Sunday, February 25, 2018
Thursday, February 22, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: February 22
I Am Thankful For:
Trying something different
Goals accomplished
Rediscovering an old favorite
Realizing that what you were worrying about was nothing
Hearing the Man of the House laugh
Afternoon coffee
Leftover cheesecake filling
Being lazy
Jelly beans
That sound the cat makes when he's watching birds
Setting in the Man of the House's lap
British comedy
Extra productive days
Little details that make a big difference
Sleep
Daffodils
What are you thankful for this week?
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Why I Don't Drink Decaf
Anyone who knows much of anything about me knows I adore a cup of coffee. And I enjoy a nice cup of tea as well. In my opinion, a warm beverage is just one of life's great simple pleasures. At least two cups of coffee are essential to my morning routine. And a cup of coffee or tea is a lovely way to refresh myself during the afternoon, especially if the day is chilly or rainy.
The afternoon cuppa is often a decaffeinated variety to avoid a wide-eyed and restless night ahead. Or rather ... it was.
During out anniversary trip last year, the Man of the House and I visited the Charleston Tea Plantation. While we were touring the grounds, the guide mentioned that they produce no decaf teas and how the decaffeination process would involve introducing harsh chemicals such as acetate to the teas that they have grown with no herbicides or pesticides.
Which is when I had one of those "Wait... WHAT?" moments.
The afternoon cuppa is often a decaffeinated variety to avoid a wide-eyed and restless night ahead. Or rather ... it was.
During out anniversary trip last year, the Man of the House and I visited the Charleston Tea Plantation. While we were touring the grounds, the guide mentioned that they produce no decaf teas and how the decaffeination process would involve introducing harsh chemicals such as acetate to the teas that they have grown with no herbicides or pesticides.
Which is when I had one of those "Wait... WHAT?" moments.
Maybe this is common knowledge. But I had been living in blissful ignorance for all these years! That was all over now. As soon as we arrived home, I started doing my research. And realized I had been consuming something without any clue as to how it was actually made.
The most common method for decaffeinating coffee or tea is typically by steaming the beans or leaves and then rinsing them with either methylene chloride or ethyl acetate to remove the caffeine molecules.
That makes me feel a little queasy when I consider that methylene chloride (often used as a solvent in paint removers, metal cleaners, and degreasers) has been banned for use in hair sprays and is considered by OSHA to be a potential occupational carcinogen. And many of you may recognize ethyl acetate as a common ingredient in nail polish removers. It is also used as an industrial solvent, and is popular with insect collectors as an efficient method of quickly killing "samples" without destroying their appearance.
Yes, the FDA has approved both of these as safe for the use of decaffeinating tea and coffee.
Yes, there is reportedly almost no trace left in the coffee or tea once the process is complete and especially after roasting of the coffee beans has occured.
And yes, companies can legally label products decaffeinated using ethyl acetate as "naturally decaffeinated" because the chemical is derived from fruit.
But for me, personally, that doesn't make me feel much better about the whole thing.
If you do some shopping around, you can find some coffees and teas which use a process of cooking the leaves or beans with carbon dioxide using high temperatures and high pressure to remove the caffeine.
There is also a "water method" which is primarily only used for coffee. But many coffee lovers feel it leaves the beverage tasting, well... watered down.
After taking in all of this information, I made the personal choice to eliminate decaffeinated coffee and tea from my diet.
Notice, I said "decaffeinated". There is a difference between "decaffeinated" tea and "caffeine-free" tea. Many herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. As in, they never contained caffeine in the first place. I keep a small variety of herbal teas - such as mint, chamomile, and a nice red raspberry leaf - in the house for those occasions when I really don't want to consume any caffeine with my hot beverage.
I'll just stick to having my coffee and tea the way nature intended - full of naturally occurring caffeine, or have something which never contained caffeine to start with.
Do you drink decaf? Does knowing a bit about how the caffeine is removed make you feel any differently about it?
Much Love,
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Saturday Coffee: Caffiene and Tears
Grab a cup of coffee (or tea - or whatever your beverage of choice is right now) and let's talk!
I don't even know where to start when it comes to the past week.
Wednesday was a Valentine's Day. And Ash Wednesday. It should have been a day where our only thoughts were on love and the upcoming Lenten season. Instead it was a day when we once again had to cope with young people being terrorized and murdered by one of their own. In a school of all places.
I can't really discuss this with any clarity. I have so many thoughts and emotions. So many opinions, many of which seem to completely contradict each other. As the young people say "I just can't even..." (how old does that make me sound?)
