Is shaving one of those things that are on your top ten list of fun things to do? Or rather is it on your must do regardless list? No matter which list it falls on I have a product to recommend that will leave your legs smooth and reduce how often you have to "shave". Interested?

Last year I went to the Southern Women's Show and came across a vendor who was peddling her products. She caught my attention when she said, "You won't have to shave as often or as much..." My ears perked up and I walked right over. She demonstrated her product and then gave it to me to try. I was in shock! Not only did it work, my leg felt soft after using it. Plus, it's all natural.

Her package touts that it, "quickly removes unwanted hair; exfoliates skin; safe on skin..." After using this product for the last few months, I would concur with most of those claims. Here is my honest opinion - on my legs it works great, on my underarms it wasn't as successful. Not sure if I was too aggressive or what with my underarms but it left me with bumps. On the legs (for me) it worked great.

The product also says it is good for face, bikini line, and arms. Follow the instructions and you will be able to safely remove your unwanted hair - and it will last for more than a day or two.

Soft Silky Legs is the name of the product and it is touted as the "Hottest Hair Removal Product in Europe". Not sure about those claims but in my book, it's a keeper!

You can order yours at www.healthykitchensupplies.com (I know strange website for a hair removal product. She has other offerings too.) She also has specials on her website. 

Since summer is here you now have a new better way to get your legs in summer shape!

#happyshaving #hairremoval #smooth #silky #legs #summerlegs #nohair #lastslonger #special #angels #whereisyourangel #angelwatchingoverme
​

As we approach Memorial Day, we have an angel poem to commemorate the holiday weekend. The poem is told from an angel's perspective.

An Angel Remembers
by Evangeline B. White

A boy who heard the call to defend one day
Joined the service eagerly so that he may
Protect the country and home he loved so.
To him it was an honor, this he did know.
His parents were proud of their brave son.
He walked with confidence, he handled a gun.
As an angel I was given charge over him.
To watch, keep, and guide, and shelter from sin. 
He was sent to war with many valiant men.
They were trained for battle, they fought to win.
Bullets and mortars he heard day and night.
Not backing down he battled with all his might.
A Bible in his pocket tucked in his vest.
Prayers said night and day gave him better rest.
Letters from home were welcome distractions.
War days were long, some with lots of action.
His troop got a tip of enemy movement.
They geared up and were ready for this stint.
He was a leader and knew his troop well.
They trusted his judgment and would follow him to hell.
War has its demons of this you can be sure.
A soldier has to be tough, he must endure.
At their destination resistance they met.
Inflicting great loss, the enemy they upset.
Yet it wasn't without pain this gain was got
By the soldier who lead, and the men who fought.
There lying dead on the ground was the son
Whose parents were proud of all he had done.
That day I carried his soul to heaven.
Along with others, the total was seven. 
Honor him today and those who gave it all.
Due to their sacrifice the nation stands tall.
So if you see a veteran or two,
Think of this story and tell them thank you.

#memorialday #soldier #veteran #military #war #angel #story #gratitude #nation #honor#angelwatchingoverme #whereisyourangel #books

Do you have a favorite restaurant? One or maybe two that are your go-to love their food places?? We have a tip for you that will be a treat to your wallet too.

For some of our favorite restaurants (especially ones the kids like) we subscribe to their email list or we like their FB page. We have found that most restaurants will send out coupons and specials to their followers that they don't offer to the general public. They will also post specials on their FB or social media pages.

One example is Olive Garden. My kids love this place. When we drive by they ask, "When we are going there again?" I subscribe to Olive Garden's emails. They send me coupons and one of their coupons is for $1 Kids Meals. That saves us money and we get a good meal. A win for us and our wallet!

So if you are looking for some good deals on food you already love subscribe and follow some of your favorite restaurants or ice cream shops. I'm sure they will send you some love that you won't be able to turn away.

#savings #favefood #email #coupons #eat #restaurants #sweet #yum #angels #whereisyourangel #angelwatchingoverme #goodstuff

Sometimes (most times really) you just never know what's going to happen. Life has unexpected events and turns that come from seemingly out of the blue. Today I heard a story that's share-worthy in the "you just never know" category.

An Asian sushi chef had some customers he was serving and they were all having a good time. When it came time to pay the bill, the customer realized he didn't have his wallet and had no way to pay. The sushi chef enjoyed this customer so much that he offered to pay the $120 bill. The customer apologized and said he would return to pay him back.

