Time to add some SHINE into your Labor Day!

August 31, 2018August 30, 2018 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

Who is looking forward to a nice 3-day weekend to relax and enjoy with your loved ones or just a nice 3 day weekend by yourself? Either way I hope you enjoy it because we all deserve some time to just do what we love. Did you know that Labor Day is to not only celebrate working America but also to celebrate the end of summer? Thank goodness many of us don’t work 12 hour days (my husband bless his heart does) 7 days straight or have child labor anymore. My advice this weekend is to splurge on yourself. Splurge on some lip gloss for you or a friend or someone who needs a lift me up. There’s nothing that can compare to a beautiful glossy lip to make your feel great.

So I am ecstatic to share with you a fabulous sale starting TOMORROW Aug 31st thru Sept. 3 Shine Lip Gloss which normally retails for $18.00 is selling for $14.00 but use my CODE: “DonnaH10” and receive each gloss for $12.60!!

With 8 different colors to choose from, you are bound to shine!

Here are the colors you can choose from:

Strive
Dedicated
Spirited
Admired
Lively
Sassy
Bold
Royal

Product Highlights:

Long-wearing
Lasting color
Comfortable, Non tacky formula
Creamy and conditioning

Normally each gloss retails for $18.00, however this weekend you can get them for $12.60!!

To sweeten the deal, become an ambassador with me and receive fantastic discounts on Shine Cosmetics and receive commissions on sales!!

It’s quite simple join, start sharing and earn up to 35% commission on sales and 2-5% in team sales, along with bonuses, incentives and more!

Tell them Donna Hirschi referred you.

The great part is there is NO COST, NO FEES and No commitment, just a great opportunity to SHINE with hypoallergenic, paraben free and gluten free beauty products. All products are also approved by Leaping Bunny as animal cruelty free!

Get your Shine Lip Gloss before the sale ends on Monday Sept 3rd.

Happy Labor Day everyone!

Baby Must-Haves

Featured ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

Hello! So our fourth child is now 6 months! Wow has time flown by! When it comes to babies, you sure can make your days more efficient when you have the proper necessities. If you are an expectant mother, I suggest getting started on that baby registry early. Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, remember mommy and baby comfort is one of the most important factors. This applies to sleeping, feeding and traveling. I am truly grateful for all the convenience online shopping offers to a mom of four. Whether your having your first child or expecting, these products can save you much sleep, work and most importantly time so you can cuddle that sweet bundle of joy.

To get the best savings, I suggest utilizing a membership service such as Amazon Prime with same day FREE 2-day shipping and which also offers a ton of additional benefits including FREE video streaming, Prime Music, Prime Reading, Prime Photos Prime Pantry and not to mention 10% OFF Whole Foods Sale items.

Amazon Prime

Baby Jogger City Select LUX Double Stroller

2. Safety 1st Onboard 35 Air 360 Infant Car Seat

3. 4moms Mamaroo 4 Bluetooth Baby Swing with 5 Unique Motions

4.Lillebaby The COMPLETE 6 in 1 All Seasons 360 Baby Carrier

5. 4moms High Chair

6. Germ Guardian Elite 4in1 28″ Air Purifier with HEPA, UV C Sanitizer (2)

7. InnoGear 2nd Version Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

8. Honeywell Germfree Cool Mist Humidifier

9. Storkcraft Bownback Glider Rocker and Ottoman

10. Best Stroller Organizer

11. Lotus Travel Crib & Portable

12. Comotomo Baby Bottles, 2 Count

13. Safety 1st Mombella Ellie Elephant Teether

14. Boon Soak 3-Stage Bathtub

15. Baby Bjorn Bibs

I suggest getting the Amazon Prime VISA if you frequently shop Amazon

No Annual Fees & No Foreign transaction fees
Earn 5% back and Amazon.com
Earn 3% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
Earn 2% back and Restaurants, gas stations and drugstores
Get a $70 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon credit card approval*

What was your MUST HAVES with your little ones?

