I scream, you scream...

We all scream for ice cream!

Truth be told, if I was only allowed to eat one food for the rest of my life, I think I would choose ice cream. I'm not saying it's a very smart choice, but I'm saying I could learn to live with it.

Now, if I ever brought this little machine home, I could be in real trouble!


Or I could open up an ice cream shop out of my kitchen, I suppose. ;)

And then, I could serve yummy treats like these...


Or keep it a little simpler and go for the classics, vanilla and chocolate.





Maybe add a little crunch once in a while and serve up some yummy and dreamy butter pecan. Just one scoop at at time is a good sign of self-control, don't you think?



But let's not forget about the wonderful and lovely cherry. Would you care for some?



Better yet, I could add a cherry to this banana split but be sure you share it with someone. (You'll thank me in the morning, trust me!)



Then go for a walk, a long walk. I imagine 15 miles at a fast pace should take care of most of those calories, right?

Well, thanks so much for your visit today and I hope you're having a great start to your summer! We actually just returned from vacation and I hope to have a few pictures to share soon once I have them all downloaded and sorted.

Enjoy the season, keep cool, be safe and have fun!

{hugs}

Love that smell!

When I was a young girl living in Canada, we would go on beach vacations in the summer and in the winter.

In the summer, we would drive across the US border and spend a week at Hampton Beach. I have great memories of the times I spent there. The boardwalk, the bicycle rides, the fun times spent at the beach and swimming in the motel's pool.

In the winter, we would go to Florida during the Christmas break and I remember thinking that this was the most wonderful place on earth. The palm trees, the coconuts, the beautiful beaches and the warm weather in the middle of winter. What's not to like about that?

For many years after that, each time I would put on some sunscreen, the smell of the sunscreen would immediately take me back to those beach vacations. I could just close my eyes and hear the waves crashing down, see the palm trees swaying in the wind, feel the sand on my feet.

Almost 20 years ago, I moved to the southeast where I get to enjoy the beautiful beach, the palm trees and yes, all the warm weather I could wish for.

And, guess what? Each time I put on sunscreen, the smell still takes me back to the beach vacations I enjoyed as a little girl! Somehow that Coppertone smell still does that for me and I have to say it's a smell I really like. :)

How about you? Is there a smell or taste that brings back similar memories for you? Maybe it's the taste or smell of a specific food that brings back a certain memory. I'd love to hear about it. :)

May happy memories overflow your heart today and always!

{hugs}

P.S. Still using hubby's laptop - sorry if the post doesn't look quite right. ;)

Oh the irony...

As I drove home this afternoon, I couldn't help but crave the most wonderful ice cream: Moose Tracks. Have you ever had it? It's vanilla ice cream with chocolate and mini peanut butter cups all mixed into one delicious concoction.

And then I remembered, today is Tuesday and The Biggest Loser is on tonight and of course, I somehow get a craving for ice cream or cake or anything else "forbidden" when I watch a show about people eating healthy, working out and losing weight. Why is that?

Please tell me I'm not the only one! It would make me feel better.

Hoping your week is going well and praying many sweet blessings upon you and yours!

{hugs}

Pretty in pink

Did I ever mention that I like flowers? Did I ever mention that I like clothes that feature flowers? No, well I'm about to show you the proof. Just a few days ago, I bought this pretty pink flowery tunic.




I like how it flows and looks so feminine. Now, of course, I'm left wondering what on earth I can wear this with.

White pants? Yes, I have those. But what else? I don't know why I seem to have a brain freeze with this one. If you happen to have any thoughts or suggestions on a great pairing for this, please do share.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

:)

The gift of friendship

It has been a little while since I've had a chance to put up a post and visit you. Let's just say that once in a while, life happens. It shows up with its peaks and valleys and it makes it clear that an unplanned period of time away from the computer is the right thing to do. I've always tried to prioritize my life appropriately and this little break was much needed.

Having said that, if any of you are still around, I'm glad that you've stopped by for a visit!

Over the past several weeks, I've had a chance to get together with some of my girlfriends for morning coffees, lunches, walks, chats and most importantly for time spent in prayer. It really has made me treasure the blessed gift of a close friendship.

