HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD'S BEST BREAD PUDDING RECIPE!

Hello all,

I love sweets, especially desserts. One in particular is bread pudding. I've been searching for a good easy recipe for bread pudding and I think I've found it. I am definitely trying this one out soon!:

BREAD PUDDING WITH SALTED CARAMEL WHISKEY BUTTER SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

(custard)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup Irish whiskey
5 eggs
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
8 slices firm white bread
3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature

(salted caramel whiskey butter sauce)
1/4 cup cubed unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 1/4 cups heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl combine raisins and whiskey, let soak 1 hour. Butter 2 qt. rectangle pan and set aside.
For the custard, in a large bowl whisk together sugar, eggs cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Generously spread one side of each bread slice with butter, cut each slice in half diagonally. Arrange in rectangle pan, overlapping slices. Drain raisins and save the whiskey. sprinkle them over the bread. Pour custard over bread and let soak in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375. Place uncovered baking dish in a large baking pan. Add hot water halfway up the sides of the dish. Bake 45 minutes until pudding is set and golden brown. Remove baking dish from water bath and let cool.
For the sauce melt butter over medium heat in a 2 qt. pan. Whisk in sugar, salt and cream and 3 tbsp. of the whiskey. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Serve warm pudding with sauce and enjoy! Serves 12.

AUSTIN TEXAS IS GOING BATTY!

Hello all,

Austins going batty ! That's right, every year people come from all over to see bat season in Austin. The season runs from March to November. This is when the bats migrate from Mexico to Austin to feed and then give birth. They are Mexican free tail bats.  I would not even of known about this if I hadn't been there visiting my daughter. The phenomenon is very popular among Austinites, as there were hundreds there for the viewing on the night I went. When we were present, they had a table out belonging to the Bat Conservation handing out literature.

You can see the bats come out nightly on the southeast side of the South Congress Bridge. It is the largest urban bat colony in North America. They look like a dense black cloud. You can hear a high pitched chirping noise when you get close enough. Their population is around 750,000  pregnant female bats. They each give birth to one pup in early June. The babies only stay around for this first season. The mother bats always try to return where they gave birth at the year before. The bats live for about 9 years, and will weigh about 9 grams when grown. They eat about 20,000 pounds of bugs nightly.

The bats start flying out around sunset. They usually do this for a few hours. Late July into August is when you can start seeing the baby bats fly out. Then the population increases to 1.5 million.  Austin calls this their peak bat season. They return in the morning to the bridge about 30 minutes before sunrise. They start their migration back to Mexico in November.

If you go they have a parking lot next to the bridge that charges $6 for parking. If you walk 1/4 mile down, you will see a parking lot to park in for free. They even have bat viewing cruises you can take so you can watch it all from the water. Whichever way you go, it definitely is a sight to see!

TOP BEST FLORIDA ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS

Hello all,

Vacation time is upon us and we are all searching for what to do. I have compiled a list of Florida's best zoos and aquariums:

Discovery Cove(Orlando)- At this place you can swim with the dolphins, feed tropical birds, and snorkel through a saltwater reef. This place is pricey. Admission- $269-399 depending on if you want to swim with the dolphins.

Busch Gardens(Tampa)- This place is a lot of fun. Besides having many fun rides, they also have a lot of shows and animals. My favorites are Curiosity Caverns, Myombe Reserve, and Edge of Africa. Admission $79.00 for 3 and older.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium(Sarasota)- They have many close-up hands-on animal exhibits here. You cab touch rays at their ref animal exhibit, and sea otters, sea turtle and manatees. they also have a shark encounter where you can prepare and feed sharks brunch with staff during a training session. There is a seperate $45 fee for this. Admission- Adults (13 and older) $19.75. Kids (4-12) $14.75.

Big Cat Rescue(Tampa)- This is one of the largest sanctuaries in the world for abused or abandoned big cats. They have 80+ lions, tiger, bobcats, cougars and others. you'll need to schedule tour for here. Admission Adults $36.00, Kids (10 and under) $19.00.

