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.