Trista Laborn's Blog, page 16
April 11, 2016
P068: The secrets to success in real estate and home buying
Elizabeth shares how she got started in home buying.
Elizabeth got married, moved to a small town in Texas and shares the struggles in finding a job, after graduating college. She decided that she wanted a job of something portable, so she got into rental.
She explains when she brought her first home, which was a foreclosure. Her and her husband both fixed up the house themselves. She also explains how she landed her job, which was in real estate and learned the ins and outs of the industry.
During this time is when she started her blog reluctant landlord. She wanted to share the good side of real estate and how you can be successful in doing buying a home.
She also shares how her husband was reluctant at first but was very supportive in Elizabeth decision to buy homes. She even wrote a post about it.
She shares her October income report of 2015, how she is making money from house buying.
Elizabeth shares that to be successful in real estate you have to go in with the mind-set that it’s an investment, your house will need to rent for more than your mortgage, it will become an asset.
For those in the military, does it make sense to buy a house, even if you are moving every two years? Elizabeth answers this question.
For every “Crazy moment” there’s was a positive one as well. When it comes to home buying you will have crazy moments but you will learn from them and it will help you grow.
We talk about some of the 3 basic things that need to be fixed when fixing up your home:
Painting
Carpet
Cabinets, etc.
Treating your house buying Journey as a business, you will be successful. She shares the ultimate of goal of why she does the business side of home buying.
She explains her passion in helping EVERYONE and the military community, in being successful in home buying. To be successful, you must take baby steps and eventually it will all add up.
I LOVE that she mentions that the business side of home buying is a marathon… It is not a get-rich-quick scheme and you GOT to keep moving forward during the negative moments.
The business side of home buying is a marathon… It is not a get-rich-quick scheme! @reluctlandlord
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She talks about being 3 million dollars in debt and being Mortgage FREE!
She shares don’t get too over whelmed with buying a house and the experience she shares in buying 6 homes, she explains that if it makes sense financially for your family do it.
First three things as a first time home buyer should do:
Find a great realtor
Mortgage broker will let you know how much you will be qualified for
Go find your house (She talks about, what she looks for in buying a house)
This is part 1 to the secrets to success in real estate and home buying, next Monday will be part 2 and more great tips and testimony to being successful in being a first time home buyer and real estate!
You want to check out what Elizabeth is doing or have a question, check her out here…
Website: http://www.reluctantlandlord.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReluctantLandlord
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reluctlandlord
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April 10, 2016
Grab Green: Non-Toxic cleaning made easy
When making the descision to use more natural, “green” “Eco-Friendly” products it can be difficult to figure out, which products to use and where to start in your home. Finding products that are quick, easy, non-toxic every day use is what I look for in my home care solutions.
The makers of Grab Green does just that. They make effective, non-toxic laundry and home care solutions that are gentle on you and the planet. The products I received for review:
– 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods (Fragrance Free and Lavender)
– Bleach Alternative Pods (Fragrance Free)
– Automatic Dish washing Detergent Pods (Tangerine with Lemongrass)
– Garbage Disposal Freshener & Cleaner (Tangerine with Lemongrass)
I LOVE that these non toxic, products are scented with essential oils and in Pod form, which make cleaning around the home easy.
When I used the scented lavender on my clothes, it smelled up the laundry room and my house, Which I LOVED! I use the fragrance free for my youngest child. She has more sensitive skin, than the rest of my children.
Grab Green 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods are Pre-measured concentrated powder pods that cut through dirt, leaving your laundry clean and fresh. The 3-N-1 24 pack, Laundry detergent pods retails for only $8. VERY AFFORDABLE.
There are a lot of things I LOVE about these products, they not only clean effectively, non-toxic and smells wonderfully, all of Grab Green non-toxic products are free from animal testing with recyclable packaging.
Grab Green Bleach Alternative Pods are laundry boosters and Pre-treaters that help make colors brighter and whites whiter while removing stains and neutralizing odors. (Green Tip: They may also be used to clean grout and remove carpet stains!) The 24 pack Bleach Pods retails for $7.
