And after a church service like the one this morning, I really need to remember the quote below. Maybe I should tape it to the fridge!
Sunday, November 16, 2014
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
This Sunday's homily, or sermon, at my church was not as inspirational as usual. Despite the priest's best attempts, it was more like a long list of quotes by Catholic popes and Biblical leaders. When I got home from lunch, I thought of the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words."
So here's a few photos and inspirational quotes that mean a lot to me. Hope you enjoy!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Layered Look
It feels like the weather has changed overnight in L.A. (Lower Alabama). We've gone from last week's sunny 70s to this week's hard freeze in the 20s at night. But bundled up for cold weather, I don't always feel stylish -- more like the Michelin man in puffy vests and jackets! Instead of dreading the cold, I'm trying to layer a few basic pieces. Warm is good; comfy is even better!
This fall look, for example, includes popular items: an infinity scarf, black booties, marled knit sweater and a plaid check coat. This casual outfit is perfect for feeling comfortable - as well as fashionable!
Layered Look by lgb321 featuring a leather purse
Here are a few inexpensive items to add to your cold weather wardrobe:
Here are a few inexpensive items to add to your cold weather wardrobe:
Leopard Infinity Scarf, $11, from Wetseal.com
Black Booties, $44.99, from Target.com
Black & white toggle coat, $57.80, from Forever21.com
Denim-seamed Sweater, $37.99, from BlackFive.com
Of course, you can add or remove these layers depending on the day's forecast.
So stay in style, no matter what the weather brings!
Monday, November 10, 2014
Pumpkin Bread
In the fall, there's nothing like coming home to the smell of baking bread in the oven. My husband and children especially love pumpkin bread. It's one of the best autumn treats! While searching for tasty and healthy recipes online, I came across this simple recipe on "Cooking with Cakes" baking blog. While the site's pumpkin bread is smothered with cream cheese frosting, I left my pumpkin bread plain and simple. No one in our house complained, because they didn't know it was an option! Moist and full of flavor, it's a great treat for breakfast and snacks. And it was a wonderful gift (recipe included) for our new neighbors. So get baking and welcome fall with this easy recipe!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pumpkin Bread
You can find the complete recipe, including the frosting, at:
http://cookingwithcakes.com/brown-sugar-cinnamon-pumpkin-bread/
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pumpkin Bread
INGREDIENTS --
- 15 oz Libby's Pure Pumpkin Filling
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup White Sugar
- 1/2 cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar
- 5 Large Egg Whites
- 1/4 cup Canola Oil
- 1 1/2 tsps Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- Crisco to grease (Note: you can use Spray Pam)
DIRECTIONS --
- In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients (flour, white sugar, baking soda, salt). In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients (pumpkin, egg whites, oil, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon), mixing thoroughly until smooth. (Note: make sure brown sugar is loose before combining with wet ingredients - it will be easier to combine and will avoid leaving clumps.) When ready, add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir thoroughly, utilizing an electric mixer if necessary to create a thick, smooth mixture.
- Pour pumpkin mix into well-greased loaf pan (mine was 9X5) and bake in oven middle rack at 350F for 60 - 70 minutes until cooked through.
- When finished, set aside and allow to cool.
- When bread has cooled, carefully remove from loaf pan and place on wire rack. Immediately plate and serve. (Without the frosting, nutrition facts are -- Calories: 257 Fat: 8g, Carbs 40g Protein 6g)
You can find the complete recipe, including the frosting, at:
http://cookingwithcakes.com/brown-sugar-cinnamon-pumpkin-bread/
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Bedroom Bliss with Feng Shui
Searching for easy ways to update your master bedroom? There are many ideas for creating a new look, which usually involve spending a good amount of money and effort. But the simplest way can be found in the principles of Feng Shui.
I've learned a lot about the ancient art of Feng Shui by reading "Home Design with Feng Shui" by Terah Kathryn Collins. It's full of easy ways to create better "Chi" or the flow of energy throughout your home.
So for a master bedroom transformation, here a few ideas:
* Make it a place where "all the senses are celebrated" with candles, romantic music, lovely bedding, and beautiful art. A cozy, relaxing bed can be your haven from the world!
* Place your bed where you have a view of the door. And the view from your bed is important, too. Looking to the outdoors or nice artwork is a great way to end and start your day. The view from your bed can have an impact on your view of the world!
* Move photos of children and family to another room or place them in an armoire with closed doors. Your romantic life will improve if there aren't others "staring at you". This sounds kind of creepy but it does make sense!
* Choose furniture that creates pleasing thoughts. Nothing that reminds you of divorce, death, etc.
Also make sure all the bedroom furniture is comfortable with no sharp edges.
* Try to have plenty of space and pretty nightstands on each side of the bed.
* Remove any clutter throughout the room, including any mess under the bed.
* Dedicate the room to being a bedroom. No exercise equipment or desks allowed.
* Choose art that is serene and romantic, nothing too busy. And be sure to hang only lightweight art over the bed.
