseanne or Grace Under Fire any day of the week over the current shows. <b>BUT!! </b>Thanks to the amazing works of Paramount+ we can now show our kids the awesome shows that we used to watch that they will get a kick out of! <b>Each show will have a rating beside it letting you know if we think your younger kids </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/w38-h38/image.png" width="38" /></a><b><br /> or older kids! </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1200" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/w41-h39/image.png" width="41" /></a><b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></b></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">10. CatDog - Originally Nickelodeon</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Est. 1998</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blog.lootcrate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/catdogheadertype.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="450" src="https://blog.lootcrate.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/catdogheadertype.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we were kids, you knew the theme song as it came on. You knew that this funny duo was going to go into another great adventure that made you laugh and smile and you couldn't help but wonder...just how did they live like this? CatDog is one of the best animated shows of the 90s that allows for great humor and good animation and any child can watch this! No bad words or adult jokes of any kind so make sure your toddlers watch this! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/w38-h38/image.png" width="38" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">9. Spongebob Squarepants - Originally Nickelodeon</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Est. 1999</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media4.giphy.com/media/nDSlfqf0gn5g4/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="500" src="https://media4.giphy.com/media/nDSlfqf0gn5g4/giphy.gif" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I have to be honest I never watched this show as a child. As an adult...I still won't watch it very often lol. But my 9 year old fell in love with Spongebob at a young age and we let her watch it but in moderation. There have actually been studies done that Spongebob can decrease intelligence, can you believe that? Well, whatever! If you want to giggle at a cute little yellow sponge and his friends you can find all his episodes now on Paramount +! Please keep in mind, the creators of the show have stated that preschoolers were not meant to watch this show, so I suggest keeping it at the bigger kid rating. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1200" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/w41-h39/image.png" width="41" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">8. Rugrats - Originally Nickelodeon</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Est. 1991</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://49.media.tumblr.com/a7c2619ad0d4514b86a1452be5b6c8c6/tumblr_nzx3woX22E1r9a32bo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="430" src="http://49.media.tumblr.com/a7c2619ad0d4514b86a1452be5b6c8c6/tumblr_nzx3woX22E1r9a32bo1_500.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the oldest cartoons I remember watching as a child born in the 1980's, Rugrats appeared on Nickelodeon in 1991. This show about adorable babies and their daily adventures with Reptar and the evil Angelica kept me entertained even into adulthood. As much as my daughter tries to deny it, she gets into this show because they are so funny. Who here has always wanted to somehow find a Reptar bar just to see if their tongue turned green? I did and still do! This show is on Paramount + and I also believe it's on Hulu so check it out! Definitely a great show for your wee ones! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/w38-h38/image.png" width="38" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">7</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">. Doug - Originally Nickelodeon</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Est. 1991</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/26FfhDm24288SwolG/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/26FfhDm24288SwolG/giphy.gif" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another great show from 1991 was Doug which always came on right after Rugrats...or before, ah I can't remember. I also loved this show because he was a pre-teen, and of course I was growing into those years as I watched Doug try to bag a Neematoad or make sure Patti really loved him! Who could forget the amazing Pork Chop who was basically Snoopy 2.0? Oh, and let's not forget The Beets! "Ah ee ooh...killer tofu..." Haha. Another great show for your little ones who will love to hear about nature's candy... Beets! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/w38-h38/image.png" width="38" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">6</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">. Ren & Stimpy - Originally Nickelodeon</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Est. 1991</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media4.giphy.com/media/l4EoPk1lohVe46lj2/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" src="https://media4.giphy.com/media/l4EoPk1lohVe46lj2/giphy.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy happy happy....<i>joy joy joy!! </i>Yep, Ren & Stimpy is on this list! This show was created by John Kricfalusi and the artistry has carried into other shows like The Simpsons and more. This show has some dark humor, some very...raunchy moments but you know the theme song and...the infamous ... "Happy Happy Joy Joy!" My daughter's favorite character growing up was the horse though. She loved the episode where Ren & Stimpy became Dalmatians so they could eat and the horse was dropped to the ground. She would mimic his moves and then end it with "No Sir, I don't like it!" and now our family loves to sing "Log, it's log! It's big, it's heavy, it's wood..." Yeah, finish the song!! Definitely for older kids, unless you plan to sit side by side with your child and watch carefully! