Mommie Minded!

OH you could say I am just a wee bit excited today!!!!

I love the Blogging community and have meet so many wonderful people through blogs. One thing I have really enjoyed was joining in on Blog Hops. The Secret Santa Blog Hop is one I joined in on and am sooooo excited that I did. Thank you to Simply Stacie & Survey Junkie for bringing us together once again!

This is the first time I joined a Secret Santa exchange outside of one of the various yahoo groups I have been part of. So lets move on the the exciting part of this post lol.

My Secret Santa was Megan who writes an awesome blog called Mommy Minded! Her blog is filled with tips, ideas, crafts, reviews, giveaways and more. Very informative and down to earth! It one of those blogs that you have subscribed to your email because you dont want to miss what she's going to post next.

So Megan, being a super crafty mom with great ideas, sent me an awesome "surprise me" Secret Santa gift.
Most that know me, know that I am a huge kid at heart when it comes to receiving packages in the mail,lol. Hubby brought in the package and sat it on the dining room table and walked away,lol. I had not been feeling well and was taking a nap when it came and he made sure that I knew it came it the moment I woke up.

I was in one of those funks and the package coming in was just what I needed for a "pick me up".

I grabbed the package and just before ripping into it, I saw on the side of the box where she wrote "this side up" lol oops, guess I should follow directions,lol. So carefully put the package right side up and opened it with care. I immediately saw lots of crete paper, woohoo I had hit the mother load!

In between the sheets I spied a couple of handles for gift bags.Hum...yep, it was a good idea that I followed directions and opened it at the right end!

I pulled out 2 awesome gift bags. I must say that I hadnt thought of sending a package like that, and hubby said he could see "the wheels turning".

So, I see these two very well put together bags. And had to stop myself from emptying them of their contents..... It was almost the feeling you get when you are given a gift that contains a box, that contains another box, that contains....well you get the idea. I had to take pic's so you could see how cute they are!

Here are the bags that I pulled from the box....so very curious and ready to well, yeah, tear into them lol.

Each bag had a "Tag" on them.

Now I got to pull out the awesome contents of each bag!!!!! Kripes this was killing me! 

Here are the contents of the "Mommy & Me Makeover Day" bag:

 Now being a kid at heart this bag really hit it on the nail! Kaitie (my little urchin) and I could so dig this! The great thing was that it would be used over and over! I see "pretty time" happening many times in the near future,lol.

The Next bag proved to be just as awesome!

Here are the contents of "Mommie & Me Movie Day":

I so wonder if Megan knew how big  we are on movies lol. (We only have about 400 DVD's lol) This was right up our alley. 

Not to mention that Popcorn is very much one of Kaitie's favorite treats! This is one movie that we didnt have in our collection! Just so you know Kaitie and I watched this together twice and she has since watched it on her own 3 more times. (And we have only had the package a couple of days lol).

I can only say that when I said "surprise me", she did just that. This Secret Santa gift has been very enjoyable and in essence wasnt "just for me". It included my very special person, and for that I am most happy!

With school being out for Winter Break, (two weeks here), Kaitie and I will have several days of fun and  great memories just from these two gift bags! Megan, thank you so much for this awesome and thoughtful Secret Santa Gift!!!!!! I must say I got the best pick of the group to be paired with! Now I only wish I had been as creative and thoughtful with your gift!

Now that I have shared with you all about the Secret Santa Gift exchange, I must go and partake of them.....AGAIN! lol. 

You can do gifts like this any time of the year, it doesnt have to be expensive or elaborate. Something as simple and thoughtful as the gifts that Megan bestowed upon me will go a LONG way with those you care about, they even make the perfect "office" gift! Need ideas and tips? Stop by Megan's blog "Mommy Minded" and you are sure to find plenty of them!

I wish you all the Happiest of Holidays!

Merry Christmas to Megan and her family as well as everyone at "Simply Stacie" and "Survey Junkie" 

~ Mary

Changes to come......

As we roll through the holidays, and the New Year is around the corner, I have decided to bring a few changes to the blog. You will see most of them as we go, some will be subtle and others well....you get it.

I would love your suggestions on the type of things that interest you most. Please feel free to post in the comment section about your ideas or email me at maryreid121@yahoo.com. I so look forward to your thoughts!

Whats in Diet Magic?

Some have wondered what is in Diet Magic. There are a lot of great ingredients that make up this "magic diet pill"!

