It's Thanksgiving!!

Hey Lovelies!

The awesome day of cooking all day, family and friends gathered around the table, some traveling or already out of town, Whatever it is your doing, don't forget to stop and be thankful for everything in your life.

I have so much to be thankful for. Starting with my awesome kids who never stop to give me a break, I cannot ever seem to go to the bathroom or take a shower by myself, but they make my day with the small things they do from hugs and kisses, to the laughs that make me laugh. My house would be clean, empty, and quiet without them. Especially my furbaby Pandora she has been such a blessing to us and so helpful!

I am thankful for my husband. He isn't a 100% perfect but if he was life would be pretty boring. We don't get along all the time but all the great times seem to make the few bad times disappear. He tries his hardest to do right by me and that makes him pretty damn close to perfect to me! :)

My family and in-laws. They help out so much when we need it and we would be lost without them. With 3 kids and 2 working even the smallest things help so much and we would be in total destruction without them.

Today I do not have to cook. Which I am also thankful for who doesn't like the holidays where the other family members do all the cooking and there are no dishes to really do.

I do on the other hand have so many stuff I am cooking. With a little help from Law of Attraction and my dream board this time next year I will be doing the cooking and hosting of the holidays in our new home. This year it was kind of hard to do that with the whole family in a 2 bedroom apartment.

Everyone enjoy your Thanksgiving, enjoy the food, the time together, safe travels to the ones who will be traveling back home! Definitely stop to remember everything you are Thankful for :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

(Images thanks to Google) 

My new favorite beauty item that my kids enjoy too!

Hey lovelies,

So I have the worst acne issue ever and dry skin in patches on my face when winter hits. It's embarrassing for me because the acne is small but there are tons in one spot and its always under my eyes and on my cheeks, chin and neck. I also have the worst problem with acne on my chest and back. My really bad dry skin is a patch on the corner of my nose and also one in the outer corner of my left eye.

My kids also have really bad dry skin on their shoulders and legs.

I have been searching and searching for an antibacterial soap for all of us that would be great for the acne and dry skin. I know dial had some body wash but for some reason every store I went into no longer has the antibacterial dial body wash.

I trailed down the beauty aisle thinking something had to be here to help. I usually don't buy things down the skin care aisle because I love Aveda products they are the best thing in the world. I also have done my research and found that more people have issues from a lot of drugstore skin care brands because even some name brand items are made to break out your skin the longer you use them, so you buy their products more often.

I came across Cetaphil brand portion of the skin care and found the antibacterial soap bars and figured why not. It was $9 for a pack of 3. From the first time I used it I instantly felt an amazing difference. My skin felt clean, soft, and taken care of. Like the soap was meant for my skin.

My acne was instantly less inflamed and red. Bonus is it took my make up off amazingly with no traces of anything. The soap is extremely creamy and moisturizing. i used it on my kids and they cannot get enough of it. They will grab it and hand it to me first thing when they get into the tub.

The dry patches are not all the way gone but it has definitely improved it as well as calmed the redness from the patches as well. It smells AMAZING, like I said my new favorite beauty product my acne from head to toe has went from embarrassing to maybe one or 2 here and there.

I highly recommend this heavenly product and I myself will be buying more from this brand.

The only down fall to this is that for naturally dry skin types it is not extremely moisturizing you do need to put a moisturizer meant for dry skin on after it but it does help it a lot in putting some moisture back in it.

I'M BACCCCCCCK!!!!!!

Hello Lovelies!

I know it has been quite some time that I haven't posted anything. I have been taking blogging boot camps and seminars to make sure I make this the best it can be. I love that I started this blog but I know that it wasn't all it needed to be.

On top of that I have exciting news... I have also taken some time away because all the schooling I told you guys about in my post College and Babies, paid off. I am ecstatic to say I am a full time working mom. I got a job at my local Cardiology Specialist Office here that is affiliated with one of our local hospitals.

To say the least it has been extremely hard juggling a work life, bettering my blog life, fixing a marriage that was, to say the least, in a rough patch and falling apart, a mom life, and keeping our home tidy and in one piece.

