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Sunday, November 15, 2015
Essential Oils Email: Fall 10 2015
Essential Oils Email: Fall 9 2015
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Essential Oils Email: September 2015
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Essential Oils Email: August 2015 (New Format!)
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Sunday, September 20, 2015
Ireland Honeymoon Day Seven
8:00 am leave time this morning.
Thankfully on our way we stop at Hannon's Hotel for a coffee (or tea or whatever) break. Today we're crossing the River Shannon into County Westmeath! We stopped at Killgeggan Distillery, now a boutique operation on site, and owned by Tullemore for a tour on how distilleries functioned back in the day complete with waterwheel and steam operations.The smells here are amazing and after the tour you get one of their shot glasses (with whiskey). Brett's thoughts on the whiskey was "it's ok" and mine was "I didn't like it". We also got to stop here for a group lunch complete with Irish Coffee, I do so love me some Irish Coffee. Brett had the ham and cheese, I had the spicy beef sandwich. After lunch we had back to Dublin to check into the Ashling Hotel for TWO WHOLE NIGHTS! No more bog roads! After arriving at the hotel we relaxed a little while we waited for our bags to be delivered to our room, and because it has out gratuity for John (our tour guide) in it. This is also the time that we will out our CIE comment cards and prep our tip envelope for John and walk a little before heading to dinner. While stopping to look at a menu we realize that someone is taking our picture! It's Bob and Jean, sweet! Now we're getting drinks with friends before dinner!! In we head to Ryan's Pub to join them and the Rush family, we end up ordering a sampler of beer (why not try everything you can) an find out that Larry Jr has already paid for it. The sampler is followed by another beer for me and a whiskey for Brett before dinner!
Dinner tonight is a three course, private party meal at Brazen Head Pub complete with an evening of Folklore and Fairies. This is our last night with the group as a whole, and it's truly bittersweet. Dinner was amazing and so filling! I saved my first Guinness here in Ireland for dinner tonight; with it I had a fishcake starter, poached salmon and apple cake. Brett had the potato and leek soup...
this is where my notes stop! My goodness.
Even as I was re-reading this I keep remembering the little moments and that my heart was sad to say goodbye (or until next time) to all these great people that we met and spent the week with. The entire week was a whirlwind of awesomeness and I'm honestly surprised that we were able to keep up with notes until now!
Thankfully on our way we stop at Hannon's Hotel for a coffee (or tea or whatever) break. Today we're crossing the River Shannon into County Westmeath! We stopped at Killgeggan Distillery, now a boutique operation on site, and owned by Tullemore for a tour on how distilleries functioned back in the day complete with waterwheel and steam operations.The smells here are amazing and after the tour you get one of their shot glasses (with whiskey). Brett's thoughts on the whiskey was "it's ok" and mine was "I didn't like it". We also got to stop here for a group lunch complete with Irish Coffee, I do so love me some Irish Coffee. Brett had the ham and cheese, I had the spicy beef sandwich. After lunch we had back to Dublin to check into the Ashling Hotel for TWO WHOLE NIGHTS! No more bog roads! After arriving at the hotel we relaxed a little while we waited for our bags to be delivered to our room, and because it has out gratuity for John (our tour guide) in it. This is also the time that we will out our CIE comment cards and prep our tip envelope for John and walk a little before heading to dinner. While stopping to look at a menu we realize that someone is taking our picture! It's Bob and Jean, sweet! Now we're getting drinks with friends before dinner!! In we head to Ryan's Pub to join them and the Rush family, we end up ordering a sampler of beer (why not try everything you can) an find out that Larry Jr has already paid for it. The sampler is followed by another beer for me and a whiskey for Brett before dinner!
Dinner tonight is a three course, private party meal at Brazen Head Pub complete with an evening of Folklore and Fairies. This is our last night with the group as a whole, and it's truly bittersweet. Dinner was amazing and so filling! I saved my first Guinness here in Ireland for dinner tonight; with it I had a fishcake starter, poached salmon and apple cake. Brett had the potato and leek soup...
this is where my notes stop! My goodness.
Even as I was re-reading this I keep remembering the little moments and that my heart was sad to say goodbye (or until next time) to all these great people that we met and spent the week with. The entire week was a whirlwind of awesomeness and I'm honestly surprised that we were able to keep up with notes until now!
Two people from our group testing whiskeys!
Classic car at Killbeggan
Johnny Appleseed telling us about Folklore and Fairies
Monday, July 27, 2015
Our Little Girl, Binne
We've known for a while now that we wanted a second dog and have been looking at rescues through JRs Pups and Stuff out of Waukesha WI off and on since 2014. The first girl, Meara, that we looked at wasn't meant to be ours and went home to another family. I learned my lesson in getting my hopes up with that one! I was sad for quite a bit and didn't look at dogs for a while. Brett kept up hope and still look off and on.
We've been talking to Baxter about his little sister before she was a blink in our eyes, knowing that she would happen in time. Then we set up the dog crate and he got even more curious and started to know something was coming. Here's what I knew: I wanted a dog. I wanted a girl. I wanted a dog that was lighter than or weighed what Baxter weighed. I was torn on a pup or a slightly older dog. I didn't have a breed in mind, but was drawn to a Border Collie or Border Mix because of our Baxter. I wanted to give her an Irish name.
