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The Strength Behind My Soul

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Who am I?

Well, it’s obvious that I am a blogger (just call me an editor – lol), Photographer, an art lover and self proclaimed gourmet food aficionado (otherwise known as major foodie) as well as a creative brain waiting to jump out and show the world what I can do.  But, most importantly – I am a Wife and Mother.

"Cut not the wings of your dreams, for they are the heartbeat and the freedom of your soul." - Flavia
“Cut not the wings of your dreams, for they are the heartbeat and the freedom of your soul.” – Flavia

I have a husband named Kevin who has been and continues to be my rock, my strength and my biggest supporter.  If you know anything about me, then you know that for years, I struggled to discover myself and who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do.  Through it all, our love has stood the test of time and through our ups and downs – through sleepless nights and times when we had no money, we persevered and looked past it all.  We continue to love one another, commit our hearts to each other and look forward to a lifetime of memories.

A year or so ago I was approached by a colleague that asked me a question that I never thought I would ever have to answer.  But, in answering her question I realized that our world is not what we consistently hope it to be.  While I constantly live in my own fairy tale, many are just longing for love.  Today I share with you her question and my response.

Friend:  “How can you be so in love with someone, after all these years… and talk about him as if you have a new found relationship – like teenagers?  You guys act like you are newly in love.”

My answer: “How can you not? When you give your love to someone, during your wedding vows or other – don’t you commit to them with all your heart and soul? Shouldn’t love be fun and interesting? Shouldn’t you live each day for one another – be there for each other and more importantly, love like you don’t have tomorrow. It’s different when you fall in love with someone and marry them. They are your best friend, your soul mate. Your love for them can only grow more and more as time passes.”

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It’s corny – I know… but it’s true! This is who I am and what I feel inside.  There are times when I get so busy and wrapped up into being a wife and mother, that I often don’t pay attention to how strong my love is.  Sometimes, I find myself in extreme auto-pilot, living through each day as if I were a part of a robotic colony completing each task on automatic mode.  But, while those times can come more often than not, I know that I can always stop and be so thankful for where I am in life and how far it has taken me.

I also mentioned being a mother.  I have three beautiful boys and while they are all their own individual selves with their own personalities, they helped to mold me into the mother I am today.  Through many times of the utmost insanity, my boys have helped me to keep it all together.  I’m not gonna lie, being a mother is already a challenge and topping it off with three VERY active boys is icing on the cake.  My eldest (Kevin Ka’eo) is now 12 years old and is already going through that stage of being “too grown up” for his parents – yikes.  And, the twins (Luke & Isaiah) are now 6 years old with an agenda each all their own.  All of them keep me absolutely on my toes… between school functions, sports and just an overall lack of sleep – but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  These boys are my love bugs, they have captured my heart forever.

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You see, in life – we meet new people, gain new relationships and take on many challenges. I am who I am today because of those who have inspired me to be more than I could ever imagine. I would never change any of it – Never, ever!  I have a strength that many people cease to exude.  It’s not that they don’t have it, but merely because they don’t realize they do.

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The strength behind my soul is my family.  These four people in my life that not only provide the biggest support that I could ask for as a person, but the foundation of which my life succeeds.  I’m stronger because of them and for them and my soul, my heart is whole because of the love I have for them.  They say that love is what makes or breaks a person – it is what develops a person into who they become and what their future will hold.  If that’s the case, I think my future is bright and my soul is strong because I live a love that most people only dream of.

Wishing you all a wonderful day! Thanks for letting me pour out my heart and soul for all of you! xo

“A book is only as strong as its cover that holds and binds its pages.”  – Honey

Signature Honey

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Getting Through the Cold And Cough Season With An Old Family Favorite – Vicks VapoRub

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Vicks VapoRub, Cold Season, Cough Season, family traditions,

“This post was sponsored by Vicks VapoRub as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.”

Vicks VapoRub, Cold Season, Cough Season, family traditions,

There is just something about a scent or fragrance that can take me back years into time and remind me of how things used to be before cell phones and iPads.  One of the products that evoke memories in me is Vicks VapoRub.  The scent is uncanny and reminds me of the days of being a child when I was sick and suffering with my asthma.  My parents and grandma used Vicks VapoRub as a way to help with those cold and cough ailments and it is something that my husband and I continue to use in our family till this day.   My husband and I now take the traditions of our parents and incorporate them into what we do for our household and our children.  When any of our boys has a cough or a cold, a little VapoRub goes a long way in helping to make everyone in the house feel better.

