2012

It's 2012! Can you believe it? Where has the time gone.. It seems so weird to think back on what all happened this last year! Now I have a 1 year old, I've been married for almost 5 months, and I'm going to be 18 in 9 days!  That is totally insane to me!  Well I've decided to make a goal list for the new year (well almost 2). It's called 101 things to do in 1001 days! It's to find all the things that make me happy and to focus on living life to the fullest! Here's my list:

1 Receive my GED Certificate by the end of January

2 Enroll at SVC for Dental Assistant Certificate

3 Master a family budget

4 Get my body toned and in healthy shape

5 Find things to do with Bentley outside the house

6 Expose Bentley to more learning activities

7 Get Bentley to daycare once a week

8 No more soda!

9 Pay off credit cards

10 Pay off loans

11 Buy a couch

12 Switch Bentley to cloth diapers

13 Find simple and healthy recipes for the family

14 Sell natural products on etsy

15 Spring clean

16 Buy a bike and cart to exercise

17 Get a MacBook Pro

18 Shop at Farmers Markets

19 Bargin Shop

20 Take pictures for Christmas cards

21 Learn to crochet

22 Make a recipe binder

23 Get Bentley baptized

24 Journal every night

25 Have "Game Night" on Wednesdays

26 Brush teeth morning and night

27 Use only natural products and house cleaners

28 Recycle!!!

29 Decorate the living room

30 Decorate the kitchen

31 See a therapist

32 Drink 1 liter of water per day

33 Blog every day

34 Read all of Ellen Hopkins books

35 Go to Wisconsin at least once

36 Go to bed at 9pm, wake up at 6am

37 Limit TV to 1 hour per day

38 Find healthy snacks for Bentley

39 Take walks with Bentley a couple times a week

40 Encourage Logan to pursue his dream

41 Put $50-$100 in the savings account per month

42 Have sit down dinners

43 Donate all unwanted items to thrift stores

44 Grow hair down to middle of back

45 Don't wear makeup for 2 weeks (twice!)

46 Make daily cleaning lists

47 Start a YouTube page for making natural products

48 Hang out with friends once a week

49 Buy organic/ up cycled clothing

50 Sew a quilt

51 Move to California

52 Gauge my ears to 1/2 inch

53 Get my lip pierced

54 Get belly button pierced

55 Meet more friends

56 Get a tattoo

57 Turn 18

58 Design my family's dream house

59 Take classes on herbs

60 Grown vegetables and herbs in containers

61 Get a hairless rat!

62 Drink tea instead of coffee

63 Explore Washington

64 Learn how to snowboard

65 Become a member of a church

66 Make wish lists on amazon to keep track of needs/wants

67 Visit Shauna in Colorado

68 Have another baby

69 Find more natural homemade recipes

70 Reach my 1 year anniversary!

71 Get hair trimmed so it can grow better

72 Write a list of 100 reasons why I love myself

73 Put together a huge baby book for Bentley

74 Start potty training Bentley

75 Reinvent myself with my style

76 Wear dresses and high heels

77 Own a Coach purse

78 Get a personalized diaper bag

79 Get Bentley a personalized toy box

80 Volunteer at an animal shelter

81 Get solar panels

82 Redecorate Bentley's room

83 Have a real wedding

84 Re-connect with old friends

85 Go to Fuddfest

86 Go to Lifest

87 Figure out what I want as a career

88 Make a scrapbook

89 Get a Pit bull

90 Learn Yoga

91 Go to Africa

92 Buy more things from Chagrin Valley Soap

93 Buy things from Mountain Rose Herbs

94 Buy a lottery ticket

95 Find a good preschool for Bentley

96 Learn to sew up cycled clothing

97 Make Magnets out of soda cans

98 Go to Deceptions Pass

99 Take Family pictures

100 Get plants and flowers for my house

101 Conserve energy

"Awh!"

