July Amazon Finds

With me being at home most of the time since March it has given me lots of time to browse Amazon and find some cool things.   I will be listing some items once a month here on this page.   If you click the link it will take you to my affiliate page. 

We have had a HUGE problem with house flies this year.  I found this INSIDE bug attractor that you plug into an outlet.   It does an amazing job.   Link to refill cards and bulbs below as well. 

Refill Cards:  https://amzn.to/2DxNHbC

Replacement Bulb:   https://amzn.to/32fAFd1

I am updating our extra room in the basement/guest room (soon to be my office) and I found inexpensive comforter set for the bed we have in there.   There is a variety of colors available. 

These are amazing for removing hard water stains. 

Praying for Difficult People

Lately I have had to deal with some difficult people and it is causing a lot of stress for me.    This is going to be my prayer EVERY morning during my 21 Days of Prayer.

Dear Lord, I surrender the difficult people in my life to you.   I do not know their sufferings or situations that cause them to act they way they do.  I pray that you comfort them in their sufferings.  I pray that you make them realize that just because they are not happy doesn't mean they have to cause anguish on others around them.   I pray they will stop making excuses for their behavior and just own up to their shortcomings.   I pray that you allow me to ignore their actions so it doesn't cause stress on my life.   Help me to be the better person and show my faith through my actions.   Help me to be understanding. 

In Jesus name I pray, Amen


Please join in and praying for the difficult people in your life.    We do not know what causes them to act they way they do. 

What are Essential Oils?

Many of you are probably asking what the heck these Essential Oils are that I keep talking about on Facebook and here on my blog.  

The below is taken from the Young Living Product Guide which you can view here: Young Living Product Guide

What are Essential Oils (EO)?

Young Living Essential Oils are aromatic liquids found within plants, flowers, trees, roots, and seeds.   They contain unique components that provide therapeutic results.  

Seed to Seal®

Young Living offers the purest therapeutic-grade essential oils by carefully controlling the entire Seed to Seal® process—from the time the seed is sourced until the oil is sealed in the bottle. Young Living’s dedication to quality ensures that we provide pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils with the complete, optimal blend of plant chemicals to ensure maximum potency and results. 

How are Essential Oils used?

There are three ways EOs can be used.   

Inhalation:  

 

Inhaling certain essential oils heightens the senses and can have many positive effects on

the body. Try these ideas to use essential oils for inhalation:

•  Inhale directly from the bottle.

•  Diffuse with any of Young Living’s premium diffusers.

•  Carefully pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil. Cover

your head and bowl in a tent-like fashion with a towel. Breathe deeply and slowly. 

Topically:

 

Many essential oils are safe to use directly on the skin:

•  Place 2–3 drops of oil in the palm of your hand or directly on the desired application

area. Massage the oil in a circular motion onto the skin. Repeat if desired.

•  Use one of Young Living’s essential oil roll-ons or add an AromaGlide fitment to the

bottle of your favorite essential oil for targeted application.

CAUTION: Essential oils are very potent and some may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, apply

Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex or any pure vegetable oil to the area to dilute

Internal Consumption:

 

Some essential oils make excellent dietary supplements or food flavorings. To take

essential oils internally, try these tips:

•  Place several drops into a gelatin capsule and swallow it with water.

•  Add 1–2 drops to a glass of water, NingXia Red or other natural juice, or even yogurt.

•  Add 1–2 drops (to taste) to your meals when cooking.

•  Add 1–2 drops to a teaspoon of Young Living Yacon or Blue Agave and swallow.

This is just a brief overview of EOs.  If you have any more questions you can contact me through email.  

My Oil Story

I want to tell you about how these oils have helped me and why I decided to give them a try.

A friend of mine on Facebook was posting all these amazing things the oils were doing for her.   She like me was a skeptic when someone told her about them but when she tried them and they worked she was hooked.

At first when I saw her posts I laughed.  Then I started seeing more and more how they were helping her and her family and started doing some research.