Working has been amazing I get out of the house, I have an office to myself, even though it's work I get quiet time away from the screaming of kids, because I work at a medical office I get free lunches so it saves us some money. The main thing I love is the benefits. My son is doing much better with his speech thanks to a wonderful daycare and daycare owner is the best!

My marriage has been better because I am not stuck in the house with my only conversations being with a 5 year old and her imagination HAHA. I am also bringing in more money and we are not aggravated from struggling and living paycheck to paycheck with only enough money to make it by we have that little extra bit for fun things and able to start crossing off our need's and wants lists.

But, with all these fabulous things there are downfalls... BUM BUM BUUUUUUM. Sorry dramatic effect.

I have only had 1 half paycheck and 1 full paycheck from my job, so of course our bills are backed up and slowly being caught up. As great as daycare is and helping my kids SOOO much it does cost a lot to have 2 children in daycare and this is the most affordable, wonderful, clean in-home daycare I have seen and my kids LOVE the owners and her family because her family helps her out with the daycare.

The daycare (mind you I said most affordable) costs us $1,000 a month. Which is a great price especially considering it is clean, safe, and amazing people work there who truly love and care about the children when there was a place that was an academy was $875 per child, with over $500 extra in costs. My son being ADHD and extremely hyper he did not have the behavior skills to go there.

It has been a struggle being away from my babies, it's been a struggle to pay bills for right now because all jobs cost you in the beginning but pay off as time goes on, I love my job, I won amazing Younique pigments from one of those online parties so definitely do that if you have the chance, I have so much more for you guys thank you for those who have been patient with me :D

Oh yeah and I dyed my hair black! Why.? The red was so gorgeous!! Yes, unfortunately my job doesn't approve of those bright colors on hair so I had to change it. Career Career Career and helping my family was a sacrifice I was willing to make :)

            (from Ink361- Bossbabe Inc.)

ADHD and our natural approach plan for our son

Today our son had a child wellness check up with updated vaccines so we could get him geared up for starting preschool.

It's always been discussed at his doctor appointments is his possibility of having ADHD. At his doctor's appointments I made it clear about EVERYTHING that I was experiencing with him that made me feel uneasy. I did make sure to write behaviors and reactions as I experienced them with Kayden since his 2nd birthday (he is now almost 3 come January)

They included:

• 2 hour tantrums.
• Tantrums that involved violence of either himself, objects around him, or others. This involved banging his head on the floor and walls, throwing himself on the floor so hard he would bruise himself up, slapping himself, slapping others, kicking others and other objects, throwing large heavy items, locking up of his body and limbs, and biting. 
• He could not and would not look anyone in the eyes.
• He had what we liked to call his "anchor" item. Normally it was a screwdriver, ball, or blanket that he constantly would hold on to. If anyone was to take or touch it he would throw a tantrum. 
• He doesn't like to be touched very much or held, and cannot sit longer then 10-15 minutes at a time.
• He has extreme OCD with things more so size or items. What ever it is he has to line them up from small to larger and group them according to colors. 
• His vocabulary was sounds instead of words.
• He is so quick and easy to be distracted and runs in 100 different ways.
• Has to touch and climb on everything he comes in contact with even if it's a window or someone else's car.
• Screaming, squealing, and making noises uncontrollably.

I think the best thing about him and his tantrums is he does take in account when his baby sister is around and if he comes anywhere near her while he is throwing a tantrum he will get up and go to the opposite side from where she is at. Like I said he is a sweet boy, his older sister though is a different story. Mostly we have to move her to a separate room to avoid her getting caught up in his tantrums.

Here recently from the notes I took on him since his last visit (maybe around 6 or more months ago) the only thing that has changed is he will look you in the eyes pretty well and his vocabulary went from sounds to maybe 25 words at the most but the doctor saw more of him mimicking words then actually putting words together and talking to you. 

His doctor told us that now was the time to get him into see a child behavioral specialist to start being evaluated to get down to figuring out what needs to be done and course our plan of action to begin to better teach him on his level. 

His doctor told us he shows sure signs of ADHD but of course he can't be diagnoses without proper testing. 

We were told so far that he may have to be put on medication which in my perspective I am not ok with at such a young age, so our alternatives will fully be discussed at his evaluations, which I will be doing a post on to help those be more prepared about what the the testing includes exactly. For now and for a while we are going the more natural route to dealing with this, if he has it.  