Just an update to let you know that I actually do get out of my house, ha-ha! Last night Logan, Bentley, and I went to a family fun bowling night at our base rec center with our friends Katie and Leigh. We bowled two games (boy was I rusty) and checked out the Convergence Zone. The building was huge and very fun! It has a bowling ally, softball and baseball pitching machines, a kids play land, pool tables, air hockey, a video game room, and a huge bar that has free bands!

It was pretty late when we got there (mind you, Bentley goes to bed at 7:30), it was about 6pm. By about the middle of our second game Ben just wanted to either sleep or run around. So of course I took him to the play area! I was really nervous because there were bigger kids running around and I didn't want him to get run over, but they were good with him! My favorite part of him playing was seeing how kind and outgoing he is! There was a baby boy who was around his age who was super  tired, crawling around and crying! So what does Bentley do? Bends down and hugs him! It was the cutest thing ever! All the parents said awh and smiled! I sure do love my baby boy! I think I'm doing pretty good raising him so far! :)

 "Whoa! Look at this thing!"

We found the perfect first bike for Bentley! He thought it was the coolest thing ever! :)

He's also getting the hang of having shoes on his feet! Which makes mommy very happy!

Exciting New Project!

So for my next adventure into the natural world, I am making a solid perfume! I am totally stoked to share this recipe with you guys and hope to hear your stories if you decide to experiment too! So now for the good part!

Equipment/ Materials:
Beeswax
Carrier Oil (Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Olive, Grapeseed)
Essential Oils
Containers (Lockets, Tins, Sticks)

Instructions:
1. Blend your essential oils in a small bowl. Some blend ideas include Fresh & Kicky: 17 drops grapefruit, 14 drops Ginger, 10 drops Vetiver. Romantically Wistful: 25 drops Rose, 10 drops Lime, 10 drops Vetiver. Sensuously Deep: 20 drops Sweet Orange, 15 drops Ylang-Ylang, 10 drops Cedarwood.

2. Melt beeswax and carrier oil in a double boiler.

3. Remove from heat and mix in essential oil blend well.

4. Quickly pour mixture into containers. Allow to harden (about 10 minutes). Enjoy!

Here is one of the lockets I am going to get so I can make a locket perfume. You can get tons of lockets on etsy!

*Make sure to comment me and tell me if you made this lovely perfume! Did you find any special blends that you love?

Just Dance!

Here's the little boy dancing away! He got a little shy and decided to hug be, but I sure won't complain! :)

Changing Diapers...

Hello loves!
So you may have noticed my new poll asking you if you would use cloth diapers or not. Well my friends, you've probably guess it.. Bentley's going to be my little Guinea Pig in try this "eco-friendly" task! The truth is that when I was pregnant I was juggling the idea of putting those cute little cloth diaper covers on my baby's butt, but nervous about the cleaning part of it. I guess I still am a bit nervous about that part, but with all the new little tips and gear they have out there for this necessary task it won't be so bad!

I really want to know what you guys think of cloth diapers! Have you used them? If you have did you like them? Would you recommend any brands? Wet bags or pails? Let me know what you're thinking! Comment away! :)

*I'm also going to start a book about all the need to know things about this method! I'll keep you posted!
-Katlyn

Tea!

Okay.. So as you know I am a huge coffee drinker! I love the taste, the smell, everything! Well recently I have been getting major headaches and I wasn't sure why. I took a break from drinking my highly caffeinated beverage for a couple of days and well-ah! I have cravings for coffee however, and am trying to substitute something a little better for me without the sugar and caffeine! So here I come to you with a fabulous tea! It is called Tazo Vanilla Rooibos Tea and personally I think it is delicious! I got it from Starbucks for only $7.00 (it has 15 sachets in it) and I am sure going to drink this more now! If you'd like to just try it, Starbucks sells it buy the cup or they can make it into a latte for a different twist! :)

Ingredients in this lovely drink include: Rooibos, Licorice Root, Blackberry Leaves, Cinnamon, Apple Pieces, Peach Pieces, Vanilla Extract, Chamomile Flowers.

Try it out and tell me what you think! I'm getting the Vanilla Rooibos Latte for my free birthday drink at Starbucks! Woo-Hoo!

