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Thursday, February 28, 2013

Meet Libby!


Hey all,
I’m Libby Auliff (Carstens). I absolutely love everything that has to do with health/fitness/wellness. Whether it be recipes, workouts or supplements, I am a fitgeek!
I’m 27 years old and a mother of 3 beautiful little girls. My oldest are twins, Olivia and Isabella who are 3 1/2 and Breanna who just turned 2. Busy Busy!! I am a part time Massage Therapist at Durant Chiropractic Clinic in Durant, IA. The majority of my income comes from AdvoCare which is a health and wellness company that has supplements for Energy, Sports Performance, Weight Management and Overall Wellness. I’ve been an Advisor for almost 3 years and don’t know where I’d be with out them in every sense of the word.
So a little background about me. I’m born and raised near Walcott, Ia with very humble beginnings. Awesome parents and the youngest of my brother Jake, and sis Katrina. I loved playing sports and actually played volleyball through college. The week before I decided to play in Des Moines, my mom got diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It was a hard blow so I decided I couldn’t be that far away and stayed and worked. She passed away November 3, 2006, just after a 9 month battle. Everything changed after that. I just turned 21 and was kind of lost in the world. Looking back I never really dealt with her death as well as I should have. She wrote me a letter about the day I was born and that she was proud of me but a few things that stuck out were, “you like to exercise, keep doing that because it makes you feel good” Sweat the small stuff. I love to exercise and think about the people that aren’t able to. Exercise doesn’t have to be an hour of punishment to get your body skinnier. It should be a honor that your heart is beating and lungs are moving in and out to support that beautiful body and to make it work as best and easy as possible.
I apologize in advance because I have never done any blogging and I’m going to try to be as “real” as possible. I want everyone to know my struggles with food, my body, etc, so others can relate and get through their own issues whatever that may be.
So anyways, more about my family. I have 3 daughters that are really my purpose in life. Everything I do is to make their lives better and give them every opportunity that is possible for them. I am recently divorced last year so A LOT has changed for myself as well as the girls. We all still have a good relationship and shared custody so when they’re with Dad, I’m working AdvoCare or massaging.
AdvoCare is a nutritional company that helps men, women and children, look and feel their best. AdvoCare’s slogan We Build Champions isn’t a lie. I feel better about myself, have met the most amazing people that have a contagious outlook about life on my their terms and are willing to work hard to get there, physically, mentally, and spiritually. You can find more leaders in AdvoCare than any other company. It actually scared me when I first saw AdvoCare. I sent an email to a local Advisor and their happiness frightened me...Why were they so happy? Was the heck is a mixer? And what is Spark? I was so taken back I never wrote her back and ended up meeting Linda Flockhart at The Women’s Health and LIfestyle Fair who came over and planted a seed of hope in my heart. A seed that grew and thoughts of freedom where helping people lose weight and make extra income would be the door to every dream I’ve ever had.
Some of my dearest friends are ones I’ve met through AdvoCare and even if I wasn’t involved in the business I would still want to be involved in a company where everyone is truly happy for one another’s success and has raised me up to the strong, independent woman that I am today. AdvoCare as a company to an outsider is too good to be true but I can say wholeheartedly I owe them so much. I believe God put this company in my life so I can help others change theirs. There is nothing better than someone calling me and telling me they lost their baby weight and can fit in jeans they haven’t worn in years or they have the energy to keep up with all the crazy things mommas have to do.
So that’s the down low about me. If anyone has any questions email me at elizabethcarstens@hotmail.com
My plan with this blog is to post once a week about a fitness topic, share a recipe that’s quick and have the ingredients already in their kitchen, a workout that’s short (30 min) and will have you sweating while the kids are napping. Also since I love me some AdvoCare, share one of my favorite products and how it can help in your life. Thank you for taking the time to read this because who knows what mom has time to sit!!
Watch for the next post and have a great weekend!!
 God Bless, Libby
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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Saving The World