Florida Aquarium(Tampa)- They have many animal exhibits here where you can view snakes, 30 species of free flying birds, a Goliath Grouper, eels, stingrays and sea horses. For and extra fee you can go on a dolphin cruise, swim or scuba dive with their fish, or a behind the scenes tour or penguin pass. Admission- Adults $24.96,  Kids(3-11) $19.95.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium(Clearwater)- This marine life rescue center is home to Winter the Dolphin from the movies Dolphin Tale 1 and 2. Both movies were filmed here. Here you can see marine animals and sea turtle exhibits. You can feed their stingrays and sharks. You can take a boat tour of the waterways or a trolley to Winters Dolphin Tale Adventure where you can see a museum of props and sets from the movies. Admission-Adults $21.95, Kids $16.95.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens(Sarasota)- They have over 200 animals including parrots, macaws, primates, amphibians, tortoises, reptiles and small animals. About 95% of the animals here are rescues. They have animals here you can touch like flamingos, skunks and snakes. Admission- Adults $17.99, Kids $12.99.

Monkey Jungle(Miami)- Here you can view wildlife like they would be in their natural habitats. Here you can experience unique up close encounter in this 30 acre park. you can see the Java monkey troop that numbers 90 monkeys. They dive into a monkey swimming pools collecting crabs and shellfish. You can also see orangutans and gorillas and take a rain forest adventure tour. . Admission-
$29.95, Kids(3-9) $23.95.

So go take a walk on the wild side and enjoy!

MY RECIPE CORNER- MOUTHWATERING SLOW COOKER MONGOLIAN BEEF

Hello all,

I came across the mouthwatering recipe for slow cooker mongolian beef on All Recipes and wanted to share it.  It looks easy to make and sounds so delicious. I will be having mine with rice. Enjoy:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 pounds beef flank steak
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cut carrots
3 chopped green onions
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp fresh minced ginger


Directions:

Spread cornstarch into a shallow and dredge steak to coat and place in crockpot.
Stir in water, soy sauce, brown sugar, carrots, green onions, oil, garlic and ginger together in a seperate bowl. Add to the crockpot.
Cook on high 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours.

HAUNTED FLORIDA

Hello all,

Florida is home to many places claiming to be haunted. I have compiled a list of those places that keep popping up on many sites I've seen:

St. Augustine Lighthouse- 3 children were killed here while it was being built. Many visitors report hearing children's laughter and feeling their clothing being tugged on. People have said they smelled cigar smoke when no one was around. Some have reported seeing images of former lighthouse keepers, and of one of their daughters who had slipped on the rocks below and died. You can also hear the sound of footsteps and see lights flickering going on and off. When we visited this place we witnessed a light going on and then off in an empty room. We also heard noises that couldn't be explained.

The Old Jail in St. Augustine-  Tour guides and visitors here have reported feeling cold spots and hearing the sounds of shuffling feet and shouts and wails. Some have reported seeing a large shadowy figure standing in a cell who is believed to be Sheriff Perry. It has been featured in many paranormal investigations. Many have gotten strange pictures inside and out of orbs, streaks of light, and shadows.

The Pritchard House in Titusville- People have observed strange noises,disembodies voices, objects moving, and a broken grandfather clock still sounding. Some say one of the ghosts who haunts this place is Lola Pauline Smith Pritchard. When she was alive, she hated people visiting her home.

Ma barker's house in Ocklawaha- Ma Barker who at one time was listed as the #1 most wanted fugitive in the U.S. died here. Her and son Freddy were killed in a shootout. It is said 2000 bullets were used that day. It is said there spirits haunt the home.

Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Clearwater- One couple who stayed at the hotel caught a picture of a ghost. In the picture there is a mist that resembles a person standing at the top of a staircase. One ghost hunter who was doing an investigation here reported seeing a misty figure of a woman in 1930's era clothing. He also heard a female voice saying "Don't go up there, they're mad at me."

