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5 must haves for every kitchen
Must have kitchen items I couldn’t live without.
When you are shopping for items, whether for a gift or for yourself, it is much easier to find things that others have tried and loved. There are so many choices out there, it is overwhelming.
As a mom to 5 boys, and 1 VERY hungry husband, I have cooked my share of meals. We have hosted family get-togethers etc. Here are some items that I could not live without.
Click here to shop >>>>Ceramic Pots and pan set
I had lived most of my 52 years with the standard pots and pans. I had never had a ceramic set until I was given one for Christmas (thanks sweetheart). I for some reason thought everything would stick and be terrible to clean. I was totally mistaken. If you have never tried ceramic I cannot tell you what a difference it has made in my life. Gone are the old and tired “nonstick”. I am telling you, give ceramic a shot. Don’t just take my word for it, read the reviews here.
Click here to shop>>>>Hands free colander
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain – Silicone Clip-On Colander, Heat Resistant Drainer fo Vegetables and Pasta Noodles, Kitchen Gadgets for Bowl, Pots, and Pans.
This colander replaces the large and clunky, hard to clean metal colanders of your mother’s. You cannot go wrong adding this to your collection. I find myself using this nearly every day. You can check out the nearly 40,000 5 star reviews right here.
Click here to shop>>>>Utensil Set
White Silicone and Gold Cooking Utensils Set with Holder – 7PC Silicone Cooking Utensils Set Includes Gold Kitchen Utensils, Gold Whisk, Gold Spatula, & Gold Utensil Holder
When you are working with good pots and pans, you cannot sacrifice good utensils to keep them looking and performing like new. This set not only looks fantastic but, will keep your pots and pans like the day you brought them home. Read all the reviews right here.
Click here to shop>>>>Bakeware set and accessories
BAKKENMASTE 18-Piece Deluxe Nonstick Carbon Steel Bakeware Set – Professional Kitchen Oven Baking Pans with White Silicone Handles and Accessories
No kitchen is complete without and essential bakeware set. This set has everything you will need to make outstanding pies to scrumptious cupcakes.
Your family will be thrilled with all of the treats you’ll be bringing to the table. I have struggled in the pastry department but, with this set it makes baking and clean up a breeze. Over 1500 people can’t be wrong. Read the reviews here.
Click here to shop>>>>#1 must have for every kitchen
PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic, Extra Hot Air Fry, Cook, Crisp, Broil, Roast, Bake, High Gloss Finish, Nonstick, Black
I was given an air fryer a few years ago (before they were such a big thing) and I had no clue what to use it for so it sat and sat like just another gadget on my counter. Fast forward to today and I wouldn’t be without one. This has been a lifesaver both in time and in calories. It is amazing how easy and quick that you can prepare things and without the fat of typical deep frying. If you do not have one of these in your kitchen, do yourself and add it to your list. It would also make a great gift for anyone you know just starting out on their own.
You can read all of the 5000+ 5 star reviews right here.
I hope that this helps you whether you are shopping for a foodie in your life or for yourself.
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Intermittent Fasting and the Menopause Middle.
I spent the first 40 years of my life very fortunate. I could (and would) eat whatever I wanted and not gain a single pound. Then, like a tornado, the onset of menopause. Now I would love to not put all of the blame on menopause. I have not been the kindest to my body. It turns out I’ve let the Western Diet (fast food, artificial chemicals on or in nearly everything) take over my life. Have you taken a look at an ingredient list lately? Very likely there will be many ingredients that you cannot even pronounce. In 1958, the FDA introduced a program called GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). This is the program that these chemicals fall under. An example of one of these chemicals would be MSG. These chemicals will stay on this list until we discover they are dangerous. Partially hydrogenated oils were once on this list. In 2015, it was removed when they ruled they were no longer safe to eat. The FDA reduced the amount of trans fat allowed into our foods. By labeling food either low fat or fat free it led us to believe that we should feel good about picking up these foods. When in fact, we are all collectively gaining weight. This led to another problem by reducing the amount of fat they were left with another problem—flavor. So, began the creation of the litany of chemicals and artificial flavorings that then has gotten mixed in, sprayed on or any other means necessary to fix the zero fat/zero flavor issue on their hands. It also increased the amount of sugar in these foods.