We adopted Sweetness, now Binne (pronounced beanie, Binn for short) on Monday, June 29, 2015. She is a female terrier mix who is just over the age of two. Binne's name was Sweetness, and she hails from Alabama and is now our Alabama baby. She is a rescue, and we know that she was pregnant and as a result abandoned. She did have puppies, we don't know how many or which litter they were, we do know they were taken from her earlier than usual. Her name was found from looking online at Irish baby name sites; www.IrishWishes.com says Binne - (BEE-ne) Old Irish=binn "sweet, melodious." Binne was the name of several fairy women in legend.
Here's how it happened.
I contacted the agency to let them know we were interested in Sweetness and a couple days later we got a call from the foster mom (FM). FM and I ended up chatting the next night and I asked a whole barrage of questions to get a feel of Sweetness's personality and tendencies. Talk about nervous mom syndrome on my part!
We went to meet her at her fosters house three weeks before we actually adopted her, Binne had been with them for just under 4 months and had grown used to them but was still very skittish to new folks. Luckily she warmed up to us fairly quickly and we decided to bring Baxter in at about 30 minutes fpr another hour and a half! Baxter didn't know how to take her at first and ended up coming home with a little battle wound. It was great to have them to meet before just bringing her home though. After taking a night to sleep on it (though we didn't really need to) we said we'd take her and knew that Baxter would settle in to her.
June 29 was a stormy night and thankfully both of the dogs were more focused on the storm than each other, though Baxter was curious as to who she was. That first night was her night in a new place that she didn't know, but she had her new bed that she laid on all the way home, my t-shirt, and favorite toy from FM's house. Tuesday was her first full day being crated at our house, mainly because she and Baxter were going to be home alone. After a day by themselves they seemed OK so Tuesday night we left the crate open, and all day Wednesday too. She's been with the door open ever since, it is still however her safe zone. (Update: we took the crate down on 7/10 since she wasn't using it.)
We spent most of the following weekend with the pups due to being sick, and I had Monday off and got to witness their first (as seen by my eyes) nose sniff. She's also started coming out of our guest room on her own and loves to dance and wag her tail when we get home from work. She's starting to play with the toys that we got her. She also now has a properly fitting harness and collar, and as a result I think she feels much calmer. Any unfamiliar noises continue to alarm her, ranging from loud birds or chipmunks, to cars going by on the street.
In the two weeks that we've had her she's gotten in tune with Baxter, though they're still getting used to each other, started eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom on a regular schedule (which is a big feat when changing a dogs routine). We can't wait to see how they and we continue to grow as a family unit!
Next up - obedience classes! Don't tell but she's on the couch sleeping next to me as I write this...
We've been talking to Baxter about his little sister before she was a blink in our eyes, knowing that she would happen in time. Then we set up the dog crate and he got even more curious and started to know something was coming. Here's what I knew: I wanted a dog. I wanted a girl. I wanted a dog that was lighter than or weighed what Baxter weighed. I was torn on a pup or a slightly older dog. I didn't have a breed in mind, but was drawn to a Border Collie or Border Mix because of our Baxter. I wanted to give her an Irish name.
We adopted Sweetness, now Binne (pronounced beanie, Binn for short) on Monday, June 29, 2015. She is a female terrier mix who is just over the age of two. Binne's name was Sweetness, and she hails from Alabama and is now our Alabama baby. She is a rescue, and we know that she was pregnant and as a result abandoned. She did have puppies, we don't know how many or which litter they were, we do know they were taken from her earlier than usual. Her name was found from looking online at Irish baby name sites; www.IrishWishes.com says Binne - (BEE-ne) Old Irish=binn "sweet, melodious." Binne was the name of several fairy women in legend.
Here's how it happened.
I contacted the agency to let them know we were interested in Sweetness and a couple days later we got a call from the foster mom (FM). FM and I ended up chatting the next night and I asked a whole barrage of questions to get a feel of Sweetness's personality and tendencies. Talk about nervous mom syndrome on my part!
We went to meet her at her fosters house three weeks before we actually adopted her, Binne had been with them for just under 4 months and had grown used to them but was still very skittish to new folks. Luckily she warmed up to us fairly quickly and we decided to bring Baxter in at about 30 minutes fpr another hour and a half! Baxter didn't know how to take her at first and ended up coming home with a little battle wound. It was great to have them to meet before just bringing her home though. After taking a night to sleep on it (though we didn't really need to) we said we'd take her and knew that Baxter would settle in to her.
June 29 was a stormy night and thankfully both of the dogs were more focused on the storm than each other, though Baxter was curious as to who she was. That first night was her night in a new place that she didn't know, but she had her new bed that she laid on all the way home, my t-shirt, and favorite toy from FM's house. Tuesday was her first full day being crated at our house, mainly because she and Baxter were going to be home alone. After a day by themselves they seemed OK so Tuesday night we left the crate open, and all day Wednesday too. She's been with the door open ever since, it is still however her safe zone. (Update: we took the crate down on 7/10 since she wasn't using it.)
We spent most of the following weekend with the pups due to being sick, and I had Monday off and got to witness their first (as seen by my eyes) nose sniff. She's also started coming out of our guest room on her own and loves to dance and wag her tail when we get home from work. She's starting to play with the toys that we got her. She also now has a properly fitting harness and collar, and as a result I think she feels much calmer. Any unfamiliar noises continue to alarm her, ranging from loud birds or chipmunks, to cars going by on the street.