Time to Shine this 4th of July

June 26, 2018June 28, 2018 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

Good morning friends! I am so excited to share with you a brand that I have been following for a while now. Shine Cosmetics, a makeup company which represents confidence, empowerment of women and girls and offers a line of makeup that is hypo allergenic, paraben free and cruelty free! All their products are approved by Leaping Bunny. Every woman deserves to feel confident in the skin their in. Shine offers products that are strategically named with powerful words that make you feel confident and make you shine with grace, self assurance and most importantly strength!

This 4th of July, celebrate by looking picture perfect with our 4th of July Special, the Fiber Brow + Fiber Mascara Plus receive a FREE flag bag with your purchase! Don’t forget to also use my affiliate code of “DonnaH10” to receive 10% OFF your order. Receive FREE SHIPPING with any order of $35 or more.

For those that have not received Microblading or can’t afford lashes (Me! We are still nursing =( ) this Fiber brow and mascara are your answer! They do not smudge off! I will be doing a video tutorial coming soon!

Check out this SMUDGE PROOF Fiber Brow and Fiber Mascara in action on Youtube

My FAVORITE long lasting lip color! LipLast by Shine glides on easy for smooth application and sets for a long lasting look that won’t dry out the lips.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

One Swipe Application
Comfortable, Conditioning Formula
Highly Pigmented
Long-lasting
No Chemical Taste
Matte or Metallic versus Shiny
Fades Evenly

Are you a lip gloss kind of gal? Shine offers 8 fun glosses that glide on extra smooth and leave your lips looking and feeling amazing for hours!

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

Long-wearing
Lasting Color
Comfortable, Non-tacky Formula
Creamy and Conditioning

Looking for a BB cream that’s lightweight and dries to a powder finish? Our Shine BB Cream lasts all day and it has SPF 15 to give you some sun protection. You have to try this stuff! Choose from 9 different shades.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

SPF 15
Long-wearing
Blendable, buildable Color
Lightweight
Dries to a velvety, powder finish

Have light brows? We have a solution for you….. Take a look at the Brow Kit in action on the SHINE sisters on Youtube

Personalize your results with colors to match and highlight your brows, paired with brow styling essential tools.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

Long-lasting
Buildable Color
Applies Evenly

Interested in becoming an ambassador?

It’s FREE to sign up. Keep reading to learn more about it.

What is the Shine Cosmetics Ambassador Program and is it right for me?

Unlike mainstream MLM companies and their complex and hard to understand compensation plans, requirements and monthly commitments or simple beauty affiliate programs with their low commissions rates, the Shine Cosmetics Ambassador Program offers the best of both worlds.

There are no fees to join, no monthly sales requirements. Application is simple, submit a few items of personal information and we do the rest.
Once approved, you will be issued a personalized 10% coupon code and link. You can post this link on your blog, social media, business cards, emails, share in person or at a party.
Each time someone uses your code and a sale is made, YOU earn a commission on that sale.
Your network will have direct access to our full line of Shine Cosmetics products and orders are shipped directly from our warehouse.
If one of your customers applies to join the ambassador program as well, you will earn commission on sales made with their coupon code as well. Up to four levels deep. Build a team and build your paycheck!
Through the Shine Ambassador back office portal you’ll have access to our creative assets, logos, marketing links and special promotional offers.

What are the benefits?

It is simple and free to join our team of beauty ambassadors and there is no ongoing commitment.

Straightforward and easy to understand commission plan, click here for more information.
You’ll immediately earn commission starting at 20% on all Shine Cosmetics sales generated using your code.
You can offer a 10% discount to your friends, followers and family along with the ability to use your code on personal Shine Cosmetics purchases.
You’ll have special access and exclusive discounts.
You can earn commission 2-5% on sales generated by your friends and family who join the ambassador program using your name.
Access to ambassador only events, courses, training, parties and more.
Receive newsletters, promotions, personalized creative, contests, product sneak peeks, early access and more.
Our dedicated in-house support team at Shine Cosmetics is available to you to help you with all your ambassador related questions and needs.

