My mom is pretty chill when it comes to most things, but the other day as were cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, my littlest sister dropped one of my mom’s china dishes on the ground and it shattered.  Her reaction was not what I expected.  She didn’t get angry like you would expect most people to do in a similar situation, but this sad look took over her face as she bent down to pick up the pieces of her shattered wedding gift that had been given to her by my great grandma 25 years before.  I was talking to one of my neighbors and told her what happened and she said that she had just purchased a china replacement piece from an online china replace source called edish a few months prior.  Long story short, I searched the edish website for my mom’s particular pattern and bought her a new plate for her birthday.   Let’s just say that was the best present I’d ever given her.

It can be awfully hard to get kids to really get motivated about music. Some love it from an early age, some learn to love it, and some never do. Whichever is the case for your child, it is OK. But for those who love it and can learn to love it, you might want to show them some great music teacher resources. Some of these resources will help the child understand where a career in music can take them. On resource that is really simple to understand explains what different jobs are available, what the requirements are, and what the pay rate is. If your child has expressed an interest in a future career in music, look over the chart together.

It can get incredibly expensive having to go to the doctor whenever you feel pain or need some kind of medication–and it can get painful trying to avoid going for as long as you can. Now there is a happy medium. Essential oils can heal, relieve, and soothe–without the expense of going to the doctors. There are so many different choices when picking the right essential oil for your ailment or discomfort. So, you will just need to do a little research into each oil to find the one that is best suited for your situation. One of the best companies I have found so far is Gary Young’s company–Young Living Essential Oils. They have great prices for quality essential oils. It is truly something the whole family can and will benefit from.

In a previous post I gave some ideas for family summer trips. Here are a few more to add to your potential vacation destinations.

• Zion National Park:  This will be an amazing experience for both the parents and the children. The natural landscape is awe-inspiring and makes great photo opportunities. If your family loves the outdoors then Utah family recreation is the perfect thing for you.

• Water Parks: Who doesn’t like to go to a water park during the warm summer? Again, it is great fun for the whole family.

• Beach Trip: More fun in the sun. Enjoy the scenery, the beach, and the fun times in the ocean. If you get bored easily, try going to a beach that has a boardwalk with lots of things to do.

Summer is here and many families love to take trips with their families. But sometimes it is hard to come up with some unique places to go and fun and family-friendly things to do. Now that the kids are out of school, they would really enjoy helping in the planning of the trip. Here are a few ideas:

• Country Inn Arizona: Arizona is a great state because it is so diverse. Go to the mountains and enjoy the solitude or the Grand Canyon and see one of the seven wonders of the world. Not only will you enjoy yourself, but the kids will as well.

• Disneyland: This is always a favorite. It is truly the place where dreams come true–even for adults.

• Hershey Park: What could be better than an amusement and lots of chocolate all in one vacation?

Whatever you decide is the best vacation for your family, enjoy each other and have as much fun as you possibly can. It will be great memories for all of you.

I love to see the underdogs triumph, whether that is in the business world or my personal life. I just recently came across an article written about a year ago about a data backup company who landed a huge deal. Because of that deal, they are now on the map. Better than letting Trump get all the money out there.

Click here to read the article.

Every year, new summer trends emerge and sweep through our nation. This year is no different. A must have for summer is dresses, dresses, and more dresses. Summer dresses are absolutely adorable. One of the many great things about summer dresses is the many styles that are available. Whether you are looking for modest clothing or something not-so-modest, you can find the perfect fun, flirty, and fantastic summer dress for you. Take a look at some of my favorites:

{courtesy of ShabbyApple.com}

And why not pair it with some amazing accessories? :

And of course…this is a must have for ANY summer outfit!

Enjoy the sunshine!

If you have a home business, it is essential that you have some sort of online backup because if something, just one thing, were to go wrong, it would decimate and destroy your financial and business records. How scary is that? And don’t worry; there is software that is affordable and reliable–perfect for a small home business.

To all you avid, loyal readers of this engaging and entertaining blog… I’m Aubrey Jean, the latest blogger to join the All American Soy crew. Have you ever seen those “bag tags” that everyone is doing on their personal blogs? Well, if not, today is your lucky day! I am an adamant believer that a glimpse into a woman’s handbag is a glimpse into her soul, so what better way for all of you to get to know yours truly than taking a gander into my very own purse.

Caution: The following may contain embarrassing, ridiculous, or awkward items - readers are forwarned.

• 1. Palm Centro Phone - As a workin’ woman, this is the one thing I cannot live without. I think I may be getting carpal tunnel of the thumbs from all the emails I type on it.
• 2. Keys - which open my car, house, and office. Oh and Mr. Albert, my pet owl.
• 3. Wallet - now what bag doesn’t have this? While I will spare you the very long list of items in there, I will say it includes numerous credit and bank cards, various customer reward cards, some spare change, perhaps some postage stamps, old receipts…you get the idea.
• 4. Gum - I have an oral addiction to gum that’s so strong, I think I alone could keep eclipse in business.
• 5. Chapstick - one of my (many) beauty musts, Burts Bees is one of the best kinds out there.
• 6. Lipgloss - In conjunction with the previous item, this is also one beauty product I must have. Victoria’s Secret has the most amazing lipgloss in their Beauty Rush line.
• 7. Pen - How many times have you been out and about and desperately needed a pen? I like to be prepared for any writing emergencies that may come up.
• 8.Concealer - My MAC concealer pot goes everywhere I do; you never know when that damn zit is going make an appearance and totally ruin your day.
• 9. Dietary Supplement - Some of you drink gallons of coffee every day - I take a Zantrex energy pill and stay skinny. Suckers.
• 10. Kudos Bar - Cause you never know when the munchies are going to strike…and at only 100 calories a bar, how can I resist?
• 11. Lotion -For soft, supple hands all day long.
• 12. Hairspray - To keep my immaculate tresses in place at all times (Dove works great and is cheap!).
• 13. Junk - This is the inevitable pile of crap that can be found in the depths of every woman’s handbag, which includes old papers, loose change, garbage, and perhaps even a few lose birth control pills: Ladies - don’t leave home without it!

I never realized how intensive planning for a wedding can be. I have to figure out every little detail, if I want it to be perfect. I have make the seating charts and find a great DJ so that the guests will actually want to get up and dance; it is important to me that they enjoy themselves. The two things that have given me the most grief is the photographer and the Utah caterer. These are the hardest things to decide on; either of these could easily make or break my wedding, and I don’t want to take that chance. So, I’ve been trying to do my research. I am currently working on comparing and contrasting all the available services and prices. I hope I make the right choice. This is so stressful! But I have decided that I would rather be stressed while finding the perfect photographer and caterer than to just pick one on a whim and be completely disappointed in the outcome. Wish me luck!