In the two weeks that we've had her she's gotten in tune with Baxter, though they're still getting used to each other, started eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom on a regular schedule (which is a big feat when changing a dogs routine). We can't wait to see how they and we continue to grow as a family unit!
Next up - obedience classes! Don't tell but she's on the couch sleeping next to me as I write this...
Many thanks to Ashley (FM) and Andrew (FD) for taking such great care of her!
So now we have two munchkins!
So now we have two munchkins!Saturday, July 4, 2015
Ireland Honeymoon Day Six
We've learned so much here!
A few facts:
All school kids wear uniforms here, and learn to read and write Irish between age 5-15, a patch or emblem denotes which school they attend. The boys and girls go to school together until our middle school age and then they are separated. They graduate at 16.5 or 17.5 depending on if they choose to take an apprenticeship or go on to college.
Back in Westport for our free afternoon we headed to Gavin's Cafe to get coffee. We like coffee and our nephew's name is Gavin, they also had cute little outdoor tables. After we walked around to check out more of the town and pick up some knick knacks at the local shops before dinner at J.J. O'Malleys. The local area really focuses on seafood, but I already know that Brett is looking for a steak! None of the food that we've had here in Ireland is bad, except for maybe the black and white puddings (sausage pudding). Tonight for dinner Brett had a 12 oz sirloin with garlic and herb butter with chive mashed potatoes, I had shrimp and crab with a white wine cheese sauce and chive mashed potatoes. We both had Smithwicks and finished the meal with Irish Coffee. Hello yummy.
A few facts:
All school kids wear uniforms here, and learn to read and write Irish between age 5-15, a patch or emblem denotes which school they attend. The boys and girls go to school together until our middle school age and then they are separated. They graduate at 16.5 or 17.5 depending on if they choose to take an apprenticeship or go on to college.
Ireland has 4 provinces and 32 counties, 6 which are under British rule, which are identified by their team colors and a song (or two)
Dublin is called The Big Smoke and is home to 1.2 million people
A few phrases:
Drink Driving (drunk driving)
Dublin is called The Big Smoke and is home to 1.2 million people
A few phrases:
Drink Driving (drunk driving)
Craic (fun, definition) Good Craic
Small Money (5-6 euros)
Kil (prefix, church of)
Bally (prefix, city of)
Bally (prefix, city of)
Band On (Right on) Bang on the money
Puk (puck) male goat
Veg (vegetables)
Trad Session (music, jam session)
We're staying in Westport again tonight and have the afternoon free! Today was supposed to be a "sleep in" day but I was still up at 5:30 am. I was able to go back to sleep for a bit but then the alarm went off again, and we don't have to be on the road until 9:30 today. A quick 7 minute drive will take us to the Westport House; it rained yesterday and as we're arriving the roads are starting to dry and the suns starting to come out.
Trad Session (music, jam session)
We're staying in Westport again tonight and have the afternoon free! Today was supposed to be a "sleep in" day but I was still up at 5:30 am. I was able to go back to sleep for a bit but then the alarm went off again, and we don't have to be on the road until 9:30 today. A quick 7 minute drive will take us to the Westport House; it rained yesterday and as we're arriving the roads are starting to dry and the suns starting to come out.
The 450 acre property has been with its family, some of which still live here, since the 1500s. Careful in the dungeons, just before we started our tour someone in another group fell and hit their head, the dungeons are all original cobblestones. The tour is brief but very interesting and we plan to read more on the family history when we get home! (Update: buy books they have for sale on site, they ship but it's pricey and the books aren't on Amazon). Their bathrooms consist of a large room with about six chamber pots. They have a children's room with a five foot Humpty Dumpty and a six foot tall barrier (to keep the kids in). Every room had a beautiful bed in it and right inside the door of the main entrance is the Angel of Welcome. After the tour and wandering around the house we decided to wader around the grounds before watching a group of school kids in kayaks come ashore the creek and hop in the "hot tub" by a small waterfall.
Back on the bus we headed to Achill (ache-kill) Island, stopping at a minimum of four photo ops on the way. We stopped in Keel, County Mayo, at The Beehive restaurant. We both ordered soup and a dessert and after lunch chatted with the owner and his son about how their food is organic and made without preservatives. His brother-in-law moved to Chicago a number of years ago so he knows some about the US. This makes me love this place even more! After lunch we visited The Deserted Village, a town that was chosen by it's people to be abandoned during the potato famine in hopes of surviving the trek to Westport to take a ship to America. This trip took us an hour and a quarter by bus and it would have taken weeks for them to walk, if they survived.
Back in Westport for our free afternoon we headed to Gavin's Cafe to get coffee. We like coffee and our nephew's name is Gavin, they also had cute little outdoor tables. After we walked around to check out more of the town and pick up some knick knacks at the local shops before dinner at J.J. O'Malleys. The local area really focuses on seafood, but I already know that Brett is looking for a steak! None of the food that we've had here in Ireland is bad, except for maybe the black and white puddings (sausage pudding). Tonight for dinner Brett had a 12 oz sirloin with garlic and herb butter with chive mashed potatoes, I had shrimp and crab with a white wine cheese sauce and chive mashed potatoes. We both had Smithwicks and finished the meal with Irish Coffee. Hello yummy.
