TCOT Cutie SPOTLIGHT!!!

Here is our first TCOT Cutie spotlight from the Super hero mini sessions in June with Stephanie Michelle Photography. We were so lucky to work with this sweet lil boy and  his parents were so much fun too!!!

Brayden Quincy Terhune

Favorite Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Favorite Book: The Very Hungry Caterpiller

Afraid of: Fearless!!!

Favorite Snack: Milk

Can't live without: Mommy and Daddy

Stops crying when: Listening to music

Currently obsessed with: Mommy

Sleeps best when: He's tired

                     

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Prophetstown

Woke up to news that there was a fire in P-town (as my hubs lovingly calls it). After a quick google search, I see that it was a HUGE fire and that sadly, it started at my most favorite restaurant in Prophetown.
(seriously, their cajun potato salad is amazing!) As the story unfolded and I heard about all the damage, I was just sad.
Really sad, actually.
My husband couldn't figure out why I was so affected by a fire in a town that isnt mine. He's right, I didnt grow up there or even spend a considerable amount of time there but I LOVE Prophetstown. I have been with my husband for 10 years. In those 10 years, I have drilled him with questions of growing up on a farm and in a small town. I would fantasize about what a childhood would be like in such a small safe community that you knew everyone (not exaggerating!).
I would try to imagine what it would be like to live in a town without ANY street lights and one mom n pop grocery store. (pretty much the opposite of what I grew up with)

The simplicity of Prophetstown always made it so inviting! The truth is I like going to Ptown to visit my in-laws and seeing his family and friends. I like checking out the arts and craft show they hold there in the summer, and getting Thickstons Popcorn, and waving to random people walking down the street (seriously,everyone waves there!). I like that we run into people he knows everywhere we go!

So Prophetstown, just know the ladies of TCOT of thinking of you!!!
We are sending positive vibes and happy thoughts after this devastating event.

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Yummo!

Hey Ladies, I've been SOO pumped up lately. I just got back a few weeks ago from an AdvoCare Training in Dallas. Sometimes you need to get out of town and gain a whole new perspective on life! Right?! 

Anyway, today I wanted to share one of my new favorite recipes for on the go eating. It's really not a "new" recipe because I'm sure everyone and their mom has their take on chicken salad, but I love it because it's full of flavor while still tasting light! 

I lb. Chicken Tenderloins, breasts…(You could also do tuna as well)

1/2 avocado (diced)

1/2 cup green pepper (diced)

1/2 cup cucumber (diced)

1-2 cups (at least) celery (diced)

1/8 cup sunflower seed kernels or sliced almonds

1 TBL Hellman's Mayo with Olive Oil

Pepper and Salt to taste

I prepared the chicken on my griddle because it's just easier for me but you can bake the chicken as well. I just used a Mrs. Dash seasoning so it gives the chicken some kick but there is endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning. Another option if I really don't have time is get the marinated chicken breasts at the meat counter and then all I have to do is cook them. 

I cut up all the veggies and what's great is these are the ones I had on hand so you can put red peppers, onions, carrots, or whatever else your little heart desires into a bowl all together. I shred the chicken or cube it and mix in the sunflower seed kernels and mayo and voila!! It's THAT easy.. I took it to work with me yesterday and I had 8 straight hours of massages so I would literally run to the fridge at work and eat a few bites to tide me over. So it's good by it self, on lettuce wraps, bread, or my favorite.. Josephs Pita Bread…Since I feel better when I don't eat bread, this pita bread has only 60 calories, 8 carbs and 6 grams of protein. Compared to a regular tortilla which has around 120 calories, up to 25 carbs and maybe 4-5 grams of protein it saves you unwanted carbs you may not know you're even eating. Josephs Pita Bread is kid friendly too! I make the girls turkey wraps or PB&J and it seems much easier for them to handle. I've only found it at Wal-Mart so far next to the deli but I've also heard it is at Hy-Vee in the Health Market. 

 I love the chicken salad because I can eat it over a couple days depending on my schedule so its perfect for on the go mommas or dads that want something light but good and good for you. My daughters who are 3 and 2 LOVE it! I am blessed with great eaters! Enjoy!!

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Hope for Shelly-UPDATE! (at bottom)

On May 20, 2013 Lashell "Shelly" Vinger Had A Brain Aneurysm While At Her Home And Was Airlifted To The University Of Iowa Hospital Where They Performed An Emergency Surgery To Save Her Life. Since Her Initial Brain Aneurysm She Has Undergone Four Surgeries Total, Numerous Cat Scans, MRIs, And Other Medical Testings. During Her Last Surgery, Surgeons Had To Remove A Portion Of Her Skull To Relieve Swelling And She Is Now Being Left In A Medical Induced Coma, So Her Brain Can Rest And Recover. During Shelly's First Few Days At The Hospital, The Doctors Had Informed Her Family That They Had Never Seen Someone Survive Such A Severe Aneurysm As The One That Shelly Had Experienced. Medical Officials Are Now Taking The Proper Steps To Ensure They Are Doing Their Best To Treat Her In Her Rare, Fragile Condition. At This Time We Do Not Know The Extent Of The Damage That The Initial Aneurysm And The Strokes That Followed It Has Caused. Against All Odds, Shelly Has Managed To Survive.  We Are Behind Her 100% In Her Recovery And, If God Willing, Her Rehabilitation Process.











