FUN/DIY/ Holidays/Parties/ Thanksgiving

It’s My Birthday I Can Do What I Want To

My birthday landed on Thanksgiving day this year, just like the day I was born. My Mom tells the story every Thanksgiving with a twinkle in her eye, how I interrupted her Thanksgiving meal with my untimely arrival. We’ve heard it a million times and it never gets old.

I did get to do what I wanted to this year. Having my dear family in my home on Thanksgiving Day to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for is exactly how I would choose to spend my birthday. We had Thanksgiving Day brunch, something we have never done. It was my idea; a way to get out of peeling those dreaded potatoes. Have I told you that potatoes make my hands break out and itch? It’s awful. It was also a way to get out of making turkey. Not that it is hard to make a turkey, but I just don’t quite enjoy handling a raw turkey. Blech. It really was a great idea, as we had eaten and dishes were done by noon! It left the afternoon to just chill, play games, and enjoy each other.

We had turkey breast sandwiches & potato casserole in place of the whole bird and mashed potatoes. Trader Joes has a whole turkey breast that is fully cooked, all you have to do is heat it. I also made a breakfast egg casserole, potato casserole, stuffing, jalapeno cranberry sauce drizzled over a block of cream cheese with pita crisps to dip (another great food item Trader Joes!) & a mac -n- cheese corn casserole. My little sis Laurie, made some amazing mini apple pies–they were adorable–and Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon roll recipe, which was A-MA-ZING. My Mom brought a pumpkin pie and my older sister brought corn casserole, pecan struesel topped sweet potato casserole, some amazing chocolate drizzled kettle corn, & cinnamon beer bread (heaven). Last but not least, my next-to-youngest sister, Kathy of Nudge Media (I have 3 sisters) brought fruit, Lucky Charms cereal, & a Twinkie cake. As you can tell, Kathy is a favorite aunt with my kids, as she is known for having sugar in her pockets & bringing the stuff that kids like best; like the time she made a pyramid out of McDonald’s cheeseburgers for our family Christmas pot luck. Yeah–that happened–and they were the most popular food item there!

Kathy’s Twinkie cake was hilarious. She is an amazing cook, can handle a grill the best of anyone I know, and makes a mean Pad Thai, but I don’t know if baking birthday cakes is something she should continue to pursue. Don’t get me wrong; her Twinkie cake–actually, make that a Twinkie Jello Poke Cake–was delicious. Her downfall was in the decorating. She used black–like the color of tar– for the lettering. She then drizzled red glaze over the top for pretty; except the glaze was too runny, and her cake ended up looking like a murder scene. I laughed so hard. I was so touched she took the time to make a cake, and I loved that wherever Kathy goes, laughter follows. Hers was my favorite birthday cake to date–by far.

Having my little niece and nephew (2&4) around for the holiday & my birthday was another by-far favorite. They are just so precious and amazing. They bring such joy as only little ones can.

My Mom-in-Law came, too. Her calm presence is always refreshing and she is such a server. I can’t tell you how many times she has done my dishes. She also spoiled me with two new chairs for a small table I recently put in my dining room–I will show you them soon. It is my new favorite place to sit with my morning coffee.

My sisters & mom also spoiled me with gifts. My mom got me some kitchen accessories & a much-needed new front door mat. She always knows the things I need and will love. My oldest sister gave me a super sweet necklace from Origami Owl. The packaging was beautiful and the message that came with each charm was chosen specifically for me. I just love it. My sister Kathy brought me a rosemary plant in the shape of a Christmas tree–I’ve eyed them and so wanted one. It makes the whole living room smell amazing! My lil’ sis gave me a super soft scarf, some makeup & nail polish and a great CD that I am now crushing on called The Undoing by Staphanie Gretzinger.

My Todd and girls shopped for me the night before and bought me some of my favorite things from Trader Joes, like flowers and chocolate covered coffee beans. They also picked up a paperweight bulb kit and I cannot wait to watch it grow.

As you can see, I am a very spoiled girl. Today, it continues.

This morning my mother-in-law, Kathy, took me out to breakfast at the Green Gateau. It is only opened for breakfast on Saturday’s, and they sure know how to do it right. She gave me a card with money in it, which they do every year. It is so much fun to take the money and shop!

