Family Near & Far.

Next to the Coast Guard the Marine Corps is the smallest military branch... When incidents happen like on Thursday evening (helicopter crash in Hawaii) there is a collective gasp, lurching of hearts, and eventually a huge flood of tears.

The Marine Corps is a family. One we have a love/hate relationship with. We love the history, the service, the pride our spouses have being part of something bigger than themselves. We hate the long hours, separations, dictating of our lives, but mainly... The unknowns.

Will my husband come home today? Most likely yes. Does that stop my heart from dropping anytime I read something like this online? No. Remember- I said the Marine Corps is small. I said we are a family. No matter where we go the probability is high that we will know at least one (usually more) person there. This is no exception... In the unit that crashed we have friends. 

Right now a friend who is probably fielding the "is he okay?" "Have you heard from him?" "Do you know..." "When will they release names?" ...and on and on... An endless drone of questions for her poor heart. She has herself and toddler to take care of, she doesn't need these questions pounding her from every corner.

I didn't ask. I simply prayed. I remember receiving questions often when my husband was deployed. Questions I didn't have answers to. Questions I sometimes didn't want an answer for. 

One of my really good friend's husband is deployed at the moment (he flies on helicopters as well). So we chatted on and off all day. Talking outcomes. Praying for miracles. How they are trained for survival. The proximity of Kauai. The weather. And more. We both still went to bed with tears in our eyes.

---------------------------------------------
**UPDATED: January 19th, 2016**
---------------------------------------------

Today my heart is heavy.
Today my eyes are red rimmed & wet.
Today and forever the Marine Corps Family will weep for those precious souls lost.
Rest now heroes. Your job here on earth is done. Now your families wait to see you on that final homecoming day when they too reach heaven and can wrap their arms around you once again.

 

  ---------------------------------------------

If you want a tangible and reputable way to help the families of these 12 Marines, please follow this link: http://www.wingmanfoundation.org/463/ 

 

With love and prayer,

-Tay

Sadly... Instead of positivity and encouragement, I have seen rude, bitter, and condescending comments written on news articles and photos posted about this incident. If you feel the need to comment on such things...

I have three things to ask of you:

1. Enough with the conspiracy theories - seriously, just stop!
2. The military isn't leaving Hawaii, we need mutual respect & tolerance (from both sides).
3. No matter your views on the military remember that you are talking about 12 souls - 12 people whose lives are just as important as anyone else (yours included) - and now 12 families with holes in their hearts... Watch your words. Closely.

I know I said three... But please take this to heart as well: Stop being keyboard bullies in general. Stop hiding behind the computer screen. Just stop typing. That old adage of "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all," absolutely applies here (not to mention daily).

Thrifty Trends - Refresh.

Aubrey is back with some good new year decorating/organizing tips!

My husband and I are actually going through the house room-by-room and grabbing any "knick-knacks" (stuff we've picked up, something we got for a "really good deal," gifts, etc.) that we think are just taking up space and stashing them in the linen closet... you'd laugh if you opened it right now. Towels, sheets, and... a decorative lamp, picture frames, figurines, mini wine crates, and more! We've decided if we don't MISS the item after a month, then its time to be gifted, sold, or donated.

We are always looking for good organizational tips, and um... how have I never thought to use contact paper (you'll see in Aubrey's article below!)?

If you complete a project inspired by her post let us know in the comments, if you use Instagram you can also hashtag #thedaringdandelion #freshlybrewedhome #thriftytrends and tag @thedaringdandelion @aubreylouiseb

After you check out this inspiration post, make sure to pop on over to Aubrey's website [A Freshly Brewed Home] for more tips, tricks, and ideas! 

-Tay

 ------------------------------------------------------

January always seems to be a month to refresh. Coming off the high of the holiday season, and cleaning up all the extra "stuff" (I.e. Decorations) that are cozy and festive but often add clutter to your house can feel like a breath of fresh air. Add in all your New Years resolutions and "words of the year" to focus on and January becomes the month to start over. 

