tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593309882775744742024-03-13T08:27:58.514-07:00...The Here And NowellNatalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-36115604537531233992014-04-22T07:34:00.000-07:002014-04-22T07:42:12.461-07:00My Daily Oils<i><br /></i>
<i>I have three oils that i would be very very sad not to have every day. <b>Peppermint, Lavender and Lemon.</b> I know there are many that i will soon add to that list, but i'm still such a newbie! Okay, here's why i love those:</i><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/peppermint.html" target="_blank">Peppermint</a>:</b> as soon as i'm feeling headache-y, nauseous or generally "bleh", i'll rub peppermint across my forehead, behind my ears, across the back of my hairline on my neck and on my temples. It feels incredible and easily calms, if not takes away any poor feelings i was having. I now carry peppermint everywhere i go with a little rollerball on the bottle for easy application, also, it smells amazing. Last night i had an upset stomach, I put the oils every where i normally do, then added some to the top of my stomach and in my belly button. I know, sounds crazy but i easily went to sleep without needing pepto or anything else. Boom, awesome.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/lavender.html" target="_blank">Lavender</a>:</b> I still diffuse 5-10 drops every night while we sleep, i recently have added 1-2 drops to the tops of our pillows, LOVE it. I don't feel like the lavender is a fix all, we still have nights of restlessness, but the frequency of those nights are much more rare, i need to remember to add lavender to our feet when that happens! A few weeks ago i was having some ingrown toenail issue (sorry, tmi). I did what i was supposed to and "dug it out", the next day it was hurting like crap, so i dropped a few drops of lavender into that toenail, the next morning it felt SO much better and by that night there was no pain. HELLO! Awesomeness.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/lemon.html" target="_blank">Lemon</a></b>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">for months i've been using a high-ish end cream for my face, and although lots of people have had great results, i haven't felt like it's done enough to make it worth the money. So i started using lemon oil on a cotton pad morning and night, and i also put it on my three inch scar on my neck from a partial thyroidectomy (from almost 2 years ago). The other day my mom said how all of a sudden my scar was looking really good and the color was lightening. I hadn't told her i had been doing anything differently, so the comment was completely random! It's working!! I feel like it is also lightening the acne scars i have on my face. I'll give it a couple more days/weeks and see if i can get a good before/after photo. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I take a daily acid reflux medication, whenever i feel like it's not working, i'll put 2-4 drops of lemon into a small glass of water and i'll down it. The heartburn goes away, not kidding! I'm still doing more research on whether it's wise to ingest the lemon daily. </span></span><br />
<br />
All three of these oils are in the premium starter kit that i originally purchased, but have since bought more of each oil. I'm considering doing an oil party, if anyone is interested in smelling the oils i have and asking questions. Would anyone be interesting in something like that? <br />
<br />
Yay for natural ways of healing! <br />
<br />
-natNatalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-71629246535634766922014-03-07T08:21:00.000-08:002014-03-07T08:21:07.779-08:00Honest Train<br />
Recently I've been posting about Young Living Oils, giving my "reviews", asking if people wanted to order, etc. I want to be clear on a few things!<br />
<br />
<b>1: MONEY MAKER?:</b> I AM a distributor of YL. I signed up as one because that way I could buy a big sample pack of different oils, since I have no idea what i'm doing and needed to sample several. i didn't want to buy a bunch of big bottles of something that i may not even like the smell of or would never use. Since i am a distributor, i can get a discount in buying them, whether anyone buys them from me or not. I care most that me and my household gets a discount! <br />
<br />
However, i did not get into it to make money or to push a product on all my friendlies, i think it's just as annoying as you do. Of course, (honest train) if people want to buy some "under me" or become a distributor and i make a buck in the mean time, than cool beans. BUT i'd rather no one bought anything from me and bought them on their own (or not at all or from someone else) than for people to think I'm not being honest in my "reviews", or getting on your nerves about talking about them.<br />