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1200" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/w41-h39/image.png" width="41" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">. Are You Afraid of the Dark? - Originally Canada YTV</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Est. 1990</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media2.giphy.com/media/iwMeriFxPHK9y/source.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/iwMeriFxPHK9y/source.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used to adore this show growing up as it made me feel like I was watching scary movies...and I really wasn't. The storylines were always meant for younger adults, pre-teens, or now called "tweens" and were never truly scary but you couldn't turn away. One in particular that has always stuck with me was a story about two children who lived in what I think was a hotel or condo building. A "toy company" comes and takes over the top floor and they are invited to come "try out toys". But then it turns out, the girl was not--- OH I shouldn't give it away! These are all on Paramount + so this is definitely fun for the whole spooky family!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1200" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/w41-h39/image.png" width="41" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Nick Arcade - Nickelodeon</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Est. 1992</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.imgur.com/2O26FSr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/2O26FSr.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay so I loved this show when I was growing up. I live in Texas and would've given anything to go to the now defunct Nickelodeon Studios just to participate in this show. I mean come on, you answer fun trivia questions, win prizes, play video games and then get to go into a simulator and play too! How much more fun can this get? Watching now as an adult I can't help but laugh at how I couldn't figure out the answers when I was younger but it's fun to see if my daughter can answer it all. She also tells them how to play the video games through the TV haha. Fun for all ages!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/w38-h38/image.png" width="38" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Legends of the Hidden Temple - Nickelodeon</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Est. 1993</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media0.giphy.com/media/xT1Ra7ebJPSbOhbnH2/200w.gif?cid=82a1493by91e2zlucrs775d1lx4j5evwollox1broe9cm0lb&rid=200w.gif&ct=g" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="200" height="300" src="https://media0.giphy.com/media/xT1Ra7ebJPSbOhbnH2/200w.gif?cid=82a1493by91e2zlucrs775d1lx4j5evwollox1broe9cm0lb&rid=200w.gif&ct=g" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now this one I think I still enjoy more than my daughter does but that's because I was again, always wanting to go to the show and climb through all the rooms. This show was not only fun but educational and it turns out the majority of the stories Olmec told on the show were factual so you had to learn to win. I thought that was always awesome! Then they climbed up and down in and out of rooms in an attempt to win fun prizes...from nerds candy and yoyos, to a trip to...EGADS -- Nickelodeon Studios!! Wait...but...they were there? Ah well, this could be fun to watch with your kids too! Maybe they'll want to make a temple after they watch this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/w38-h38/image.png" width="38" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Boy Meets World - Originally ABC</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Est. 1993</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/92996811bcc6a3ebf4634a3235cae175/tumblr_inline_mo1xvpX7x71qz4rgp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="245" height="294" src="http://media.tumblr.com/92996811bcc6a3ebf4634a3235cae175/tumblr_inline_mo1xvpX7x71qz4rgp.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay the gif above already dates the dang show, lol. This show I've re-watched a few times since it became available online. This is actually on Disney + but I had to include it because this is a great coming of age show. Just about every scenario a child could go through, was in this show which I loved. This show was able to stand the test of time and show us that families could laugh, cry, fall apart, be rich, be poor, go to college, and it didn't matter you'd always find a way to have a happy ending. Definitely another show for all ages! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp11cC7dWvZifvZEPIL2U54nFcfdpnTLa1pB80ZtVKnyo4LH9visYKr4-ouxqVFN0vW5PhnlgFhYV1DErTLiw-c8Q1JjfJqyLspZ_X-zh1VXFYGlFIBl8UCfC0-jc2TXqWwmHusQkn9U/w38-h38/image.png" width="38" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Daria - Originally MTV</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Est. 1997</b></div></div></div></div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e5/1c/f6/e51cf6b28a1bdc8440d3bc6124d778fa.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e5/1c/f6/e51cf6b28a1bdc8440d3bc6124d778fa.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yep, saved the best for last. My daughter has re-started this five season show several times and every time we can't help but laugh hysterically. Daria is one of the best sarcastic shows around and very rarely is there anything that is wrong to hear. No profanity, no real sexual verbage, no drug use, just idiots who love to say "Come back soon to the Nut Nut Nutty Nutty Lunch World!" Yeah...thanks Kevin! Haha, you have to watch Daria and love it and this is definitely a show I think ages 8+ could watch happily. Also on Paramount +!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1200" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaGM728b2GLxsf3tiRy4J8-UF47hJUluEobA0r4kAnKOdReNlbxqEeBgTOKdQuf2aa4gx7FrA6_jM2-Q0hpTEJlr3_ctllApHz118WKb1y8hrZA0YPoSrMMghWrnpem4VftRmvyS_8Z0/w41-h39/image.png" width="41" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div></b>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-81926942085364280322021-06-28T10:58:00.004-05:002021-06-28T10:58:37.275-05:00Mommy Monday: How to keep your Sanity as a Stay at Home/Work from Home Mom!