POPULAR POSTS

mo
cry
10995929_1001727029854817_122048619573098933_n
painting
268306f25cd96fec0aebeed0e9af3bf8
mo

Master Bedroom Makeover-

By 1 Comment

Your master bedroom should always feel like a retreat . . . a serene place to escape the stresses and obligations of the day. However, the bedroom is often times the most overlooked space in our homes. But there isn’t enough time, money, or energy to spread around everywhere, right? Our main living spaces just seem to take precedence sometimes. Well, let me encourage you to realize the importance of loving your bedroom again and its effect on your quality of life.   I believe a relaxing, beautiful bedroom sets the tone for the day as well as a peaceful evening - it’s the place that we associate comfort and rest. There are so many budget-friendly ways to add charm and warmth without breaking the bank. Choosing the right paint color … [Read More...]

cry

When and Why Women Cry-

By 13 Comments

 Just when and why do women cry! In my younger years the tears would flow so much easier. As I have gotten older I find that I do not cry as often, but when I do, oh it is usually a good one. What I call a "Soul Cleansing" I know there are times I need to cry and let out the hurt, anger, pain I am feeling from deep within.. I remember my Mama sating to me oh I need to cry but the tears just will not come, I have to say that I didn't get then, but I sure do now Like Mother, like daughter, I find myself holding back those tears, or they just will not come at all..  How many of you can cry at the drop of a hat? Why does one person get choked up over a Hallmark commercial, while another sheds tears only for the death of a loved one?   I … [Read More...]

10995929_1001727029854817_122048619573098933_n

Valentines Evening Bath Bombs-

By 11 Comments

Your Valentines Day is not over yet and if it was a BOMB - We  have a much better Bomb for you, it's a yummy, relaxing, Bath Bomb with your name on it. Easy to enter, like https://www.facebook.com/EddieandEva on face-book or visit their site at http://www.eddieandeva.com/Default.asp for some incredible Bath and Body Works for YOU! Then  be sure to leave us your blog post to tell us yes, you want to win it in a comment here on the blog...  Come on share this and have fun it's FREE .. … [Read More...]

painting

Sweet Valentines Day Stories-

By 6 Comments

A few stories that is sure to put a Valentines Day smile on your face- Devoted and Determined During World War II my parents had planned a romantic Valentine’s Day wedding. Suddenly my father, then stationed at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts, received orders to prepare to ship out, and all leaves were canceled. Being a young man in love, he went AWOL. He and my mother were married four days earlier than originally planned and he returned to base to an angry sergeant. After hearing the explanation, the sergeant understandingly replied, “Okay, okay!” Then, as an afterthought: “But don’t let it happen again!” – Contributed by Sandra L. Caron Making the Grade My high-school English teacher was well known for being a fair, but hard, grader. … [Read More...]

12638a35c87a171d7443ef2d0560e25c

Tell us your favorite Country Cottage Bedroom-

By 43 Comments

Ok, I have heard from many of you on the Cottage you chose from the photos I shared on  previous post yesterday - So tell me now the bedroom you would personally want to have in your Cottage. Just post your comment here on the blog for us, we love to see what people like- Love to play decorate that cottage-or truly decorate your cottage with ideas from these amazing bedrooms.       All photos can be found at https://www.pinterest.com/smither1/cottage-country-decorating/   … [Read More...]

pinterest-backyard-cottage

We all need that one little place-

By 83 Comments

As Spring gets even closer I love the outdoors, while looking for a new home possibly I think to myself, ok it is only me now so how about a cottage? Do you see one of your dreams here, if so which one and why? Tell us here in a comment, I love to read all of your comments too.  Next time we will look for the things we see in these beauties.    2 All cottage photos came from https://www.pinterest.com/explore/lake-cottage-style/ … [Read More...]