<br />
<b>2: OIL EQUALITY</b>: I have no idea if all oils (and brands) are created equal. The main reason i chose YL is because I've read that they are the only company that makes ALL of their oils therapeutic grade, making them all safe enough to ingest. My mom has been looking into Native American Oils, and if any of my friends are into other brands or types, i want to learn from you! The reason i'm blogging about the oils is NOT because i am any kind of authority on oils (that's for sure), but because several people asked my my opinion on what i found, and i figured this would be an easy way to tell everyone at the same time, and i don't mind being a guinea pig.<br />
<br />
<b>3: WHY</b>: I've been wanting to try oils because I've had bad headaches for years, and I am sick and tired of taking medicine, daily... yeah, daily. That cannot be good on my system, so I'm trying oils to attempt to be more natural, especially medicinally. In the mean time, i'm also trying to help my stupid adult acne, acid reflux, and possibly figure a way to boost my immunity. The more i learn about oils (no brand attached, just oils in general), the more i feel as though it truly is a Biblical way of healing. In scripture it talks about plants being for healing. It just makes sense!<br />
<br />
So... I wanted everyone that is interested in oils and is reading the info i find, to know that i promise to be honest, because that's WAY better than making a few dollars a month, duh. I have been so annoyed recently at all the soap boxes that are on facebook, it totally wears on me when all i want to know is how people are doing, what they are up to, photos etc. SO, just know that i don't want to be a part of the crazy, I am plenty opinionated but when it comes to the millions of gray areas (like what kind of essential oils you use), do what is best for you and your family. No brainer right?<br />
<br />
I hope that was clear enough. I'm not a writer or blogger, if i could perform it for you in your living room, it probably would have been a little clearer. :-) Love you people! Let me know if you want me to try something and give you my findings, it's fun!Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-36410163933194747072014-03-04T10:19:00.000-08:002014-03-04T10:19:17.757-08:00First YL Order<br />
I'm excited about getting some new oils! I officially ran out of Lavender a couple days ago and i've been super ready to get some more in, to diffuse every night while we sleep. I seriously think it's a little bit of a miracle worker. At the beginning of parenthood, i had no issue with sleeping because i was so exhausted all the time, now i'm working through worrying all the time, and the Lavender has helped keep me relaxed so i can sleep soundly, guys... it's awesome.<br />
<br />
Okay, so this is what i'm ordering:<br />
<br />
1: Lavender (for sleeping - and still learning all the other uses)<br />
2: Peppermint (mainly for headaches)<br />
3: Lemon (mainly for my face, i heard you can combine coconut oil and lemon and it'll do wonders on your complexion, so i've gotta try that, and still learning all the uses for that too)<br />
4: Clear vegetable capsules, so that i can try using Lemon orally as a reflux med substitute.<br />
<br />
And Basil might make it on the order list, i've read it can help increase your milk supply.<br />
<br />
Anything you guys want, i'm going to order tomorrow!?!Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-74971170973995611072014-02-21T08:07:00.001-08:002014-04-22T07:40:00.394-07:00LemonUPDATED: 2/24/14<br />
<br />
<br />
I've heard really good things about this one when it comes to cleaning and healing, but have only tried it a couple times.<br />
<br />
1: Joe gets really bad ulcers, and heard this would help heal them. I probably didn't give it enough of a try, but i did nothing. sad.<br />
<br />
2: Used it on acne on my face and prefer Frankincense.<br />
<br />
3: I read that Lemon can be good for reflux. I have taken reflux medicine for years and years, and am hoping that this could be a possible solution, that would be amazing! The suggestion i saw was to place a drop or two in my mouth, swish it around with saliva and swallow. I tried it tonight, but i know the best time to try it is in the morning. So far it's working well, i'll omit my meds in the morning and see if i can use the lemon in it's place. Oh snap that would be amazing. <br />
<br />
