Toast to Class

Monday, March 23, 2020

How Berkey Filters Saved our Life and Finances

Ever found yourself wondering how you were going to get your next drink of fresh, safe water? Unfortunately, as of lately, this is a question so many people around the world are asking themselves.

When you go to the grocery store, and your bottled water section is completely empty. Gas stations, empty. Supply stores, empty.

The past few weeks we have seen a shift in our society. The Coronavirus has taken hold and is not loosening its grip. People are panicking and over-buying produce, meats, water, diapers, formula and basic everyday necessities.

We can only hope that this pandemic will be over soon, where we can slowly slip back into our normal routines. As for me and my house, we have become more prepared. The only positive out of this entire situation is that we have learned how to compromise, to live sustainably, and to become creative.

In the beginning of all of the virus hysteria, before it really sank in for everyone, my husband and I sat down and looked at our finances. We poured over what could be cut out in order to live for sustainably. (paper towels, disposable diapers, paper plates/paper products, water bottles made the list) We realized that we were spending OVER $100 a month on bottled water. We do not drink from the tap and I encourage everyone who is, to stop. We quickly realized that because of the state of the world, where we cannot even go to the store to get water, we needed to be able to depend on a filter that would provide clean water for us, at home. This is where Berkey Filters came into play. Financially, it makes sense to make the switch. Also from an environmental stand point, no more plastic bottles in our house, no more adding to the pollution of the oceans and landfills.

We spent $290 on our Berkey, and no longer will be spending $100 a month on water bottles. It is an investment, but after three months, we will be pocketing $100 +.

We ordered our water system on Monday March 16th, 2020. At that time, the website only had the Travel System left. It is their smaller system, holding only 1.5 Gallons, but that is perfect for our family of three (myself, my husband and our six month old baby).

I checked the website this morning, March 23rd, and they are completely sold out. I feel extremely blessed that we were able to grab one in time.

Retail price of the Travel Berkey Water filter is $249. We paid an extra $20 for expedited shipping as they were backlogged and it would take weeks to receive it if we did not pay extra. The system itself holds 1.5 gallons, but can filter 2.75 gallons per hours. Which is plenty for us. It advertises this system is perfect for 6 or less people. You do have the option of buying Fluoride filters for $60 for two, but the website was sold out at the time.

The BPA free, FDA approved system comes with 4 stainless steel cups, a travel filter and food coloring so you can test the filters. I highly recommend following the instructions diligently and doing every step recommended. In all honestly, the water that comes from this system, tastes better than any water I’ve had. There is no weird aftertaste, just pure, clean water.

As you can see, the system is beautiful. Its small and compact and sits perfectly on our counter. Cleaning the system from the outside is as simple as taking a towel and wiping off any smudges.

The inside of the system contains two filters. There are over 50,000 contaminants in regular tap water. These two filters are able to filter out every last one. You do have to prime the filters before using which was simple as running water through them for about 30 seconds.

These items are the travel items. Blue nozzle, extra washer and food coloring for testing purposes. The blue nozzle is able to slip onto any faucet and attaches to the black filters that are installed inside the system. They can easily be removed so if you are traveling and in a pinch, just remove the black filters, attach the blue nozzle and clean water is available.

The stainless steel cups have been super easy to clean, and make the water colder in my opinion.

Our water routine is every morning and once before bed, I refill the system and store our water into glass containers. I then put those containers into the fridge because we drink our water cold. Its a fool proof system that is easy and effective for clean, cool drinking water.

During these unknown times, we must be able to have the three main necessities. Water, food and shelter. Our family is one step closer to becoming self sustainable because we were able to obtain a Berkey Filter.

Please check out their website linked below. Read about the benefits of owning one of these systems. Hopefully they will be back in stock soon.

Prayers to you and your family, and to America.

Berkey Filters

OH BABY BOXES! Best Pregnancy Subscription Box

Calling all my pregnant and postpartum mommas! If you are like me and looking to save money, test new products all while pampering yourself during and after pregnancy, please keep reading!

Okay lets get down to the nitty gritty. Baby girl Robertson is coming in three short months. It is a little hard to believe that I am even writing that sentence. So when I was approached by Oh Baby Boxes to share their products, I jumped right in. I constantly am getting approached by brands wanting me to share their products, but none really stood out and I was not passionate about them. I am so glad I finally found a company that gets me and has been so chill to work with.

Oh Baby Boxes is a monthly subscription service focused on curating healthy and fun products! Each box is tested and researched, so you know you are getting a good deal, which I am all for. The products are also organic and natural! Whoop whoop!

First time momma here, and I have been clueless as to what I should expect each trimester. Luckily, this box makes it super easy! They are curated specifically to your due date. So if you are in the first trimester when you order your subscription, you will receive products that are going to be specifically tailored to you during that time!