Issues Within

As many of girls my age have problems with body image, so do I. You see these girls every day that are a size 0, tall, tan, and perfect. Well I have come to a realization and thank the Lord himself for opening my eyes! Those girls are UNHEALTHY! Always stressing about calories and eating too much in one day just to look the way the media portrays beauty. Well ladies, you are beautiful no matter what the damn media says!!

I would like to tell you that I have changed my goal about loosing weight! I am no longer striving for just a number, but the health and well being of myself! Yes it would be wonderful to see that number go down on the scale, but if I don't get to the weight I was at before I had my amazing little boy I will now be fine with that. All I want to do is be healthy! I would like to loose my love handles, my tummy, and maybe a little bit of my thighs. It's more about just toning these areas!

What made me come to my new conclusion, was looking and loving how ladies looked back in the day. So soft and curvy! Look at Marilyn Monroe for example, she's so beautiful! Let me tell you she wasn't a size 0 either.. More like a size 8! Curves are something to be proud of! You were looked up to in those days when you had curves due to the society and what was going on in the world. Why can't we look at curvy women like that again?

The steps I am taking to better my health include:
1. Cutting out unnecessary sugars and caffeine.
2. Drinking more water.
3. Tea instead of Coffee.
4. Organic, fresh foods.
5. Being active!

Now to me, these don't really seem that hard anymore.. When you aren't obsessing over a stupid number, your mind opens up to the possibilities of it all.. I hope others realize this too!

Happy Birthday Bentley!

 Bentley's first car from Grandma Larson.

 He sure does love this thing!

 Yum, pizza for super!

 "This cupcake WILL fit in my mouth!"

The after math of his cupcake adventure. He was cute with frosting all over him.

Here is a video of Bentley eating his first cupcake! He really wanted to play with the candle that we lit for him, and he LOVED all the attention and singing in his direction! It was sure a birthday to remember! We now have a 1 year old, eek! Thanks to everyone who gave him birthday gifts, and who attended his little party. We really appreciate all the love and support we have had over the past year. We have one special little boy, and we cannot wait to watch him grow up to be a special man. We love you Bentley Benjamin! -Mama & Dada!

 "What mom?"

Elena is defiantly Logan's dog! 

Christmas Jammies

 The hard part.. Getting him to actually cooperate and take a picture! He started to play peek-a-boo!

These are my favorite Christmas jammies that he got. They have dinos on them and it says, "My Mom Says I Rock!" Perfect.. :) I would say it was a very memorable 1st Christmas!

Our 1st Christmas - 2011

This is our first Christmas as a family as well as Bentley's first Christmas as a child. We had lots of fun this morning watching him tear off the wrapping paper to discover the goodies his family blessed him with. Thank you to my parents, brothers, sister-in-law, and parents-in-law! We love you very much and appreciate all that you do for us! It was a simple Christmas, but one we'll always remember! Have a Merry Christmas. Love the Larson Family!

Shinanigans 2

Yes, Elena thinks Logan's hand is another dog. They do this all the time and I personally think it's hilarious! She's such a spaz, but we love her! :)

Bentley's First Christmas Eve via Skype with the Heins Family!

 Vroom, Vroom!

 "Dude, look at this thing!"

 Rocking the new shoes while playing with his new walker/rider!

"This thing is so much fun!"

Thanks to my family for going on Skype with us for a family Christmas Eve! Bentley got to open a few presents and had a blast with his new toy from Uncle Chris and Aunt Britty! Thanks you guys!

Daddy & Son

 It was a hug, but I caught it too late.

 The men in my life! :)

 Bentley's face is so goofy!

 Um, I don't even know what was going on, ha-ha.

Bright flash! I love my little man, he's so handsome.

Family time is so special to me, and the bonding between father and son warms my heart!

Larson Family Adventures

 Elena hiding under our dresser.

 My husband and I.

Our 'almost' 1 year old! Only a couple more days.

My Children

I always find them snuggling in some form or fashion! The are the loves of my life and oh so cute!