4: Attempted the Lemon as a reflux med (and omitted my Rx). I put 2-3 drops on my tongue and swished around with my saliva for a couple seconds and swallowed. I was shocked at how well it worked throughout the day, and i threw some common reflux problems at it. Ate spicy, cheese, chocolate, and acidic. Which normally would bother me, especially if i hadn't taken my prescription Protonix. SO, i would say that it was a very successful trial. BUT, the weird lemony taste that it left in my mouth, first thing in the morning, was nothing to desire, actually kinda gross. Because of that i won't use it on a regular basis, however, i've seen that you can put the oils in a <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/accessories/Vegetable-Capsules" target="_blank">capsule</a>, which i will probably try. First, i'll try a couple other oils that can be used as reflux meds and see if i like anything better. <br />
<br />
<b>5: F<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">or months i've been using a high-ish end cream for my face, and although lots of people have had great results, i haven't felt like it's done enough to make it worth the money. So i started using lemon oil on a cotton pad morning and night, and i also put it on my three inch scar on my neck from a partial thyroidectomy (from almost 2 years ago). The other day my mom said how all of a sudden my scar was looking really good and the color was lightening. I hadn't told her i had been doing anything differently, so the comment was completely random! It's working!! I feel like it is also lightening the acne scars i have on my face. I'll give it a couple more days/weeks and see if i can get a good before/after photo. I take a daily acid reflux medication, whenever i feel like it's not working, i'll put 2-4 drops of lemon into a small glass of water and i'll down it. The heartburn goes away, not kidding! I'm still doing more research on whether it's wise to ingest the lemon daily. </span></b>Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-49677972928579888942014-02-21T08:05:00.000-08:002014-02-21T08:05:00.132-08:00Peace and Calming<br />
1: I've only diffused this one and really liked the smell and feeling it gave me. But i would prefer Lavender over this one. But will continue trying it in new ways. Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-45418910467939704812014-02-21T08:03:00.001-08:002014-02-21T08:03:31.373-08:00Joy<br />
Okay honestly, i don't really like the smell of this one and don't know how to use it....soooooo there's no info on this one yet. :-)Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-58489040516608426342014-02-21T08:01:00.000-08:002014-02-21T08:01:05.895-08:00Purification<br />
1: Since it's been warmer recently, the air in the house hasn't been ciruclating like it normally would with the heat running (and i refused to turn the AC on). It had gotten a little "stale" and mildly stinky, especially around Peter's room. I ran Purification in a diffuser for 30 minutes and was amazed at how well the house smelled. It smelled fresh and clean and didn't smell like the stink was just being masked (like sometimes sprays, candles and other good smelly things can do). I'm excited about this one!Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-29347441478167969062014-02-21T07:57:00.000-08:002014-02-21T07:57:05.809-08:00Frankincense <br />
It was really cool smelling an oil that was used in scripture, it felt like part of the Bible came to life in a different way, through a different sense. Very cool.<br />
<br />
1: I've only used it in one way so far, and that was on pimples. It seemed to dry up a zit a lot faster than a normal acne cream or just washing would have done. But i've only had one major zit (and a bunch of little guys) since i've gotten the oils, but i will continue to try it on new ones. Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-33264873894201508472014-02-21T07:30:00.000-08:002014-04-01T07:53:55.425-07:00Thieves<br />
THIEVES<br />
<br />
Updated: April 1st<br />
<br />
This one is one of the most versatile oils, but i have a lot to learn about this one. <a href="http://younglivingtherapeuticoils.com/essential-oils/thieves/101-uses/" target="_blank">HERE</a> are the supposed uses for Thieves.<br />
<br />
1: Diffused with lavender at bedtime, relaxing but woke up with a headache, not sure if it's related. Stuck with lavender along to diffuse at bedtime.<br />
<br />
2: Put a drop on my finger and rubbed on my gums for a bad toothache, felt really good but didn't last too long. By the end of the day the pain was gone (I also took ibuprofen, which normally only takes the edge off and doesn't "heal it").<br />
<br />