I never realized that you could use essential oils for more than making things smell good.  I didn't know that there were therapeutic oils out there that could actually help you.   This got my curiosity up and I started doing more research.

I have had insomnia since, well since Taylor was born.   She was a VERY fussy baby (Oh how I wish I had these oils then) and NEVER slept until she was THREE.   I guess my body got used to NOT sleeping through the night and no matter what I tried I couldn't sleep.   This started affecting me in everything.   My brain did not function at all.   For example.. in the span of 3 months I BACKED my car into Scott's truck THREE times.   Needless to say State Farm dropped my insurance.   I don't blame them.

It was the THIRD time I called my mom BALLING my eyes out telling her I needed help.   I went to see Dr. Dan and he gave me some medicine.   I HATE taking pills but I was desperate so I took them.  They helped me some, but I hate the side effects and I stopped taking them.   And I stopped sleeping.  Not that I was sleeping good while taking them anyway.

I needed something to help clear my mind at night to help me relax so I could rest that didn't have side effects.  I read all kinds of testimonies about the oils and helping insomnia, and I said what the heck.  I jumped right in full force and ordered a kit.

Back then (less than a year ago) you didn't get diffusers with your kit so I started rubbing Peace & Calming and Lavender on my feet.   UM.. I slept THE WHOLE night the first time I did it.   I was like this can't be real.  I used them the next night and guess what? I slept!

After a few nights of sleep I was convinced that these were the real deal and I started looking up how to use my other oils.  I went out and bought coconut oil and mixed some of my Frankincense with it to use on my hysterectomy scar.   It worked!   After about a month of using it the redness went away and the scar looked smaller.   Granted you can still see it but it is no where NEAR as bad as it was.

I started using Valor during the day.  I had just started a new job and was having all kinds of anxiety.   Valor calmed me down immediately.  I just dabbed a few drops on my writs.

These are just a few examples of how they have helped me.    But I could tell you tons more.   Like how RC helped a nagging cough I had had for WEEKS.   And how my sciatica has improved because I use Deep Relief when I feel it flare up.   Or how I clean my house using NO chemicals.


These are the real deal guys.  Why wouldn't you want to live a more chemical free life.   We all know what those toxins do to your body (and Lemon is good for getting those toxins out).

If you have something that is bothering you and you are wondering if there is an oil that can help email me and I will try to find the answer for you.
 

How to become a Young Living Member

So now you know a little about Essential Oils you are probably thinking hmmm I would like to try some of those.   Well let me tell you the BEST way to try them out for yourself.

 

For $150 you get the following:

• The Everday Oils kit which includes 5ml bottles of Thieves, Lavender, Lemon, Frankincense, Peace & Calming, Panaway, Purificiation, Joy, Valor and Peppermint
• The Home Diffuser (which is $75 wholesale. $98.68 retail and is a MUST have)
• A 5ml bottle of Stress Away
• An aromagide fitment
• 2 Lavender Samples
• 2 Peppermint Samples
• 2 Peace & Calming Samples
• 2 Lemon Samples
• 2 Thieves Samples
• 2 packets of Ningxia Red  

So that is 11 oils and the diffuser and some samples of the 5 most popular oils.

AND you once you sign up you will get WHOLESALE prices!

When I signed up the diffuser wasn't included and there were only 9 oils.   I thought THAT was a good deal and THEN this came out.   Needless to say I ordered another kit.  I needed another diffuser (I have 3) and it just made sense to go ahead and get all the oils too.

So are you ready to sign up?  Maybe this will help.   Here is a little summary of what the oils in the kit can help you with:

 

Amazing right?  So NOW do you want to sign up?  Ok here is how.

Go to this link  Become a Member and follow the steps.   Chose Premium Starter Kit on Step 2 and chose No Thank you on Step 3. 