Lunch Madness!

 "Ahhhh!"

Boy, oh boy! This is now how Bentley likes to spend his lunch time. He thinks it's hilarious when I can't get the spoon to his mouth to feed him! I also think he looks like my brother Chris in the second photo.

1st Christmas Memories

Here's Bentley with Santa and Mrs. Clause! This was his first time seeing them and let's say he wasn't too thrilled. I sat him on their lap and all he would do was make a sad face and start crying. I think he's a little afraid of this bearded guy! It was fun though, and it's more about making memories than getting a perfect smile picture! I'll be sending these to our families for Christmas! :)

Mommy's Little Helper

Bentley now knows how to open his wipe case and take all the wipes out. Normally I remember to put the case on the table so he can't get it, but this morning he got one. He sure is going to be a good little helper when he's a little older! :)

My Products

Alright, so here it goes.. I've posted some other blogs about the natural products that I've been researching and wanting to try. This is an update for all of you that are thinking about trying more natural things. I'm going to tell you the things that I've tried and love!!

Cafe Moreno Shampoo Bar. This is an herbal shampoo bar from Chagrin Valley Soap Company. It's supposed to darken brunette hair. I didn't really notice much of a difference in my hair color yet, but it smells absolutely amazing and you get a squeaky clean feel after you rinse it out. I only tried the sample bar and ran out so I'm using a different soap right now, but more of this lovely lathering shampoo is on its way!

Cucumber Lime Yogurt Soap Bar. I use this on my face and body. It makes my skin feel soft and smell crisp and clean. I think I've found my favorite soap already!

Citrus Woods Green Tea Soap Bar. This was originally bought for Logan, but he refused to try it so after I ran out of my samples I started using this bar on my face, hair, and body. I can't believe how amazingly soft and moisturized it made everything! Green Tea is a wonderful thing! :)

Java Spice Scrubby Soap Bar. We have these bars by our kitchen and bathroom sink. I love them because the have a really unique, nice, spicy scent that takes away all the unwanted odors that you get on your hands after cooking with onions, fish, and garlic! A need to have soap!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse.  I use this as a conditioner after I shampoo. You have to get used to the slight smell of vinegar while your hair is still damp, but it detangles and conditions your hair like no other! Plus it helps regain a normal pH balance in your scalp.  I use a 1/4 cup ACV to 3/4 cup water, dumping it onto my hair and leaving on until the end of my shower. I then rinse it out as much as I want to. You can leave it in though if you want to!

Coconut Silk Deodorant. Made from coconut oil, it's an amazing deodorant that keeps your underarms soft, dry, and free of odors! I have the natural scented one, but there are also other scents at Chagrin Valley Soap's website!

Tea Tree Oil Acne Treatment. I mix 1 part tea tree oil to 9 parts water (never put this on your face without dilution) putting it into a recycled squeeze bottle. I apply to my face like a toner morning and night. It took away my blemishes so fast!

Eye & Face Mousse. I use this as my moisturizer and I have not found a product that works so well! It takes a little bit to get used to due to the fact that you don't have to use tons like other commercial products on the market. It soaks into your skin so well that you just want to touch your face over and over! Go Chagrin Valley Soap!

If you want to check out my favorite products you can go to www.chagrinvalleysoap.com

My next goal is to experiment with natural oral care, and make different body scrubs, perfumes, and bath bombs! I'll keep you posted with my finds! :)

The Apartment

 Entry.

Master Bedroom Angle 1.

Master Bedroom Angle 2 (Sorry for the blur).

Master Bathroom.

Our Kitchen.

 Our Living Room.

 Our Dining Room Table/ Entryway (Don't mind the trash bag).

Our Little Hallway.

These are just a few pictures of the apartment. It's cozy and perfect for us right now! We even have a spare room for when people come over or if we're still here in when it happens, it can be our second child's room. That's not for awhile though! I'm putting more up of the bedrooms and bathrooms, but I have to charge my camera. The Equinox will also be part of this once I get a picture! :) 

My Pup

Elena Lynn snoozing on my pillow! :)

The Kids

My Puppy!!! :) I love how Bentley hugs Elena, even though she may not like it all the time, it's still cute!