<b>3: So I've had the oils for just about 2 months. I'm really not sure if it's coincidence or the oils, but neither Joe or I have gotten sick in that time. I spent, pretty much the entire month of December with sinus infection after sinus infection (Joe as well), finally got well after several rounds of antibiotics. Neither of us (including Pete) got flu shots this year either. So any time we've felt like we were getting something, sore throat, congestion, whatever, I would diffuse thieves during the day or during the night. SO, again i'm not sure if it's coincidence, but hey, i'll keep trying it and see if it works. </b>Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-76455593306242411262014-02-21T07:24:00.004-08:002014-04-22T07:41:47.071-07:00Lavender<b>Updated: 4.22.14</b><br />
<br />
LAVENDER<br />
<br />
So far my favorite oil. I'm already out of my first bottle and am about to order more, it's pretty wonderful for relaxation and smells awesome. This one can be used without diluting, can be diffused and "sniffed", i don't know yet if it can be ingested. I haven't ingested any yet because i'm nursing and don't know enough about the safety through breastmilk.<br />
<br />
1: Rubbed on bottoms of feet before bed, felt good but didn't notice a difference in sleep.<br />
<br />
2: Diffused at bedtime (diffuser runs 3 hours, then automatically shuts off), seemed to be relaxing.<br />
<br />
3: Diffused a lot probably 8 drops and both me and Joe slept SO well.<br />
<br />
4: Diffused 10 drops, too strong. And rubbed 1 or 2 drops on bottoms of feet, slept incredibly well, woke up more relaxed.<br />
<br />
5: DIDN'T diffuse and woke up more tight and unrested. <br />
<br />
<b>6: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I still diffuse 5-10 drops every night while we sleep, i recently have added 1-2 drops to the tops of our pillows, LOVE it. I don't feel like the lavender is a fix all, we still have nights of restlessness, but the frequency of those nights are much more rare, i need to remember to add lavender to our feet when that happens! A few weeks ago i was having some ingrown toenail issue (sorry, tmi). I did what i was supposed to and "dug it out", the next day it was hurting like crap, so i dropped a few drops of lavender into that toenail, the next morning it felt SO much better and by that night there was no pain. HELLO! Awesomeness.</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-17556510907070558642014-02-21T07:19:00.005-08:002014-04-22T07:36:57.953-07:00Peppermint<br />
<b>Updated on: 4.22.14</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQpTVhHLIQpfvFya0Cw_DnQzUbBGAIrYCTfOXf9BcrhLuACMdCqRSGDJMgJ1_nFKDnVbaPncnE3ue1ECxJEdWMormCi525pvnChKzQdGq4W6MjMqtHrzxyR3EjM2_AIAF5NGwgVjWYZk/s1600/PEPPERMINT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQpTVhHLIQpfvFya0Cw_DnQzUbBGAIrYCTfOXf9BcrhLuACMdCqRSGDJMgJ1_nFKDnVbaPncnE3ue1ECxJEdWMormCi525pvnChKzQdGq4W6MjMqtHrzxyR3EjM2_AIAF5NGwgVjWYZk/s1600/PEPPERMINT.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">PEPPERMINT</span><br />
(can be used on skin, ingested, diffused and "sniffed")<br />
<br />
This is considered a "hot oil", which means it needs to be diluted with another natural oil, like coconut or olive oil. YL has an oil to mix with it called "V6", but i want to try oils i already have before i buy into more stuff.<br />
<br />
1: Mixed olive oil in palm of my hand with a couple drops of Peppermint, rubbed on temples, back of ears, and neck for headache. Felt amazing, like a cooling effect, for a few hours then felt back to normal.<br />
<br />
2: Sniffed peppermint and diffused for nausea and headache, nausea got better quickly, headache and neck stress still lingered.<br />
<br />
3: Diffused P, relaxed me and got rid of minor nausea and headache. Overall made me feel really good.<br />
<br />
4: Diffused and rubbed on temples, back of neck and behind ears, felt wonderful and helped me relax the tension in my neck but didn't take the pressure away in my sinuses, but made me more comfortable.<br />
<br />
5: Had a very exciting moment today. Woke up with a stiff neck, nausea, tight sinuses, headache, the works (that's not the exciting moment). Rubbed undiluted Peppermint on the back of my neck, behind my ears, and on my toes, yes toes (then put socks on). Within minutes I felt better, and I mean a lot better after hours of feeling on the verge of up-chucking and throbbing headache. I'm excited about this, because I desperately want to get rid of chemically ridden drugs. Thanks to Lauren Johnson for showing me the vita flex foot chart and suggesting undiluted peppermint.<br />
<br />