Hamburger Mary's Orlando-  The building dates back to the 1800's and was originally a hardware store. Staff have reported seeing the ghost of a young girl dressed in Victorian era clothes. You can see her late at night, skipping around, waving at people and tapping on windows.

There were hundreds of haunted places to choose from for this story. I chose the ones with the most sightings. Any one you choose I'm sure you'll have a hauntingly good time!

FUN AT THE OLDEST CITY IN THE U.S.

Hello all,

Florida has a lot of places to see and visit and one of my favorite places is St. Augustine. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S.  It is known as the Ancient City. It was founded 42 years before Jamestown. and 55 years before the Pilgrims arrived. St Augustine was founded by the Spanish explorer and admiral, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. It still has a historic district lined with cobblestone streets that today are bustling with shops , delicious restaurants, and Inns.

 It is home to the Ponce De Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. At the park there is a small fountain they say they believe was his fountain of youth and you can purchase bottles of water from the fountain. The park has many recreated Spanish and Tucuman Indian buildings you can walk in and explore. They also have guides dressed in period costumes that will tell you tales of life back then.  When we were there they had a demonstration with an ancient canon. A very nice place to visit.

 The city is home to the  Castillo De San Marcos, which is the oldest masonry fort in North America and the only one in the continental U.S. from the 17th century still standing. It is constructed of coquina rock and took 23 years to build. It has guarded St. Augustine for 300 years and is very well preserved and open to the public. This place is huge.

The city is also home to the worlds oldest Ripley's Believe it or Not that opened in 1950. It can also boast being home to the nations oldest wooden school house built in 1716. The school house has a small museum inside. Also there is the St. Augustine Lighthouse Tower that was built in 1874. It houses a maritime museum and is believed to be very haunted. When we were there we did notice a few strange noises and saw things like a light coming on in another room In fact, St. Augustine is reputedly one of the most haunted places in the country. You can take one of many ghost tours, or stay at its very own haunted St. Francis Inn. . St. Augustine is also home to the Potter Wax Museum, which is the oldest museum in the U.S. and has over 160 figures. Then there is one of Florida's oldest attraction St. Augustine  Alligator Farm and Zoological Park which opened in 1893.

 This city is so rich in history. But lets not forget its beautiful beaches, it is after all Florida. Its beaches stretch for more than 20 miles. Its most popular is Vilano Beach, which offers a fishing pier, para sailing sea do rentals, picnic shelters and outside showers. Vehicles are even permitted on this beach. There are also the Ponte Vedra Beac,. Crescent Beach, Anastasia State Park Beach, and St. Augustine Beach to name a few.

There's plenty to do and whatever you choose. you'll have a lot of fun visiting St. Augustine.

LEARN THESE LITTLE KNOWN DISNEY SECRETS

Hello all,

Many tourists flock to Disney parks every year for vacation. I've uncovered some little known Disney facts to share with you:

Of the Presidential Seals in this country, one is located in the Hall of Presidents at Disney World. The other two are in the Oval Office and the hall where the liberty Bell is housed.

Strategically placed devices called smellitizers are dispersed throughout the park and emit certain scents like the smell of cookies and vanilla on Main st. 

 Inside Cinderella Castle is a luxurious suite that can’t be booked and you can only stay there if you win a contest.

Utilidors is the name given to a secret tunnel system under the Magic Kingdom which is used by cast members and other employees to navigate the park unnoticed

 If you look, you’ll notice thousands of hidden Mickey’s through the parks.

 Gum isn’t sold in any of the park to minimize the risk of people disposing their gum on rides and dropping it on the ground.

 When Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed, a tombstone for Mr. Toad was placed in the graveyard at The Haunted Mansion.

The same dog is used in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Carousel of Progress.

When Pirates of the Caribbean was being built in 1967, Disney Imagineers didn’t like the look of the false skeletons placed around the ride. So, with the help of UCLA medical school, they were able to place actual human skeletons around the ride. Most have been removed, though the skull and crossbones on the headboard are still human.

There are no bathrooms located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. This is done to keep with the time period of that area.

Look down when in line at The Haunted Mansion, and you might spot a wedding ring embedded into the concrete. It’s believed to belong to the hanging bride who you see on the ride.

