Wow! It has been a very long time since my last post.  I took a much needed break and in that time, I learned a few lessons. 

I have learned that I am only human.
I have learned that my house does not have to ALWAYS be clean. 
I have learned to actively listen to everything my son says.
I have learned to be:

¹pa·tient

adjective \ˈpā-shənt\

 

Definition of PATIENT

1

: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint

2

: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain

3

: not hasty or impetuous

4

: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

5

a: able or willing to bear —used with of

b: susceptible, admitting <patient of one interpretation>

— pa·tient·ly adverb

 

I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation in 2011 and I have FINALLY learned to be patient with myself.  I have always felt like I was running a race to do, whatever it was, that I was doing.  I pushed and pushed for my recovery and my body pushed back.  I found that if I just took my time, my body and brain repaid me by letting me do a little more.  I never realized how much of 'bulheaded' person I was until Chiari came into my life.  I have found though, that being "bullheaded" isn't always a good thing.  I needed to listen to my body. 

 

Someone very close to me asked me recently, "How do you do it?"  My reply....."I just do."

When you are faced with a chronic illness, there are no other options.  You have to wake up in the morning, you might as well make the best of it :)

 

This has been such a learning experience for me.  I am excited about blogging again, but I am going to do it as I feel up to it.  I am going to do it for fun! 

 

I am happy to be back and will be posting soon :)

 

A Few of my NOT so Favorite Things!

I had a busy week feeling like garbage and today I have doctor's appointments at two different hospitals....AND all before 8:30 a.m.  Ugh!  Hopefully, I can get a few things posted later today :(

Have a Splendid day!

-Nicole

Tried & True Tuesday

I have been busy again!  Yesterday, I dirtied all my spoons by roasting vegetables, making spinach pesto and preparing my all purpose citrus cleaner.  I found the citrus cleaner recipe at The Prairie Homestead.  She has a great blog and I love the name.  It makes me want to "return to my roots."

If you have a chronic illness or know anyone who has a chronic illness, please check out the link below!  I had a hard time trying to explain my lack of energy to my 10 year old son, until I found this.  What a great  analogy!  It was an "ah ha" moment for him and a sigh of relief for me.

But You Don't Look Sick

I am a fan of all things pesto.  So, when I saw a recipe name that read...Spinach Pesto.  I thought, oh yum!  I just bought a big bag of fresh spinach and decided to try it out.  I didn't even read their recipe because I have made homemade basil pesto and wanted to do this on my own (and experiment a little bit.)  This is my final recipe and I am impressed with the taste.  If you like spinach, I am pretty sure you will like this.  If you're not a fan...probably not so much!

Spinach Pesto

You will need
about 2 cups lightly packed fresh spinach, washed and dried
6 cloves roasted garlic                                                            
1/4 of a large roasted sweet onion  
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 squeezed lemon (juice)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
dash of salt and pepper


I put all of the ingredients in my blender, except of the olive oil.  Pulsed it until it was all roughly chopped.  Then, I started to drizzle the olive oil in while it was blending.  It turned out wonderful.  I used it as a bread dip, but I froze the leftovers for the countless recipes that I am creating in my head- uh oh. 

Pesto, whether basil or spinach has a short (refrigerator) shelf life.  I usually make a batch and then freeze what I can not use up within a week.

I just pour my pesto into an ice cube tray, top off with extra oil, wrap with plastic wrap and then freeze overnight.  Once frozen, remove pesto cubes (quickly, as the oil will melt) and refreeze them in a plastic freezer bag or airtight container.  Pesto keeps in the freezer for about 6 months.  It may keep longer, but it gets used before six months in my house. 
Speaking of freezing extras....I had a whole extra zucchini left over from making my zucchini muffins that I didn't want it to go to waste.  It was a big zucchini that was picked out of my sister's garden.  It put the grocery store zucchinis to shame.  I was also sick of it taking up much needed counter space.  I ended up just grating it, putting it into a freezer bag and into the freezer it went.  Hey, why not!  I figured some cold winter day, when I am reminiscing about the summer days and those lovely muffins, all I have to do is pull it out of the freezer and wallah.

Jeez.  You would think I have a large freezer.  I wish!

-------------UPDATE----------

OK, so my "NO POO" revolution almost came to an end.  My hair is going through the dreaded transition phase.  It feels really gross.  I just about broke out my shampoo and conditioner yesterday.  Instead, I broke out my new hat :) 







I can do it! I can do it!