6: It struck me the other day that I have been feeling pretty good recently when it came to headaches, taking very little to no medication. What i realized is that i have been putting Peppermint on, neat (undiluted) at the very first early sign of a headache. I'll put it across my forehead, temples, around my ear (jaw line), behind my ear and across the back of my neck. Yeah, i kinda feel like i'm tacking a bath in it, but it's incredibly relieving. I've started carrying it with me every where i go too. Guys, this one is legit. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>7: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">as soon as i'm feeling headache-y, nauseous or generally "bleh", i'll rub peppermint across my forehead, behind my ears, across the back of my hairline on my neck and on my temples. It feels incredible and easily calms, if not takes away any poor feelings i was having. I now carry peppermint everywhere i go with a little rollerball on the bottle for easy application, also, it smells amazing. Last night i had an upset stomach, I put the oils every where i normally do, then added some to the top of my stomach and in my belly button. I know, sounds crazy but i easily went to sleep without needing pepto or anything else. Boom, awesome.</span></b>Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-89307635297934657192014-02-21T07:11:00.002-08:002014-02-21T08:08:22.825-08:00Young Living Essential Oils<br />
I'm generally a sceptic when it comes to most pyramid companies, but I really do like trying different things to either jump on the bandwagon or write them off. I've heard about essential oils for a while and wanted to try them.<br />
<br />
A friend of a friend was/is a Young Living distributor and i was constantly seeing her post about what the oils were doing for her and her family. I contacted her and ordered a sample pack to try about ten different oils.<br />
<br />
I've had a couple people ask me to tell them what my unbiased findings were on the oils. So i will begin to journal what i find here. If you want to try some yourself, let me know. To be candid, I did sign up to be a "distributor" but only because it'll be cheaper for me to buy the oils for myself. Of course if anyone wants to sign up under me, it's beneficial for me, and i guess everyone because of the discount. Just want to be transparent! But i promise to be honest about what i find!<br />
<br />
<br />
The pack that i ordered had ten different oils (plus a few tiny samples of others). The links will direct you to my "journaling" of that particular oil.<br />
<br />
1: <a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/joy.html" target="_blank">Joy</a> (which is a YL blend of oils)<br />
2: <a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/frankincense.html" target="_blank">Frankincense</a> (Yeah, like the one from the Bible)<br />
3: <a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/lemon.html" target="_blank">Lemon</a><br />
4: <a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/lavender.html" target="_blank">Lavender</a><br />
5: <a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/peppermint.html" target="_blank">Peppermint</a><br />
6: <a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/purification.html" target="_blank">Purification</a> (YL blend)<br />
7: Panaway (YL blend)<br />
8: <a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/peace-and-calming.html" target="_blank">Peace and Calming</a> (YL blend)<br />
9: <a href="http://thehereandnowell.blogspot.com/2014/02/thieves.html" target="_blank">Thieves</a> (Ancient blend, click <a href="http://blog.hannasherbshop.com/2012/03/15/the-history-and-healing-of-thieves-essential-oil/" target="_blank">here</a> for the background)<br />
10: Valor (YL blend)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: BaskervilleMTW02-Roman; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
I will begin a new page for every different oil i try. Let me know if you have questions about a specific one, and i can try it! <br />
<br />Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-20725823902455352012012-08-20T08:50:00.000-07:002012-08-20T08:50:05.598-07:00Made for more? <br />
Joe and I have been listening to a lot of B. Reith this weekend. We were trying to figure out why he hasn't been boosted to serious stardom. He can rap with the best of them, while singing like he could be on Broadway (to some, that's a weird complement, to me, it means he's amazing). Joe plainly said that his lyrics are real. Therefore making people feel uncomfortable, some people would rather listen to "let's smile and be happy, joy joy joy" music. Granted, there is something to that, however we've got to think! We need to be challenged every once in a while.<br />
<br />