The next day the customer returned and left his business card with a note scribbled on it. Turned out the customer worked at a car dealership. I probably know what you're thinking - "figures it was a car salesman!" Well, the sushi chef needed to get a new used car so he thought he may as well give his customer a try. He enjoyed his patronage after all.

He goes to the dealership and shows the business card. A stir starts on the showroom floor and a few of the people said, "Oh, yes we were told about you!" He is taken to the lot and is asked, "What car have you always wanted to own?" He responds, "A Camaro would probably be nice." So they take him to a Camaro and then his customer appears. They take the car out and the customer says, "So what do you think? Do you want it?"

The sushi chef said, "Oh no, I could never afford this." The restaurant customer turns out to be the owner of several large car dealerships and says, "I'm giving you this car. Free and clear. You owe nothing for it." Stunned and in disbelief, the sushi chef is eventually convinced there really are no strings attached. He leaves the dealership with the Camaro and the title. He comes home with a whopper story to tell his wife and family. This is a true story.

So you see, it goes to show "you just never know!" Be nice and believe the best in others. Good or bad, you reap what you sow.

#neverknow #bestmealever #kindness #nice #best #car #camaro #free #sushichef #goodfood #angel #whereisyourangel #feelgoodstory

If you are thinking, "What's for dinner?" we've got an easy week of dinner plans for you.

In a busy world it's nice to have some short cuts that help the week go smoother. Whether it's a busy season or just a laid back week that you want to have meals preplanned for, we think you'll like these easy to make, nutritious meals. 

Meal planning start with the grocery store sales ad. They usually have buy one get one free meals every ad. We like to stock up on frozen fish (i.e. fish fillets, popcorn shrimp, salmon, etc.) So one of your meals in the week will be fish!

Monday -

Bake your frozen fish according to package directions. Our most recent fish was Popcorn Shrimp. We had the shrimp with brown rice and a bag of frozen broccoli. I just opened the box and the bags, poured, and pressed the timer. The oven, stove, and microwave did all the work. Easy and nutritious!

Tuesday -

Tortilla Casserole - This one calls for a little more work than Monday but you will have leftovers to last through Wednesday. (We love leftovers!!)

Recipe:

Preheat oven 400 degrees. Spray with cooking spray the bottom of a cast iron skillet or glass casserole dish.

Corn Tortillas
1-1 1/2 lbs ground beef or turkey
1 can Campbell's cheddar cheese soup
1 can tomatoes petite diced no salt
1 can black beans
1 T. fennel
1 T. cumin
3 T. garlic (we love garlic! use less if you are not a big fan)
2 c. shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
Bag of Mexican rice
Bag of frozen corn
Jalapenos on the side

Cook meat thoroughly. While cooking stir in fennel, cumin, and garlic. 
Drain juice from tomatoes and black beans.
Line the bottom of your dish with corn tortillas.
Then layer 1/2 meat. (Or depending on your dish size use use all the meat.)
Next layer 1/2 the tomatoes. (see comment above)
Then layer 1/2 the black beans.
The next layer will be another layer of corn tortillas.
Repeat steps above.
Your last layer will be the corn tortillas.
Pour cheddar cheese soup over top.
Then place in oven for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle all of the shredded cheese on top. Put back in oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Serve with the Mexican rice and corn. A complete easy delicious meal!!

Wednesday -

Reheat - it's a repeat, then eat!

Thursday -

Now this is where you have to do some local research. Chick-fil-A has Family Nights. Some of them are on Tuesdays and some of them are on Thursdays. Because they are franchised restaurants some of them offer FREE kids meals with purchase of a meal. A family of four will get 2 free kids meals when the parents pay for 2 meals. It's like another buy one get one free deal! Call your local Chick-fil-A because some do NOT offer free meals on Family Night.

Other restaurants will have kids eat free on Tuesday nights (the Ale House is one). You can also search your local Macaroni Kid to see which restaurants offer free meals on certain days of the week.