But you don't need just another blog post about how to organize your whole life step by step. While those are all well and good...and usually have amazing photos, visuals and are filled with expensive storage solutions, they tend to be overwhelming. When I see those posts I always say..."well that's super cool! Too bad I can't drill into the wall, or put in a permanent closet, or have the room, or have the money to buy everything at The Container Store!"

So, if you're like me (a young mom on a budget living in a rental where most of our rooms serve more than one purpose...no separate play room here!), or just someone who wants to make a few intentional changes in how they organize, I have just a few inexpensive tricks for you!

I, for one, definitely have a lot of clutter in closets. I like to keep supplies and possible materials (i.e. cardboard, jars and other recycled items) for future projects but that also means I have a lot of random crap that doesn't really fit into an organization plan. For example, here is my "craft closet."

 It's actually where our washer and dryer are supposed to go but we don't have them and we go to my parents every weekend to do laundry. So I decided to take advantage of the space. 

(sorry it's super blurry)

I guess it's not terrible, but this is real life people. And my next project is to clear this out of things that I actually don't need (or don't have a specific craft project in mind) and really make the most of the space. I also keep tools, fabric, craft supplies and other random things downstairs where they're easily accessible if I happen to have a stroke of inspiration.

Anyways, back to the point... here are some organization ideas that do work for me... and they're super cheap!!!

In the photo below, the middle box is actually a diaper box wrapped in contact paper that stores DVDs and some of Emma's books (I like to rotate her toys and books) and the rest of her toys are in the cubbies that are wrapped in the same paper. I got this roll of contact paper from Walmart for $4.50. The other boxes on the right are from IKEA. These particular ones are discontinued but they have a lot of similar, very cute and inexpensive options. Here's a link... IKEA.

 I also keep our important documents, large folders, my textbooks and magazines tucked away in this old trunk. Nothing fancy but it works and I like that I can close the lid since I have an adventurous baby. I got this trunk several years ago at Goodwill. I see similar things at thrift store all the time!

I store little things like paper clips, pins, rubber bands, etc in old baby food jars. And tall things like rulers and paint brushes in mason jars. Paint swatches in one Dollar Spot bin and washi tape in another. (That's another tip...the Dollar spot always has super cute bins, tins and boxes. I only grab them if they're actually $1 though...then it's worth it.)

This is my desk downstairs in our living room and I keep fabric, tools and paint in the white rolling bin to the left (not super pretty but cheap for sure! I did put gray scrapbook paper against the door so that you can't see inside). I also like to use mugs to store small things as well...these particular ones were favorites that broke in our move but still are usable for non-drinking things. I got super lucky with this desk (as in I got it for free from my old boss!!) and I absolutely love all the little cubbies and doors...perfect for my planners, sketchbooks, recipe books, coupons and my address book!

My house is definitely a work in progress and I know I could find a lot better solutions for a lot of the things we own. I think the main thing about organization is to create homes for everything in your house. If it doesn't have a place to go, then either find one, or get rid of it! Simplifying is key. And also, use what you have to create inexpensive storage solutions.

Here is a cool article about getting rid of things (it's not as intense as the trendy The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up...I don't think I could do that, but I do use her method for folding and hanging clothes). Anyways, I like this article because it's practical, logical and you can break it into smaller parts.

200 Things to Throw Away Today

Here are some awesome inspirational women who are waaaay more organized than me and have those beautiful photos and posts to show you how.

This is brilliant!

 iheartorganizing

​

Tension rods are awesome and cheap! 

One Good Thing by Jillee

And here is an awesome organization blog talking about more organization blogs :)

Organizing Moms

Cheers to a great year!!! 

~Aubrey

Website

Instagram

Guest Post: "The Not So Brilliant Start."

Hey everyone!

Today I have a special treat for you, my friend Danielle is talking about goals! If you remember, I posted my 2016 goals just prior to the new year, I love seeing other perspectives and encouragement when it comes to them! Danielle and I met six years ago in Maryland through our small group at church, since then we have stayed in-touch and even had the opportunity to live near each other for a brief period once again in Hawaii. I can't believe she has 3 kiddos now, when we met she and her husband had just recently gotten married, I love this crazy life of mine.