Friendships are to me one of life's sweetest blessings. And what a wonderful thing it is to bring a smile to a friend's face? Or to receive one. Why just the other day, as I went to the mailbox....



...no, there wasn't a puppy in it, but I simply had to post that picture because, well, it's just so cute!

Back to the mailbox. I went to get our mail, and in doing so, I received a smile in the form of a beautiful card that one of my girlfriends had sent me. It was just to let me know she was thinking of me and to remind me that God is always by my side.

I was amazed that such a simple gesture of friendship and thoughtfulness could have just about the same impact as though I had received a hug!

"Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another."

- Thomas Hughes

When I read this quote, I was reminded of the power of friendship and my heart was even more thankful than before for all of my friends. How wonderful it is to be the recipient of someone's thoughtfulness and kindness! And what a sweet blessing it is to reciprocate and let our friends know how much we love and care for them too. :)

Thank you for stopping by and may your heart be filled with love and friendship, today and always!

{hugs}

One special crown

These past few weeks, following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, my heart has been aching for all of the people who lost loved ones and are still without homes, food and proper care.

Despite their extremely difficult living conditions, I see that there are so many surviving victims who have an unshakable faith, a knowledge that God is there with them and will see them through. A certainty that their loved ones who have perished are indeed with Jesus. Many people don't have that certainty and it's a blessing to know the glory of salvation. It's a blessing to have no doubt of where we are headed after our journey here ends.

The following words from Charles Spurgeon have to do with exactly that and I thought I would share them with you today.

O, doubting Christian, you have often said, "I'm afraid I'll never enter heaven". Fear not! All the people of God will enter.

I love the refreshing statement of a dying man who exclaimed, "I have no fear of going home. I've sent everything ahead of me. God's finger is on the latch of my door and I'm ready for Him to enter."

Yet, he was asked "Are you not afraid you may miss your inheritance?"

"No", he responded, "there is one crown in heaven the angel Gabriel cannot wear. It will fit no one's head but mine. And there is one throne in heaven the apostle Paul could not fill. It was made for me - and I will have it!"

If you could fly across the eternal city, you would see written upon one of its many mansions these words: "This is reserved for someone special and is being held for him alone. Someday he will be caught up to dwell with God forever."

Poor doubting soul, look at your wonderful inheritance. It is yours - if you believe in the Lord Jesus, if you have repented of your sin, if your heart has been renewed. You are one of the Lord's people and there is a place reserved for you. A crown has been stored up for you and a harp has been especially provided for you.

No one else will take what is yours, for it is reserved in heaven for you. And throughout eternity it will be yours, for there will be no vacant thrones in glory once all of God's chosen have been gathered in.

Don't you love the way Charles Spurgeon puts it? I hope this ministers to even just one person who may have needed to read this today. God loves you and has a special place and a special crown reserved just for you!

Sweet blessings!

{hugs}

Holiday guests

Two weeks ago, we opened our home to a couple of guests who had no family to spend Christmas with. They were going to be in need of companionship, in need of comfort, food and care. There was no way I could say no.

I had never met them before so I must admit that I was a little apprehensive at first. I worried about all sorts of things. How comfortable would they feel in our home? What would they want to eat? Would they mind the fact that we have a dog?

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I was probably worrying for nothing. After all, they came with two pages of instructions, a bag of food, two bags of bedding, and a cute little wheel for exercise. And best of all, my son was so excited to have them come home with us!

Apparently a lot of children at school really wanted to take them home for the two-week Christmas break. You see, they live at school.

Here was their car ride to our home...



Meet the gerbils! You can only see one in the picture above but there are two. They are two boys. Brothers maybe?

So far, they have been perfect guests. And so far, yes I have touched them but no, I haven't picked them up. Let's not push it!

The science teacher said that they like to chew up paper towel rolls for fun. Here they are below enjoying their "hobby".



Our dog Lizzy doesn't seem to mind having them around. As a matter of fact, she likes to lay down not too far from them. Maybe to keep an eye on them and make sure they don't get out?!

At 16, she's used to being the only pet in the house you know.


Poor thing suffered a small injury to her paw yesterday and had to go for a trip to the vet. See her little paw all bandaged up? I'm sure she'll be fine in a few days.

I sure hope all of you are enjoying some relaxing and fun holidays with your family and friends. May this new year be filled with sweet blessings and memories to treasure forever.

