Valentines Day Weekend

Paul took me to California for the Valentines Weekend.  We both had Monday off for Presidents day so we took advantage of the long weekend and had a mini trip.
We arrived on Friday evening and our first stop was for dinner at Chick Fil-A.  We do not have one in Las Vegas so going to California where there are Chick Fil-A is a real treat. 
We stayed at the Hyatt in Ontario which is right by a mall. 
Valentines day was full of adventure!  We slept in- which is an extra special treat.  We had a wonderful breakfast and then decided to make it a lazy kind of day and just window shop all day.  We went to Joann Fabrics, Bed Bath and Beyond,  Sports Authority, a bicycle shop and Marshalls.  We managed to spend NOTHING... which is really good for us.  We always seem to buy something but not this time.  By then I was tired- we had walked quite a bit and I just wanted something to drink and to rest a little.  We went back to the room and watched the movie Blade Runners.  It was pretty interesting- a little on the Bizarre side.  By then we were getting hungry since we did not eat anything since Breakfast.  Knowing that Valentines dinner is one of those that the nice restaurants ALWAYS get busy and probably need a reservation we decided to be low key and eat once more at Chick Fil-A.  Would you believe that it was very busy.  I was really surprised.  I did not expect a fast food restaurant to be busy. 
We sat down to eat and right  in the middle of our "romantic" fast food dinner a child comes running in from the play zone and proceeds to empty the contents of his stomach right in front of us.   Talk about putting a squash on our "romantic" dinner!  We both got up and proceeded to move outside to the outside sitting area where there was a young couple (I'd say 15 or 16) being VERY inappropriate with each other.  Paul walks right up to them and says "we are coming out here to sit and be your chaperone"  I had to chuckle because they behaved the whole time we were there!
Sunday we took a 45 minute drive to a little argentine market to get some breakfast pastries and some supplies of goodies that we need for our house.  (like some yerba mate and crackers)  We ate some delicious facturas filled with dulce de leche.  I like this market because they are 30-40% cheaper than our argentine market in Las Vegas.  We try to stock up on items when we are in California so we do not have to in Las Vegas.  The remainder of the day was lazy again- super relaxed and just did whatever we wanted, when we wanted with no time pressures. For dinner we decided we wanted to use some gift cards that we had for Outback and there is one right by the hotel.  We got there and the wait was 2 hours!!! 2 hours can you believe it??  Neither one of us wanted to wait that long so we went to the Japanese Steak house that was right next door.  Paul and I sat at a teppanyaki table with another 4 people.  It was very yummy- but sad all at the same time.  The other 2 couples were drinking one beer after another.  The ladies had at least 6 each and the men had more than that- what made it sad to me is that the one couple had their two little children with them and there was not a single person that did not drink to be able to drive them home.  It bothered me all night.  Paul and I both could not believe how irresponsible they were.
Well, the weekend was fabulous with little bumps in the road but those bumps is what keeps the life of the Goossen's really exciting.

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day to all of you!

Laying it all out there

This year I told myself  things would be different.  Things were going to change!- at least that's what I told myself....  We started going to a new church and Paul quickly blended in to the men's activities. He has gone to men's breakfasts and also to weekly Spanish men's Bible study.  He has really integrated well with the men and truly enjoys the fellowship he has with them.
Lizzie has found a sweet group of widows to fellowship with, who understand her stage in life more than any of us could understand. She also goes to a widows Bible study and has seemed to adjust well to our church change.
Then here I am...  Not really plugged in anywhere, not really sure what to do.  Most ladies my age  are mommies and are in a different season of life then I'm in.  I find as of lately that I truly am lonely. Now don't get me wrong...  I have family near by, and a wonderful husband but what I lack is a true friend.  It's not that I'm not friendly...  I'm outgoing, not shy...  I'm a giver not a taker.  But I haven't for some reason found anyone that I could just be friends with!
My prayer this year has been that God send me a true friend!  I need to keep praying.... And need to be thankful for what god has given me so far!  Why does is seem so hard for me lately?
Will you join with me and pray?  Pray that I be content in my season of life.
I have memorized this verse to help me out!
Psalm 37:4

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

And the Winner is.....

Congratulations Msmissy02!

I will email you today to get your info so I can mail the mystery package!

Giveaway #5

Yesterday was a terribly busy day at work, when I got home I got busy cooking, cleaning up and by the time I was done I collapsed  in bed and totally forgot to post giveaway #5.
Sorry I'm a day late but I'll make it up, I promise!

Giveaway #5 is  mystery gift.... You will receive a medium size flat rate box filled with goodies... The total package will be valued at over $100!   Yes, you heard me right.... a mystery gift box filled with useful gifts with a value of over $100.