Now she is super woman: going to school, taking care of said kiddos, and running her own business Legacy Creative Co. which focuses on helping small business owners and busy women utilize their time as efficiently as possible! If you own a small business or are struggling to figure out what career field you should be in contact her for some advice!

I hope you enjoy what she has to say!

Feel free to comment with any questions for her,
-Tay

-------------------------------------------------

I am currently sitting in my car waiting for my college class to start. Not just any college class, but Calculus. In a condensed 3-week, 3-hour-a-day form. Am I crazy? Maybe. Am I scared? Oh yes! Am I driven? Yes!

I have goals for 2016, and this is one. The goal of continuing my college education.

What I was not planning on was my sudden desire to study accounting. I am not a math brain in any way! This goal scares me. Which is probably good because that usually means there is divine intervention taking place.

What about you? 
I know it's the beginning of January, right after New Year's Eve and a lot of people make resolutions.
What are yours? 
...Have you broken them?
...Do you feel like you've failed?

Do you know what? 
I don't make resolutions. 
I make intentional goals!

For me, when I set out with intention to do something, I make progress! One of my favorite quotes is by Lara Casey. She says "progress, not perfection." When I set a goal. I break that into pieces I can achieve. For instance, one goal for this year is to work towards my bachelors degree in Accounting.

I have broken that down into:

• Taking one class at a time. 
• Meeting with my adviser to make sure I am taking the right class at the right time. 

These are measured, tangible goals. On the side, I am looking at what certificates I need to become a certified accountant.


If you are like me, you have probably already been working towards a goal. How are you handling that? What if I told you to sit back, grab a cup of sweet tea or coffee, and think about what little steps you can take to make progress? I think you would enjoy the journey!

I love talking about goals and dreams! This year, I am going to take baby steps towards my new goal of my degree. Will I fail? Gosh, I really hope not! Nevertheless, even if I do, I am taking a step forward. I am gaining knowledge that I can carry with me into the next time I take Calculus.

Now your goal might be more complex, or more simple, but it is yours - claim it! Speak life into it by starting today! Failing would be to have a dream and do nothing. For those of you who are not working toward your dream, start today! There is nothing magical about making a resolution right on January 1. Dreaming is scary, but you can do it! I am scared of Accounting, there are a lot of numbers! I, however, do not want to regret what could have been.

~Danielle

LegacyCreativeCo.com
Facebook
Instagram 
Twitter

Fit Friday! - Alphabet Fit Challenge

Luckily I only have 14 letters in my full name, for those of you with more...
Well... Just wait and see. 

-Tay

As always, if you use Instagram don't forget to tag @thedaringdanedlion @active_freckals and this month #alphabetfitchallenge

----------------------------------------------------

Happy FIRST Fit Friday post of 2016!!!

I figured this Friday we would have a bit of fun with the workout. This idea actually came from Tay when she tagged me in a different version via Facebook. However, that version had many of our friends doing upwards of 20 minutes worth of wall sits and hundreds of burpees, AH!!!

So I figured I would make a version that is still challenging but something that anyone, at any fitness level could tackle.

Here is how it works each letter in the alphabet below is assigned a workout and amount reps to be completed for that letter. So spell out your FULL name using the chart below, add everything up and that's your workout.

Click image to open, right click and either select "save as" or "print."

Remember your FULL name! That means first, middle(s), and last(s). So two middle names, use them both. Hyphened last name, use both as well!

If you're like Tay, with a shorter name, you can always repeat the circuit.

Here is a sample name:

M - 10 Burpees

A - 5 Squats

R - 10 Tricep Dips
Y - 60sec Forearm Plank

E - 5 Tricep Dips

L - 10 Push Ups

L - 10 Push Ups

E - 5 Tricep Dips

N - 10 Squats

S - 30sec Wall Sit

M - 10 Burpees

I - 60sec Forearm Plank

T - 30sec Forearm Plank

H - 60sec Wall Sit

Take your time tackling the total amount, break it up to make more manageable sets and have some sore, sweaty fun! Have a happy healthy 2016!