Below you will find the ingredient list as well as the historical uses of these ingredients. If you have any questions please feel to contact me at dietmagiclady@gmail.com.

Percent Dally Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
** Daily value not established

Other Ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Gelatin Capsule. Aquamin is a registered trademark of Marigot Group Ltd.

HISTORICAL USES FOR DIET MAGIC™ INGREDIENTS

Vitamin B6 may aid in the formation of several neurotransmitters and is therefore an essential nutrient in the regulation of mental processes and possibly mood.

Calcium Calcium may help to increase bone density, strengthen teeth and helps with osteoporosis. It is a natural dietary supplement that contains dozens of natural minerals and vitamins that the human body requires for good health, including Vitamin D and magnesium, two essential elements that work well with calcium. Having sufficient calcium in the body can prevent muscle and bone pain, high blood pressure caused by stress and cramping of the muscles, as well as bone diseases.

Magnesium may help us to build energy which control blood pressure in our body and is associated with potassium and calcium.

Note: Some experts feel that by adding Calcium and Magnesium to Energy and Weight Loss Formulas that most people experience a smoother energy level and have a more balanced PH.

Chromium (as Polynicotinate) said to have greater biological activity than other forms of Chromium, including sources from picolinate. CP helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and can be critical to the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and proteins. Chromium polynicotinate consists of pure niacin-bound chromium, identified by United States Government researchers as the active component of true GTF (Glucose Tolerance Factor). GTF is responsible for binding insulin to cell membrane receptor sites. Chromium polynicotinate has been shown to possess greater biological activity than other chromium picolinate weight loss supplements.

Dark Chocolate Powder may have the ability to elevate the metabolism and perhaps even increase satiety (fullness). For instance, is the chemical responsible for that "chocolate high" some people experience when eating... uh... chocolate.

Geranium Flower(GeranaX) as a nutrition supplement has been used to stimulate weight loss. Also used as a nasal decongestant, some say they seem to breathe better after taking this supplement.

Green Tea Extract powerful antioxidant and Increases Metabolism, May Aid in Weight Loss

Phenylethlamine HCL (Trace Mineral Blend) Referred to as “PEA” Researchers believe that our body releases phenylethylamine as if when we are in love, thus producing the uplifted mood associated with love. It is rumored that chocolate produces the same feelings because of the phenylethylamine it contains. Have you ever tried eating dinner after eating chocolate? Same goes with phenylethylamine you just are not hungry, loss of appetite.

Caffeine (from coffee beans) energy boost from a natural source. Equivalent to 8 oz cup of regular coffee.

Vanadium (chelate) has a significant effect on lowering blood glucose levels


Wow, I agree that is a lot of great information! BUT there is more to be had by visiting my site at www.thedietmagiclady.com

Have a Healthy and Blessed day!
~ Mary

What Do You Do?

We are just shy of a month from Christmas! woohoo! And now that we have hunted for all the candy and stuffed our selves with delicious turkey and fixin's now we are rushing about to find the perfect gifts! Well at least those of us that always wait 'til the last moment to shop, that is. Every year I say I am going to start early....yeah, that doesnt happen, nope not ever,lol.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I decided to start our own "tradition" on the gift giving for when it come to shopping for ourselves and our child. As people in general we tend to go over board with the presents thinking more is better. With all the sales going on, its not hard to do. With the economy the way it has been for the last couple of years, the "wallet" strings have gotten tighter, so do we buy more less expensive things or a few higher quality or expensive items? Since Christmas is a Christian holiday and surrounding the birth of Christ we came up with the idea.....Our child only receives 3 gifts from us at Christmas. Baby Jesus received 3 gifts from the 3 wise men so I think its only appropriate. We wanted to keep the holiday in perspective and teach her it wasn't all about how many awesome toys/gifts you can get. Then we took it a step further, she doesnt receive just any 3 gifts. She gets one clothing gift, one educational gift and one "want or toy" gift. This allows us to afford to give her a good Christmas but as she grows older, it doesnt break the bank so to speak. As for my husband and I. We only do 2 gifts one from each other and one from our child. We didnt want the holiday to be all about the gifts and what you can "get".

We hope that as the years go, that we can instill in her that it is better to give than to receive. We want to teach her that there is more joy and satisfaction in giving than the getting. Sometimes its just a good meal with friends and family, enjoying time together and well you understand.

