Dobyns Chronicles by Shirley McClain



I really liked this book.  This is a historical account of one family in the late 19th century and into the 20th century.  I rode the emotions of Charley as he lost crops, animals and especially family members.  I cried, laughed and cried again throughout the book.  If you want a book that is factual about ranching and the west, this is book for you.   

The author’s abbreviated exert tells it the best:

Dobyns Chronicles is a captivating celebration of the life of Charlie Dobyns. His life began in northeast Texas near Bonham, on the Red River. His Cherokee mother and cowboy father strove to survive on their river valley ranch. Tragedy ended this way of life for Charlie in 1888. Follow him through Chickasaw Territory and on to McAlester in eastern Oklahoma.

This is a story of a changing way of life and adaptations made to survive. Charlie's strong passion for life and dignity equipped him for survival as he raised his siblings with, likeability and dignity. It’s a story of loss, misfortune, hard times and heartbreak, but also love, determination, kindness, joy and spirituality.
Follow Charlie’s life through the adventures that shaped the man he became, and that of his family for generations.

It is available at Amazon.com

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100% Pure Peppermint Oil by GoPure



I was given a 4 ounce bottle to try in exchange for my honest opinion.  So far I would give it a 5 star rating.  I have been having a terrible flea problem that manifested after the 2 dogs that I was grandparenting went home to live with their own parents.  That left my 19 year old cat and me with a flea infestation.  I had tried a six week treatment of a recommended spray on the rugs and bedding with a brand name topical treatment on Little Bit to no avail. 

I placed 3 drops of the Peppermint Oil on old rags and placed it under the living room and bedroom furniture.  I also changed the flea medicine on her and after 21 days which would allow new eggs to hatch and we live flea free. 

I have also noticed a reduction of spiders and stink bugs that are common to drop in during the spring. 

Little Bit loves the smell as she thinks it spells like cat nip.  I placed a drop of it on her cat nip toy and she plays with it like a kitten but she tires easily due to her age.  I also found it is a great deodorizer for the trash cans.  I put on drop in the can prior to placing a trash bag in it. 

I am still experimenting with the various uses but believe it will be successful in every circumstance.


or directly from their website:

Also like them on Facebook they have give-a-ways throughout the year.

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February ATC Swap

In the Woods was one theme. I layered the bird so he stands out a little thicker than the tree.  The trees were a gift  and the bird was a stamp from Studio G


 I participated in was St Patrick's Day theme.  I picked up a vintage graphic sheet from www.youratcstore.com












My favorite theme this month was Flowers.  I love the embossing folder and stamp by Adam Pescott,  that was included in the Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine, the May 2014 Issue 130.   I used Spectrum Noir markers to color the bear and Memento ink pad in rose and violet to stain the background.  I also used this same stamp and embossing folder to make these cards.




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goPure’s Youth Glow Eye Gel



I was given this product through Tomoson.com to give an honest opinion and write a review.

My honest opinion is that it works.  I have very sensitive skin so I was really afraid to try it around my eyes so I placed it around my chin to address those fine wrinkles.  It filled in some of the fine lines and the deeper lines were less noticeable.  I very carefully place it under my left eye and waited for the rash to begin like so many other product with hyaluronic acid.  The company claims:  “This eye gel is formulated with all natural, highly potent ingredients that are guaranteed to wake up tired, aged skin. Free from chemicals, fillers, alcohol and parabens, Youth Glow Eye Gel is pure, safe and gentle enough for all skin types. “

It is exactly what it claims.  It is Pure, safe and gentle enough for all skin types.  I watched as I placed it under the eye that had the most blue under eye circles and it started in the middle of the blue and with a puff of white and evened out the color to the corner of the eye within minutes.  The company claims: “Quickly reduce the appearance of under eye circles, bags or puffiness with goPure’s Youth Glow Eye Gel. This all natural gel provides noticeable results after a single use, and has been proven to make eyes look 2 years younger after just one month of consistent use.” 

I am not sure if my eyes are two years younger but I can tell you if this proves to be true I may purchase this in bulk.

This product is available at www.Amazon.com and through their website www.gopurenaturals.com
Like them on Facebook to stay connected with all their products and currently there is a give-a-way for a set of their product until April 6, 2015.  Go to:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gopure-Naturals/1532309590375841 and like and share to be entered into their drawing.

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