Substance of Living

Let's dig into our psyches this month and see if we can answer some tough questions.  Some of the questions are of a moral nature while others are more personal.   What would you do if you opened your mailbox to see your adoptive child on a "Have You Seen This Child" flyer?  In Lisa Scottoline's book Look Again , investigative reporter Ellen Gleeson is faced with such a dilemma. Look Again written by Lisa Scottoline Beautiful, modern Pearl Chin and her younger sister, May, live a life of bliss in 1937 Shanghai until their father gambles away their wealth. "To repay his debts, he must sell the girls as wives to suitors who have traveled from Los Angeles to find Chinese brides. As Japanese bombs fall on their beloved city, Pearl and May set out on the journey of a lifetime, from the Chinese countryside to the shores of America. Though inseparable best friends, the sisters also harbor petty jealousies and rivalries. Along the way they make terribl...

This month's book selection is based on love.  I've been in love with my sexy hunk of a husband for over 13 years and let me tell you, these books taught me a few things.  Love comes in different forms - sometimes love is scary; blossoms through lies and doubt; it even follows us through to our next life. Have you ever listed all the reasons why you love the one you're with?  Were you able to come up with 100 different reasons? "Love is patient, love is kind.  It is not jealous, [Love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails..." -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 The New American Bible for Catholics Colters' Wife I Think I Love You by Stephanie Bond "Love me without fear, Trust me ...

I'd like to start with a personal note by saying , "Happy Father's Day, Dad!" Father's Day is a time to reflect on the men who have made us who you are today.  These men may not have been our dad and they might not have even been a dad.  They did, however, play an important role in our life.  Sometimes we are molded by a smile or a few words of encouragement.  Sometimes it is a hug. Who are fathers?  Are all fathers dads?  No.  They can be Coaches, Teachers, Big Brothers, Supervisors, Neighbors, Uncles, Strangers.  They teach us through love and support.  They instill in us honor, pride, honesty, self-respect, and inner strength.  They show us how to give our children and future generations a chance. Have you been looking at your dad and wondering who he is or what he even enjoys?  Remember back a few (OK, maybe more) years and think about how you spent time with him.  Were you in the garage working on engines?  We...

Wh at is your first impression of a home when you see a wreath hanging on the front door?  Do you get a warm and fuzzy feeling of welcome?  Does it feel as i f i t beckons you to celebr ate ? I have this thing about homes with wreaths.  This is part of the voyeuristic side of me coming out.  When I'm out driving around or walking, I will often stop and take a picture of the door.  Do you do that?  Please tell me I'm not the only one who takes pictures of other people's doors or lawns.  Okay, that sentence sounded a little creepy. Enough about me. . . On with the Wreaths! 10 DIY Wreaths Trisha of The Sweet Survival starts us off with a whimsical Easter wreath.  Imagine this colorful wreath on your front door, in pastels such as this one or in colors that match your decor. Easter Egg Yarn Wreath Have you seen the fantastic scenes Designer Eddie Ross creates?  I'm not talking tantrums but beautiful tablescapes and wreaths...

This is a great spring or summer drink for gatherings.  Depending on the size of your glasses and the amount of ice you add to each drink, this recipe can easily serve eight people.  That would be about a cup per person. Try this as a nice non-alcoholic refreshing vacation in the middle of the afternoon.  Blend the juices with Lemon-Lime soda or Club Soda.  Enjoy! Ingredients 2 cups Cranberry Juice 2 cups Pink Grapefruit Juice 1 cup Vodka (Try a Cranberry or Pomegranate flavored Vodka) 1 (750ml) bottle Sparkling White Wine, chilled Garnish with pink grapefruit wheels or wedges Preparation: Combine the Cranberry Juice, Pink Grapefruit Juice along with the Vodka and shake with ice.  Pour into individual glasses and then gently add the sparkling wine. Garnish if desired. Remember that, just as in life, sometimes we have to ad-lib.  Well, you can do that here too.  How would or did you change this drink?

July 22, 2012 - July 28, 2012 Day Menu Item Shopping Sunday Best Ever Potato Salad Red Potatoes   Bacon (Vegan Bacon) Dijon mustard Eggs   Celery   Onion Green Bell Pepper Monday Crunchy Coleslaw Cabbage Green Bell Pepper Carrots Bermuda Onion Jicama Celery SeedDry Mustard Cilantro Fresh Parsley Cider Vinegar Tuesday Quinoa Salad with Black Beans Mango Red Bell Pepper Scallions Fresh Cilantro Red Wine Vinegar Grapeseel Oil Quinoa Black Beans A few leaves of lettuce for plating Wednesday Ambrosia 1 lb Miniature Marshmallows Pecans (optional) Maraschino Cherries 1 lb Pineapple Chunks 7 oz Coconut Flakes (optional) 1 can Mandarin Oranges 16 oz Sour Cream Nutmeg Thursday Perfect Seven Layer Salad (Vegan) Extra Firm Tofu Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb Seasoning Nutritional Yeast Organic Fresh Spinach 6 – 10 stalks Green Onions 10 oz Frozen (Sweet) Peas Vegan Bacon Bits (such as Bacos) 8 oz Vegan Cheddar Cheese ...

Did you think you still had some time to get around to the decorations?  Are you looking for a last-minute idea to spruce up your table?  Or would you like to bring some decorations and food to a party you're attending? Here are some ideas that will go a long ways without much time or effort. Okay, well, maybe this first one.  In fact, I believe there is a tutorial .  There are other pictures with close-ups of the mantle.  Can you see this in your house from May all the way through July? Craftaholics Anonymous This next one can certainly be done without much ado.  Starting from the back, ribbon is striping the white pitcher.  Super cute use of an old pair of jeans on the cake stand.  Red and white striped table cloth.  Old soda jars are holding flags and of course the paper popcorn cups. The Style Sisters Anything Red, White, and Blue will do and why not decorate with food.  This simple and very elegant cake serves 20...

The last Monday in May is Memorial Day providing many Americans with a three-day weekend unofficially kicking off  the beginning of summer.  Memorial Day is the remembrance of those who have died during war protecting our freedom.  It's a funny holiday because while we are mourning, it is also a day for celebration.  Celebration for the lives of those who have died, celebration of summer, celebration of the school break, in essence - FREEDOM. What if we started a tradition of our own?  Why not celebrate life, remember those who have passed, and group many of the spring and summer festivities into one?  Think of the traditions golf tournaments, races, and other sports have and combine the best. Mimicking some of the traditions of our favorite sporting events, we too can celebrate our winners in like fashion: The Sports we LOVE! Racing = Three-legged Race, Potato Sack Race Football = Water Balloon Toss, Flag Football Tennis = Ping Pong, B...