organic-vegetables

When to plant what, guide-

By 4 Comments

I know most of you now this but, if you do not this might come in handy! January# It's time for garden catalogs to arrive in the mail. January is a great time to start planning what vegetable varieties will be grown in the garden. Look through your catalogs and find the vegetable seeds for your garden. Some flower varieties should be started in January. In a warmer environment you can plant certain vegetables but must be ready for a frost. Indoor herbs are always great to grow in a sunny windowsill. Tomatoes and Peppers Get a head start on the growing season by starting your tomato and pepper seeds indoors. Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate zone! Suggested … [Read More...]

heart_cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Valentine’s-

By 5 Comments

Recipe link for this one -http://food52.com/recipes/9698-chocolate-covered-cherry-valentines Roll-out Chocolate Cherry Cookies 1cup tart dried cherries (NOT "sweet, dark") 1tablespoon vanilla extract 3tablespoons Cointreau 2ounces unsweetened chocolate 3/4cup unsalted butter 1-2/3cups sugar 2eggs, brought to room temp. 2-1/3cups flour 1/2cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2teaspoon baking powder 1/2teaspoon salt 1/4teaspoon baking soda In a small [microwavable] bowl, mix Cointreau and vanilla together; chop cherries into small pieces and place in bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds (or allow cherries to absorb liquid overnight). Sift flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda together in a medium bowl, set … [Read More...]

strawberry-cake ever

Be My Valentine – Strawberry Cake

By 14 Comments

Ingredients Ingredients 1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin 1 (15-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed 4 large eggs ½ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup water Strawberry cream cheese frosting, recipe follows Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting ¼ cup butter, softened 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed ½ teaspoon strawberry extract 7 cups confectioners' sugar Freshly sliced strawberries, for garnish, optional   Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, … [Read More...]

my version

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing-

By 4 Comments

Print Gluten Free Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing- Ingredients Ingredients Cake: 2 cups almond flour ⅔ cup dark cocoa powder ⅓ cup Coconut flour ⅓ cup unflavoured whey protein powder 1 tbsp instant coffee 1 ½ tsp baking soda OR 1 tbsp baking powder ½ tsp baking powder) ½ tsp salt ½ cup butter, softened ¾ cup Raw Stevia Sweetener ( you may use the same amounts of Sugar) 4 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp Stevia Extract Liquid ¾ cup almond milk 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (omit if using baking powder) Peanut Butter Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 tbsp butter, softened 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup powdered Raw Stevia (You may use the same … [Read More...]

pineapple sorbet1

My AIP Homemade Pineapple Sorbet-

By 9 Comments

  After being on the AIP Paleo diet for awhile you get a craving for something sweet and creamy. I decided to try my version of Pineapple Sorbet but you can use any organic FROZEN fruit that you like most. I just happen to love pineapple. Ingredients: 1 cup frozen organic Pineapple Chunks 1/2 cup Organic Pure Coconut Water 1/2 cup Fresh Organic Coconut Milk 1/2 Lime Juice organic for me- (NOTE : I make mine from unsweetened organic shredded coconut) I use the food processor 1 cup coconut 1 cut boiling water and process for about 5 minutes or longer. Then strain it once it cools with cheese cloth and can for keeping in my frige. I sue this for my AIP if you are not AIP use the liquid you want water is fine.. I use … [Read More...]

new lr 7

Making changes in the Loving-room 2015

By 35 Comments

I think a home should be a reflection of you, not a trend, a fad, but what you love and welcomes you each time you open the door.. My home does that for me and that is what matters, that it makes me happy, right? I hope you decorate for you and it makes you happy when you enter as well..  Good afternoon everyone, well  2014 was bittersweet year for me and my family. We are looking forward to a new, brighter year in 2015. Shortly after I took Christmas down and put it all away I was so bored with my living-room, you see I love stuff. I have never been  one that liked the sterile look. Don't get offended there is nothing wrong with less is more if you like that look! I happen to like things in order but more then a little here and there. I … [Read More...]