This song below has quickly become my favorite B. Reith song, it features Lecrae and Lisa Gungor. The video is not a music video, just a lyric video with the music. Let's listen...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bNuZlp98dYY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
"The one who conquered death can raise us from the ground" - He's the only one who can save us now. AMEN! Has any one looked around in our world recently? There's no one, and we cannot believe any man or woman can save us, in any way, except for the ONLY one who has conquered death. <br />
<br />
Check this video out as well. Seriously, why is this dude not huge!? Incredible stuff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DT-GCl3NUBI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So everyone, go to <a href="http://www.breith.com/">www.breith.com</a> and buy his album, beautiful work! </div>
<br />Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-26337611262245260302012-08-13T08:46:00.001-07:002012-08-13T08:46:56.087-07:00Do's and Don'ts<br />
I learned a huge lesson this weekend... When it's your birthday in a few weeks, and your husband tells you not to go in the guest room closet... don't. <br />
<br />
I bet you can guess the story i'm about to tell...<br />
<br />
On Saturday, Joe and I were doing some organizing cleaning and everything not that enjoyable. So I'm roaming around the house looking for good places for items from boxes (yes, it's taken us over 6 months to fully unpack, don't judge). I'm going in every room, contemplating placement, can you see me with my hands on my hips with a "hmm" look on my face? Well.... I go into this exact guest room where the "don't look" closet is... and what do i do? Open the closet. <br />
<br />
I see this beautiful guitar on a lovely stand in the middle of the closet. And i think, "that's odd, Joe doesn't have an acoustic, who left their guita..." then it hit me. I quickly shut the door, stand in front of the door with my hands over my mouth in horror (and excitement). "What do i do now!??" i think. <br />
<br />
Joe is busy at the time and downstairs, so i sit on the stairs for a few minutes having thoughts like...<br />
<br />
-Do i call my mother, ask her what you do in times like this, i've never been married, how do i respond?? Is there some secret code that i should know about?<br />
<br />
-Do i not tell him and act just as surprised on my birthday as if i never knew? <br />
<br />
-Do i confess? <br />
<br />
Well... shortly after my ponderings, Joe comes out of our room to see me with a troubled face... I say, "I did something really bad", him being the wonderful, kind man he is, asks "oh no, are you okay, what's wrong?"...<br />
<br />
"you see, there was this one time that i went somewhere i wasn't supposed to and saw something i wasn't supposed to see"... His face breaks out into a huge smile, "do you like it?", he says. <br />
<br />
"YES!!!!" i say, then ask, "i'm really sorry, am i in trouble, i feel awful!!?"... he says no, i apologize a million times and then we run upstairs and he shows me the guitar and it's awesomeness. I had been telling him that if we had an acoustic in the house, i'd really love for him to teach me (he has an electric). My wish came true!<br />
<br />
<br />
I learn a few things from this. 1: When your husband asks you NOT to do something, don't. 2: When your husband asks you NOT to do something, DO put a sign in front of it for those times your brain is shut off. 3: I have a great husband, but i already knew that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Want to see the pretty guitar?? I'm pumped about learning. Thank you babe!! I'll act super happy and surprised again on my birthday. Promise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoliu9hkB9bC-_x0zwEPrpwH6NqdQPjPhGBUBjSPtg1zrLJgKSKaLQjStwBFxf2RVBF9C-tfyuh5ZeWlH5042OfavKZtl1nDXYwlLZy1y_fdEWe_RpVjE3CqH81G00Y9_QzaUc9M-pdA/s1600/YFGX700SC_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoliu9hkB9bC-_x0zwEPrpwH6NqdQPjPhGBUBjSPtg1zrLJgKSKaLQjStwBFxf2RVBF9C-tfyuh5ZeWlH5042OfavKZtl1nDXYwlLZy1y_fdEWe_RpVjE3CqH81G00Y9_QzaUc9M-pdA/s320/YFGX700SC_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-69307233916584909452012-07-02T14:03:00.002-07:002012-07-02T14:03:16.306-07:00Game Time.One might think, "game time", the interaction of athletic people on a court, field, sweat, scores etc.<br />
<br />