For example, I am in the second trimester, getting closer to due time and getting LARGER. Haha! So when I opened the box and found a belly mask for stretch marks and growing skin I was ecstatic! This subscription service is only $39.99 a month, all valued over $100! For us moms on a budget, this was a no brainer for me to be able to test different, FULL SIZED products, for only $40 bucks a month, with FREE shipping.

Now, lets get into the products.

I about died, like I said, when I saw that there is a mask, for your belly! How neat! I had never even thought to put a mask on my growing, stretching skin. This mask is also super easy to apply and has no smell. They will help with healing, soothing and can reduce inflammation. I wore mine for 4 hours, but you can wear it up to 8! This mask retails for $8.

Brought to you by the lovely people at KOCOSTAR USA, CAMOUFLAGE BELLY MASK.

https://kocostarusa.com

For months y'all, I mean months, I have been searching the internet for the perfect mommy and baby bracelet or necklace to wear. I almost purchased so many on Etsy but just never pulled the trigger. Boy, am I glad I didn't! I am so in love with the Oh Baby Box Exclusive Mommy and Baby Bracelets. The set retails at only $20 bucks! What a deal. They are super high quality and adjustable. I cannot wait to celebrate motherhood with these matching bracelets!

Brought to you exclusively through OH BABY BOXES. https://www.ohbabyboxes.com

If you know me, you know I am obsessed with skin care. Have been since I started working at this one medical spa a few years ago. I learned about how to spot a quality product vs a product that is just for show. I use high end products and I also use drug store. And y'all, let me tell you, I am NOT just saying this for the blog. This is probably my new favorite eye cream. It is hands down, the creamiest formula I have ever felt. It has no smell, which I was super excited about because, well, pregnancy. This Miracle Cream helps with dark circles, works to brighten your skin and keeps your eye area hydrated for hours! I sleep in mine, and I wake up looking like my skin is snatched honey! This product retails for only $20. You can also use CODE: 20 OFF for 20% off!

Brought to you by NATURALLY VAIN - MIRACLE EYE CREAM. https://www.naturallyvain.com

While we are on the topic of skin care, lets keep the conversation going about masks and how I have a healthy obsession with them. I know I am not the only one, right? I have noticed that during pregnancy my skin has changed. Some days, my skin is very very dry, and some I am my normal combination skin. When I saw this product in the box I screamed out loud because your girl loves her some BEETS! This product is made with the beautiful Moroccan Red Clay, vegan, organic and paraben-free. Its sooooo easy to use and contains so many healthy vitamins and minerals. All you do is take one small scoop of the power mixed with equal parts water, and slap this bad boy on your face! I let mine sit for 20 minutes. As soon as I removed the mask, my skin was glowing! This product retails for $22.

Brought to you by ELEMENTS OF ALEIL - IM BEET CLAY MASK.

https://www.elementsofaliel.com

True story. After I laid out the products on my counter, I went into the other room for something. I heard my husband in the living room shout out "Oh my gosh babe, this candle smells so good". Y'all, he never says stuff like this. Haha. He is a manly man, but boy, he was so right! I have a thing for candles, they are spread out all over my house. When we started burning it, I could smell it from every room. Its not too over powering, but you get this clean, woodsy smell that is just perfect for my pregnancy brain! This candle has a hint of sea salt and a splash of sage. You need to get your hands on one of these bad boys. It even has a burn time of 25-30 hours, so you are going to get more bang for your buck. This product retails at $14. You can used CODE: EC15ATX for 15% off!

Brought to you by EDGEWATER CANDLE - 100% NATURALLY SOY CANDLE.

https://edgewatercandles.com

As a new almost mom, I have found that the further I get into pregnancy, the more my nerves are a little on end. Some things that would normally never bother me, bother me. I am told this is all just the hormones so I brushed it off. About two weeks before I got the box in the mail, I was scouring Audible for the best pregnancy meditation, childbirth tips, etc. I could never find one that was perfect for what I wanted and that wouldn't break the bank. Imagine my surprise when I receive this in the box! This box came with digital audio of a Healthy Pregnancy and Successful Childbirth download! Perfect for expecting mothers, this can be used throughout pregnancy and after. It will help lift your mood, reduce anxiety and connect with your baby. Seriously, go listen to this audiobook. Retails for only $14!

Brought to you by HEALTH JOURNEYS. https://www.healthjourneys.com

This next product is truly one I had never seen before! So far, all my ultrasound photos have ended up on my fridge or just laying on my vanity. When I saw this picture frame holder, I was so excited to put one on display that is so cute! Its a little pregnant momma, cut out of natural wood! This is also custom designed and made with so much love by the Oh Baby Boxes team. Retails for $18, but priceless in my book!