 Epcot’s American Pavilion is home to an American flag taken from the rubble of 9/11/2001.

 Guests in Walt Disney World are never more than 30 steps away from a trash can.

Visit The hat shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and you'll see an old pay phone on the wall. Pick up the receiver and you can eavesdrop on an interesting conversation.

 An imagineer named George was killed during the building of Pirates of the Caribbean.  It is said his ghost haunts the ride to this day. Workers say goodnight George before they shut down the ride each night as a superstition to prevent the attraction from breaking down the next day.

 The lake used for Fantasmic is only about 1 foot deep.

 You never have to pay for water in Disney World. Just go to any quick service restaurant in the park and ask for a cup.

When aboard the Mark Twain River Boat ride ask the pilots if you can visit the captains room. This is a secret code that will grant you access to the room the ship is piloted from.

Main Street USA is a little slice of Americana. Above this idyllic small town setting you’ll find about a dozen American flags. One thing though, none of them have 50 stars.

Columbia Harbor restaurant has two entrances. From the one in Fantasyland, the decor is British. From the one in Liberty Square, the decor is early American. The restaurant symbolizes crossing the Atlantic from Europe to America, from a land of castles and fairy tales to new, thriving colonies.

So enjoy yourself next time visiting Disney and be on the lookout for more secrets to uncover!

THE SENSATION THATS SWEEPING THE COUNTRY

Hello all,

Gotta Catch-em All! That's right, Pokemon Go is sweeping the country. You see people everywhere. Walking in the parks, down the street, in the store, all with one thing in common. They all have their phones out and are catching Pokemon. To tell us all about it is my video game pro Chris Hauser.

Pokemon has been around for 26 years. As a child I remember watching Pokemon on TV and thinking how cool it would be if they were in the real world. That is exactly what Pokemon Go does... sort of. While the basic idea is there, walk around, see Pokemon, catch Pokemon. It lacks certain nuances of the earlier Pokemon titles.  It lets you see Pokemon in the real world and capture them, and then what? This is where the game limits your options. You can improve your Pokemon's overall CP or combat power, and challenge to take over gyms. But the combat system lacks any real depth and quickly devolves to randomly clicking on the screen as fast as possible. There is no way to trade or battle with your friends, though both these things have been promised to happen in future updates.

As I walk through the park you can see hordes of people with their phones out trying to catch'em all. Trying to become a Pokemon master. It has a level of social interaction that the game is responsible for, but doesn't necessarily support. It could evoke would be trainers meeting up with other like minded individuals sharing stories of favorite Pokemon and tips like where to catch them. The game lacks social features, that if added would greatly improve the user trend. People want to meet up, chat, and share the experience.

 Right now the game gives you a reason to go outside, take a walk, and see the Pokemon you remember from your childhood. And that's not such a bad thing. If supported properly in the future with updated game mechanics one day we may fully realize the joy of living in a Pokemon world!

ONE OF A KIND TARPON SPRINGS SPONGE DOCKS

Hello all,

Florida has a lot to offer in things to do and enjoy.  With my family living within close proximity to Tarpon Springs we love going to the Sponge Docks.

Tarpon Springs is a leader in the worlds natural sponge market. Greek immigrants built the Tarpon Springs signature sponge industry. It has the highest percentage of Greek Americans than any other American city.

One of the main things we like to do is shop there. They have many one of a kind shops, over 125 to be exact. They have shops for unique Florida gifts and spices. They also have many stores where you can buy authentic sea sponges. One place the Spongeorama Sponge factory also houses a small museum with daily showings of a movie about the history of the Sponge Docks.

They also have many Greek bakeries and restaurants there. One bakery that stands out is the Hellas Bakery where the Greek pasties are delicious. Mr. Souvlaki and Rusty Bellies are good restaurants to try for seafood.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks boasts several cruises such as Spongeorama Cruise Line, Odyssey Dolphin Cruises, and the Viking Gulf Star Fishing Cruises. We went fishing on the Viking one year and had a blast!