When you purchase the kit you are agreeing to become a Distributor but that only means that you get wholesale prices and if you WANT to you can pursue the business side of YL.   BUT PLEASE don't  think you have too.    If you want to just enjoy your oils and never share with anyone else you are not obligated to purchase ONE more thing.   But in order to keep your discount you have to spend $50 a year.  That is ALL!   So once you buy your kit you are covered for a year.   

If you have ANY questions you can email me anytime.

This will change your life.. I promise!!!

January Product of the Month

For my first product of the month I am featuring Thieves Essential Oil.

Being that it is flu season I have to share my LOVE of Thieves.   Here is a little info from the Young Living Website:

"Thieves® was created based on research about four thieves in France who covered themselves with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing plague victims. This proprietary essential oil blend was university tested for its cleansing abilities. It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health." 

Young Living Thieves Essential Oil 

The Canterbury's LOVE Thieves.   Taylor says I am addicted to it.  I diffuse it daily and we rub it on our feet and chest to help ward off colds.   It smells SO good.

Thieves is a "hot" oil.  Meaning it can have a burning sensation when applied "neat" (or straight up).  The recommendation is to dilute one drop with 4 drops of carrier oil (EVOO, Grapeseed, Coconut oil).

 Purchase Thieves Essential Oil Here!
OR Email me for more information on how to become a member and get wholesale prices for yourself!

Sign Up HERE!
 

2014 - Let's start Fresh!

One of my goals for 2014 is to blog/journal more.    When I used to journal I always felt better.  Sometimes it is good for you to write things down to release emotions.  I am going to TRY to write at least once a week.   Hopefully more.

Things you will see here:

1.  Young Living Essential Oils -  I plan to do a product of the month post.   Here I will give you information on a YL product.   One that I have used and have had good results with.   I will be offering specials on the product for people that may want to try it out.  I will be posting January's Oil tomorrow! 

2.  Scott's Fishing -   Being a fisherman's wife is tough sometimes.   Especially since I don't get to travel with him as much as I would like.  I am not complaining though.  I chose to keep my career going and chose to keep Taylor in a semi-normal environment.    I like my independence too much to give it up!  Maybe if he is still fishing when Taylor gets out of school I can retire and travel with him.  MAYBE!   I am Scott's biggest fan and I love to write about our adventures with the Professional Fishing world.   I have a feeling 2014 is going to be a GREAT year for him!

3.   Ballet -   I am teaching ballet for the second year.   This has always been a dream of mine and I am loving passing on my love of ballet to these girls.

4.   Faith -  I will share some of my thoughts about Faith in my quest to grow closure to God.   

5.  You will see tons of posts about my family.   Especially Taylor.   She is my world!

6.  Weight Loss - My everyday struggle with weight loss.  It helped me the last time to write about it so I will try again.    30lbs by May... How hard is that right?  UGH!!!

6.  Just whatever is on my mind.  I have lots of thoughts and opinions on things.  Most of them don't matter in the whole scheme of things but sometimes I may post something that can help someone out. 

I hate coming up with titles

I have  never been good coming up with titles to blog posts.  Email subjects either.  Usually my email subjects are Hey!  Seriously, I need to be more creative.

Anyway,  I finally saw a drop in the scales this week.  After two weeks of holding steady at 174.4 today I weighed in at 173.  Woo Hoo!  This last 20 pounds has been HARD to get off.  I knew it would be that way, so I just have to step it up a little.

We are going to National Harbor, Maryland next week.  We always go to one of Scott's tournaments for a whole week and this was the only one this summer that had things to do around it.   I am so ready to get away for a little while but scared about food at the same time.  I am taking my Nutrisystem with me and I hope that I can stay on plan as much as possible.  I know there will be times when we eat out.  I just have to make good choices.  I am DETERMINED to get this last 18 pounds off.  

Taylor's dance recital is Saturday.  My favorite day of the year!  I LOVE getting her dressed up and seeing her dance.   She is a talented little girl.  I will try to get some pictures posted of the recital and our vacation when we get back.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Time for an update

Wow it has been a long time since I updated.  So much has happened since my last post.  I gave up Facebook for Lent and I guess I just neglected my updates here as well.

