I have Dave Ramsey on the Brain and a Giveaway

So who has read Total Money Makeover or attended Financial Peace Univeristy?  These, debt free, budget and cash systems are common words floating around Franciscan's campus if you are listening but what exactly is it all about? I knew about the debt snowball and six baby steps but I was ready to find out more.

In a very small nut shell Dave Ramsey proposes to follow these seven baby steps, live like no one else so that you can live and give like no one else , debt is dumb and cash is king, and that paid off home mortgage is the status symbol of America.  Reading his book I was invigorated and a friend suggested I also listen to his podcasts.  I had Dave Ramsey on the brain.  I would drive down the street and wonder how many of these cars caused their owner to be enslaved by car payments.  

I have a lot of student loans so I tend to feel bogged down when I think Dave Ramsey but I stop and think about how good I am doing.  I already have $1000 for an emergency fund, I don't have any credit card debt or a mortgage and I am reading this book and getting with the program before I have even started getting a big kid paycheck.  Praise the Lord that I started on Dave's plan before I dug myself into a bigger hole but I am still aware that I have a lot of work to do.  

Now onto the giveaway.  I want you to stop being a slave to debt too.  It may be the American norm but it doesn't have to be your norm.  So I want to giveaway a Total Money Makeover book.  That saves you money but I also need to save my money (did you hear I have student loans) so the giveaway is located at your local brick and mortar or online library.  Log on or step inside and read the book today.  It is a surprisingly quick and easy read.  The podcasts are free and easy to download or watch. Hopefully one day we can both call into Dave Ramsey's show and have our debt free scream.  And if life has already provided you with no debt than you can build wealth the smart way.  So please let me know in the comments who wants in on the giveaway.  I am excited to share this journey with you.

Let's Talk Oils: Giveaway and Doterra

Guys I made the plunge.  But really it wasn't that big of a plunge.  I signed up as a Doterra wellness advocate and bought their Physicians Kit.

So why did I finally make the plunge into one of the big name oil companies? Well their is a number of reasons.  First of all their was enough unique to Doterra blends that I was buying or wanted to buy that it was time to get the discounts that come with being a wellness advocate.  Also I felt more comfortable using Doterra because of the transparency of their plant to bottle process.  If they were going to tell me all the details along the way then you know they are good.  Because of this and their food safe stance I feel a little bit safer ingesting their oils.  Now to be honest some or the more expensive oils, like Frankinscense, that I don't ingest I will probably still look for cheaper brands because I just cannot spend that much money on an oil.

If you are interested in learning more about essential oils and/or want to become a Doterra wellness advocate yourself please let me know in the comments below and we can get in contact.  This includes if you just want to try out an oil or two.  I would be thrilled to help you start your oil journey whether you want to become a wellness advocate yourself or just give oils a try please let me know.

  

Now I want to pass some of this on to you with a giveaway.  I am giving away a 5ml bottle of Lavender. This oils has so many uses from acne and burns to helping you relax and sleep at night.  If you want to be entered into the giveaway leave a comment below to let me know.  You will get another entry if you already follow me on bloglovin' or begin to follow me on bloglovin'--just mention it in the comment.  I will be choosing a winner the old fashioned way-picking a slip of paper from a bowl.  If you win and have a blog please (pretty please) write a post about your experience with the oil.  The giveaway ends at noon EST on Thursday August 28, 2014 and I will contact the winner pronto.  I am excited for the winner!

Disclaimer:  This giveaway is not sponsored by Doterra. 

A Blog Hop About Writing

Nikki, who blogs at A Catholic Heart for Home, choose to tag me for this Blog Hop About Writing. It was a little weird when I saw the picture of me you see to your left pop up in my bloglovin' feed.  I am used to seeing other people, not me!  Before I begin, I will warn you this tag involves no ice ;).  

On with the show....or questions in this case.

18th Century Blogger.

1 – What am I writing or working on? Well currently I am working on this post but I don't think you want the smart answer.  For my blog I am currently working on finalizing a post about Dave Ramsey and his Total Money Makeover and another about my essential oils giveaway so look for both of those coming to a screen near you real soon.

