Wacky Wednesday. ..Snow day..

Boy do I have WACKY for ya!  Yesterday, good old Ohio was 51° with sunshine and blue skies.  Today its 26° and the snow is falling. We currently have a Level 3 snow emergency and I was sent home from work. The roads are crazy!! 
How do we flip from spring like conditions to a blizzard?

I feel like setting out Middle for Mother Nature because she is seriously PMS - IN it!!

My 5 yo asked me if we can "seriously move now" since it won't get warm!!  I think Ohioians are SO over it!

This is just down right Wacky!!!

Book Review Tuesday... Complete Me by J. Kenner (much awaited)

 Complete Me 

by J. Kenner

A Book Review by Kel - for the final trilogy of the Stark Trilogy Books.

Book Cover from Randomhouse.com

 

 

Title: Complete Me (Stark Trilogy #3)

By: J. Kenner

Genre: Romance, Billionaire, Steamy, BDSM, Adult Fiction.

Published: July 30, 2013

SYNOPSIS: This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful multimillionaire who’s never had to take “no” for an answer, and Nikki Fairchild, the Southern belle who only says “yes” on her own terms.
Our desire runs deep. But our secrets cut close.
Beautiful, strong, and commanding, Damien Stark fills a void in me that no other man can touch. His fierce cravings push me beyond the brink of bliss—and unleash a wild passion that utterly consumes us both.
 Yet beneath his need for dominance, he carries the wounds of a painful past. Haunted by a legacy of dark secrets and broken trust, he seeks release in our shared ecstasy, the  heat between us burning stronger each day.
 Our attraction is undeniable, our obsession inevitable. Yet not even Damien can run from his ghosts, or shield us from the dangers yet to come.

{adapted from  Barnes & Nobles website under description of book}

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After much waiting, I finally finished the book.  I am not going to lie, I put it down and conveniently did not seem to work time to read the rest, dreading the last page. I hate finishing a book because then I am left disappointed and dying to know what happens..next.  This book is no different. I loved the series, although it did take me a little bit to get "into" it all.  I had my fill of the other erotic novels and was afraid that this was just another one of "those" books! But, after I started turning the pages, I just couldn't stop, not until it stopped me, of course. Now I am left wondering what happens next, hoping that J. Kenner left it as she did for a possible add on book?  Hey a girl can dream, right!

OK, enough of me yapping, I am sure you all are waiting to hear about the book, right!

Complete Me is the final installment of the Stark Trilogy.  Both the characters, Nikki and Damien, are very strong characters throughout the series.  Most of these series offer up a rich, handsome but damaged man.  This one proves to be different. All three books have "hooked" me as a reader and all have left me wanting more. 

This book starts where book two leaves off.  Damien and Nikki are in German and Damien is awaiting the trial for murder.  Nikki is scared and battling with her feelings and emotions throughout this turmoil.  She knows that she can't lose Damien.  Damien keeps up his iron mask but deep down he is torn apart by the proceedings.  Nikki being by his side seems to stable him somewhat.  There is an out for Damien, to make the murder mess disappear, but it also bring out the demon that he is trying to keep hidden. He tells Nikki and seems somewhat surprised by her willingness to stick by him no matter what.  He seemed to be looking for a different outcome.  

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This book shows Nikki and Damien doing everything together.  They are building a bond with each other that is apparent and deeper than the surface. There is strength within both of them.
‘You’re what gives me strength. If I am what centers you, Nikki, then you are what anchors me.’
The story line is full of surprises, each page promising a different twist or turn.  It is very difficult to put down (unless I was getting close to the end and afraid for it all to be over, that is!) 
As for the Author's portrayal of the characters, I think that J. Kenner is a genius. She created two damaged, flawed characters and put them together to both become stronger from their demons. At the beginning, Nikki was so fragile. She remains fragile in so many aspects through the story but seems to draw her strength from Damien.  There are many sacrifices that each character seems to be making throughout all three books. 
The irony is that Damien is a tortured soul on the inside but so utterly beautiful on the outside.   

