All Natural Cough Medicine

 

I began making homemade cough syrup in April of this year. My girl got a nasty cough that she couldn't kick and with my attempts to do all things natural, sought out a natural fix for the crud. These ingredients below are all organic and made the perfect blend that can coat the throat and keep a cough at bay for a while. 

Ingredients:

2 cups water

8 fresh thyme or sage sprigs (we use thyme)

Ginger (1 full root)

1 lemon

1 cup local honey

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

 

Directions:

Before you start, juice the lemon. For best results, roll firmly on the counter to loosen up the juice & cut top to bottom into strips to juice. 

Cut ginger root into slices & measure the remaining ingredients.

Simmer water, thyme & ginger until reduced by half. Allow it to cool to warm *not hot* steeping herbs. Strain and return tea to pan. Pour in lemon juice, honey & cayenne pepper. Stir in honey until it is dissolved. Keep in airtight jar and store in fridge for best results.

This time, my batch was to make three jars as seen, to hopefully get my family of four through sick season. 

You can take a tablespoon at a time, as needed. The benefit of having a natural cough medicine is being able to take several doses a day without fear of liver damage from overdose, as there is no pharmaceutical medicine in this. 

Big Berkey=Love

My family made the switch this week to a Berkey Water filtration system and we couldn't be more thrilled. Just a few of the perks are no need for electricity, no costly installation & no tools required except some elbow grease. 

The water is THE BEST. No exaggeration. It's hard to find words for the taste. It has such a pure, untampered taste. My family is over the moon having this water readily available. Our system is a 2.25 gallon water filtration system. We filled it as of Wednesday late night and as of Sunday morning we had finished it. We typically fill our Stanley 30 oz cups a few times a day. It has drastically increased our water intake, as well as easing our minds as to what we are consuming on a daily basis.

Our system came with two of the black Berkey element BB9-2 filters, which filter out or drastically reduce over 250 contaminants that could be present in freshwater sources, including your tap water. Below is the picture of our system once I got it set up on our counter. I have since ordered a stainless steel spigot for the system, as I am trying to get away from any plastics I can. I have included the links for the system with filters and links below. If you are interested in filtering your water to get the purest possible for your family, check them out. You won't regret it.

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYW3EVO/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_5E4XW22KESSX7TQK5BE6?linkCode=ml1&tag=amandachastai-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y1XHQCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_VZZH5M6YW5Y0GPTAZF1Y?linkCode=ml1&tag=amandachastai-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWIWYBW/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_9TPTJK2T6FYEHH9M7JJZ?linkCode=ml2&tag=amandachastai-20&th=1

Life Lately

 Life with two teens(basically already there with the girl child) is absolute chaos lately. 

I thought when my kids were babies that things would settle down. Diapers, bottles, sleeping the equivalent of a few, choppy naps per day to survive. 

Then, toddlerhood came around. Yo Gabba Gabba and all things Pixar on a continuous loop day in and day out. ALL the chicken nuggies and mac and cheese, spaghetti, and chocolate milk. Time spent outdoors chasing goats & dogs, swinging and playing with friends at the local parks.

Then, we started school. We began 2K with Kade learning basics, sight words, colors and whatnot. Then we got down to business in 4K. Kyleigh was thrust into the routine of a school day at an earlier age, and due to our freedom with third option homeschooling in SC, she began school "a year earlier" than most kids with a late November birthday. We also began adding more activities. Kyleigh started tumble and cheer at age 2, while Kade started drums and soccer at age 4.

Middle School. We got here in the blink of an eye. So many tears during this transition stage. Mostly from me. That was a hard pill to swallow. That my tiny baby boy started middle school. It was an extra jab when my baby girl joined the ranks. Both kids jumped from tumble and competition cheer and soccer into competitive swim. Having them in one place several days a week added a smidge of chaos, but actually reduced some of my driving due to cutting down the opposite directions. My baby girl is still in middle school. Her social calendar tends to be more full than her activities are. She is still determined that she will grow up to be a Vet, as her love of animals has only intensified. She has also joined her brother in being a part of the praise team for the youth group, singing. 