If you want more information, you can read this consumer reports article.
I believe there are many factors at play here that have contributed to this unwanted middle section of my body. I have been researching in so many different places. And there are an unbelievable amount of information it’s overwhelming.
There are so many schemes out there to get you to get out your credit cards and be sucked into the “lose 20 lbs in 30 days” wormhole. Perhaps buy these gummies and you just need to chew 2 each morning and find the weight just falling off, like Oprah and Garth Brooks (heads up, they didn’t actually use this method) You name it. I’ve been sucked into all of them.
When I turned 40, symptoms weren’t drastic they snuck up on me like a secret shadow. Night sweats here and there, brain fog, exhaustion for no reason, and man was I crabby; like I couldn’t stand myself. Then I noticed that my clothes didn’t fit me like they used to. Turns out I didn’t accidentally shrink everything in my closet. I was blaming it on the stress of the Covid lockdown, the sudden start to my homeschooling career and complete lack of social interaction.
I fully believe that all of these things played a part and I didn’t realize it until I had gained 30 lbs and my body was stiff and inflexible. I couldn’t do things that used to be so simple, like bending down and standing back up. It sounds crazy. If I could have seen my future self and known what was coming maybe I would have taken steps to avoid this long road I am now beginning. I didn’t realize just how drastically that menopause would change my hormones. We all have survived the “time-of-the-month” hormones and mood swings. Well, menopause takes these to a whole new level. I have looked at many different approaches and talked to many people that have tried some of the more popular methods out there. Keto, Vegan, Mediterranean, powders, supplements, yada, yada.
I stumbled on this incredible book and countless videos of Dr. Mindy Pelz. She is the author of The Menopause Reset, The Reset factor and Fast Like a Girl.
All of her books are available here
All of these questions I have, it turns out may be answered with the process of Intermittent Fasting, or IF. The studies she has done and the science behind it is extremely fascinating. I am embarking on her 30-day reset to test her theories. I am praying that this is the answer I so desperately have been looking for.
As far as the menopause mystery goes, I feel like I may have come out the other side of the dark place that it became for me. It is no joke; it turned me into a person I did not recognize. The best way I can explain it is this—It’s like it took my brain and my body, put them in a blender, ran it on high for a minute and poured me back out and said “here you go, good luck!”
If you or someone you love is dealing with the same issues, if you have been through it and would like to share any advice, please do so. I believe it is something that needs to be talked about. We as women should not have to travel through it alone. You can check out Dr. Mindy’s website here. Or catch up on her YouTube channel here.
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How to go from election division to holiday togetherness
Going from Election season to Holiday season
Every single election cycle brings a huge amount of stress. From all of the ads bombarding us at every turn TV/radio/billboards/nightly news the list goes on.
Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independant. Whatever the reasons that you vote the way you do, the importance is that you exercise your right to vote that our ancestors have fought so hard to protect. That being said, I want help our families and communities to heal from all of the division.
Tomorrow I am taking my son along to vote for the very first time. It started me thinking about how this right even came to pass and all of those that left their blood sweat and tears for us to have
Here is an excellent resource to show you the history, it shows you how this country went from white, male landowners being the only ones with this right to today.
This election has driven wedges within families and we are all so divided. The left has gone left and the right has gone right. I don’t think that this is what our forefathers had in mind when this country was founded. Regardless of your views I want to bring our families back together. Every American is entitled to their view and opinion. This is our freedom. So, please I beg that we each do a little less judging and a lot more listening.
Merging the divide
In this article you’ll find answers to some of the questions you may have about the upcoming holiday season.