The only thing I know with any certainty is that my heart is broken for every single student, parent, family, staff member, law enforcement officer, and fire and rescue worker who had to face this horror.
I saw somewhere that today is Random Acts of Kindness day. And perhaps that's the best thing we can do this week. Be kind. Love on others. Give of ourselves. And maybe, in doing that, we can help to overcome a tiny bit of the evil we have seen existing in the world this week.
With Love,
Wednesday was a Valentine's Day. And Ash Wednesday. It should have been a day where our only thoughts were on love and the upcoming Lenten season. Instead it was a day when we once again had to cope with young people being terrorized and murdered by one of their own. In a school of all places.
I can't really discuss this with any clarity. I have so many thoughts and emotions. So many opinions, many of which seem to completely contradict each other. As the young people say "I just can't even..." (how old does that make me sound?)
The only thing I know with any certainty is that my heart is broken for every single student, parent, family, staff member, law enforcement officer, and fire and rescue worker who had to face this horror.
I saw somewhere that today is Random Acts of Kindness day. And perhaps that's the best thing we can do this week. Be kind. Love on others. Give of ourselves. And maybe, in doing that, we can help to overcome a tiny bit of the evil we have seen existing in the world this week.
With Love,
Thursday, February 15, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: February 15
I AM THANKFUL FOR:
Clear blue skies
"Clean out the fridge" dinner night
Waking up feeling rested
Sunshine before the rain
The taste of coffee
My dad stopping by for a visit
Spring cleaning plans
Weird memo board messages like "Velcro dog"
Morning kisses
Lying in the dark listening to the rain pour down
My husband is my best friend
Caramels
Rainy, foggy, hazy days
The bird outside my bvedroom window telling me it's time to get up
When I can finally fall asleep after tossing and turning for hours
The grandkid dressed up "like a 100 year old man"
The grandkid dressed up "like a 100 year old man"
Knowing I am loved
Valentine texts
Making mini cheesecake bites for my guys
What are you thankful for this week?
With Love,
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Happy Valentine's Day
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.
If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
- 1 Corinthians 13: 1-7
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Somebody to Love
The following is a repost of a something I wrote several years ago. (with a few minor edits) My view of the subject remains the same, so I felt it was appropriate to share it once again...
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. The day of Love. Hearts, cupids, flowers and chocolates run wild in every store. And just so you know - Yes, I can hear the groans from here. The quiet grumbles of "made up holiday" and "why should I have to show my love on that day just because Hallmark says so", etc, etc, etc.
And you're right. Although it's roots go back to a religious day to observe St. Valentine - the more modern idea of Valentine's Day is pretty much a made up holiday. And yes, the card companies and candy makers and florists are getting rich off the romantic madness. But you know what else? I don't care!
I can't believe that any reason to show love and affection could be a bad thing. Sure, we should be showing those we love how we feel about them every single day of the year. Goes without saying. But what is one day set aside to remind us of that and encourage us to go all out going to hurt? Any excuse to be loving and affectionate sounds like a good thing to me!
And yes, I know not everyone is involved in a romantic relationship. And some of those persons might feel left out of all the lovey-dovey going around. But is there a law that says one must use Valentine's Day only to show romantic love? Maybe you have a family member you can show a little appreciation and love for on this day of hearts. Or a close friend you love like a sister. Or maybe the person you need to show a little love is yourself!!
You don't like chocolate? Flowers just die anyway. Maybe the gifts aren't your thing. But I bet there is someone who would just appreciate your time and attention. Or maybe you just need a little time to yourself to read that book/watch that movie/take that bubble bath/paint your toenails like you've been meaning to do.
Take advantage of the day meant for love. Show someone some love. Show yourself some love. Just love somebody!
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. The day of Love. Hearts, cupids, flowers and chocolates run wild in every store. And just so you know - Yes, I can hear the groans from here. The quiet grumbles of "made up holiday" and "why should I have to show my love on that day just because Hallmark says so", etc, etc, etc.
And you're right. Although it's roots go back to a religious day to observe St. Valentine - the more modern idea of Valentine's Day is pretty much a made up holiday. And yes, the card companies and candy makers and florists are getting rich off the romantic madness. But you know what else? I don't care!
I can't believe that any reason to show love and affection could be a bad thing. Sure, we should be showing those we love how we feel about them every single day of the year. Goes without saying. But what is one day set aside to remind us of that and encourage us to go all out going to hurt? Any excuse to be loving and affectionate sounds like a good thing to me!