I did find this nifty little bead holder at Michael's that I put to good use.

  I was tired of dragging the stuff I needed for the baking soda shampoo into the shower.  So, I put the baking soda in each little section and use one at a time.  It holds about one tablespoon per section.  And with six slots, that will last me six shampoos.  I just dump my baking soda into a measuring cup (that I also keep in the shower) and fill it with warm water from the shower.  Smart...I know.

Have a splendid day!

-Nicole



A Few of My Favorite Things, Friday

I have been compiling a list of tips, tricks and money saving ideas.  These are either things that I have experimented with, my mother has taught me or things that I have learned while perusing the wonderful world wide web.  Here they are... 

A few of my favorite things!

Dryer Sheets
Although, I no longer use fabric softener sheets in my laundry routine anymore, I have found other ways to use the left over ones.
-Replacing a filter on a canister vacuum can be quite costly.  Instead, I use a dryer sheet.  It collects all the impurities, as a filter would and it makes your house smell nice in the meantime.
-Does your kitchen garbage can stink?  Mine does, even after a thorough cleaning.  I just throw a dryer sheet in the bottom of the can to cover up those awful smells. 

Toothpaste
Not only do I use toothpaste to brush my teeth, I use it to clean my diamond earrings.  I have cleaned my jewelry with toothpaste for years.  Not once have I bought a jewelry cleaner.  I wouldn't even know how much it costs, but I am sure this is much cheaper. 

Baking Soda
If you have been reading my blog, you know that I have joined in the "NO POO" revolution.  Which I am falling in love with, by the way!  Baking soda has sooo many wonderful uses.  I use a baking soda and water paste (1 part baking soda and 1 part water) to clean my toenails and fingernails.  They turn out so white and fresh looking.  I also use baking soda to mask the smell of a litter box (just sprinkle in with the litter), to help take the "sting" out of a bee sting (or sunburns, insect bites, windburns etc.) and I soak in it when my skin is irritated or when I have sore muscles.  Baking soda has a ton of uses, these are just a few of my favorites.  Oh, by the way.  I did find a recipe that some of you may be interested in.  It is a mixture of cool aid, water and baking soda to create a sports drink like Gatorade.  If you would like the recipe, you will have to "google it."  You will understand once you've read below :) 

Hot Water vs. Clogged Toilets
So, I have found over the years (and by having a son) that sometimes the toilet gets clogged or backed up.  Yuck, right?  Right!  Can you believe super hot water does the trick?  Yes, indeed, just boil a pot of water and dump it into the clogged toilet.  It may take more than one pot full if it is a bad case.  And when I say clogged toilet, I mean, clogged with toilet paper and/or other things that should clog a toilet.  Hot water will not melt the matchbox car that your 18 month old throws in or the occasional watch or a wash cloth (I know this from experience.) Ugh! 

Rubber Bands and Flat Sheets
Flat sheets always were such a waste of money for me, but all the nice sheets came in sets.  I would get the sheets home, wash them and excitedly put the both on my bed.  Tucked in all the right places, they look so fresh, clean and pretty.  That is, until I went to bed and could not stand the feel of them suffocating my feet.  Seriously, I felt like a prisoner in my own bed.  I always ended up undoing my fresh and pretty bed, so much so, you couldn't figure out if it was a flat sheet or a twisted noose.  Can you tell I really detest flat sheets?  Anyway, I had always found other uses such as drop cloths, beach blankets, etc.  Until the light bulb in my head went off (or turned on), and an "uh huh" moment struck.  Use it as a fitted sheet by adding rubber bands to the corners.  Just lay your flat sheet so it evenly falls over your bed, gather the corners in a ponytail like hold, wrap the rubber band around it and then tuck the ponytail under your mattress.  Wallah!  There, you have yourself another fitted sheet!  FYI- take the rubber bands off before washing.

Coconut Oil
The Internet is a buzz about Coconut Oil.  It is the natural oil derived from the coconut.  I am a huge fan of it myself.  There are tons of uses that come from this beautifully UNrefined oil.  Coconut oil can be used as a hair mask for dry or damaged hair and as a facial cleanser.  Yep, you heard me right.  Look up the Oil Cleansing Method, it makes a lot of sense.  I have just begun this regimen myself.  I will keep you updated.  It can be used as a lip balm, an eye makeup remover, a tattoo healer, a massage oil, a personal lubricant, a cracked heel repairing salve and of course in cooking. 