Benefits to becoming a Shine Cosmetics Ambassador

Share your favorite products and offer a 10% OFF Code to all your friends & family
Earn up to 35% commission, another 2-5% in team sales along with bonuses, incentives and more & have fun doing it!
It’s FREE to join & you have special access and exclusive discounts!

Choosing To Live Organic

June 25, 2018June 25, 2018 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

So I know there are still many skeptics out there that question the organic living lifestyle. As family of 6, we choose organic living because of three main reasons:

1. Health & Wellbeing

2. Disease prevention (food is healing)

3. Longevity

When we use beauty products such as lotions, body soaps, daily hygiene products such as toothpaste and feminine hygiene products and makeup do we read the ingredients on the back label? When we buy produce and visit the seafood and meat section, do we know the source and how they are raised? Farmed versus wild caught salmon? Honestly when I was in my teens, the answer is no. However, once I reached my 20’s I begin to wonder why my shampoo would sting my eyes, why my lotions would irritate my skin and were those lines on the chicken breast natural? Were these allergies/skin sensitivities I had to an ingredient, or were these products and foods really not that great for me? So I started reading up on toxicity of everyday products and boy was I onto something. Here’s the thing, when you have a husband in the healthcare field, you know that the human body requires quality care and activity in order to stay healthy. We are not specially engineered so we should not need to specially engineer our food or consumbales! Yes you heard me, I m referring to GMO (genetically Modified organisms). Why is that countries have a “need” to add fillers, enhance flavors, colors and artificial ingredients into our foods? Does it make the foods more attractive md appetizing? Yes, sure but is it good for our bodies? The answer is no. Do we need to ingest pesticides in our produce? Do we need to breathe in toxic chemicals from our cleaning supplies? For my family and I, the clear and obvious answer is NO. As a mom of 4, my immediate worry is any dangers that pose in any forms of hygeine products, household products and foods that we consume. My job is to care for my family and when I do not do my research, how am I going to protect my family?

Take a look at this infographic below

Understanding USDA Organic or “Certified Organic”

According to the USDA if a product has a USDA Organic label on it it means that the item must have an ingredients list and the contents should be 95% or more certified organic.

This means free of synthetic additives like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, dyes and must not be processed using industrial solvents, irradition, or genetic. The remaining 5% my only be foods or processed with additives on an approved list. You my also see labels that red 100% Organic, which men’s all the ingredients MUST meet the USDA Organic guidelines or “made with organic” which men 70% or more organic ingredients. The USDA seal cannot be used anywhere on the package and the remaining 30% of the ingredients cannot be foods or processed with additives on. A special exclusion list.

Nutritional Value

Now many argue the nutritional value of consuming organic food and so far my research shows no difference in nutritional value.

How do pesticides and synthetic chemicals affect me?

Pesticides and synthetic chemicals are known to be toxic and carcinogenic to humans. My best advice is ensure you do your research before you make a purchase.

The Think Dirty App is a great resource. It allows you to see all the potentially toxic ingredients of cosmetic and personal care products you search for.

When shopping for foods, read the back labels. When we as consumers show our demand of organic goods, producers and manufacturers will want to meet this need.

Let us shift our buying habits to support a clean environment, encourage companies to produce better quality products foods that are free of toxic and harmful carcinogens that enable us to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Baby Deals for March

March 15, 2018March 15, 2018 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

Lillebaby is currently running 40% OFF on Carry-on and also running a Spring Cleaning SALE all month long!

It’s OFFICIAL our family is GROWING!

November 15, 2017November 15, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

Yes that’s right our family of 5 will be expecting our 4th little princess coming this New Year. We have been quite busy the past couple months so here’s a little recap.

29 week bump

It’s a…..nother girl 🎀🎀🎀🎀 🌸💜 We are all thrilled!

Visit to Utah for grandpa’s 75th surprise birthday party

AZ State Fair

My birthday

Ella’s Primary Program

Halloween

Halloween @ the Hills

Our 6th Wedding Anniversay @ the JW Marriot

Life sure is going to get quite busy, busier than it is as we get closer to our due date. As we approach the holidays, I want to do my best to share the best deals on fashion, baby products and organic Health, beauty and wellness buys so we can all stay up to date on trends and Health.