 Lashell Has A Loving Husband Eric And Three Beautiful Daughters, Madison(11), Ava(7), And London(5), That Want Nothing More Than To Have Her Back Home. Shelly Has Always Had An Unshakeable Confidence And A Strong Inner Strength Which We Know Is What Has Pulled Her Through To This Point. We Will Not Give Up Our Hope On Her! Hope Is The Anticipation Of A Joyous Outcome And Is A Sure Conviction Of What Will Be, Though It's Currently Not Seen. It Is Measured In Perseverance, Or Endurance, In The Midst Of Adversity. More Than Mere Optimism, Hope Is Based On The Character Of God And The Conviction That He Has A Preferable Future In Store For Shelly. Hope Is Not Knowledge, But A Gift Of The Human Spirit. God’s Grace Is Sufficient During Adversity And God’s Power Is Most Evident When We Are Weak. We're Not Giving Up On Her! Ultimately Costs Will Exceed Our Goal Here, But This Will Be A Start Towards Helping Her With Medical Bills. Please Join Us In Supporting The Vinger Family. Whether It Be By Prayers Or A Donation, Anything You Can Give Will Help, No Matter How Small. All Donations Are Tax-Deductible And Are Incredibly Appreciated. Thank You So Much!

- To participate in The Cherry On Top Boutique's fundraiser for the Vinger Family please visit Hope for Shelly Online Fundraiser Auction Event Page for all the details or the online album of items for sale to place your bid
- For more info, updates and to give a monetary donation visit  Hope for Shelly. Thank you!



 

UPDATE 10-4-13

I (Shelly's cousin) would like to update everyone on Shelly... She had a CAT scan in Iowa City and it came back that the shunt that was put in during her last surgery was malfunctioning/not working properly... She was admitted into Iowa City hospital last night and they went ahead adjusted the shunt. She will be monitored over the weekend and another CAT scan will be performed at the end of the weekend to make sure things are working properly this time. Please keep praying for Shelly, Eric, and the girls... Eric has been doing everything in his power to make sure Shelly has been getting the best and proper care avaliable... I have no idea where he gets his strength through all this, but he has been a real trooper. Taking care of three young girls, supporting and making the best medical choices for Shelly, working his job the best he can with all that's been going on these past five months. I have gained a lot of respect for him and can't imagine how hard this has been. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the Vinger family. Words can't express how much it means to her family and friends...

If you are interested in making a donation the link is listed above...prayers are also needed! Thanks!



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My Life, My Loves.

My Life, My Loves.

The three reasons in life that really motivate me to do anything are right here. Olivia, Isabella and Breanna.

It’s just incredible after you have children how much changes for the better. I became a more compassionate, understanding, and patient person. Now with the income I can make with AdvoCare it’s going to change their future and legacy.

Time flies so much faster after you have kids!! WHY!? Not sure but I do know my favorite time is being able to lay with them in bed and watch them slowly fall asleep. I often wonder what person they will grow up to be and how I can shape that for the better. I love working out because they think that is the norm. I know that may not be everyone’s normal but it’s got to be to some point. 66% of America is overweight and by the year 2030, 51% of America will be obese!! OBESE not overweight.. That’s a scary statistic. We have got to do something about this!

I learned this past weekend at a training that between the ages of 3-5 children will be wired with everything they need to know fundamentally about relationships. Isn’t that amazing! So I am trying to pour some compassion and generosity into them now and it will hopefully always be in them the rest of their lives. 

Today, I took the girls and we picked up a bouquet of flowers and balloons to their daycare lady because she got her gallbladder taken out and she couldn’t come back yet.I wanted them to know that we can and should do things for other people even if we aren’t going to get something in return. We shouldn’t be entitled to anything other than respect as long as we give it. Hard work and desire will win over every time. Our country needs people that genuinely care for others and I love this blog because the support we can all receive in an environment where we can make a big impact. Thanks for reading and hope you have a great weekend! We’ll be supporting my brother and brother in law for the Triathlon at West Lake! Good Luck to anyone else doing that! AND HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!! :)

(sorry for the delay in posting Libby's great post by a week!)

 

For your chance to win a great AdvoCare prize compliments of the Fabulous Libby, comment below with who it is that motivates you! A winner will be chosen at random on Friday. Prize can be picked up at our next trunk show!

 

Ready. Set. GO!

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Meet our friend Steph of Stephanie Michelle Photography!

 

 

 

Stephanie is a professional photographer based out of Davenport, IA, specializing in newborn and child portraiture. She has always had a passion for photography, but it quickly grew into a business after her first daughter was born. She loves to capture every moment of her girls and wants to do the same for her clients! Her work is clean, fun and timeless. She is fun to work with and will do just about anything to make your little one smile! 

 

“I am a full time mom and a part time photographer. I’m blessed with a wonderful, supportive husband and two beautiful daughters. They are my true inspiration and the joys of my life! I’m a lover of family, church, fun and photography. My enthusiasm for photography quickly grew after my first daughter was born. My business started in March of 2011 and it has been such an amazing journey.  Can’t wait to see what the future holds!”

 

 Click HERE 

to visit Stephanie Michelle Photography Facebook page
and click "Like" to show your love!

 

 

 

 

 

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thirty-one sale!!!

 

The ladies of The Cherry On Top Boutique are hosting a party and YOU are invited!

 

Do you LOVE thirty-one bags and accessories as much as we do!? Well here's your chance to take advantage of a GREAT SPECIAL! For every $35 dollars you spend in June you can get a large utility bag for just $10! You bet we are picking up a few of these too cute bags for our collections!

(see below!)

 

Click HERE to shop NOW!!!

 

Every thiry-one order placed will get a free bow or clip by

 The Cherry On Top Boutique.

 (to be picked up at our first trunk show in July!)

 

ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY JUNE 28TH!!!

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