Vicks VapoRub is a cough suppressant that works well for the whole family.  It is a topical cough medicine with medicated vapors so it’s perfect for my little ones as it provides soothing cough relief that starts working instantly.  What I like is that it is not likely to cause drowsiness or any jittery side effects when used as directed and has been a must have in my household for many years.  Intended for use on anyone 2+ years of age that is seeking cough relief, Vicks VapoRub is a topical cough medicine, applies easily and my children really enjoy the scent.  It’s suitable for both adults and children and I have found it to be a great product for my own family as my parents have found it to be the same many years ago for me and my siblings.

VapoRub contains camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that helps to relieve the cough and the discomfort of minor aches and pains (as well as cough relief).  VapoRub can be used in a variety of ways:

  • On the chest and throat to help temporarily relieve cough due to minor throat and/or bronchial irritation associated with the common cold
  • On muscles and joints VapoRub can temporarily relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.

Vicks VapoRub, Cold Season, Cough Season, family traditions,

It doesn’t matter how old we are – we all have memories of how our parents cared and comforted us when we were sick.  My mom still calls and checks up on me when I’m not well and my dad is sure to remind me to keep Vicks VapoRub on hand for the days when we are not well.  I have read the label and it says VapoRub is effective when rubbed on your chest, throat and back.  An old family trick is to put VapoRub on our feet and cover our feet with socks at night before bed.  In the morning we feel much better and ready to take on our day.   Whether it be that I was suffering from a head cold or had aches and pains that accompanied the flu, my parents knew exactly how to make us feel better.  I take these little tips and tricks passed down generations and from my parents and incorporate them into my life with my family now.  From a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup or stew to a favorite cuddle blanket, I do what I can to make my children and family feel comfortable when not well.  Vicks VapoRub is one of those things that is always at hand to aid in a good nights sleep and help when we are feeling ill.

Like I mentioned before, scents bring back a plethora of emotions and remind me of my childhood.  Once I seen the blue container and opened the lid of the Vicks VapoRub, that familiar menthol scent that I remember so well reminded me that traditions and favorites are what helps to make great memories.  I knew immediately that I would feel a soothing relief and that I would get a good night’s rest.  It was like reliving my childhood all over again, memories that last a lifetime.

Vicks VapoRub, Cold Season, Cough Season, family traditions,

What about you?  What are some remedies you remember from your childhood?  Was Vicks VapoRub a part of your growing up too?  Want to learn more about VapoRub and how it can help you or your family?  Visit the site here for more info.

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  The products mentioned in this post were sent to me for review and inclusion in this post.  This is a sponsored post by Vick’s VapoRub as a part of Influence Central.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.

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Fitness Friday – Burn Off Those Thanksgiving Calories With TKO Jump Rope

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PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

While Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite Holiday and it’s usually because I stuff my self like crazy.  So when Black Friday comes around, instead of shopping those calories off, I choose to either go for a nice run or spend some time putting in a little cardio.  One of my favorite things to do is pick up a jump rope and get some cardio in that way.  With a little change up to your routine, it can easily make for a good experience and leave you feeling like you conquered the world.  Between some hip hip dancing, the elliptical and a good old fashion walk or run, the Jump Rope offers me some fun and a bit of variety.  I have a few Jump Ropes I enjoy using and this one from TKO is my current favorite.

Fitness Friday - Burn Off Those Thanksgiving Calories With TKO Jump Rope

TKO is a brand that my family and I are quite familiar with.  Launced in 1996 by founder Garry Kurtz, TKO was the first boxing equipment company.  I remember when I was in high school and in Weight Training class as the new TKO brand equipment was delivered.  There were a lot of oohs and aahs.  Eventually TKO evolved into a health and fitness equipment brand offering accessories and apparel as well as other lifestyle oriented products.

Their Jump Rope retails for $30, and comes in a selection of different colors (3 to be exact) for that fitness addict.  I got my set in purple / pink and we all know how much I love purple so it has made working out and putting in some cardio easy for me.  Honestly though, it doesn’t matter to me what color my rope is so long as it works well and helps to give me a great work out.  The rope has a great rubber coated gripped handle which makes holding it while jumping secure in your hands.  The vinyl rope is 9 feet in length which makes it perfect for most heights but also allows you the speed due to the weight of the rope itself, giving you the option to really burn some calories.  The rope is lightweight, has metal ball-bearings and is a great option for the beginner or advanced workout person.