I will start with my weight loss journey.  I last updated that I weighed 188.4 and that was on March 2.   As of this morning I weigh 174.4.   So that is a total of 30.6 pounds.  I FEEL GREAT!   I went shopping a couple of weeks ago because all my 16's are falling off of me.  It felt SO good being able to buy CUTE clothes in normal sizes.   I fit into an 11/12!  I was so excited.   My mom said she was getting her old Dixie back.  LOL.  I am still going strong with Nutrisystem and Bootcamp.   I love the both!    My overall goal is 155 pounds.  That means I am only 19 pounds away.   I can't wait to get there, but slow and steady wins the race!

Ok, now onto Scott.   He finished 4th at Lake Chickamauga in March.  This was his first top 10 finish in since 2009.  He (we) really needed it.  He needed it for confidence and momentum.   You will probably laugh but fishing is SO mental.  One bad decision and it is over!   Last weekend he got his FIRST WIN with FLW.   He won the Everstart Series on Lake Eufaula.   He made a huge decision to run 120 miles one way to fish and it paid off!   I am so proud of him!!!  You can read all about it here: Canterbury Claims Eufaula

 

On April 27th some horrible storms passed through Alabama and created total devastation in some places, including St. Clair County where I live and my second home (or what I like to think of my second home) in Tuscaloosa.  Those weren't the only two places to be hit, practically the whole state was hit.   The pictures and videos of the storm are unbelievable.

Taylor and I were home when a tornado passed about 200 yards in front of our house.  We hunkered down in the hall way with pillows all around us.   It was the scariest thing I have ever been through in my life.  I saw the circulation coming down my road and felt the pressure building up in my house.   And the sound was just terrible.   God was watching over us that day, I know it!   I had some friends that had damage to their house but all of my family and friends made it through the storms ok.   For that I am grateful.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of the victims!  I just can't imagine what they are going through right now.   Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

That is all for now.  Hopefully I can stay up to date on here!

Weigh in Wednesday

Just a quick weigh in post.   This morning the scale says 188.4.   That is a 1.4 pound loss from last week.  I am proud of that 1.4 pounds because I ate like CRAP this past weekend.  Overall that brings me to 16.6 pounds.  Taylor told me to hurry up to get to 20 pounds so I can get another bear.  Nutrisystem sends you a teddy bear for every 10 pounds you lose.  

My goal for this week is to stay 100% on Nutrisystem.  EVEN through the weekend.   Weekdays are easy for me but the weekends get me every time.  I am determined to get to that 20 pound mark, I know I would have had a bigger loss this week if I wouldn't have had Mexican and Cracker Barrel this weekend.  :)

Nutrisystem so far

I am two months in on Nutrisystem and thought I would write a little on what I thought of it so far.  From the beginning I said I would try it for at least two months then make a decision if I would continue from there.  Well, I am continuing.  It is working!

First let me explain a little about the program.   You get 4 meals a day from Nutrisystem.  A breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert/snack.  You are required to add certain things each meal.  For breakfast you add a protein/dairy and a fruit.  For lunch you add veggies, protein/dairy.  And for dinner more veggies and a fat serving.  You also add an afternoon snack of protein/dairy and a fruit and then you have one of their dessert/snacks. They send you a recommended grocery list with your food that has how much of each add on you should have. 

It is really simple to follow.  I usually add yogurt to breakfast, a salad for lunch and I cook a whole bunch of veggies for dinner.  I have found these stir fry veggies at Walmart that are just awesome.  I use a little olive oil for my fat serving to cook them in.  So simple and very yummy. 

As far as the Nutrisystem food, I actually really enjoy it.  I am not a picky eater and definitely not a "foodie" so I have no complaints.  The food isn't gourmet by any means but it really isn't that bad.  Especially after the first month when you can narrow it down to the stuff you like.  I love the pizza's, the lunch noodle bowls and the desserts are AWESOME.

