Solo DOT Mom

Diatomaceous Earth - My new miracle mineral for yeast infections

2019-11-18T15:14:00.000-05:00

You may think I am crazy. I am moving toward a more natural way of life and enjoying all the research and all the knowledge that I am gaining through the experience. Some people just don't understand those of us changing our routines and our habits to ensure a more healthy beneficial lifestyle.

But I don't think I am crazy.

And those ladies that have ever experienced a yeast infection. Stay tuned - you will want to read on about my recent find, my recent miracle mineral.

Diatomaceous Earth

It's like gold if you have ever experienced a painful yeast infection that got way out of hand. I have repeatedly experienced these and begrudgingly take the prescription flouritcian.... each time. That was until I got my last one. I was tired of taking those meds and tired of dealing with the symptoms and wanted to dig deeper to find what was the root cause of their persistent return.

That's where the research came in.

And thanks to this wonderful healthy blogger, Wellness Mama and more and more research, I was able to find a healthy natural recourse.

When I found out about diatomaceous earth, I researched it to the point of wanting to try it confidently. I bought some and tried a teaspoon in a glass of water 3 hours after I had my last meal and voila... I had relief. I mean like that same evening I was starting to feel true relief.

So what is it? Tiny microscopic fossilized diatoms (skeletal remains of hard shelled algae). They attract via their negative charge and then remove the yeast organisms from the body.

There is more to my story, however. More than just diatomaceous earth.

The quick fix wasn't my only intention for retreating this persistent nuisance. I found out through more research and helpful information from Wellness Mama what I need to include in my diet AND exclude from my diet to put the nasty yeast varmints completely at bay that were causing this problem for me.

They had gotten out of control so I was taking back control of what went in my body to keep them from "feasting" on the sugars and overpopulating.

And here I am months in to trying my new routine with no recent yeast infections. This new routine has been excluding white sugar when possible and including probiotic full foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and probiotic supplements on a daily basis.

Writing that paragraph makes me giddy because - it was frustrating how often I was dealing with a yeast infection.

So there you have it. Your quick fix and your mainstream maintenance routine and the resources for you to do your own research.

The battle for change is worth the end result.

Spring will come

2016-02-16T17:27:00.000-05:00

#ice

A photo posted by Katherine (@norakatclark) on Feb 16, 2016 at 6:23am PST

It may not seem like it today..... but Spring is coming. It will come. It may not come when we want it or just like we want it, but it will come. Just like it did in 2015 and in all the years before that.

Spring is coming.

Have a little faith.

I'm looking forward to it.

Holding my breath. Expecting it... the freshness of it. I need the newness of it.

How to Get Better Sleep

2016-01-25T12:50:00.001-05:00

Sleep is so very important. Our bodies renew and rejuvenate overnight and they were created to do that through sleeping and that include deep sleep. Good sleep patterns will improve not only your mood, but your cognitive abilities during the day, your memory, as well as your health and wellness.

So when you wake up night after night after night at around 3 AM and lay awake for another hour or so before falling back to sleep - that can be frustrating. Trust me - I know. Been there, done that way way too many times.

But what can we do to improve our sleep and the longevity of that sleep?

Well I have been doing some research. Here is a summary of things you can try:

Establish a bed-time routine.

Use this time to meditate and pray - getting all of the day's worries off your mind and into God's hands. Also thank Him for the good things about that day. This will remind you of your blessings and release your troubles.
Make a list for your upcoming day of activities - get all those reminders off your mind and in your phone "listing app" or on paper.
Include a relaxation playlist of music and be consistent on what time you rest each night. You can start that music as you start your bed-time routine, washing our face, brushing teeth, etc. Or you can just start the music when you are finally in the bed and ready to wind down and sleep. Either way can be beneficial. I do this regularly and it makes a huge difference in getting my mind to calm down from the day's activities. Here is my list:

Make your sleeping environment comfortable.

Reduce clutter in your room.
Use comfortable sheets and clean them regularly. I love these super cozy sheets I found that are microfiber and very soft.

Supplement mineral/vitamin deficiencies.

Incorporate a higher magnesium intake (since an alarming majority of Americans are deficient in this important mineral) - through supplements or better yet through application to your skin.
Here is a recipe for Magnesium Oil you can make at home.
Take some "sleepy dust" just before dozing off. Salt and honey combination can assist with your body closing down for the night - here is a recipe for the amounts of sugar and salt to use and how much to take at bed-time. But I prefer to use raw honey and sea salt.

Be mindful of the "resting zone."

Don't use electronics when you awaken in the middle of the night. Just don't.
Don't turn on bright lights.
Don't start back over your list of things to do - if they come to mind - write them down and then forget them. But try to do this before dozing the first time.

