DIY All Purpose Cleaner

A few years ago I was sitting in my kitchen waiting for my sister to pick me up to go to the mall.  On my table was a bottle of cleaner.  Being bored I picked it up and started to read what was inside.  I am by no means a genius, but I can read.....  But not this bottle!   I had not clue what 90% of the stuff inside my cleaner was, and here I was spraying it all over the place.  Places that my kids and pets come into contact with all the time.  Now don't get me wrong just because I couldn't pronounce them doesn't mean they were all bad.  So I did some research and found out which were okay and which ones to avoid.  That is how I got started making my own cleaners, detergent and so much more.

The reason I like making my own is because I know exactly what is in everything I use.

With that being said lets move on to my DIY all purpose cleaner

What you need:

1tsp borax

1/2tsp washing soda

1 tsp castile soap

30 drops of essential oils

2 cups warm water

1 empty bottle

Directions:

Place borax, washing soda, castile soap in the bottle

Add the two cups of water

Add the oil (You can use one oil or several.  I used lavender, lemon, orange, cedarwood and a few drops of tea tree oil.  This depends on what you want your cleaner to smell like.)

Mix it all together and you are done!

I use this one everything, except my granite counter tops.

I hope you like this cleaner as much as I do!  Happy cleaning!!

Arcade and the Fiery Metal Tester

I was given products in this post for the purpose of review.  I was not paid to write this review, all opinions are my own.

Every night I have my boys sit at the table and do their homework.  To prevent them from rushing a set a timer and they can't leave the table until that time goes off.  If the do get their homework done before that time they can either study or read.  Brandon Jr my oldest LOVES the Arcade series by Rashad Jennings.  His books have action 

Arcade and the Fiery Metal Tester is the third book in the Coin Slot Chronicles series by New York Times bestselling author, former NFL running back, and Dancing with the Stars champion Rashad Jennings. This humorous and imaginative series encourages readers to value the power of friendship and imagination, and to never underestimate an underdog.

In no time flat, Arcade is tested like never before to use the Triple T token’s powerful ways to outsmart a bully, find a place for his best friend to live, and spy on some pesky villains from the 1900s. Meanwhile, sister Zoe thinks controlling the token is nothing but a path to disaster.

One thing’s for sure, the token continues its flashing and pulsing. And elevator doors continue to transport Arcade, Zoe, and their friends to meet different people in strange locations—people who will challenge them, teach them, and inspire them to grow in patience and compassion.

And just as a trip through a fiery furnace is necessary to purify gold, the token leads Arcade through superheated situations to test the purity of his heart.

I love that Rashad instills Christian values throughout this entire story.  It makes kids see the imporances of being kind and making good choices.  And I really liked that it address the issue of bullying.

This is a great read I have a 9 year old and a 12 year old, both of them enjoyed.  This is the perfect age group for this book.  And I think both girls and boys will enjoy this story.

Book details:

  

• Print Length: 256 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (February 11, 2020)
• Publication Date: February 11, 2020
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
• Language: English

You can find this book and so many others at Zonderkidz.  Link below

https://www.zonderkidz.com/

Make Your own Soy Candles

A few years ago I read an article about the dangers of burning candles.  After I was done reading I gave my candles the stink eye and asked them why they were trying to kill me!  I switched over to essential oils, but a part of me really missed burning my candles.  I am so that person that soaks in a bubble bath with candles as my only source of light.

So back to the internet I went.  There had to be a way to burn toxic free candles!

Turns out the only way to be 100% sure was to make them myself.  And once I found out how easy and cheap they were to DIY I couldn't believe I hadn't been doing it all along.

Soy is the way to go!  Soy is a natural, renewable source.  Soy burnings longer and is biodegradable.  

What you need

Soy wax flakes

Wicks (choose a size according to your jar)

Jars

essential oils 

All of these can be found online at Walmart or amazon

Step 1:

Add your soy flakes to a glass jar of your choosing.  You will be burning your candle in this jar so pick something you like!

Step 2:

Fill a pot with water and place your soy flake filled glass jars inside.  You do not want the water to get inside the jar.  

Note you will need to add more wax after it begins to melt.  I add another 2 or 3 tablespoons to each.  You need to be the judge and determine how high you want our wax to be.   I used a rolled up piece of paper so I can control where the wax flakes go.

Also you will have to mix a bit as the flakes melt.  I used a popsicle stick.

Step 3:

After all the wax is melted I remove them from the pot.

The jars are very hot.  I use hotdog prongs to get them.  Move slowly, you don't want wax everywhere.  Put the jar on a flat surface that can handle heat.  I also put a paper towel under mine just in case I spill some wax.

Step 4:

Add whatever essential oil you want.  These candles are not very strong smelling, so I would say a minimum of 100 drops.  If it is a stronger oil you could use less.  Use your popsicle stick to stir the oil and the wax

Step 5:

Time for the wicks.  You need to center them!  This is so important or you will have uneven burning that may ruin your candle.  I use pencils and tape to center mine

Let them set.  Time varies, if my house is really warm it might take 3 hours.  If the house is cooler they can set in 2.  

Step 6:

Trim your wick and enjoy!

Downton Abbey THE MOTION PICTURE

I was given products in this post for the purpose of review

I live a really simple life, my dad is one of my best friends.  Going for walks with my pup is one of my favorite activities and on Friday nights I am normally at home snuggled up on the couch with my kiddos watching a movie.  