The online community at Nutrisystem is awesome.  Lots of Tips and Recipes and all kinds of support from people that have lost TONS of weight.  I love going to the website to get ideas.  When you meet your goal they put you on a maintenance program to teach you how to eat your own food.  Of course you can still get their food if you wish but you don't have too.  But I have a long way to go before I think about that.  :)

Overall I am REALLY happy with the program.  I have lost almost 16 pounds in two months.  IT REALLY WORKS.  And it is teaching me to eat healthy.  I have never eaten so many veggies in a day.  And I actually CRAVE them!

Next week sometime I am going to blog about the bootcamp I go to and how it has CHANGED MY LIFE!  REALLY!   In the meantime watch this video that aired on Fox 6 news Friday night.  This isn't the class I attend but it is the same company and Ashley is one of my instructors.  She and Dawn are awesome and I don't know how I could make it through a class without them. 

Ashley Nix goes to bootcamp

And here is a link to the company.  Extreme Fit Bootcamp

Also, if you are interested in giving Nutrisystem a try email me at dixiecanterbury@gmail.com and I can send you a coupon code for $30 off.  I will also answer any questions you may have about my experience so far.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.  Taylor and I are going shopping for my 15 pound reward.  SHOES!!!

Milestone---180's

Weighed in at 189.8 pounds this morning.   Glad to be out of the 190's.  I know not by much but it felt good not seeing that 9 today.  So many times in the past I quit at 190.  So that is a total of 15.2 pounds since January 1st.   15 pounds in a little less than two months.   I am so happy!   Nutrisystem and boot camp are working!

I am going to try to post more about Nutrisystem this weekend.  I have been so busy I hardly have time to get on the computer.   But I want to share my experience with everyone with the food and the plan.

Happy Wednesday!!!

Weigh In Post

Nothing much to say really.  I weighed in at 192.6 today.  Not much of a loss, but I figured it wouldn't be.  Been a stressful week and I have not been feeling well.  I promise to start posting more on here besides weight stuff.  When things slow down a little. 

Have a great Wednesday!

12 pounds GONE forever

I am at 193.0 this morning. That is 11 pounds down since the begining of this year.   I am pretty pleased with that although it probably would have been more if I hadn't fallen off the plan this past weekend and missed Zumba and one boot camp class last week (because of weather).  My goal for this week is stay on the Nutrisystem plan 100%. 

Taylor has a beauty pageant this weekend at Odenville Middle School.   Here is the picture I entered for the photogenic contest.   When I look at this picture I want to cry.  She is growing up way too fast.

Weigh in Day

I was not looking forward to weighing this morning.  I didn't do so well on my program this weekend.  I don't think pizza and wings are on the plan.  :)

But I weighed and I am at 196.4  that is almost a whole pound down from last week.  I will take it, but I know it could have been better if I wouldn't have messed up. 

But it is ok.  We all have our slip ups and I jumped right back on the plan Sunday and  don't plan on slipping up this week.  I want to get to that 10 pound mark this week!

Scott's first tournament (on the FLW tour) starts tomorrow.   He had a pretty good practice but the Big "O" is so unpredictable that he isn't getting too confident yet.  He is off today (from fishing) but has a full day of photo shoots and meetings.  Keep him in your prayers.

Happy Groundhog Day!!!

Thanks for the continued words of encouragement!

Wife of a fisherman

I am going to divert from the weight loss posts for a moment.  I want to talk about my husband, Scott.

As most of you know Scott is a professional bass tournament angler.  He fishes on the FLW Tour.  He left yesterday to start his 4th year on the tour. 

Sometimes it has been a struggle.  We have had to foot the bill for entry fees/expenses the first three years.   This year he was able to get a team deal with FLW/Walmart/StraightTalk to help with some of those expenses.  Without this deal he would not be able to fish this year. It is also a struggle because we are not able to travel with him a lot.  But despite all of the struggles he seems to always pull through.  With that being said:

I am proud of him.
I am proud of him for following his dreams.  
I am proud of him for staying TRUE to himself and his beliefs. 
I am proud of him for using this as a platform to share his beliefs but not in a boastful way.
I am proud of him for staying HUMBLE when faced with the hoopla the fishing world can bring.  
I am proud of him for working when he is home to provide for his family when times are tough. 
I am proud of him for being the best husband and father anyone could ask for!

