Watermelon Cooler {Gluten Free}

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watermelonThis drink looks absolutely fantastic! It’s a WATERMELON drink – for the summer! Perfect thing to cool off those HOT days.

Bring the drink to the pool and sip on it in the hot sun. Watermelon is refreshing and detoxing.

Not only is watermelon low calorie, they are one fruit that is great to eat when on a diet especially if you are looking for a way to cleanse your body flushing potentially harmful toxins from your body.

This drink is only 90 calories per serving – awesome! And has a coconut taste to it (even better!)

Now, wouldn’t you so much rather drink this than a coke? {soda – excuse me, every soft drink is ‘coke’ to a Texan!}

You will need: 3 cups cubed chilled watermelon, 1 cup coconut water, squeeze of fresh lime and a sprig of mint, 

Put all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth. Yes, this is all you do – truly a no sweat drink. For an alcoholic version try one part coconut rum.

However, I think you will find that the skinny version is absolutely wonderful.

 

10 ‘Facts of Life’ I Learned From My Mother

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momMothers. They can frustrate you sometimes. But, face it – you will always love your mom. She is that friend that will never leave your side no matter how gross, dramatic or pathetic you may act.

I mean really, she changed your diapers and dealt with those sugar sporadic moments when you were in elementary (but, maybe that was her fault because she fed you sugar after all.)

However, at any rate – you love her and she loves you. And she has some good ideas from time to time. Just admit it. Here are some (just a few) ‘facts of life’ that my mom has taught me over my past 28 years of life. Sure she will teach me many more things as time progresses:

1. Add some mint to your unsweet iced tea. Yes, I said unsweet because sweet tea (though the epitome of southern charm) is loaded with sugar. Not only is this garnish girly, it adds a naturally sweet taste. What a great idea!

2. Never go out of the house without looking the best you possibly can. This is true. Like a genuine southern lady, hot rollers are used every morning. I don’t care if I have to add an extra 20 minutes to my morning routine. My hair will be big and look nice. {Ha- however, if it’s Saturday and you just have to wear jeans, T-shirt and a make-up free face, make sure you look put together}. I mean, c’mon ladies, how hard is it to wipe the mascara off from under your eyes and brush your hair!? Not hard at all.

3. Buy expensive flip-flops. Your feet are precious. Take care of them. If you have to spend some extra bucks on some shoes that have cushy soles – do it. Your back and body will thank you. No Walmart or Payless flat footed sandals (those are for the beach, so they can be thrown away). Buy some real, woman flip flops and wear them.

4. Don’t feel bad about getting a pedicure. You need to treat yourself in some way. Why not a pedicure? I used to feel so bad that someone was painting my toes for me; but, you pay for it. And, what better way to relax is there than sitting in a back massage chair and having your feet massaged and manicured?

5. Wear some type of spanx under your dresses, even if the dresses are not super tight. It does not matter if you weigh 2 lbs or 200 lbs, spanx are always needed. Period. Maxi dresses. Mini dresses. Wear them.

6. Sometimes you just have to cry. Don’t feel like a baby. As my mom would tell me when I was younger, let it out! It is not good to hold in and bottle up all those emotions. And for a puffy eye fix in the morning, cold tea bags work great. This girl speaks from experience.

7. Enjoy some good junk food from time to time. Don’t be so weight conscious that you can’t order some tasty French fries from McDonald’s (let’s be honest they have the best fries) and I am going with Arby’s to top the charts with the curly fries. Eat salads most days – but don’t hate yourself over sinking your teeth in a burger from time to time.

8. Hug long and hug often. My mom always taught me that you need 12 hugs a day. While I thought that was funny when I was younger, now that I am older – it’s the truth. Hug those you love long and often. We are set on this earth to love God and love others.

9. Wine and cheese can serve as a dinner {and maybe a vegetable plate too}. Don’t feel bad if all you want for dinner is cheese and wine. If you want to pull some yummy cheese out of the fridge and sip on a glass of wine, do it. You don’t have to necessarily have a four course meal for dinner. For that matter, I have had many a nights where sliced celery, carrots and romaine lettuce leaves dipped in ranch have been my evening meal.

10. Sing in the car. I know you may think that others will think you look goofy; but, who cares, really!? If you like the song and want to sing – bust out a tune. Life is too short to try and impress others. Get your worship on, star in your own country show, whatever. Sing. It makes the heart happy.

Fresh Caprese Salad {Gluten Free}

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capreseThis gluten free girl sometimes really misses Italian food. I see angel hair Alfredo pasta and my mouth waters. The rich flavors just pervade my senses, and I miss consuming such creamy meals.

However, skipping the wheat laden bread is a better alternative than an upset stomach. So, I find ways to satisfy my Italian cravings. And the best way to do that is – eat a lovely bowl of Caprese Salad.

I can remember my first plate of this yummy salad, which is interesting. This was even before I knew about my gluten allergy. As you can tell, I am not lying about liking this dish.

There we were, my sweet family of four, eating on a mountaintop bistro in Santa Fe, New Mexico. And, little did I know, I would fall in love that day with – Caprese Salad.

tomatoes

These beauties were too pretty not to share!

