That Time Of Year

What time of year is it? Well it's that time of year of course. The time of year that we settle down and turn inward. We seem to be more home bound and doing little projects indoors.

As with many others I know, we too have had a little sickness. A few weeks ago a cold swept through the house. The lingering effects were a nagging, hacking cough that seemed like it took forever to get rid of. Just this past week my smallest monkey thought it was wise to go outside without a coat. So by Friday she deloped a cough. By Saturday night it sounded like the croup had set in. Monday we went to the doctors because I suspected Pneumonia. Thank God I was off the mark! She is just heavily congested and on the mend. When one of the family is feeling under the weather it reminds me that it is more important during the colder season to stay close to home. We do not want to share germs ;)

I have been doing several little projects. Currently I have been sewing a slip cover for the couch. The couch has been well loved ;) We have been doing several small deep cleaning projects. I try to keep some sort of hand project going too. As of right know I have a dishcloth on my knitting needles.

During the colder months I try to research and to learn new things. Currently I am researching sour dough. I have even started a sour dough starter. I am really excited to make something! I might do pancakes tonight for dinner. I have also been learning about gluten free vs. using sour dough. I have noticed that several of us have some issues related to gluten. Add that on top of my youngest being allergic to wheat, I believe that I may put the family on a gluten free diet to see who is gluten intolerant. So I feel I need to research this a little more before I jump in with both feet.

Is there things that you like to do during this time of year?

Blessings!

A Great Giveaway!

I received a update in my email tonight from Food Renegade. Food Renegade is having a wonderful giveaway! The giveaway away is for The Ultimate Komboucha Making Kit. I have made water kefir and milk kefir before. I have always wanted to try komboucha. I have read so much about it. I actually bought a scoby before from a local health food store once. I followed all the directions and it did not turn out. The scoby grew mold and it smelled horrible. All I can figure is that it was old.
Since then I have wanted to try again. This is a wonderful opportunity. I encourage you to take a look at this wonderful kit and at a great site.

Blessings

Hello Again!

So, I have been away for a seriously long time. Life gets busy sometimes. It's funny that way! My husband has been having some health problems. Seems to be on the mend now. Also we started a new school year. This is my oldest's last year and my youngest is just starting. So this is going to be a fun year. So in between all that life is still happening. Like we celebrated our wedding anniversary. My husband had a birthday. This week my oldest daughter will be having a birthday. Time sure flies. So next time I will make sure that I don't take so long in between visits :) Have a great weekend!

Blessings

Update: Washing My Face With Honey

I have been washing my face with honey for six days now. I will tell you that I had my doubts. "Would this leave my face sticky?", "Will I still have to moisturize?", and "Will I stick to my pillow?" The answer to these questions is no. Washing with honey is um ..... different! I mean when my husband saw the bottle of honey he rolled his eyes. LOL! My daughter looked at me like I was crazy. I'm thankful I did not let these responses deter me because washing with honey is WONDERFUL! My skin is super soft. I don't stick to the pillow, or need to moisturize, I don't feel sticky, and best of all I don't attract bees! I can not say yet if my pores will shrink or if it clears up acne. What I can say is that my skin has not felt this good in years! So check out the washing your face with honey challenge.

Blessings

Wash Your Face With Honey

I am taking The Crunchy Betty Honey Challenge! I am a little late getting started. But My oldest daughter and I will start today. If I can recruit any of my boys I will let you know in my updates.
I am really excited about this. I can not wait to see the benefits of washing my face in honey. I could definitely benefit from all of the good properties honey offers. So go check out the challenge and let me know if you will be joining in or if you wash your face with honey.

Blessings

Catching Up

 Last week we received a call letting us know that one of our very dear friends had past away very unexpectedly. So this past Friday we traveled to Maryland for the services. We were only there for three nights and then back home. We have made quick trips before, but they have always been planned. This time was last minute. We had one thing on our minds and that was to go and help our friend through his time of grieving. I was blessed to be able to spend some time with my family as well. The most important thing is that we were blessed with safe travel.
 So this week I am catching up on everything. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I have so many things to do and don't know where to start. I guess I'll start with the mountain of laundry. I'm off to the laundry room. Have a great day!

Blessings

Canning

Canning season is upon us. So far I have only canned a couple of batches of zucchini. Every time I talk about canning zucchini people tend to make a funny face. It is because they have never heard of canning zucchini. Well neither had I until I bought The Practical Produce Cookbook. In this cookbook I have found some really great recipes. However my favorite and also my family's favorite is the Zucchini Pineapple. I have been canning this recipe for several years and it is wonderful. So great that my children will eat it straight out of the jar.
This is a great, easy recipe. I use it to mainly substitute for crushed pineapple. We use it in yogurt, cakes, breads, muffins, and even in jello. The zucchini takes on the pineapple flavor and you can barely tell the difference. This recipe really doubles well.

Zucchini Pineapple To Can

4 quarts zucchini, grated or diced
1 1/2 C. bottled lemon juice
1 46 oz. can unsweetened pineapple juice
3 C. sugar

Simmer all ingredients together for 20 minutes. Pack hot into half-pint or pint jars (do not use quarts). Evenly distribute solids and liquids into the jars. Leave a 1/2 inch headspace. Process 15 minutes in a boiling water canner.




This is a great way to use up all of your zucchini and to also make a convenience food that you will not have to purchase. If you try it let me know what you think. Have a great week.

Blessings