“I want to hold you close. To cherish and protect you. To draw you in until we are so close that I am lost within you. I want to take you to bed, to watch the way your skin tightens beneath my fingers, the way your body awakens under my touch. I want to trail kisses over you until you are lost in so much pleasure that you don’t know where you end and I begin. I want to tie you up and fuck you until there is no doubt that you are mine. I want to dress you up and take you out, and show you off, this beautiful, vibrant, brilliant woman. Everything I’ve built? All my billions? They have no value compared to you.”


Since this is the third book, you would expect the steam to be wary, but I promise that Nikki and Damien are both still on point and sizzling. All in all, I think that this book was a must read. It has different projections than similar stories, there is a different story line and it is written to form pictures in your mind of each character and every detail that their are enduring throughout the books. 
So, the flaw, well it was the ending. As I said, I was left wondering what happens next. I like it when there is a little peek at the future, as in Fifty Shades foreshadow. But, I am hoping it was done like this to have an opening for a possible next book?  

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An Interview with the Author:


So How did J. Kenner come up with the premise for the story/series?

JK: I’ve been writing for Bantam for a while, and one day I was having a conversation with my editor about the rising popularity of erotic romance, and especially the billionaire hero. I had an idea for one, with a damaged billionaire and a woman who was both very strong and very damaged, and she was intrigued. At her suggestion, I wrote a TV Guide type blurb and sent it to her. She loved it and told me to dive into longer proposal. The characters were so clear in my mind that I wrote an incredibly long (I think it was 14 pages) single spaced synopsis of the entire store, with dialogue and love scene snippets!. I was in love with these characters. Fortunately, so was my editor. At first, we were thinking that it would just be one book, but we loved the characters so much, and there was so much story there, that we ended up turning it into a trilogy. It’s been a fabulous experience. I’ve loved all the books I’ve written, but sometimes things just “click” between an author and the characters, and that was how it was in the case of Nikki and Damien!

 {adapted from Randomhouse.com}

Marriage Monday..How to make it work and keep working..

How to make your Marriage work,

and keep working....

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Marriage is a vow between two people, before God, friends and family and each other, to promise to stay beside one another no matter what the circumstances.

In today's day and age, it almost seems like Marriage is taboo. I am remembering a conversation that I had with a friend, who is going through a break-up of sorts, with a guy who is running scared from Marriage. Her quote to me was, "This generation doesn't believe in marriage and is putting a stop to what marriage is."  I kind of took offense to this, until I remember her grief and heart break talking.

I don't agree. I married my Hubby at age 26. He was only 27.  We were "old" in my eyes. But, none of our friends were walking down the isle. The funny thing is, they still aren't.  I believed in the vow of marriage. I married my best friend, not for that piece of paper or the change of my name, but because this person was the person who I wanted by my side in my journey through life. I wanted to wake up next to him and fall asleep in his arms. I wanted that bond that was already formed between us to keep growing, which is what that piece of paper has done. It just made the bond that much stronger between us and the fight a little more intense to hold onto it all. 

So, for me, I got my man. I got the wedding, the house and the kids to match. I have a great life and our lines of communication are open at all times. That being said. I think it is important to figure out some tips of what works for others and how to keep it all working so not to be a statistic. 

For my Hubby and I, we are always working together and there are no secrets. Everything remains opened and honest and feelings are put on the table, good and bad. We work through everything together.  That being said, we do have our moments. Frustration does occur and it is a normal process to deal with, but what remains important is how you handle the situation during and more than likely, after! 

But here are some tried and true tips:

Compromise- find a half way point or let one another be open to new ideas. I can relate to this because old Gray Gables here is being neglected. I had asked Hubby if I can start looking at contractors to come in and "finish" a few things up. He was stubborn as all get out and kept telling me NO! Well, persistence is my middle name. So, I asked again the other day, with the term Quotes, many of them, and he said OK, you can get quotes and we can go from there. Guess what, win-win! I am happy because there might be a chance, if the work and price are right! 