But....

High School. Saying that I am a mom of a freshman in high school is the most awkward thing. I feel like I held him for so long he'd never walk. And now here we are, finishing up his education and we've done every single day of it at home thus far, Praise God. It is so bittersweet to be here. I never imagined I'd be SO proud of a human, who is now nearly driving and nearly an adult. The dedication my boy gives to his schoolwork, drumming and the intense swim schedule he has are something to be reckoned with. The next few years will fly by, as I've seen they tend to do. But I'm so thankful to have a front row spot to soak it all up.

Watering the plants

I've been away from my blog for quite some time lately. 

Life has gotten extremely busy. The kids tried out a few new sports since I've been able to sit and just think. But Covid has really given me plenty of time for that. Sports are still in full swing. The kids literally have an activity every...single...day. I'm thankful for that, as they both thrive from schedules and people. 

I saw a Tik Tok a few weeks ago that left me breathless, sad, bitter, and many things all at once.

It said, "Stop texting first and see how many dead plants you've been watering." 

Over  the past few years, I've noticed a few friendships weakening. And not from lack of my effort to make plans; sending the first text to catch up, or inviting them to parties and gatherings. Noticing this lack of reciprocation has made me realize that I've been chasing these friendships fervently, with hopes that feelings will be returned. This has left me feeling unworthy, unloved, and unappreciated. 

It was then that I quit sending the first text, letting months pass without so much as an "are you alive?" To add insult to injury, these texts did, however, ramp up in January of this year. My mom woke up January 7th, 2022 with what we thought was a cold. Later that evening, her symptoms worsened, and I actually witnessed her have a heart attack while my children heard me and my dad tending to her in the bathroom. The texts from some I'd not heard a peep from in months started up. Which, don't get me wrong, I appreciate, BUT, I'm legit still not going to chase folks down for friendship. 

From this period of reflection, I've learned what it feels like to let things go that don't bring me peace.

So, friends, "Stop texting first and see how many dead plants you've been watering." And while you're at it, make sure you water the right ones. The ones who drop food on your doorstep knowing you haven't got the energy to grab the food or be around people right that moment. The friends who come by when you've just woke up and have morning breath, just for a hug and to know you're okay. And be sure that you're giving what you expect to receive in return.

Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This weekend, I finally broke down and tried this amazing recipe while our oldest was away at a friend's house for a sleepover. It probably won't be a big hit with my kiddos (our youngest was less than impressed.) But, for the parents, it's amazing. The full recipe & ingredients list are below. Along with pictures. Enjoy =)

Ingredients

9 eggs, large

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 package sausage

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 package tater tots

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease the dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic & onion powders.

Brown sausage in a frying pan, drain grease.

Line bottom of the dish with tater tots.

Mix half of the cheese in with the egg mixture.

Pour egg mixture into baking dish.

Top mixture with remaining cheese. Place in oven & bake for 35 minutes. Let cool approximately 10 minutes & Enjoy.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

This Year, we have decided to tighten our budget significantly. We want to weed out crap that we buy just for a moment's joy. We also have a goal to either buy or build a new house or to add on to ours (which may actually cost us more.) One thing I've decided to start doing again was laundry detergent made at home. Last time I tried it, I made a liquid detergent but Josh started having some issues with the smell, and I couldn't deal with a lack of smell. I've found a new winning blend. I wanted to share the products, post pictures of them & hopefully keep track of how long the batch will last us. 

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2 Bars Fels Naptha Soap (grated)

2 lbs. Baking Soda

4 lbs. Borax

55 oz. Super Washing Soda

Oxiclean Odor Blaster 3 lb. tub

**Oil Drops if wanted**

Combine all ingredients after grating Fels Naptha & stir well to be sure to get some of everything in every scoop. 