Tonight Todd and I will join his brother and wife and my other mother-in-law. Yes, I’m spoiled enough to be loved on by 2! His brother and I have birthdays very close together, so our tradition is Sharon treating us all to dinner at the restaurant of our choice. Can’t wait!

Yep, very spoiled. I feel so very loved.

I pray you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Know that I am so, so thankful for each and every one of YOU! Thank you for your support of this blog and caring about me and my story.

Beauty/ HEALTH/ Natural Products

5 Reasons To Take A Detox Bath

Why A Detox Bath?

1. To remove toxins.

Everyone is toxic to some degree. Toxins are in the air, in our water & in our genetically modified foods. They are in the products we put on our bodies & even in the clothes we wear. There is no avoiding toxins in the world we live in. Even before you leave the house in the morning, you have been exposed to numerous toxins. The chemicals in your shampoo and soaps, your moisturizer, your makeup, your toothpaste…even the water that comes out of your shower head. If you ate fruit & yogurt for breakfast –though healthy–the fruit contains pesticides and the yogurt (unless organic) can have toxins in it.

Dr. Oz just did a show showing that toxins from plastics are in almost everyone of us in the form of phthalates. Our foods that come wrapped in plastic or in plastic containers, especially if they are high fat, absorb phthalates and then get into our system. The plastic bags we use in our kid’s lunches have phthalates in them. It seems it is almost inescapable…and phthalates are just one toxin that affects our bodies in negative ways.

Another toxin that most people are exposed to is PCB’s in the lining of food cans. Did you know that there are also PCB’s on receipts? It is used to prevent the color on paper from running or bleeding. I don’t know about you, but I am not in the habit of washing my hands after touching receipts–who knew we needed to? There are numerous chemicals in cleaners that we use, paint we use in our homes, fertilizers we use on our yards — the list goes on and on. Toxins are unavoidable in the modern world.

One can educate themselves and take steps to avoid many toxins, but in reading the above you can see that it is impossible to avoid them all together.

The liver is responsible for dealing with toxins once they get into our bodies. It converts them which makes it possible to eliminate them via our digestive system. That which is not eliminated in this way is eliminated through our skin in the form of sweat.

I can’t tell you the number of times I read in health books that deal with cancer that if you have cancer, your liver is not functioning correctly. Believe me, we want our livers to stay healthy and functioning, but often instead, they are taxed by an overload of toxins.

2. To give the body a nice dose of magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for staying healthy is often overlooked and under utilized. Although you can get magnesium through food – almonds, wheat germ, fish, green leafy vegetables – it is not easy to meet your daily needs through food alone.

Detox baths are made with epsom salts which is magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate helps draw out toxins, and has numerous benefits all on it own.

Magnesium is an essential mineral required for more that 300 biochemical reactions in the body including transmission of nerve impulses, regulation of body temperature, forming healthy bones & teeth, & energy production. It helps absorb calcium and keeps osteoporosis at bay. It brings relief from symptoms of menopause and PMS & minimizes the risk of premature labor — which I experienced first hand when it was given to me intravenously when I went into premature labor with my oldest.

Magnesium helps with insomnia, migraines, kidney stones, gall stones, & in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It regulates blood pressure and helps in the treatment of diabetes.

Magnesium is also plays a very important role in mental health. It helps with panic attacks, stress, anxiety, and agitation. It reduces the severity of symptoms and helps reduce the rate of reoccurrence. This reason alone moves magnesium to the top of my priority list!

Signs that one is deficient in magnesium include fatigue, headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, muscle cramps/spasms & problems with mental health.

Magnesium is absorbed through the skin, and my 2 favorite ways of getting it is through Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil spray and epsom salt baths!

3. It is a great way to spend some time taking care of yourself

I live in the midwest. We have been experiencing the most amazing fall weather, but this week the temperature is supposed to drop and get quite cold. One reason I am looking forward to the cold weather of winter is so that I can get back to my detox baths. Due to some medication that I am on to prevent cancer recurrence, I have regular hot flashes. They were pretty severe during the summer, and the last thing I wanted to do was get into a hot bath. Now that the weather is cooler, I am excited to get back into the habit of detox baths.