Petaluma, CA > April 16, 2015
I'm off to Cali via Madison to Chicago and then onward to San Fran. I'm currently on the flight from Chicago to SFO and it feels like the longest flight ever. I had Brett drop me off at the airport in Madison at about 12:45, took about 15 minutes to check in, then through security (w/out my blinged out pants). Wahoo - made it through. I say it that was because the bling pants always throw off the sensors. My flight in Madison was barely half boarded and they announced the remainder of us will have to check our carry-ons. (Note: If you have to check your bag at the gate, make sure you check to see where it's going. Also, make sure if you check bags before going through security that you arrive early enough for your bags to be put on the plane.)
This trip is my first trip that I've taken with a significant layover of 3+ hours. How did I pass the time?
1 - Reading eBooks and eMagazines (I download from the library or purchase books and subscriptions on our Nook)
This trip is my first trip that I've taken with a significant layover of 3+ hours. How did I pass the time?
1 - Reading eBooks and eMagazines (I download from the library or purchase books and subscriptions on our Nook)
2 - Walking through the terminal (I like to look at the shops to get ideas for books, resist buying)
3 - Come Prepared (Short layovers pack snacks/fruit) (Longer layovers pack a sandwich/snacks/fruit)
4 - Bring an EMPTY reusable water bottle and wall/USB chargers (most airports now have fountains that will fill the water bottles and charging stations)
Jen was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs (yay) and then we were off to find my checked bag! After leaving the airport we took the Golden Gate Bridge and it was a clear night, so I could see everything (so cool)! We got back to the house and crashed out for the night.
The kiddos still had school on Friday morning so after coffee and getting them on the way Jen, Eric and I all headed up towards Healdsburg to start out the day right with breakfast at Singletree Cafe, followed by pedicures for Jen and I at The Spa in Hotel Healdsburg. The Spa was ah-mazing and maybe someday we can go back again, I'd love to try to stay there too. After a relaxing break it was off to the wineries! We visited Sterling Vineyards and Duckhorn which were both in Napa. Between the two I enjoyed Sterling more due to their practicality, beautiful roses, a gondola ride, free glass, the fact you actually get to walk around, and their variety of wines. Duckhorn was a beautiful vineyard but there isn't much interaction, you walk in sit at a table and they bring all the wines at once. Sterling was much more up my alley, but driving around and trying unexpected new places is always worth a shot! After the wineries we stopped at a couple roadside farms to look at fresh veggies and buy strawberries before traveling back to Petaluma and walking around the downtown a little to get ice cream from Lala's Creamery. They have lots of tasty treats and I got a waffle cone with green tea and honey ice cream. So. Good.
Saturday morning we slept in a little and then had pancakes with fresh strawberries that I bought on the side of the road. They were so good and the kids loved the little treat. Strawberries weren't yet in season at home so I was kinda like a kid in a candy store with all the fresh fruit and veggies in and around Petaluma. The two boys had a baseball game so we packed up and headed out to watch part of that (a big difference from watching Brett & the guys). It was awesome to get to see the boys play and see the talent that's there at such a young age! We left the game a little early to head up to Santa Rosa to visit my friend Judy's house where she has raised 200 some maples and succulents in her back yard. She's got quite the impressive backyard set up with every maple having a name, age, parents, and all on a drip system. From Judy's we traveled through the redwoods to Guerneville where we had lunch and coffee (yes, always more coffee) at Coffee Bazaar, an open air restaurant with a book store next to it. I was in heaven, and even brought a bag home with me. It was so good and I love visiting places like this one. The view was great, the people nice, and I would go back in a heartbeat. From there it was onward to the coast, we stopped at several places and got taffy at Patrick's in Bodega Bay. I brought home the maple bacon and key lime pie flavors! From there we went hiking to this little trail leading to Pinnacle Gulch (trail leads to beach). It's about a mile down and back and 100% worth the small parking fee (bring cash). It was a perfect end to an amazing trip to the shore. Jen and I parted with Judy here and headed back to have dinner with the family!
Sunday brought my trip with Jen into the City (San Francisco). We bought tickets for a boat tour that would take us around the bay and circle Alcatraz! We got to see sailboats racing with their beautiful sails up, the Golden Gate Bridge, a couple times around Alcatraz, and a spectacular view of the city that hugs the shore so tight it can only go up from there. We were going to try to make the park too but we girls have priorities! I wanted to go to B.R. Cohn Winery in Sonoma County! A quick stop for food before wine samples and we were on our way! Jen's dad works here and he kinda showed us around a little bit while helping me through their wine choices. I love little (well it's not tiny) wineries like this one. There was music on the patio, beautiful scenery, spectacular wine, and friendly service from the staff. Hands down a great place to stop. Here's a link to where they come from!
Monday morning was headed back to Petaluma downtown for breakfast, and a few must stop shops for items to bring home!
Breakfast at Tea Room Cafe was delicious, the patrons friendly and the staff patient with a new-comer.
Shops stopped at were:
Old Shanghai Decor for some chopsticks to bring home as gifts
Knitterly to drool over beautiful yarns
Copperfields Books because they have used books, and new books, and I love books.