Fruits and vegetables that freeze well

June 30, 2017June 30, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

Life gets busy, I am sure you can relate. When it’s come to food waste, we can all be guilty of tossing out expired or rotten food. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, many can actually be frozen to use for later, especially for smoothies.

According to the Frozen Food Foundation, $162 billion worth of food is wasted per year!! Unbelievable!! Think about how many hungry mouths those could feed!! Think about 3rd world countries.

After much research and watching documentaries on going plant based, my husband and I realize how important it is to chose wisely what we put in our bodies. We have not went entirely plant-based yet, however that’s direction we would like to go in the near future. Without a doubt we all including our 3 children love our fruits and vegetables, so I decided to start living more economically by figuring out ways to conserve and elongate the longevity of certain foods that can be safely preserved via the freezer.

Here are the fruits & vegetables that freeze well and freezer life with each

The Full Plate Guide also has a great way to keeping fruits and vegetables longer!

Here a great “Can you freeze it guide”

https://amp.mindbodygreen.com/articles/can-you-freeze-it-a-mini-guide-to-vegetables-infographic

Happy freezing to all and to all a healthy life!

The latest trends & Styles you’ll love

May 2, 2017May 1, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

New Arrivals Daily!

ONE FINE DAY FLORAL DRESS IN NAVY $36.00

OCEAN WAVES FLORAL PRINT DRESS $42.00

BE MINE FLORAL PRINT DRESS $36.00

SHINE ON ME FLORAL DRESS WITH POCKETS $38.00

SPRINGTIME GARDEN FLORAL PRINT WRAP DRESS $39.00

TROPICAL PARADISE FLORAL PRINT HIGH-LOW WRAP DRESS $44.00

Flower Print Midi Dress $24.99

Maddy Floral Maxi | 5 Colors $22.99

Cinch Waist Floral Midi! $23.99

Mock Neck Floral Dress | S-3XL | 4 Colors $23.99

Floral Peplum Top! $23.99

Floral V-Neck Tunic $16.99

Striped Dolphin Hem Tunic | 5 colors $12.99

Men’s Floral Skinny Ties $9.99

Mother’s Day gift ideas – Amazon Great Buys

May 1, 2017May 1, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

How can you make your mother feel special? Mothers I know are always thinking of others. This Mother’s Day, let us shower our mother’s with love and something special.

Mother’s Day is Sunday April 14, 2017

Here are some great gifts for mothers:

Jewelry

18k Yellow Gold and Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Two Tone Diamond Accent Leaf Lever Back Earrings $49.55

Platinum-Plated Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia and Freshwater Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings $54.67

Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver Round Champagne Cubic Zirconia 7mm and White Cubic Zirconia Lever Back Stud Earrings $30.00

Rebecca Minkoff Stone Mix Pulley Bracelet $50.16

Satya Jewelry Peridot Rose Charm Bracelet $89.00

Kris Nations Arrow Necklace $42.00

10K Gold Dainty Swarovski Elements Birthstone Pendant with Gold Filled Chain $26.06

Sterling Silver Mother Necklace Engraved “I Love you Mom” 14K Gold Necklace $39.99

Michael Kors Rose Gold Tone Heart Lock Ring, Size 7 $65

Perfume

Lancome La Vie Est Belle L’Eau Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce $81.84

La Vie Est Belle L’eau De Parfum (50 Ml/1.7 Oz) $64.19

BURBERRY Body for Women Eau de Parfum $105.00

STELLA McCARTNEY Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.3 Fluid Ounce $61.15

COACH POPPY FLOWER by Coach (WOMEN) COACH POPPY FLOWER-EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 1 OZ $42.27

Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Rechargeable Toothbrush w/Deep Clean Mode with Adaptive Clean Brush Head, Pink $180.50

Primitives By Kathy Box Sign: The World Is Full of Moms but You’re My Favorite One $12.24

Amazon Echo – Black $179.99

The Wellness Mama Cookbook: 200 Easy-to-Prepare Recipes and Time-Saving Advice for the Busy Cook Kindle Edition $15.99

From You Flowers – One Dozen Rainbow Roses (Free Vase Included) $22.99

Gift your moms with love this Mother’s Day with these great Amazon buys!!