Some of these ideas were found in articles by nutritionist bloggers like Dr. Axe and Wellness Mama. They are the most prominent ideas/tips I have found and I am incorporating them into my personal routine to get into a more consistent and more continuous sleep pattern.

Let me know what you have found to be helpful in getting a "good night's sleep."

Leave your comments below.

*Disclosure regarding discounted products received in part as a review.

First natural hair care and now natural makeup

2014-11-06T13:24:00.001-05:00

You remember my big claims for soap nuts. If not you need to read about them. I still use them in this natural hair care journey I am on.... but now, I am mixing them with Shikakai and Amla and I like that combination EVEN BETTER!

Going "no-poo" has been quite the journey. And I will share more about the ups and downs and the trials and ERRORS in another post.

But now I have started to branch out into replacing more and more products that I use on a daily basis. Especially those products that I apply to my face and body. With that I am venturing out into some DIY recipes for foundation and makeup. I like some that I am experimenting with but I didn't want to have to purchase the "extra" natural chemicals that I needed for the 'sunscreen' factor.

So that led me to the big new find: Joppa Minerals. I just found out about them and researched their ingredients and I am impressed. And with all their COLORS, I decided to purchase some samples to get me started and try out a few.

I can't wait for them to come in. I am totally psyched too because they are $10 dollars cheaper than the SAME size in the Bare Escentuals brand (which I have heard bad things about). So with them being a safer more natural product AND TEN DOLLARS CHEAPER for a full size- How can I go wrong!?

As soon as I can try out my samples, I will post my reviews.

To visit JOPPA MINERALS Click Here.

Till next time, my DIY friends......

Soap Nuts - Shout from the house top - I LOVE SOAP NUTS

2014-07-18T17:36:00.000-04:00

As i continue on my no-poo journey, I am making some headway - Ha get it!? head-way... anywho, I digress. I wasn't yet crazy with how my hair "felt" after the rosemary/borax wash combo. And I will probably still do a rinse with the rosemary 'tea' but I won't have that as my first choice of wash anymore with the Borax. But i will know if I need to switch to something - it's a possibility.

So after I wasn't crazy with the results, I continued to read and read and search about no-poo and low-poo methods online. I found tons of stuff and testimonials and alternative "no-poo" recipes and options. I was especially hooked on all the information they have on a Facebook page, for No Poo / Low Poo . Here is where I learned more about my new found love "Soap Nuts" and their links that lead me to more and more information, which convinced me to buy them and try them......

I love my soap nuts.

And they really aren't nuts, (and btw, neither am I) even though my husband might tell you differently right now as he watches my obsession play out with all my endless research and hours on the internet.

They are soap berries. All natural dried berries from trees that are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but are native to India and Nepal.

And here is the link where i found a great recipe....from Wellness Mama's blogsite.

I followed it precisely and haven't frozen any of it yet from my batch made Tuesday night - but have washed twice with the results and may wash again this weekend to use it up. Next time I plan to modify it a little in order to use less "berries" by simply adding boiling water to a "thermos," let it "brew" overnight, allowing it to steep and come to room temp. This may give me enough for only 1 wash, potentially, so I don't have to let it spoil. If that doesn't work - I will start to freeze portions of my batch so I don't have to add a preservative.

Basic Recipe Soap Nuts "no poo" hair wash:

5 Soap "nuts" / berries... placed into a muslin bag and tied up.

Use distilled water...

3 cups total of distilled water. But start with 2 cups....

Boil in your pot: the muslin bag in 2 cups water.
Then lower heat and cover to simmer for 30 minutes before adding that 3rd cup.
Let steep after adding last cup till liquid is room temp.

And that's it! You should end up with a brownish liquid.

When I use it to wash my hair, I use about a cup's worth of this tan/brown liquid and apply it to dry hair and start at my roots but let it run down the length. Then I massage it into my scalp and clamp my hair up on top my head and let it sit for 10 minutes before I rinse in my shower. During this time, I oil cleanse my face.

And beware - do not get this in your eyes. It will feel like pepper spray from what I have read.

Keep on keeping on your hair journey - DIY friends.... It gets better!!!

No-poo continues....

2014-07-06T14:25:00.000-04:00

Okay we are about a month in with this NO-POO thing! For the last few weeks I have been removing sulfates and commercially common shampoos from the regimen and in-turn almost having to remove the use of "cones" found in most of the products and processes applied to my hair.

The cones did their job but they also would continue to build up and require sulfates to remove them. So I am trying to eliminate them, for the most part, also from my regimen.

"Cones" are in everything from the conditioners I used to the leave-in detanglers, to the heat protectant serums. EVERYTHING that I loved most when using my hair products has some form of "cone" in it. So this experiment/change for me, is drastic and I am still trying the experiment to judge for myself my own satisfaction with the results.