I also store my detergent in a glass jar I'd bought originally to be a candy/cookie jar. I kept the scoop from my Oxiclean tub. I use roughly 1/4 to 1/2 a scoop per load. 

How to get rid of Pesky Gnats & Fruit Flies this summer

SOOOO I haven't been as active the past few months, SLIGHT Cricut obsession, turned VERY small business has been in the works. 

However, I thought I'd share a CHEAP & easy fix for the peskiest things ever....gnats & fruit flies.

We've had a lot of produce coming in from the garden the past month or so. And with amazing, healthy food comes pests.

If you're there with me and struggling too, mix up this solution and be amazed.

Use::

1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
12-15 drops dish detergent (We use Dawn)

This mixture will draw them in, and then the soap in the mixture will cause them to get stuck.

Just put this in a bowl you're not afraid to part with. I was told to try this in a jar but apparently I've got mutant, smart gnats. I'd post a picture of the gnat burial grounds, but it's seriously just gross. 

Happy Summer Guys!!

Million Dollar Pie

Okay, so a few weeks back I decided I wanted a Million Dollar Pie. I hadn't had one in like two years, and this craving fell on the week of my wedding anniversary. Perfect Storm, right??

I swear this is one of the easiest things in the world to make to taste this good. Like, smack your mama good!

It does take a little prepwork. If you don't buy pecans already crushed or chopped, thawing Cool Whip, etc. But totally worth the work & the wait for it to chill.

What You'll Need::

2/3 cup sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, room temp
1/2 small tub of Cool Whip
1/2 cup coconut 
1/2 cup pecans (chopped or crushed to your liking)
1 small can of crushed pineapple
Graham pie crust

Preparation::

Mix the sugar & cream cheese until well-blended. 

Add cool whip & mix well.

Add remaining ingredients; mix well.

Pour into pie crust.

Chill well (roughly 2-3 hours) before serving.

 

Homemade (AND EASY) Cookie Cake

 I know very few people who don't get excited looking at cookie dough. This was my favorite part of the process. Sampling the cookie dough. You know, like any good wife & mother would. My husband took my daughter to a birthday party for a friend's daughter a few weeks ago. AND, like a man, forgot to bring our son a piece of cake home. I got talked into making a cookie cake at home between the boy child and the husband also. This is one of the easiest desserts I make, and doesn't require expensive ingredients.

What You'll Need::

For The Cake::
10 tbsp butter
2/3 cups brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1 egg & 1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
1 2/3 cup flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

For Optional Frosting::
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp cocoa powder 
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1-2 tbsp milk
sprinkles

Instructions::
For the cookie::
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F & Grease pan IF you prefer, I've found that glass baking dishes work best for me, and NOT greasing my pan. You can also use pie pans.

Cream butter & sugars together for 2 minutes and then mix in egg, egg yolk & vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Use a wooden spoon to mix in all but 2 tbsp of chocolate chips and then press the cookie dough down into the pie plate. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tbsp of chocolate chips on top & press them down slightly.

Bake for 22-25 minutes. Let cookie cool completely, and run a sharp knife to loosen the edges.

For Frosting:: 
Beat all the ingredients together until smooth, adding extra milk if needed. Place into piping bag or icing gun & use desired tip!

 

Homemade Fried Pickles

So, lately I have been desperately wanting some fried pickles. My little couponing self had a ton stashed back from a haul a few months back that were basically screaming to be used. These were SO easy to make and absolutely delicious. Even the kids loved them!!

What You'll Need::

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
2 eggs
1 cup milk
3 cups of thin sliced dill pickles, drained
Oil (for deep or pan frying)
Ranch dressing for dipping *optional*


In one bowl, mix flour, salt & papper.

In another bowl, beat eggs & stir in the milk.

You may want to blot off your pickles on paper towels to get rid of any moisture.

First, coat your pickles in flour mixture. Cover both sides well. Then, dip them in the egg & milk mixture; and then return to the flour mixture for a final coating.