2 – How does my work differ from others of its genre?  If my genre is "single, joyful, passionately Catholic lady", which I do believe it is molding into, I don't think it differs too much.  I think I would like to say it has more variety but I haven't been posting many recipes or crafts just alot about what I am thinking, seeing, and experiencing.  I am going to ask you, what makes my blog different?  Why do you have it in your feed?  What do you want to see or see more of on my blog?  

3 – Why do I write what I write? I write what I write because I want to write what I want to read.  I like hearing about people's daily normal life.  I really want to do a day in the life post soon but I think my life is in such a transition I have no idea what day is a "normal" day.  I also like to write things that will hopefully inspire people on their path to sainthood or encourage them in trials. Any time I have considered turning off the lights on the blog I get a comment or an email from someone telling me how much something I wrote has impacted them.  That keeps me going because I know that writing on this blog is what I am supposed to be doing.

From here on out I declare all writing shall include wine on this here blog.

4 – How does my writing process work?  I don't think I would ever call it a writing process but that I guess is probably what it is.  Some days I sit down on my phone or laptop and punch out three or four post boom boom boom just like that.  Other days I sit down so that I can write or finish up one simple thing and spend two hours distracted by the world wide web.  If a blog post isn't related to a link up or something like this it is normally something I have been thinking about, experiencing, read about or watched a video on.  I just go where the Spirit leads me (both to use the expression and the literal Holy Spirit) and write about this and that.

Now I am going to be the lame party pooper.  Everyone I would typically tag has either already done it or isn't interested.  Hopefully Bobbi tags someone so Nikki's blog hop line doesn't die.  And please answer from number two. I dare you.  Triple dog dare you.  

A Whole Stack of Reads

I had to give you guys a break after that onslaught of posts but here I am back today.

Random picture from my NYC trip that I never blogged about. 

I am going to catch up my blog on what I have been reading lately.  I do this as much so that I have a record of what I have read in the past as you guys might be interested in the reviews.  I will be doing a seperate post on Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover* because that book is a bit of a life changer and deserves its own post. 

Let's begin back in July with Someday, Someday, Maybe* by Lauren Graham.  To anyone out there who doesn't love Gilmore Girls like I do I will let you know that Lauren Graham plays Loreli in Gilmore Girls.  That pretty much made this book a must read for me.  I finished this book right before my trip to New York City and it got me super excited for my trip because the story is about a young actress in NYC trying to get a big break.  This book is a fantastic light beach read.  I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a book to enjoy while the days are still warm and long.  

Moving on to Something Other Than God*.  Wow.  This was the book we read for the NAS Bookclub and what a great book it was.  Jennifer was so authentic in her writing.  As the book begins Jennifer is an atheist.  And she didn't just fall into atheism she thought herself into atheism.  Slowly she begins to notice God in her life (I say notice because He was there all along I am sure).  Spoiler alert.  When she first starts to think that the Catholic Chuch might have the fullness of the Truth I am on the edge of my seat.  Read this book and walk with Jen as she marries, welcomes life, struggles through faith and God and faces illness.  I really cannot emphasize enough how much I like this book.  Go read this book now, do not pass go.  

Next up was a reread.  I read Redeeming Love* many years ago and I was ready to dive back into the story and experience it all over again.  Francine Rivers takes the book of Hosea as inspiration and weaves a story of despair, unconditional love, faithfulness, God and miracles.  It makes me want a man like Michael as my own beloved.  I don't regret reading this book again and am planning on reading other titles by this author soon.

Last but not least I recently finished Growing Up Duggar*.  I have talked about the Duggars before here and seeing how much I enjoyed their previous two books I was of course going to read this
one too.  Once I began reading this book I realized it wasn't really geared towards my age group or where I was in my faith walk.  The four eldest Duggar girls seem to be writing towards an audience of younger girls and/or ladies who haven't yet accepted things like modesty and purity.  But reading this book was not in vain.  There were so many spiritual truths that really hit where they were needed in my life in addition I already tucked away so many ideas for how I want my children to grow up.  I love the Duggars despite the "youngness" of this book would still recommend it.