There is something about locking yourself in a bathroom — especially if you are a Mom– and getting into a hot bath for a few minutes of quiet. Detox baths require at least 20 minutes, and I cannot tell you how rewarding just a few minutes of stillness and quiet is! I usually use my bluetooth Moxie, and either listen to a podcast or some calming music.

4. It is incredibly relaxing & make for a great night’s sleep

I recommend taking your detox bath in the evening before bed. They are incredibly relaxing and can make you feel quite sleepy, sometimes even weak. The first time I took a detox bath it was shortly after finishing chemo and radiation, and I was full of toxins. I got quite light-headed and nauseous after my bath & felt like I had the flu. It passed once I drank water and rested for about 30 minutes and my body temperature came down. I’ve read this is a normal response from someone who is quite toxic. Every time I took a detox bath this reaction became less and less, until now I just feel very relaxed and good after a detox bath. I tell you this so you are not surprised if you feel icky after your first detox bath. It won’t last, and you will know that you are very much benefitting from the detox.

5. It helps soothe muscle and joint aches and pains.

The same cancer medication I talked about earlier has a side affect of joint pain. I cannot tell you how relieving detox baths are to my aching joints. It is drastic. I step into the bath in pain and step out of the bath pain free. It surprises me every time! It has an anti-inflammatory effect that works very quickly!

Who Should Detoxify?

Really, anyone and everyone–unless pregnant or have high blood pressure or heart disease. If you are in bad health, make sure you ask your doctor before taking a detox bath.

How To Take A Detox Bath:

1. Fill tub with quite hot water. Expect to sweat!

2. Grab a glass of filtered water to have close by. Stay hydrated during and after the bath. Light a few candles for ambience while the bath is filling up.

3. Add 2 cups of epsom salts to a standard bathtub full of water.

4. Add 1 cup of baking soda, which neutralizes chemicals like chlorine in the bath water. It also helps the body absorb minerals and leaves the skin quite soft.

5. Add 5-10 drops of essential oils. This step is optional, but it sure makes the bath smell great! I love lavender. I have also used tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil for extra detoxification and to wake up the senses and clear sinuses.

6. Switch all ingredients together in tub and soak for at least 20 minutes, working your way up to the ideal 40 minutes.

7. Expect to sweat! You should start sweating within the first few minutes. Remember to drink that water!

8. Get out of the tub slowly. You might be light-headed so take it easy.

Detox Bath Recipe

1 bathtub full of hot water

2 cups epsom salts

1 cup baking soda

Optional Ingredients:

5-10 drops essential oils (optional) (lavender, tea tree, lemon or eucalyptus all works well)

1 Tablespoon ground ginger

Add all ingredients to the tub. Swish & soak for at least 20 minutes up to 40 minutes. Don’t forget to hydrate by drinking water!

Make It In Bulk

I love to mix up a big batch & store it in this large glass container. I mix the salt & baking soda together-the above recipe x 5, and it sits on my bathroom floor looking all cute with a this 6 oz. silver scoop. I then scoop about 3 scoops into the bath and then add my essential oils. It is a great reminder to take my detox baths, & would make a great homemade Christmas gift.

Tips:

~If you want to extend the detox, wrap in a towel or fluffy robe and keep on sweating!

~Don’t let your hair touch the water–it would be too drying.

~This detox bath is great for colds and flu. Eucalyptus is especially great for opening nasal passages. Also good for colds and illness — add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger to the tub. Ginger increases heat levels and makes you sweat even more profusely.

~Don’t use harsh soaps or lotions after a detox bath. The pores are wide open so treat them kindly.

~Before this bath, use a loofah or dry brush your skin to stimulate the lymphatic system. This will aid in the release of toxins. Use long, sweeping motions toward the heart. I talk more about dry brushing here.

~Use coconut oil as a non-toxic after bath moisturizer.

………………..

Have you ever taken a detox bath? What was your experience?

Are you a skeptic? Maybe this article on Dr. Oz will help.