Now that I am older, I make this as a quick dinner or treat for myself. It is heavenly.

So, if you are gluten free and missing out on your garlic and olive oil flavors, this is the dish for you!

You will need: 3 medium tomatoes, 1 ball of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, olive oil and salt and pepper.

All you need to do is – get out a cutting board and chop up your pretty tomatoes. You can chop huge chunks or little chunks. The choice is really up to you.

Next, chop up your fresh basil leaves and ball of mozzarella. Mix up these pieces with the tomatoes in a larger bowl.

Sprinkle in some olive oil. The amount of drizzle is up to you. Then add some salt and pepper to taste.

You are done! This can be a little dinner or maybe a side salad with your main course. It is completely gluten free and very delicious. Munch on gluten free ladies!

You might also like this delish ‘Caprese Gluten Free Bread’ recipe too!

Boiled Chicken Broth Potatoes {Gluten Free}

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potat 2

Doesn’t this look like a Farmer’s table!? Fresh and natural.

Boiled these beautiful potatoes last night! Sometimes you just have to sink your teeth into starchy food. This fit the bill after a long day of work in heels!

These yummy potatoes were full of such flavor, and I have gluten free chicken broth to thank for that. Seriously, I may never boil potatoes the same again.

By adding chicken broth, it really infused the meat of the potato with a great taste. Give this a try.

I am so sure your family will love this recipe and dinner guests will too. What a simple little dish that is delicious.

I kind of felt like Mother Earth setting this out on my table. Don’t they look so delish and natural!?

potat

Yum. Look at those delicious potatoes!

You will need: 2 cups of gluten free chicken broth, 1 tbsp. chives, 1 tbsp. olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic powder.

This is simple y’all. But, simple has never tasted so good! Just bring your two cups of chicken broth to a boil. Dump your teeny potatoes (after washing them) in the boiling broth and add your olive oil.

Add your seasonings on after the potatoes have boiled for about 10 minutes. So sprinkle on the dried chives and garlic powder. Cook for another 10 minutes. Once the potatoes are soft, serve!

Avocado Radish Toast {Gluten Free}

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radishOkay – this combo may look a little kooky; but, believe me when I say – it is delicious. You will not want to stop eating this cute, dainty appetizer. Bring it to a party or just eat it as a healthy afternoon snack.

Its gluten free (used Udi’s gluten free bread) and gives you that little crunch you need. Simply toast the bread in the oven or toaster, spread the avocado on and add slices of yummy radishes.

It’s that easy. Really. AND – even more of a bonus: radishes are super good for you. It reduces pain and swelling, can aid in weight loss, helps hydration, eliminates mucus and clear the sinuses. You can read all the benefits here.

You will need: ½ avocado, 2 pieces of gluten free bread and 4 radishes.

After taking the bread out of the oven or toaster, simply cut the bread into little strips and place them on a pretty plate. In a bowl, mash up ½ an avocado with a fork and spread this goodness on to your bread strips. Slice radishes and arrange them on top of the mashed avocado.

Have fun with this dish. If you don’t like radishes, try another veggie on top. Maybe a diced red pepper! However, the radishes really give it a zesty, spicy taste.

It is melt in your mouth good. Don’t believe me, give it a try.

DIY Affordable Vitamin D Eye Cream

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eye cream

Use this in the morning and night!

Every woman in her mid to late 20’s should have an eye cream. You can keep thinking that you are dipping into the fountain of youth – to be surprised when you are 40. Or you can be proactive and treat those problem areas before the problem starts. Let’s choose the latter.

We all know how great Vitamin D is for our skin. Did you know that about 1/3 of the U.S. population has low levels of this awesome vitamin? Crazy. I don’t want to be included in that statistic!

According to You Beauty, over time, the skin’s ability to create vitamin D decreases (up to 75 percent from the age of 20 to 70).  That’s not good.

It has been said that having sufficient vitamin D in the skin helps minimize acne, boost elasticity, stimulate collagen production, enhance radiance, and lessen lines and the appearance of dark spots.

With all those benefits, especially for the skin, we definitely want vitamin D in our face creams. There are serums, suntan lotion and tanning sprays out there that incorporate this good stuff. However, you will pay a bundle for it. I don’t know about you, but I am thrifty woman living in the city and paying an arm and a leg does not appeal to me – especially when I can make a cream so easily (with all the benefits of a store bought one!).

process

The process.

You will need: 2 tbsp. organic coconut oil, 3 vitamin D tablets, a little beauty jar and a safety pin.

Yep, this is the whole list for a beautiful, smoothing eye cream.

First scoop out 2 tbsp of coconut oil into a small bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. When you take it out it should be liquidly.

Use the safety pin to puncture the gel capsules of the vitamin D and squeeze the insides into the bowl of melted coconut oil. Stir.

Pour your mixture into your tiny cosmetic jar and set in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It will turn into a solid and then use your homemade cream to your heart’s content.

Way to be proactive in taking care of your skin and be frugal at the same time! See, it can be done.

Be in love with your life, every detail of it.