Well that's all folks....for now.  I am nearing the end of some other books so more book reviews will be coming your way before long.

**Affiliate links.  I would be giddy if you used my affiliate links when shopping on Amazon.

NAS: Freebie

Apparently on this here bloggy, when it rains it pours, five posts in six days.

Today on the NAS is a freebie post about whatever.  The last post until the normal regularly scheduled NAS in September.  

 Before I do anything else let's gush a bit about Morgan and Jen's upcoming TV  appearance.  I think that is incredible that when we do the Lord's will in what seems like seemingly unimportant small ways he takes it and multiples it.  I see how much this community already supports ladies and Lord willing the women it supports will continue to increase.  I am excited to watch the show in September. 

So ever wonder what people whose blog you read actually look like?  Well it is your lucky day.  If you want to know what I look like chewing, watch this video.

I know I have talked about Imagine Sisters before but I will tell you again what a great organization they are.  I personally know the lady running the show currently and she has a beautiful heart that just wants to serve the Lord.  Although I am personally not discerning religious life at this moment it is really important for me to support Imagine Sisters because I know our Church and our world needs religious vocations.  In addition, I know as I serve the Church over my life time in the ways the Lord is asking me to, consecrated women have my back praying and interceding for me.  

The official description of Imagine Sisters,

Imagine Sisters is a web movement that aims to inspire the imaginations of young women to consider the beautiful call to consecrated life as a sister. With the guiding truth that one sister can change the world, Imagine Sisters strives to connect the world with sisters passionately embracing their call to serve the Lord. 

Currently Imagine Sisters is doing a fundraising campaign to get ready for the Year of Consecrated Life and they need your prayer and financial support.  They have big plans to reach out to even more young ladies striving to serve the Lord. Check out their website and indiegogo page. Personally I have my eye on the coffee cup.

That nun on the right, I can tell you she is great!!

So since this is a freebie and I have to take full advantage of it, I am going to point you back to some recent posts in case you haven't seen them yet.

Last week I gave you some stream of consciousness with a little bit of this and that.  Read that if you want a little look into the thoughts jumping around in my noggin'.  

This past Saturday I began my 24th year of life (or is it I am 24 but it is my 25th year) and began I little project I am calling #livingmyfiat.  More details here and follow me on my 'gram.  

On Monday, I wrote another post for my unintentional essential oil series "Let's Talk Oils".  I answered some more questions and announced that I will be doing a giveaway very soon.  

I am excited to read what you guys are writing about today.  Sorry for those who always read my blog that I haven't given you much new material but I think one stream of consciousness is enough for a week.  I promise you I do have some deep thoughts in my head but for right now, and maybe forever, they are just between me and my God. I look forward to starting the series back up in September and seeing the series on TV. 

Let's Talk Oils III

I seriously cannot keep up with the questions you guys ask on these oils posts and that is awesome.  I am so excited that so many people are interested in essential oils.

You can check out my previous essential oils posts---the first one here and the second one here.

So here are some questions from Laura at A Drop in the Ocean....

Does the brand really matter?  Ahh this is the question that I asked from the very beginning and still ask myself now.  If you do some research, minus the companies themselves, there is little conclusive evidence.  I would recommend doing some of your own research and see what you think.  And I would love to know what you find and your own opinion. For me the verdict is still out.  On one side it is really hard for me to pay alot more knowing part of the money goes to a triangle company (consultant type company......economist I am not) but are the oils better, more effective, and safer than a company that is a fraction of the cost.  I just am not sure yet.   

 Is there a go-to place to learn what the heck to use specific ones for before purchasing them? Do your research---search pinterest and google.  For me it has been a learn as you go and all started when I was getting sick too much for my liking.  If you a specific concern like acne, cramps, or allergies search "essential oils and _____".  Start with a few oils and give them a try.  You will probably love them and want to find more and more ways they can be incorporated into your life.   I will recommend a few sources that I really enjoy.  The first is CandidMommy on youtube.  In addition two blogs (each with one of the "big name" companies), Nesting Gypsy and The Anderson Crew.