* Try not to hang mirrors or at most only one. Mirrors can keep a bedroom awake all night, according to the principles of Feng Shui. If there is a mirror in your bedroom, try to use a small one that's far from the bed. And covering mirrors at night has been shown to help cure insomnia!
* Add fresh flowers or green plants but be sure to immediately remove any dying greenery.
* Use soft lighting throughout the room. Instead of bright overhead lighting, you can add ambiance with floor and table lamps. Plus there's nothing like candles for instantly creating a romantic mood!
Finally, I discovered an interesting fact when I researched the definition of Feng Shui's "Chi". Chi, the twenty-second letter in the Greek alphabet, is translated in traditional Latin as "ch as in Christ." And like Chi, Christ is a circulating life force that impacts us all. What a great connection!
I've learned a lot about the ancient art of Feng Shui by reading "Home Design with Feng Shui" by Terah Kathryn Collins. It's full of easy ways to create better "Chi" or the flow of energy throughout your home.
Howzz.com
So for a master bedroom transformation, here a few ideas:
* Make it a place where "all the senses are celebrated" with candles, romantic music, lovely bedding, and beautiful art. A cozy, relaxing bed can be your haven from the world!
* Place your bed where you have a view of the door. And the view from your bed is important, too. Looking to the outdoors or nice artwork is a great way to end and start your day. The view from your bed can have an impact on your view of the world!
* Move photos of children and family to another room or place them in an armoire with closed doors. Your romantic life will improve if there aren't others "staring at you". This sounds kind of creepy but it does make sense!
* Choose furniture that creates pleasing thoughts. Nothing that reminds you of divorce, death, etc.
Also make sure all the bedroom furniture is comfortable with no sharp edges.
Country Living
* Try to have plenty of space and pretty nightstands on each side of the bed.
* Remove any clutter throughout the room, including any mess under the bed.
* Dedicate the room to being a bedroom. No exercise equipment or desks allowed.
* Choose art that is serene and romantic, nothing too busy. And be sure to hang only lightweight art over the bed.
HGTV Remodels
* Try not to hang mirrors or at most only one. Mirrors can keep a bedroom awake all night, according to the principles of Feng Shui. If there is a mirror in your bedroom, try to use a small one that's far from the bed. And covering mirrors at night has been shown to help cure insomnia!
* Add fresh flowers or green plants but be sure to immediately remove any dying greenery.
* Use soft lighting throughout the room. Instead of bright overhead lighting, you can add ambiance with floor and table lamps. Plus there's nothing like candles for instantly creating a romantic mood!
Finally, I discovered an interesting fact when I researched the definition of Feng Shui's "Chi". Chi, the twenty-second letter in the Greek alphabet, is translated in traditional Latin as "ch as in Christ." And like Chi, Christ is a circulating life force that impacts us all. What a great connection!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Halloween Candy Leftovers?
Besides devouring it, what should you do with extra Halloween candy? 
Halloween Candy Leftovers by lgb321 featuring gift packs
Freeze it! Frozen chocolate is great, plus you'll eat it slower. Divide it! Put a few candies in ziploc bags, then slowly give it out as small treats or in lunch bags. Re-gift it! Children and adults would love receiving candy and a gift card as birthday gifts. Bake it! Use melted chocolate in cupcakes and crush hard candies to use as sprinkles. Donate it! Many drugstores accept leftover candy to donate later. Or you can bag it all up and take to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, hospitals, or nursing homes. (And, of course, always throw away any home baked goodies or candy in opened wrappers.) It'll take some willpower, but these ideas should help save a few calories as we go into the holiday season!
Freeze it! Frozen chocolate is great, plus you'll eat it slower. Divide it! Put a few candies in ziploc bags, then slowly give it out as small treats or in lunch bags. Re-gift it! Children and adults would love receiving candy and a gift card as birthday gifts. Bake it! Use melted chocolate in cupcakes and crush hard candies to use as sprinkles. Donate it! Many drugstores accept leftover candy to donate later. Or you can bag it all up and take to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, hospitals, or nursing homes. (And, of course, always throw away any home baked goodies or candy in opened wrappers.) It'll take some willpower, but these ideas should help save a few calories as we go into the holiday season!
Friday, October 31, 2014
Trick or Treat in Comfort
Passing out Halloween candy is one of the highlights of my year. It brings back memories of my children dressed up as their favorite heroes and cartoon characters. Plus, they felt so special as their Dad and I carted them up and down the street in their toy wagon.
While our trick or treating tradition is gone, Halloween is still great fun. And it's definitely more relaxing in comfy clothes with a cold "beverage" and a few friends to laugh with as the front door opens to the pint-size monsters and princesses. Happy Halloween!
While our trick or treating tradition is gone, Halloween is still great fun. And it's definitely more relaxing in comfy clothes with a cold "beverage" and a few friends to laugh with as the front door opens to the pint-size monsters and princesses. Happy Halloween!
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Favorite Dress
Love the look of a shift dress - plus gray accessories!
Favorite Dress by lgb321 featuring grey shoes
Also I love designing sets on Polyvore. Trying out new clothes and graphic designs isn't always easy. They might not always turn out right, but I do have fun experimenting!
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