Coconut Oil Heal Repair Salve

You will need
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
1/2 cup beeswax
2 teaspoons Vitamin E Oil
10 drops of your favorite essential oil(s)
(I use Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils for their antiseptic and healing qualities)

In a double boiler, add beeswax, Coconut Oil and Vitamin E Oil and melt on a low setting.  Once everything is melted without lumps, take your pot off the heat and add your essential oil(s).  Mix thoroughly and then pour into a glass jar or tin.  Apply all over your feet, paying special attention to your heels.  Best if done right after a shower or bath when your skin is still moist.  I then cover my feet with a pair of cotton socks until the oils soak in and to prevent from slipping and sliding all over my bathroom.  No one needs a pulled groin muscle when trying to repair their cracked heels.  Ouch!

Bananas
I use bananas as the fruit of choice for breakfast.  I have this weird aversion to all the other fruits I love when it comes to my first meal of the day.  Maybe my body was telling me something...or not.  During my recovery I had Chiari related POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.)  It was my Cardiologist that suggested that I drink at least one sports drink a day to provide my body with the needed potassium and sodium.  I have heard of using Gatorade, Powerade etc. for a quick recovery after running or playing sports.  I detest the stuff!  I always went with good ol' water.  Gatorade not only was high in sodium, but sugars.  I thought my Cardiologist went nuts!  On my next trip to the grocery store, I reluctantly picked up a few sports drinks.  I thought, if anything, I would be well hydrated.  GAG.  Surprisingly enough, it did help with some of my symptoms.  Still, just the thought!  Double GAG.  Then, I found out that bananas, being higher in potassium, serve the same function.  The last, unopened Gatorade went down the drain!  Hallelujah! 

One medium banana contains about 450 mg of potassium and are they are high in antioxidants.  A 32 oz. sports drink contains about 120 mg of potassium and has about 56 grams of sugar.  Research has also showed that three bananas per day would supply all the antioxidants recommended by nutritionists.  Hmmmm!  Gatorade anyone?

Oh yeah, bananas aren't just good for replacing those icky sports drinks.  They can be used to attract butterflies, as a healthy replacement for ice cream and even as face masks.  Plus, the peels can be thrown on a compost pile and used as fertilizer and/or mulch.
Bananas to Attract Butterflies
Place an over ripe banana or banana slices outside on a plate.  If you chose to use a whole banana, poke holes in it to make access points for the butterflies.  This may also attract bees and wasps, so keep your plate above head level or in an unused part of your garden.

Banana Faux Ice Cream
Peel and cut a ripe banana into a few pieces.  Freeze in an airtight container or zipper seal bag.  Once frozen, pop it into a blender and give it a whirl.  Blend to the consistency of ice cream.  YUM!

Bananas as a Face Mask
Smash one medium banana and apply to your face.  Let sit for about 10-20 minutes.  Rinse and pat dry.  You will notice you skin feels softer and more moisturized.


I am continually soaking in all the information that I feel may be helpful to my readers.  If you have any other tips, tricks, money saving ideas and/or comments about the information above...please feel free to comment.  I'd love to hear from you.



Oh, and last, but certainly not least, My Most Favorite Thing This Friday......

my local flea market and this wreck of a table, which I am in love with!

I just loved the old, rustic look it had sitting there in the middle of the dirt and stone (mostly dirt) parking lot.  Plus, it was a whopping $15 and that included three chairs, that are just as old and as rustic looking.  It was a deal that I couldn't pass up!   

All four pieces are badly in need of some sanding, a little paint and some TLC.  Things are a little wobbly, but its nothing I can't handle (on my own) for that amount of money.  I can't wait to show you the finished product!

Have a splendid day!

-Nicole

Tried & True Tuesday

I was a busy bee today.  I was awake before the sun even came up and decided to use the quiet of the morning to work on a few projects.  My first, was to clean out and re-organize my bedroom.  Which I did and it feels soooo good! Then, I got to start on the fun and yummy stuff.  My mom has a great recipe for Zucchini Muffins.  We all love them, but I also wanted to try one that I found and tweaked to suit myself.  Shout out to my sister....Thanks for the zucchini, fresh from her garden.