bread recipes1

Warm Cinnamon Bread-

By 2 Comments

Print Warm Cinnamon Bread- Ingredients Ingredients 1 cup Milk 6 Tablespoons Butter 2-1/2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast 2 whole Eggs ⅓ cup Sugar 3-1/2 cups All-purpose Flour 1 teaspoon Salt ⅓ cup Sugar 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon Egg And Milk, Mixed Together, For Brushing Softened Butter, For Smearing And Greasing Instructions Preparation Instructions Melt butter with milk. Heat until very warm, but don't boil. Allow to cool until still warm to the touch, but not hot. Sprinkle yeast over the top, stir gently, and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Combine flour and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix sugar and eggs with the paddle attachment until combined. Pour in milk/butter/yeast mixture and stir to combine. Add … [Read More...]

beef stew AIP

AIP Beef Stew-

By 6 Comments

Print AIP Beef Stew- Ingredients 1 Small beef sirloin roast (GRASS FED ONLY) 10 baby carrots 1 small japanese sweet potato diced 1 granny smith apple sliced Instructions Cook the roast in a crock pot on low for 3 hours Add all veggies cook on love 2 to 3 more hours salt and pepper to taste if needed 3.2.2885 … [Read More...]

leaks sas and spinach

AIP Living- Chicken Sausage Leaks and Spinach

By Leave a Comment

Print AIP Living- Chicken Sausage Leaks and Spinach Ingredients 1 Pound Chicken sausages removed from casings ( I use only grain fed Chicken no hormones or antibiotics! If you are AIP this is a must 2 large organic leaks washed and chopped anyway you like 3 cups of organic spinach Instructions Fry the chicken sausage in 1 tbs spoons of Olive Oil, drain if needed, add leaks cook until tender.. Then and spinach turn heat to love cover to about 7 minutes. This is so good, enjoy 3.2.2885 … [Read More...]

jan dinner2

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free_

By Leave a Comment

Print Chocolate Chip Gluten Free Cookies Ingredients INGREDIENTS ½ cup room temperature ghee for AIP Or 1 stick real butter ¼ cup granulated sugar ½ cup packed light brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract gluten free 1 large egg range free 1 cup + 2 Tbsp gluten free baking mix* 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or Carob Chips Instructions INSTRUCTIONS Using a mixer, cream butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl. Add egg and vanilla and beat again until well combined, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Add gluten free baking mix in two batches and mix again. It won't be so thick that you can't continue mixing it, but it should appear "doughy." Stir in chocolate chips, cover and refrigerate overnight or for … [Read More...]

jan dinner

AIP one dish meals-

By 4 Comments

I love her idea and saw the one dish meals over at Jessica's site at  http://aiplifestyle.com/ . So, I decided to get creative on some myself.. If you have to be on AIP for health and autoimmune disease, these might be just what you are looking for.. Check out Jessica's site please, and come back for more of our recipes we create as well. Print AIP one dish meals- AIP one dish meals Ingredients 1 lb grass fed ground sirloin 1 med onion diced ¾ C mushrooms 1 large sweet potato 1 bunch of asparagus 3 or 4 slices of AIP approved bacon (Pederson) Whole Foods carries it. Instructions MIx beef and onion, and rolls into balls place all on one side of baking pan, I use and old heavy wok Add mushrooms beside the beef … [Read More...]

valentines pie

Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cake/Pie

By 2 Comments

Box of red velvet cake mix- 3 eggs 1/3 cup oil 1 cup water Two pre-made pie crusts 1/2 cup butter 12 ounces semi-sweet mini chocolate chips 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1. Make cake batter according to the box’s instruction– mine called for the three eggs, oil and water. Now take your pie crusts and place them in pie plates if you didn’t purchase the pie crusts already in the pan. Evenly divide the batter between the two pies. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees (or until a toothpick comes out clean). Let cool. In a small sauce pan on medium heat, melt 10 ounces of chocolate with the butter and sweetened condensed milk. Ice cake with this divine chocolate mixture.Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips. … [Read More...]