Petaluma Seed Bank because they have everything gardening, yes I bought this book there. I try to get or borrow most books electronically now, but one like this is timeless and awesome.
After this I caught the bus from Petaluma to the airport, typically I would go across the Golden Gate Bridge one last time but due to a little festival (today is 4/20) they routed us over the Bay Bridge.
Made it to the airport in time, only to have to check my bag again (totally ok with that), and have the flight delayed due to a door malfunction. That's ok - I'll wait for that. Flight left behind schedule, and arrived about 25 minutes behind schedule in Chicago which left me 10 minutes to make my plane home to Madison. I've never run through an airport before but man I didn't want to get stuck in Chicago, I wanted to get home to my boys. So I ran in slip on shoes with a bag under each arm from terminal C to terminal E and made it to my plane, thinking I wasn't going to make it BUT I DID! We then sat there for another 15 minutes, lol. It took me until I landed in Madison to calm back down again. In the end, I made it home to the boys and my checked bag didn't get home until the next day. I wasn't worried about that.
Note to self: always wear tie on tennis shoes when flying.
Note to others: always bring a big purse to bring your prescriptions, cell phone charger and other important items on the plane with you and pack a smaller portable purse inside for when you arrive at your destinations.
Jen was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs (yay) and then we were off to find my checked bag! After leaving the airport we took the Golden Gate Bridge and it was a clear night, so I could see everything (so cool)! We got back to the house and crashed out for the night.
The kiddos still had school on Friday morning so after coffee and getting them on the way Jen, Eric and I all headed up towards Healdsburg to start out the day right with breakfast at Singletree Cafe, followed by pedicures for Jen and I at The Spa in Hotel Healdsburg. The Spa was ah-mazing and maybe someday we can go back again, I'd love to try to stay there too. After a relaxing break it was off to the wineries! We visited Sterling Vineyards and Duckhorn which were both in Napa. Between the two I enjoyed Sterling more due to their practicality, beautiful roses, a gondola ride, free glass, the fact you actually get to walk around, and their variety of wines. Duckhorn was a beautiful vineyard but there isn't much interaction, you walk in sit at a table and they bring all the wines at once. Sterling was much more up my alley, but driving around and trying unexpected new places is always worth a shot! After the wineries we stopped at a couple roadside farms to look at fresh veggies and buy strawberries before traveling back to Petaluma and walking around the downtown a little to get ice cream from Lala's Creamery. They have lots of tasty treats and I got a waffle cone with green tea and honey ice cream. So. Good.
Saturday morning we slept in a little and then had pancakes with fresh strawberries that I bought on the side of the road. They were so good and the kids loved the little treat. Strawberries weren't yet in season at home so I was kinda like a kid in a candy store with all the fresh fruit and veggies in and around Petaluma. The two boys had a baseball game so we packed up and headed out to watch part of that (a big difference from watching Brett & the guys). It was awesome to get to see the boys play and see the talent that's there at such a young age! We left the game a little early to head up to Santa Rosa to visit my friend Judy's house where she has raised 200 some maples and succulents in her back yard. She's got quite the impressive backyard set up with every maple having a name, age, parents, and all on a drip system. From Judy's we traveled through the redwoods to Guerneville where we had lunch and coffee (yes, always more coffee) at Coffee Bazaar, an open air restaurant with a book store next to it. I was in heaven, and even brought a bag home with me. It was so good and I love visiting places like this one. The view was great, the people nice, and I would go back in a heartbeat. From there it was onward to the coast, we stopped at several places and got taffy at Patrick's in Bodega Bay. I brought home the maple bacon and key lime pie flavors! From there we went hiking to this little trail leading to Pinnacle Gulch (trail leads to beach). It's about a mile down and back and 100% worth the small parking fee (bring cash). It was a perfect end to an amazing trip to the shore. Jen and I parted with Judy here and headed back to have dinner with the family!
Sunday brought my trip with Jen into the City (San Francisco). We bought tickets for a boat tour that would take us around the bay and circle Alcatraz! We got to see sailboats racing with their beautiful sails up, the Golden Gate Bridge, a couple times around Alcatraz, and a spectacular view of the city that hugs the shore so tight it can only go up from there. We were going to try to make the park too but we girls have priorities! I wanted to go to B.R. Cohn Winery in Sonoma County! A quick stop for food before wine samples and we were on our way! Jen's dad works here and he kinda showed us around a little bit while helping me through their wine choices. I love little (well it's not tiny) wineries like this one. There was music on the patio, beautiful scenery, spectacular wine, and friendly service from the staff. Hands down a great place to stop. Here's a link to where they come from!
Monday morning was headed back to Petaluma downtown for breakfast, and a few must stop shops for items to bring home!
Breakfast at Tea Room Cafe was delicious, the patrons friendly and the staff patient with a new-comer.
Shops stopped at were:
Old Shanghai Decor for some chopsticks to bring home as gifts
Knitterly to drool over beautiful yarns
Copperfields Books because they have used books, and new books, and I love books.
Petaluma Seed Bank because they have everything gardening, yes I bought this book there. I try to get or borrow most books electronically now, but one like this is timeless and awesome.
After this I caught the bus from Petaluma to the airport, typically I would go across the Golden Gate Bridge one last time but due to a little festival (today is 4/20) they routed us over the Bay Bridge.