And yes, I know not everyone is involved in a romantic relationship. And some of those persons might feel left out of all the lovey-dovey going around. But is there a law that says one must use Valentine's Day only to show romantic love? Maybe you have a family member you can show a little appreciation and love for on this day of hearts. Or a close friend you love like a sister. Or maybe the person you need to show a little love is yourself!!
You don't like chocolate? Flowers just die anyway. Maybe the gifts aren't your thing. But I bet there is someone who would just appreciate your time and attention. Or maybe you just need a little time to yourself to read that book/watch that movie/take that bubble bath/paint your toenails like you've been meaning to do.
Take advantage of the day meant for love. Show someone some love. Show yourself some love. Just love somebody!
Because love is a many splendored thing!
Love makes the world go 'round!
All you need is LOVE!
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Saturday Coffee: Maybe This Week We Should Have Tea with Honey
Grab a cup of coffee (or whatever your beverage of choice is right now) and let's talk!
Despite all of my efforts, I ended up catching whatever the Man of the House and the Male Offspring had last week. I won't say that all the things I was doing to boost my immune system were a waste though. While they were both sick for the better part of a week, my symptoms peaked and started feeling better after a couple of days. And I don't think I ever felt as bad as they seemed to. So... whether they had some minor flu that my shot helped protect me from, or all the Airborne and Vitamin C helped is unknown, or maybe it was just a nasty cold. I'm just glad I didn't have it worse!
This flu year has been a bad one. No doubt about it. My own mother is still dealing with residual effects from an especially nasty case after 2 weeks!. However, I also think that the media is doing a bang up job of scaring the daylights out of us and sharing all the very worst of the stories.
I'm not surprised that emergency rooms are flooded. I think people are so scared by what they're seeing on the TV every evening that they are rushing to the ER with the flu when they would usually go to their primary Dr. It's important to be aware, take precautions like getting a flu shot, hand washing, and knowing when to seek medical treatment. Just don't allow yourself to be controlled by fear.
The weather we've been having around here probably doesn't help much either. One weekend it's cold and icy. A few days later it's pouring rain. And a few days after that it's 60 degrees. Mother Nature is on a meteorological roller coaster!
I hope all of you are staying healthy. If you should happen to get sick - I hope you have someone in your life like my wonderful hubby. The Man of the House stopped on his way home from work to pick up ginger ale, cough drops, and some sherbet for me. He's a keeper!
Have a great weekend and a wonderful week.
With Love,
Despite all of my efforts, I ended up catching whatever the Man of the House and the Male Offspring had last week. I won't say that all the things I was doing to boost my immune system were a waste though. While they were both sick for the better part of a week, my symptoms peaked and started feeling better after a couple of days. And I don't think I ever felt as bad as they seemed to. So... whether they had some minor flu that my shot helped protect me from, or all the Airborne and Vitamin C helped is unknown, or maybe it was just a nasty cold. I'm just glad I didn't have it worse!
This flu year has been a bad one. No doubt about it. My own mother is still dealing with residual effects from an especially nasty case after 2 weeks!. However, I also think that the media is doing a bang up job of scaring the daylights out of us and sharing all the very worst of the stories.
I'm not surprised that emergency rooms are flooded. I think people are so scared by what they're seeing on the TV every evening that they are rushing to the ER with the flu when they would usually go to their primary Dr. It's important to be aware, take precautions like getting a flu shot, hand washing, and knowing when to seek medical treatment. Just don't allow yourself to be controlled by fear.
The weather we've been having around here probably doesn't help much either. One weekend it's cold and icy. A few days later it's pouring rain. And a few days after that it's 60 degrees. Mother Nature is on a meteorological roller coaster!
I hope all of you are staying healthy. If you should happen to get sick - I hope you have someone in your life like my wonderful hubby. The Man of the House stopped on his way home from work to pick up ginger ale, cough drops, and some sherbet for me. He's a keeper!
Have a great weekend and a wonderful week.
With Love,
Thursday, February 8, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: February 8
I AM THANKFUL FOR:
Being able to take care of the Man of the House and the male offspring while they are sick
Whatever they have isn't too severe
When they start to feel better
A not too icy morning
Chocolate chip cookies
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
The dog wanting the male offspring to sit on his blanket with him
New pillows
Super Bowl Sunday
Lemon Squares
The Man of the House making chili
Chicken noodle soup
Having a lazy sick day
Tea with honey
The sound of rain
I am a beloved daughter of the King of kings
Feeling better
What are you thankful for this week?
