Maintaining a strong and healthy marriage takes effort. It doesn’t happen magically. It happens through selflessness, intimacy, humility, love and prayer. None of these is easy. But why is that last one so hard to do? I can’t truthfully say that I consistently pray for my marriage. Yet, of all the disciplines that help make a marriage strong and healthy, prayer should be the easiest! After all, the Bible tells us this: A strong, healthy marriage — both mine and yours — is certainly {Read More}
Archives for November 2014
Chicken Artichoke Soup
November 15, 2014 By
I recently discovered the tasty chicken artichoke soup at Whole Foods and simply couldn’t get enough of it. But, that version is high in sodium AND it’s not very budget friendly. So of course I decided to create my own version! Mine doesn’t taste exactly like the Whole Foods version, but I actually like it better. It is deliciously satisfying and simple to make. Ingredients 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 medium yellow {Read More}
Patterns and Textures and Warm, Sunny Days
November 14, 2014 By
These are the days those of us in the CA desert live for! While most of the country is suffering through record cold temperatures, we are enjoying absolutely beautiful 75-80 degree days and cool nights. And with a few minor dips below the 70s during the next few months, these temperate days are what’s in store throughout winter. I call these convertible days! One of our favorite activities here (other than in the summer) is riding our beach cruisers. This was {Read More}
New on My Bucket List: A Northern Lights Norway Cruise
November 12, 2014 By
Thanks to Hurtigruten Cruises for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to add another item to my bucket list! Opinions are 100% mine. I hope you’ll click on the sponsored links because this cruise sounds absolutely amazing! When Tom and I first became empty nesters, we decided that we wanted adventure in our everyday lives as well as on special vacations. I’m usually a beach and sunshine kind of girl, but I just added a surprising entry to my bucket list: take a Norway cruise {Read More}
Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
November 10, 2014 By
Kale Salad. Why haven’t I been making it for years? I put kale in my smoothies. I order kale salad at restaurants. Today I set out to make my own kale salad for the first time, and it is YUMMY! Plus it is super healthy, easy to make, and a nice alternative to the typical salads I eat. So today I bring you my version of the kale salad, which features chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette with a bit of {Read More}
Checklist for Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner
November 9, 2014 By
The only Thanksgiving Day checklist you’ll ever need! Ever since the first Thanksgiving after my marriage 27 years ago, I have LOVED hosting Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, throughout all those years, there have been only a handful of Thanksgiving Days when we did NOT host friends and family. Even though I’ve always loved my home being the gathering place for this holiday, I was always stressed out and harried during the early years. In recent years, I have developed a {Read More}