Friday - 

Sweet & Sour Chicken. This one is usually also a bogo or on sale. I buy the Perdue Dinosaur Chicken nuggets. The rest is easy to put together. What else you need:

1 container of Perdue Dinosaur Chicken nuggets
Bag of frozen peppers with onions (red peppers, green peppers, onions)
1 15 or 20 oz. san of pineapple chunks or tidbits (drained)
1/2 -3/4 jar of sweet and sour sauce 
Brown or white rice     
Frozen egg or spring rolls           
You can also go to your local Chinese restaurant and buy a tub of their sweet and sour sauce and buy a pint (or quart) of their rice. It's usually $1 for the sauce and $1 for white rice. (When money is tight but you want that "from the restaurant taste" this is the best way to go.)

While the chicken is in the oven, get the rice cooking. Check the time it takes for your egg or spring rolls to cook and get those in at the right time so it's all ready within minutes (if not all at the same time.)
Put the frozen peppers and onions in a skillet, then add the pineapple. Once completely stirred, add 1/2 of your sweet and sour sauce.
When the chicken is finished (nice and crispy but not overdone) add it to the peppers, onions, and pineapple mixture.
Pour the rest of the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken. Mix thoroughly.

Eat, say the blessing, and eat! Simple yet delicious.

There you have it - your 5 meals for the week! Enjoy!

#cooking #dinner #mealsfortheweek #deals #bogo #easy #fast #healthy
#angels #whereisyourangel #blessing #eat 

If your child is anxious often or only on certain occasions our go-to Board Certified Pediatrician, Dr. Deepa Sukumar, offers advice to help calm them (and you too). Because don't we know that an anxious child can upset the whole family dynamic.

Empathize often- Anxiety can be paralyzing for a child. Empathizing with your child who feels anxious is essential. This makes them understand they are not alone and you will guide them through it.

Preview anxiety provoking situations - Consider touring new places (like camps, schools) with your child ahead of time if your child has social anxiety.​

​Set clear expectations - It is essential to have similar expectations for anxious children that you have for non-anxious children. However, it is helpful to proceed at a slower pace and make some accommodations for them. Also help your child break a big task into smaller tasks that he/she can accomplish. You can also help with role-play or act out possible ways how your child can handle a difficult situation. Setting clear expectations and helping your child create appropriate benchmarks to meet those expectations teaches your child she/he can work through anxious feelings.

Practice reframing - Anxious thought cycle is overwhelming because it causes feelings of helplessness. When anxiety occurs, the child is caught in a cycle of "what ifs" and "I can'ts". Anxious kids tend to engage in a variety of cognitive distortions such as black and white thinking and overgeneralizing. Carve out regular time to work on the positive reframing of the mind. It works like this - 

      * Name the worry that is floating around in your brain right now.

      * What is the worry telling you?

      * Let's break it down and see if that worry is 100 % right.

      * How can we take that worrying thought and make it into a positive                 thought?

Model confidence- Children register anxiety radiating from parents. Try to be mindful of what you model through your words and body language. Work on your anxiety issue if it that is a concern. And always, get sound sleep, eat healthy meals together, drink plenty of water, and outdoor free play all help combat anxiety in your child.

If you need to reach a Pediatrician immediately, Dr. Sukumar is available via secure video for medical advice. You can reach out to her via her website www.gracemdconnect.com.

#drdeepasukumar #pediatrician #anxious #parents #kids #calm #peaceful
​#angels #whereisyourangel #kidsbooks #healthy #confidence

Our go-to Board Certified Pediatrician, Dr. Deepa Sukumar, has some useful information on anxiety in children. She outlines some important facts every parent should know.

You can connect with Dr. Sukumar anywhere in the U.S. by going to gracemdconnect.com or call/ text her at 844-230-3300. She offers vital urgent care for your child 24/7. 

Anxiety in children - important facts

• Anxious children can be clingy, startle easily, cry or have tantrums, sleep poorly, have headaches, or stomachaches. There are different kinds of anxiety disorder in children.
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)- Children with GAD worry excessively about a variety of things. They are very hard on themselves and strive for perfection. They may also seek constant approval from others. Because of GAD, there is always something to worry about in the child's mind. GAD makes it hard for children to relax and have fun, eat well or fall asleep at night.
• Separation anxiety - Children with separation anxiety become very anxious and upset when separated from parents or caregivers. They may worry that bad things will happen to self or loved ones while separated. Some symptoms of separation anxiety include refusing to go to school, a sleepover or demanding someone to stay with them at bedtime.
• Social anxiety- These children have strong fear of social situations, are very anxious and self-conscious around others. They worry about being judged or humiliated. This can significantly impair the child's school performance and attendance, as well as his or her ability to maintain relationships. Children with social anxiety do not want to be the center of attention, so they may avoid raising their hand in class. If they get called in class, they may freeze or panic and can't answer.
• Specific phobias - Phobias can be severe irrational fears of particular situations or things like riding in elevators, crowded spaces, insects or thunderstorms.
• While occasional anxiety is considered normal, talk to a pediatrician if anxiety causes your child to limit their activities, often worry, and/or avoid school or daycare. Severe anxieties are often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• In CBT - parents learn how to respond best when a child is anxious, and they learn how to help children face their fears. Kids learn coping skills so they can face fear and worry less and over time children learn to face fears and overcome them.