<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pnGJHbWQFIGHEGR65wlH8ao2Kjp_5qfbU3YepgmpJ2nG8eWqEXaT-NzKSYzjGc9aZyCobjrIN6xjbiY_v02Te8BHPNdVOZF-HfYBKqQ2ljpR7rMcrOZ3wh3xpMlW7No9_xR9rX-Z5s4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="1952" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pnGJHbWQFIGHEGR65wlH8ao2Kjp_5qfbU3YepgmpJ2nG8eWqEXaT-NzKSYzjGc9aZyCobjrIN6xjbiY_v02Te8BHPNdVOZF-HfYBKqQ2ljpR7rMcrOZ3wh3xpMlW7No9_xR9rX-Z5s4/w400-h330/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm a work at home mother and have been since my daughter was about 1 1/2. I am this way for two reasons: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. My mental health would get so bad when working out of the home that I would quit jobs all because my paranoia would make me believe someone was going to fire me when nothing was wrong...crazy right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. My daughter's health was always our top priority and when she needed parents around night and day watching over her, I made sure I could be there so my husband wasn't both night and day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But sometimes, I feel like I'm going crazy and I know you do too! If my husband is having a bad day whether he's sick, stayed up all night to take care of our daughter, and I'm working suddenly I'm working, cooking, and hearing "Mommy!" every five seconds all while trying to keep focused when all I want to do is fall asleep! So what do we do when we feel so overwhelmed? First off:<br /><br /><b>It is not a bad thing to want some time to yourself!!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A lot of Moms feel guilty (and I've done the same) when we realize we are just at our wits end and need a break. We don't want to be away from our children, or we want to make sure we're there to help our spouse when they need it. But the reality is if we don't take care of ourselves, then our families and homes aren't taken care of either. Who is going to pick up those ripped Capri-Sun straw plastic wraps off the floor? Who is going to make sure that tiny piece of rope that got pulled off the dog's rope toy isn't now wrapped around the vacuum cleaner roller? <b>Who is going to be there if we aren't?</b> Yeah, I've been there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdDnRUCbviW9fl413ozVPcnCOUimwQtBbkESzsy4kBUlF4rlEpx4pydTzUPc_32ZeQ6qyk4Ph3SAs8hoG-oql9IiqZJFfgXohHZWrD-QuCqWwgJwsjOhyphenhyphenXJf4C8row82BZIPD7gyD1i8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="770" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdDnRUCbviW9fl413ozVPcnCOUimwQtBbkESzsy4kBUlF4rlEpx4pydTzUPc_32ZeQ6qyk4Ph3SAs8hoG-oql9IiqZJFfgXohHZWrD-QuCqWwgJwsjOhyphenhyphenXJf4C8row82BZIPD7gyD1i8/w400-h226/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look your spouse in the eye and say "Honey, I need a minute." and don't smile. I guarantee you they will go a bit wide-eyed and tell you to go. Go to your bedroom and close the door and then go to your bedroom closet and close the door. Sit in the dark, and <b>take a deep breath</b>. Shut your eyes and do this a couple of times. In through the nose, out through the mouth nice and slow. You'll hear and feel your heartbeat as you do and you'll feel it rise and fall and then...you'll start to relax. <b>It is not a bad thing to be alone for yourself while your children are awake.</b> Just like they need wind down time when they get too nuts, so do you! After a few deep breaths just relax a bit, you don't have to keep doing the deep breathing you can just take the moment of quiet. You may hear the far off sound of that toddler squeal but it won't be near as loud and the fact the bedroom door is shut should tell your spouse to keep the kiddo away for just a few minutes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ejk1VJ1hyphenhyphenCXoO8XVFC8P7wUlJZxZKIK5opYA24Rd-nMuVJorsP6GWC-XpKViFYX7G9JRTIcwmvFI4U33YO9CxND8mCF2kBYbOWxOHcDwCE8EZxteywe8DMhG8cnb2RMHHHAeLCuXCeQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1571" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ejk1VJ1hyphenhyphenCXoO8XVFC8P7wUlJZxZKIK5opYA24Rd-nMuVJorsP6GWC-XpKViFYX7G9JRTIcwmvFI4U33YO9CxND8mCF2kBYbOWxOHcDwCE8EZxteywe8DMhG8cnb2RMHHHAeLCuXCeQ/" width="184" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Chocolate. <b>Chocolate. </b><i><b>CHOCOLATE</b>. </i>No seriously, chocolate! Milk, dark, white, whatever you like! A small piece of chocolate can make all the difference between a whimper and a moan. I have blood sugar issues and I tend to forget to eat in the day time. Why? Well I'm working! Then not only am I working but if my daughter needs something I'm helping her until my husband is up! Or if the dog needs walking, I'm walking her! But I tend to forget to take care of myself and after a while, my blood sugar will drop. I have in my purse this amazing thing:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSTaP82RFsnyLyp0dYQYU4lnm_aVLROOz3f_QBRv0SILYBDjSYSznhLUFU4NYjGvr44IXLMLZNfbq4eVyCJjwHU6WEeOGOAABdY1Z3t9DXSUjpw39NOoOis1b6qiCvkV6UJK3k9De65k/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="425" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSTaP82RFsnyLyp0dYQYU4lnm_aVLROOz3f_QBRv0SILYBDjSYSznhLUFU4NYjGvr44IXLMLZNfbq4eVyCJjwHU6WEeOGOAABdY1Z3t9DXSUjpw39NOoOis1b6qiCvkV6UJK3k9De65k/w387-h400/image.png" width="387" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was I believe around $3.00 and they are two rows of small Dark Chocolate wedges. These are <b>AMAZING LIFE SAVERS.</b> If you find yourself starving, cranky, what is the term? <i>HANGRY?</i><b> Pop this open and eat a single piece!</b> Do it in the dark, go back to the closet! Do it when your kid runs to the bathroom! Heck do it and if you're asked what you're chewing tell them it's a piece of broccoli I guarantee you they won't ask again, haha. Chocolate in small amounts is totally healthy and is an indulgent way to take care of yourself when you're at home all day with your family. Treat yourself, because I can almost promise you you treat your spouse and children better than you treat yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember, you can also try meditation, hot baths (alone) by candlelight with zen music, and nature. Go outside! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ColorfulDazzlingHen-size_restricted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="434" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ColorfulDazzlingHen-size_restricted.