Acceptance- don't try to change your Man.  No matter how many years pass by, I know who I married. Yes, he has surprised me over the years by wearing a few different "hats" , but all in all he is still the same person that I started dating over 12 years ago. And honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way. He is stubborn and a pain in the butt sometimes too, but we work well together and have our own system in play that makes it all work for us.

Spend time together- this one has been a challenge for Hubby and I as of late. We are working different shifts and literally seem to be saying Hi and Bye M-F.  He still has to work on Saturdays, and I try to let him get solid sleep and sleep in so that he is at least getting 2 days of good rest without kids. But, that doesn't leave much time for me.  Sundays seem to be the only time, and even then, it is never just the two of us. It's OK though, we are making it work and finding snippets of time either text or on the phone to "catch up."  Sundays are family days and I make sure to touch a little more and kiss when the urge hits me. I have learned that it isn't necessarily about how much physical time you spend together alone, but how much time you make for one another. 

 Communicate- which goes hand in hand with Spending Time together. We are great communicators, well, most of the time. I do have my moments, OK, last night, where I will try to act like everything is fine, even though my kids are not adjusting well to the time change and it took me until 10pm to get them to bed and BOY was I stressed! I didn't want to share because I was frustrated and angry and he pulled it out of me, but then it was done. Just upsetting to get it out of me. I just knew I was mad and did not want to project my anger towards him. But, we dealt with it and no one was yelling or screaming or anything, just talking and working through it. We talk about everything. We discuss what gets paid and when, we talk about the kids, dog, cars, whatever might happen to fall from our brains and even if it sounds so stupid, we still talk about it with one another. 

Last but not least, Pick your Battles!  This one I have learned, probably in my fourth or fifth year of marriage I really used this tactic and it works. I am happier, he is happier and in the end, a discussion ensures, instead of a battle.  I have been known to get hyper about mundane issues, hot topics and so forth and until I stepped outside of our battles, in which we did have a time of full on battles laced with tons of tears, did I realize that one question that I think everyone asks themselves once in their lifetime- "what are we even fighting about?"  

I grew up in a house with two parents, yes, they are still together, 35 years later, where they would fight to fight. A bad day at work meant a bad night at home. I vowed to myself at an early age to NEVER have this type of home in my adult life, nor would I put my own children through this agony. It was not far from hell growing up in that environment, not to make my Parents feel bad, but it was rough and left scars emotionally on my forever. I was always told to not repeat and I took that and ran with it!

So, I pick my battles. If I am passionate about it, my Hubby seems to take the reins and picks the battle in his favor and in the end it has resulted in less screaming matches and more calmness and sitting down to discuss the issue and usually cry about the reasons why it worked us up so much.

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In Marriage, you are always growing, always evolving and changing.  There are things that Work for some, that don't for others and vice-versa.  The big picture is figuring out what works for your relationship and never forgetting.  Times are going to be rough, you are going to be challenged but that is how you grow together.  Hubby and I vowed before God to fight, together. We vowed not to give up or give in and we have found ways to ensure that our life will end together. We are not led with jealousy or hatred or grudges from the past but instead look to each day as a new day and a new adventure in this life, together.  Plus, I married my best friend so everyday is the best! 

Good luck in all things related to LOVE and don't lose sight of what marriage is. If you met a person who melts your heart and who keeps you up at night, hold on tight. Don't discredit matrimony because you are scared or because it didn't work for you or someone else in the past. Live in the present. Marriage to me is spending my life with my best friend and lover and not losing sight of those attributes that made me fall in love. Everyday I am still falling in love. 

~KEL~

 

                                                               

Super Sunday.. @ Sam's Club

Once a Month trip to Sam's Club

It is always an adventure to go to the grocery store, but to the local Membership Club box store is full of FUN! Especially when you get the sweet seat cart.

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We woke up today (losing an hour of sleep) knowing exactly what we had in store for us. It was our Sam's Club Sunday!  

We got the kids up, dressed and headed out for a quick bit to eat at Bob's (Bob Evans is my kiddo's favorite place to eat) - where my children dined on Piggy Pancakes (yes, they were piggy faces and they said they were delicious) and headed for our journey to our local Sam's Club. 