Which would you suggest as starters? I think one of the most versatile oils is Lavender.  Doterra sells their starter kits with Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon and I would have to agree that those are three great starter oils.  Also, I hate to say it, but those colder months aren't too far away so some version of Thieves Oil would be another good one.  

Do you know the science behind them? I can't lie.  I don't know a ton about the science behind essential oils except I do know that when you use essential oils they enter every cell of your body which is why they are so powerful.  Here is a really good article about more of the science behind it.  

I'm also really interested in facial care you talked about: how much did it help with pores and how much/often did you apply? How much did it help with pores is a really hard question.  I naturally have really large pores, especially on my check bones right below my eyes, next to my nose.  You know, one of those things that probably no one else notices but you do.  My pores are still larger but it did help shrink them.  Vague but there really isn't a good gauge.  To lead into your other questions the oils do work better the more I apply them.  I apply them as often as I think of it.  Naturally, when my skin is flaring up, thank you hormones, I use it more often (like 3-6 times a day) but when it is glowing, thank you hormones, I will often forget to use any for a few days.  I will be honest.  I don't wear makeup over the summer except for some occasional mascara and lipstick so it is a little easier to put it on it without makeup interfering.  I don't yet know how essential oils would work with foundation. if I could use it throughout the day or would be limited to morning and evening.

Now onto some questions from Bek at The Contemplation of a Daughter.....

Do you find that applying oils is messy or easy or slimey or whatever? I usually apply lotion after I shower {at night} because I don't mind the lotion getting onto my pjs, but I am curious about applying oil to my skin for the daytime.  Nope not at all. Because essential oils don't have mineral oil (stick a cracker in mineral oil and you will also be checking ingredient lists before you buy a lotion) they are absorbed right into the skin.  You only need a drop or two of oil to spread across most of your face.  Now like I said I do put essential oil mixed with Vitamin E oil on my legs sometimes and when I do that I don't go under the covers for 15 minutes-ish so that the oils can absorb.  

Also, do you consume/ingest any oils regularly? Have you cooked with them?  A little disclaimer, technically you should not ingest oils that are not food grade.  Food grade oils are unfortunately the more expensive ones.  I try to put lemon or grapefruit oil in my water regularly (1-2 drops), not every glass but once a day at least.  If you are doing this, it is preferable to use a glass water bottle or glass because citrus essential oils can cause a breakdown of the plastic.  I currently do not cook with oils but it is something I want to get into.  

I am so excited that so many people are interested in essential oils that I plan to do a essential oils giveaway in the next week or two!!!  Stay tune for that.  And please keep the questions coming,  I am only a beginner novice when it comes to essential oils but I enjoy answering your questions.  

Answer Me This (Vol.2)

Because why not do a link up on this beautiful Sunday.

1. What do you still want to do this summer?

Oh this is a hard one.  This whole summer has been a little different for me because I have taken it week by week.  Until I got my approval to test, until I took and passed my NCLEX and now waiting until I get an interview and until I get a job.  Literally I text the mom of the family I nanny at the end of one week to make sure I can watch the baby the following week.  Thankfully she understands that finding a real job has to be my priority.  I haven't had any idea how long my summer at home will be.  It could be over next week or I could still be home until September.  Because of all this I don't really have anything I still want to do except keep spending as much time in the good weather as possible and lapping up the quality time with those at home, especially my goddaughter and her brothers.

2. What is your favorite kind of pie?

My favorite kind of pie is a warm apple or berry pie with a scoop of ice cream.  Yum.

3. How much sleep do you need each day?  How much do you get?

I can survive just fine on 5 hours of sleep but do the best when I get more like 7 or 8.  Being the single lady that I am I enjoy being able to get as much sleep as I want so I do normally get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night currently.  I don't take this for granted because I now Lord willing one day it will be less in my control.