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lvoe lifeWe are all striving to greatness. Evolving, if you will, into better versions of ourselves day by day. The more I learn about God, the closer I draw to him, the sweeter I become. And, this is simply because I am clinging onto his goodness not my own strength.

However, I think it is important, while we are striving for more fulfillment and depth in our Creator God, to love where we are in the moment. We need to love every aspect of our lives.

“Be in love with your life, every detail of it.” – Jack Kerouac

Contentment is such a hard concept to truly grasp. But Beauties, you are fully complete in Christ and he stands over your charming braided head with a plentiful bucket of provision and blessings.

Although you obviously want to become the best version of yourself possible, your Savior recklessly loves you right where you are at. Whether it is picking up the pieces of a broken relationship, making a move into another job, figuring out where you want to go in life next, quitting a riddling addiction, striving to look and eat healthier or simply sifting through your passions and interests. He loves you.

Now it’s your turn to love you and love where you are at. Don’t let that thief, comparison, steal your joy. God has you where you are – for a reason. Trust him. Trust his reasoning. He is good and perfect – and so is his will!

Reminiscing on ‘The Good Ole Days’

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daysToday was just like any other day. I sat at my desk, typing away, researching – and an Associated Press breaking news alert popped up. I expected some overseas news – especially since the situation in Iraq is not too great.

But this message popped up on my iPhone screen –>  ‘#Breaking: U.S. Patent office rules Redskins name is disparaging, and thus cannot be trademarked under federal law.”

To be honest, I don’t have a dog in this fight. I am a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan; but, c’mon people, has political correctness really washed over our society this severely to strip a mascot from an age-old, beloved team?

I never once before viewed the name ‘Redskins’ to be offensive before now, and I still don’t. Yet, I am more sensitive to it now – with all the voices crying out. Yes, I am talking to you Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

This news really made me reminisce on ‘The Good Old Days.’ And, I am not talking the 1950’s here. Although, give me a petticoat, heels and an oven, and I frankly might be happy – considering the state of the country today. I am talking about days that were not too long ago.

Days when moms could bring homemade cupcakes to their children’s classroom parties. The days where saying The Pledge of Allegiance was an honor not marked as offensive. The days when our military men and woman were respected and esteemed by all red-blooded Americans. The days when prayer was esteemed and Christianity was not ridiculed. What happened?

It won’t be the end of the world if the Redskins have to change their name. However, this controversy points to an even bigger picture. Let’s not allow the government to meddle in the NFL. That’s purely and simply an overreach of power. Are we going to allow political correctness to destroy the America that millions of Americans know and love? I hope not. I pray not.

“If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth.” – Ronald Reagan

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

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waterDid you know that your body is made up of 60% water? That’s a fact that is somewhat hard to believe, but it’s true. Knowing that, do you think you’re guzzling enough water each day?

I know it’s really hard for me to meet my water goals. I see images on Pinterest of a gallon of water marked for the day with various times to drink up and it discourages me. But is that overkill? Maybe not.

We’ve read and been told for years that 8 glasses of water a day is all you need for your health. However, is this little fact true?

The Mayo Clinic suggests “an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.” Wowsa. So take those 8 glasses and add at least one more glass to your daily total. And men, looks like 8 glasses is a poor excuse for y’all!

Drinking water should not be a chore. Think of it as fueling and cleaning your insides. Try new ways to sneak in a glass of the cold stuff. When you wake up, drink 8 ounces before that daily cup of joe. Attempt to drink a cup before each and every meal. Make a log of when you drink your water.

Put something up on your desk at work or up at home- like this.

We often refer to various soft drinks as the ‘nectar of the gods.’ But, hello – people. Water is a God given gift that was perfectly designed for our health. It nourishes your body not pumps it full of chemicals and sugar.

A whopping 75% of American are chronically dehydrated. That’s because we choose soft drinks over this pure life giving drink. Add lemon to your water or some fresh strawberries for a fruity taste. But, remember it’s super important to drink this up for your health. Let’s make a toast to water!

DIY Cellulite Coffee Scrub

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coffee scrubLove the smell of coffee, but not the taste? Well, I have the perfect scrub for you. OK, you can enjoy this scrub if you love drinking the robust stuff too.

This has easily become one of my all-time favorite body scrubs. In addition to giving you silky smooth skin, it eliminates the appearance of cellulite (yes, you heard me right). Women of all ages deal with this pesky little thing.

You will need: 2 cups coffee grounds (buy the cheap stuff, it works just as well), 1 cup raw coarse sugar and 3 tbps. olive oil.

Simply mix all of these ingredients into a large mixing bowl. You may need more oil than listed above. However, everyone is different. Make the scrub as oily or dry as you prefer.

The caffeine in the coffee helps diminish the appearance of cellulite and varicose veins! It also it increases circulation and reduces water retention. Score!

While in the shower rub the scrub onto your thighs and other problem areas in a circular motion. Let this scrub set for about 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water to close the pores. And remember to clean the shower soon after your coffee scrub action to avoid any brown stains.

Slip into those shorts or mini-skirt with no shame and show off those beautiful coffee scrubbed legs! Remember this is a temporary fix – for maximum results use this scrub at least 3x a week. Overtime, exercise and drinking loads of water will also help with those problem areas!