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can hear this can't you, you can hear the leaves rustling from the wind? That sound is so soothing and calming and it'll make you take a nice, long inhale and your eyes will close. You can be one with nature even for just a couple of minutes. If you're like me and in the Texas Summer, yeah only be out for a minute or two and try to be in the shade but enjoy that nature. The Goddess gave us beauty for a reason outside, so that we didn't say inside where our shelter becomes our prison. You know nature and love and beauty is there for us to calm and soothe. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-42697887186725392982021-04-27T19:11:00.004-05:002021-07-26T08:33:10.548-05:00Coco Granado Design - The Tumblr Queen Review:<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqORV0iJ9L1KuddyDzno4BO19gglbcKH2y6y22pgLOCc6Zf-C0qhOPRUzEiaVOncdaeS7imr0n3wAj0iMn543U3Ng4ZkXEJzWDrfKpgFCyQPa83A9afJDTzRtdRizr_aeF1mfKHzZ4Mx4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqORV0iJ9L1KuddyDzno4BO19gglbcKH2y6y22pgLOCc6Zf-C0qhOPRUzEiaVOncdaeS7imr0n3wAj0iMn543U3Ng4ZkXEJzWDrfKpgFCyQPa83A9afJDTzRtdRizr_aeF1mfKHzZ4Mx4/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoCoGranado" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coco Granado Design: Facebook Page</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tumblers. No, we're not talking about the sessy website, we're talking about personalized, awesome cups that are made with love and look awesome; Even at 3am when you wake up realizing your television didn't turn off, and when you turn it off you have a glowing light staring you in the face making you wonder if there's an alien in your bedroom. (True story.) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coco Granado Design is a local to Texoma, self-made business by an awesome woman that I have had an honor of now getting to call a dear friend. We met at a local karate academy, and she was so down to earth that I loved talking to her. When she began her business, I <i style="font-weight: bold;"><u>HAD</u> </i>to become an ambassador and showcase her talents because she does an amazing work not only with tumblers but with multiple other things as well!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2boLF7TjQQ9xB5Yd5myGuShsgXtvd-qCmxS0OcZbD_R4GpKvSVTlc89TgTRVOGI-n1alGKYTs8aKsLt5gvdrZTN8K9sT2GbawoLdDIpRBHxaTfNc2xA3ghXlMk1pHxnvnJhoEPGVs58/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1774" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2boLF7TjQQ9xB5Yd5myGuShsgXtvd-qCmxS0OcZbD_R4GpKvSVTlc89TgTRVOGI-n1alGKYTs8aKsLt5gvdrZTN8K9sT2GbawoLdDIpRBHxaTfNc2xA3ghXlMk1pHxnvnJhoEPGVs58/w325-h400/image.png" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>(Tumblers for Adults/Teens)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coco made me the most amazing tumbler out of nowhere and when I saw it I knew that she had taken my personal interests and my deepest fears and worries when she did this. The color is a gorgeous purple and it looks so beautiful in the light. I love how the cup shimmers, and the quote is <i>so me! </i>I use this cup every day and I can tell you, it fits 1 3/4's cans of Dr. Pepper! Yep, I've measured it because I love how this cup keeps my drinks cool even throughout the night! Every night I fill it with cold Arizona Green Tea and I sip it. Even at 4am when I wake up and need a drink it's still cool and still tastes amazing. </p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssGEIBrvCL0pUNIx_SSBqr68Kk9IJ3TbpG8YOsr0Bi_hbSxmNXMuwKykIsMuVro8Y8Fpnzrh6LqWqlknlJRrDnPZhfwdUJq68bBYcwD-yanY7jq4YCo0fgQZm7wCfAgca4SzgGiTt-C4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssGEIBrvCL0pUNIx_SSBqr68Kk9IJ3TbpG8YOsr0Bi_hbSxmNXMuwKykIsMuVro8Y8Fpnzrh6LqWqlknlJRrDnPZhfwdUJq68bBYcwD-yanY7jq4YCo0fgQZm7wCfAgca4SzgGiTt-C4/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>(Tumblers for Children)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not to worry parents, there are even awesome, adorable tumblers for your little ones! This, amazingly GORGEOUS one is perfect for my nine year old. It is spill proof when closed, and easy for her to drink from at school! The only issue she had was getting it out of her backpack, the side was too tight. But that's just her, lol. Your child can have their own, personal tumbler for school that makes them feel confident when they read it! What I love about this tumbler is even when cold, it's not slippery. So I don't have to worry about my daughter spilling her drink because condensation doesn't build on the outside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what else does Coco Granado do? Well it's awesome you should ask!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How about...<b> glo-in-the-dark dominos???</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eGlQZPOQOE" width="421" youtube-src-id="2eGlQZPOQOE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>(Glo-In-The-Dark Dominos)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you see the two tone coloring? I love that! They are so cute, and they glow in the dark! So on the nights like...well let's say February snow storms when there's NO FREAKIN POWER FOR DAYS AT A TIME (yeah screw you ERCOT we still hate you for that) these would be amazing to play with at night! But what else does Coco do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sy0o9ugqiWehvCEIKixtkXKIByGKKKI9E7kQFLFvub2y_TYjEd64q7ct9K-p4mkPse_468DboW4QMkmHou0jOPf5Er0oZtfNpULdowvfLpv6vSpO9AtIAjP4b4evwiuJ2kMxw1iQql4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1511" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sy0o9ugqiWehvCEIKixtkXKIByGKKKI9E7kQFLFvub2y_TYjEd64q7ct9K-p4mkPse_468DboW4QMkmHou0jOPf5Er0oZtfNpULdowvfLpv6vSpO9AtIAjP4b4evwiuJ2kMxw1iQql4/w300-h400/image.png" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>(Cutting Boards)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cutting boards! What I love is the unique designs Coco Granado offers. This one is so gorgeous and would stand out in any kitchen for maybe someone in their first apartment or a college student. Something new and special that isn't like what everyone else would have. These designs truly have an incredible feel that almost lets off an emotional response depending on how you want to look at it. Which is great, it will define the person! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yn9RySAZZm4Q_LFM3eGyNcaQv329q7AOGBpta74Nxoe7LSE-ozHulHSjS5btHhpemCHOKtVkwH96JuP0CLhhxA_hWsThJA1dI9bd_xeur5rdxEBW_id0az8GQF_dxLB0fAsP1l_tFTg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yn9RySAZZm4Q_LFM3eGyNcaQv329q7AOGBpta74Nxoe7LSE-ozHulHSjS5btHhpemCHOKtVkwH96JuP0CLhhxA_hWsThJA1dI9bd_xeur5rdxEBW_id0az8GQF_dxLB0fAsP1l_tFTg/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>(Wax Melts)</b></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can find Coco Granado Design on Facebook where you can see all their current designs and offers as well as even request a custom design. Current turnaround is 2-3 weeks depending on what you're ordering as well as shipping location but keep in mind, Coco doesn't have control of USPS so you'd have to nag them if they take too long since...well she did her job! You can also find wax melts and even crayons from Coco Granado Design which would make AWESOME gifts! Even plan ahead for Christmas -- special and unique stocking stuffers!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>#review #cocogranadodesign #texoma #dfw #tumblers #supportlocalbusiness #springguide #ongoing #dominos #toys #cups #cuttingboards #customdesign</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-71363011835127804672021-01-10T21:39:00.005-06:002021-01-10T21:39:50.295-06:00How to Cope with Anxiety and Panic -- The Review Ballerina Edition:<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsEiFyx_IZPrYz-Y_Hn-HFca_jzNNH9zzzTJoLitHTMyYdQt9jZaRIRgGZOd8wOEYFZTbAusjnVxSPYNdkEO0qKcy4zRtzyqphwy9YHg9OtnTSXM8MFi4Tvjd88-JRxHojmtJhtCszzc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsEiFyx_IZPrYz-Y_Hn-HFca_jzNNH9zzzTJoLitHTMyYdQt9jZaRIRgGZOd8wOEYFZTbAusjnVxSPYNdkEO0qKcy4zRtzyqphwy9YHg9OtnTSXM8MFi4Tvjd88-JRxHojmtJhtCszzc/w240-h400/image.png" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have spent my entire life fighting what millions are dealing with now. COVID-19 has caused so many to have anxiety, panic, self-doubt, worry, depression, and more. I want to help people see there are natural ways to help these chemical imbalances in the brain and to know...you are not alone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Review Ballerina is not a medical blog/journal and as such should not be taken as a means to treat, diagnose, or cure any types of mental illness. These are just opinions and steps for this blogger to help those who are just like me.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So where to begin, well for starters it's probably best I lay out my official medical diagnosis for better understanding: <u style="font-weight: bold;">PTSD</u>. Lovely isn't it? I have actually had it since the age of 9. I have chronic Depression, Anxiety, Short-Term Memory Loss, Paranoia, Panic...let's just say in the grand scheme of things I am a shaky nutcase, and I'll willingly admit it! I do not have health insurance that covers mental health so I am not seeing any kind of therapist, psychiatrist, counselor, and I am not on medication for any of this. The last medication I was on for my anxiety and panic caused suicidal thoughts so obviously it's probably best I do this all naturally right? Over the years I've tried many medications such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication, and nothing has really lasted or worked long-term. So, let's step in and see what we can do to help this naturally!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmUA5_yzjR-uuPuefHVfSKMYYTcNcZLqzgkEE5gCtL_PlOjNrkuhu-QBys0_nHa09iQCoWNPyYvMy9yEWg2AauNSO2Qjw6I-GbeEjTxo7cmIOlkP4EFv-yvIqLIISdW270XMCG29gXE4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1200" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmUA5_yzjR-uuPuefHVfSKMYYTcNcZLqzgkEE5gCtL_PlOjNrkuhu-QBys0_nHa09iQCoWNPyYvMy9yEWg2AauNSO2Qjw6I-GbeEjTxo7cmIOlkP4EFv-yvIqLIISdW270XMCG29gXE4/w400-h269/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So first off, I am a Witch. I started my path a few years ago and my Dad was and still is my teacher. I followed every step and learned as much as possible and I still choke up when I think about the day my Dad informed me that I had earned my position, and I was now a Witch. Finding Wicca through my Dad changed my life because prior to that I was confused not only religiously but personally. I had struggled with God since my Mother was killed but Wicca gave me a chance to breathe and connect within myself with the Goddess. The <i>magick </i>of Wicca and the spells and personal growth helps me when all else has failed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>So how does this help me with my panic attacks?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grounding and Centering is one huge thing that I do and you can do it too! One thing I do (if it's quiet enough in my home and warm enough outside) is if I feel I can't breathe I'll open my back door and stare at the trees as they blow. I'll listen to the wind, I'll watch branches and listen to the leaves as they blow back and forth. Taking deep breaths as I watch nature glide naturally helps me to loosen the hold the anxiety has taken on me. I then count backwards from 10 very slowly as I watch and it helps <i>so so much. </i>If I can't do this, then I close my eyes and I imagine that my feet are connecting into the Earth. I'm taking deep breaths and pulling power, energy, and stability from the ground that helps me to relax. It charges me with beautiful, natural comfort and warmth that helps me to feel stronger and focused.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>But what if neither of these work?</b><br /><br />Well at this point, the reality is I have to remember this is a medical issue that I deal with daily. This isn't <i>"in my head"</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>and this isn't something I can just turn off and calm down with right? I feel like people who don't deal with this sort of medical issue just look at us as nutcases. They feel we are "looking for attention" or "need to just calm down" and yeah, that's so hard for us. I can tell you right now if I'm in the middle of freaking out over something please don't tell me to "calm down". I would if I could and I know millions feel the same way I do. So you know what my next step is? I <b>pray.