Substance of Living

Are your eyes ever bigger than your stomach when it comes to food?  Mine are all the time and now my brain thought I was up for a challenge - beyond something I've ever done!  I've pledged (unofficially) to not purchase home decor or ready-made clothing this year.  When I talk about home decor, if it is something that can be sewn then it will not be purchased but made.  Purchasing fabric is permissible. This isn't a new idea and you've probably seen recycling , upcycling, refashioning , and other descriptions of such around the internet and in the book stores for some time now.  Since DH and I moved, we've been downsizing and a lot of the items were donated but now we're to the point that we are into the soft items.  Items that are still in really good shape but no longer wearable for whatever reason.  We don't want to pass along a top if there is a hole in the knit or a stain - so I'm reusing the material to make other things. A challenge, that...

Follow the brick path to your dreams. A void negative sources, people, places, things and habits. B elieve in yourself. C onsider things from every angle. D on't give up and don't give in. E njoy life today; yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. F amily and friends are hidden treasures.  Seek them and enjoy their riches. G ive more than you planned to give. H ang on to your dreams. I gnore those who try to discourage you. J ust do it! K eep on trying.  No matter how hard it seems, it will get easier. L ove yourself first and most. M ake it happen. N ever lie, cheat or steal.  Always strike a fair deal. O pen your eyes, and see things as they really are. P ractice makes perfect. Q uitters never win, and winners never quit. R ead, study and learn about everything important in your life. S top procrastinating. T ake control of your own destiny. U nderstand yourself in order to better understand others. V isualize it. W ant it more than anyt...

Creating Your Destiny You can begin controlling your life's destiny today.  It doesn't matter where you are in your life, your career, or anything else as long as you begin believing in yourself today.  Sure, there will be slips down the slide but each time you will come back stronger and healthier.  Healthier in the belief that you are on the right path. So, remember that your destiny begins with your thoughts.  That means no more negative self-talk or putting yourself down because you made a mistake. Who was it that first said we must take care of ourselves before helping others ?  I'm sure I'm paraphrasing but if we don't take care of ourselves and get ourselves on the right path, who are we to help others?  Here's a prime example: If you are dirty from working outside and don't wash up or change your clothes before bathing your children, who are also dirty from being outside, won't you get them dirty all over again after they get out of the b...

I am so honored to introduce you to one of my favorite artists and people -- Kristen Monacell. To give you a little background before you meet her, Kristen is one of those super talented artists that seem to be able to do anything.  She can paint, create amazing outfits, and as you'll see her ability maintains its high standards of quality in her jewelry. Here's a little secret that she'll probably want to clobber me for telling and that is that she is a little on the shy side so today is extra special because she opens up with us. One afternoon Kristen and I were sitting in her studio and the idea came to me to interview her.  All we had was my phone as a recorder so I've typed our conversation rather than having you sit through the not-so-great sound quality. Kristen Monacell Kristen, thank you for this opportunity to record our conversation and share with my readers.  So let's see, where do we begin - that's a good word - we'll begin at...

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man. —Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces When I was chosen to review John Blackport’s latest novel, Misfits Revolt (A Talan Revolt #4), I was excited and a little nervous.   Excited to learn a new (to me) author’s style of writing but also a new genre – fantasy.   Nervous because this author trusted me to honestly review his book. I’m thankful to say that I thoroughly enjoyed both the author’s style of writing and his story.   His hero, Rick Rivoire, is what many would call “A Man’s Man” and yet he is gentle enough so that women are attracted to him. The hero, in this case, Rick Rivoire, must face three key phases in his jou...

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil When I was asked to sample and review Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, I knew a special recipe had to be created.  Something everyone would enjoy, something for the holiday season, something new and something easy. These cookies hold their shape, slightly crunchy on the outside with a moist and crumbly interior that melts in your mouth.  Mini muffins were tried and they held up to the test of the cookies as well as the baking time.   Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour 2 teaspoons Baking Powder 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt 1 cup Brown Sugar 1/3 cup Sugar 3/4 cup Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil (room temperature or slightly melted) 2 teaspoons Vanilla 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (not pie mix) 1 cup Chocolate Chips  Directions: Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.  Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.  Combine wet...

Homemade Vegan Butter - It Melts! Are you tired of spending more than your fair share at the grocery store because you purchase vegan products?  If you're like us, we try to purchase vegan as much as possible plus we have to purchase gluten-free products.  So you can imagine our grocery bill. One of my Foodie Bucket List items was to figure out how to make vegan butter that tastes, melts, and does everything else that real butter does but without all the added chemicals or those really difficult-to-pronounce ingredients. DH and I have been using Earth Balance for our creamy butter spread.  The ingredients are all pronounceable and it has a nice flavor.  It also acts just like margarine - creamy, spreadable, makes great grilled cheese sandwiches, and works in baked goods.  The price at our local grocery store is $4.49 for a 15 ounce tub. Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread Although we found a great produ...