I had my oil in my deep fryer set to 350 degrees. I fried about 10-12 pickles per batch. Most recipes say for about 3 minutes, mine took 7-10 to get to a desired golden-brown and crunchiness for my crew. Serve them warm, with your topping of choice & enjoy!

Pumpkin Crunch

This is my favorite seasonal dessert. Thought I'd share the goodness ;)

Ingredients:
1 can 15.5 oz solid pack pumpkin
1 can 12 oz. evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 package yellow cake mix
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease & flour 13 x 9 inch pan.
Combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in large bowl. Stir until blended. 
Pour pumpkin mixture into prepped pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture & drizzle with butter.
Bake 25 minutes; remove from oven & sprinkle with pecans. Tightly cover with aluminum foil & bake for an additional 25 minutes. 
Cool & Serve.

My People

It's safe to say that when you are homeschooling, scrutiny is something you just learn to deal with.  As for me, those who come at me with questions like, "When will your kids go to REAL school?," usually get many laughs and an extra dose of sarcasm.  The money my husband & I have spent over the past 4 years of homeschooling would astonish these folks. Yet, it's not even something we consider as an "expense", it's a necessity.  Our children are exceeding all expectations I had when we first began this journey.

Today, I got to spend some quality time with many of my friends at co-op. For those of you who don't know what a co-op is, it's a homeschooling group where we teach classes and fellowship. We joined co-op last year after being invited by my cousin. At first, I was very hesitant. I mean, who wants to add more to a full plate?? Josh insisted it would do us ALL some good, so I jumped on board. The first few weeks resulted in plenty of tears from a clingy Kyleigh. Kade was on board with bells on. Last year, I saw just how much I needed support from other "crazy, brave ladies," like myself. My kids made a ton of new friends, but what it did for me was above and beyond what I expected. I got to just sit and talk and pray with ladies whose struggles were similar to mine. And we just got to enjoy adult talk for a change of pace. 

After one day, I am completely exhausted, but I feel like life is just completed again for the kids & I. We missed everyone over the summer. And we are surrounded by people who just understand our lifestyle and don't question any reasons. I also started teaching a class this year, rather than just helping. I'm very artsy fartsy, so naturally, I picked Art. My class is filled with awesome kids who are excited and love to draw their favorite things and people. 

To each of you at co-op, I've missed you terribly & look forward to our year together!!

#SnackWithSimply

Okay y'all, so I recently got my most recent Influenster box.

My kids are PB-aholics. Spoonfuls, on Nilla Wafers, on Ritz Crackers, sandwiches, you name it.

So when I opened my email and found out I'd be a lucky Influenster to try this, I was stoked!

Who doesn't like FREE Peanut Butter???

So, Simply Ground has tiny bits of Peanuts in the PB. My hubby and I made fluffernutter sandwiches. LOVE is the only word that comes to mind. I'm telling you, once you try Simply Ground you may not go back. Take this as your warning.

My Petition to Benefit Homeschoolers

I started a petition today to help end discrimination against homeschoolers. I've shared a link, please read, sign & share folks. Thanks in advanced!!

https://www.change.org/p/petsmart-end-the-discrimination-against-homeschoolers

The Replacements

I'm having a particularly sentimental day today. I'm realizing more and more of how this season of life, motherhood, is constantly changing. If you feel it's going slow, take thirty minutes and flip through the thousands of pictures and videos you have of your babies. It's a blur. The pregnancy pictures, birth pictures, birthday and school pictures, lost teeth, etc. 

It's a hard pill to swallow. Knowing that those sleepless nights that seem to drag out and the days packed with tantrums end as quickly as they started. And then we are left with the documentation to keep, but babies just don't keep. Right now I'm sitting on the field at my son's soccer camp writing this. And it seems like just yesterday (last year) we were here. He's become a phenomenal player since last year. I watched videos today of my daughter at 18 months old posing for pictures and videos unprompted, saying about 80% of her ABCs in correct order. Today, I realized how quickly that beautiful, chubby girl grew into such a gorgeous, caring young lady. 