DISCLOSURE: Not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations is at the choice and risk of the reader. New Nostalgia may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Holidays/Parties/ RECIPES/ Sweets

Fruit Pizza With Honey Lime Glaze

There are certain recipes that just never get old. Fruit pizza is one of those recipes in my book–an oldie but goodie.

I remember having Fruit Pizza for the first time back during our newlywed days — 16 years ago! We were at a social gathering with a group from our church, and were eating potluck style. Someone brought Fruit Pizza and I remember thinking it was such a pretty dish! I will never get over the beauty of the color and texture of fruit. Put it on top of a sugar cookie crust and it becomes one of my favorite desserts. All that nutritious fruit helps me feel better about the sugar.

This recipe takes the classic Fruit Pizza and adds a simple glaze to make it shine! It is a great finishing touch that makes the pizza even more beautiful.

Fruit Pizza

2 pkgs. packaged sugar cookie dough

1 (8oz) pkg. cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups chopped fresh fruit – kiwi, grapes, clementines, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango

Honey Lime Glaze

1/3 cup honey

2 limes, juiced

zest of one lime

Press cookie dough into sheet cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool.

Mix softened cream cheese, sugar & vanilla until creamy. Spread on top of cooled crust.

Pat chopped fruit with paper towels, making sure it is not too wet. Arrange evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Whisk honey glaze ingredients and drizzle over the pizza.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

———–

Want a healthier version of fruit pizza? Taralynn has a great recipe for Healthy Fruit Pizza that uses a grahmn cracker honey crust + yogurt & whipped cream topping. I can’t wait to try her version.

Holidays/Parties/ Meals/ RECIPES/ Seasonal/ Sweets/ Thanksgiving

8 Amazing Must-Try Pumpkin Recipes

Banana Pumpkin Muffins | New Nostalgia

Super moist pumpkin muffins– you will not believe there is no oil in these muffins. The moisture comes from applesauce and bananas. The perfect amount of cinnamon spice and just a bit of chocolate chips make these muffins a family fall favorite recipe.

Ancestral Pumpkin Pie | New Nostalgia

The secret ingredient of molasses makes this pie unforgettable. It will be the only pumpkin pie recipe you will want to use once you taste it!

Roasted Pecan Pumpkin Butter | How Sweet It Is

The photo alone makes me drool. The pecans in this spread gives your morning toast a hit of protein!

Homemade Apple Pumpkin Fruit Roll-ups | Playful Learning

What a great way to use up all those apples from the apple orchard!

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding | Tasty Yummies

A gluten-free, sugar-free vegan dessert. Leave it to chia to make a dessert pudding healthy! Want to know more about chia? Read this.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup | The Messy Baker

Not just for your coffee. Use it in tea, on pancakes, in your morning oatmeal & over vanilla ice-cream.

Raw Pumpkin ‘Cheesecake’ Bars | The Scent Of Oranges

I am on a huge raw dessert kick. These ‘cheesecake’ bars made from pureed nuts sound amazing.

3 Ingredient Best Pumpkin Spice Chai | New Nostalgia

My favorite fall drink. Keep an eye out for those pumpkin spice tea bags.

———-

Want more pumpkin goodness?

Visit my ‘Pumpkin Please!’ Pinterest Board for more amazing pumpkin goodness including:

Pumpkin Pie Fudge

Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake

Pumpkin Cranberry Ginger Parfaits

Pumpkin Roll

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin & Apple Cider Fizz

Pumpkin Fritters

Pumpkin Scotchies

Maple Pumpkin Pie Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake

Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Pumpkin Soap

Pumpkin Cashew Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Krispie Treats

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Pumpkin Coffee Cake In A Mug

Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Spice For Toast

Pumpkin Apple Butter

Cider Glazed Pumpkin Baked Donuts

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Pumpkin Pie Toffee

Pumpkin Butter Granola

Mini Pumpkin Creme Pies

Pumpkin Shortbread

+ More!

Emotional Health/ FAMILY/ Music Renews

Mental Illness–Going There & A Health Update

I sit here in my recently made-over home office, begging God to make me over.

I am in my favorite chair, the one that generations have sat in before me, the one that reminds me of my sweet Grandpa.