I think. Parcheesi. yup. board games. (granted i'm starting to like more things athletic thanks to my husband, more on that later). Joe and I have been playing a lot of Parcheesi recently, I didn't know it could be so competitive and crazified. But yes, it can. We even started making up rules to make it more intense. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BZFphNeHobNSXOkxnOYywFkHYtEJS2AAnkK63sG-5ohTCJfHP_XibMyG8VQ_T9YhZ2BJchKQaAnh3Iikxsv1ZiaSjXUKHr4c6moajd1sQ6sfNZuzC9bw5IPvdzws8bv56iLbUy-W0RY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BZFphNeHobNSXOkxnOYywFkHYtEJS2AAnkK63sG-5ohTCJfHP_XibMyG8VQ_T9YhZ2BJchKQaAnh3Iikxsv1ZiaSjXUKHr4c6moajd1sQ6sfNZuzC9bw5IPvdzws8bv56iLbUy-W0RY/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then we had my brothers in law and their girls over and it was Jenga night. Yes, it's balanced on a lovely tupperware with rice crispy treats inside. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47iOPb-n80lF96uPBiWgz3X3aYb1aTTf9Q8TkyLwXFUAF1pW-RZYx8F9-c5UeY4bA0GX6p5p7pk6LIm_E4IkZE1k5jfKR9waG31lL9MffGkHssyG9VC51AL6C4HBXog3rK4fpt6trrdQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47iOPb-n80lF96uPBiWgz3X3aYb1aTTf9Q8TkyLwXFUAF1pW-RZYx8F9-c5UeY4bA0GX6p5p7pk6LIm_E4IkZE1k5jfKR9waG31lL9MffGkHssyG9VC51AL6C4HBXog3rK4fpt6trrdQ/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've also been into playing spoons and Quelf. It always gets funny. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW30Fb1EViNO3nsgnHu0tXSLHOhhnG7MPgf2GJsnQlpJ9pnUKiNiOflbJquL4O6XsQlP7E98QgKobNsDRNTVdAPDXJboXa7ufG9vF5jeJcWCv7S2_Pd9REYBUj5iXrwqOZVQBWrHmIRg/s1600/photo+copy+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPW30Fb1EViNO3nsgnHu0tXSLHOhhnG7MPgf2GJsnQlpJ9pnUKiNiOflbJquL4O6XsQlP7E98QgKobNsDRNTVdAPDXJboXa7ufG9vF5jeJcWCv7S2_Pd9REYBUj5iXrwqOZVQBWrHmIRg/s200/photo+copy+5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyihXCxsBgvGUVzjm79EJdPjVMFhNsJNAbZZtcUaCsl-boVEn1EBu-SXNbN4ho1vYoWbXgXvk5cM6gIuH_VG6iOtpnPNNaIky9F0aDDS-RTq9iOZqStFvdrfQ8mQE9Lp8XP8nL9Z2Zu8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyihXCxsBgvGUVzjm79EJdPjVMFhNsJNAbZZtcUaCsl-boVEn1EBu-SXNbN4ho1vYoWbXgXvk5cM6gIuH_VG6iOtpnPNNaIky9F0aDDS-RTq9iOZqStFvdrfQ8mQE9Lp8XP8nL9Z2Zu8/s200/photo+1.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLKHwelFhHAc9nLQdetE0Vy9PgLYOm3VhypdwCKNIBTSQDicNIcEyQMN8cdIPTc0uUJv3zzTbmd8NHVKl0v6jHbG_dsFQDNdK7nrfrCDPcqd3t9rgYgNUOJ9zNPE6kShlyDrEpDg5xQA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLKHwelFhHAc9nLQdetE0Vy9PgLYOm3VhypdwCKNIBTSQDicNIcEyQMN8cdIPTc0uUJv3zzTbmd8NHVKl0v6jHbG_dsFQDNdK7nrfrCDPcqd3t9rgYgNUOJ9zNPE6kShlyDrEpDg5xQA/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We really like games like Settlers of Cattan. Intensity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4w7F600FSy0qIAr2khGWPEc_qqVIuT3k17vju3_fZvbsQ4NoAyxuKEEEScj6hkPBuWVqnR2XCafunKQdbLkJnVXfP-MZyokp3JBsEZLt-NOtuWUMiSNYJFJA6hdQd5KBD8LdbN5AVqk/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4w7F600FSy0qIAr2khGWPEc_qqVIuT3k17vju3_fZvbsQ4NoAyxuKEEEScj6hkPBuWVqnR2XCafunKQdbLkJnVXfP-MZyokp3JBsEZLt-NOtuWUMiSNYJFJA6hdQd5KBD8LdbN5AVqk/s200/photo+copy.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6eZc-xBFMum8lqp-IbYZwZenKHDr9Dtl7lzW1D2Q9fhcu52HOEdQJYhDiujkq-WCZWN3ih2rXNIrSNymdUCCdAA_BBe9g014_kAu1i_w_1wEgJv2fde8xv_-1eylYBbnKmUdiAgwgPc/s1600/photo+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6eZc-xBFMum8lqp-IbYZwZenKHDr9Dtl7lzW1D2Q9fhcu52HOEdQJYhDiujkq-WCZWN3ih2rXNIrSNymdUCCdAA_BBe9g014_kAu1i_w_1wEgJv2fde8xv_-1eylYBbnKmUdiAgwgPc/s200/photo+copy+3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKpDK7Ewa03lph39REHiR00N9Oy3iUzo7yH9KIggjjLSiK2PRXCTVBlir9Hq2uuVW-Gc-5ux6SIn3wJlhLtDK-i9Y_rffMiP-41ZzyzblU-oysQ3K42sUIWtEYQFQXQo5kPJrgGidFUM/s1600/photo+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKpDK7Ewa03lph39REHiR00N9Oy3iUzo7yH9KIggjjLSiK2PRXCTVBlir9Hq2uuVW-Gc-5ux6SIn3wJlhLtDK-i9Y_rffMiP-41ZzyzblU-oysQ3K42sUIWtEYQFQXQo5kPJrgGidFUM/s200/photo+copy+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh and watch out, we can get serious about some Skip-Bo. Like for real. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaMM_2yAblScu9EhHbVq7ohn-n3uaH9xswrwskZvv_h9eV-CUSBdp7SXZ1FnrLHU2sty1wIxW6T8msz8BODJ6SZYiAlDzbH9cr5jXYqN2wM2KuavvG0P4jaEBEet1P6GeyODHbejFjiY/s1600/photo+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaMM_2yAblScu9EhHbVq7ohn-n3uaH9xswrwskZvv_h9eV-CUSBdp7SXZ1FnrLHU2sty1wIxW6T8msz8BODJ6SZYiAlDzbH9cr5jXYqN2wM2KuavvG0P4jaEBEet1P6GeyODHbejFjiY/s320/photo+copy+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All this to say, "gaming" - it's seriously fun. If you haven't played a board game in a while, turn the tv off, get your husband, call your friends and get your game on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes I think about how media oriented my life is, i like to watch Hulu while i fold clothes or listen to music while i'm getting ready for the day, Joe and i enjoy watching tv at night to wind down. In fact, one of the shows that we watch is Wife Swap. Yeah, i did say that. And although sometimes the show is ridiculous (okay, all the time), we've learned a lot about different people groups (and whether