My favorite is the Dish washing Detergent Pods and Garbage Disposal Freshener & Cleaner. These two products does so much with only 24 pods, filled with natural, awesome goodness. Cleans my dishes so much better than the store brand and fragrances my kitchen nicely along with the garbage disposal fresher and cleaner, cutting through the grease and grime that’s in my garbage disposal, removing orders and prevents clogging at the same time. The 24 pack Dish washing detergent pods retails for $8 and the 12 pack Garbage disposal $4.50
Grab Green does not use animal testing, whatsoever, and all of their products are made without dyes, glycols, phosphates, 1,4-dioxane, chlorine, DEA,
formaldehyde, caustics, or optical brighteners, the nasty chemicals that can cause some to get sick or irritate the skin.
Their Eco-responsible formulas are sold in reduced recyclable packaging and convenient, Pre-measured packs. Making it so quick and easy to clean. They are also suitable for all water
temperatures and cycles.
Grab Green’s innovative, delightfully simple products are healthier, non-toxic, and safer than leading brands, while being effective and scientifically proven to perform.
I’m so thankful to be apart of Moms Meet Blogger. Allowing moms to try natural products, to allow them to meet other with the same passion, to raise healthy families.
Curious to learn more about Grab Green products?! You can check out their websites below or you can Shop at Target to save 10% on Grab Green, but hurry offer expires 4/23 (no coupon code required). Want to save another 50%? If you email a copy of your Target receipt to support@GrabGreenHome.com they will send you a 50% coupon to be used on www.GrabGreenHome.com.
Shop at Target to save 10% on Grab Green, but hurry offer expires 4/23 (no coupon code required)….
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Disclaimer: As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.
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April 4, 2016
P067: Life after the military
Cynthia’s husband retired from the Army a few years ago. She is a licensed professional counselor in a private practice in Texas and she is passionate about helping military spouses and families navigate the unique challenges of military life.
Cynthia explains her experience of her husband retiring from the military and the transition that took place…
She explains steps to take in supporting your spouse retiring out of the military:
– Make sure both of you are united in the decision in making the right move in your spouse getting out. It will affect both of your lives.
– Pray together in making the best decision for the family. What is best for your family?
– Re-thinking if going back “home” is best for your family, what is the job market like in the area you are from? Medical, getting VA services?
If you would like to talk to Cynthia more about retiring here is her website: http://www.cynthiablakelpc.com/
You can talk ask questions and she would be happy to help.
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March 28, 2016
P066: The Military Wife, mom and entrepreneur
Lauren, a blogger from the Military wife and mom talks about the struggles of sometimes being a military mom and wife. She shares how she has made the decision to stay at home and what is working for her.
The blog post that was mention: “I’m terrible at being a military spouse.”
She talks about how she started with her blog and the topics she writes about.
She talks about how she has made another business adventure with Essential Oils
She shares tips on how, through the blog, can make a part-time business successful:
– Before getting started with a business give yourself a grace period
– Use the Products
– Share with others (Online and in person)
– Use incentives to help the potential client
– Share on social media and in person (Share a genuine story)
– Share, Share, Share (No need for a hard push)
Lauren gives details of her schedule on how she balances her business, blog and family.
She explains the choices she has to make concerning child care. She states that when you are making the choice to work from home, you will find the time and make it work.
As an entrepreneur, military wife and mom you will find ways, that will work for you, your family and business. It won’t look like my schedule or laurens but it works for you and your family. I also explain my schedule and how I make it work at times with having a toddler recording interviews on my podcast. You do what works for the season and your family.
Lauren also shares that the ultimate goal, as she works from home is to delegate the tasks. Work hard now (for a season) and when you make enough money, you can pay someone else to do the other tasks you were doing.
As a military wife, mom and entrepreneur… Working from home is not easy. Lauren explains that sometimes making sacrifices like, getting up at 5am to work her business, is not always easy. You are your own motivator, you can also make those decisions and see what will work with your business. This doesn’t come by making easy choices, you will sometimes make mistakes and it won’t be easy, but don’t beat yourself up, the point is to learn from the situation and move forward. Find the balance and what works for you. She even talked about getting a cleaning lady, to help further her business, (Delegating those tasks) that will help you, your family and business.
Lauren talks about her upcoming new book: The Modern Military Spouse (*Giveaway*) and she shares her last words of encouragement… If you are looking to start a business, give it a try. Don’t hold back!