#anxiety #children #fears #pediatrician #sukumar #help #copingskills #angels #peaceful #phobias #angelsbringcalm #angelbooks #whereisyourangel  #angelwatchingoverme

Do you sometimes forget what happened last week or people's names or where you put your keys? Did you know your latest technology go-to is probably hindering your ability to recall and remember? Would you like to improve your memory?

Research studied and compared college students who took classroom notes with their laptops and college students who took notes with a good ole pen and paper. Guess which ones fared better in retaining the information short term and long term? The ones who used pen and paper.

There are parts of the mind that become engaged when the words are written thus activating areas essential to memory and understanding. The mind disengages to an extent when digital technology used instead. It has been said that even Bill Gates didn't let his kids use technology until much later in life. Hmm...something to think about.

Something else worth noting is my "adopted" Grandmother, Grammie Shirley. She could remember soo many things. Her memory was sharp even into her 90s. She wrote EVERYTHING down. She had notebooks and more notebooks. All with hand written notes on them - who called that day, what they talked about, phone numbers, little tidbits of information. She had a better memory than people half her age.

I'm telling ya peeps, it's a neurological make-up that we are wired to be less "digitally connected" and more hands on in our lives. It's good for the memory and it's good for life too.

Handwriting = better memory! No substitute for it. You can jot that one down in your journal. 

#memory #better #research #lessdigital #handwriting #goodforyou #mind
​#angels #books #kids #family #memories 

"Reduce, recycle, reuse."  I heard that mantra in my growing up years and it has stuck throughout my adult years. Today you get to see some great kitchen hacks that a reader sent me. These will help you reduce waste and reuse common items that usually get tossed in the trash. 

The first tip has to do with all those cracker plastic bags that come inside the cardboard box (think Triscuit or Cheez It). Usually these get tossed. Well, waste no more. You can use them to store your opened cheese blocks instead of using the zip up plastic storage bags. They hold your cheese just as well and keep it fresh.

Keep your cheese block in its original packaging (as best you can), wrap it in the empty plastic cracker packaging, and put in fridge. Not only have you saved the expense of a bag but you have also reused - all at once. 

The second tip is really handy if you have trouble with keeping your recipes in place. Recipes come in all sizes - in the newspaper, a magazine, in the mail, at the grocery store, from a PTA mom, you name it. How can you keep your recipe where you can read it and it doesn't fall down or blow away? This is one of those "why didn't I think about that?" solutions. Are you ready? Tape the recipe to your cupboard or microwave or even your wall. Depending on where your kitchen working space is. It's genius! It works!

Be careful what kind of tape you use though. Depending on your cabinet or the type of tape it might take some of your cabinet off with it when you take the recipe down. Mine didn't but just be aware.

Making your life better and your family time more meaningful - that's what we are in business for. Enjoy your hacks!!

Send us more of your tips! We like them, we like them!

#kitchen #hacks #easy #reduce #recycle #reuse #better #creative #works #angels #whereisyourangel #angelwatchingoverme #tipsfortuesday

Every once in a while you come across a show, an article, or a program and you can sense how genuine or authentic it is. Today I want to share with you a podcast by a husband and wife team who discuss just about everything. No subject is off the table nor are their discussions off color.

If you're looking for something to listen to on your way home or while you're cooking dinner or before you retire for the night (which is what my husband and I did), tune in to this show. It's called The Winding Road Home - because every now and then life takes you on some unexpected curves.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-winding-road-home/id1453915061?ign-mpt=uo%3D4&mt=2

You can find their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/thewindingroadhome/

Enjoy the treat!

#windingroadhome #podcast #home #talks #genuine #husbandandwife #angels #books #whereisyourangel #angelwatchingoverme #refreshing