A few years ago my dad and I would DVR Downton Abbey at my house and when the boys would go to sleep we would get out the snacks and watch Downton Abbey!  We laughed, we cried and we argued about what was going to happen next!  And then the show came to an end, my dad and I were heart broken.  At the beginning of the summer my dad called me and said/yelled "Did you hear there is going to be a Downton Abbey movie!!"  It gave us a reason to re-watch the entire series, we had to get ready for the movie.

Needless to say my dad and I were at one of the first showings at our local theather!  My dad was a bit nearvous at first there wasn't any men in the theater, but after a few minutes they started to trickle in (Yes my dad was worried about his reputation as a manly man lol!)  The movie was the perfect ending to an amazing journey.  My dad is convinced there is going to be another movie, but I feel it ended just right.

DOWNTON ABBEY

The global sensation hailed as “a grand, cinematic experience” (Mike Reyes, Cinemablend) welcomes fans back for a spectacular homecoming on Digital November 26, 2019 and on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand on December 17, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Earning an “A” CinemaScore, the film, which is celebrated by critics as “a true love letter to the fans” (Catalina Combs, Black Girl Nerds), arrives just in time for the holiday season with a broad variety of bonus features, including exclusive conversations with the cast, deleted scenes and a series recap that whisks audiences away to a world of grandeur.
 
Based on Carnival Films’ Emmy^® award-winning television series, the feature DOWNTON ABBEY sees the original cast return, alongside a host of newcomers. The incredible ensemble cast been applauded by critics as “funny and charming as ever” (Caroline Siede, The A.V. Club). The film chronicles the Crawley family one year after the conclusion of the series, as they prepare for the most important moment of their lives: an impending visit from the Royal Family. Join the glitz, glamour and spectacle as the special visit unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue on the fan-favorite family and its staff members. Lauded as “a delight” (Stephanie Zacharek, TIME), the film comes from the series screenwriter and producer Julian Fellowes, and producers Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.

The motion picture will also be available in a Deluxe Limited Edition, featuring the Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and Digital Code, presented in exclusive packaging along with a collectible photo book and recipe cards. Available only while supplies last, this special offering is the must-own gift for any Downton Abbey fan or to add to your own collection.
 

BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

• Deleted Scenes
• Cast Conversations – Exclusive roundtable interviews with the cast.
  • Upstairs Cast
  • Downstairs Cast
• The Royal Visit – A look at how the royal visit proved to be an ambitious event both on and behind the camera.
• True to the Twenties – Fans of DOWNTON ABBEY are charmed by the sheer grandeur of the aristocracy in the early 20^th century. Learn how DOWNTON ABBEY maintains a reputation of being true to the time period.
• Welcome to Downton Abbey – A behind-the-scenes look at the grandeur of Highclere Castle and how it serves as a cornerstone in the Downton Abbey franchise.
• The Brilliance of Julian Fellowes – Writer Julian Fellowes has created a story and beloved characters that resonate with people across the world. This piece celebrates Julian’s brilliant creativity and reveals his approach to bringing Downton Abbey to the big screen.
• Downton Abbey Series Recap* – Whether you’re new or just need a refresher, this series recap will catch you up on the story so far.
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Engler

*Available only on Blu-ray™ and iTunes

DOWNTON ABBEY will be available on Blu-ray^TM, DVD and Digital.

• Blu-ray^TM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
• Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
• MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-ray^TM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. 

Overcomer @overcomermovie #overcomermovie #FlyBy

I will received a dvd in exchange for making this post.

ON DIGITAL NOVEMBER 26 COMING TO BLU-RAY™ AND DVD DECEMBER 17

OVERCOMER is from the creators of the #1 box-office hit War Room. Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison (Kendrick) after he loses his basketball team and is challenged by the school’s principal, Olivia (Shirer), to coach a new sport he doesn’t know or like. As John questions his own worth, he dares to help the least likely runner take on the biggest race of the year. Filled with a powerful mix of faith, humor and heart, this inspirational story will have you on the edge of your seat.
I have seen several movies by the creators of OVERCOMER and I always walk away feeling empowered.  I have a feeling OVERCOMER is going to have the same affect especially since Overcomer is the #1 Inspirational Family Film of 2019 and has 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes!

OVERCOMER has runtime of approximately 119 minutes and is rated PG for some thematic elements.

 BLU-RAY AND DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE BONUS MATERIALS ● The Heart of Overcomer: See how the heart of Overcomer is grounded in personal growth, faith and identity.
 ● Creating the Opening Drone Shot: See how the stunning opening drone shot of the film was realized with a lot of ingenuity and a well-organized crew. 
● Working with the Kendricks: Watch how Alex, Stephen and Shannon Kendrick found their path to filmmaking through authenticity and faith. 
● Looks Behind-the-Scenes of: Editing, Composing, Coloring and Sound Design
 ● “Enough” (Lyric Video) Featuring Koryn Hawthorne 
● Don’t Mess with the Editors: Check out what the editors of Overcomer created on the side for a little fun. BONUS FEATURES 
AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL
 ● Feature Audio Commentary with Director Alex Kendrick and Producer Stephen Kendrick 
● Bloopers & Outtakes 
● 10 Minutes of Additional Scenes with an introduction from the Kendrick Brothers.
 ● The Making of Overcomer: Learn about how the crew worked together with faith and prayer to create this incredible film.
 ● The Theme of Identity: In this piece the cast and crew discuss what the theme of identity means to them. 
● The Power of Forgiveness: Describes why forgiveness is such an important theme of this film. 
● “Overcomer” (Lip Sync Music Video) Featuring Mandisa
 ● Overcomer in 60 Seconds: a quick fun film recap. 
● Overcomer Resources Video: Learn more about accompanying resources to help you grow in faith.

To learn more please see any of my links below:
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