To find out more about Lauren…
Blog: The Military Wife and Mom
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March 26, 2016
Music and Dance class for Toddlers
I LOVE to take my youngest daughter out around the area and get her exposed to different things, be around other children, discover things together. We both had a lot of fun visiting Diane from Expressions Dance and Movement Center. Learning about different types of music, dancing and meeting new friends. We made a day of it.
We stopped and grabbed some breakfast before heading to class
Expressions Dance and Movement Center, Songbirds Music class offers music movement, singing, playing, dancing, for children ages 0-5 and the grown ups who love them. They even have one in Spanish, called: Canta y Baila Conmigo. What I LOVE about this program is the friendly, family atmosphere, you can relax and allow the children to play and explore. (From the website, The goal of the class is: “To nurture each child’s natural enthusiasm for movement and music. We sing, dance, play rhythm games and instruments, and have fun in an non-formal setting that enriches children’s musical environment and guides them toward a lifetime of musical enjoyment. We recognize that all children are musical and that every child needs a stimulating, supportive musical environment. Come share many delightful musical moments with your child.”
During reading time, she was very shy at first…
She slowly began to really express herself more in dance and movement
There was time for musical instruments and she LOVED that part and when it was time to clean up, she was very happy to put the instruments away
Then the class ended with a song and an opportunity to touch on the guitar strings. She had a blast and I loved seeing my little one learn in such fun ways and meeting other friends as well.
Here’s a video you can check out…
To find out more about SongBirds Music classes…
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Unique activities during spring break
During spring break I like to plan trips that the kids and I have never done before. Being a Work at home mom it can get crazy with all three children running around but I LOVE to plan fun trips for at least one day that my children can enjoy. If during the whole 5 days my children are on spring break, I can only do about 30 minutes of work, then I’m successful. I’m able to do what I can and I allow God to handle the rest. Whenever I have my kids (during spring break), I like to be “Present” with them and at night, when I’m feeling it, I will work on my business. Here are some unique spring break activities you can try with your family.
Here’s a printable with 50+ summer activities you can add to this list.
-Spend the day (or a few days) in your PJs
Watch movies, eat popcorn, play games and order pizza! This is basically our family movie night on Fridays!
-Take a day trip! (anywhere We went to The Cabrillo national monument)
-We LOVE DIY science experiments
– Movies, Movies and more Movies!!!
We LOVE the Drive in Movies
– Try a new activity. (Get your “Jump on” at Rockin Jump)
– Go to popular foods places in your area and try it out
I LOVE to try different types of food! (We tried kikos food truck, I LOVE seafood!)
– Try new malls
– Try out national parks (This is on my list of going to a National parks here in CA)
– Take a Museum trip
– Make YouTube videos
I also did an easter tag and at the end of the video you see my daughter calling me! 
March 21, 2016
P065: The Modern Military Spouse
The Modern Military Spouse… Who is she? What does she do? How does she handle it all? These are the very topics, Jo from the blog JoMyGosh discuss and share tips, stories and laughs about the military lifestyle.
Click here to view more details
She is one of the authors of their new book: Modern Military Spouse (The ultimate life guide for military spouses and significant others), I had the honor of reading this book and let me tell you… I’ve been in this military game for some years now (10+ years) and I’ve learned a few things from reading this book. New things such as living and moving overseas, even though I want to one day experience this, I will NOW be armed and ready, prepared, with tools in my back pocket to tackle moving overseas.
In this episode Jo, shares her first experience as a military spouse, getting married, deployment, PCSing and some of the things she had to learn along the way. One of favorite things about this conversation I had with Jo, is that she shares about the realities a lot of military spouses face when they no longer have to work their career, due to PCS, deployments, health, etc. and asking themselves the question who am I, without the money and the stability of the career?
These were the very questions Jo asked herself when faced with this situation. She goes on to explain how she was able to walk through that difficult time.
She goes on to say that when you are in this fog, don’t just sit there, know that tomorrow is better. She goes on to explain…
Numbers and dollar signs come and go but feeling fulfilled as a person is the more important part!…
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Jo, goes into more detail about the book, how she got started, brainstorming with the other authors, Lauren from the military wife and mom and J.D. from A Semidelicate Balance together discussing, what topics a Modern Military Spouse may face in the military.