But think of the changes you go through as well.

As I've grown into a mother, here are just a few of the replacements in my life:

As a teenager, I wanted a nice, new car decked out with tinted windows and an aftermarket CD player with subwoofers. Today, I drive an SUV with factory tint, factory speakers & a playlist on my iPhone full of Frozen & Fall Out Boy (picked by Thing 1 & Thing 2.)

I traded days spent watching TV, wondering when Prince Charming would come along for playing pranks on my husband and late nights spent watching UFC when I know only a few of those on the cards. Because this makes him happy. Being with me and watching his favorite things. I've also got him hooked to Glee, Desperate Housewives, Sons of Anarchy & American Horror Story over the years. 

I traded full nights of sleep and sleeping in for sleepless nights cuddling scared, bored and sick children. 

I traded name brand bags for diaper bags and then to a huge Thirty-One bag big enough for couponing supplies & everyone's Apple devices. 

I once had a huge circle of friends and realized through my children which ones were truly friends in the first place 😍 For this change, I am especially grateful. I am able to focus my time and energy on those who truly care for and love my family. I've made friends homeschooling, I've made a whole new family at church, and brought those friends who stuck around that much closer. God has truly blessed me. 

I traded in my experience of being a substitute teacher/staff assistant/aftercare worker for full time mommy. I was working with kids who I knew were being mistreated at home and spending my days encouraging and praying for them. I now spend my days cheering my kids on, snuggling with them every chance they will let me & spending rainy days piled up on a couch watching TV just because. I have always loved children. I teach at church as well. But I've never felt as blessed as I have being at home with Kade & Kyleigh. God truly knew my calling was to be at home with my kids. I resisted for a while, but after 6 years at home full-time, I have no regrets. My family is thriving and well taken care of. 

I gladly traded in my plans to be a working mother who would have her child in daycare or school from day one for a job as teacher. Homeschooling is a passion of mine that is NOT supported by many, but those most important in my family's lives do support us. 

I traded a full closet with endless combinations for blue jeans and t-shirts. Let's be honest, the kids spot those fancy clothes from a mile away and seek to destroy them.

But most importantly, I traded my selfish and immature ways to put my children first. Their needs are always met. They also have about 97% of their wants as well. They never have to question if mommy will make time for them. My dedication to them and to my husband makes my family unit stronger and more fluid. 

I won't say it's easy. There are days I need a breather. Many of them. But there's not a single day I can say that life would be easier without my family. It would be absolutely impossible to live a single day without my husband and kids. They are my reasons for breathing. 

As I continue to replace things, I know that one thing will forever change. How much I love my family, how much I pray over my children & those who come into contact with them & most of all: how thankful I am that God put Josh, Kade & Kyleigh in my life. 

Tide at CVS this week

This week CVS has Tide for $2.94 a bottle. I got 8 bottles, used $1, $2, and $3 coupons along with $3 in ECB (downloading the App!!!). I got my haul for $8.05 😉

Herbal Essences & Aussie deal this week. Run!!!

This week's paper had a $3/2 for Aussie and a $3/2 Herbal Essences. This week my Rite Aid had particular items for $5/2. I stacked 9 of each with a $4/$20 purchase and a 10% shopping pass for a savings of $91.40 and a total of $44.43 for 36 hair items and a bottle of Lavender oil. 

Coupon Overload

I've recently started couponing in the past six weeks.  It has quickly become an obsession. And a good one.  My car has been "acting a fool" for a while now and may need replacement within the next year or so.  The savings have been adding up quickly, and it looks like the goal will be attainable sooner rather than later.  For some reason, my pictures won't upload at the moment, but my stockpile is taking over my garage.  A few weeks ago, I got 16 seven pound bags of dog food for....wait for it...FREE!! My dog's 55 gallon food barrel is full, with several bags to the side.  I've stocked up on cat food, toilet paper, paper towels, gatorade, baby wipes, tissues, trash bags, kid vitamins, adult vitamins, shampoo, ice cream, hot dog weenies, condiments and MADE money doing so.  I went to the store this weekend and got 4 packs of hot dog weenies and 9 boxes of Puffs tissue and made $.70.  I'm slowly working towards a new, third row vehicle for myself, paying my hubby's car off, house remodeling, yard landscaping, and at this rate, an additional stockpiling spot.  I hope to be able to share some of my deals and pictures next week folks ;) Thanks for reading!!