So at about a month trying no-poo, what do I think?

I think there is A.L.O.T of information out there of attempts and trials and grand results of going no-poo. From the extreme water-only washing to the co-washing (conditioners only) and natural ingredient shampoo bars to making concoctions of my latest find using none-other than BORAX.

So I am going to try Borax diluted with water as my next attempt at no-poo.

My Original Borax and Rosemary Hair Wash Recipe 7/6/2014 =

Boil 1/2 gallon of water and add 1 1/2 tablespoons (roughly) of dried rosemary herb. Let that come to a full boil for about 20 minutes. Strain the herb (after doing this recipe I realized I should have let the rosemary steep longer to get a more intense color for helping with the grey hair and that might help the scent to be stronger in the after effects; oh well- so next time...) and in a glass bowl while the water is still warm add a cup of Borax. Let the Borax dissolve by stirring. Then use a funnel to poor the solution into a gallon size jug. Add distilled water to complete the gallon for proportion (pretty close). Refrigerate the solution.

Up until now I have been happy with my results of using the natural only ingredient conditioning cleanser I found from the folks at Renpure. But I wanted to try to get this strategy a bit more 'economical' with all the reviews I have read about less washing and using simple products. I don't use the ACV rinse as much anymore because I have been using the natural conditioning cleanser, but I may have to add ACV to the routine with the Borax (there are mixed reviews on that). However, the biggest change for me as I continue this will be the delays in washing my hair. I have only went a couple days or so (without washing my hair) during the transition period and now I am on day 3 from my last hair/scalp wash (which was following my root touch up with permanent color -- I know -- don't judge). And my scalp is still clean, not flaky and to my surprise - NOT OILY AT ALL. And that last wash was using a Renpure product with Argon oil.

All my life I have had to shampoo by the next day and at the most by day 2 after washing because of the oil buildup on my scalp being unbearable. So this is the best part for me. That and the fact I haven't had to deal with dandruff since this started. That was an infrequent issue for me anyway, but still something I had to deal with every couple weeks or so when i would get flakes and build up on my scalp.

Another recent find I like -- but remember a LITTLE goes a LONG WAY with this product -- is grapeseed oil. I don't recommend it for cooking - from my research finds, but for hair and skin it has the reputation of being AMAZING. and it is cheap! I am liking the results so far.

My hair is down to my waist, so my ends are dry and challenged after so much over-abundance and abuse of the "cones" that I'm no longer making available to them. Every dimethicone known to man as been caked on my ends at some point... so I try to baby the ends of my hair with oils - but again - A LITTLE goes a LONG WAY peeps. (Place a few drops in your hand, rub your palms together till you just see a sheen coating, then rub your palms through the ends of your hair first and working your way up. Don't apply this oil to your scalp unless you are doing a scalp treatment for dander or dryness.

I have made my concoction as you see in the recipe above with the Borax and rosemary herb. (I saw the rosemary as an ingredient in someone's hair rinse.) I am going to try them together as my next round for scalp washing. And I do plan to follow with an ACV rinse (this time I have added coconut water) and see how I like those results.

If you care, follow my posts and keep up with my findings. I will let you know what I think soon.

Are you co-washing, doing an alternate version of no-poo, or going fully no-poo?

Are you considering the no-poo challenge?

Share your experiences in the comments...

The Natural Hair Care Journey Continues

2014-07-02T20:58:00.001-04:00

Well my "no-poo" strategy is not yet perfected, but I am continuing with the natural method of cleansing my hair sulfate free and even - "cones" free for styling and conditioning.

The "cones" free part seems to be the hardest for me because I don't like the fact I can't "wet comb" my hair like I used to when I was over-using all my products with dimethicones in them.

So as I have worked through and past my "waxy" stage (using the club soda recommendation, noted here) I have been concentrating my research on natural substitutes for my long-time love for silicones that closed my hair cuticle and gave me the sleek look (even when I hadn't used a flat iron).

This is what I found. Again, I am sharing my information before I experiment, but from what I am reading, it will be worth a try. It is grapeseed oil. I am not going to endorse a brand or anything, yet all indications point to buying the pure stuff. And I do plan to buy some in the coming days and try it out when using hot appliances to see if it truly protects my hair and gives me the wanted results.

Stay tuned and I will keep you posted on my latest natural hair care journey.

MINI diy MOM

formerly

SOLO dot MOM

I can't stop touching my hair

2014-06-11T15:38:00.000-04:00

At least, that is what I "used" to say....

This post is about the "transition" waxy period and my current saga of going without commercial sulfate shampoo to more natural methods and shampoo bar cleansing for my hair. So this not an official "no-poo" post, but close. At the very least I am dealing with the same issues as those in transition for completely no-poo hair care.