It takes me back to this past spring, his frail body sitting in a chair, cozied up in blankets during his last days. I remember so clearly his sweet smile as his eyes closed and his head relaxed back, his hand patting mine. I didn’t know the next time I would see him his hand would be lifeless, and mine would be stroking his hair, touching his face, coming to rest on his pulse, and feeling the very last few beats of one of the kindest hearts I have known. This precious moment, as I felt the life-blood leave, was a moment that has stayed with me. I will tell more of the story another time, it is one of beauty. It is one of a bride married 66 years, saying her goodbyes and releasing her lover to Jesus, as I sat by and caught a glimpse of eternity.

This chair, passed down from my Great Grandmothers’ Grandmother, has stood the test of time quite well.

The only bit of wear and tear is where one’s head would rest. It is slightly worn there. I think of others who have come before me, lying their weary heads to rest, feeling worn.

This life is hard, and I have just come out of one of the hardest seasons this summer, and I am worn. I have been quiet here on the blog, a necessity as the much of my weariness comes from a story that is not mine to tell, at least not in detail. I have not had the time or the emotional stamina to work. Posts have been few and far between. I miss writing & creating.

School started Tuesday for my 3 lovelies, and I now have the time that I craved most of the summer. I have found though, that there is a recovery process going on with me that is taking some time. This is life…this being ‘made -over.’ I cling to the promise that it is all going to be ok, because He is the one who makes all things new, redeeming all that seems wrong to good in the lives of those who love Him. {Romans 8:28}

I know this post is supposed to be about mental illness, and really it is. My little lovely has been ill, and I know I too am fighting the effects of illness, both physical and mental.

Mental triggered by physical, they entwine and do a sad dance.

My physical state has not been great, my reproductive organs really misbehaving, causing pain & bleeding and sending me to the doctor more than I would like. So far we have found a fibroid tumor, and I thanked God what showed up on the scan was not cancer. I am in the middle of ongoing testing to figure out why I am having the symptoms I do. My cancer medication that suppresses hormones has been a hard one to continue to take. There are no easy answers. Due to doctors order mix-up, I recently experienced what it would be like coming off of the meds, and it was a struggle. 5 days of waiting for the prescription to be refilled, my body went into withdrawal symptoms, and just when I was starting to adjust I went back on the meds, for more days of adjustment. It was not pretty, and I continue to feel the effects of that mixup. That is just my bottom half. My top half is also misbehaving. The reconstruction that I had done in October/November of last year looks great, but my right side formed a keloid that has grown even more extensive than before fixing it last fall, the most drastic changes happened in just the last month. I have both my dermatologist and my plastic surgeon puzzled. They don’t know what to do with me. If it continues to grow, it will mess up my reconstruction. Just last week the scar area on the other side formed two small pinpoint scabs, out of the blue. That really took me by surprise, as it had healed beautifully. This is something my oncologist wants to take a look at asap, as the incision site is often a place where reoccurrence happens. I am nervous because to biopsy that area could very well cause a keloid there, too, and mess up the reconstruction that I have grown quite attached to.

I know all of this physical stuff has a huge effect on how I feel emotionally and mentally.

{Worn — Tenth Avenue North}

I’m worn.

I then scroll through Facebook. See the horror of horrors called ISIS, and cry out to the One who holds it all and knows it all & promises to make some sort of sense of it all.

I keep scrolling, see Robin Williams face, and am reminded of why I choose to talk about mental illness on this blog.

I have found 2 articles that speak my heart loud and clear that I must pass on.

Thoughts On Depression, Suicide & Being A Christian — Nish Weiseth

What The Church & Christians Need To Know About Mental Illness –Ann Voskamp

{via Ann Voskamp.com}

Instead of doing much writing right now on mental illness, I am doing some healing and letting Him carry me through my own journey with illness.

In the meantime, this is the song I choose to sing.