Five Years Ago.

Five years ago today, I had a laproscopic surgery after severe, sudden pains in my stomach & side.  My OB/GYN also said he would go ahead and do a D & C since he thought I may have some issues within my uterus.  Many people would think that this is perfectly normal.  I just want to raise awareness about how my daughter was nearly aborted because of this simple fact:: DOCTORS & TESTS AREN'T ALWAYS RIGHT!!

December 2010, Josh & I began trying to have another baby.  I desperately wanted a little girl and for Kade to grow up with a sibling.  We tried up until early March.  I went to the doctor with sudden, sharp pains in my side and near my belly button.  I have PCOS and have had many surgeries on my ovaries, had a difficult first pregnancy, so my doctor knows me well.  I told them we were trying to conceive and the tests and ultrasound as a precaution showed nothing.  My doctor decided after just one visit that maybe I had some scar tissue in my uterus and he would do surgery as an exploratory thing and clean my uterus up to help us out.  I left there with my surgery date, thinking I wasn't pregnant. 

The day of surgery,  April 3rd 2011.  Josh and I had still not been preventing pregnancy since we knew it would likely not be that easy.  I asked again for a pregnancy test and bloodwork to confirm before being taken back.  Both showed negative again.  My doctor did the exploratory part of surgery and while in there said that my uterus "Looked plump and healthy from the outside" so he decided not to do the D & C.  When you come out of the anesthesia, you don't consider the word plump to mean anything.  Nor did my husband.  


We carried on with the attempts to have a baby.  I had to have stitches taken out on April 18th but the weekend before I got horribly sick.  I had diarrhea and severe nausea.  I thought this to be a possible infection related to surgery.  Or maybe even a stomach bug.  The morning of the 18th, I asked my doctor if they could maybe get some nausea meds or an antibiotic to help me function (I mean, taking care of a two year old with chronic ear infections IS pie, right??) My doctor then asked me if I'd ever had these symptoms after surgery.  That's when it hit me.  I had these same symptoms the week I found out I was pregnant with Kade.  I told them and they had me go pee in a cup.  It took forever for the nurse to come back to dip the strip in.  Which felt like a lifetime.  I didn't know if I was pregnant and the baby could've been hurt by the surgery.  Or if it was just a nasty bug I had.  All this worry washed over me and then the nurse finally came back.  Moment of truth:: the strip turned within seconds and she mouthed "You're pregnant!!" Imagine the shock when I took a positive test home to Josh when I simply went in to have 11 stitches taken out!  And the worry I would have until my first ultrasound the following week.  I insisted to do it ASAP since I'd had surgery and was frightened for my child's health.  But low and behold, I had a very happy, wiggly baby estimated to be 8 weeks old growing in my belly, dancing around on the monitor.  Sigh of relief!! 

I have a beautiful, sassy, intelligent daughter now.  But imagine, if my doctor had done the D & C as he planned beforehand and I hadn't asserted that I might be pregnant, I could've lost a daughter I didn't even know was growing.  Luckily, God protected her.  I have NO doubts about that.  God has a major plan for her life and started her testimony before she was even outside the womb.  

Ladies, If you even think it's a slight possibility, let the doctor know.  If you don't speak up, something tragic could happen without you even knowing . 

ICE ACTION ELSA $3

SOOOO guys, I went to my local Walmart & found The Ice Action Elsa (normally $27) for $3. This isn't a test.  Run to check your local store to see if any are in the Clearance section!!



http://www.walmart.com/ip/Disney-Frozen-Ice-Power-Elsa-Doll/45160616