This year, I am just thankful that my little family has a place to call home, that we are where we can work and bring money into our home, which was scarce back home. We are all healthy and happy. That is a gift in itself.

The other day, I entertained the idea, of writing down a list of all that I wanted for christmas. After I did that, I went back through my list and realized, my wants were more needs than anything, funny how that happens as we get older and have families. Of course this is just my opinion.

My list consisted of things like a new vacuum cleaner, an ironing board, curtains, serving bowls, towels....things you would get at a house warming party or house hold needs list.
I couldnt think of anything that was just a pure want. So I thought about it some more. I came up with another list, I wanted more material, yarn, ribbons....to make more things for the home and others. YIKES, what is wrong with me lol. I mark it down to being that I was raised that way lol. Im okay with that!

What I would love to hear is what is on your list, is it a want or need, is it for you or for the benefit for others? How do you decide how and what you are buying as gifts for your loved ones.
Do you have a tradition as well?

Please share your thoughts, I think it would be interesting to see how alike or different we all are. May even give each other some new ideas for the holiday season.

I wish you all the happiest of Holidays!!!!!

~ Mary

To think that it took a year to figure this out.... &

So what have I been up to here lately? Well, with holidays all around us there is much to do, throw in some school activities, home life, yard work and a gallon of coffee and I'd say we are off to a good start!

Here lately I have been "re-organizing" everything. After a year of "seeing where things go". I have been going back over all that has happened, where my business has gone in this amount of time, and looking at the different things I need to improve on. I want to make sure that my family life isnt pushed to the way side. I want to make sure that I am giving my business the time and dedication it deserves as well. So re-organizing is the solution to the problem at this stage of the game.

I have recently dropped some opportunities that I thought would be great ideas....the pros just dont out weight the cons. I figured that I would look at what was most important and would be more beneficial in the long run. So, all the "side job" opps have/had to go.

I decided that for my family, I needed to concentrate on what I know works, benefits the family, doesnt take away from the family, and something I enjoy.

So here you have it. I am only working on and with these two companies. SoyLicious.com and Symmetry ~ Diet Magic.

Both of these companies, offer great benefits, they are all natural, I can stand behind them 100% with no doubts, they dont "take over" my time for my family and well, I love them!!!

I am spending more time being a mom too. Little bit is growing up so fast and I dont want to miss it. I mean what the heck is the point in working for yourself so that you can have the schedule you want if you dont utilize it??? Right?

I am going to do something for the first time this year.......Im sending out Christmas cards....aaaccckkkk....I know, but hey at least Im finally getting round to it...now where are those cards I got a few years ago! They must be in one of these boxes, yike!

Thanksgiving and Christmas will be hard this year, not having family around, but we will mutter through it just fine Im sure. (yes I meant Mutter,lol, we are good at that,lol) We have made some great friends, more of an extended family, to enjoy the holidays with. Praises be, for that.

I have plans for the new year, getting ready to put them into action. A few things in the works is creating my weight loss journey blog, yes I can post them here, but I need a central place so that the support I have been getting doesnt get lost in the shuffle and when things get rough, well you get the point, not that I wont post about it here though. I am working on a better more organized way of leading my team in my business efforts. I am planning on more one on one time with little bit & hubby. I am also sneaking in a bit more ME time as well.

I have one passion I had set aside, due to time constraints and technology...yup Im picking up the pen and paper again. I remember what it was like to get a handwritten letter in the mail, it always made me feel better and well, its what I like to do, so for the various people out there, watch the mail box tehehehe.

I am finding that other than to post to my blog occasionally, or pal around on FB I am rarely using my social networks like I use to. Maybe this is for the better at this time, who knows, but doesnt mean I dont miss everyone, I do, but just needed more real life time so to speak. Ill be back, just needing to (heres that word again) "re-organize".

I'll never get to where I need to go, If I cant figure out which road to travel. The only way to do that is learn to read the road signs. And at times I will need to ask for directions, so for that...thank you for being there!

Just so its not mistaken....this isn't an early New Year's resolution.....its a life change. yup, that sounded hillbillyish, but that is me. I want a better life, I want my child and husband to have a better life. I want to enjoy the years...not pass them by trying to catch up with the rest of the world.

Okay thats enough rambling....so lets see where it goes from here!

As the saying goes...Take life by the horns, and enjoy the ride,
~ Mary