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIU8bqDq1sqEvtyZ6yPegDicsnrlHm-e85IzFwLqQ1fSSGbp4bRnSPzXWBbtSjc27M_4QUedb2__7JaBI-J74ymsF5NIJIMo9OgdP4qJR-CyqYoxg3svpDDqrNvNoUs19__hZuLDOZhgw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIU8bqDq1sqEvtyZ6yPegDicsnrlHm-e85IzFwLqQ1fSSGbp4bRnSPzXWBbtSjc27M_4QUedb2__7JaBI-J74ymsF5NIJIMo9OgdP4qJR-CyqYoxg3svpDDqrNvNoUs19__hZuLDOZhgw/" width="320" /></a></div><br />Around March of 2020, I began to notice when I would speak to the Goddess, <i>I heard another voice.</i> No, I'm not crazy and I'm not hearing "voices" that tell me what to do lol. No, I would hear someone else sometimes or I would get a feeling or just...it didn't feel like the Goddess. So I decided to tearfully speak to my daughter's karate instructors who are devout Christians and they started to show me that I don't have to choose just one religion over the other. I realized very quickly... I'm a Christian Witch. I have found that if the Goddess cannot help me (and I do not expect her to fix me I hope she can guide me to a new path that will allow me to fix myself) sometimes, God helps me. I wish I could get with the instructors more about things but with COVID19 so hardcore blowing up in my area I keep my distance to keep my daughter and husband safe. I've had it once, I will NOT have it again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfyaFomGM1VFodlQWzjxoaUkLFdrpjrFFHiAlpzvW-GzFsKiBrWBbow77tPyt7BUiMC6_cXK4aUzMLtg1oJ45PnbF15LhPWYUKT7Kegum2g0WwNKtEmDMQZ-fHDuVvEsOItaVMdc7Kdk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfyaFomGM1VFodlQWzjxoaUkLFdrpjrFFHiAlpzvW-GzFsKiBrWBbow77tPyt7BUiMC6_cXK4aUzMLtg1oJ45PnbF15LhPWYUKT7Kegum2g0WwNKtEmDMQZ-fHDuVvEsOItaVMdc7Kdk/" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>*quack quack*</i> Haha, I actually wish I had that rubber duckie. Another thing I used to do (and haven't been able to in a year thanks to my awful neighbor) is a candlelight bath and some zen music. Seriously, if you can't breathe and can't calm down the best thing you can do is get in the dark. <i style="font-weight: bold;">CRYING IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS</i>. Never be afraid to cry it out! Do you know why? <i style="font-weight: bold;">YOU ARE EMOTIONAL YOU ARE A HUMAN BEING! </i>You know what I find after I've had a good, solid cry in a nice hot bath? Suddenly the rational part of my brain turns on! Yep, if I'm panicked about making a bill and I'm not sure how I can do it I'll spend two hours walking my house, panicked. I'll have an anxiety attack, I'll call friends and family hoping someone can calm me down. I'll try to ground and center, I'll speak to the Goddess and God, and if all else fails... I cry it out. By the time I'm done crying something has clicked back in my brain and suddenly... I can think! Oh! That's right, I have another paycheck coming before this is due I can do it then! Believe me, a candlelit bath with some spa/zen music and tears can make <i>all the difference! </i>Just make sure you don't have to drive anywhere the rest of the night. Your eyes will be tired and sore and so will you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJpdWedYG9VECCA6XjiSLT2HX18crfAgxlhhCUFPg9CFLJRLRSxaI9DyPhCCNCfjRicdADYSQjZeXoCJIc4npCYaR9v_CfaRQNdHtRE2UR4UL2X7j3mmvVboc9958oFrsRewnNAtH2V8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJpdWedYG9VECCA6XjiSLT2HX18crfAgxlhhCUFPg9CFLJRLRSxaI9DyPhCCNCfjRicdADYSQjZeXoCJIc4npCYaR9v_CfaRQNdHtRE2UR4UL2X7j3mmvVboc9958oFrsRewnNAtH2V8/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember, having mental illnesses is <i style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</i> a weakness. It is not something that you can easily fix, nor is it something you should feel ashamed of or hide. The fact is, this is a medical chemical imbalance. Your brain is not going to function like a normal, healthy brain! Depression is not a sign of seeking attention! Anxiety and Paranoia is not looking for pity! Take care of yourself and look for the help of higher powers. Believe me, they are there and they want to help and guide you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-66567305957707390812020-10-22T19:25:00.005-05:002020-10-22T19:25:54.286-05:00Why I'm Losing Faith in Doctors:<div style="text-align: center;">I have always been a firm believer in the medical profession. I feel that those who take the time to learn how to do a medical specialty, are to be fully trusted to take care of you and your children. I believe in vaccinations, I believe in flu shots and yes, if a COVID19 vaccine comes out as long as there's enough medical proof that it's safe my home will be getting it. But, in the last two years I've begun to start doubting who I can trust...especially when it comes to my daughter. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The statements made in this article are completely 100% the opinion of this blog owner. This is not an attempt to sway someone one way or the other of their own medical trust. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">My daughter in Kindergarten, was chewing her fingers deep. She was also great at first but by the end of the year began showing signs of high anxiety and ADHD. She also was showing extreme signs of OCD which would hinder her in school. We were seeing a psychiatrist who prescribed different medications in an attempt to help her with all of this, but something changed during that time. My daughter also began exhibiting child migraines and they were coming back around in 1st grade. By the middle of the 1st semester of 2nd grade, I felt the migraines should be checked into because my daughter was also showing some other scary behaviors such as screaming if she couldn't make up her mind on things, freaking out and screaming if we weren't able to understand her, etc. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The neurologist ran an EEG and stated he saw two different types of seizure activity. So he ordered an overnight video-monitored EEG. Within 5 hours of that experience, the nurse came in and started my daughter on seizure medication. I was told it was confirmed, she had Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. This meant she was having non-convulsive absence seizures. This neurologist told us "This is good news!" Okay yeah, that should've been a clue to me but anyway. He decided my daughter did not have ADHD, and therefore decided we would wean her off the medications from the psychiatrist and put her on "one pill a day for the rest of her life." That was November of 2019.