Stay connected with Jo…
Giveaway
This comprehensive eBook includes 14 chapters, 20+ printable documents and checklists, and 3 bonus sections.
Inside this book:
A complete list of military life resources, keeping things in one easy to use location.
20+ printables, documents, and checklists, including a week-by-week PCS checklist, a comprehensive deployment checklist, a getting married checklist, and a resume building checklist.
Military acronyms, abbreviations, and terms defined and available at your fingertips.
Chapters Include:
When You Don’t Have a Ring
What to Do When He’s Gone
Preparing for a Successful Military Marriage
Creating a Budget That Works
Hitting the Books Military-Style
Military Proofing Your Career
Building a Strong Support Network
Becoming a Good Military Spouse
Navigating Military Life with Kids
Step-by-Step to PCS
Moving and Living Overseas
Using Social Media Safely
Complete List of Resources for Spouses
Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Terms Defined
This book is equipped with tools, advice, funny stories to help you navigate the military lifestyle.
If you are interested in getting this book, to add to your tool box, enter the giveaway below.
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March 18, 2016
(Military) How to OPSEC…
OPSEC is a sensitive topic in the military community. There is a lot going on with the military in today’s current events. When your new to the military lifestyle you won’t know what to say or not to say, until you say it and then get chewed out for it or your military member in trouble!
Here are a few helpful tips to learn about OPSEC & PERSEC and the Do’s and Don’ts!
OPSEC & PERSEC
OPSEC, also known as Operational Security, are the principles that we should all abide by when talking about our military members. If you’ve been on any military related message board, Facebook group, etc. on the internet, you have more than likely seen a warning to be sure to practice OPSEC. This means protecting the information you know about your military member and his/her unit.
PERSEC is Personal Security or Personnel Security. PERSEC is protecting the individual and his/her family and community. You, Don’t post last names (some of us don’t post first names either, but that is a personal choice–if you or your loved one has an unusual first name, don’t use it), phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, your specific work place, name along with rank or any other specific personal information that can be traced directly to you or the military member, be vague about your personal information on the internet.
How much personal information you post ANYWHERE is, of course, a personal choice, but think about it BEFORE you make a post and decide what’s right for *you and your family*.
Generally, in both cases, it means that you should not give out the following:
– The military members exact location overseas
– Any information on troop movements – this includes any movement while they are deployed, in transit to/from theater, etc. Do not ever give dates.
– Any information on weapons systems, how they train or numbers – for this reason, many pictures from overseas can easily violate OPSEC
If your military member is in a special operations unit, the OPSEC guidelines can be stricter. You may not be able to say s/he is deployed at all much less where s/he is.
ALWAYS abide by the rules set forth by his unit. Just because it is on the news does not mean that you can talk about the issue. By talking about it, you are only verifying the information.
CORRECT:
The military member is deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom
INCORRECT:
The military member is in XYZ Unit and is stationed at ABC Camp in XXX city in Iraq.
Give only general locations IF his/her unit allows it. The above incorrect statement is TOO much information.
INCORRECT:
The military member’s unit is returning from deployment and flying into XYZ Airport at 8pm next Tuesday.
Never give dates or times for troop movements. This includes R&R dates as well as deployment dates. Planes have been known to be delayed for days or weeks because this information was made public by an excited spouse or family member.
DEPLOYMENT TICKERS
Many family members like to use deployment tickers to count down their military members deployment. Never have a ticker that shows XX days until s/he returns. If you must have a ticker, then have one with the amount of time s/he has been gone.
FINALLY….
For your own personal safety, be very aware of what you are putting on the internet or in conversations in public. With the internet, it is not difficult to track down an address and phone number. Do not make yourself a target by letting the world know that your military member is deployed.
The old saying: “Loose lips sink ships” still holds true today. Keep your military member, your family and his/her unit safe by keeping the information you know to yourself. You never know who is lurking and gathering information on message boards, MySpace pages, Facebook, blogs, twitter, and profiles, etc. Better safe than sorry!
I hope this was helpful!
For more questions, please comment below or email: tlaborn (AT) hotmail (DOT) com
For more helpful resources check out my: Helpful Military Resources tab.