{hugs}

The most precious gift of all

Although there is not a snowflake to be found outside my home, I believe that a lovely blanket of snow adds such beauty and charm to this time of year.

Painting by Thomas Kinkade

Wintery paintings like this one remind me of the warmth and love that come from being home with loved ones at this time of year. Let's all sing together...

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays,
'Cause no matter how far away you roam,
When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly face,
For the holidays, you can't beat home sweet home!

We've been away for Christmas in years past but being home with my family is the best! Sitting together, watching a good movie, all of us enjoying hot cocoa overflowing with whipped cream. Does it get any better?

Yes, for me it does, if we're doing all this while watching It's a Wonderful Life. :)


This movie always leaves me thankful for my family and the blessings that God gives us. In fact, the greatest blessing is the one that God gave all of us in the form of His one and only Son. He's the most precious gift of all, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS." Luke 1:30-31.

Despite all the distractions that can surround Christmas, may we honor God by celebrating what Christmas is all about.

Wishing you and yours a joyful and peaceful Christmas!

A perfectly imperfect Christmas

For some people, this really isn't the most wonderful time of the year. Things can be a little overwhelming with all the shopping, gift wrapping, decorating, cooking, baking, cleaning, entertaining and wanting everything to be perfect.

Unfortunately, so many people complain about this time of year, almost as if they dread it. They say "I can't believe Christmas is almost here already"! As for me, I say "I can't believe Christmas is almost here, finally!".

I think what helps me to retain some sense of sanity this time of year is refusing to let perfection be my guide. The truth is I can't handle having to have every little detail be perfect. I don't have that much energy!

No, I'll never have the perfect outfit that matches my kitchen that matches my tablescape that matches my food that matches my drink. And that's exactly what I was thinking when I sat down last week to watch one of my favorites on the Food Network, Sandra Lee.


Isn't that beautiful though? All the red and white everywhere. I sat there on the couch, surrounded by my imperfect decorations, next to my Christmas tree missing its angel which I can't find. And I thought "what a great job she did"!

I really enjoyed seeing all the effort that she put into this episode. Like so many other women, she is an inspiration to me. I thought her table was so pretty I just had to take a picture to show you. But, I sat there enjoying my hot cocoa knowing full well this isn't my reality and feeling completely fine with it.

So, this year again, I will continue to relax instead of letting the hectic pace of the season get to me. I will continue to strive for nice and simple and easy. That's how I stay happy in the midst of such busyiness.

Because did you hear? Christmas is almost here, finally!

{hugs}

A box of thanks

It may be small....




But it contains big thanks!




Everything that my son makes with his hands is a treasure to me and this little box of thanks is no different. I always keep it out as a reminder to be thankful everyday.

It's filled with little strips of paper and the idea is to simply write down what we are thankful for, especially as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving.



Then last week, his class made a special craft to celebrate Thanksgiving. Are you ready to see the cutest salt and pepper shakers?




It's Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim of course! It does appear that Mrs. Pilgrim's hat is a little lopsided but that's because she was in a hurry when she got dressed. :)

For his part, Mr. Pilgrim's hat tilts to the back to reveal the top of the pepper shaker so they both serve a purpose, they don't just look good!

She and her dear husband will be on our table tomorrow to join in the festivities. I just hope they don't get sick when we turn them upside down during the meal. That could be trouble!

Sending lots of warm wishes to you and yours on this eve of Thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy a special day and plenty of good home cooking with your loved ones. May your box of thanks overflow on this Thanksgiving and always.

Many sweet blessings!

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a message in the sky!

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3-4

Last Saturday morning, I went for a walk in my neighborhood. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm.

I was deep in thoughts which slowed down my pace a bit. I was thinking about a certain situation that lately has been heavy on my heart. Then I looked up and saw a plane that was writing a message in the sky. The message read: TRUST GOD.

At first, I thought "how neat!" and then I thought "how thoughtful of You God to answer me in this way, knowing that I can't possibly miss this message". Talk about the right answer at the right time!

Instead of little me trying to figure things out on my own, how much better to let God handle it? I sure don't have all the answers but He does.

Then the next day, on Sunday afternoon, as we were out with some friends, another message popped up in the sky. This time I did have my camera...


