Why I add turmeric to my lemon water...

When I first started this blog I posted about my daily drink that included lemon, turmeric and other goodies... you can see that post here.

Now, I still do it and I still swear by it.  I have just altered it a smidge, I have since found out that black pepper helps turmeric be absorbed as does oil.  So I add a bit of ground black pepper, apple cider vinegar and some coconut oil.  Sounds delicious doesn't it?  Well I'm not telling you it is.  I gulp it... drinking it as fast as I can as it is not exactly tasty... but it isn't that bad either.

Do you want to know how the turmeric and lemon water concoction can help check out this post
Here's what happens to your body when you add turmeric to your morning lemon water

Why do I also add apple cider vinegar?

And like I mentioned, oil helps the turmeric to be absorbed so I decided on coconut oil because:

How to do a full face makeover

You know, I am not a huge make up wearer.  I am pretty low maintenance that way. This is not to say that I don't have a pretty good make up collection, but it only works if it is used ;)  I have no idea how to do foundations, highlights, etc... I just do a basic face make up.

Well when I saw the logo of  Beauticontrol, I knew I had to have it.  I just love the logo :)  Hmmm, wonder why?

Well, I love the products!  I put one of the body souffles on my legs the other morning and by night I could still feel the silkiness of them!  

Anyhow, I have since come across Lauren Fast's YouTube and she does great make up tutorials using the Beauticontrol products and I have learned a lot from her.  Check out this one on a Full- FaceMakeover.  I think I'm going to try it!

Delicious recipes for all of those apples!

It's apple picking time.  When I saw this sign on Pinterest today, it made me excited for fall... I have an apple sign that I created... now I guess I better make my way through my storage room   go get mine out.  The cooler weather we have had yesterday and today, really has me yearning for fall.

(source - great party idea!)

My mom has a neighbor that has a tree loaded with apples, so loaded in fact one large branch was so heavy that it has broken.  Whenever I see all those apples I think I should go pick a few boxful I hate seeing them go to waste.  When the kids were little I made applesauce, but as first time empty nesters (my youngest left about 2 weeks ago on a year long travel adventure!) I don't need that anymore.  Sooo...  off to Pinterest I went in search of some good apple recipes.  Be sure to click on photos for the recipe.

1)  Pancake Apple Rings. I have made them when we were camping and they are not only easy to do, but quite tasty!    I didn't make the syrup, I just used what we had but the kids and I enjoyed them as a change from pancakes (which I am not really a fan of).

2) Bite Size Apple Pies. My daughter made these one time and once again they were easy to do (I see a theme here ;) ) and a delicious snack.  

3) Fresh Apple Cake. You guessed it... super duper easy and yes it is tasty

Now here are a couple that I have not tried but are definitely on my 'to do' list

4) Apple Pie Lasagna 

5) Caramel Apple Pretzel Salad (at least I can pretend I am being healthy :) )

Don't those all sound yummy?!  So many more recipes I want to try.  Be sure to check out my Apple Pinterest Board for more ideas!

Inspired by... a party!

I was browsing my Inspired By Pinterest board again...

And I guess because I started going back into my class to get ready for school startup, this photo jumped out at me.  You should see the blog post about it, what a great party set up!

(source)

Anyways, I decided to create a card.  Must be the teacher in me, I love creating school themed projects... although, I'm not necessarily excited about school start up ;)

For more information on the card, be sure to check out my crafty blog.

Products Used:

Paper: Chickaniddy Crafts 

Cardstock: My Mind's Eye

Die: Wplus 9

Silhouette

Adhesive: Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L

10 simple ways to lessen daily stress...

I don't know about you but I for sure can get caught up in the stresses of daily life.  I am sure you know that stress can be harmful to our bodies.

(source)

Following are 10 simple ways to lessen daily stress.

I am a planner addict so this one comes easy for me but can be difficult for some.  Write yourself small doable lists but realize that they don't have to be rigid... things do come up.  Small little routines throughout the day, help with productivity.  For example, setting a timer when on Facebook etc lets you know time is up and move onto something else.  I like about a 15 to 20 minute computer time before I begin making supper but that can easily drag on longer so a timer comes in handy.

Taking a few minutes each evening planning for the next day.  You can get your outfit ready, plan your dinner, make lunches for the next day and even write out your to do list.

Be sure to enjoy the moment you are in.  Savor your coffee/tea, listen to the birds, enjoy your little one sitting on your lap because those moments are gone to quickly.

Regular exercise is important for optimal health but it also reduces stress.  Many of us find it hard to fit in a 30 minute workout/walk whatever... did you know that short spurts can be beneficial as well?  A 10 minute walk is very effective at reducing stress... can you fit one in on your lunch break?  while your child is at soccer practice? what about right after dinner before the clean up?  