Made it to the airport in time, only to have to check my bag again (totally ok with that), and have the flight delayed due to a door malfunction. That's ok - I'll wait for that. Flight left behind schedule, and arrived about 25 minutes behind schedule in Chicago which left me 10 minutes to make my plane home to Madison. I've never run through an airport before but man I didn't want to get stuck in Chicago, I wanted to get home to my boys. So I ran in slip on shoes with a bag under each arm from terminal C to terminal E and made it to my plane, thinking I wasn't going to make it BUT I DID! We then sat there for another 15 minutes, lol. It took me until I landed in Madison to calm back down again. In the end, I made it home to the boys and my checked bag didn't get home until the next day. I wasn't worried about that.
Note to self: always wear tie on tennis shoes when flying.
Note to others: always bring a big purse to bring your prescriptions, cell phone charger and other important items on the plane with you and pack a smaller portable purse inside for when you arrive at your destinations.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Essential Oils: June 2015
Hello All,
There are a couple new oil blends this months that I'm excited to tell you about! But first, mark your calendar to get your order to my by the morning of July 1! These two alternates are super exciting back ups and I'm glad that they came out with them. I love Valor and keep a bottle of it near me at all times (don't use it in your USB diffuser though, I learned that the hard way). Can't wait to check them out when I get a chance.
Valor II > Designed by Gary Young (founder of YL) as his recommended option and alternate to Valor. He handpicked this new formulation to stay true to the original character of its predecessor and offer the same great experience. This blend includes YL's exclusive Northern Lights Black Spruce and Idaho Blue Spruce essential oils, as well as Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Vetiver, Cistus, Bergamot, Cassia, German Chamomile, and other oils. Diffuse or apply topically for an inspiring and calming aroma. 5 ml bottle.
Peace & Calming II > Also designed by Gray Young, this blend is his recommended option and alternate to Peace & Calming. The gentle aroma of Peace & Calming II includes Tangerine, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Patchoulie, German Chamomile, Vetiver, Cistus, Bergamot, Cassia, Davana, and the exclusive Northern Light Black Spruce essential oils. Dilute and apply topically to moisturize and beautify the appearance of skin, inhale or diffuse. 5 ml bottle.
Items of Note:
- I'm placing my next order the evening of Wednesday, July 1.
- Please share this email with anyone who might benefit.
- Let's learn together!! I would love to get to talk about any questions you might have. If you have any questions or are interested in getting together one on one just let me know.
- I'm not a doctor and the oils work differently for everyone. Always do a test spot when trying new oils (the underside of the upper arm works best and one drop will do.
- Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living) http://www.
youngliving.com/en_US/ discover/essential-oil-safety - My July email topic is yet to be decided and I'm open to suggestions.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Essential Oils: May 2015
Hello,
Citrus, Citrus, Citrus! I'm sitting there looking at my books last night and I forgot how many citrus oils there are and how much I love them.
Lemon was historically used to fight food poisoning, malaria and typhoid epidemics The French use lemon oil as air disinfectant, asthma, cold and fever, gout, heartburn, varicose veins, water purification, and even red or white blood cell formation. I enjoy honey with lemon oil with I have a cough or sore throat.
Lime may be useful for anxiety, blood pressure, dissolving cellulite, mental clarity, energy, gallstones, strengthening nails, sore throats, cleaning kids dirty skin, water and air purification, and promoting a sense of well being. It works well removing gum, wood stain, oil, and grease spots. It can also be used in guacamole and margaritas! Yummy!!
Grapefruit works as an anti-depressant, antiseptic, disinfectant, diuretic, stimulant and tonic. Aromatically is can help one from sinking into their negativity. It works to balance and uplift the mind and may help relieve anxiety. I'm currently taking 15 drops in a capsule once a day for a petro-chemical weight loss program.
Tangerine affects emotional balance, the immune system, and skin. It can be used to help dissolve cellulite, increase circulation, calm dizziness, ease insomnia, relieve tired and achy limbs, liver problems, and alleviate water retention. The list just keeps going with soothing emotions of grief, anger, and shock. I love tangerine in my water or diffusing it with rosemary for a zesty fresh scent.
Orange can be used to help appetite, complexion, lowering cholesterol, and water retention. It's aroma brings peace and happiness to the mind and body and joy to the heart, which overall provides emotional support to help one when they're feeling mentally down. I enjoy diffusing orange for a little pick me up.
Citrus Fresh is a blend that consists of orange, tangerine, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon and spearmint. This blend may help to enhance the feeling of well being in kids, and because many of the oils contained in this blend are antiseptics it may work well for killing airborne bacteria. This oil combined with Ledum is the second part of the petro-chemical weight loss program.
Citrus Fresh is a blend that consists of orange, tangerine, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon and spearmint. This blend may help to enhance the feeling of well being in kids, and because many of the oils contained in this blend are antiseptics it may work well for killing airborne bacteria. This oil combined with Ledum is the second part of the petro-chemical weight loss program.
If you are interested in recipes for guacamole or margaritas let me know and I'll get them to you.
*Only Young Living oils are safe to ingest.
Items of Note:
- I'm placing my next order the evening of Wednesday, June 3.
- Please share this email with anyone who might benefit.
- Let's learn together!! I would love to get to talk about any questions you might have. If you have any questions or are interested in getting together one on one just let me know.