"Saving the World" is a fun fantasy adventure novel that is geared toward middle grade readers 2nd grade and up but fun for the whole family. In "Saving the World" eleven-year-old Rosie craves adventure, and soon after moving to her new home she embarks on the journey of her life. Mysterious songs stream from the forest in her backyard and she feels someone, or something, is asking for her help. In "Saving the World" Rosie is off to save a distant world from destruction, can she do it?
On a personal note...Pat told us "My daughters Lily 9 and Sydney 6 are wrapped up in this book. The main character Rosie is the adventure seeker that my Lily is, while the younger character Maddy is my younger daughter Sydney. It has been a wonderful experience writing this book and sharing it with my girls."
 
How amazing that Pat could follow her dream and incorporate her children in it! This is such a cute story that you will love to read with your children again and again! You can support this local author by purchasing this book on Amazon.com by clicking here
http://www.amazon.com/Saving-World-Pat-McCaw/dp/148234484X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361910592&sr=8-1&keywords=saving+the+world+by+pat+mccaw
 
Surprise! You can also win this book here for Win it Wednesday!!!! Just comment who you want to win this book for below and click "follow" if you haven't already. We will pick a winner tomorrow so check back to see if it's you!  
 
If you'd like to like to meet Pat in person she has a book signing this Saturday, March 2nd at the Eldridge Library from 1-2:30pm. What a fun experience to share with your kiddos!
 
You can also read more about Pat McCaw and "Saving the World" in today's North Scott Press.  
 
Meet the author of "Saving the World", Pat McCaw...
 
Pat McCaw credits her life force to her daughters Lily and Sydney, and her husband Ryan. They are a big part of "Saving the World" and what made writing it so enjoyable. She is a family practice physician living and practicing in Eldridge, Iowa. She believes that dreaming and fantasizing will keep us young forever!

 
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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Florida-by Lindsay

Lucky us, we got to go to the beautiful Jensen Beach, Florida a couple weeks ago for my cousins wedding and a little fun in the sun. I really almost didn't come back ! Hello 80 degrees and sunny!!!! Tell me why on earth do I not live there? That is the question I ask myself every time I visit somewhere warm and beautiful, or it is snowing, or cold....oh Iowa, how I do not love your winter weather!

We visited the Jensen Beach, it was absolutely breath taking. The sand had so many shells, it entertained the kids for hours on end. The water was crystal blue...I wish I could put that serenity in a bottle and bring it home! We saw man-of-wars for the first time too. These a weird little blue, squishy, jelly fish just laying on the sand. Apparently they are pretty dangerous, so that kept us out of and away from the water some days. We had enough toys and sand to stay and play for days, so that was no big deal.

The wedding was beautiful and so much fun! There was so much family who were able to attend from all over the country. I loved being able to spend time with them and to be able to spend time with my siblings as well. My brother is still in high school and my sister is married and lives in Arizona, so these family times are few and far between. My Mom was so amazing, she rented this great house so we could all stay together. We couldn't have asked for more. The house had a pool and a hot tub so my kids slept well every night to say the least! We went to several great restaurants and got to try shark and alligator...the shark was good, the alligator is not something I will venture to do again.

My children were amazingly well behaved the entire trip, but I was just shocked how well they did on the planes (thank goodness!). Four plane rides and they were thrilled each time just like it was the first ride. Thanks so snacks and a few toys/electronics we rarely heard a peep. The exception to this was our third plane ride, the first flight on the way home, my three year old was saying the most hilarious things and asking all kinds of questions. The people around us were all laughing so hard. One of the good ones was "Mommy, who's flying the plane, the pirates?" oooh, the places a three year olds mind go!

Well here are a few photos of our trip, hope you get to enjoy a great trip like this too! Do you have any fun travel plans???