I have always been a fanatic about hair care. I take pride in how my hair looks for the day and it has always been a top rated item in my list of "to-do's" for personal hygiene. This was true even before I was 15 and started working in a hair salon as a shampoo-girl. But those few years definitely enhanced my hair faring obsession.

Now at the tender age of having two teenage children and 3 stepchildren, I am still going at it, trying to better my care of hair.

So with my current fetish with cleansing sans "bad chemicals," I started to try all-natural hair cleansers and moved on to the all-natural, made by hand, shampoo bars. This is where the waxy gunk started to accumulate in massive proportions on the shafts of my "down-to-my-waist" length of hair. There were days I was going to work and felt like I hadn't washed my hair in weeks. Even though I just washed and dried it.

I tried the diy-vinegar rinses, distilled water rinse, and even purchased a shower head filter (because I knew we must have hard water). But I was still being left with the "waxies."

Those who have conquered their transition phase say this period of the waxies will pass over time. And yet, I have an important conference out of town next week where I will be working and I do not want this new "heavy waxed state" to be my hair's tale to tell. So I have decided to start again AFTER that event is behind me.

Admittedly I have already used some sulfate induced clarifying shampoo to get me past the waxies during this phase, so when I start again, I hope to be able to steer away from that temptation and take the time to weather the storm of the waxies and just wait it out.

I have continued to do a lot of research of trial and errors that people have done to get through this transition phase, whether they were using the shampoo bars that were all natural or going completely 'poo-free,' we all seem to be dealing with the same waxy buildup and the same description of our hair-mess.

So when I found this link: http://no-poo.livejournal.com/586755.html, I was happy; and yes I do plan to try eggs next because she found them successful as a treatment in her attempts of many recipes. And here's another link: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/archive/index.php/t-73056.html which is from a thread of responses about the same problem, and their find? Club soda! So I want to try that too!! (And here's a link for how to use the club soda on your hair.)

But if I have to carry sulfate shampoo with me to my conference next week, no judging, eh?

And when I get back and can restrict my hair care to the non-chemical methods, I will keep you posted of my journey to more natural tresses.

MINI diy MOM

Formerly SOLO dot MOM

Watermelon drinks for Memorial Day!

2014-05-23T12:18:00.003-04:00

I wanted to find a recipe for a cool watermelon drink, and found this (but i subtracted the alcohol reference, since i don't need that added).:

Can't wait to try this weekend...

Watermelon Coolers with NO alcohol

PREP TIME
5 Minute/s

Ingredients

4 cups cubed, seedless watermelon, chilled
1 cup ice cubes
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup coconut milk

Instructions

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
Rim glasses with granulated sugar and serve up watermelon lime coolers!
Garnish with a lime wedge or small watermelon slice.
Enjoy!

This above is a modified version of a recipe found from Style Me Pretty Living.

Or you can make it with lemonade and 2 tbsp honey and use these instructions:

Freeze the watermelon in a ziploc bag until just frozen, about one hour. Add the frozen watermelon to a blender, along with your lemonade and honey. Process until blended, and pour into frosted jars or glasses.

Decisions, decisions!

This and more can be found on the links from my Pinterest Board: SUMMER. Check it out!

MINI diy MOM

formerly

SOLO dot MOM!

Happy Holiday Weekend!!

It has been a while

2014-05-14T12:57:00.000-04:00

Unless you follow me on Instagram.com or Facebook, you may not know what we have been up to lately.

Well our lives seem to never slow down. They get more or less challenging and constantly are changing; but no, they don't slow down. With five kids between Chad and me as a blended family, it is just not possible to understand 'slow' in our world. Fast, chaotic, misunderstood, loud, and forgiving are all well understood, but not 'slow.'

Since January the following has taken place:

Chad's middle child, Rachel is now living with us.
Chad and I took a short trip as a get-away of sorts and stayed at a quaint bed and breakfast in a vintage old house, made into an Inn.

Magnolia Inn

Jas started and finished his spring semester at VA Tech. He has now completed his first year of college, which blows.my.mind!

Jas and Laura

Jas went with Laura to her Senior Prom.

Kassity and I had a girl's weekend out of town where we went to meet her boyfriend's family and stayed with them for a few days.
Chad started the renovation of the "parlor" and is stripping wallpaper and prepping walls for their next step, a coat of paint.

The Parlor - mid-renovation

We are STILL trying to sell my other house and have resorted to trying to rent it out at the present time.
I registered for a college class being offered by Harvard online as an audit course that starts in the fall.
Chad bought Rachel a puppy.

Echo

I am making my own body wash out of natural ingredients and loving the results.

So, where do I begin with sharing about all these things?

I will start tomorrow at the top and give a summary of each of these highlights from our journey of 2014.

