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How To Bake Acorn Squash

I just love when I start to see squash at our local farmers market.  Squash is an easy and inexpensive way to get nutrients into the body.  They are a great source of iron, riboflavin, and vitamins A & C.  Choose a squash feels heavy for its size and has a hard, deep colored rind.
Rinse the squash, then cut in half with a sharp knife.  Scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff.  

Take a minute to delight in the beauty of acorn squash.  I love the scalloped edge and the beautiful orange color. So pretty!

Find a baking pan and fill it with water to about 1/4″ deep

Lay the acorn squash cut side down in the pan.  Bake at 350 for about an hour or until soft.
At this point, you can dress the squash with whatever your heart desires.  I like to fill the cavity with butter, brown sugar (or maple syrup) a sprinkle of cinnamon and salt.  

I then put it back into the oven for a few minutes until the butter melts.   I just love eating squash like this.  It almost feels like I’m eating dessert!  The sweet maple syrup or brown sugar along with the salty butter and sprinkle of salt is so, SO good.

Simple Baked Acorn Squash
1 acorn squash
2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
2 tbsp butter
dash of cinnamon
pinch of salt
Cut acorn squash in half.  Scoop out seeds and stringy stuff.  Fill  a baking pan with water to about 1/4″ depth.  Place acorn squash cut side down into pan.  Bake 350 degrees for about an hour or until soft.
Fill each cavity with 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup, 1 tbsp butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and salt.  Place back into the oven until butter is melted.
//
How do you like to eat your acorn squash?

Cancer Journey/ FUN/DIY/ HEALTH/ HOME/ Homemade Gifts/ Organizing

A By-The- Bed Basket –A Great Gift Idea For Someone Who Is Sick

The last two weeks I have spent lots of time in bed.  I am healing from reconstruction surgery, and due to some complications, the healing time is taking longer than I expected.

Honestly, I sure don’t mind some chill time, especially now that I am just sore, and not in pain.  I am one that loves my quiet time, and I really love my bedroom and bed, so really it is fine to have to rest a bit.

One thing that has made my time in bed enjoyable is this handy dandy basket.  I have kept everything I need close by in it.

 

The basket has evolved over the last 2 weeks. It started out pretty empty, put together by my thoughtful 10-year-old Avery right after my first surgery.  She gathered the things she saw all over my bed and put them in a basket all pretty.  You can see what she did in the pic below.

She put my purple binder with hospital discharge instructions in it.  My lip balm, my glasses, the TV remote, my Nook, my devotional, pain meds, body butter and a jar of pens.  She even added a little snack.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have added to it, as you can see. Between this basket, my phone,  TV, laptop, my favorite water bottle, my fuzzy blanket & this basket, I have been set!  My requests for help from my family to bring me things that I need have been minimal.

 

{My sweet friend polished my toes for me.  I’ve been so very spoiled!}

I’m thinking I may keep my basket around even after I’m healed. It is just handy and convenient, and I love spending time in my room and bed.

 This would also make a GREAT gift for someone who is sick or is going to have surgery or is just laid up for whatever reason.  

Here is what I keep in mine:

1. Bath & Body Works Lemon Lip Balm–my all time fav.

2. Bath & Body Works Lemon Room Spray–this smells so fresh and clean.

3. A wonderful, encouraging book by author Danea Horn called Chronic Resilience–10 Sanity-Saving Strategies for Women Coping With the Stress of Illness.  Buy this book as a gift for yourself or your friends if it applies.  It is a wonderful book.

4. Trader Joes Coconut Body Butter–another one of my all time favs.  This has been so soothing to my skin after removing tape and bandages.  I.V. fluid from surgery also makes my hands swell and feel dry, so this cream brought relief.

5. Dark Chocolate.  My sister-in-law knew I loved these Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Seeds from Trader Joes and brought them to me with some groceries last week.  Best gift!

6. Alba Hawaiian Lip Gloss–For when you want to feel a bit girly.  The smell of this takes me to the tropics, which was needed when I was in pain!