Rules:

Comment on my blog- anything.... just leave me a comment.
Giveaway will end on Sunday February 8th at 9:00 pm PST.

Let the comments begin....

And the winner is.....

Congratulations Linda Goossen!

Join me tomorrow to see what's in store for my final giveaway....

Giveaway #4

Have you ever heard of Lilla Rose?  Well- let me introduce you to Lilla Rose.  This is a direct sales company that sells hair accessories. 

Have you ever worn one of these?

Up until about 2 years ago these are the clips that lived in my hair.  You know what I did not like about them?  The fact that after a while my head would hurt from the pressure of using the claw.  I also eventually would break them having to spend more money to buy another one.  And look at it... BORING.  Nothing special to it, just a plain hair accessory. 

Then, my sister Lizzie introduced me to Lilla Rose flexi clips- I tried them and found that I did not get a headache from them, they were durable and had some artistic flair to them.  I tried the bobby pins as well and totally fell in love with them. The bobbies are some really strong bobby pins.  They hold very securely.  The clips come in many sizes. 

Here is a picture of a flexi clip in my hair.

 

 

This Flexi Clip was a very popular clip.  I use this one quite often.  It goes very well with most of my outfits.

 

Below are some other pictures of flexi clips and their uses.

 

 

All this to say.... the giveaway today is going to be this lovely trio.   I chose 2 sets of bobbies since I love them so much and the flexi clip is an extra small clip.  I chose the extra small Flexi clip so you can also use it on a scarf!

If you are interested in checking out all the styles go here and look at my sisters website.  These Flexi Clips make excellent gift to yourself or others. 

My sister uses the profit from these sales to help support missions.  She has been able to go on several missions trips to New Mexico to  help the Navajo Widows and Orphans.  She also supports monthly a family that is in training right now to go to Africa as medical missionaries.

Help Lizzie Support missions by checking out her website here and also like her page on facebook here.

I have a special also for NEW customers to Lilla Rose. If you  go to Lizzies site and sign up as a customer and buy 3 flexi clips she will send you a coupon to receive 1 flexi clip for free. (rules: value is up to $16; must be 18 years or older; one per household and ships only in the US) 

Check out this AWESOME deal.

Now... on to the giveaway-  To enter in to this giveaway comment on what kind of clips you use in your hair.  Also comment whether or not you have heard of Lilla Rose before.

Comments must be made by February 3, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. PST. when winners will be announced.

Let the comments begin....





And the winner is.....

Congratulations Amy Orvin!

Please Contact me at kagoossen@yahoo.com with your contact info.

Please tune in tomorrow for Giveaway #4.

Hope you are enjoying this as much as I am.  I love blessing my friends with gifts!

Talk to you all tomorrow.

Giveaway #3

Giveaway #3 is this lovely duo.  Carried Away Bath and Body Works.  This is the 8 oz fine fragrance mist and 8 oz body lotion.  Bath and Body works smells so yummy.  I love the different yummy smells that Bath and Body Works has. 

Every year when Bath and Body works has a sale I go a little crazy with purchasing the mists, lotions and body wash.  I end up giving most of them away as gifts.

Rules to enter this great giveaway:

1.  Leave a comment telling me if you use Bath and Body works and if so what is your favorite smell.
2.  All comments must be submitted by January 30th, 2015 by 9:00 p.m. PST.  when winner will be announced.

My favorite Bath and Body works smell is actually a combination of two smells.  I like to put Twilight Woods lotion on and then use the Moonlight Path Mister.  This combination was discovered by a co-worker of mine and I love how the smells compliment each other.

Now... its your turn to tell me ... Go ahead leave a comment...

And the winner is.......

Angela P.  Congratulations Angela. 
Please contact me at kagoossen@yahoo.com with your contact info.

Join me tomorrow for Giveaway #3.  You are all going to be super excited about this one.. Trust me.... I know I am excited!

See you all tomorrow.

Giveaway #2

Welcome back Blogger Friends!  Introducing to you the 2nd gift that I am giving away.  This is a 31 Bag.  The name of it is "Retro Metro Weekender".  It is a really spacious bag.  It holds way more than you expect.  It comes in really handy for little weekend get away!   My sister is having a catalog party- go here if you are interested in purchasing anything from this company.  So, in honor of her party I am giving away the bag pictured above.

Rules for entering this awesome Giveaway:

1.  Comment on this blog when your last weekend trip was and where it was.
2.  Enter by January 27th, 2015 at 9.pm. PST when the giveaway will be closed and winner will be announced.


My last weekend trip was in November.  We made a quick trip to California to go to Universal Studios.  Last year hubby and I bought annual tickets to Universal Studios so we are trying our best to visit often to get our moneys worth.  We are planning a weekend get away the weekend of Valentines day.  This will be a precious time away with my hubby alone.  I am looking forward to using my Retro Metro Weekender bag.