We had a list and knew it was membership renewal day too! It was a rough one, that is all I have to say folks!

We stocked up on our usual's, toilet paper, flush able wipes (if you have kids and do not have these- you should seriously consider- they are AWESOME!) our food, fruit and veggies and beverages.  Hubby wanted an Xbox One game, we had some stuff to get for gifts and they girls conned us out of 2 movies- Dora and Minnie Mouse. 

Things we buy from Sam's and Why:

We always stock up on Milk- @ 2.49/ gallon. We always buy two! 
We get 3 lbs of banana for 1.36- which we all like bananas! Picky kids only eat Bananas and Apples.
Which brings us to our next deal: Apples pre-sliced (yes, pre-sliced) for 3.98 for 32 ounces.
 And they are red delicious (my girls favorite kind of apples).

Ground beef is 3.18/lb for 90/10. This is good ground beef and all I will buy. I pay extra money for it but you don't have any gristle or funny bone particles in this meat and less fat when cooking up.

3 lbs. of red seedless grapes for 6.98.  We always buy grapes.  I had children who loved them, then didn't and I have gotten very creative by using koolaid packets to sweeten the grapes up to make them sweet n' sour and the girls are back to loving them!

Beef Chuck Roast for 3.98/lb.  We do roasts. Not many people do, but we do! I add the potatoes, the carrots and the mushroom soup mix and have a roast at least once a month. It is a staple that I grew up with and want to make that something my girls remember also!

Beef Ball Park Franks - All BEEF for 6.52 for 3 lbs. and I freeze half of the package for double my value. We always fall back on hot dogs when the girls won't eat what I cook, which is usually always. I make sure we have these on hand because they are quick and easy and in a pinch, they work!

These are just a few of my regular items that I always pick up and the reasons why. 

I think it is also important to note that Motts apple juice- you get a 2 pack for $4.88, when I went to Meijer's just the other day and for 1 that is not even as many ounces as what I am getting 2 of was $4.28 and YES, I walked away. Better to do without until my Sam's Sunday run, than to get ripped off!

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I am starting a new diet, so I had some things to grab and a bag of Meal Replacement Protein powder (sorry Shakeology, but since I no longer coach, I can not afford you, not that I could coaching either but now it is NOT an option).  

So, you want to hear about my diet? I know your ears perked up with that lovely four letter word.  I am not a diet kind of girl. I work hard, I work out and try to eat decent, but lately, since I have had 2 kids and seem to be tired all the time and do not get nearly 8 solid hours of sleep at night, my metabolism seems to be all out of whack.  I have stayed at a steady weight since having #2 and can not seem to move it, no matter how much I do. So, I have been reading up on how to boost your metabolism and found a 3 day diet plan that boosts your metabolism and gets you on the right track to continue to think about what you are putting into your system. 

Picture from email from friend who is doing diet with me

So Day #1 looks like this:

Breakfast:  1/2 grapefruit, 1 slice wheat toast, 2 tablespoons of Peanut Butter and Coffee or Tea.

Lunch: 1/2 cup tuna, 1 slice wheat toast, and coffee or tea.

Dinner: 3 ounces of any type of Meat, 1 cup green beans, 1/2 banana and 1 small apple with 1 cup of Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert.

Day #2 looks like this:

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1 slice toast, and 1/2 banana *hard boiled egg

Lunch: 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 hard boiled egg, and 5 saltine crackers

Dinner: 2 hot dogs (turkey or beef- no bi products) - no buns,  1 cup broccoli, 1/2 cup carrot's, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

Day #3 looks like this: 

Breakfast: 5 saltine crackers, 1 slice cheddar cheese, 1 small apple 

Lunch: 1 hard boiled egg, 1 slice toast

Dinner:  1 cup tuna, 1/2 banana, 1 cup vanilla ice cream.

It is super important not to SNACK!  Also, do not substitute anything listed. You must follow exactly as planned.

After day #3- eat normal for 4 days before you can start the diet again.