If you feel the need to take the elephant out of the room, let everyone know before hand that there will be no discussing politics while visiting. Many times when a family or friends are so divided on a subject and there is some alcohol being consumed it can be like a match to the flame.
The most important take away is finding your ability to remain calm regardless of the situation. This year I am going to choose to focus on what I can control, myself.
My favorite ways to keep calm when I want to lose my sh**
Breathe: Taking deep breaths, and learning breathing techniques is one of the very best ways to calm yourself down and avoid saying something that may create an even worse situation. Try deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Be mindful: Having this kind of attitude can help you to stay focused and clear-headed.
Talking to a friend: Someone who knows you well can calm you almost in an instant.
Take a break: There may be times when you just need to walk away and take a few minutes to yourself to gain a fresh outlook.
There are countless resources out there to help you avoid freaking out in any given situation.
Even a better way to handle the situation is to try and avoid it all together. Knowing that you are tired, hungry (or hangry) and know that any difficult situation could be much more difficult if this is the case. Get to know yourself even better by digging deep and realizing when you are running on an empty tank and take a step back to refill your own cup. They say you cannot pour from an empty cup. Learn how to gauge your own feelings and care for yourself first.
If you need some ideas where to start check out this great blog post!
After all of the negative political talk and the never ending media loop I invite you to focus your energy on your family, this wonderful time of year and go all out with your festivities. Here you can find all of your baking/decorating needs. Let this be your most fabulous holiday season yet.
Click on the photo below and bring peace and a festive fall feel to your home!!
Let’s break the internet and share your favorite Thanksgiving recipes or traditions. Please comment below.
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Pages of possibility: My journey through books.
My journey through books has been a lifelong one. I have loved books for as long as I can remember. As far back as elementary I started with a fascination with all things Stephen King. We lived miles out in the country and nowhere near any of my friends. Books have forever kept me company and taken me to places that I thought I may never see in person.
Books basically helped take me away to places in my mind, whether I was sad or lonely or even angry. There was always a book that could bring me out of the funk that I might be in.
I have found through every stage of life this has been true for me. I have graduated from Stephen King (thank you for filling my childhood and teen years). Whatever genre is your favorite all books have things in common. You become personal with the characters and their stories. They can make you laugh out loud or cry your eyes out.
If you can spend an evening buried in a good story with a cozy blanket and yummy warm beverage then my friend you have created a place to find your peace. You can check out these recipes from
easypeasyrecipe.com>>>>
My favorite genres
I am currently obsessed with historical fiction. I was never much of a history buff while I was in school. At this point in life, I wish I had paid much more attention. I have now traveled to many countries and been lucky enough to see many of the sights that these books talk about in person and they are breathtaking. Kristin Hannah started me down this path and I have read every one of her books. I highly suggest any one of them, my first Hannah book was The Nightengale. She tells such a vivid, colorful story that I had to check if it was a true story.
Mystery/Thriller books, there are so many incredible authors here that I feel I cannot do them justice in a simple paragraph. I will devote an entire post to the wonderful mystery/thriller writers. Here are a couple of my favorites:
James Patterson (all things Alex Cross)
Frieda Mcfadden (The Housemaid series for starters)
Colleen Hoover (It stars with us, It ends with us and Verity)
Fantasy books have made a bit of a resurgence for me after the Harry Potter phenomenon I’ll admit I hadn’t picked up a fantasy book in years. Along came A Court of Thorns and Roses series (Sarah J. Maas) and she had me hooked again.
I am going to share some of my latest favorites just in case you’re in a funk for something to read any one of these will jump start your journey back to your love of reading.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens.
Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy’s diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins: EVERY DAY THE SAME
Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.
UNTIL TODAY
And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult: Some stories live forever..