Kat -

Solo Dot Mom - got married and is MINI diy MOM

A Sneak Peek at the Progress....

2013-10-31T22:00:00.000-04:00

As we renovate our 100 year old house ---- as it becomes more and more "our home," I wanted to share some of the snapshots of the process. Remember the early days of the stairwell before we sanded and refinished those lovely hardwood floors. Even then it had character.....

Before:

...then the paper was coming down, all 6-8 layers of it, and it took Chad weeks while working overtime at his regular job to get this monstrous task completed:

And now it's getting closer to the final look --for the stairwell and the foyer at least- with primer on the plaster and this lovely paint we agreed upon, a sea-glass-greenish color called "restful" from Behr:

The house is still in construction mode.... (which he tells me it will be for the next 10 years with some project at some level)...

...but he has promised me we will get to a stopping point in time for me to decorate for the Christmas holidays....

I just hope my charming's idea of "in time" isn't waiting until Christmas Eve to decorate!

Love #thisoldhouse becoming #ourhome.

Find yourself, in a mess, but keeping it real!

The leaves are changing and the walls are changing

2013-10-01T23:31:00.001-04:00

The leaves are changing and the walls are too! I am so excited about Fall this year. (And yes, I do realize Christmas is just around the corner and the house isn't anywhere near ready, yes I do know that.)

But I am excited for Fall and I am excited about the process and progress, slow though it may be at the house - our dream home.

The walls of the stairwell and foyer are progressing nicely... and I get giddy thinking about how far they have come from this... (which shows the underlayer beneath the 6-8 layers of wallpaper that was taken down by none other than "my charming")

...to being washed, patched and sanded as the primer coat is being applied starting at the top of the stairwell:

Can you see the early signs of the transformation?

Yeah, I can too.

This is from the top of the stairs, that round wall goes around to the side hallway. Chad and I love that rounded corner.

So the transformation, remodel is coming along... and the walls are changing as quickly as the leaves on the trees.

Check back for more progress updates.

How is your current "home improvement" project coming?

Find yourself....

Each Day, Each Decision, Each Defining Moment

2013-09-18T22:50:00.001-04:00

I'm so proud of my kiddos, my treasures. They make me crazy at times. I don't need to go there, but they are also making me quite proud.

Jas is off to college and seems to be settling in. He's been home only once and I like that he is getting a feel for being on his own and doing things on his own - even though I know he is hanging with his friends and even staying over in their dorm - instead of his own suite.... but that's a story for another day about his room mate. At the very least he is developing a routine and getting into the groove of the work expected of him; and so far I haven't gotten any sobbing phone calls in the middle of the night - begging to come home for good. (knock on wood)

Kass has started high school and is really doing well. We moved, which placed her in a different high school from her brother - actually the one she wanted to attend - and she loves it. She is so grown up that it is even shocking sometimes to me. We hang out in the evenings during the week, make dinner together and work on some chore at the house. I love this time we get to bond, making memories, just the two of us.

Then there are my other kiddos that aren't here as often: Chad's three that we try to see as much as we can (like the camping trip last weekend with 4 of our 5 kiddos):

Tori is driving already! She is also doing well this year and looking forward to getting her license sooner than I like to think about, lol. She seems to be enjoying her second year of high school and the social life it brings.

Rach is finishing up her last year of middle school and has outdone herself with her latest accomplishment with violin. She is first row 2nd chair - what a high honor! We are very proud of the fact she is excelling and putting her energy into something she loves, her talent with music. (And Rach- I hope i have your chair listing correct!)

And then there's Drew. Little rambunctious Drew that loves his electronics and his books. So smart he amazes us all as he sails above the rest of his classmates in most of his subjects.

I pray for them daily and my hope is that they will continue to remember and acknowledge that each day, each decision, each defining moment leads them to the bigger picture that results from the choices they make. I want the best for them but more than that - more than even I can imagine for them - I want God's best for them. I pray they will also strive for what God has for their futures - His best.

Find yourself, keeping it real...

Kat

Organized for back-to-school? What?

2013-08-02T22:57:00.000-04:00

Photo: tipjunky.com

Organized for back to school?

Yes, I have a freshman starting at Virginia Tech in about three weeks and I have a freshman starting at her new high school in about 2 weeks.

But I can't even get unpacked and get our lives organized enough to find my comb and the extra body wash I bought months ago. Who can think about gearing up to get organized for back to school?

Maybe this will be the push I need to put it into high gear so that we can finalize the unpacking and getting the house setup. Jas will be moving "again" and Kass will be wanting new school clothes... so I guess we better get to work!

The house is in "reno" mode with constant progress being made nonetheless. The floors turned out great - thanks to my charming and... he has moved on to the stairwell wallpaper/walls. All six layers of it to get down to the plaster. But underneath that mass of filthy unbelievable wallpaper we are seeing walls and we know that soon we can apply primer and then our choice of color!