Mom's Zucchini Muffins....or Bread 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease cupcake tins or bread pans. 

You will need
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups flour (I used wheat flour)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
2 cups grated zucchini (skin and all)

Mix the all the dry ingredients in a bowl, same with the wet ingredients.  Combine both mixtures and put in 2 bread pans or about 24 cupcake tins.  Bake muffins for approximately 20 minutes and loaves for approximately 40-45 minutes.  Insert a knife into the center of the muffin or loaf, if it comes out clean they are done. 



My Zucchini Muffins

Preheat oven at 350 degrees, grease cupcake tins or bread pans.

You will need
2 eggs
3/4 cup melted butter                                         
1 1/2 cups honey
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups wheat flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 cups grated zucchini (skin and all)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds

Mix the all the dry ingredients in a bowl, same with the wet ingredients. Combine both mixtures and put in 2 bread pans or about 24 cupcake tins. Bake muffins for approximately 20 minutes and loaves for approximately 40-45 minutes. Insert a knife into the center of the muffin or loaf, if it comes out clean they are done.  I love how rustic looking my muffins turned out!

Homemade Ice Packs

Ice packs are my best friend!  Before my brain decompression surgery, I had made some hot/cold rice packs to use, but they didn't get a cold as I would have liked them to.  And when I say "I" made them, I mean my mom sewed them and I added the rice and essential oils.  I hate strongly dislike sewing.  I would rather poke my eyes out with the straight pins.  I do have one ice pack that I had bought at Wal-Mart, but when that one got warm, I was outta luck.  My mom had seen a recipe for the homemade ice packs some time ago and told me about them.  I finally made one last night! I love the fact that they freeze quickly, they are so simple to make and inexpensive!

Homemade Ice Packs  (for a large ice pack)

2 one gallon size Ziploc bags
2 cups water
1 cup rubbing alcohol
food coloring (optional)

Place one bag in a bowl and fold over the edges, add water, alcohol and food coloring.  Zip the bag closed, mix and then place inside another bag for extra protection from spills etc.  Put in your freezer and you can use it for as long as you'd like.

And there you have it...I said it was simple :)



Recycled Chunky Crayons

My son is now 10 and he very seldom uses his crayons.  Well, except for melting them onto canvas.  That was a fun project and turned out really neat.  He has some tweaking that he wants to do to it, then he will post his finished masterpiece.  He wanted to make chunky crayons for his three year old cousin.  So, we unwrapped a bunch of crayons this morning and broke them into little pieces.  After spraying a mini-muffins tin with non-stick spray, he dropped different colors in each little spot.  We put them in the oven that was already preheated (from earlier baking) at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until the crayons were fully melted.   Here is what ours looked like when they cooled.

I love that my son is so thoughtful.  My niece is going to love these! 

_________****UPDATE****______

Last week I started my "NO POO" revolution.  I have washed my hair four times with the baking soda/water mixture and conditioned with the vinegar/water mixture.  I am liking it so far.  My hair feels very clean,  has more body and feels thicker.  I will admit, it's hard not to reach for the shampoo and all that lather, but I am not going to give up on this!

Have a splendid day!

-Nicole

A Few of My Favorite Things, Friday.

Overnight/Soaked Oats  (this week's favorite food)

I have been reading a lot about soaking oats and other grains.  To read more about soaking oats and the benefits, click here.  The first time I read an article about them, I thought...Oh Yum!  I found different recipes and most of them weren't really my cup of tea...or oatmeal.  I am not fond of a lot of flavor combinations.  I am a flavor snob.  My favorite though, is Strawberry and Banana.  I adjusted my recipe to look like the one below.  Read the comments after the recipes for additional tips.

My Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats    
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup strawberry yogurt
1/3 cup milk  (any kind will do)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 small mashed banana

Mix all ingredients in a glass jar or bowl.  Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
The original recipes used Greek Yogurt, but I used regular strawberry yogurt for the flavor. Be sure to use Rolled Oats, not quick oats. If you chose to use Greek Yogurt, add 1/3 cup more milk. You can make Greek Yogurt yourself if you have regular yogurt at home. I didn't see the sense in the extra work and I didn't have Greek Yogurt on hand (because I hate it.)
If you are a fan of adding granola to your yogurt, I am guessing that you will also like this. It is very nutritious.  By adding chia seeds, you add extra nutritional value.  Chia seeds are high in essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6.)  To read more about the benefits and nutritional value of chia seeds, click here and here.
I made this recipe the other night.  I threw it all together right before I went to bed.  Soooo simple and I LOVED it!!!  It was so nice to just pull it out of the refrigerator and eat it without any other preparation.  This is even a good idea for an on the go breakfast.