Sage Singer is a baker. She works through the night, preparing the day’s breads and pastries, trying to escape a reality of loneliness, bad memories, and the shadow of her mother’s death. When Josef Weber, an elderly man in Sage’s grief support group, begins stopping by the bakery, they strike up an unlikely friendship. Despite their differences, they see in each other the hidden scars that others can’t.
Everything changes on the day that Josef confesses a long-buried and shameful secret and asks Sage for an extraordinary favor. If she says yes, she faces not only moral repercussions, but potentially legal ones as well. With the integrity of the closest friend she’s ever had clouded, Sage begins to question the assumptions and expectations she’s made about her life and her family. In this searingly honest novel, Jodi Picoult gracefully explores the lengths to which we will go in order to keep the past from dictating the future.I feel that in today’s busy, hustle and bustle world there is nothing that can slow down the chaos like a really good book. No matter what your favorite topic. There is nothing like the feel and smell of a good old fashioned book—forgive me Kindle I love you too!
You can find all of these titles and millions more , you can even join book clubs based on your interests here!
**this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything through my links, I may receive a small compensation.
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Hygge: what it is and how to embrace it.
This week I have gone down a rabbit hole. This rabbit hole has a name and it is called hygge.
In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, the Danish concept of hygge offers a sanctuary of comfort and contentment. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” this philosophy centers around creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. But how can we integrate hygge into our everyday routines?
Creating a Cozy Space
The foundation of hygge is a cozy, inviting space. Think soft lighting, plush blankets, and natural textures. Candles are a staple, providing a warm glow that instantly uplifts the spirit. Consider adding fairy lights or a crackling fireplace to enhance the ambiance.
Mindful Moments
Hygge is about being present and appreciating the moment. Whether it’s savoring a cup of hot cocoa or reading a favorite book, these small acts of mindfulness allow us to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. Take time to unplug from digital distractions and truly engage with your surroundings.
Gathering with Loved Ones
Central to hygge is the joy of community and togetherness. Share a meal with family or friends, play board games, or simply enjoy a heartfelt conversation. The emphasis is on connection and creating meaningful experiences without the pressure of perfection.
Nature’s Influence
Bringing elements of nature indoors can enhance the hygge experience. Incorporate plants, flowers, or natural materials like wood and stone into your decor. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike, to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Comfort Food and Warm Drinks
Indulging in comfort food and warm drinks is quintessential hygge. Think hearty stews, freshly baked bread, and a steaming mug of tea or coffee. Cooking and sharing these meals can be a delightful way to bond with others and nourish the soul.
Practicing Gratitude
At its core, hygge is about gratitude and finding joy in the ordinary. Keep a journal to reflect on daily moments of happiness and gratitude. This practice shifts focus away from stress and towards appreciation for life’s simple treasures.
Incorporating hygge into your life is not about drastic changes but embracing a mindset of coziness and contentment. By prioritizing comfort, connection, and mindfulness, we can create spaces and moments that nurture the heart and soothe the soul. So light a candle, grab a blanket, and bask in the warmth of hygge.
Some ways to bring hygge into your life are:
- Candlelight
- Cuddling up with a loved one
- Picnics in the park
- Cookout with friends
- Outdoor concerts
- Street festivals
- Bike rides
- Comfort foods
- Warm drinks
Hygge has become popular both in culture and products, including books, housewares, and vacation rentals. For example, Stena Line, a Swedish-owned ferry company, offers “Hygge Lounges” on its Irish Sea ferry services.
Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, wrote The Little Book of Hygge, which is considered a definitive introduction to hygge.
You can find this book and all things to embrace your own hygge lifestyle here.
Your hygge journey starts right here >>>>>>>>>>>
Your family will thank you!
If you want to read the story of how all of this craziness started, you can find it here!
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We took the road less traveled and that made all the difference.
The road less traveled, as defined by yours truly: making unexpected choices, turning left when everyone expects you to turn right. Doing something completely other than the norm.