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March 16, 2016
Healthy Shamrock Shake recipe
Every year in march, McDonald’s come out with a Shamrock Shake in promotion of St.Patrick’s day. I wanted to find out more about St. Patrick’s day and the meaning behind shamrock. This shake, as one of the ingredients, has mint and I DO NOT like anything with mint in it, at all. In cakes, chocolate, nothing, I LOVE it in tea though, LOVE IT!
The Shamrock shake isn’t exactly healthy for you, (if you didn’t know that!). Let’s go over the nutrition facts. A 16-ounce serving of the Shamrock Shake has 550 calories! 13 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 180 milligrams of sodium, no fiber, 82 grams of sugar and 13 grams of protein.
The Shamrock Shake recipe, it is a secret but the main ingredients in this shake is McDonald’s low-fat vanilla soft-serve ice cream, Shamrock Shake syrup, mint extract and then topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
The Meaning of Shamrock!
The shamrock is a type of clover with three leaves. The most well-known meanings were imparted to the shamrock by St. Patrick, who compared the plant’s tri-part leaves to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Host Spirit. Occasionally shamrocks are found with four leaves. These are rare and considered to be very lucky for the finder. (source)
I saw a recipe from Lean secrets by Brenda turner and she had her version of the Shamrock Shake with protein. The Benefits of this protein shake I made is similar, but you can add anything you want to it, according to your taste.
Benefits Include:
NO artificial colors or flavors or sweeteners.
Packed with minerals, vitamins, and other healthy nutrients
Filled with healthy omega 3s
High in antioxidants
High Protein
High Fiber
Here is my version: (Again you can do whatever you want, according to your taste, Like me, I don’t like minty anything, so I omitted that, try this to see what you like and go for it!)
Ingredients:
3 or 4 Ice cubes
Unsweetened Almond Milk (1/2 cup) *According to taste and Thickness*
Chocolate Protein (1 scoop) *You can use vanilla but I didn’t have any so I used what I had*
Spinach *Handful*
1 Banana or 2 *Depending on sweetness* OR Honey, Truvia/Stevia
1 Avocado
I LOVED this drink! THIS is VERY DELICIOUS!! You can try the healthy version or you can try McDonald’s version! You decided!
Be Blessed!
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March 14, 2016
P064: The Journey of an Air Force Wife
In this episode, you will hear my heart for the military community. In the beginning of this year, I felt God put on my heart to share more about the community from, different bloggers, business owners and moms to really share their heart on the unique situations a lot of us military spouses experience.
Meet Rheanna, a blogger/writer from Cammo Style Love she is an Air Force Wife, mom and a business owner. She loves to read, binge on netflix and Hulu (I mean, who doesn’t?!). She loves all things Vintage, Purses and shoes, black and white movies, and she’s addicted to coffee and Dr. Pepper.
Rheanna and her Husband loving life!
One of the things Rheanna shares in the podcast is how she got started with blogging and the support and community that was lacking in her area. She decided to be that support and help for other military spouses through her blog. She shares TONS of stories, resources and tools that can help with any military spouse (no matter the branch) to navigate through this difficult and sometimes lonely world.
When she’s not blogging and covering high profile events. She hand makes knit, crochet and stitched items for the whole family, specializing in unique items for babies and toddlers! She knit and crochets in wool and wool blends, cotton and specialty yarns.
She is also a plexus consultant and loves it.
We talk about her definition of success. I LOVE the answer she gives on this because #1- Success is different for every person. #2- For military spouses success is differently going to look different because we live different and unique lives. #3- He story of being able to cover an event that is not typical for everyone and being able to share that success with others was success in her eyes. Go Rheanna!
We ended with her sharing a story of how at one point in her life, she just had a baby, she had a gall bladder removed and was feeling overwhelmed at this situation. At the time her church family really helped her, in particular a lady that understood the military life style and helped her. Having a community and connecting, is so important in negativing through the ups and downs of military life.
Rheanna shared that you have to sometimes seek out the help, its not going to come and show up to help. When others are looking to help, allow them in to help.
You can Check out her on…
Website: http://www.cammostylelove.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CammoStyleLove
Facebook (National Guard Families): https://www.facebook.com/NationalGuar...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RheChristine/
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