Brought you by OH BABY BOXES, EXCLUSIVE. https://www.ohbabyboxes.com

Okay, this last product might just be my favorite. As a first time mom, I spend so much time (too much time) on Instagram and Pinterest looking up the best swaddle blankets. I think its such a cute industry and I cannot wait to attempt the perfect swaddle on baby Evelyn. I loved that this swaddle is gender neutral, so no matter what sex your baby is, you can use it and love it! It's great for swaddling, nursing, cuddling and much much more. This Muslin Swaddle retails for $14.

Brought to you by ANGEL DEAR - MUSLIN SWADDLE. http://www.angeldear.net

Thank you so much for reading and keeping up with my during this most precious time. My husband and I are so excited to meet our little one. A HUGE shoutout to Oh Baby Boxes, for curating the perfect subscription box. I can't wait to receive my next one.

"Labor is the only blind date where you will meet the love of your life"

You can follow Oh Baby Boxes on Instagram and Facebook.

www.Facebook.com/ohbabybox

www.Instagram.com/ohbabyboxes

CANON G7X UNBOXING&DEMO!

Peep my new camera unboxing and demo. This Canon G7X is a gem and a staple to my camera game. Upon initial review, the camera itself is sturdy, heavy-duty and easy to grip. The auto focus feautures are easy to use and you can’t beat the quality. I’ve had the camera for only a couple days and I plan to make a 6 month review with spec details soon. Check back on my channel for all updates!

SO FAR:

Pros:

Easy to grip

Clear picture quality

WiFi capable

Films beautiful videos

User friendly

Great for first time vloggers

1080P

Touchscreen

Flip screen

Cons:

No external mic (yuck)

$$$

4K video absent

No built in view finder

Battery life

Enjoy xoxo

LETTER TO MYSELF

Dear, 90 year old me. I hope you are still as cool as I am right now. :)

By the age 27 you had traveled the world (in my opinion) Ukraine, Russia, Germany, Kiev, Luhansk, Zimbabwe South Africa, Bulawayo South Africa, Johannesburg South Africa, Juneau Alaska, Whalers Cove Island Alaska, Cancun Riviera Maya Progresso Cozumel Mexico, New York, San Diego Santa Barbara Los Angeles California, New Orleans Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Jacksonville Destin Orlando Florida, Bolivar Missouri, Chicago Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Yellowstone National Park Wyoming and many more.

You, at 27, have 5 tattoos. One dog, Winston. Two cars. You rent a little house off 2nd St. You work in real estate and proudly have your real estate license. Your parents bought a lake house in 2017 off Lake Tyler. You loved concerts. Kings of Leon, Mumford and Sons, Coldplay, Augustana, Crystal Fighters, Dashboard Confessionals, Aaron Watson, Randy Rogers, Whiskey Meyers, Flatland Calvary, Pat Green, Eli Young Band, Josh Abbot, Casey Donahew Band, Flatland Calvary, Taylor Swift, Lil Wayne (twice, box suite seats), Willie Nelson, Alessia Cara and so many more.

You've watched many tv series thus far. The Office. Vampire Diaries, The Originals, The Son, Bates Motel, The Sinner, The Fall, The Killing, Suits, Dexter, Stranger Things, Sons of Anarchy and countless others. If Netflix is still a thing, they will all be there. (Stranger Things was epic and brilliant, you've watched if 4 times already)

You love music. You love rap music despite being a little white girl that grew up in the suburbs. Tupac and ZRO got you through some tough times. Coldplay always was able to move you. It helped bring you back to the light on a thousand circumstances. Kings of Leon, Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, Dashboard Confessionals, Texas Country and the old stuff (Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Straight) Rock N Roll (Led Zeppelin, Van Morrison, Marshall Tucker Band, The Band) and so many more. You have on vinyl all the greats, Led Zeppelin, Prince, Marshall Tucker Band, Adele, Bob Marley, Rolling Stones, ACDC, Metallica, Air Supply. Basically, any great rock band, you own their 1st edition vinyl along with a record player. 27 year old self is hoping you still have them.

You enjoyed driving around. Playing video games (Call of Duty World at War, Fortnite) You loved eating Chipotle. You at 27, had long, brown hair and your blonde birthmark always showed through. You love reading. All about murder mysteries, Stephen King novels and anything by Louis Penny.

You love immensely. It hasn't always been easy. You always live by the quote, and quote it to yourself on many occasions: "Sometimes you're flush and sometimes you're bust, and when you're up, its never as good as it seems, and when you're down, you think you'll never be up again, but life goes on"

You at 27, have no children, but want them someday. 27 year old self dreams of being a loving, kind, funny and badass mom. You don't ever cuss and really try not to, but hey, its okay, for this occasion. You go to church. You love Jesus and are always searching for ways to deepen that relationship. 27 year old you, is funny and loves adventure, traveling, art, music, dreaming, exercising and loving blindly.

Dear 90 year old me. I hope you have lived, and have no regrets. I hope you have lived a long, healthy, purposeful life, and didn't care too much along the way about what others think.

Sincerely,

27 year old, Jenna