Life Happens

Hello fellow bloggers and blog readers! 

As you can see I haven't had the chance to blog lately. I would have loved to keep up with posting every day but unfortunately "life happens". Thank you all for reading and I will try and post weekly unless otherwise stated.

Today was the perfect fall day. I was able to get off work a little bit early and do some baking, cleaning, shopping, and excercising.

 I don't know about you but days like these are what keep me going! I recently took up running daily and it has changed my life. I feel a lot more energized and I reach for healthier options when I am hungry instead of junk food. Well enough of that for now. Here is the recipe I used for the pumpkin bread. http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-chip-pumpkin-bread-2

The turnout of my chocolate chip pumpkin bread was amazing. It was lovely to get to share it with friends and family! I get teased by my husband all the time by him telling me I can't bake anything without sharing. I guess I can't help it! 

Until next time. 

-JDH 

Mothers Day

Looking for a creative gift for Mother's Day?

Everyone loves ice-cream right?

Here is a Site that will ship it right to your door!

ECreamery

Enjoy creating your special flavor for your special someone!

Healthy Living

Quick easy and healthy dinner...

I really wanted to make a healthy meal for dinner tonight so I made some whole wheat spaghetti and a salad. It was quick easy and of course delicious! 

I forgot to take pictures so here are a few similar ones I found on Pinterest! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Healthy Living

Healthy Energy bars...

Ok so these energy bars may not be exactly healthy but they certainly are delicious! 

PB Energy Bars

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

2 Tbs sweetener (I used powdered sugar)

1 cup oats

1/2 cup reduce fat PB

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup ground flax seed

4 cups crushed cereal (I used chex) 

Topping

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

Begin by melting PB, sweetener, butter, and vanilla together in a microwaveable safe bowl. Slowly add in crushed cereal oats and ground flax seed and mix together until wet. Pour into non stick or greased 9/13 pan and press until flat. Melt chocolate and olive oil and spread into 9/13. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Feel free to add in cranberries or raisins in place of sweetener.  


Enjoy! 

Healthy Living

Dessert Of The Day...

For my dessert of the day I decided to make some gluten free cookies that i found on pinterest and give them to my mother. She has a gluten allergy and these cookies had a very good review so I thought I would give them a try. For all of those gluten free people out there, this recipe is for you. It was beyond delicious!

Flourless Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Serves: 24 cookies

These ooey, gooey chocolate cookies are easy and addictive! Be warned!!

Ingredients

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a large bowl, mix together powdered sugar, cocoa powder and sea salt. Add in vanilla. Whisk in egg whites until just moistened. Add in chocolate chips.
3. Spoon thick fudgy batter onto cookie sheets in small mounds. Chill for 5 or so minutes to keep them from spreading when they bake.
4. Bake for 14 minutes or until tops are glossy and lightly cracked.

Notes

These cookies are considered “gluten-free” if using gluten free chocolate chips.

Beautiful You

Beauty tips...

From Pinterest...

Depuff Tired Eyes!

Green tea is my favorite ingredient! Buy the iced-tea version and mix a batch to keep in the fridge. Soak a couple of cotton rounds in the tea and lay them on your eyes. The caffeine helps to shrink the appearance of the blood vessels, and the antioxidants help eliminate inflammation. Raw potatoes cooled in the refrigerator can also be used to reduce puffiness—just peel and slice them before applying to the eye area. The potato acts as a natural astringent and will take down the swelling.

Home Sweet Home

Home projects...

Monday - The Dreaded Work Day

Sleepy Monday...

This Monday morning it was very difficult to wake up. My phone rang at one o'clock this morning and it was nearly impossible to sleep after that. Although I did make myself a protein smoothie which made the day much better! Enjoy my photos below. 

This says it all

Spiritual Inspiration

Gods Creation-Meteor Shower...

I have always been in love with shooting stars. There is nothing quite like laying outside staring at the gorgeous night sky watching stars fall from it. If you have never experienced this don't worry, you will have the chance soon! 

I Read that whoever made this photo altered it and that in fact it will not be a rare meteor shower but the same as every year.

Love And Marriage

Marriage...

Marriage means falling in love in different ways every day with the same person. 

Marriage is getting to have a sleepover with your best friend every night. 

Marriage is a gift from God. 

Marriage is not having to always be right. 

Marriage is finding that special person you can annnoy every day for the rest of your life. 

Marriage is till death do you part. 

This is how I hope you feel about marriage for the rest of your life!

Friends And Family

They Are Always There...

Healthy Living

 Has Fit...

Recently I have began doing the hasfit workout program. If you get bored easily with work out videos or just don't know where to start I would definitely recommend trying out hasfit. Here is a. Link to help you get started. Enjoy! 

Beautiful You

Five Minutes To Gorgeous...

I found this on Pinterest! 