TRUST JESUS. Is it just me or is He trying to tell me something?!

I'd say it's something that probably not just myself but many of us need to remind ourselves of. And I'm sure getting the message loud and clear. Sometimes that's just what I need to get the point. Make it plain and simple and put it right there in my face where I can't miss it.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Hoping you're having a great week and may each of you be full of God's peace, love and strength. Those are indeed some very sweet blessings!

{hugs}

Shortcut chocolate bars

Let me start by admitting that I keep several of these bars tightly wrapped in my freezer at all times. These and a few brownies. After a quick pop in the microwave, they're as good as new. Or pretty close anyway.

What I like best is that they're so easy to make and yet they're super delicious. My kind of treat!

Here's what you'll need:

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 17-ounce rolls refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough

Preheat your oven to 350 F. In a saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until the chocolate is melted. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the nuts (I don't use them but you may choose to) and the vanilla.

Cover a 15" x 10" (or any pan similar in size) with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. You don't have to use foil, but I always do because it makes clean-up a cinch and anything to make clean-up quicker is a good thing! Then, press 1 1/3 rolls of the cookie dough into the bottom of the pan.


Next, spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly on the cookie dough and resist the urge to dip a finger in it. Some of you have self-control, I'm sure. :)



Dot the remaining cookie dough on top of the chocolate mixture. It doesn't have to be precise, so now is a great time to call in little helpers you may have around.



Bake for 25 minutes or so but be carefeful not to overbake. When the top is lightly browned, it's done.



I find these bars even better the next day because they're extremely moist the first day so it's a great recipe for when you need something you can bake a day or two ahead of time.

Now, let it cool for a while and then cut into bars. The size of the bars will be up to you!



Wishing you God's blessings too numerous to count and may they all be as sweet as chocolate!

{hugs}

Hello pumpkin!

Growing up, I used to enjoying watching my mom carve pumpkins right before Halloween. She used to do a great job at it too.

Now as an adult, I don't care for Halloween (at least not the spooky side of it) but I still enjoy beautifully decorated pumpkins, gourds and other seasonal fruits. Here are a few that I gathered from Country Living for inspiration. Not sure which ones I will try, they are all so interesting!



I really like this one below, I think it's so pretty! The sweater too...



What about this lovely lantern design?


Here's a view from the top of another favorite of mine. Is it a pumpkin or a flower? Looks like it's both!



Check out the wallpaper - another case of designs that blend in.



My mom used to decorate with candles. Maybe that's why I think this one is so special. :)



How high can you go?! The colors, the shapes, the sizes, doesn't this pretty tower have it all?



Have you or will you decorate this fall? I'd love to hear how you use pumpkins, gourds or other fruits in your decorations.

May your day be joyful and full of sweet blessings!

{hugs}

Enjoying teatime

One of my favorite moments of the day is when I get to enjoy a nice cup of tea. I drink all kinds, but mostly I prefer green teas and white teas.

Lately, I have been enjoying this one from Harney and Sons. It's a green tea called "Citron (lemon) Green".


If I'm at home, I like to put on some wonderful music, such as piano or harp. Often, I listen to Jim Gibson's music, and this cd is one I really enjoy.




A soothing cup of tea along with lovely music somehow instantly takes any care I have to a far away place. Isn't teatime wonderful? I sure think it is!

In fact, I like teatime by myself, just as much as I like teatime with a group of friends...



But my very favorite way to enjoy teatime is to share it with a very special loved one.

May you enjoy tea and special friends to warm your heart today and always!

:)

By the lake with a boy and his dog

The lake in our backyard is one of my son's favorite spots. The fishing is good some of the time and even when it's not, well it's always a great place to relax, enjoy the breeze and the peaceful surroundings. Even with neighbors all around, it's surprisingly always very quiet.


Whether or not a friend or hubby joins him while he's fishing, my sweet boy is rarely alone for very long. In fact, he's usually joined by a small 4-legged companion named Lizzy.



Yes, our family dog loves to tag along to enjoy the fresh air and the company of her boy...


Aaah, to be as carefree as a boy fishing and his dog keeping him company!

Wishing you a relaxing day and week ahead. May we all remember to slow down and enjoy the scenery. :)

{hugs}