                                                                    My little missy

                                                                  My sister and the boys
                                                                 My favorite 3 people
                                                             See ya later Florida...
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Thursday, February 14, 2013

10 Reasons why I love being a QC mama! (-Carly)

10. Did you know that when I lived in Florida (while I was pregnant and for the first few months after my son was born), I would frequently get doors slammed in my face OR get ZERO help from people when I definitely could have used a friendly smile, help holding the door open while pushing a bulky stroller, or juggling a newborn along with a full grocery cart. YEP, lots of ppl averted their eyes or just plain didnt care. When I moved to the QC, the first thing I noticed was the good manners of both women and men who were willing to wait for the pregnant woman to waddle through the door OR help her get through a small door opening with a big stroller. KUDOS QC! I love the helpful friendly people of the QC!!

9. Niabi Zoo! Seriously, we have an awesome zoo just steps away from the QC. It is reasonably priced with great animals to see.

8. Freight House Farmers Market. The Saturday market during the Summer is always hoppin with tons of vendors, yummy food, and most of the time, lots of fun stuff for the kiddos to do. I have seen a clown doing animal balloons, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, and other arts and crafts...plus there is a huge park in the middle of it for the bigger kiddos to unleash some of their energy while you pick up some local goodies.

7. As a beer drinker and beer LOVER, I can say I was pleasantly suprised at how many breweries are here in the QC. My favorite being Front Street Brewery in Davenport...bc they also have amazing bar food and it is VERY family friendly. Other breweries to check out include Great River, Granite City, and Blue Cat.

6. The QC is very family friendly. Because of this, there are great places to meet other moms and dads so your lil ones can meet some friends and book some playdates. There are at least 2 active Moms/Parents group in the Quad cities that offer great activities whether its hanging at the park with other moms and their kiddos or a playdate at someones house.

5. The John Deere Pavilion
Seriously, this place saves me when I dont have any plans for my son and I know he needs to get out of the house and run around for a bit during the winter. He loves to see the tractors and climb around.

4. The Children's Museum....they are in the middle of renovations but dont let that stop you from visiting. They have a HUGE water table and other new additions since Summer time. It is good for all ages and the best thing is that it doesnt usually get too crazy busy (unless you go on Free days of course)

3. Gyros! Yep, I'm serious. I have found some great gryros places here in the QC. My top 3 being Dr Gyros, Olive Tree, and Uncle Pete's YUUUUMMMMY!

2. Putnam Museum...Great for the older kids in my opinion, although my son did enjoy the dinosaur exhibit. Lots of exhibits to see and does a great job at making science and history FUN!

1. Iwireless Center...This venue has attracted many big name musicians and shows. Just to name a few...there is Disney on Ice, Rascal Flatts, Journey, Maroon 5, and the Harlem Globetrotters. Take this from someone who used to LOVE the hustle and bussle of the big city of Chicago. The Iwireless Center is a great alternative for having to drive all the way to Chicago to see your favorite band or take your kids to see a show. Less traffic, reasonable prices, and way less crowded. Yes, please!




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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Snow Day by Lindsay

SNOW DAY!!!
The announcement of a snow day in my house walk almost as good as Christmas morning to my two little boys. I don't get it. It's freezing. It's wet. Did I mention, IT IS FREEZING!? Well, they LOVE it! Can you believe they actually stopped themselves from running out the door so I could take this pic? I think this was the only time I've gotten both boys smiling in a picture on the first time. They knew they had to get a good one fast. After all it took us longer to get all bundled up than they will even play outside


Poor little Riley got left behind by the boys. Sorry hunny girl, maybe next year :( 
I don't think she left her little perch until her big brothers came back in.



We only got a couple inches of snow but they are determined to make the most of it on their sleds...this meant talking their daddy into pulling them back up the "hill" in our yard repeatedly.


Hi Carter and Landon!!!


Now off to make some hot chocolate with a candy cane and popcorn for my little sweeties to warm up with! What's your favorite snow day snack?


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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Welcome Meg!!! WIN IT WEDNESDAY!!!


Hello TCOT readers!!
                        