So far it's cutting out as much sugars as we possible can, putting him on a strict diet, he will be having a doctor appointment every 4-6 months, and start seeing a child behavioral specialist frequently. 

Hearing about how food can actually affect behavior was mind blowing. I went on Pinterest and found these awesome sites to help guide me through.

• ADDitude Mag
• Asparrowsworth
• Active Beat

Wish us luck, send good vibes. He starts preschool on the 26th and this will help him further. 

Fun Family Costume Ideas!

Hey loves,

With Halloween coming up, I know I am a huge procrastinator when it comes to getting costumes especially because we never really know what we are going as. My 5yo changes her mind on an hourly basis, and with our younger 2 they arn't old enough to really tell us.

This year we wanted to do a whole family theme. Since we are very much into DC Comics, especially with Gotham the TV Show which is my husbands absolutely #1 favorite TV Show, we are going with that theme.

For our kids Sophia is going to be Bat Girl, Kayden is going to be Batman, and Lyrix is going to be Wonder Woman.

Me and my husband are obsessed with The Joker and Harley Quinn. SOOO.... can you have any question as to what we are being for Halloween.? :D

For the mommies that are like me and have been so hectic and have yet to figure out Halloween costumes here are some great ideas and maybe even future Halloween costumes.

(From the Huffington Post)

Fred, Velma, and Pebbles

 Root Beer Float (which is adorable)

 Pirates and a Parrot 

 Snoopy and Charlie Brown

 How To Train Your Dragon

 The Incredible's 

(From Pinterest)

 Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and Pascal

 Peter Pan Family 

 The Adams Family 

 The Wizard of Oz

 Exploring Adventurers 

Other Fantastic sites for Costumes

Popsugar

The Dating Divas

Costume Works

Don't forget to tag me in your pictures on Instagram @mrslildirty25 or tweet it to me @KieraGestl. I would love to see your creative ideas :D 

To the man who's mad at the world...

Dear Man who is mad at the world,


           It's ok to have a bad day. It's ok to get mad. It's ok to blow off some steam. It, however, is not ok to come home from your bad day, in a bad mood, mad and take it out on your home and the people in it.

Anger is such a wasteful feeling. It tends to have you lash out at those who least deserve it. Your wife who is trying so hard to make you feel better, do what she can through your glares and your radiating hostile energy. Though you love her and would do anything for her, you have little to no control over where your anger tends to lash out. When your upset remember your wife is upset with you. When your stressed, that stressful energy not only pools out to her but the children as well.

My dear Sir, you are not the only one who has bad days, feels hurt, or gets angry. Being angry does not mean that you are pardoned from any hurtful words that seem to spill from your lips. Your wife doesn't deserve the disrespect, your children doesn't deserve to see your hostile lashes reach your ever trying wife's path.

There are so many ways to control that anger. Maybe stay out a little while longer to release the stress, go for a run, hit the gym, maybe even write it down in a hateful letter and burn it to burn all the hate you released and well, burn the evidence. You do not want that getting into the wrong hands!

Remember, Mr. Grumpy Pants... the next time your angry, before you come in contact with anyone, release the anger. Even if you don't realize it your anger can cut her with the harshest words that you yourself would have never imagined to say to her. It will push her closer to the door, closer to a life on her own. She loves you and when the world seems to be against you, she is one who will always be in your corner.

It's you and her against the world, not Her and you against each other.  Love her unconditionally when your angry, tell her your problems instead of making her feel like she is the problem, hug her even though you don't want to be touched, kiss her to keep you from saying harsh words. It will make a difference and turn your day if not life around, I assure you. Give your children the example of what a Great Man is. <3

Sincerely,

Woman on the outside looking in.

Jewelry In Candles review

Hey loves,

I previously have bought some candles from a good friend of mine and my husband. I bought 2 candles a couple months ago and recently received some tarts so I could do this review from the awesome Jennifer Damron. Tarts are the wick-less candle squares. I have always wanted to get some and since I love Jewelry In Candles, I couldn't wait to receive these.