 

Simple Acts of Kindness.... not always so Random. 

While shopping last week, an elderly man pushed his shopping cart in front of me and stopped.  I said, "Oh, excuse me," not wanting to be in his way.  He paused and replied, "I am going to ask you for a favor." Of course, I said "sure."  I expected him to ask me where he could find something, but instead, he said, "Just you and your family have a great weekend."

It's things like this that put a smile on my face and bring tears to my eyes!  How incredibly sweet! 
I am just a nice person, I try to be courteous and smile, even when I don't feel like it.  I was so discouraged the other day because I was being kind and the recipient didn't even acknowledge me.  I don't need a big "Thank You" or anything along those lines, just show a smile.  It's just so simple!  I went about my day, but it was still bothering me.  I thought for a minute, I am just going to stop being nice.  Huh, I don't think that is in my nature.  I just have to accept that there are people out there that were not raised as I was. I am so thankful for the little things and I just want to see other people smile.  Just like that elderly man did for me.  I will never forget that moment! 
I came across a website some time ago that pulled at my heartstrings a bit.  This is a great reminder that there are other people out there just like me :)
Robyn Bomar celebrated her 38th birthday in a unique and inspiring way.  She and her family preformed 38 Random Acts of Kindness and then asked people around the world to preform just one and let to her know about it.  And, so began... My Birthday Project's website.  Here is the link to the original blog that details her 38 Acts.

Molasses as a plant fertilizer, one of my favorite things.

Apply to plants at a rate of 4-5 tablespoon per gallon of water.

I use warm water, it is easier to incorporate the molasses into the water.  Love this!  Chemical free!

Fabric softener (I nixed my idea of putting fabric softener crystals into my Homemade Laundry Soap.)

My sister stopped for a visit and brought a few recipes that she uses.  The following recipe is easy peasy and NATURAL. Score!


All Natural Fabric Softener
2 cups white vinegar
2 cups baking soda
4 cups water
Mix vinegar and baking soda, then add the water.  Pour 1/4 cup into the washer or spray on a sloth and through into the dryer.  You could probably add a few drops of an essential oil to the whole mixture for a pleasant sent. 

Loved and Useful Things

This little arrangement is one of my favorite things.  I have a small place and things that I love, I try to display.  These things are also very useful.  I bought the sifter years ago because I just loved that it looked old and worn.  I do use it quite a bit.  The cherry cutting board was made and given to me by someone very special.  I hate to use it, but I do.  My sister had given me the little hen on the nest for a birthday present.  I just think it is so cute.  The glass jar is full of sunflower seeds.  I try to keep it within reach of my 10 year old son.  He is not a very good eater, but he loves sunflower seeds.  I figure if he can reach them, he will eat them.  And he does!  

Have a splendid day!

-Nicole

A Smile Restored

Today has been a rough Chiari day. With idle hands, the wheels in my mind tend to turn overtime. Thinking about doing and thinking about thinking. The vicious cycle that has been my day. I had accomplished nothing except for bringing on a heavy heart. I felt this way until....I decided to relax in an oatmeal, milk and lavender bath. During my tub time, I had to laugh when my orphaned kitties joined me. They were very curious and spent most of their time on the side, but one had come as far as walking on my knees (over the water.) Laughter they say, is the best medicine. I needed a good dose of that!

Feeling relaxed, the smile returned to my face. Now, again, enjoying the simple things. The sweet sounds of katydids calling, hoofs hitting the pavement, buggy wheels turning, my flowers by moonlight and the sight of my new to me apron. My mother has had many wise words to share, but the one that rang true today.....
"You have bad moments, not bad days."
-My Momma

With words remembered and spirits lifted, I give you this, so simple and sweet....

Oatmeal Milk Lavender Bath
1/2 cup ground oatmeal (grind oats in a coffee grinder or food processor)
1/2 cup powdered milk
4 drops lavender essential oil

Have a splendid night!