I am excited about the progress and I am excited about what God has already done for us - blessing after blessing in this house of our dreams. However, with so many things that need to be done on the house, I am finding myself frequently in a true "overwhelming" state of mind. And with the kids going in two different directions with new schools and new seasons starting for their lives - it has been a diversion. Perhaps it's a good diversion, just perhaps.

But I have reminded myself often: "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2b

...And I am comforted by His grace, His presence, His faithfulness, and His peace... every time... every.single.overwhelming.time.

Sanding the hardwoods...before and afters

2013-07-07T20:51:00.000-04:00

Finally, we have finished sanding, cleaning and filling a few knot-holes in the hardwoods.

Chad did most of the work, but I helped him. Our labor of love on the big old house, Rue 17.

Here are some before and afters to this phase of the process.... (Tomorrow he starts the poly coats!)

BEFORE sanding:

AFTER sanding:

Stay tuned.... to see the FINISHED FLOORS soon.....

Mini DIY Mom

We Closed... so we could begin the next chapter

2013-07-05T21:15:00.000-04:00

We closed.

The day finally arrived. We closed on OUR house. The house we had fallen in love with about 60 days ago, the house that more than once I was told wasn't going to happen because my current home didn't yet have a buyer. That house miraculously was now OURS.

The house - I will refer to as Rue 17 is OUR 'NEW' home.

Chad and I were giddy like kids at Christmas the day of the closing. And the more we work on getting it ready to move in - the more we fall in love with that big old house.

He is presently sanding all 2000 square feet of hardwoods.

Here are some shots of the floors in "before" pics:

It had some pretty rough floors. But the floors are a hundred years old (and they are pretty)! So we are thrilled they look this good!

Yes Rue 17 was built in 1919 and I believe those are indeed the original floors - at least for the most part they are.

Tomorrow I will post some photos of the sanding job - the excellent sanding job Chad is doing as we move forward toward the task of cleaning them and adding the poly coat....

Till then,

Find yourself and find your heart's dream - keeping it real.

Mini DIY Mom

My DOTMOM Eyes

2013-02-13T12:40:00.001-05:00

I am trying out a new site to post about my day-to-day joys along this journey as a single mom, a position/status that will be changing in the near future.

Don't worry, I will still be posting at this site (SOLO dot MOM) but also hope you will check out the new tumbler - at http://dotmom.tumblr.com titled: "My DOTMOM Eyes" and check out the latest happenings in my world.

Let me know what you think....

Share a comment below or share a comment at the new site: My DOT MOM Eyes.

Find yourself... keeping it real.
SOLO dot MOM

I'm in Love...for real

2012-08-28T19:20:00.001-04:00

I have loved before. I have loved deeply and have committed to a love relationship before. But I have never felt a love nor been in love like this before.

During the last few weeks, I have announced a new relationship and I'm already talking about a future with a man that lives over an hour away. (I know it sounds crazy.) Yet our bond is so strong, so undeniably unmistakably remarkable, that he has already made plans to move closer.

In other words: Yes, it's serious and yes, I'm happy.

Everyone we run into together can see it on both our faces... we are ecstatic about finding each other.

I am at a loss at trying to explain it. We stopped trying to understand it on the second day of our incredible discovery. A discovery that you can feel so much for one person and find yourself so caught up in your own emotions, you think you are a teenager all over again... and then you start to question this magical, amazing relationship that is blooming in front of your eyes like a dream come true. Because you want to try to find the logic in it.

But all these weeks later, we are still there. Frozen in our emotions, yet moving forward with our future plans, together. Plans that include making this a journey as one couple...someday.

Here is what he wrote last night in the wee hours of the morning, just for me:

When I First,

When I first heard your voice,

It was thick and sweet as honey

It called to me like a siren calls a sailor

Listening wasn't enough

I wanted to wrap that voice around me

Use it as a blanket when I was cold

When I first saw your face,

I knew what Angels looked like

Your eyes captured mine with just a blink

Your hair floated on the breeze

Your smile brighter than the evening sun

Melted any doubts that might have lingered

When we first touched,

There was a current flowing from your body to mine

Touching you was like running my fingers through strands of silk

Holding your trembling body brought strength to my resolve

Touching your cheek was like touching heaven's clouds

Holding your hand was like grasping a fistful of rose petals

When I first kissed your lips,

My heart was set on fire

Lips so soft and full that they melted my loneliness

Lips that were refreshing as a glass of ice water

Lips that were as hot as a steel forge

Lips that thawed the desires of my soul

When I first heard you say "I love you",

My heart stopped beating

My chest felt like tighter than a vise

My breath caught in my throat

Your expression the most beautiful sight in my life

The use of my name left me soaring to heights unknown

When I first realized you had become my best friend,

I wanted to tell my deepest desires

Listen to your deepest desires

Take away any pain you feel

Take your hand for all to see

Hold you close and wipe away your tears.....