I am proud to be Scott Canterbury's wife (which is my new name)!

With Pride comes humility so we know we have to focus on what really matters. 

I am leaving with a couple of verses that are my favorites.  I read these almost daily!

1 Peter 5-7   
5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Jam 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
 
Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This verse is on his jersey this year:
Psalms 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Weigh in Wednesday

Just a report on my weekly weigh in.  The scale said 197.2  this morning.   So it looks like my body is deciding to catch up with me.  That is a pound lost from last week.  Woo Hoo!!!

Still working out 5 days a week.  Zumba two days and Boot Camp 3.  I HATE exercising so this is a HUGE deal for me!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Biggest Loser Pound for Pound Challenge

I just pleged my weight to lose to the Biggest Loser Pound for Pound Challenge.  Biggest Loser will donate pound for pound the amount of weight you pledge to lose to a local food bank.  I figured I am losing the weight any way might as well do something good.  



If anyone else out there is losing weight I ask that you go sign up as well. All you have to do is pledge to lose weight!

Also I weighed this morning. I had to because I feel like I am losing but the scale isn't showing it. I am down to 198 another .2 pounds. I am hoping this week I will better results on the scale as my body should be getting used to being healthier! We shall see!

Oh I went roller skating with Taylor and some friends yesterday for her birthday.  I actually got my fat butt out there and skated.  I was shaky at first but then got the hang of it again.  I can remember being so good at skating when I was little.  Taylor did really well for her first time and now wants her own roller skates. Maybe I should make a deal with her about keeping her room clean and getting roller skates... hmmmm.

I told her we could go more often to the skating rink.  It was good exercise!

The scale is NOT my friend today

Today is Weigh in Wednesday.   I wasn't feeling too confident and I was right. 

198.2

UGH!  I am a big fan of the Biggest Loser and week two is always a struggle for the contestants and they always talk about the dreaded week two.  I am starting to believe there is some truth to it.   I thought I did really good this week.  I ate good,  I exercised.   But I guess my body is freaking out saying WHAT ARE YOU DOING?  It will adjust and I will start losing.  I hope anyway! 

My ring is fitting tight today so maybe I am hanging on to some extra water.   Going to drink LOTS of water today to try to get rid of it.

Thanks again for your words of encouragement!

Struggling

Since Friday I have been really struggling.  I haven't deviated from the Nutrisystem program but I sure want to.   I have been having food cravings like Mexican and wings and fried anything.  I know that I have to fight through those cravings. My body is used to eating that crap and I know that in a couple of weeks those will go away.  I am also struggling with getting my water in.  I am not the type to just drink something all day long.  I usually have a diet coke in the morning and then I only drink with my meals.  Another habit I need to break.  I know how important the water is and I can tell a difference when I drink it.

I went to Zumba Saturday morning and it was so fun.  I really love it because I love to dance and so it doesn't feel like exercise.   I missed two days of boot camp this week due to the snow and I hope that doesn't mess up my weight loss for the week.   But I will be happy with half a pound as long as the scale is going down not up.

I am also taking this three day weekend to declutter and deep clean my house.   I spent just about the whole day yesterday in the master bathroom and master bedroom.  I cleaned out my closet, cleaned out the drawers in the bathroom and bedroom and cleaned the rooms from ceiling to floor.  Today I hope to get the kitchen, living room and dining room done.  Tomorrow is Taylor's room, bathroom and the office.  I saved Taylor's room for last, it is the worst. 

I have got to get some routine back in this house and getting the house cleaned first will help because I tend to get all out of whack when my house isn't cleaned. 

As always, thanks for your words of encouragement.