7. Magazines-a sweet friend, Kashoan from Krafty Kash left these on my porch last week.  Another great gift!

8. A notebook

9. My Scripture Devotion journible.

10. My Nook.  3 Books I have loved is  The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom, Sweeping Up Glass by Carolyn Wall, and now I am reading The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield.

11. A jar of pens, scissors, nail files, & thermometer.  Avery had to make sure her duct tape rose pen was in there.

12. My prescription meds

13. Advil/Tylenol

14. Deodorant

15. My Vita-Strips — I believe these are a key to my healing well.

Another hint is to move furniture if you need to.  I moved this little end table right up alongside my bed so I don’t have to reach.  It has flowers from my sister-in-law on it, a candle to make it cozy in here, and usually, my water bottle is on it.

Here is the water bottle I use.  Lemon is very cleansing and detoxing.  Perfect for someone who is sick.

Cheers to everyone feeling better, or at least feeling loved and comforted while they are down.

 

ANTI-PROCRASTINATION/ HOME

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday

Goals Last Week:

Goals This Week:

Home Zone This Week:
Your pick!
(spend 15 minutes a day focused on zone work)

Hot Spot This Week:
Your pick!
(spend 5 minutes a day decluttering hot spot)

It is time to re-order my awesome vitamin strips!  I’m doing a shameless plug for this product because I LOVE IT and need your help to keep being able to afford it.  If you want to stop buying multiple bottles of supplements and get everything you need in one handy daily strip, please click here.
By ordering, you will be helping me stay strong & healthy, and for that I am SO THANKFUL!

………………..

Last Week’s Most Clicked On Links:


DIY Taco Seasoning @ Clover House

DIY Drop Cloth Curtains @ The Turquoise House

………………..
New Nostalgia


New Nostalgia

…………………..

Be Encouraged, Be Inspired & Get Something Done!

………………..
Let’s Work Together And Get The Word Out!
“Happy to be linking up at New Nostalgia’s Anti-Procrastination Tuesday Link Party!



ANTI-PROCRASTINATION/ HOME

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday

Goals This Week:

Home Zone This Week:
Living Room
Entrence, Porch, Dining Room
(spend 15 minutes a day focused on zone work)

Hot Spot This Week:
Study Drawers
(spend 5 minutes a day decluttering hot spot)

It is time to re-order my awesome vitamin strips!  I’m doing a shameless plug for this product because I LOVE IT and need your help to keep being able to afford it.  If you want to stop buying multiple bottles of supplements and get everything you need in one handy daily strip, please click here.
By ordering, you will be helping me stay strong & healthy, and for that I am SO THANKFUL!


………………..
Last Week’s Most Clicked On Links:



5 Creative Consequences For Kids | Confessions of a Semi-Domesticated Mama

Garlic Honey | A Life Unprocessed


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New Nostalgia


New Nostalgia

…………………..

Be Encouraged, Be Inspired & Get Something Done!

………………..
Let’s Work Together And Get The Word Out!
“Happy to be linking up at New Nostalgia’s Anti-Procrastination Tuesday Link Party!



ANTI-PROCRASTINATION/ HOME

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday

Goals Last Week:
paint kitchen
organize study
organize 3 Amazon purchases
Goals This Week:
prepare for surgery
finish organizing study
ask Dad to paint kitchen 🙂

Home Zone This Week:
study/office
(spend 15 minutes a day focused on zone work)

Hot Spot This Week:
Hallway
Paper Clutter
(spend 5 minutes a day decluttering hot spot)

Last Week’s Pin:
Do my hair like this

Pin I Want To Implement This Week:
It is time to re-order my awesome vitamin strips!  I’m doing a shameless plug for this product because I LOVE IT and need your help to keep being able to afford it.  If you want to stop buying multiple bottles of supplements and get everything you need in one handy daily strip, please click here.
By ordering, you will be helping me stay strong & healthy, and for that I am SO THANKFUL!

………………..