I am on my feet all day at work so when I got a Fitbit I was not surprised to see how many steps I was getting in each day.  I do recommend this as a motivational tool, especially if your job tends to be a sedentary one.  10000 steps a day is recommended

Yes laughter is good for you.  It releases endorphins that improve mood and immune health and it lowers the levels of the stress hormones (cortisol and epinephrine).  Sometimes... I just need a laugh, one way I for sure get one is reading some of the Autocorrect mishaps... google it, you will see what I mean.  Yes some may be made up, but they still make me laugh!  

Spending time outdoors is a natural antidepressant.  Having a dog that greets me everyday with that face definitely forces me to get out for a walk/run when I get home from work.  I'm glad though because I always feel better once I get home.

Natural scents have a calming effect.  I have really gotten into essential oils and I must agree.  They are not overpowering and just have a feel good effect.  Some of my favorites are lavender, lemongrass and orange.

I used to take time every day for my crafting.  It was my wind down time.  I have not done much of it in the past year, but this is one area I am trying to focus on more for me.  I am hoping to make cards and scrapbook more.  But other ways to enjoy creativity - listen to music, dance and just enjoy art.

During those moments when you feel you are about to explode because things are feeling overwhelming - take 5 minutes to breathe deeply.  Breathe slowly and deeply and be mindful of those breaths - your rib cage expanding, lungs filling... slow breaths reduce stress hormones and lowers heart rate and blood pressure.

This is about finding inner peace.  It may be something simple like enjoying a cup of tea, taking a bath or just sitting and listening to music - whatever helps you to clear your mind.  Be sure to mindful of the moment and take deep breaths while doing so.

This is a great way to remind yourself of your accomplishments each day.  We often think we did not get anything done but be sure to appreciate all those little things.  Write down something you did and something you are grateful for.  Positive thinking is good for us.

I know this can be a tough one.  However, get into the practice of the first 9 and I bet sleep will come much easier for you! Have a quiet time before bed, no screens (tv, computer, phone), deep breathing, clearing your mind, being mindful of the moment and reflecting on the day.  A great way to gear your body up for a great night of sleep.

Essential oils can help too.  Diffusing a calming one in your bedroom or rubbing onto your feet (I spritz my sheets and feet with a lavender/water mixture every night).

Be amazing...

You should go...

This past weekend, my hubby and I went on a 4 day anniversary getaway to Quadra Island BC.  We have done a lot of camping over the years, but this was our first time on Quadra.  We will definitely be going back!

Such a beautiful, relaxing place.  We walked beaches, trails and had a delicious dinner at the Tsa Kwa Luten lodge - HIGHLY recommend this place! 

We had our anniversary dinner at the Tsa Kwa Luten lodge, and talk about fresh seafood!  YUM

My appetizer:

And my dinner... Fettucine Alfredo - FRESH seafood and homemade noodles.... Delicious! 

And of course... having a view like this while eating is pretty nice :)

We stayed at the Heriot Bay Inn RV Resort... although a little cramped on the waterfront, we were lucky to have a couple days pretty much to ourselves during the week.

Of course, being able to purchase fresh shrimp from the dock beside our campsite, may well have been the highlight of hubby's trip... he still chats about how delicious they were ;)

I enjoyed sitting outside in the morning listening to the seagulls while sipping my tea.  Nothing better!

Life is a Story....

Life is a story.
Make  yours a best seller.

I found my daughter's mug in her room today.  It was left with some coffee still in it.  Guess she was too busy packing for her trip.

She has done some traveling with us.  She has been to France, London, Greece all with one or both of us.  A month ago she went to the Dominican on her grad trip.  She has said for years now that she wants to travel.

Well, here she is.
18 and we dropped her off yesterday at the ferry with her travel buddy (a 22 year old boy, who has done his share of travel himself).
She is off to Vietnam for a couple months, a little side trip to Bali then off to Australia to look for work.

We are very proud of her, and know it is going to be an amazing experience for her, BUT that doesn't make it any easier to let her go.  Our baby, on the other side of the world.  I know in this day and age, we can be kept up to date via facebook and such... but that will only be when she has wifi.  But I can't see and touch her and be there when she is down.

She is seriously working on making her life a best seller and we are proud of her for it (although deep down, I might be secretly wishing she was still my little baby, snuggling, comforted by holding and fiddling with my thumb).

Why did she have to grow such big wings? ;) 

Inspired by.... a smoothie!

One of my favorite boards on Pinterest is my Inspired By board.  There I just pin things that make my heart happy.  I just love to sit and browse the board and look at the pretty things.  Often I then get inspired to create something.

Today, this beautiful photo spoke to me

(source)

I decided to make a card using some Teresa Collins papers (Nine & Co.).  They were perfect, don't you think?!

I'm also very happy to have my laptop back working again, I missed using my Silhouette :)

Now, when I clicked on the inspiration photo I was very surprised to find it linked to a smoothie recipe... which by the way sounds pretty yummy - I'm going to have to try it!  Be sure to pop on over to Craftberry Bush and see for yourself!