we agree with that style or type of living, sparks fun conversations). One of the things i have noticed is that there are far too many kids who don't play outside, or play boardgames or would even know what to do with themselves if they had all summer to just... play. Playing now, means game consoles, watching hours of tv, watching movies, playing on the computer. When i was "a kid" (I use quotes because i know i'm not old), i would play outside every second i got, and i used to play a ton of card games and dominos with my family. At least i know there are still kids who aren't all about the media play (not that cool media oriented play/gaming is bad), because the kids in my neighborhood are in the road everyday and even knocked on our door last week to see if we had kids so they could come out and play. So if you ever want to play a board game, get your game on! Let's make it cool. Yeah? Well, for that matter, who cares if it's cool, it's so fun!</div>
<br />Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59330988277574474.post-15821780317417703912012-06-21T11:16:00.000-07:002012-06-21T11:16:14.450-07:00Home is?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A few years ago I probably would have smacked you if you had told me what I would be doing now. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A wife, moved back to the hometown i grew up in, and at a desk job with my natural hair color and only one set of earrings. Me? Seriously? That sounds soooo...BORING. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">There was so much that i didn't realize. There was so much that i still have to learn, but a few years ago, all i saw was the excitement on paper and the thrill of what <i>could</i> be instead of focusing on one giant word. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><i>Right</i></b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">You see, I may be at a desk job, with my natural hair color, in the town that i grew up in, but there is no where on this earth that i'd rather be. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">There is nothing boring about what has become of my life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">There are moments when you realize things are right, I'm not speaking of the "I feel so happy and light, does not mean all perfect and hunky-dory or easy, but right. Last night I was waiting in the parking lot for my grandfather to be transported via ambulance from the hospital (where he'd been for a week) to a "rehab" facility for a few weeks, (aka - skilled nursing home care). As I sat there I called my husband to see what the plans were as far as heading home, meeting me etc (he was just getting off work as well). I suggested him to just meet me home.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He said, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"As soon as I get off work I'll be heading directly home"<br /><br />"Sounds good", I said.<br /><br />He continues with, "and if home is in that parking lot, that's where I'll be headed". </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Not too much has been fun about our life in the past few weeks, it has included more hospital visits, ER's, surgeries, medications and tears than i want to admit. And in all honesty, i want to be done with all of it, but i know one thing... </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)</em></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm not saying the doc's and the tears are all against us, I'm just saying that, at times, or right now, it feels as though we can't take on any more... BUT, God is on our side, He knows what He's doing, even though I'm not sure of His plan or reasoning. I just know, that i'm right where i'm supposed to be, there is no better peace that we can have as believers. And please note, if anyone reads this, that i'm not saying that i'm "right", i'm just saying that i am WHERE i am supposed to be as i follow Christ. And the peace, grace and thrill that follows that, is far better than what i thought i ever wanted. </span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And now to finish off the first post of our new blog, i'm leaving you with a great video and also to say happy one year anniversary to my beloved husband, Joe. No, we haven't been married for a year, we started dating one year ago today. The best year of my life. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9vHFsXOdTt0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when death dies, all things live.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Natalie Nowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17477587474839757609noreply@blogger.com2