Bentley Being Like Daddy!

 "Look at me!!"

 "I'm just like my daddy!"

"I'm such a stud!"

Bentley's Skid-proof Socks!

 "Look what I can do mom!"

 "These things are weird!"

"Nom, nom, nom! Get in my belly!"

You have to love the darling things kids do with new things. We received a package from Grandma Larson today and Bentley got these skid-proof socks! They are adorable, but Bentley doesn't know what to do with them! :)

Oh Christmas Treeee

Yes! We finally got our Christmas tree! :D It may look like a little kid decorated it, but we like it! Let me tell you though... $40 for a tree is ridiculous!!! Back in Wisconsin my family would go cut one off our land or go to a tree farm and get one for $15-$25 tops. At least the money goes to a good cause. They are giving the proceeds to a foundation that is building orphanages in Thailand. Their fundraiser is called "Orphan Tree". Now all to do is buy a few more gifts and our Christmas will be complete. I would like to find a church to go to Christmas Eve night though. We'll see if I can get the hubs to come with! :) I'll change the picture to one with the family as soon as I take it!

Merry Christmas Elena!

Elena got a sweater as a Christmas preset from my friend Katie. It's a little big and all she wants to do is chew on the neck part of it. Bentley thinks she looks hilarious in it and just wants to play and taunt her. It's absolutely darling! :) She also has a little brown coat now. She just needs to grow a little more!

Be Natural!

Alright, so I've been trying to do inexpensive and more natural things for my body. I've changed from convenient store shampoos and soaps which use harsh chemicals (some of the most commonly used chemicals in soaps is also used to degrease engines!) to natural and organic soaps from www.chagrinvalleysoap.com. I even got Logan to try some new things!

Besides changing soaps and shampoos, I've been researching different things that hydrate your skin, hair, and take away acne. For my skin I use a brown sugar, olive oil scrub maybe once a week. This is my absolute favorite thing! I do it before I jump in the shower and shave. It leaves your skin feeling brand new and also reduces your chances to get razor burn! The only downfall is that it can leave your tub slippery, so be careful!

I used to have perfect spiral curls when I was younger, but from damaging my hair by dying, blow drying, and straightening my hair went from pretty to poofy. I have not used my blow dryer or straightener in 3 weeks now and have been trying to find things to tame frizz and put some spring back into my curls. I tried a hydrating hair mask (I wasn't to pleased though) which contained mayonnaise. You use 1 cup of mayo and massage it into your scalp and hair, leaving it on for about 20 minutes. Although it made my hair softer on the top of my head, it got really greasy and when I washed my hair again the effects seemed to go away. My next experiment is hot oil treatments! I have also found a curl enhancer that is natural that I would like to try!

Now you may have heard about the benefits of Tea Tree Oil. It's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and just plain amazing! I have never had horrible acne, but I get the occasional blemish. My husband on the other hand tries everything in his power to get rid of his bad breakouts. I was researching Tea Tree Oil and came across tons of reviews from people using it on their acne, so of course I had to try it. I have been using it for 2 days, and already the acne by my hairline is almost invisible. Logan also said he would try it, so I'll keep you posted. All you have to do to make a Tea Tree Oil acne treatment is put 1 part Tea Tree Oil to 9 parts water (oily/combination skin) or a carrier oil (dry skin). NEVER.. I repeat.. NEVER use straight Tea Tree Oil on your face. You can get red blotches due to the oil being so strong! It is an amazing product though, and the smell is amazing! :)

If you'd like to know anything else about my findings, just let me know!

Elena & Daddy

Good Morning!

When daddy feeds Bentley Cheerios, we get goofy faces! :)

The Sweet Life

I love my kids so much! Bentley can now sleep on the couch by himself (he does it all the time) and every time Elena sees this, she must join him! Oh how I wish my life would be as simple as theirs! :)