Mother’s Day Reflection

April 26, 2017May 1, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

I always had a sentimental regard for my mother and maternal and paternal grandmother, however not until I became a mother of three vibrant little girls did I fully experience the most incredible sense of joyful sacrifice. We are all familiar with the act of sacrificing some thing, some situation or something tangible and how it makes me feel bereaved and even slightly depressed. For me the sacrifices I made to become a mother were true blessings in disguise. I was raised with education being a key element to success and a rewarding career. That was my aspiration early in my childhood and I know my parents had sincere intentions. We rarely talked about dating let alone finding love. It seemed to be a scary topic to discuss dating with my parents so I never did. I just remember being told to focus and stay in track, I never even thought to veer off track. So fast forward to college, a unhealthy relationship, then landing a great position before I graduated ASU and then graduating, I found I had achieved my life goals! Suddenly, I had completed my B.S. and was working in corporate America. So was this it?! I felt something was missing.

Post Motherhood

Fast forward 2 years later and I meet a timid, soft-spoken, 6’5 handsome fellow that opened up my eyes to what I had been missing. With all the hustle and bustles of chasing after that college degree and climbing up that ladder of never ending workforce, I hadn’t thought about my role as a wife and mother or whether finding Mr Right-for-me was possible. Yet it was! We both knew how central family was on this journey we lived. We got married and soonafter our first was born.

Motherhood

Her I am now a mother of 3, a family of 5. Am I telling you being a mother is cakewalk? No. Am I telling you to go out there and get married and have kids? No. What I am telling you is that Motherhood changes your WHOLE being. For me even with those difficult days where you seemed to have done nothing but play with your children, it’s worth it! It’s worth every second! Motherhood comes with frustration, impatience and exhaustion. Just ask any mom, working or stay-at-home (I have done both). Yet the moments you realize, “What is my purpose in this life?” This is not a question I can answer for you but for me, I have no question why Motherhood chose me.

Support One Another

In this modern age, we must all let go of the divide between us. Yes we all are in different situations, but as mother’s we need to realize that supporting one another in this ride is what enables each other to grow and become our best possible self. Our world needs kindness, we need compassion and great examples for charity. Mothers are the epitome of selflessness. For those who are not mothers, think about how your mother or a motherly figure has shaped your life. We as women, have endless opportunities to reach out and help someone in need. May we show appreciation for our mothers, grandmothers and women in our lives. Christlike love can allow us to love unconditionally and spread positivity and kindness to those who need it. I have a testimony that motherhood has truly brought out a kind of unconditional love that has no boundaries. The moment a child says “I love you” is the moment you realize what life is about. Mothers need to unite and lift each other up. Many mothers rarely get anytime to themselves.

Here are some ways to help a fellow mother:

Visit with them – Sometimes adult conversation is a great change of pace
Offer to babysit for a few hours
Bring a gift for just mom
Offer to come over and help around the house (chores are never ending)
Be kind and offer compliments

As Mother’s Day is approaching let us remind ourselves all the sacrifices mothers make and appreciate them for all they do for us.

Optimize your day with a glass of Bod•ē Pro Happy

April 19, 2017April 19, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

I recently came across a supplement that is designed to promote productivity, focus and alertness and support cognitive function called Bod•ē Pro Happy thanks to my friend Jennifer. I am so happy to try this product due to the fact that it boasts 3 very essential parts of my life. As a stay at home mother of 3, I welcome any opportunity to boost my energy and improve my mental and physical well being in order to make my days productive and overall enjoyable. So I decided to place an order for a FREE Sample of Happy.

What is Bod•ē Pro Happy?