- I'm not a doctor and the oils work differently for everyone. Always do a test spot when trying new oils (the underside of the upper arm works best and one drop will do.
- Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living) http://www.youngliving
.com/en_US/discover/essential- oil-safety - My June email topic is yet to be decided and I'm open to suggestions.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Ireland Honeymoon Day Five - Longest day ever!
Written by: Brett Klitzke
We ended up not getting a whole lot of sleep (last night) due to the excitement of the day. After we got back from the golf simulator and the fact that it was pouring outside I couldn't sleep. So our 6:00 am wake-up call was horrible. We got up, washed up, packed up, and headed to breakfast. After breakfast we started what John had said the night before to be the longest day on the tour! Even though it was long and by the end of it we just wanted to get off the bus we took a ton of great pictures and we have lots of good memories that will last us the rest of our lives.
After that we were headed to the Cliffs of Moher - John made many great stops, and not all were part of the tour, so that we could get some great photo shots. On the route to the cliffs we were shown the lead singer of The Cranberries former residence, famine huts, former castles, watch towers and lots of IRISH scenery. The Cliffs of Moher were great, and we got to stretch our legs a bit walking up and down the hills taking great shots of the cliffs, the ocean, and ourselves when we weren't awestruck!
We ended up getting lunch at a local pub and were able to sit with Tom and Susan again! Fish and Chips was a popular choice since we both had it! After lunch we headed to Galway for some shopping, stopping again for some more fabulous photo ops.
We ended up not getting a whole lot of sleep (last night) due to the excitement of the day. After we got back from the golf simulator and the fact that it was pouring outside I couldn't sleep. So our 6:00 am wake-up call was horrible. We got up, washed up, packed up, and headed to breakfast. After breakfast we started what John had said the night before to be the longest day on the tour! Even though it was long and by the end of it we just wanted to get off the bus we took a ton of great pictures and we have lots of good memories that will last us the rest of our lives.
First stop today was catching the ferry across River Shannon. On the way off the ferry we saw another CIE guest walking off the ferry evidently missing her bus before it left! Good thing though when we were driving out of the ferry parking lot another CIE bus was stopped, hopefully waiting for her! Upon which Lora turns to me and states, "If you ever leave me like that, ahhhh - I will put my fist in your eye." Upon which I quickly responded, "Well your head already did that yesterday." The people around us got a good laugh!
After that we were headed to the Cliffs of Moher - John made many great stops, and not all were part of the tour, so that we could get some great photo shots. On the route to the cliffs we were shown the lead singer of The Cranberries former residence, famine huts, former castles, watch towers and lots of IRISH scenery. The Cliffs of Moher were great, and we got to stretch our legs a bit walking up and down the hills taking great shots of the cliffs, the ocean, and ourselves when we weren't awestruck!
We ended up getting lunch at a local pub and were able to sit with Tom and Susan again! Fish and Chips was a popular choice since we both had it! After lunch we headed to Galway for some shopping, stopping again for some more fabulous photo ops.
Once in Galway we were able to walk down what we considered a State Street replica, but bigger and more stores. Since Lora and I were shopped out we decided to just do a quick walk through the main street then headed back to the hotel where the bus was located and grabbed an Irish Coffee, and waited for the others to return. Much more relaxed than the rush it seemed everyone was doing. After this stop John brought us through a few other smaller towns and made a couple extra stops for photos, all the while trying to stay awake as much as possible with little success. We ended up making it to Westport and checked into our room, had dinner and for the first time on the trip relaxed, this mainly consisted of recharging all of our electronics for the next day (phone, cameras, Nook)! We turned on the TV for the second time all trip and proceeded to figure out where we'd been and recall what we'd done! a good nights sleep and a late rise considering we don't need to be up until 8:00 am!
This little family owned hotel was ao beautifully quaint and amazing.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Essential Oils: April 2015
The flowers are starting to come up all around us and as I prep this months communication I'm actually sitting outside with Baxter our border collie! I can't tell you how good that makes me feel. We humans (and dogs) aren't meant to be cooped up inside for long periods of time!! But with flowers and being outside (for some of us) comes our allergy and sometimes asthma symptoms. Below I've created a list of potential aids.
Hay Fever by definition is an allergic reaction triggered by airborne allergens that cause the release of histamines and subsequent inflammation of nasal passages and sinus-related areas. Another more serious form of respiratory allergy is asthma, which originates in the chest and lungs. Symptoms include inflammations of the nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids that cause sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, and watery, red, itchy eyes. (Oh what fun)
The Trifecta > Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint > Ways to use: put three drops of each in your hand then rub behind your ears and on the back of your neck, add 5 drops of each to an empty capsule* (available at health food store or through Young Living), for the kiddos you can add 1 drop of each to a spoonful of local honey.
Single Oils: Fennel, German chamomile, ocotea, eucalyptus blue, Roman chamomile, wintergreen, cedarwood
Blends: Di-Gize, Harmony, Valor (available in 5ml bottle or 10ml roll-on), RC, Raven
Blends: Di-Gize, Harmony, Valor (available in 5ml bottle or 10ml roll-on), RC, Raven
Inhalation: diffuse your choice of oils for 1/2 hour every 2 hours or as desired, put 2-3 drops of your chosen oil in your hands and rub them together (cup hands over nose and inhale, repeat as needed throughout the day), place 2-3 drops of chosen oil on a cotton ball or tissue and put it in an air vent in your house, vehicle, or hotel room.