4.  Do you prefer to swim in a pool, lake, river or ocean?

Naples, Fl.  Take me back.

If I am actually submerged in the water swimming I prefer to be in a pool but I would much rather wade into and sit besides an ocean any day.

5.  Do you know any poems by heart?

No, I have never been a fan of poetry.  

6.  Do you use the public library?

Not library books but books non the less.

Yes.  I do sometimes take actually books out of the brick and morter library but more often than not I check digital books out of the library on my phone.  I have raved about it before but I love being able to check out books whenever or wherever I want and being able to have them with me all the time.

#livingmyfiat

So many ideas are converging right here on this post.

So today I turn 24.  Wow.  I remember when I first took the leap and tacked on a fifth year of college thinking about soon after I graduate college I would be turning 24.  Well here I am and I am not sure how I feel about it.

I have alot of transitions going on in my life. I struggle with feeling like I am not going down the path the Lord wants even though really right now I am not exactly walking down any particular path.  I have so many future plans rolling around in my head and I become stressed because I don't know which ones will actually unfold in my life.  The Lord in his goodness has been reminding me over and over again that everyday I can and am living His will despite being momentarily stagnant.  I am not at home, nannying, looking for a job by mistake but purposely in this moment to do the Lord's will and be His hands and feet as He needs here and now.

Stick with me here.

In case you hadn't noticed, I really really love Our Lady of the Annunciation.  I think that by meditating on her words during the Annunciation we can gleam so many truths that, if we allow it, can radically rock our life.  

Do you see where this is going yet?

via

During my 24th year of life, each day I want to post a picture on the 'gram that in some way shows my life and me living my fiat.  Mary said a yes that radically changed human history.  Her yes meant watching her son die so that we could receive mercy.  Her yes meant that she would spend all of eternity interceding for us as our mother.  Her fiat changed everything.  In imitation of Our Lady, each day I must say my yes and live my fiat, saying and living the Lord's will for my life.

I am really excited about this.  I hope you will follow along.  If you don't already follow me on the 'gram please do.  Just let me know in the comments if you are going to request to follow me so I make sure I don't deny you (I have a request so "xx" people don't follow me.)  Join me during my 24th year of life as I am #livingmyfiat.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Well hello.  I know, I know all of you have been anxiously awaiting an update on my life and I aim to please.

First off, the job searing continues.  Everyday I look for and apply to as many jobs as possible.  Thankfully when looking for nursing jobs, most hospitals have all your info saved and you just have to click a few buttons and remind them of  your gender and ethnicity and bada bing.  Praise the Lord I am getting somewhere, talking to people and filling out questioners.  Nothing concrete yet but at least the job train is moving and I am not just sending applications out to the clouds.  And that darn questioner put my panties in a bunch because one time I failed one.  Have no fear, I didn't this time.  During the time of "preemployment" I have gotten a new perspective on the unemployed. As I sit in my parents house with no necessary expenses currently I have some stress about finding a job.  I cannot even imagine the stress for an unemployed bread winner of a family.  My heart goes out to anyone in that situation and I am praying for you.  

Insert awkward transition to lighter topics. 

For the past few weeks I have been nannying the family I watched last summer.  The timing was actually divine, she called me the week before I took my test to see if I could come work and I told her not that week because I had to hard core study and take the test but after that week we could talk.  Well since then I have been working 2-3 days a week which is awesome because I have been putting all that money directly to student loans (a full post coming soon with a whole bunch of Dave Ramsey).

So another thought floating around in my noggin' is how excited I am for the NAS series to start back up.   Even though our community has been great on the FB page I miss having a topic to write about each week. Sorry Morgan and Jen that at the moment I am fresh out of topic ideas but I will let you know if I think of one.  

I have also noticed lately that I am not good with keeping up my MyFertilityMD app.  Thankfully I am in a season of life that it really doesn't matter but I want to stay diligent.  However anyone who has diligently charted for at least a few months I think can agree that it becomes second nature to notice your signs of fertility without much thought.  

Well that is all I have today happening and what better way to end than on fertility and such.