Last Week’s Most Clicked On Links:

Pumpkin Pie Coffee Cake | It’s Always Ruetten


10 Amazing Cooking & Cleaning Tips | Thrifty and Fabulous


Easier Chocolate Almond Butter | My Sister’s Pantry

Crockpot Cauliflower Cheddar Soup | Glamorous Affordable Life


………………..

New Nostalgia


New Nostalgia

…………………..

Be Encouraged, Be Inspired & Get Something Done!

………………..
Let’s Work Together And Get The Word Out!
“Happy to be linking up at New Nostalgia’s Anti-Procrastination Tuesday Link Party!



HOME/ Homemaking/ Kids/Family/ Sponsored

Pumpkin Patch, Fall Allergies, & Kleenex Pocket Packet

 “This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Kleenex but all my opinions are my own. #KleenexAllergy #pmedia http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

August, September & October are the months of the year where my family suffers the most with allergies, thanks to ragweed season! My husband and 2 of my daughters are all on prescription nose spray right now because of allergies, and honestly the spray works GREAT!  As much as I try to stay away from meds, I have been very thankful for this particular prescription, as it keeps my husband from sniffing constantly (sniffing is NOT sexy) and it keeps my youngest from asthma attacks.  Her allergies and post nasal drip is what causes her attacks, so as long as we can keep her allergies under control, she can breath & so can her Momma!

Even though allergies are pretty under control now in our household, I still think I can benefit from having Kleenex brand tissues in my home.  You all know I’m pretty frugal and if you are a close friend and have needed a facial tissue in my home, you often would get handed a roll of tp.  Granted, it would always be a nice new roll, but still…I’m too frugal to buy a bunch of facial tissue…unless:

1.) They are the cute little Wallet Packet or Pocket Packet from Kleenex. Kleenex brand is so soft, and I love the small packet sizes.  They are so convenient!

2.) My family is in the middle of allergy season or are sick.  This doesn’t happen too often so I smile when my girls get excited about soft Kleenex tissue for their noses. I know when I do have Kleenex tissues on hand it makes them feel loved and cared for.  If they get sick it is one of the first things I throw in my basket.

 

3.) When I have an awesome coupon like this one that I can use at Target, a store I frequent anyway, so an extra trip is not needed!   The coupon offer?  Buy 1 Kleenex 4 pack, get 1 free wallet pack (2-pk) or 1 pocket pack (3-pk) -bothe are $1.00 value.  This offer is good while supplies last, so click here for coupon.  Because of this offer, my friends are not going to get handed a roll of tp when they come to our home and need a tissue,  as I will be able to stock up Kleenex and get free pocket packs to boot!

The Pocket Packet came in very handy just this last weekend.  I took two of my girls to the pumpkin patch and they both ended up needing to use tissues.  Between sitting on bales of hay (allergen), the smoke from the pit fire, and all the dust in the air from people walking around on dirt paths, it didn’t take long for my girls to start sniffing.  Having Kleenex on hand helped make our day at the pumpkin patch one that was full of smiles and memories!

 

5 Minute Fridays/ HOME/ Homemaking/ Simplifying

How To Fall In Love With Doing Laundry

 
{5 Minutes of unedited, nonstop writing on the week’s given theme.}
 
GO.
 
Laundry and love are two words I never thought I would use together.  Laundry FAIL is more like it for most of my life.  I always said that if I ever have laundry caught up AND put away, then I will have arrived as a Mom.  Well, recently there have been many more days of caught up & put away laundry, but I so have not “arrived” as a Mom.  SO. NOT.
 
But I have grown.
I have become wiser over the years.  
More efficient.
 
I have learned that undone laundry does not define what kind of mother/housewife/woman I am.
I have learned that it is ok to do things imperfectly.
I have learned that it is ok to ask for help and allow kids to participate.
 
I have learned how to love laundry.
 
Love is a dramatic word, especially when it comes to laundry…but hear me out.
 
