As I write this, we are getting ready to go camping for 12 days!! Camping is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. Each year we take 12-14 days and camp with my family on a lake and spend the entire time kayaking, swimming, playing games and of course, eating.
Growing up we did a lot of camping. My grandparents would take a bunch of the grandkids camping, and we had such a great time. Some of my fondest memories are from our camping trips. We hiked, rode bikes around the campground, swam and floated in the river, created matchbox car courses under the tree roots, played games, and so many more fun things. It was the best!!
Read more...The Dangers of Depression
While there are benefits to depression, prolonged depression can be dangerous. When it feels insurmountable, it can lead to a sense of hopelessness and even thoughts of self-harm. It can strain our physical health, leading to chronic fatigue, weakened immune systems, and other serious health implications. Depression can isolate us, causing us to withdraw from our support networks at a time when we need them most.
Depression was by far my longest stage in grief. During this stage I had a constant heaviness that didn’t lift for a long time. I had trouble staying asleep, I struggled with adrenal fatigue, my autoimmune disease flared up, and everything felt so much harder than usual. I missed Jon so much, and I was struggling with how to do life without him. I got stuck in my grief and had a difficult time moving forward.
Read more...After losing my husband to cancer, my quest to pursue wellness for myself and my young kids was very important to me. I wanted to do what I could to use non toxic products in my home that didn’t burden our bodies unnecessarily. I am the gatekeeper of my home, so what comes in is generally because I have allowed it.
Toxins can be hidden in the most unexpected places, and I was surprised to learn that the things I was using to make my house smell good could be dangerous.
Candles, Air Fresheners, Plug-ins, Oh My!
I love the smell and the ambiance they give. I used to burn candles all the time and have an air freshener in the bathroom. I would look for a sale on my favorite scents, so I would never run out. As I learned more about a non toxic lifestyle, I was alarmed to realize I was using products that were harmful to our health.
Read more...I injured my shoulder this fall.
It didn’t happen suddenly, it kind of crept up on me. I started feeling discomfort, and instead of stopping what was causing the discomfort, I kept going, thinking it would go away.
It didn’t.
Eventually the discomfort turned to pain. It kept getting worse, and I had to almost completely stop using my right arm because I was in so much pain - pain washing my hair, pain playing the piano, pain chopping vegetables, pain reaching for something, pain doing normal, everyday things.
In January, I decided it was time to get it checked out. After doctor’s visits and X-rays, I am thankful to report that I don’t have permanent damage. Just a strained rotator cuff that requires physical therapy.
Read more...Sticking to a budget can be challenging as a young widow. There are many expenses that we have no control over, but the grocery budget is one area that I found I can bring my monthly expenses down. I have control over what I buy, and when meal planning is applied, it can make such a difference in this area. Today I am sharing three easy, versatile, kid friendly recipes that are easy on the budget.
Black Bean Soup
2 16 oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ½ c. chicken broth
1 c. chunky salsa
1 tsp. ground cumin
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