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I am super excited to start this challenge and to see if I an get my metabolism moving. I just want something to start it. It is also important get exercise with this plan, which I currently get 20 minutes on my elliptical and I do a T25 video every other day (everyday kills my knees- even at Tania's pace)

<<<Back to your adventures at Sam's, all went smooth. The girls had a good time and were excellent and we all made it out with being upset or anything but all smiles, even with the sticker shock!

What a great Sunday!

Even better, Zombies are on tonight and I can not wait!

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Happy Sunday.. Let's count down to Friday, again!

~KEL~

Parenting Saturday... Life without kids- did it really exist?

nickmom.com

Life without Kids- did it really exist?

Were those days real? Is it getting harder and harder to remember life before? 

 

Last night we had a "Birthday Party" for my Uncle (who is only 10 years older than myself)- and although we all were gathered around the table singing Happy Birthday, it was more for my kiddos than for the Birthday Boy himself.  The whole time my kids were singing at the tops of their lungs when my 2 yo says "Happy Birthday to Uncle Peeeee" and everyone starts laughing!  (He goes by P.R.) 

In this moment, I find myself having a hard time remembering LIFE without children. They are the best thing to happen to Hubby and myself and although we have our moments (more than I would like to admit) where we are screaming and yelling, trying to get someone to listen- it still remains that absolute truth that LIFE is truly better with them here! 

Trying to go back to the days when it was just Hubby and me is getting harder and harder to remember, especially the older that our kids get. 

It was not even like we "jumped" into the whole parenting pool.  We were together for 7 long, strong years before we welcomed Baby Girl #1. And trust me, when they say a Baby Changes Everything, boy do they mean it!
 

The hardest years on our marriage were the beginning years of baby! Somehow, if your love and bond is strong, you both hold onto your commitments, you muddle your way through the hard times and find that happy place, bliss. 

This is where Hubby and I are now. We are in that blissful place where we are just enjoying life with kids.  Today, our 2 yo was a comedian.  She makes the funniest faces ever! Her newest thing is, she tells you something (and yes, it is rather hard to understand when she gets to talking so fast!) and at the end of her spiel she says, "You say Yes, OK!" and it is hilarious! 

from NickMom.com

Sometimes I think it is the little things. Our 5 yo has her moments also! She is very serious and when you can get her past that, just to hear her laugh is the best! I have made it my personal goal to break her "serious face" at least five times a day! And yes, tickling works!

Can you remember the days before you had kids? Does it feel like a mirage? 

I know that Hubby and I ate out a lot. I have no idea how I stayed so skinny because after two kids and eating "in", I can not seem to get back down to what I once was, b.k.  That in itself is crazy! 

I know that we used to have time to watch movies and stay up late and see friends.  I almost think we took it for granted, looking back on it!  But, if I had to say anything, I think life is so much better with our kids. I just can't remember what we used to talk about? Not that all we talk about is our kids, but it is never a dull subject! 

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Do my kids drive me mad? Of course! I don't think I have calmness in me anymore because I honestly feel like I am always hyper! But every once in a while the girls throw me a bone- like today. Our day was good, no yelling, no timeouts, no nothing. It was calm.  I had one minor incident with Play Doh and my 2 yo, in which I had to clean up the YELLOW play doh from the rock board in the kitchen (because we still don't have tile) - but its rock board and it will be covered by Tile so whatever!

Tonight was pretty fun, my girls dressed up and put on a Frozen musical, hilarious karaoke and all! They are , as my 5 yo is such an actress and can not focus on just singing but has to keep playing with her hair the whole time!

These moments are etched into my brain and forever will be. I wouldn't ask for it to be any other way!

So, the time before kids, yes, it was Hubby time and it will always be a part of us, but not a reality for 16 more years! (lord help us) 

For now though, I am OK with it. I love my girls and love being a Mom and am so happy with the life that my Hubby and I have built.  I'm still one lucky Bea...

~KEL~

 

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Friday Fever... What the heck is *!$@#*OIL PULLING?

What is the deal with Oil Pulling?