Fitness Friday - Burn Off Those Thanksgiving Calories With TKO Jump Rope

A good jump rope must be comfortable to hold and lightweight to allow for high intensity interval training – which this one does well with.  The TKO jump rope provides fluidity of motion which means you get little strain on joints while offering a great workout.  This is a great thing for me because the less strain on my knees and ankle after some bad injuries a few years back keep me able bodied to continue my work out.

Fitness Friday - Burn Off Those Thanksgiving Calories With TKO Jump Rope

Being a plus sized gal, many think I am not active enough and that’s why I look this way – but I keep a constant workout regimen and walk / run at least a mile at least 5 days of the week.  Jump rope is one of those things that will offer me a great cardio workout and get my heart rate up and I use it to replace my daily walk if I’m unable to fit it into my schedule for the day.  This particular one from TKO is sold at Macy’s and most major sports retailers nationwide so it’s easy to get your hands on one for yourself.

Click here for more information or to purchase your own.

So what about you, do you use Jump rope as a part of your workout routine?  If so – do you enjoy it and if not, what do you prefer?

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  The product mentioned in this post was sent to me for review consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.  I was not paid to provide my thoughts on this product.  Affiliate links are posted through out.

 

 

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Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch – Kahoohanohano Family Adventures

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Each year in the Fall, my family and I have journeyed up to the local Pumpkin Patch at the Kula Country Farms to choose out the perfect pumpkin for carving.  This year was no exception and the family enjoyed their time there as we always do so we wanted to share with you the fun and excitement.  The Kula Country Farms located on the slopes of beautiful Haleakala on the island of Maui turns it’s grounds into a fun Pumpkin Patch and Fall Extravaganza with corn mazes, garden games and fun for the entire family.  For the last 4 years my family and I have ventured on over to the patch to spend a few hours enjoying the animals, buying fresh Maui grown produce and of course – picking our own pumpkins.  Today I share with you one of our Family Adventures.

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - Kahoohanohano Family Adventures

Let’s face it – living on Maui has its perks and benefits because frankly, we are living in Paradise.  But, it can often mean that we are left without the resources that other towns can offer.  So when the Kula Country Farms started the annual pumpkin patch a few years back, my family and I have taken part in it each year.  There have been many changes and improvements to the patch this year, including a new parking lots that allows for easier parking for families so that they are not limited to parking on a very busy street.

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - Kahoohanohano Family Adventures

The pumpkin selections are far and wide in between, giving you the choice to choose a really large pumpkin or something small for coloring and painting.  Prices of the pumpkins range from $5 – $20 depending on the size and my family tends to pick up a pumpkin for each of us to carve or decorate as we see fit.  The location is HUGE – offering a wide variety of activities for your family from picking your own pumpkin to taking part in the corn maze and everything in between.  The boys look forward to swinging on the tire swings (while you can see this up year round) and taking part in any fun age appropriate activities for kids.

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - K Family Adventures

The boys absolutely love seeing the chickens that roam the grounds freely and the ponies / miniature horses that they can pet and feed.  There is also a huge bunny that has been there for years for the children to befriend.  This year we decided that we would take the time to not only choose our perfect pumpkin, but also spend some time checking out the vendors that were stationed up at the farm.  There was a kettle corn vendor that made the kettle corn fresh while we were there (you could smell the chocolate through out the farm) and different food vendors that sold plate lunches and snacks through out.

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - Kahoohanohano Family Adventures

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - Kahoohanohano Family Adventures

The farm was pretty busy on the Saturday we chose to visit.  Cars were parked up and down the street and since I now have a small car, we were able to find a parking spot along the road side.  There were children everywhere, examining all of the fun activities and my boys absolutely enjoyed their time there.  If you are planning to visit the farm in time for Halloween pumpkin carving, I suggest going early in the month of October.  With the weather here in Hawaii being pretty warm, some of the pumpkins were already starting to rot (such a bummer) and last minute pumpkin pickers are scrambling for the perfect find.  We visited at the beginning of October and found that there was a huge selection of pumpkins to choose from, with many different sizes and types.

