Author: Julie

Five Reusable Food Storage Alternatives

by Julianne Thompson, Miss April 2018

In my quest to live life more simply, conserve more and live with less, I have loved getting creative about reusing, reducing and recycling. However, sometimes I just want something that is simple, functional and let’s face it–not something I have to make myself. I don’t want the fact that I live a busy life to result in my contributing more waste into the landfill, but I don’t always have the time and resources to create my own solution to convenient, disposable items. That’s why I love that there is now much more a market for resusable alternatives for everyday disposable items such as plastic wrap and zip top plastic bags. If you are in the same boat, check out some of my favorite reusable food storage for use in the kitchen and on the go.

5 Tips for Protecting Yourself from Ticks

By Julie D Kohl of Seek Adventures

If you spend time outdoors, you need to be tick-aware. Ticks carry a variety of diseases, most notably Lyme disease. Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of a tick that has been infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks can be a cause for serious concern, especially if you don’t catch them early, as they carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that can lead to illness in humans and pets. Here are 5 tips to protect you from ticks. READ MORE…

What Every College Freshman Needs To Know

by Talya Tate Boerner of Grace, Grits and Gardening

Tis the season of high school graduation. My Facebook feed is filled with pictures of fresh-faced graduates and proud parents. What an exciting, bittersweet time for the entire family. Even though it’s been thirty-four (yikes) years since I graduated from high school, I remember the feeling. Freedom. My unwritten life could finally begin.

In a snap, my own children donned caps and gowns and graduated from high school. How did that happen so fast?

Even though they grew up in a different place and time, I did my best to prepare them for college. So far, they haven’t moved back home.

Here is my list of thirteen essential skills for every college freshman. READ MORE…

Take Them a Meal

By Keisha McKinney of BigPittStop

I can think of nothing more that a family with a newborn needs (maybe besides some extra cash and sleep) than to have meals covered the first couple weeks they are home.

We have been blessed to have had my mom here the first week we were home and then Mr. McKinney stayed home for a week with us. But when you are trying to navigate all the new things going on, it’s so nice to have your basic need for continued nourishment met by friends and people who just care. And, we have been cared for. I’m so grateful for the ladies/families who have stopped by with hot, hearty, healthy meals to keep our family cared for these first few weeks while we care for our little man!

So, what makes really good meals to carry to a family of a newborn?

My Trail Tribe {Indian Rockhouse Trail Hike}

by Julianne Thompson, Miss April 2018

Adventure. For me, this year is all about new adventures. Exploring unknown territory in both literal and figurative ways as I embark on new paths in my life, including a new job, my baby starting kindergarten (how is it possible that this is the year??), and leading other women on hikes in my role as a 10,000 Women Trail Project Trailblazer and ambassador for Girls Who Hike Arkansas. Plus, all the adventures that I haven’t even imagined or encountered yet! So far one of the best adventures has been meeting other women who want to get outdoors and explore our beautiful state! I cannot wait to see how this adventure continues to unfold as my trail tribe grows and flourishes.

How Keyboard Shortcuts Can Save You Loads Of Time

By Suzy Oakley of To Well With You

I’m not sure when I discovered the beauty of a computer shortcut – or exactly when I dubbed myself the Queen of Keyboard Shortcuts. ?

But I LOVE them.

I had used PC systems at all four of my summer newspaper internships, but it wasn’t until my senior year of college, when the school paper replaced its clunky old computer system with Macs (cue celestial music), that I realized just how technology can make our lives easier.

Why am I so in love with keyboard shortcuts? Let me count the ways:

READ MORE to learn several keyboard shortcuts that will save you time.

DIY Coffee Body Scrub

by Colleen at Sovereign Designs

My husband asked me why “exfoliating” is important. Instead of telling him, I googled it to give him a good answer so he doesn’t think I’m just making it up! Ha, does anyone else’s husband think they do unnecessary ‘beauty’ steps?!

This is one of my favorite body scrubs, because I LOVE the smell of coffee + it exfoliates my skin so good! It is seriously SO easy to make – hope you enjoy!

What My Daughter Is Teaching Me About My Body

by Brittney Lee

One morning last week, I went to wake Remi up while my shirt was tumbling in the dryer (because who has time to iron?). I woke her up wearing my dress pants and a fitted tank. When I get her up, we snuggle in the glider for a few minutes. And she saw my belly under the fitted tank and started sort of pouncing and pressing on a roll of tummy.

She giggled. She did it over and over. It was funny to her.

I cringed. I cringed because I don’t want that tummy roll when I sit down (I don’t want it on my body at all). I cringed because I don’t want her to hate herself like I do some days. I cringed because it wasn’t exactly flattering.

But then I realized, she’s learning from me. READ MORE…

Hoof it for Heifer Trail Run

by Julianne Thompson, Miss April 2018

I still remember the moment seven years ago when my friend and fellow Heifer International volunteer Wanda Eason suggested that our volunteer group start a trail run as a fundraiser. We were a small group of volunteers and it was a daunting task, but we all responded with a resounding “yes” to this outlandish idea. You see, up until that point our group had mostly lead talks about Heifer to community groups and set up booths at events to share about Heifer. We had never hosted our own event, and most of us hadn’t the first notion about what went into putting on a race. That first year we had fewer than fifty runners register. Now, as we close in on the date for our 2018 race it’s clear that we will sell out again just as we have the last three years. It’s exciting and humbling to look at where we started and see where we are now.

7 Common Mistakes in Raised Bed Gardening

Most beginning gardeners I talk with plan to grow their vegetables in raised beds — and for good reason! Those of us who have been raised bed gardening for years testify to how much we enjoy it! Better harvests, less weeding, sharp aesthetics — what’s not to love?

But as in any venture, there are mistakes to be made. The problem with mistakes with raised bed gardening is many times they aren’t easily corrected. I know this from experience!

From my own experience and from the experiences of others, I’ve compiled a list of 7 common mistakes in raised bed gardening. If you’re planning a garden for the first time or adding to your existing beds, this will help you avoid many of the mistakes I and others have made. And if you’re already gardening in raised beds but are seeing lackluster results, you may find some reasons why here.