They also have a nice, but small aquarium, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. The admission is cheap. and they have a shark tank in there where they have a diver go in and do a show. You can also pet small stingrays in their petting tank (Of course the barbs have been removed), along with a few other small sea creatures you can pet and feed.

Tarpon Springs holds their Epiphany celebration every January. Its a 100 year old tradition highlighted by local boys diving into the Spring Bayou to retrieve a cross thrown into the water by an archbishop. The boy who surfaces with the cross is said to have good luck for the following year. Afterward they have a lively celebration with food, drink and live music.

With many things to do and see, this is surely a place to stop and see! The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are located on Dodecanes Blvd. Tarpon springs, Florida 34689.

WOW YOU CAN GET ALL OF THIS FOR FREE!

Hello all,

I am constantly on the lookout for freebies. I came across some good ones I want to share with you. So first up:

You can get a free Natural Calm Magnesium supplement. Just go to their site and fill in your shipping information.

https://naturalvitality.com/free-samples/

you can get a free Breathe Right nasal strip and coupon. Just go to their site, clik on the request button and fill in your shipping information.

https://www.breatheright.com/free-sample.html

You can get a free sample of Rachel Rays pet food. Just go to their site, click on the free sample, and scroll to the bottom and put in your shipping information.

http://nutrish.rachaelray.com/switchto

you can get a free generation Uth skin care products. just go to their site, and fill in your shipping information.

http://fundyourpurpose.org/skin-care/#contactform2

You can get a free Nutrition For Kids sample pack from Childlife. Just go to their site and fill in your shipping information.

http://childlife.net/free-sample-pack/

You can get a Free Love you to Moon and back crystal necklace from Tanga. Just pay shipping and handling.

https://www.tanga.com/deals/516c24a6547e/i-love-you-to-the-moon-and-back-crystal-necklace?utm_source=cj&utm_campaign=Nicholas+Salgado&affiliate=Nicholas+Salgado

You can get a free bottle of NaturaCel Anti-Aging Cream. This is a 30 day supply and you only need to pay shipping and handling.

https://www.naturacel.com/trial12/?affiliate_id=1022&aff_sub=205008&aff_sub2=&aff_sub3=&aff_sub4=&source=&transaction_id=102c7ae8a78a3818b71f27ab700911&offer_id=29

You can get a free Reaasure pad and underwear products. Just go to their site and submit your information.

http://www.reassure.com/free-samples

WHAT ARE 6 DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA

Hello all,

Florida is one of the hottest spots when it comes to vacation destinations. There is just so much to do here. But amidst all of that fun, we come into contact with wildlife we don't usually have encounters with. Here is a guide to some of those creatures.

1. In Florida, the Bobcat appears statewide. It makes its home in swamps and forests. It can be recognized by its triangular pointed  shaped ears and bobbed tail. They are much bigger than the ordinary house cat,(twice the size) but much smaller , for instance, than a panther. It feeds on small animals and birds. They usually hunt at night, and don't sleep much , about 2-3 hours a day. We saw  a mother and its cub running near us at a local park, and it was very scary how the mother kept her eyes on us. We left quickly. I have also saw a few lurking in my neighborhood. Though they're not known to attack people, still keep your eyes open when out in nature, they are very stealthy.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - THE BOBCAT

2. If you go out to enjoy nature, also be on the lookout for fire ants. They are small red ants that have a very painful bite that causes itching and swelling. The fire ant mound looks just like small piles of white sand. Sometimes they are so small you're not even aware you stepped in one till you feel the bites. If you do get bit, washing the affected area then applying ice helps. Beware, these things are everywhere. A fire ant mound is pictured below.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - FIRE ANTS

3. If going to the beach is on you're agenda, then I should mention stingrays and jellyfish. Stingrays have flat brown bodies, a long tail that has a spine, venom and a barbed end.  They can grow up to 7 feet in length. Stingray season runs from April to October. This is when they come into to warmer waters and bury themselves in the bottom sand to hide from predators. They are usually present 3-10 yards from shore.  So what do Floridians do to avoid getting stung? We do the stingray shuffle, of course. Instead of just running and sloshing through the water, shuffle your feet instead.  It sends vibrations through the sand that scares away the rays. If you do get stung go to the hospital immediately.  Its venom can cause a drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness and shock.  Do not remove the barb yourself, let a doctor do that!