Well dear friends.... Looking forward to reading all your comments.  Winner will be announced end of day January 27th, 2015.

Let the comments begin!

And the winner is...

Giveaway #1 winner is Marcy!!!  Congratulations Marcy.  Please email me at kagoossen@yahoo.com  with your contact info.

Come back tomorrow to see what's in store for giveaway #2.

Giveaway #1

Welcome Back!!!! As promised today I am starting off the first giveaway with one of my favorite Young Living Essential Oils.  Thieves Essential Oils is AWESOME.    I have used this oil so much the past few months!  When I feel sluggish like I might be getting sick I make a tea with it.  I put 3 drops of thieves essential oil with 6 drops of lemon essential oil in hot water with honey.  Did I mention yesterday that I have not gotten sick at all since I started using essential oils?  I am a firm believer that this oil is the culprit.  Look at all the fabulous uses of Young Livings Thieves Essential Oil. 

 

Can you see yourself using this essential oil?   As a bonus I am also going to include Young Livings Lemon Essential Oil.

So... what do you need to do to enter this awesome giveaway???? Simply comment on this blog.  You can share it on Facebook.  If you share it on facebook that will serve as a 2nd entry- you will need to let me know that you shared it on Facebook. 

If you are interested in purchasing Young Living Essential Oils please read this post.

Drawing will be held on Friday January 23rd, 2015. 

Let the comments begin....


DISCLAIMER: I am not an MD. The information on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please share the posts you enjoy, someone else might find them useful too. The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Thanks for stopping by!

Update Update Update

It is time to update everyone on our life.

I cannot believe that the last post I had was in November- I guess that is an indication of my busy, busy life.

Let me go back and update you all.
Thanksgiving was a joyous time for us with Paul's parents visiting us.  We had a wonderful time of catching up and just enjoying each others company. 

December was a whirlwind month.   After much prayer and much discussion we started the process of buying a condo for my parents to live at.  We found a really nice condo 1.3 miles from our current home.  On December 22 we closed on the condo and started to move my parents in to their condo.  The last night they spent with us was Christmas night.  Then on Friday the 26th of December we moved the remainder of their items to the condo. 
They have settled in really well and have made it really cozy and homey.

Another big change in our lives was where we are attending church.  After months of praying for clear direction we took the first step and left the church.  It was very hard to do which is why we spent many months in prayer about it. 
I will be honest.... it was not an easy decision and it was not one made lightly.  Many tears were shed on both sides... but we knew what God wanted us to do and we took the step in obedience.

I am reminded of the verses in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Our Season at Canyon Springs Baptist Church has come to an end.  This was especially hard for me.  I spent many hours praying and pleading God for clear direction.  The most important for Paul and I was to make sure that we were following God's lead no matter what the cost-

It's now January and we are finally getting into a comfortable routine and it is time for me to start blogging again.  My desire this year is to blog more often.  I know that there is family that keeps updated through this blog and I want to make sure to keep it up!

Update on my sister Lizzie- she has been getting much better and the seizures are coming less and less which is a huge answer to prayer.  She still occasionally has  small mini seizure especially with extra stressful situations.  I have figured out that if we keep life as constant and steady as possible she seems to be overall well but when you put her in situations that are new or very stressful her body reacts by giving her a seizure. 

Life with Young Living Essential Oils has been wonderful.  I can truly say that after a little over 2 months of using them daily I actually do feel better! 
I have not gotten sick- when everyone seems to be sick around me, I have more energy since drinking my daily 2 ounces of Ningxia Red, and I wake up rested and refreshed every day.

In celebration of my return to blogging I will be doing a giveaway starting tomorrow. I will be doing 5 giveaways! You heard me right... 5 really special gifts I will be giving away... Make sure to tune in and see what I have to give away starting tomorrow. 

See you all tomorrow!!!! 

Young Living Orange Essential Oil

Let me introduce you to Orange EO.   I have been under lots of stress these past few weeks and developed a few mouth sores.  I decided that It was time to do some research on what EO I could use to ease the pain and make it heal quickly.  I found several options- one of which was Orange EO.  This oil appealed to me the most since it smells yummy and it was going to be put in my mouth. 
I put 2 drops in my mouth near the sores and WOW... within 2 minutes the sores no longer hurt.  The next morning the sores where almost gone!  Orange is now my go to when it comes to mouth sores.

Here are some other uses that I found through research:

• Hypertension
• Wrinkles
• Insomnia
• Dull or Oily Complexion
• Anti-Oxidant Boost
• Colds & Flu
• Antimicrobial

DISCLAIMER: I am not an MD. The information on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please share the posts you enjoy, someone else might find them useful too. The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Thanks for stopping by!