By: Chadwick Clark for Kathy Shinault

So, what am I saying?

We are in love. It feels so wonderful.
We are happy and yes, this is serious.

True love...

Find yourself...keeping it real.

And so it goes…

2012-04-18T19:33:00.000-04:00

God is good all the time and all the time, God is good. So no matter what happens, what difficulty you may be facing, what challenge has been set before you, what mountain you have in front of you in your journey, that statement is true.

This too shall pass. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger (so the song goes). You have heard all the phrases that people say when they know someone is facing a difficult time in her life. And yes, the phrases are true. But from experience, do they make you feel any better about your situation?

Probably not. But you can rest assured that whatever you are facing – it will pass with time and you will get through it. And during that time – you must use caution, wisdom, and previous experiences to make good decisions in the middle of this crisis. Pray about it, people.

In other words – just because those “phrases” don’t make you feel better, don’t act upon what you “feel” (and your emotions that come with those feelings) but act upon what you “will,” as my boss would say. Because during the difficulties, it is your feelings and how you “react” to those feelings (or lack of feelings) that will get you in trouble down the road – when further consequences play out and you have to contend with them.

So what am I saying exactly? Well I am going through one of those difficult seasons in my journey. And during this time I am finding these few things to be truth:

God is real.
God is good.
You can’t always trust your feelings, but you can always trust God and His Word.
You should make decisions based upon the outcomes you want to have in life instead of “reacting” to the current situation.
I like wearing heels, I love chocolate chip cookies, I love the immeasurable soft feeling of my new furry slippers when I put them on in the evening (thanks LoveSac.com), and I love watching my daughter play her soccer games. (Not necessarily all at the same time nor in that order, mind you.)

And there you have it. In a nutshell, what I have been learning over the past few weeks.

…and so it goes…

P.S. As a short word for LoveSac.com, a recent sponsor, let me also point you to their sactionals department. If these customized basic pieces that make up endless combinations of comfy furniture feel anything like their furry slippers… you will be sitting in nothing less than the epitome of comfort in their cozy and relaxing sectional sofas.

It’s already the middle of January?

2012-01-14T22:46:00.001-05:00

I have pictures to post on my blog from our Christmas celebration, I really do. I look at recent posts and I realize – time is flying by…faster and faster. It seems that only Facebook has seen posts from me lately, so I have been thinking – I want to get back to my blog. I miss it.

Most likely my readership will have to be rebuilt and my page ranking, but that’s not what my blog was ever about anyway. Not really. I love blogging, remember? At least when I had time to blog, I did. Looking back at my posts, I see many favorites and it gives me the itch to start this up again…more frequently.

So let’s hear from you. Anybody still out there? Anyone…Anyone… (I’m hearing crickets ) Do you even want to keep up with this “Solo DOT mom’s” life – even through the lens of a thumbnail view?

Waiting

2011-11-17T18:48:00.001-05:00

As Jas and I sit at the urgent care clinic to get his ear checked out, we both sit with our tech devices in full swing. I decided to look for the blogger app so I could possibly post for my readers and I found it!

Being a single mom is full of challenges and those challenges change as the children age. Tonight would have required bringing both children, one well, into an environment with germs and other niceties when they were younger. Now that i'm dealing with teens (Kass is just two weeks from it being official) I can leave one to tend to herself while escorting the other to be seen for treatment.

That doesn't mean the other challenges aren't just as difficult; in some ways they are more complex. But for this moment in time I can appreciate the difference. Come later tonight or tomorrow morning, it may be a different story.

Now we are into a room, but still waiting for a doctor, or at least one in training, to determine if Jas has an ear infection or if he's just been sniffing his runny nose back into his head too much. But at least his hypochondriac will be put at ease.

Watch for updates over my twitterfeed.

One boyfriend, one curfew, one text message at a time

2011-10-18T20:55:00.001-04:00

While the debate is on in the background, I wanted to sit down and finally f.i.n.a.l.l.y. write another blog. I have so much to share with my readers, but I will spare you the boring and only share the highlights.

The kiddos

Jas and Kass, the kiddos… I now refer to them in public as “the bigguns.” They are growing up so fast I can’t keep up; and I am with them every day. (Well almost every day. But I digress <= already!)

Kass has a boyfriend. Seriously you don’t want me to get started on that point. Trust me when I say, I am just going to leave it at that. And yes, she now has the “worst mother ever” because of the guidelines I have instructed about me being “in-the-know” regarding their conversations and “text messages.” (Can I just skip this part of her life and do a fast forward?!) Sadly if I did – she would be out of college and married after that blink. Let the roller coaster ride begin, then.