Thank you so much to Carly and Lindsay for letting me invade their blog! My name is Meg and I’m a Craft-a-holic. J
I’ve had creative leanings all my life, and I’ve gone through many phases over time; paint palettes and canvas in my teens, sketchpads and charcoal in high school, scrapbooking in college….now and then I return to one or more of these past loves, or, more often than not, I end up trying something totally new. Bottom line? I have Crafting Attention Disorder. I can’t focus!!
Don’t even get me started on how dangerous Pinterest is to a woman in my condition.
In June of last year I did something I’d been thinking about for quite some time – I started my blog, C’mon Get Crafty, to share all the goofy paths I end up heading down in my search for crafty bliss. As a former theatre major and lover of all things Judy Garland, I naturally modeled my blog design after her. J (You may also find on my blog, if you are interested/a.k.a. Supremely Bored, a list of the many, many, many movies I play in the background of my craft corner. I LOVE MOVIES.)
C’mon Get Crafty is just like me, a hodge podge of all things creative. I love trying new crafts, making tutorials to help others, and featuring other brilliant crafters that I meet through the wonder of social media. I have a budding Etsy shop as well, listing items I’ve made for the fun of making them that may happily grace the homes of others someday. My favorite crafts at the moment are card-making and a recently discovered love of subway art – soooo many options. Most recently I launched my pet project, my brainchild: Birthday Blocks! 
                                                 
                                                 

I created Birthday Blocks after seeing so many versions of babies being photographed with cute number stickers on their chests – I wanted something different, and personalized for each tot’s personality or nursery theme. As these make wonderful gifts for new parents and infants, TCOT was kind enough to let me share them on here. J
I’d like to invite you all to visit me on my blog and Facebook - leave a comment letting me know you are a new follower, or that you have “Liked” my Facebook page. Every comment will earn you one entry into a drawing for a spectacular giveaway – the Oversized Shabby Bow Headband from The Cherry on Top Boutique! (It’s a personal favorite of mine. J) 


So don’t forget, for more chances to win, visit both the blog and Facebook and let me know you’re a new follower from TCOT – drawing will be held on Friday, February 8th at 12:00pm PST – and thank you again for reading! J

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Monday, February 4, 2013

A day in the life of Lindsay

 
I don't know how well your children sleep, but this little cutie just doesn't! So, this is the beautiful little face I woke up to today...what an awesome way to start my day :)
The flash was apparently very bright.
 
Next line of business in the morning, coffee, a MUST! I never used to like coffee and couldn't even imagine drinking it, but that Keurig changed my life. LOL
 
 
Yes, their eyes are open, but no, they are not really awake yet. Do you think they would even notice if I turned their cartoons off??? 
 
 
Time to hurry these two cuties along a bit, it's a school day! Breakfast time
 
 
They are ready! How handsome are these two, I mean really?
 
 
Yep, thanks for the warning...Iowa winters, ugh. Every time the cold shows it's ugly face I seriously wonder why I don't move somewhere, ANYWHERE warmer??? Let's be honest, I would miss having seasons I guess.
 
 
My sweeties playing before lunchtime
 
 
Carter loves the slide
 
 
Peek-a-boo pretty girl!
 
His belly is full and school must have worn him out...
 
 
Really? Hilarious...
 
 
Time to get to work and take advantage of sleeping kiddos!!! Yikes, that's a lot of dishes. Let's not even talk about the laundry downstairs calling my name. That can wait.
 
 
Now that the house work is done I get to have a few minutes of fun before the kiddos wake up and the real fun starts back up.
 
 
Want a sneak peek of what's inside!?
 
 
What do you think!?
 
 
...and she's back! Fully charged and ready to play. Feeding baby, what a good mama she is
 
 
My boys...get to work setting the table for dinner soldiers!
 
 
Snacks then bath and brush teeth before bed, I think so
 
 
Look at these guys sneaking in a few extra snuggles...LOVE them!!! This is my whole world and I couldn't imagine one single thing being different. I am one lucky girl :)
 
I found this and think it is just the perfect thing to end my day with...
 

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