cheap treats for my expensive dog

My great dane, Sophie has developed food allergies, possible food intolerance, and inflammatory condition.  YIKES!  This means that I spend a small fortune on her hypoallergenic venison and potato food.  It also means that I can't just give her snacks and treats...treats are hard to find and since she can only have venison..they are super expensive.  I was giving her ice cubes and then the vet told me the number of tooth extractions that take place weekly due to cracked molars...ugh!  My poor puppy has tummy trouble and then is deprived of snacks too.... 

I finally found something else that I can give her...frozen green beans. I found a huge bag of them at Costco...she loves them and looks forward to her snacks throughout the day!

Around the House

I loved an article in last month's All You magazine..Around the House.  It had all kinds of natural "make-it-yourself" ways to clean your house. 

I already mix vinegar and water in a "clearly marked" spray bottle to make an ALL PURPOSE spray to clean countertops, windows, and to spray my produce after washing, but there are lots of other uses for this cheap and safe ingredient...vinegar can be used as a stain remover, floor cleaner, and laundry softener.

To make DISHWASHER DETERGENT just mix 2 cups washing soda, 2 cups borax, and 25 drops of grapefruit oil in a large bowl.  Wear rubber gloves and use hands to mix well.  Store in a plastic container with lid.  Use 2 Tbs. per wash.  You can add 1 tsp vinegar to rinse cycle or use in your rinse aid container in dishwasher door to prevent spotting.

To make TOILET BOWL CLEANER just pour 1/2 cup baking soda directly into toilet bowl, then add 10 drops of tea-tree oil, then 1/2 cup vinegar (in that order) and let effervesce do it's work! Wait several minutes, then scrub bowl with brush, flush!  Yay, shiny clean toilet!

To make a FURNITURE POLISH just pour 2 Tbs. olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/4 tsp. lemon oil or fresh lemon juice into a squirt bottle. Shake well before each use. Squirt onto microfiber cloth and rub onto wood surface.

Quilter's Convention in Kentucky

Last weekend, my husband, the kids and I took a trip to Kentucky to see my family.  While getting to see my brother, sister-in-law, and my adorable niece was wonderful, it wasn't the only reason for the trip.  We have gone into business together and have started promoting Visalus.  It's a healthy/weight loss product that all of us are loving!!  We are super excited to share this and got a great deal to set up at the local quilt convention.  It was the first time we had promoted at an event.  We got together some great visuals, brought the laptop to play videos, and set up an awesome booth.  We got to meet some amazing people, I love meeting and talking to new people!

I made this right before we left...i was proud of myself!

Regina's 1st $100 bonus from Visalus!!!

The  "quilt" convention was more like a treasure trove of people's passions.  Booths were set up with all kinds of products and crafts.  The quilt section was full of intricate pieces of hand-sewn artwork. Some of the wonderful people we met that had neighboring booths were...


This was the brightest collections of Tupperware i've ever seen! There are several things that I am gonna have to have!!

For all your Tupperware needs, contact:
Jerrie Freeman  (270)437-4791
jerrie@wk.net or www.my2.tupperware.com/jerriefreeman

We met Donna at her Avon booth, she had an extensive collection!  I especially liked the jewelry, I am starting to wear more accessories!

For all your beauty, fragrance, and avon needs, contact:
Donna Cullen (270)703-0272
hershey215@mchsi.com or www.youravon.com/donnacullen 

Another nearby booth had the most adorable hand-made crafts!  The windchimes were made with silverware!  They had the most creative ideas...we are going to purchase some more scarves...talk about talent!

This is Regina sporting the "visalus green" hand-made scarf!
This is made with fringe and the flower, all out of t-shirt
material!  She made some that were long scarfs with
twirls...I want a grey one for winter!

To check out all of the wonderful gift ideas, contact:
Vintage Creations
(270)205-5668
mick01@windstream.net

After the convention, we hosted a Challenge Party at Regina's house and got to share the Body by Vi Challenge with lots of people!  This was an awesome weekend to see the family that I love AND to get to share health and wealth with newly made friends...a total success! 

If anyone is interested in learning more about Visalus or getting healthy by joining us in the Challenge, visit:

www.ShakeMeUpVi.com