I would say that is exactly what I have been doing for the past 34 years. I didn’t choose the college route, I didn’t choose the “just start working” route. Nope, we went BIG. We left our parents speechless and left for boot camp.
We arrived to RTC (recruit training center) Orlando sometime in the middle of the night to a sort of parallel universe where knew “you’re not in Kansas anymore” Lord help you if you were chewing anything….- you were swallowing whatever substance it was. We marched and marched around some sort of cafeteria/gymnasium with a water fountain, where we each drank as much as we could on every single pass, we were like zombies, taken from our “normal” lives, in a circle until we could be sure that we would fill that cup with a urine sample that would make the powers that be proud. Finally that test was passed and we told to put everything we owned in a box to be sent home to our parents.
From every single walk of life that you can imagine.For whatever reasons that brought us to this exact place and time, we found ourselves in a melting pot of strangers and the scariest individuals we’d ever met about to break us down… I say again “what could possibly go wrong?” —” What the he** have we done?”
Finding myself alive after “the urine sample marathon and about an hour and fifteen minutes of sleep, our drill sergeants, (we were about to find out were like robots that require zero sleep) come in, light on, trumpets wailing “Reveille”. Holy Jesus, I could be back at home in my comfortable bed eating a large buttery cinnamon roll, but I am here in this crazy “rise at o’ dark thirty” existence. We woke like zombies, myself and my new family; at the mercy of these new “parents” we all had. I kept hearing in my head all of those people back home that thought I could not actually become a soldier so that was my incentive. I would not return to my small town and have failed.
Day by day we continued to fight our own demons, physical and mental. I thought about those that came before me with many more obstacles than I had and they pushed me. I would not fail. The shenanigans of boot camp are hard to describe, coupled with the exhaustion; it was tornado of beautiful disaster. When I look back it doesn’t seem like it was that difficult. We all kept the other up when we were down and became a make shift sort of family. When you are taken away from everything and everyone you know, you rely on those that are beside you. To this day, I cannot hear the song Desperado, and think of anything else.
Now all these years later I can look back and see how it shaped me into the person I am today. So many places that I would have never had a chance to experience, friends that I would have never met. I am proud to say I am a veteran and I respect and thank all those that are willing to put their lives on the line every single day to protect our freedoms.
If you would like to learn more about the USN and the opportunities they provide just click on the photo to the right.
This would become the first of my many stops along the road less traveled….to be continued
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In the beginning…
When I was a little girl, I remember flipping through the Sears catalog and seeing my future very clearly. I would cut out pictures of the dresses I would wear and the bedding for my beautiful bed. I imagined all the little details that would make up my grown-up life. My plan was to do great in school, graduate, attend college, and land a fantastic job. I dreamed of meeting an amazing man, getting married, and having wonderful kids—essentially, the whole white picket fence fantasy yada yada….
Check out all things 80’s I found right here!
I grew up in the eighties, the generation of big hair, great music and riding our bikes everywhere until dark. It seemed so logical that we would all grow up and live the fairy tale. What could possibly go wrong?
Well to start with, no one handed me a guidebook to anything that was coming and worse yet they don’t even print the damned Sears catalog anymore, what a tragedy.
Instead, during one of our life planning meetings (always happening on our rank second or maybe third hand sofa) my girlfriend says to me “let’s go to bootcamp” We grabbed the big thick yellow page phone book and the Navy was the first one we found. The recruiter (God bless you Darrell) was there lickety split. He arrived to our run down trailer house and probably thought “this is going nowhere”. Well fast forward a couple of months, a lot of testing, a few medical pokes, the papers were all signed. So began the first of the “what the he** did we just do” questions. We filled our last summer with adventures, friends, bonfires and dirt roads (you know who you are). Before we knew it our date came up and following many tears from our mother’s, my best friend, her sister (because who wouldn’t want a part of this action?) and myself were off into the great big world, going to conquer all they could throw at us. Again thinking “what could possibly go wrong?” We were about to find out….