A little about Jewelry In Candles
Their mission is to make candles that are alternatives to Paraffin Wax candles. Candles that last longer with a great smell and eco-friendly. The candles are made with 100% soy wax that have premium fragrances that create and amazing sensational safe haven in your home.

Each candle or tart has a piece of jewelry which you get to choose from. It is safely wrapped and protected in a tiny plastic baggy which is then covered by pink tin foil. This keeps your jewelry safe and clean, ready to wear as soon as you want.

Soy vs. Paraffin 

SOY:

1. Biodegradable, non-toxic, and harmless to environment. Perfect for everyone, especially those with Children and Pets who have more worry with health concerns due to them. 
2.  Less likely to give an allergic reaction. 
3. Wax is safe to have contact with skin 
4. Wax is safe to be touched while burning 
5. Easy to clean if an accident was to occur and make a mess, it can be cleaned up with soap and water.
6. You'll save money. Soy bean wax burns 50% longer due to burning at a lower temperature.
7. Made from soy beans and vegetables. 
8. Burns cleaner and purer
9. Biodegradable which leads to reduced landfills 

PARAFFIN: 

1. Contain petroleum by product, have shown to be toxic and carcinogenic. 
2. Proven to be as dangerous when burned, as second hand tobacco smoke
3. May lead to increased risk of cancer, neurological and behavioral deficits, and acute aggravation of existing respiratory diseases. 
4. Emissions in the home are estimated to stick around for up to 10 hours.
5. Some may even still use lead wicks 
6. Non-renewable resource 
7. Burns quickly and hotter which can easily be a fire hazard
8. Oil based meaning once there is a spill or mess it can easily be made worse with clean up. 
9. Derived from petroleum which is a limited resource 
10. Soot deposits carcinogenic particle matter  
11. Not biodegradable 

As you can see there are many health and environmental issues that come from paraffin wax candles. These are not saying that paraffin wax absolutely without a doubt leads to the horrible things, but it does increase risks of issues such as these. 

The Jewelry inside the candles

The jewelry in the candles is what makes the candles and tarts so special, of course other than the safer eco-friendly ingredients it is made from. There are even men rings in some scents. Some candles and tarts are scented to be pleasing and appealing to both men and women. 

The jewelry ranges in value from $10-$1000 or more.

Like I told you guys I have had the candles already and this was my first time with the tarts. I love them all! Especially the scents. These candles really live up to what they say they do and that is one of the best qualities I look for when it comes to buying anything! Does this product really do what it says.? YES without a doubt!

 this is the best pic I have of the necklace I received from the Clean Cotton candle which I wore all the time until I had a 5yo jewelry bandit raid my Jewelry box (taken a couple months ago)

 this was from the Caribbean Teakwood

At least try it once because once is all it takes to fall in love with these candles and tarts. No you don't have to give up on your Yankee Candles or Air Wick candles but I promise these will be just as good if not better.

The scents are enchanting, so far I have had Love Potion, Clean Cotton, and now we have had the Caribbean Teakwood. My favorite so far has been the Caribbean Teakwood. My husband and oldest child are obsessed with the Love Potion, my husband will burn both at the same time and the best thing is the scents mix beautifully! I am obsessed with these candles and tarts. I love them. I keep hinting to my hubby we need more of course we can never decide on a scent but the goal is to definitely try them all and stock up on our favorites. We were buying 2 a month until the hubby slacked on it lol he tends to forget sometimes but that is why I am here right.?

 I received a gorgeous pair of heart dangle earrings from the Love Potion candle. This is my hubby and 5yo's favorite so far.

Don't forget to check them out Jewelry In Candles sold by the amazing Jennifer Damron. Don't forget to go and like her JIC Facebook Page to get all the updates on seasonal scents and stay connected. She is such an amazing person and she will definitely make your experience with Jewelry In Candles a fantastic one. So definitely go and check her websites out, browse, and when you receive your JIC snap pics and tag me through Instagram (mrslildirty25) or Twitter (@KieraGestl) I would love to see and hear your experiences with it and see what you guys got in your candles or tarts. I always wanted to say a HUGE thank you to Jennifer for being an amazing person and letting me review these on my blog! Your the best! :)