Bod•ē Pro Happy is specifically designed to promote productivity, focus, alertness and support cognitive function, while increasing one’s energy.* The way you feel affects so many things in your day. Work, family, relationships, workouts — when you think about it, doesn’t everything go just a little bit better when you’re happy? Say hello to Bod•ē Happy. It’s something new, and something you’ll want to try. The new part is a new, exploding category of natural supplements popular in Europe called nootropics. Bod•ē Happy is a delicious way to gain that mental advantage in a demanding world of multi-tasking.

BodePro.com | A Culture of Happy People

What does Bod•ē Pro Happy consist of ?

How can Bod•ē Pro Happy help me?

How do I take Bod•ē Pro Happy?

Pour contents of the Bod•ē Happy concentrate into 12-14 fl oz or more of cold, purified water. Shake well and often. As a dietary supplement, take one daily. *

Where can I get a FREE Sample?

My experience with Bod•ē Pro Happy

I received my free sample of Bod•ē Pro Happy in the mail within 3 business days of ordering. I decided to take it early in the morning after I woke up, brushed my teeth and prepared myself for the day. I emptied the supplement into a glass of 14 ounces of cold water and gave it a very thorough stir. Only 10 minutes of drinking the refreshingly strawberry lemon flavored drink, I felt my energy level immediately heighten! I made breakfast for my girls and proceeded to get my daily chores done quite efficiently compared to other days. We also had swim lessons for both my eldest daughters, back to back. Not to mention, swim lessons were 35 minutes away in rush hour traffic. Not only did I get my girls there on time but ran around ensuring everyone including baby was cared for! Once we were home, I bathed all 3 girls, vacuum’ the entire house, made dinner and then did 3 loads of laundry!! My productivity surely accelerated yesterday. My metabolism also seems to have sped up. I noticed a feeling as if I just did a 3-day toxic cleanse leaving my body more regulated and my digestion even more efficient. I look forward to seeing how this supplement will help support my exterior (healthy hair, skin and nails). I have so far been able to multi-task quite effortlessly which comes hand-in-hand with being a housewife and primary caregiver to 3 wonderfully energetic little girls. I would highly recommend you try a FREE sample and see how HAPPY can change your day.

*If you are pregnant or nursing, or have a medical condition (including a liver condition), consult your healthcare professional before taking this product. Not recommended for children under 18 years old, individuals who frequently take alcoholic beverages, or those who get an allergic reaction. Do not use if safety seal is broken. Keep in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. *

Best Ways To Spend Your Tax Refund

March 30, 2017March 30, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

Have you received your tax refund yet? As an affiliate, I am notified of the latest sales, deals and promotions and the newest products available before everyone else! That way I can help you save the most!

Here are some great ways to spend it and save at the same time.

40% off living room furniture PLUS an additional 10% OFF with

Promo Code: REFUND

20% Outdoor living

Spend $75 and SAVE $15 on clothes, shoes and accessories for everyone in your family!!

Buy 3 Echo Dots, SAVE $20 – Have one in each room! FREE SHIPPING wit Amazon Prime

These are some great finds for the home just in time for Spring

Skyline Custom Upholstered Nail Button Tufted Wingback Bed – King, Linen Talc 15203957
Original Price: $999.99
Sale Price: $799.20

Safavieh Safi Dhurry Rug, Grey/Ivory 17351802
Original Price: $159.99
Sale Price $119.99

Kaleidoscope Mini Set with Storage Tote – Black/Gray (Twin Extra Long), Gray Black White 17008518
Original Price: $99.99
Sale Price: $74.99

Windham Tall Storage Cabinet with Drawer black – Threshold 16508094
Original Price: $249.99
Sale Price: $174.99

Saveaha Nightstand – Light Beige – Signature Design By Ashley 51913590
Sale Price: $189.99

Bordeaux Eggshell Fabric Ottoman Eggshell – Christopher Knight Home 17455117
Original Price: $439.99
Sale Price: $263.99