woman-praying-silhoutte1

My Challenge for 2015 Living w/ Autoimmune Disease-

By 3 Comments

It was almost 2 years ago now that I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's.. Many of you are saying what, What is that?  That was what I said when told of my diagnosis with Hashimoto's, I thought it was a joke, seriously I did! But let me tell you a few things about this illness then you will understand, it is no joke and it was not long before I saw the ramifications of my declining energy levels, my interest in the things I loved had all but left me. I had gained 30 pounds and was not eating more or differently the harder I tried to get off the extra weight the more upset I became it simply wouldn't budge. But that was just the tip of this iceberg. My nails looked dry brittle and now thin, I had pretty nails, my hair was dry as dust, I mean it … [Read More...]

butternut1

AIP butternut squash w/ veggies and grass fed sirloin

By Leave a Comment

In a searing pan with Organic Olive oil but not to hot add 1/2 medium butternut squash and onion, let cook until squash is soft I cover mine.  Add green onions and fresh garlic let them all cook for a few minutes covered- Add some fresh organic kale and small cap full of Olive oil cover Cook on low until the kale is tender - I grilled a grass fed sirloin patty and I am set for my all AIP dinner. I love this idea and I have Jessica at http://aiplifestyle.com/  to thank for this idea! Love her by the way.   Debbie … [Read More...]

d1517be90c23579ecc54124686bf0ef0

On this Winter’s Day

By 10 Comments

Good Wednesday afternoon January 7th 2015. I have a few minutes this afternoon to look around the internet. I love to look at blogs, read them, see what they have going on. My favorite blogs are healthy eating blogs and a couple of home decorating blogs. Then it hit me, I have a blog but I am not a blogger. I have a lot so say and share but can't seem to put it from my mind these day onto the screen. Last year Mr Shabby and I separated after many years of marriage. It was hard for us both we knew that this day might come if Mr Shabby did not get ahold of the things that have held him back and down for years, me too sadly. And frankly I was tired of that roller coaster ride. I know, I can hear some of you saying wow, she is putting that out … [Read More...]

138716__toy-loneliness-grief-sadness-autumn-nostalgia-cold_p

Battling any illness – Can leave you feeling alone

By 10 Comments

I have started this several times only to delete it from my computer completely. At 59 yeas old it is not always easy to share your feelings with strangers, or even people you know well when it comes to those feelings we often try to hide from others and ourselves. I had heard that after menopause some women change, they no longer liked the things they once did, they seemed to be more sensitive or the opposite in fact.I thought that was what was taking place with me, then... So while I was in the middle of menopause I thought so many times to myself this is not for the weak at heart or mind, this is some serious goings on inside my body and mind that are talking place here. It was not until about time for me to hopefully be finished … [Read More...]

on my mind

Lets talk 2015-

By 5 Comments

  Well with Christmas 2014 behind us and a glimpse of 2015 what is on your mind? Thoughts about life, health, money, family, for me all of the above..  There comes a time in life when each of us have to accept responsibility for us. Our health, our choices, our happiness, our shortcomings, mistakes and just simply how we live our lives daily.. We have to let go of the past it is over, done with and gone. It's time to take only what we need with us from our past in lessons only and only what we need to grow and move forward to our best yet. Each of us reading this right now young and old have to at some point in life have to stop blaming others, our past our parents or partners for our issues in this life. It's your life, you make … [Read More...]

10847941_10204889500549124_6712050413216754006_n

Fudgey Gooey Gluten Free Brownies-

By 2 Comments

Ingredients ( Yields 16) 1/2 c. +2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted 1 1/4 c. granulated sugar 3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. water 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 eggs 1/2 c. rice flour blend 1 c. of your favorite chocolate chips 1/2 cup our pecans (optional) Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 8×8 glass pan(or line with parchment paper) Pour the butter into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the sugar and cocoa powder and beat until smooth and almost creamy. Add the salt, water, and vanilla. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing in between each addition. Add the rice flour blend and chocolate chips and mix well. The batter will be thick. Use a sturdy spatula to spread batter in the … [Read More...]