The 5 Minute Face

Step 1: Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer takes the place of your moisturizer, SPF and foundation. Slather it on with your clean fingertips in lieu of using a brush or sponge like you would with foundation.

Step 2: Concealer

Dark circles got you down? Of course they are…you are a mom! Dab a bit of concealer under your eyes and around any problem areas with your ring finger.

Step 3: Blush

Blush is my go-to makeup product for looking happier, healthier and more vibrant. Applying just a dab of cream blush to the apples of your cheeks will give you a beautiful and natural glow.

Step 4: Powder

Use a large bristled brush to apply a light dusting of powder on your t-zone (your forehead, nose and chin) only. This will help keep that afternoon oil-slick at bay. Skip this step if you have naturally dry skin that doesn’t get oily in the t-zone.

Step 5: Mascara

Using glossy black mascara, apply a couple coats to both the top and bottom lashes. Applying mascara to the bottom lashes in addition to the top really helps to open up your eyes.

Home Sweet Home

Yard work...

I never get the urge to do yard work unless it is cold outside, dark, raining, or snowing. These are all horrible times to do outside work. Nevertheless it still needs to be done so I must do it anyway. I had so much fun trimming my plants. Now if only it were a little warmer...

The flowers after I trimmed the dead stems.

The dead stems.

10 Spring Yard Prep Tips (from Pinterest)

1. Start with a plan: Most large undertakings like weddings, building a house and yard work take a plan. Do some looking around. Ask yourself some questions: Do you want a flower bed? Do you want a garden? Do you want to put in a sprinkler system? Would you like to do some major landscaping projects? Make a list!!! From your list form a plan of action. Separate it into categories: Big Projects, Ongoing Projects, Small Project, etc. Then take it a small step at a time. 
2. Clean up from winter: My yard gets zillions of pine needles (from my neighbors yards, ugh) from all the lovely Idaho wind we enjoy over the winter. It may take some time, but rake up any debris. Rake the lawn and get it rejuvenated and ready to grow. I like to think of it like exfoliation for your yard rather than your skin. It needs to be worked over some before it can begin to be beautified. 
3. Gather your supplies and tools: Evaluate your supplies from last year and head to the gardening section of your favorite store and get stocked up. Shovels, gloves, hoses, fertilizer, etc. Check your list from your plan for any needed tools and supplies.
4. Fertilize: Last year I thought fertilizing wasn’t a real deal breaker on prepping my yard. Boy was I wrong. Spend a little bit to get some fertilizer and use it. It will make a difference with your yard. Check around for varieties that are specific to your climate and weather. It would be best to fertilize more than just in the spring. Do it multiple times throughout the summer.
5. Create a watering schedule: This one is for the poor unfortunate souls who do not have sprinkler systems (like me), but is a great idea for flower beds or flower pots. I can’t tell you how many times I watered the same spot over and over because I had no schedule. Setting a schedule of what areas will be watered on which day make it easier to remember what has been watered and when. Check with your local nursery for information on watering in our climate.
6. Visit your local nursery: Local nurseries can be the most valuable resource you have this spring. They know your climate, soil and what grows where you live. You may want an orange tree in your backyard, but maybe if you aren’t living in a warm climate, it will not be the best idea. A trip to your local nursery may reveal that an apple tree would flourish in your yard. Don’t waste your time and money planting plants that will not grow in your climate. 
7. Plant: Get to planting annuals in the spring. Garden prep and planting can begin in the spring as well. Spring is a great time to plant grass in areas of the yard that are bare or dead.
8. Prune & Trim. Prune trees and bushes. This will help them grow back nicer, fuller and less unruly. You can prune and trim on your own by searching for ways to prune your specific plants or call a professional to come help you. Either way pruning and trimming gets your trees, shrubs and bushes to grown in nice.
9. Clean Out: Rid your yard of dead plants or trees. I have a small dead tree in my side yard. I plan on removing it this spring. Last year weeds clung to it and overgrew it. Getting rid of it will free up yard space and make it look that much more beautiful.
10. Make Repairs: Fix small things in your yard so that they don’t become large problems. If you have a fence post that is broken fix it now, before the problem spreads. If you need more stones or bark in your flower garden add it now. Just do it now!! There is no better time to start beautifying your yard than in the spring. Resolve now to keep it looking nice all year long.

Monday - The Dreaded Workday

Spiritual Inspiration

Come To Me...All Who Are Weary...

Love And Marriage

They Go Together Like A Horse And Carriage...

P.S. I Love You...

Friends And Family

Togetherness...

Happy Friday!!!

Healthy Living

And On The Menu For Today Is...

Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients -

1. 2 cups steamed rice 

2. Two chicken tenders (cooked and chopped) 

3. 1 egg

4. Greek seasoning

5. Olive oil

6. Salt 

7. Pepper

8. Ground ginger

9. Steamed or frozen vegetables (optional) 

Preparation-

Begin by putting a little bit of oil in pan. Toss in cooked chicken until lightly brown. Add in rice and egg. Stir until egg is cooked. Add in spices to taste and vegetables if desired. Then it's ready to eat! Serve with teriyaki or soy sauce or eat plain! 

Happy Thursday!!!

Beautiful You

Beauty Tips...

It's almost flip-flop season and its time to get those feet in tip top shape! Here are five steps to prettier feet.

1. Soak and exfoliate your feet.

2. Scrub dead skin off feet. 

3. Shave any hair you don't care for off of feet. 

4. Rub moisturizer on toenails and remove after ten minutes. 

5. Rub moisturizer on feet and cover with socks overnight. 


Done! 

Home Sweet Home

In Love With The Rain....

It has been raining on and off since yesterday and I am loving it! I can tell my plants are loving it as well. Of course it could be just a bit warmer.... The rain is beginning to turn into sleet because it is so cold. Well that's all I have for this rainy Tuesday! Enjoy! 

Monday - The Dreaded Workday

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

I love it when it rains. Especially on Mondays. This means it will be slow at work today! Even though it will go by slow it will be relaxing. I love the rain!!! 

Walking In The Rain

Easter Sunday

Christ Is Risen From The Dead...

We Are One With Him Again...

Come Awake Come Awake...

Come And Rise Up From The Grave!!!

Marriage

This Thing - Called Love...

I fell in love to the most loving and caring man about five years ago. Since then, every day I have thought of him. There is not a dull moment in my life and for that I am very grateful. 

Friends and Family

Together We Have It All...

This weekend is Easter weekend and I am having friends over to decorate Easter eggs. There really isn't  anything better than knowing you have people who care about you. I am so excited because on Easter Sunday we are all headed out to my grandparents for dinner. I am bringing the green bean casserole. If you have never tried it you must! I will post the recipe so you can make it as well. I am praying everyone has a nice Easter and remembers the true reason we celebrate. 

Matthew 28:1-10 

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." (NIV)

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

1 (10 3/4 oz.) can CAMPBELL'S® Cream of Mushroom Soup
3/4 cup milk
1/8 tsp. black pepper
2 (9 oz. each) pkgs. frozen cut green beans, thawed*
1 1/3 cups FRENCH'S® Original or Cheddar French Fried Onions

Directions:

MIX soup, milk and pepper in a 1 1/2 -qt. baking dish. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup French Fried Onions.
BAKE at 350°F for 30 min. or until hot.
STIR. Top with remaining 2/3 cup onions. Bake 5 min. until onions are golden.

Nutrition Facts:

Tips from French's

Tip: You may substitute 2 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) cut green beans, drained or 4 cups fresh, cooked cut green beans.

Look for FRENCH'S® French Fried Onions in the canned vegetable aisle!

Healthy Living

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder.

This idea that was put in my head by the social media when I was younger is slowly becoming untrue.   
This idea that beauty is on the outside based on weight hair and fashion. Yes all of those things are good but that should not be all we think about. I chuckled when I saw this picture but it is so true. I hope it makes you chuckle too! 

Beautiful You

Less Is More.

I have never been a huge makeup person, of course on certain occasions I do like to break out my makeup bag. Usually inside I find five year old make up that is gloopy or cracked and I have to throw it all out. It is virtually impossible to salvage. Recently I was looking for a way to solve this issue I was having so i started researching. Believe it or not, there is a solution to this problem without spending tons of money on new products. 

Items Needed.

1. Rubbing alcohol 
2. Tissue 
3. Cracked makeup (I used blush) 
4. Mixing utensil (I used an ear cleaner)

Process

Begin by opening up your makeup and slowly adding the rubbing alcohol. Mix gently adding alcohol as you go. Once it looks well mixed press down with tissue and set aside to dry over night. That's it! Below I have some before and after pictures. 

Before

After

Home Sweet Home

Spring Is Here!

I have been thinking a lot lately about what to do with my yard for the warmer months and a few days ago I went outside to find a delightful surprise waiting for me. Two different sets of flowers were beginning to bloom. I was so grateful to learn that they even survived our spring snow storm! Hopefully once it gets a little bit warmer I will be able to tidy up my flower bed a little bit more.

Monday - The Dreaded Workday

So It's Monday Folks!

Just like every monday morning, I had an extremely difficult time waking up. I am working on turning a negative thing into a positive so as soon as I got to work I made myself a hot cup of coffee. I used my brand new caramel macchiato creamer I bought from target this weekend and it was delicious.

I am wishing everyone a happy Monday! My advice is to go make yourself a nice hot cup of coffee just like I did. (Believe me, it helps) 

Spiritual Inspiration

As For Me And My House We Will Serve The Lord.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Fight the good fight. 1 Timothy 1:18