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - K Family Adventures

My husband picked me up the perfect pumpkin for carving and Kevin Ka’eo chose his pumpkin for his first year of carving on his own.  The twins each chose little pumpkins that they decided they would later paint.  We all hiked the pumpkins up the hill to pay for them and finish off our family adventure for the day.  The pumpkin fields can be dirty and dusty and sometimes icky but seriously, the look on these boys faces each year as they find the choice pumpkin for the holiday are priceless.

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - K Family Adventures

Some of the flowers were in bloom at the farm as well, which was an incredible site.  If you know anything about me… then you know that sunflowers are some of my favorite flowers and I look forward to seeing them.  They scream Fall to me which is one of my favorite seasons.

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - K Family Adventures

Annual Trip To The Pumpkin Patch - K Family Adventures

Since my husband has a pretty crazy work schedule sometimes and we are constantly busy, we are always looking for opportunities for family time.  With the holidays right around the bend, our daily lives can keep us on our toes so having a fun day like we did definitely helps us to make memories that will last a lifetime.  Our annual visit to the Kula Country Farms Pumpkin Patch is the beginning of our Holiday Family moments and reminds me that family – no matter how big or small, is something to cherish.

What are some of your Fall family traditions? Do you visit a pumpkin patch with your family to pick the perfect pumpkin?  Happy Fall!

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  All products, etc. were purchased by me with my own money.  Affiliate links are posted through out.

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Foodie Friday – Sweet Snacks From Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP.

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SELF PURCHASED / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

Happy Foodie Friday!  It’s been a while since I have shared with you an food favorites so I figured why not celebrate Aloha Friday with some yummy treats that my family and I have been loving.  Let’s face it, while on a diet or even looking for a little sweet treat, popcorn can be such a great selection to help on those days and nights when you need a little something.  For a while now I have been seeing people rave about Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP® but I hadn’t seen them in any of my local stores until recently.  As soon as I caught a glimpse of them at my local Target on an end cap of the cash register aisle, I knew I had to have them.  So are they really that good?

Foodie Friday - Sweet Snacks From Angie's Boom Chicka Pop.

Let’s face it – I love food and snacks that are sweet and satisfying will get me every single time.  The BOOMCHICKAPOP® story is really awesome and one of the reasons I completely clicked with the brand and the product.  The product began in Minnesota in a garage by Dan and Angie Bastian.  This awesome team turned their amazing kettle corn recipe in their BOOMing business when they wanted to do something fun with their kids.  After selling at local events, the popcorn quickly became a hit and the rest is history.

Foodie Friday - Sweet Snacks From Angie's Boom Chicka Pop.

This certified gluten-free and use of non-GMO ingredients in their products make it a hit for moms like myself.  They offer you a great snack with simple ingredients, calorie transparency and yummy delicious tastes.  After one bite, I was hooked and so was the rest of my family.  You can select from a variety of different flavors, from sweet and salty and Cholesterol-Free goodies for yourself and your kids.  While not all are Vegan, many selections are and include whole grains and “always real” ingredients that make these a great snack.

Foodie Friday - Sweet Snacks From Angie's Boom Chicka Pop.

Do you have a love of food and snacks?  I think you may find yourself addicted to these after trying just one piece.  We have tried four or five different flavors and while the boys love the sweet and salty kettle corn, my favorite  is the tropical mix with coconut and pineapple – it’s delicious.  The only con about these that I think they taste so good, a large bag will be empty before you know it and then you’re left with nothing, so make sure you buy more than one bag.

Foodie Friday - Sweet Snacks From Angie's Boom Chicka Pop.

You can find Angie’s  BOOMCHICKAPOP® at many retailers including Target, Costco and your local grocery store.  They range in price from $3 – $5.00 a bag depending on the size and flavor you select.  BOOMCHICKAPOP is available in eight different flavors, BOOMCHICKABITES available in three flavors and BOOMCHICKAPUFFS available in three flavors.  These little treats have a great crunch versus what you can find on the market shelves and they never last long enough to store, so eating it by the expiration date is easy peasy.

Most importantly – These are mommy, daddy APPROVED.  Kevin, Luke & Isaiah approved too!  I think your family may enjoy them too and if not, stash a bag for yourself and eat it all on your own 😉

These little goodies make great after school snacks for my sons and we love taking a bag or two with us to my son’s football games on the weekend.  Have you tried any of the Angie BOOMCHICKAPOP goodies?  If so, which one is your favorite?  If not – what one do you have your eyes set on?

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  All products discussed were purchased by me with my own money.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.  Affiliate links posted through out.

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