~Adrien





Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Money Making Without a Job.

It's the new year.
I am still unemployed.
I am not used to this.

My part-time work from home job used to cover:

• The groceries
• The fuel for both vehicles
• "Fun" money (ie: movies, dinner dates, saving up for vacations/trips)

 So I am finding ways to be creative with saving money/making money, three ways I have currently found that are legitimate and actually work (because I am RIGHT there with you, saying "come on, there's got to be a catch!") are the following phone apps:

1. ibotta
   This app is my favorite so far, probably because the majority of shopping I do is for groceries (although it is NOT just groceries, they have beauty items, home items, etc). We hardly go out to eat so I generally do two grocery store trips a month and one Costco trip every other month. In my first week of grocery shopping I got $10.00 back and that was on everyday items like bananas, carrots, and lettuce.
   
   How it works:
   - Choose your store
   - Scroll through the rebates and unlock the ones you want
   - Shop
   - Once you get home scan the barcodes of items with them, then scan your receipt for other items (such as produce)
   - Within 24hrs the rebate will be added to your account, although I've never actually waited that long.
   - Once your Ibotta rebate balance reaches $20.00 you can withdrawl via PayPal, Amazon, or choose giftcards (at $25.00).
   
   Bonus- Right now if you sign-up with my referral code "dxjtxyw" you will receive $5.00 after your first use. It's a New Year, New Member special they are running! I have no idea how long they will offer it for...
   
   
   This this sounds easy enough? Head over to ibotta.com to sign-up today.
   
    
2. shopkick
   This app is easy as long as you remember to open it when you walk into the stores. I also am not fond of leaving the location settings on all the time, and unfortunately it only has the choice of "always" or "never," so before I go shopping I simply go into my settings and turn it from "never" to "always" and turn it back after I am done. Call me paranoid. Haha!
   
   How it works:
   - Scroll through the list to see if the store you are going to offers any kicks
   - Many stores offer them just for walking in!
   - Some stores offer additional kicks for scanning items, when this happens my husband and I make it a game to scan them all as fast as possible!
   - The final way to earn kicks are on large items that require a purchase of the item and a scan of the receipt (I have yet to need any of these items, although I was tempted with a delicious looking wine!)
   - Shopkicks require a significant more "kicks" to earn items, however within my first week I nearly reached a $5.00 Target giftcard. There are many giftcards to choose from such as: Walmart, RedBox, Restaurant.com, Starbucks, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Best Buy, etc.
   - They also offer special deal for shopkick users, I saw a 20% off at Old Navy pop up a couple days ago
   
   Bonus- Right now if you sign up with my referral link: http://get.shopkick.com/chord67137 you will get 50 (or more, they always run special sign-up deals... my husband got 200!) kicks!
   
   So if you like browsing Target, swing into Walmart often for things you forgot to grab for the kids, or love technology and find yourself in Best Buy often... why not get free stuff just for being there? Sign-up here!
   

3.  Receipt Hog
   This app is the EASIEST of the three. Simply snap a photo of ANY receipt. Yep any.
   
   How it works:
   - Snap a photo of you receipt
   - Earn tickets for the sweepstakes, spins for the slots, and coins towards your reward
   - The lowest reward starts at 1,000 coins for a $5 card (I've currently submit 5 receipts, of which 3 have earned coins, 1 earned spins, and all of them entered me into the sweepstakes)

Bonus- if you sign-up with my code "koy48761" you can get free coins & spins!

I think the best part about this app is you can use ANY receipt. Your morning Starbucks. The huge grocery receipt you already used for ibotta. Your dinner date from last night. Movies. And more! Sign-up here!

Hope these three apps can make you a little money back doing things you already do!