Jas went to his homecoming dance. (Yes, can you believe a formal dance!) And he dressed for it: I have pictures to prove it. He is talking more and more about college plans, taking PSAT tests and I am still reminding him he needs to start applying for those ever lovely scholarships. Can you believe I will be getting his senior portraits done in just 8 months?! Yeah, I need to stop before I hyperventilate.

The House/Move

Not sure if and/or when we will be moving/selling the house. That seems to be in an “on hold” mode right now. But with recent home improvement projects and “other” improvements on the list, we are still enjoying the process of making this one just like we want it. My kiddos love living here.

Goals

I have been working on creating my goals for the next 5 years and trying to simplify exactly what that means from finances to my children’s spiritual growth. One thing I do realize more and more each day is this parenting thing is tough. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s easy (even with two parents partnering together in one house). It gets tougher as they mature into these ‘tweens’ and teens; and sometimes I have to step back and ask God, “Can I do this?” Then I am reminded, “I can do all things, through Christ…” even when I feel like pulling my hair out.

Interjection here… I am watching the debate and it’s almost comical as they deliberate about “apples and oranges” for this 9-9-9 plan on the taxes. That is all.

But in the meantime…day by day…

As I prepare for those goals and discuss my kiddos’ (the bigguns’) futures with them, we continue pressing on each day-- one at a time: one hairdo, one curfew, one text message, one XBox match, one girl scout session, one church service, one grade, one boyfriend, at-a-time.

Technorati Tags: teens,tweens,family time,college,scholarships,parenting,personal development,Faith,persistence

The Magic of Disney World

2011-08-10T21:34:00.001-04:00

To take you away from the recent gloom and doom in the news from the stock market decline to London’s riots and Philadelphia’s youth vandalizing (What’s up with that, right?), let me share with you some sense of escape for a few minutes about a magical place…

We have now returned from our “magical” vacation. This is the one I have wanted to take the kiddos on since they were young and finally was successful doing so. Even though they fought like cats and dogs - yes they don’t get along right now at the tender ages of being a tween and teen on the brink of adulthood. But between their disagreements on rides, and where to eat and… and… and… we had a great time. Sincerely, we did.

They also flew for the first time and we were impressed with Allegiant Air, with their prices and their services, so I will give them a shout out here. Kass was the unlucky one in our group randomly chosen for the extra security check: But she did great and didn’t freak out! Can you believe it?

Jas now says he is meant to travel. He loved flying and even considered the possibility of making Florida his home someday… well maybe. And to his own surprise, he found some rides that he enjoyed amongst the many parks we visited during the trip, between Disney’s Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and especially at Universal Islands of Adventure.

Kass tried a roller coaster at Magic Kingdom and enjoyed it! She even had her hands up on the 50 foot drop! However, when we ventured out and did the Expedition Everest Coaster in Animal Kingdom---even I thought it was intense; and now she says she will not get on another coaster again. Oh well.

Mr. M and his boys joined us on the trip. (No worries, they had a separate hotel room, people.) The four kiddos actually got along pretty well, except for the few times they seemed to gang up on and pick on Kass… with three boys and one tween girl, what do you expect, right? But for the most part they did great together.

Here are a few pics from the trip for your enjoyment:

There are plenty more where those came from. I will keep you posted of when I load the album designated just for Disney….

Warning: Playing games with your children will make them Happy

2011-07-14T16:43:00.001-04:00

Take some time out this weekend and get the kiddos outside. I know how much they all love video games and being on the computer. Trust me. I do.

But it is healthier for them to have some time in the sun and to be exercising. Plus time spent with you and potentially other children will make them happier.

“But I’m bored”

This is one famous common phrase said by so many children, yet in today’s world – they have so much more stuff than “we” did when we were their age. But in many ways with so much “more,” some of our little ones might have lost the incentive or the initiative to use their imaginations!

I remember times when I would act out a part in the backyard from a summer movie I had just seen; or just playing with friends from the neighborhood.

You don’t know any games to get them started, you say?

Here’s a link to just a few all-time favorites.

So pull out those memory banks, look at this link, put on your “play clothes” and go play with your kiddos outside this weekend!

Technorati Tags: happy children,single moms,parenting,health,active,exercise,playtime,playdates,outdoors

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

2011-05-24T16:27:00.000-04:00

For all my readers, I wanted to share a great article with you that a friend of mine shared with me.

Here is the link below. All parents have to take measures to protect their children and to know what to look out for. This is especially true when around the water.

So if you plan to visit the beach this summer, the lake over Memorial Day, or even if you just plan to go to the pool nearby, take a few moments to read this article, Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning by Mario Vittone.