Parson Dining Chair Wood/Teal (Blue) Geo (Set of 2) – HomePop 49162694
Sale Price: $229.99

Cocktail Rectangular Table Brown – Steve Silver Co. 21445793
Original Price: $319.99
Sale Price: $223.99

Tara Stripe Light Blocking Curtain Panel Ivory (50″x95″) – Eclipse 51666977
Original Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $$25.49

Thermal Shield Jardin Thermal Lined Room Darkening Faux Silk- Embroidered Curtain Panel – Blue (54″x63″) 18807176
Original Price: $27.99
Sale Price: $23.79

Homedics SoundSpa Lullaby, White 51508525
Sale Price: $24.99

KitchenAid Classic Mixing Bowls Set of 3 White 51872538
Sale Price: $25.99

I hope you find some great ways to spend your tax refund this year!

Parenting

March 18, 2017March 20, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

Parenting. It is a calling, a blessing, a challenge at times, an adventure full of uh ohs…… and yet such an enriching lifetime commitment. Before I begin, I would like to preface, each and every parent has their own parenting styles which may work for them, but not others, so this is by no means the Merriam Webster’s handbook to parenting. This is my personal account of my journey and character building experiences that I am sharing with you. My husband and I clearly have different ideas of fun and entertainment (no I will not throw my 6 month old up it the air), however, what we both can effortlessly agree on is one thing, teaching our children compassion and fortitude. When both parents are on the same page on those core principles, parenting can be so much more constructive. We both strongly feel how vital it is to create a foundation of reverent, kind and dedicated little humans. Teaching them to be selfless, loving and nurturing can prepare them to build meaningful relationships with others and hopefully with their future spouse. So how do we do this?

1. Teach them to be kind (there’s too much negativity in the world)

2. Teach them to share

3. Give them a hug (many times a tantrum can be resolved by a tender hug)

4. Compliment them for doing a good deed

5. Challenge them to try new things

When I reflect back on my own childhood, I remember being quite the timid one until I hit my early teen years. These days it seems children have way more available to them. This includes tv, tablets, mobile devices, toys galore yet are these items really teaching our children the right messages? This brings me to the practice of “minimalizing.” Would I call myself a minimalist? No, not quite. Who am I kidding, we live in this modest age where there’s the latest and greatest. So what am I getting at. Quality time with your children. I can say without a doubt our girls are the happiest when mommy and daddy are doing something fun with them. My oldest is 4, so I don’t quite know how that will go once she starts school but this early children is such a critical stage to do our best to parent cohesively and give them that strong foundation of love and support.

Speaking of toddlers, Parent.com features a great article titled, “3 Ways to Raise a Caring Toddler”

We also love to teach our little ones about our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. I cannot express how grateful I am to have HIM in my life. He lifts me up when I am down and reminds me why I am needed here on earth. Parenting in this Modern era comes with many trials and rough patches but don’t be discouraged because you ARE doing your best. Make it priority to rear your children with love and affection an active participation. As Elder James E Faust quotes, “In my opinion, the teaching, rearing, and training of children requires more intelligence, intuitive understanding, humility, strength, wisdom, spirituality, perseverance, and hard work than any other challenge we might have in life. This is especially so when moral foundations of honor and decency are eroding around us.” May we all focus on the cores principles of child rearing and let not the worldly distractions interfere with your role as parents. Take a moment each day to hug and embrace your children and give them your wholehearted, undivided attention. Remember, they are gifts to us.

What are some wholesome family activities you do with your family?

Fashion: Modesty in the Modern World

March 18, 2017April 3, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

When it comes to “modest fashion” many may be quick to judge. You see, I am a convert to the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was baptized and confirmed in November 2011. So you see I didn’t always dress conservatively and modestly. Don’t forget I live in the desert, yes our beautiful sunshine state with triple digit temps. So when I started reading the Young Women’s handbook, I was immediately thought, I would need to redo my whole wardrobe! That can get quite expensive and realistically I am a on a stay at home mom with hubby still in school budget. So shrugs, cardigans and skirt extenders it was. Once I was reminded of that Heavenly Father loves HIS children and not our choice in clothing, but how he wants us to live a virtuous life, I took time to think about what that meant.