I have changed my thought patterns when it comes to laundry and now it does not control or define me.  
We are friends now. Not besties, but a friend that I don’t take for granted.

My new thought pattern? 

I love laundry because it shows God has provided.
~He has provided clothes for our family.
~He has provided water & a washing machine that works…a luxury many do not have.
~He has given me children who are healthy enough to play soccer and get dirty.
~He has given me girls that have such great fashion sense that some days it takes numerous outfit changes to find the exact one…which means more laundry…the  most challenging kind, clean laundry caught up in the dirty.  The kind that takes sacrifice to wash again without complaint. 
 
Isn’t that life, the clean and the dirty mixed up together on a regular basis?  
Not ideal, but real.
Signs of life, of living the beautiful imperfect.
Signs that we need Him.
 
He knows all about the washing of dirty laundry.
Of sacrifice.
Of loving that which can be as repulsive as a muddy soccer sock.
Of lovingly washing us, whiter than snow.
 
STOP.
 
 
Need some practical tips to help you love laundry?
 
~Kids 12 and older do their own.  This has changed my life and my relationship with laundry.  My two oldest do their own now.  It has saved my sanity and our relationship.  Now, if clean clothes are on the floor, it does not affect me or my sanity, as I am not the one who will have to rewash them.  They now take much better care of their clothes.  The occasional times I surprise them and do it for them…they are grateful. Kids who are grateful that their laundry is done = winning!
 
~If you have younger kids, have a dirty clothes bucket in their room and another for clean clothes that need hung up.  The goal is to keep clothes off the floor.  If they are old enough, teach them to hang up the clean clothes.  Give it as one of their 3 daily chores.
 
~Use hooks in closets for things like robes, coats, jackets.  These things are a pain to hang up on hangers and kids will struggle with that.  If an item is used almost daily, have a hook for it.
 
~Buy a laundry sorter. I have one like this one and I love it!  Do NOT sort according to color.  Sort according to person in the family.  Mark it clearly so everyone knows where to put their dirty clothes.  Keep in a central location where you can keep an eye on it, and where it is easy for everyone to bring their dirties when asked.
 
~When you see a part of the sorter get full, you know whose turn it is to do laundry.  I have a sorter that has 4 baskets hanging from it.  A full basket makes a perfect full load.  One for my 14 year old, one for my 12 year old, one for my 10 year old, and husband and I share one.  I only have to worry about 2 of the 4, as the older two girls do their own.  I keep our sorter on the main floor in the hallway.
 
~Don’t sort laundry.  Unless we have a new item of clothing that I know will bleed when first washed, I don’t sort.  I think it is a waste of time.  I like to do loads according to person, not according to color.  It makes the folding and putting away so much easier when loads are according to person.
 
~Use sturdy, pretty baskets.  The top picture was taken before I had my oldest 2 start doing their own laundry.  As you can see, I had 3 smaller baskets where I would fold and put each child’s clothes, and they would put their own clothes away.  I folded in the living room so the clothes would not sit.  If they are out and about in my way, I will remember to tell the littles to put their clothes away. This system worked well when they were younger.  The larger basket was for Todd and I.  The medium basket held all socks.
 
 
~Have a hook for each person in the family to keep their towel.  I only wash towels once or twice a week.  I just grab them from the hooks in the bathroom and throw them right into the washer.  Yes, I wash the white towels with the black towels.  It works fine, but make sure to wash separately when brand new a few times.  We only have one bathroom with a shower, so the girls towels are the three on the hooks…they know what color is theirs.  Todd and I use white towels on hooks behind the door.
 
~Wash sheets/bedding/blankets on the weekend.  I just rotate a bed each weekend.  Yes, each persons bedding only gets washed once a month, except for Todd and I, our bedding gets washed twice a month.  Good enough. 
 
~Keep a sock basket.  Keep the sock basket in a central location, where all mismatched or found socks go.  Occasionally grab the basket and have child match any socks as a chore.
 
~Make your own laundry detergent.  LOVE love easy liquid recipe.
 
What is your favorite tip?
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