{Colton Dixon-You Are}

———-

When I can’t find the words
To say how much it hurts
You are the healing in my heart
When all that I can see are broken memories
You are the light that’s in the dark

(Chorus)
You are the song,
You are the song I’m singing
You are the air,
You are the air I’m breathing
You are the hope,
You are the hope I needed
You are

And when my circumstance leaves me with empty hands
You are the provider of my needs
When all my dirtiness has left me helpless
You are the rain that washes me

If I had no voice,
If I had no tongue,
I would dance for you like the rising sun.
And when that day comes and I see your face.
I will shout your endless glorious praise.

————–

He is my song, my air, my hope.

In time, I know I will rise from the sad, turn my face to the Son, rise up like the sun and dance.

—————-

The home office makeover and chair I speak of? I will be featuring them both in a post tomorrow. That is, if I can do as James Brown suggests and get up off this thing, and dance until I feel better. 🙂

—————

Going There — Mental Illness

Going There — Mental Illness: PMDD & Getting Health

4th of July/ RECIPES/ Sweets

Chocolate Berry 4th Of July Cupcakes

Blueberries, strawberries, and chocolate are 3 must-haves in our family for the 4th of July weekend, and these Chocolate Berry 4th Of July Cupcakes have all 3!

Yesterday our dear friends from Chicago–who we are to this day amazed that they are still here on this earth— stopped in to visit on their way to a family event. It was a brief overnight visit, but boy, did we pack in a whole bunch of beautiful life moments in those 15 hours!

We both have 3 children, around the same age (teens and preteens) so it was a lively and eventful visit. We started the evening out with pre-dinner cocktails for the adults. They were delicious Amerretto Sours –I will be posting the recipe soon. We then got to work visiting & making dinner together. We had these amazing cupcakes as a dessert, and they were perfect as it was July 2nd..my dear friend Sharon’s birthday!

I was sure I had birthday candles on hand, but as we all gathered to sing, I couldn’t find them. Not even one. We had to make do with what I could find in the moment, and of course my friend Sharon was a great sport about pretending to blow out a cheesy plastic candle.

Isn’t she just full of life? Doesn’t she look great? Despite our sweet birthday treat, she embraces a healthy lifestyle & is New Nostalgia’s new Health and Wellness Contributor. I can just hear her laugh while looking at these pics and miss her already. She is a ball of fun and we have had many, many laughs together. She is a friend of my heart and we have had many tears together, too. She is the one who came to take care of me the week after my mastectomy, and was everything I needed during that fragile time & more. I was so happy to celebrate the woman she is yesterday, even if it was with a plastic candle!

We finished up our dessert and headed out to my in- laws pool house for an evening swim. We stopped at my favorite local coffee shop and Sharon’s husband Porter treated us all to yummy beverages…lattes & toddy’s for the adults, granites for the kids.

After swimming we headed back home and made a fire to make apple s’mores. We sat out by the fire and our friends shared pictures of their recent family mission trip to Uganda. It was amazing to see what they did as a family there! We then went inside and watched a few old movies of our 15 year old girl meeting their 15 year old boy when they were just 6 months old. Needless to say, we laughed A LOT!

We got the kids settled down, the hubbies started dozing on the couches and Sharon and I girl talked. The hubs eventually went to bed but not us girls! Oh no, we stayed up gabbing until 2:45 am!

We woke up and I set up a ‘make your own waffle’ bar. It was a hit and I will write about it soon. The teens went for a run together while we packed up the car. They were on the road by 9:30 am. A quick but super fun and meaningful trip.

Back to the cupcakes, they were really delicious. I cannot take credit for them, as my little baker girl, Avery, made them. We found a simple chocolate cupcake & white frosting recipe online, and she whipped them up, frosted them, cut up all the fruit and decorated them. She amazes me–she is quite talented for 11 years old!

These cupcakes were moist and are made from ingredients most can find in their cupboards.

The frosting was a perfect pairing, and the touch of fruit added color and a great fruity & festive finish. I will be keeping this recipe as a simple go-to chocolate cupcake recipe, and pulling it out on all types of occasions, not just the 4th of July!

Enjoy!

Berry Chocolate 4th of July Cupcakes

{recipe source}

10 Tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup milk

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (we used wheat flour)

White Frosting (recipe below)

Chopped strawberries & fresh blueberries

In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar with a mixer for 1 minute.

Stir in eggs and vanilla and beat.