What is it? 

How does it work?

Why is it gaining so much popularity?

Happy Friday Friends!

I woke up this morning thinking to myself (after a crazy Giant Badger Dream) what kind of "Fresh" stuff can we talk about on this beautiful Friday? It's getting warmer out, our Ohio Snow is starting to melt and Its Friday!  (it is so sad that my life is a constant count down to Friday... welcome to the life of a Wife/Mom who works Full Time outside of the home- Aaaaayooo)

So, I opened up my Facebook (love my smartphone) and started to see what everyone was talking about today- only to see something about "Oil Pulling" - in which I am like, what? Tell me more...

I know your curious too- aren't you... C'mon, just admit it. It sounds weird. 

Then came my research. With this research came the fascination to get started. Yes, I said, "Get Started" - because it sounds so convincing and so crazy that I want to try. 

I know, you are llike, C'mon Kel, tells us what the heck you are talking about Already!! Right!

So you want to know WHAT OIL PULLING is?

  Oil Pulling is a process (that you can make with Just 3 Ingredients!) of reducing bacteria that causes plaque build up, gum disease, tooth decay and gum sensitivity, even making your teeth whiter during the process.

There is a 3 ingredient recipe: 

1) Organic Coconut Oil 

2) Melaleuca- a 100% therapeutic grade essential oil that is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic, expectorant, immune stimulant and decongestant.

3) Shield- a 100% therapeutic grade essential oil that has anti-viral properties.

The blend contains Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, Eucalyptus radiata and Rosemary essential oils.

Coconut Oil contains Lauric Acid, a healthy fat that is proven to be anti-microbial.

To save time, you can make a 2 week supply of Oil Pulling Blend and store in a 1/2 pint Mason Jar.

2 Week Supply of Oil Pulling Blend

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1 Cup Softened Coconut Oil

16 drops Melaleuca

16 drops Shield

Whisk softened coconut oil and essential oils together until well blended and smooth. Add to a 1/2 pint Mason Jar- or similar, preferably glass since Essential Oils can leach petrochemicals from plastic.

TO USE:

Once a day, put approximately 1 tablespoon of the Oil Pulling Blend in your mouth and swish for 20 minutes. DO NOT SWALLOW!  The oil your are pulling from your mouth will be full of bacteria and you will want to spit into a garbage at the end of your 20 minutes. 

Once you spit out, brush your teeth and you will notice the difference- even after the first time!  

You can find the essential oils at WEBSITE:  Sparknaturals.com and both are extremely reasonably priced.

Pictures care of Sparknaturals.com

WHY I THINK IT IS GETTING SO MUCH HYPE?

My Review:

I found a few different variations of this Oil Pulling method.  Luckily in my town, we have an essential oil store, not far from my house, and I was able to obtain both bottles of the essential oils.  I am very interested in figuring out the difference in the variations of recipes, but, starting with this one, I feel different after my 20 minute swish. 

 I instantly knew that something was happening, especially seeking what I was spitting out.  I used a plastic baggie, instead of spitting right into the garbage.  (I have two small children that would NOT approve of my hovered over the can spitting my nasty pulling blend into it. Not that the plastic baggie was any better but at least I didn't have to hold my hair!) 

I brushed my teeth right after and everything felt smooth and fresh. It was strange because I was not expecting after one trial to feel such a strong effect from the blend. 

 The second thing I would like to note is my energy level seemed to increase.  I was dog tired when I tried this blend and after my swishing, I felt rejuvenated, which is crazy because  it is eight o'clock at night by this time and I have been up and adam since 4:45 AM. 

 

I highly recommend and honestly can not wait to do it again tomorrow night. I can't wait to see if my teeth whiten up also!  Bottom line is THIS WORKS!

 

**Check back later for updates on this story. I would like to try a few other methods to Oil Pulling and see what I come up with!

Thanks for checking me out.  If you would like to share your Oil Pulling experiences, please email me @ kelamstutz@gmail.com.

~KEL~

If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face

like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.

Roald Dahl

**from my calender today.  Happy Friday!!