Are there any other apps you know of that I should download? Please comment with info!
-Tay





*Disclaimer: Tay will receive "bonuses" from these two apps for having you sign up. Once you invite your friends you can earn the same bonuses!

Goodbye 2015. Hello 2016.

I've always thought the new year should start in the spring rather than the middle of winter. You know a fresh start - green grass, flowers blooming, sunny skies... It might be 57* and pouring today, but it was 80* yesterday, say what?!

This scripture is always good to reflect on for the new year, Revelations 21:5, you can get the free printable by clicking here!

Anyway, I have a love hate relationship with the new year...

I love fresh starts, a blank slate, down-sizing, de-cluttering, an empty calendar, planning new adventures, and expecting good things to come.

I hate looking back and realizing all that I didn't accomplish or let slip by me. Right now I'm beating myself up over not getting hired by the real estate agency and not finding any other flexible part-time employment. I am annoyed that I am only into May on the 2015 yearly photo book (and if I'm being completely honest- I haven't made one since 2010s which is pathetic). I always planned to workout/meal plan and I'd do great for a few weeks then fall off the train.  I never take time for myself, I read 4 books all year when I used to knock out 20+. Not to mention for being a SAHM my son is now 14mo old and I have yet to write down anything in his baby book... Just hoping I can remember those milestones, ugh...

How does life always seem to slip by? This year we moved completely across the country, both of our sisters got married, we've hosted family and visited family, we've explored and adventured, we are still looking for a church to "call home," we don't have a solid group of friends yet and that is killing me (thankfully my Hawaii friends understand and are only a phone call/text away), and I haven't braved the base gym yet but I really want to try the stroller aerobics class.

So, for 2016 I've made these 4 goals:

1. Read at least 1 book each month.
   This should be totally do-able if I just spend 30min of me time before bed each night!
2. Try 3 new things.
   For example - a fitness class, volunteering, learn to crochet, etc.
3. Upload the monthly photos to the yearly book by the beginning of the following month.
   So January's photos should be uploaded by February 7th.
4. Jog 20 miles each month, roughly 5mi per week.
   I hate running, but I know it works and is good for me... *sigh*

I only gave myself 4 because I wanted to follow the S.M.A.R.T. guideline.

S - Specific

M - Measurable

A - Attainable

R - Realistic

T - Timely

Obviously I will continue to do my best to stay in the word, stick with meal-plans/other work-outs, be a present wife & mother, keep up with the household chores, create & maintain quality friendships, etc etc. 

Did you or will you be making goals for 2016? Please share in the comments! Also.. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Tay

PS: One of my friends, Alyssa, from Home Field Fitness is co-hosting an awesome "Get it Together: 2016" online course. It's FREE but the sign-up deadline is Jan 4th, so click the link now!

DIY Chocolate Peppermint Spoons.

In a pinch for a last minute gift? Try these chocolate spoons!

Ingredients:

Heavy duty plastic spoons - don't get lightweight plastic, we don't want to risk any melting during the creating process or for the gifted during their enjoying process! Peppermints (or candy canes), and chocolate of choice - white, dark, milk, semi-sweet...

Place your peppermints (or candy canes) in a ziplock baggie, gently (my first bag exploded all over my kitchen!) whack them with a wooden spoon.

Melt your chocolate either in the microwave or on the stove, watch closely as chocolate can burn! Dip the spoons and slowly rotate them to get a nice even coating.

While the chocolate is still melted, sprinkle with the crushed peppermint. Place on wax paper to dry. You can expedite the process by placing in the fridge or freezer, but I have much better luck just keeping them on the counter. Every time after I try using the fridge/freezer method they are moist to the touch and melt quickly once I take them out (not ideal for gift giving).

Seal as desired. I used traditional sandwich baggies, some scotch tape, and a bit of baker's twine.

Create your final gift by combining with hot cocoa packets in a festive mug (both can be found at the dollar store if you're on a tight budget!)

Do you have any awesome last-minute, but doesn't look "last-minute," gift ideas? 
Please share them with me in the comments!
-Tay