Amy's Health, Re-Use, & Shopping Blogity-Blog

Gathering Donations From Local Businesses

2009-03-06T13:13:00.001-08:00

So my son's school is in need of donations for their live and/or silent auction and I have been contacting local businesses asking for gift certificates, donations, etc. I'm trying to think about money makers at a school auction...maybe wine? Are there other things that are more earth-friendly I can ask for? Movie tickets, services, consultations, renewable/reusable items?

On a similar note, if there are any small mom and pop businesses that would like to donate something to get your name out to a few hundred people, please contact me and let me know! I'd be happy to pick up your item(s) or pay for delivery to Austin.

My Review of Crochet-Sleeve Tunic Sweater

2009-01-30T06:20:00.001-08:00

Chadwick's

A great summer sweater in an A-line silhouette and slightly longer length that flatters all. Imported.

V-neck, pullover style
Pretty crochet flutter sleeves.
Cotton; Machine wash

Misses

One of my favorite shirts!!

Marshmelon Mom Austin, TX 1/30/2009

Pros: Comfortable, Flattering, Stylish, Great Color

Best Uses: Work, Casual Wear

Describe Yourself: Stylish, Comfort-oriented, Trendy

This is actually long enough for me (I'm 5'11") without being too long. It's so hard to find shirts that don't let my mid-drift hang out and this one works perfectly. I love the sleeves- they add a nice feminine touch!

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Building a fence from scraps

2009-01-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

So we've been needing to build a fence since we moved in to our new house last year. We finally got the boundary agreement settled but now would like to spend as little money and use as little new resources as possible. There's always the Habitat for Humanity re-store down the street from us. I would love a fence like THIS, but am not sure those are the materials I can find at the re-store. I would also love to see how long a plywood fence could stand up. I know you can buy cheap sheets of it and then decorate it anyway you wish. I found some interesting art work on this blog.

I'd love to hear some ideas!! Comment away!

Re-Use/Recycle

2008-10-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

So, Austin is launching it's single stream recycling program. This is such good news for me!! It's going to save us so much time and so much trash bag space!! Hopefully we'll get our giant cart soon!!

This has got me thinking about ways to re-use things I may not have though of before. I found this SITE that has some fun ideas. I'd love to hear some more ideas, so comment if you'd like!!

Items for Sale

2008-09-09T07:27:00.001-07:00

Before I post these on Craigslist or Ebay, I like to offer them to my friends first. I paid $89 for the Zolowear sling (size Medium). I'm hoping to get at least $40 for it. It's still in great shape. I still have the paperwork that came with this sling too.

As for the Ergo, I hate to offer it to my friends for what I can get for it on Ebay, but most are selling for $90 plus shipping. It's only been used a handful of times. I'll offer it to friends for $80. This comes with the original packaging and DVD.

Jeans I purchased for my cuz in Korea

2008-09-08T11:11:00.001-07:00

I know my cousin said Levis or Gap, but I am no where near a Levi's or Gap store... and Pennies is pretty crazy at the mall... not really interested in chasing Cooper around there.

Katie- I hope you aren't mad at me, but I got you a pair of smokin' DKNY jeans instead. They might not be as casual as you were hoping (from Levi's or Gap) but I figured these will look classy at work or comfy for play...and they are denim. Pretty good deal too!!

Items I purchased for my cuz in Korea

2008-09-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Two Old Navy Shirts (I didn't try these on)

I tried both of these on and they look nice and long!!

I promise these don't look like mumu's when they're on!!

Cute, lean t-shirt

Black, velour hoodie

So, I was able to get 9 clothes items for about $150 (maybe a little less... my math isn't adding up). This is so Katie can see what I'm sending her:

Rose + Duke = Cuteness

2008-09-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the cute little designs from Rose and Duke - the prices are right, the cuteness is flowing, and who wouldn't dress their kids in these great little numbers?

I'm definitely going shopping here for the next little birthday party or Christmas gift I have.

See Jessica interviewed by Craft Magazine!!

Zahavah!!

2008-08-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is definitely what every mother, wife, grandmother, or girlfriend wants for Christmas!

I know I want one!! This is called the Name Tag Necklace on a Ball Chain. You can order this from Zahavah online. The owner told me that these might not be on the website yet, but you can definitely contact them to make a custom necklace. You can get a name and date on the tag, which is such a cute idea for a mom to have her kids names and ages on. This may be what grandma gets this holiday season!! She'd love it with her 3 grandson's names on it!!

Back to School---I'm so lost!!