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - STINGRAYS

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - JELLYFISH

4. Jellyfish are in all  Florida marine waters. They are usually more on the Atlantic side and in the Panhandle.  They can be up to 2 feet in diameter.  they have a mushroom shaped cream colored or translucent bell with long thin tentacles.  Florida has several species that do sting.  The stings leave red streaky welts that last for up to 2 weeks and causes severe  pain, nausea and headache. If stung    remove the tentacle by scraping with a credit card. rinse with vinegar or apply a baking soda  and saltwater paste. Then go home and take a hot shower then apply an ice pack  If an allergic reaction happens, go to the hospital immediately. Oh, there is an old wives tale that says you should urinate on it. Don't do it! That makes matters worse.




5. Finally, we should discuss alligators and crocodiles.  We've all read about recent attacks involving these animals They  mostly live in freshwater environments and brackish waters, but have been found in marine waters. Their mating season is from  April to May. Never feed them or swim near them, especially at dusk since that's their feeding time. When you feed them they become more aggressive because they no longer fear us. It is illegal to feed them in Florida. They can run fast, up to 9 mph,  but not very far. The running zigzag myth is just that, a myth. They are also good at climbing and can climb a chain link fence. They can grow to be very large, 10-12 feet in length.Their choice for prey is usually based on size, so please keep children and pets away from waters edge.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - ALLIGATORS

6. Crocodiles are usually found in the north end of south Florida. They live in saltwater and brackish areas, but have been sighted in freshwater areas also. They can grow up to 18 feet long. Their snout is more narrow than the alligators. They will eat anything that moves. There are a lot more alligators than crocodiles, and crocodiles are considered endangered. Conflicts between them and humans rarely occur because they are shy creatures. Recently we have run across Nile crocodiles which are not native to this country and are much more aggressive.

WHAT ARE 6  DANGERS LURKING IN FLORIDA - CROCODILES

So please  be aware when you're out and about, and use caution. Enjoy the outdoors and all that Florida has to offer.

MY RECIPE CORNER- DELICIOUS IRISH SODA BREAD

Hello all,

I ran across this recipe today . I've been looking for a recipe for Irish soda bread.  This one sounds delicious and look so easy. Since I am Irish I thought I would give it a try! Enjoy!

Irish Soda Fruit Bread

Ingredients-

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. butter
1/2 cup raisins or currants
3/4 cup buttermilk

Directions-

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a small baking sheet.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins and buttermilk until the dough is evenly moistened.

Turn dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Shape into a 6-inch ball, place on a cookie sheet. With a sharp knife, cut a 1/4-inch deep cross on top of the dough.

Bake 30-40 minutes, or until dough is just cooked through and the top is a light golden brown.

SPOTLIGHT STORY- JENNIFER VOSBURGH AND HER INCREDIBLE STORY

Hello all,

Today my Spotlight Story is about Jennifer Vosburgh and her incredible story:

My name is Jennifer Vosburgh.  I grew up in Rhinebeck, New York on a family farm.  I am married with two children-Madison (12) and Ryan(9).  I went to school at Marist College for my bachelor degree in Business Communication and Leadership when I was pregnant with my daughter.  Soon after, I got my Master degree in Counseling Psychology for Capella University.  My goal was to help children in any aspect that I could. 