Slowly add in cocoa powder and baking powder and mix until just combined.

While still mixing, alternate adding milk and flour into bowl until blended.

Evenly distribute batter into lined muffin tins.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Top with white frosting (recipe below) and fresh berries.

Yield: 24 cupcakes

White Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons milk

Beat butter with a mixer at medium-high speed until creamy. Gradually beat in sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla and 2 tablespoons milk, adding additional milk if necessary for desired consistency.

DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY/ Kids/Family

Outdoor Chalkboard

I have had this outdoor chalkboard project pinned to my Home: Yard boards for over a year now. Making an outdoor chalkboard has been on the back of my brain in “projects to definitely do” file and I still can’t believe we actually FINALLY got to it. It was such an easy project– I’m not sure why we put it off for so long.

We have been busy making our teeny tiny backyard a family gathering place, and this chalkboard adds so much fun without taking up space.

This project cost us about $40.00. It helped that I already had chalkboard paint left over from this indoor chalkboard project. All I had to purchase was the plywood and primer.

Supplies:

Paint brush and roller

Kilz outdoor primer

Chalkboard paint

Plywood

Sandpaper

6 Galvanized Wood Screws

Small bucket + chalk + eraser + jute or rope to hang the bucket

My eleven year old Avery was the perfect partner for this project. She delighted in ever detail, and I made sure each step was a fun bonding process with her. This summer has been such a great time of slow living, and this project is the perfect example of how slow living doesn’t mean lazy & boring living. Just purposeful & meaningful living.

We took our jeep to our local hardware store. We asked for a 4×8 plywood sheet. They had one for $20.00. I grabbed a small can of Kilz primer and 6 galvanized wood screws. We had the rest of the supplies at home.

On the way to the hardware store, we stopped for a fun little snack of bubble tea. I am determined to learn how to make our own bubble tea, and visited the asian store next to the bubble tea cafe and picked up the supplies. I will share how in an upcoming post!

The super nice guys from the hardware store helped me tie the plywood to the top of our jeep, and even supplied the rope. They made it really easy on us. We drove the few blocks home carefully and with giggles, feeling quite proud of ourselves.

We untied the wood from the jeep, and I carefully slid it down the jeep to my girl. Teamwork! We saved the rope, it would be perfect for hanging the chalk bucket.

~We set the plywood on some plastic storage containers in the driveway, and started sanding. We did not go for perfectly smooth; we just got rid of potential slivers and made sure the front and edges were sanded.

~We dusted the plywood then applied a coat of Kilz to the front, back and edges.

~We let it dry for 3 hours, then applied a coat of chalkboard paint to the front and edges only.

~We let it dry overnight and applied a second coat of chalkboard paint to the front and edges the next morning, then hung it up that evening.

~I taught little one learn how to use the drill, and she pre-drilled 6 holes in the wood, 3 on each side.

~We were determined to hang the board all by ourselves, and did so with the help of some stacks of books to hold the board up. It would have been easier to wait for Dad to get home from work, but we wanted to do it ourselves! It was a bit humorous as one book stack fell and we had to re-stack it.

~Using the power drill with a screwdriver bit, we screwed it into the wall making sure we hit studs (it is the side of our garage, and the studs were easy to find as they are exposed in our garage), and tied a little bucket of chalk with holes drilled into the bottom for water drainage. We are counting on the rain to be our friend and help us wash the board clean…or the hose will do just fine too! No chalk mess! We used a nail to hang the bucket and then gave each other a high-five.

The chalkboard paint we used suggest drying time of 48 hours, then directed us to cover the entire chalkboard in chalk and then erase it. This layer of chalk dust primes the board for future artistic fun.

The board has been much, much fun. We have played many drawing games & had fun with our shadows at sunset.

It gives our family one more thing to do while we are hanging out in the yard. While Avery and I were busy making silly shadows, Dad relaxed with a book, sister Colsie took over the hammock, and Teagan shot some hoops. Being purposeful with creating an outdoor space is working and it makes my heart so happy to see the family out there enjoying it!

This project came about thanks to Project Denner ‘s awesome post, who was inspired by OhDeeDoh.

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