2008-08-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so there is officially one week until school starts. That means only one week until my oldest starts kindergarten. I'm having the first time jitters, I've purchased all the items for his "supply list" (crayons, markers, folders, binders, tissues, etc), however, I am at a loss as what to get him to wear for his first day of school. He's got clothes in his closet, but I can't think of one outfit that doesn't have a small hole or stain in it. First impressions mean a lot, but do they in kindergarten? Should I get him one new outfit for his first day, and then let the other days deal with the holes and stains? Also, here in burning hot Texas, we won't be able to wear pants or long sleeves for at least another 3 months, so I have to find a nice looking short and t-shirt. I want him to be comfortable, especially since he's never been to school before and want it to be easy for him if he has to go to the bathroom. So, I need ideas on a budget. I have a $10 off coupon for JC Penney, but don't feel like getting him an Iron Man t-shirt. I guess I can go check out the store and see. They do have a couple of cute T-shirts on line... Drummer T-Shirt
So, I'm thinking I could handle my little guy wearing something like this. But then I want him to wear some elastic band shorts... and don't think the Adidas sports pants or shorts would go with this shirt.. or do they?... maybe just some Old Navy or Gap cotton shorts? Does anyone else spend this much time on their 5 year old's wardrobe or am I really that neurotic? Help!! I don't even want to think about shoes!! But you know I will (and have).

Early Holiday Shopping

2008-08-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... it's not even September yet and I'm already thinking about holiday shopping. I feel like if I don't, the holidays will pass me by OR I'll be in massive debt because of the holidays. Well, I'm starting my own holiday list (and birthday list) because there is a little dressy number I have on my radar. You can check it out on Etsy.com (although I just saw that my size has been sold!! Ahh I hope they make more!!). Here it is... my cyclist hubby would be proud. It's from this Etsy store- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5070255

As for my kids, I'm really not sure what I'll be getting them. I know my 5 yo would love more video games (but we have the monthly rental service, so why would I waste my money on buying more Wii games? He does really want the new Star Wars though). I'd love to find something more educational for him that he'd love and want to do every day. My 3 yo LOVES toys. His birthday comes before Christmas, so I'm sure he'll be getting some toys (new big wheel?, little people?, puzzles?, games?). Here are some of my ideas for him- an "I Spy" bean bag from Etsy or some wooden cars from Etsy. I like supporting artists.

You can bet for all of my girlfriends and girly relatives, they'll be getting some of the new Arbonne holiday lines. These aren't out yet, but will be available for online purchase on Sept. 1st 2008. I'm hoping they offer the "I want it all" set so I can buy everything!! I can't wait to try the Black Orchid Cassis and the Star Jasmine Tuberose scents!!

I also love the new glitz and glam items. I hope someone gets them for me!!

You can shop for this awesome Arbonne stuff by contacting me!

Natural Progesterone Balancing Creams

2008-08-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have a personal story regarding Arbonne's Natural Balancing Creams Balance: Natural Balancing Creams (Prolief and PhytoProlief). Wow, these are amazing products. They contain soy progesterone and are supposed to level out the estrogen in women and the testosterone in men. So, here is my story

I have been with Arbonne for almost a year now. I tried the balancing creams on and off (but never consistently). I was breastfeeding at the time and didn't want to commit to it in case it changed my milk supply for my baby. Well, after 5.5 years of being either pregnant or breastfeeding, my son finally weaned. My hormones went crazy, I was crying all of the time, was angry at my boys for silly reasons, was depressed, and was as pimply as I was in Jr. High. I was experiencing Post Partum Depression (or post nursing depression). Well, finally day 12 of my cycle came on a Wednesday. I started using Prolief. By Thursday, my anxiety and depression had lifted. By Friday, I felt like I was already back to normal!! By Monday, my face and neck were cleared of all blemishes and I no longer wanted to kill my boys... I was able to play with them again and laugh again.

Amazing stuff!! I've sold my mom on the Phytoprolief as well. She needs to strengthen her bones now that's she's been through menopause!!

The Prolief cream contains these items:

• Black Cohosh
• Chaste Tree Berry
• Dong Quai
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Red Clover
• Alfalfa
• Licorice
• Ginseng

*THESE STATEMENTS ARE MERELY FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND ARE IN NO WAY INTENDED TO BE MEDICAL CLAIMS OR GUARANTEES FOR ANYONE.

January Party

2008-01-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a detox-type party this month. Protein/Fiber shakes, detox tea, vitamins, energy chews, etc. My neighbor is also co-hosting and introducing her new business- Austin Clown. Hope we get some fun guests to come!!

Dear Diary

2008-01-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

I have heard from 2 other people (other than myself) that the ABC Arbonne Baby Oil has worked great on their child's eczema. I went without the oil for 2 weeks and my poor little boy had a flare up again. As soon as I got a sample pack of the oil on his itchy skin, he stopped itching immediately. I swear by that stuff! It's great on dry patches on my skin as well.

ACT NOW in Austin!!

2008-01-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

Arbonne's ACT Now will be held at the Austin Convention Center on January 25-26th. For anyone who is interested in going as my guest, please contact me directly (if you're not already an Arbonne consultant).

January is the Month for Corporate Giving

2008-01-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

This month I've announced my corporate gift giving business. I've wrapped up little sea salt scrubs with lotion and a hand knit wash towel. These were great little gifts for a corporate Christmas treat for some nurses that truly deserve to pamper themselves! I did a relax and unwind theme, but could easily do an awaken or reactivate theme too!