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Why I Love My Lashes
I love my lashes! And I have been telling everyone I know about it. In fact, I'm pretty sure a couple of people may be sick and tired of hearing me go on and on about it. What's my secret?
Three little words: Lash Paradise Mascara by Loreal
.
The Lash Paradjise leaves my lashes looking so much fuller and longer. Without any of the clumping, stiffness or flaking I usually get from mascara. Check it out!
That's right! One coat makes that much of a difference.
I use a very light hand when putting mascara on my bottom lashes. As you can see, I have a bit of bagging and some darkness under my eyes, so I don't want anything drawing more attention to that area.
This may very well be the last mascara I ever buy. Which is saying a lot, because I have used SO many mascaras over the past few years.
Have you tried the Lash Paradise? What was your experience?
**I was not financially compensated in any manner for this post. I did not receive a sample for review purposes. This post contains no affiliate links. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.**
Three little words: Lash Paradise Mascara by Loreal
.
The Lash Paradjise leaves my lashes looking so much fuller and longer. Without any of the clumping, stiffness or flaking I usually get from mascara. Check it out!
No Mascara:
1 Coat of Paradise Lash Mascara:
I use a very light hand when putting mascara on my bottom lashes. As you can see, I have a bit of bagging and some darkness under my eyes, so I don't want anything drawing more attention to that area.
This may very well be the last mascara I ever buy. Which is saying a lot, because I have used SO many mascaras over the past few years.
Have you tried the Lash Paradise? What was your experience?
**I was not financially compensated in any manner for this post. I did not receive a sample for review purposes. This post contains no affiliate links. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.**
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Saturday Coffee: The First Cup
Imagine if we were able to sit down over coffee and chat face to face. What would we talk about?
We'd probably discuss our weeks. What we did. What we didn't get a chance to do. The highs and lows. The good. The bad. The funny. The sad.
We'd talk about things we had seen and experienced recently. You'd tell me about something that made you think. I'd tell you about something that made me laugh. Or something that surprised me.
We'd share how we're feeling about things going on in our lives and the world.
That's what I'm hoping will happen in this space in the foreseeable future.
So grab a cup of coffee (or whatever your beverage of choice is right now) and let's talk! No set topic - just me chatting with you about... well, what ever! Just sharing my general thoughts on whatever has been going on during the week.
For example:
The Man of the House was in Connecticut on business at the beginning of the week. He wasn't feeling very well before he left, and while there he was sick. When he got home, he was feeling bad enough that he took the next two days off work. He hardly ever takes sick days, so when he does you know he really doesn't feel well!
The male offspring has also been sick. Both of them seem to have the same thing - coughs, body aches and fevers. I have been washing my hands, taking Airborne, drinking OJ and sucking on Vitamin C immune support in a desperate attempt to avoid catching this nastiness myself. So far, so good!
Over at the home of the female offspring, the grand kid apparently has the same thing. While his poor mom has been recuperating after catching the pink eye he had last week!
My poor mom had a horrible case of the flu. Come to think of it - I'm about the only person in my family NOT sick in one form or another right now! (** takes more Airborne...
Last weekend the Man of the House and I got a new mattress set. King size. It's huge! I'm still getting used to it. Right now it's still kind of like sleeping in a hotel bed - nice, but doesn't feel like my bed. Do you know what I mean?
I have been craving lemon bars lately. Since I wasn't really feeling up to all that is involved in making those from scratch. I picked up a Krusteaz boxed mix to try. I think I'll make those this weekend. They'll make a yummy dessert for Super Bowl Sunday.
Speaking of the Super Bowl. We're keeping it low key and simple here this year. The Man of the House is going to make his favorite chili, while I have the makings for a veggie tray and some cheese and crackers for game time nibbles. Will you be watching the big game? What are you serving?
If there's anything you'd like me to talk about or any questions you want me to answer in weeks to come - just leave me a comment.
What's new with you this week?
With Love,
We'd probably discuss our weeks. What we did. What we didn't get a chance to do. The highs and lows. The good. The bad. The funny. The sad.
We'd talk about things we had seen and experienced recently. You'd tell me about something that made you think. I'd tell you about something that made me laugh. Or something that surprised me.
We'd share how we're feeling about things going on in our lives and the world.
That's what I'm hoping will happen in this space in the foreseeable future.
So grab a cup of coffee (or whatever your beverage of choice is right now) and let's talk! No set topic - just me chatting with you about... well, what ever! Just sharing my general thoughts on whatever has been going on during the week.