So what is modesty?

Modesty

Modesty is an attitude of propriety and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. If we are modest, we do not draw undue attention to ourselves. Instead, we seek to “glorify God in [our] body, and in [our] spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:20; see also 1 Corinthians 6:19).

I came across two great articles on how modesty has shaped the lives of many. I love these Insights on Modesty on lds.org. LDS Living also came out with a great article: 5 Ways to Help Youth See Modestly Differently.

I can testify that I know when we follow these standards we can feel closer to our heavenly father and know that he wants us to respects our bodies and be the example he wants us to be. This includes setting a good example for my little ones (I have 3 daughters). Dressing modestly is not always easy, however when we think about clothing as a reflection of who we are inside, we can feel comfort that we are doing our best to be virtuous.

So I decided to share with you how to dress modestly without giving up the fashionable part.

Here are some great finds

Zulily – Navy Floral Mock Neck Dress $22.99

Amazon – Women Short Sleeve Round Neck Summer Casual Flared Midi Dress $18.99

Amazon Meaneor Women’s Half Sleeve Swing Dress Floral Print Knee Long A Line Tea Dress $29.98

Amazon – Miusol Women’s Navy Style Stripe Scoop Neck 2/3 Sleeve Casual Swing Dress $39

Amazon Meaneor Women’s 3/4 Sleeve Vintage Patchwork A-line Floral Cocktail Party Dress $27.99

Amazon HOTOUCH Women’s Casual Loose Pocket Knee Midi Long Shift Dress $23.99

Amazon – Dantiya Women’s Half Sleeve Elegant Back Zipper A-Line Knee Long Dress $26.96

Amazon – Dantiya Women’s Half Sleeve Elegant A-Line Knee Long Dress $26.96

Jane – Olive Floral Dress $22.99

Jane Mint Striped Tunic Dress$21.99

Spring Floral Pocket Midi Dress $25.99

Floral printed babydoll top $23.99

Here’s a list of online shops that offer modest pieces for your Sunday best or just day to day wear. You can probably see I am very into the florals lately (who doesn’t love them some vibrant florals)

My Sisters Closet -Boutique

As you can see we can dress modestly and fashionably at the same time without giving up on style.

May we do our best to understand what modesty is and willfully do what we must do in order to achieve the wonderful blessings in store for us.

Where do you shop for modest clothes?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Air Quality: How clean is your air?

March 17, 2017March 17, 2017 ~ Modern Living with Donna ~ Leave a comment

We seldom think about our indoor air quality in our homes or workplace. A few years back, we had our roof and attic insulation replaced (prompting a 3 month forced staycation) followed by our a/c unit going out (right in the middle of the AZ triple digit summer). That will be a story for another time. After several weeks of countless visits from contractors, our a/c unit was repaired, our insulation was redone and we received a brand NEW roof on our quaint, semi modernized home. Thankfully, we stepped foot into our newly roofed abode but something just didn’t seem right. Our home just didn’t seem the same. There seemed to be lingering particles in the air from all the old insulation that was extracted, and a musky smell resonating. My husband shoo’d us out and said the air was bad. We immediately went and purchased 3 different air purifiers for our home and ran them nonstop for a few days and boy did it make a HUGE difference. Whether you’ve had demolition work in your home (For ex. a bathroom remodel), live in a desert like us (good old Grand Canyon State) or have or have kids with allergies, there are tons of pollutants in our atmosphere that can affect your health. You may want to re-evaluate the indoor air quality of your home.

Before you head outdoors, you can check the air quality in your neighborhood right on

https://www.airnow.gov/

My advice is looking into a VOC and/or HEPA air filter/purifier or getting some plants to better your air quality for you and your family. Consider a good quality air purifier like the Rabbit Air HEPA or an indoor air purifying plant like THESE reccommended by BlessMyWeeds May we purify our homes as well as purify our minds each and every day ❤