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">As of September 2020, she was on EIGHT PILLS A DAY. Yes! EIGHT! Every time I told this neurologist something was changing/happening, rather than looking for the problem or looking for what the cause was he'd just add a pill and up a dose! It was heartbreaking to see my daughter feel so trapped by medication alarms. She'd take meds in the morning, in the afternoon, AND at night to sleep! One pill gave her insomnia, so another pill would be added to help her sleep. She began having rage episodes, where she'd black out and she'd beat me and her father with punches and more. Rather than look into why this happened, he would just add another medication. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So we switched to a new neurologist who after spending not even half an hour with my daughter, wondered why her ADHD wasn't being treated. I pointed out we were told she didn't have ADHD. He just stared at her in wonder how anyone could even say that. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fast forward to October of 2020 -- She is down to 5 1/2 pills a day. She is now confirmed to not be epileptic. She is ADHD with severe anxiety disorder and child migraines. I mean HELLO! So for almost a year my daughter was taking medications for seizures and she wasn't even having them. She was not being treated for her ADHD which was causing her to have misbehavior moments she couldn't control -- I mean at first we're told not to believe the psychiatrist. Now we're being medically proven not to trust the first neurologist -- And my daughter is the one who is suffering!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You're supposed to be able to put your faith in the medical field. Those who research and learn the profession should be the ones trusted. I mean same in the legal field, same in the political fi--- Okay let's not touch that one right now. How can people do this to a child? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm currently sitting in a hospital room at a children's hospital. My daughter is wired for sound (EEG) and we'll be staying one more night. Tomorrow we get to go home, and what have we learned? She's not epileptic! But you know what we've also learned? She's struggling mentally, emotionally, psychologically now because of all of this! Here are some perfect examples:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My daughter has gained 35-40 pounds since May.</b><br /><b>Former Neurologist: </b>"Oh it's because of Covid, just get her exercising and eating better."<br /><b>Current Neurologist: </b>"Yeah it's the medications. Let's drop her down 1/2 tablet of (insert name here) and let's see."<br /><br />Result - Down three pounds in 3 weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My daughter has had blackout rage episodes for several months now, and not only beats us up to where people believe my spouse is abusing me but has to have CBD oil on a daily basis to help her.<br />Former Neurologist: </b>"It's part of her seizure activity. Let's add a medication for emergencies." - <b>Continued</b>- "Oh she's not getting better? Let's make this a permanent medication and double the dose."<br /><b>Current Neurologist: </b>"It's due to the medication (insert name here). This medication is known for rage. Let's wean her off she shouldn't have been on it anyway."<br /><br />Result - No rage in a month. Considering stopping CBD.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My daughter was being weaned off an ADHD med because you said she didn't need it. But when we try to take her off she gets insomnia.<br />Former Neurologist: </b>"Okay let's just keep her on it, it's not doing her any harm and this way she sleeps at night."<br /><b>Current Neurologist: </b>"Why didn't he just have you use melatonin to counteract the insomnia for a couple of weeks? This is the medication that causes rage, let's get her off."<br /><br />Result - No rage, and soon will also be off the melatonin.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please, watch carefully and do research when someone is medically working on your children. I put my trust in someone, who has made our lives so complicated for so long and now we not only have to heal what he did, but figure out how to help our daughter now. She needs a neurologist, PCP, psychiatrist, therapist, and optometrist! May not have needed all this if he'd done it right the first time! Just know, it's okay to question the medical professionals if you feel in your heart something is wrong. Don't let them make you sit and wait, because now...we're seeing the result.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-50719033394859815432020-09-07T21:22:00.000-05:002020-09-07T21:22:16.426-05:00Awareness to Suicide Prevention Month 2020:<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Suicide Prevention Month Wrap Up | The Kim Foundation" height="369" src="https://www.thekimfoundation.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/updatedtkf-1.jpg" width="544" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><b>*Trigger Warning: Verbal and Emotional Abuse, Suicide Discussion Below*</b></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">When I was a teenager, I lived with my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Unfortunately, my relationship with my Great-Grandmother was not very good...in fact I will never understand why but she was verbally abusive towards me for years. She would tell me many things like I was too fat, my clothes were too tight, my hair was too long and that was considered dirty, and other things. My Grandmother was caught in the middle so she never defended me or had her mother stop and as an adult now I can understand why she didn't. I have myself been in situations like that so I will never hold it against her for not telling my Great-Grandmother to stop. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">One day, I was home sick from school (Truth was I was faking) and by mid-afternoon my Great-Grandmother was on a verbal rampage against me. My Grandmother was at work so she couldn't help and I just tried to endure it. But I remember walking into the kitchen in tears, and grabbing a kitchen knife. As I stood there crying hysterically I put the knife to my wrist and pressed down. I pressed, and pressed and just as I broke the skin I snapped out of it and froze in terror. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">I was lucky enough to bring myself out of it, and I told my Grandmother that night just how badly I'd been hurt by what was said to me. (I never told her what I'd done). I know that I was lucky to not do anything but many are not so lucky. So this post is to bring awareness to suicide and to bring attention to Suicide Prevention Month of September.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><b>If you ever feel that you are lost, wanting to harm yourself, or think that suicide is the only way out please do not hesitate to call the Suicide Hotline at </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>800-273-8255. They are there to help you and guide you. </b><br /><br /><b>You can also reach out to me at ballerina@thereviewballerina.com and I will respond. I get my e-mail directly to my phone and if you put that you need a shoulder, an ear, or help please know I will respond to you. </b></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Arizona Receives Federal Grants for Suicide Prevention | All About Arizona News" height="311" src="https://www.allaboutarizonanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/suicide-prevention-1080x608.jpg" width="553" /></div></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div></b>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6071870058629964765.post-67031108698024380152020-07-08T23:24:00.001-05:002020-07-09T09:43:55.296-05:00July 10 - National "Don't Step On A Bee Day"! <div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="10 ways you can help save the bees — New York Bee Sanctuary" height="418" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5559367ee4b081dbcc286437/55593844e4b0d9e3a5910cbd/56d8b7581bbee06f682e915a/1457056998752/?format=1500w" width="483" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">July 10th is officially National "Don't Step on a Bee Day!" This day is especially important, because bees are what helps us with just about everything we need to survive. Food, shelter, oxygen, everything. How is that you ask? Well let's take a look!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgBegwlYSN9DHhyYrpT3nQiFqReR5Q4elIziJe4lQGkT-soiqDsurnoMlJLLu0XHbEnRVESag0bAg6lIO77zNQc11toy416sHTmRhDiUEW9h_aUcw_aaz6J09PWNmHRX_Rs2bshkxheoyWsSJIX-WktZSp06w1kCENmVcjPkCFuTcUkYKzjAGCwP8nqSg=s444" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="444" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgBegwlYSN9DHhyYrpT3nQiFqReR5Q4elIziJe4lQGkT-soiqDsurnoMlJLLu0XHbEnRVESag0bAg6lIO77zNQc11toy416sHTmRhDiUEW9h_aUcw_aaz6J09PWNmHRX_Rs2bshkxheoyWsSJIX-WktZSp06w1kCENmVcjPkCFuTcUkYKzjAGCwP8nqSg=w500-h281" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I'm sure many of you every day see this kind of scene in your yards, around your cities and you can't help but wonder just how exhausting it must be to collect dust and pollinate right? Well, these bees help with that! When a bee lands on a flower and collects the pollen, it sticks to their their little legs while they also drink the nectar from the flowers themselves. Then, this little guy will fly around and find another flower landing upon it. The pollen from the first flower will now fertilize with the second flower, allowing for cross pollination to occur as well as reproduction. This is extremely important to allow us the change to continue to receive oxygen from plants but also importantly, it helps with our food sources. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Why Should We Care? | Humans and the decline of the honey bee" height="480" src="https://nohoneymoproblems.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/foods-pollinated-by-bees.png?w=764&h=526" width="698" /></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Above is a list of all of the foods that humans eat, that bees pollinate. You can see above we love so many things that bees are the source of the creation! I mean we can go all the way to the shirts you wear made out of cotton. Look at that, bees pollinate cotton seed. Without the seed being pollinated, they won't bloom therefore, cotton won't be created unless it's synthetically. I really prefer true cotton don't you? Oh and I could not live without my cucumbers, or my olives. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="INTERSTELLAR' 2014 'SandStorm' Full Scene HD 720p - YouTube" height="369" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e5tmxWQZHL0/maxresdefault.jpg" width="655" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have you seen the movie Interstellar? In the film, "blight" is killing off all the crops and so instead of being able to eat hot dogs or peanuts at a baseball game, all that was available was popcorn or artificially made foods like candy and soda. In the film, the only food available to eat was corn. Did you notice corn was <i style="font-weight: bold;">not </i>on the list above? Interesting connection there, don't you think? Without the bees to pollinate, we will lose our food supply of many things. On top of that, plants will not grow into the ground which will cause the dust storms that were so large and violent in the film. Though this film doesn't come out and blame the loss of the bee population...I could see this happening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.edenbrothers.com/store/media/Seeds-Mixes/resized/Bee-Happy-Organic-Bee-Attractor-Wildflower-Mix_medium.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We must preserve our small little friends! Make sure to plant their favorite flowers in your yard (I'd do it at the back of the yard lol), try not to freak out if you see them! Most of the time bees are doing nothing more than trying to find food, so let them do that! Let's help the bee population! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elizabeth is a wife to her wonderful husband, a work at home mother to her beautiful little girl and a blogger for some time now. When she isn't spending time with her "Livvybug", or laughing with her husband, she is looking for new review opportunities and writing or singing along to classic rock and pop music!</b></div>The Review Ballerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13765182929804515714noreply@blogger.com0