Ingestion: The amount of ingestion varies with the oil. Whether putting the oils in a capsule or drinking them in a liquid, contact me for direction!!! Take 2 capsules of Di-Gize or other oils desired two times daily, put 2-3 drops of oil in a spoonful of agave, yacon, maple syrup, yogurt, honey, etc OR put desired amount of oils in a glass of NingXia Red, rice milk, almond milk. goat milk, carrot juice, or even water and then drink it.
Helpful Supplements: ComforTone, Detoxzyme, Essentialzyme, JuvaPower, JuvaTone, MultiGreens, Sulfurzyme
*Only Young Living oils are safe to ingest.
Items of Note:
- I'm placing my next order the evening of Wednesday, May 6.
- Please share this email with anyone who might benefit.
- Let's learn together!! I would love to get to talk about any questions you might have. If you have any questions or are interested in getting together one on one just let me know.
- I'm not a doctor and the oils work differently for everyone. Always do a test spot when trying new oils (the underside of the upper arm works best and one drop will do).
- Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living) http://www.
youngliving.com/en_US/ discover/essential-oil-safety - My May email will be on Citrus Oils and their uses.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Essential Oils: March 2015
Hey there,
I'm not sure about you guys, but I'm ready for warmer weather to get here and with warmer weather come pests that may irritate you or your furry friends that live with you. Did you know that spiders don't like peppermint?? Below is an arsenal that might help!
RepelAroma: a blend specially designed for pets to deter pests with Idaho Tansy, Citronella, Palo Santo, and Melaluca Alternifolia.
Natural Flea & Tick Prevention (for your furry friends): Mix together 1 drop Cedarwood oil, 3 drops Purification oil, 2 drops Lavender oil, 2 drops Citronella oil, 1 drop Thyme oil, 3 drops Orange oil. Mix together (contact me for the entire recipe/directions)
Simple Insect Repellent Spray: 1 - 4 oz glass spray bottle, 10 drops Lemon, 10 drops Purification, purified/distilled water.
Extra Strength Mosquito Repellent Spray: 1 - 4 ounce glass spray bottle, 30 drops Purification, 15 drops Idaho Tansy, 15 drops Palo Santo, a pinch of epsom salt, purified/distilled water. (contact me for the entire recipe)
Skin Irritation & Anxiety (for your furry friends): 2 Tbsp Almond or Coconut oil, 10 drops Lavender. (massage into skin irritations to help reduce itch, kill bacteria, and help calm nerves.)
Allergy Aid (for your furry friends): Lavender (diffused around the clock, and 1 drop applied straight on their snout once daily)
Items of Note:
- I'm placing my next order the evening of Wednesday, April 1.
- Please share this email with anyone who might benefit.
- Lets learn together!! I would love to get to talk about any questions you might have! If you have any questions or are interested in getting together one on one just let me know. Lets grab a coffee or tea!
- I'm not a doctor and neither I nor the oils make miracles, the oils work differently for everyone. Always do a test spot when trying new oils (the underside of the upper arm works best and one drop will do.
- Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living) http://www.
youngliving.com/en_US/ discover/essential-oil-safety - My April email will be on Allergy and Asthma aids.
Upcoming Event:
Young Living Nitro Event $10 - Wednesday, April 22 from 7-9 pm - Middleton. More information here! I'm very excited that they have one of these events coming here!! Even more awesome is that the $10 entrance fee turns into product credit once you arrive at the event. Let me know if you are interested in going, maybe we can carpool!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Essential Oils: February 2015
Greetings Friends,
This month I thought that I would talk about oil blends that can help you to relax during the day or sleep at night.
Stress Away: a blend of lime, vanilla, copaiba, lavender, cedarwood, and ocotea created to combat normal stresses that creep into our everyday lives. I love the sweet scents that this oil hints at. It's one roll on that I carry with me daily!
Peace & Calming: a tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli, and blue tansy is known to boost your spirits, promote relaxation and peace. Used prior to bed it can enhance your sleep.It has also been found to calm and comforting to children after a stressful day.
Tranquil: a blend with lavender, cedarwood, Roman chamomile, and coconut oil created to calm and relax the mind. This one is on my wish list!! I love that it's available in the roll on that fits nicely in a wristlet or small bag.
RutaVaLa: a blend created to relax both the mind AND the body to ease tension and relieve stress. Applied to the feet before bed makes for a great nights sleep it's also available in a roll on.
Suggested singles: lavender, clary sage, Roman chamomile, cistus
Sugar Scrub Pampering Recipe (for Hands and Feet)
1 cup brown or white sugar
1/4 cup olive (or choice) oil
8-10 drops of essential oil (orange, lavender, peppermint, other oil or blend of choice)
Store in sealed glass jar in a cool place! *Recommend use within 8-10 months.
Items of Note:
- This month (March) I'll be placing my order the evening of Tuesday, March 3
- Please share this email with anyone who you think might be interested or benefit
- Lets learn together!! If you have any questions lets get together one on one for a coffee or tea!
- I'm not a doctor and neither I nor the oils make miracles, the oils work differently for everyone
- Check out the virtual guide here: YL Product Guide
- Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living) YL Essential Oil Safety
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