For example:
The Man of the House was in Connecticut on business at the beginning of the week. He wasn't feeling very well before he left, and while there he was sick. When he got home, he was feeling bad enough that he took the next two days off work. He hardly ever takes sick days, so when he does you know he really doesn't feel well!
The male offspring has also been sick. Both of them seem to have the same thing - coughs, body aches and fevers. I have been washing my hands, taking Airborne, drinking OJ and sucking on Vitamin C immune support in a desperate attempt to avoid catching this nastiness myself. So far, so good!
Over at the home of the female offspring, the grand kid apparently has the same thing. While his poor mom has been recuperating after catching the pink eye he had last week!
My poor mom had a horrible case of the flu. Come to think of it - I'm about the only person in my family NOT sick in one form or another right now! (** takes more Airborne...
Last weekend the Man of the House and I got a new mattress set. King size. It's huge! I'm still getting used to it. Right now it's still kind of like sleeping in a hotel bed - nice, but doesn't feel like my bed. Do you know what I mean?
I have been craving lemon bars lately. Since I wasn't really feeling up to all that is involved in making those from scratch. I picked up a Krusteaz boxed mix to try. I think I'll make those this weekend. They'll make a yummy dessert for Super Bowl Sunday.
Speaking of the Super Bowl. We're keeping it low key and simple here this year. The Man of the House is going to make his favorite chili, while I have the makings for a veggie tray and some cheese and crackers for game time nibbles. Will you be watching the big game? What are you serving?
If there's anything you'd like me to talk about or any questions you want me to answer in weeks to come - just leave me a comment.
What's new with you this week?
With Love,
Friday, February 2, 2018
Currently... February 2018
February is the shortest month of the year and that means Spring is right around the corner. I haven't heard the "official" report, but based on the weather around here - I'm guessing the groundhog is NOT going to see any shadow.
Reading: The Road from Gap Creek by Robert Morgan. I read Gap Creek years ago and it was so depressing! Which is why I have hesitated to give the sequel a try. But, now... here we are.
Working On: The current online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries... I Am Loved by Wendy Blight. As y'all know - LOVE is my word for this year. So when I saw this was the first Bible study of the year it was clearly meant to be.
Enjoying: The winter weather. I know, I know... a lot of you are over winter by this point. But I don't mind the cold (as long as it's not too dang cold). I never outgrew the excitement of waking up to snow on the ground. And I really enjoy cuddling up with a warm beverage and a book or some crochet to watch the snow fall.
Anticipating: Developing some new good-for-me habits this month. More about that HERE
Feeling: A little apprehensive... the men in my house have all had a nasty upper respiratory virus thing going on and I am trying very hard not to catch it. Plenty of Airborne, Vitamin C and Orange juice for me!
What is life Currently looking like for you?
With Love,
Reading: The Road from Gap Creek by Robert Morgan. I read Gap Creek years ago and it was so depressing! Which is why I have hesitated to give the sequel a try. But, now... here we are.
Working On: The current online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries... I Am Loved by Wendy Blight. As y'all know - LOVE is my word for this year. So when I saw this was the first Bible study of the year it was clearly meant to be.
Enjoying: The winter weather. I know, I know... a lot of you are over winter by this point. But I don't mind the cold (as long as it's not too dang cold). I never outgrew the excitement of waking up to snow on the ground. And I really enjoy cuddling up with a warm beverage and a book or some crochet to watch the snow fall.
Anticipating: Developing some new good-for-me habits this month. More about that HERE
Feeling: A little apprehensive... the men in my house have all had a nasty upper respiratory virus thing going on and I am trying very hard not to catch it. Plenty of Airborne, Vitamin C and Orange juice for me!
What is life Currently looking like for you?
With Love,
Thursday, February 1, 2018
A Spirit of Gratitude: February 1
February has arrived! What a great month to be grateful for all the people, places and things we love!
I Am Thankful For:
Being a grandmother
The grand kid asking if I will be at his birthday party
USPS package pickup
Watching "This Is Us" and having a good cry
When my hair looks really good
Chicken biscuits from Chik-fil-a
30% off yarn
The Male Offspring's car is fixed
A new mattress and bedding
Warm rainy days
Birthday parties
Seeing the Grand Kid so happy
Airborne
New color combo ideas
The cat carrying his toy around in his mouth
Starting a new book
The Man of the House getting home safe and sound
A big bright full moon
Orange juice
What are you thankful for this week?
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