During my pregnancy with my daughter, I was very sick.  Of course, everyone told me it was just a bad pregnancy and that is what I thought as well.  I continued to be sick after she was born.  I soon got to a point where I couldn’t really leave the house.  I had a rash on my face, my body was weak, severe fatigue, and trouble breathing.  I saw many doctors and specialists and was tested for everything in a medical textbook.  I soon became pregnant with my son and still had all of these symptoms. At my first OBGYN appointment, the nurse told me that I should really have my thyroid checked because it was very large.  Hmmm…not one other doctor had ever noticed this?  I went to my first Endocrinologist appointment and was told that I had Grave’s disease-hyperthyroidism.  I spent seven years on medication to control the hyperthyroidism and symptoms.  Every month, I had to go for blood work and then my doctor would call me and change my dosage.  Fast forward seven years, I had an ultrasound that showed 6 nodules on my thyroid.  My current Endocrinologist and the specialist I went to see for a second opinion explained  to me that I had two options.  I could either take a radiation pill that would kill my thyroid or surgery to completely remove my thyroid.  I was told I would need to have one of these done within two weeks.  I did not feel right about taking a radiation pill. My knowledge of radiation told me that it causes cancer and so I was not going to put that in my body. I chose surgery. Within 4 months after surgery, I was the worst I had ever been. After the surgery, we had packed up and left New York and moved to Florida to be close to my family.  Needless to say, I have been very ill for most of my time in Florida. To the point, that for months, I lived in my bed most of the day. I could barely walk, think, or even organize a complete sentence. I truly believe I was slowly dying. Yes, I went to doctors, specialists, and emergency rooms. I was tested for Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and many more diseases.  I had Cat Scans and MRI’s. All of my blood work came back negative expect one test showed I was positive for Lyme disease.

This is when the true nightmare started!  I would soon find out that most doctors do not believe in Chronic Lyme.  I found out that health insurance companies do not pay for treatment of Chronic Lyme.  I found out that hundreds of thousands of people are suffering with Chronic Lyme and can’t afford treatment.  The rest were paying thousands of dollars out of pocket to  see Lyme Literate Medical Doctor’s to receive treatment.  I could not afford this and spent months in bed until I decided I was not going to lie down and die.  I researched while lying in bed.  Desperate times called for desperate measures.  I tried many things that did not work and then I found essential oils!  I now take one supplement from the local health food store and the rest are essential oils.  I am getting better and can work part-time, take care of my family, and get out of bed!

My journey with Young Living started by being desperate to try anything that would save my life but soon it turned into a passion.  I wanted to help others see what these oils that God has provided for us could help. I wanted others to have a chance at life. I began using these oils for help with other things such as bug bites, weight loss, cuts on my children, to go to sleep, my digestive system, my daughters Hashimoto’s disease, my lack of thyroid, and so much more.  What happened was incredible!  These little bottles of oils helped in every situation that I tried them for.  I have thrown all my chemical cleaners out and use one natural cleaner call Thieves from Young Living.  The best part is that it smells great.  I use lemon, grapefruit, lime, and orange in my water.  It is absolutely delicious and so many health benefits.  I had signed up to get the discount but now I want to share and educate with anyone I come in contact  with.  Young Living is the best oil company out there in my opinion.  I did my research before I decided which company I would buy from.  After all, I was going to be ingesting these oils.  Now I use these oils topically, internally, and I diffuse them.  Of course, do your own research!  However, I know if you try them that you will be hooked!  If you have any questions or would like a sample to try, just send me an email.

Who is Young Living?  Young Living Started in 1993 by D. Gary Young and Mary Young.  Due to the lack of quality oils, they began their own company and developed their own farmland.  Young Living designed and built the largest, most technologically advanced essential oil distillery in North America.  Young Living developed its groundbreaking Seed to Seal process, which preserves the integrity and potency of essential oils through every step of the production process.  Young Living has a steadfast commitment to essential oil purity and has inspired millions of people everywhere to experience nature’s gifts of wellness and lifelong transformations.  Young Living’s mission is to honor their stewardship to champion nature’s living energy, essential oils, by fostering a community of healing and discovery while inspiring individuals to wellness, purpose, and abundance.  Young Living promises you powerful oils just as nature intended them.-

Jennifer Vosburgh

Thank you Jennifer for your incredible story. Her contact info for more information about these products is jenniferlvosburgh@gmail.com

www.youngliving.com

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