July 4th Countdown: Bring on The Food!

It's time for some delicious and fun food this July 4th!

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Mornings in the Pool: My Zen

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In the morning, I like to spend time at the swimming pool. It's quiet and relaxing just me and nature. When I'm under the water I forget about all the aches and pains. Even my anxiety takes a rest.

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I wish I could bottle the peaceful non-pain moments of my time at pool.

Seasonal Memo Board: Summer Theme

Now that Father's Day is over I'm switching out the Seasonal Memo Board for a Summertime Theme.

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I decided to add some photos and vintage summer postcards. I'm going to visit a few thrift shops for postcards. Wish me luck!

It's Dutch Babies for Breakfast!

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I'm willing to heat up our kitchen for Dutch Babies this morning! Just serve with sliced strawberries, blueberries or cooked apples and whipped cream. Yummy!

Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Feature Fridays ~ Pallet Storage System

I love this idea for storing bicycles in small living spaces. Our son loves the industrial look and would really appreciate these pallet storage systems!

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When I was in high school we would take a few pallets, stack them and place our beers and other party treats on them, at outside parties. These days, I'm so glad we grew up and decided to put pallets to a much more beautiful use! Thanks to Miss Mustard Seed for hosting Furniture Feature Fridays!

Banana Body Sugar Scrub: I Gave It a Try and Liked It!

Banana Body Sugar Scrub Recipe courtesy of Care2 Heal

INGREDIENTS 1 ripe banana 3 tablespoons granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract or your favorite essential oil (optional)

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Mash ingredients together with a fork into a chunky paste. Do not overmix or it will become too watery. If you want a banana scrub for your face, reserve some of the banana and mash it separately without sugar.

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In the shower, before turning the water on, slather the sugar mixture and gently massage over your body. For your face, gently massage plain banana there, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water. I mixed the banana too much but still reaped the benefits!

5 Minutes for Mom Pin It Friday ~ Enjoying Summertime

Summertime brings it's on set of rules...just relax and enjoy the outdoors. Here's a few of my favorite pins from my Pinterest Summer Board. Thank you to 5 Minutes for Mom for hosting Pin It Fridays. Come join us!

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July 4th Countdown: Wreaths

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My Summertime Fan Inspired by Martha Stewart

While visiting Martha Stewart's website I saw a tutorial of a Patriotic fan.

It got me inspired so I headed to the home office, pulled out my scrapbook papers, embellishments, a chopstick and hot glue gun.

The final project makes a nice addition to the vase.

July 4th Countdown: DIY Decorations

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5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday ~ June 27, 2012

Our July 4th door decoration. Thanks 5 Minutes for Mom for hosting Wordless Wednesdays.

Las Vegas TravelCenters of America Honoring Veterans With Free Meal ~ July 4th

The Las Vegas TravelCenters of America plans to offer all veterans and active-duty military personnel a complimentary meal, valued up to $15, on July 4, 2012.

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Veterans and military personnel are asked to show proof of service to their server before ordering. Acceptable forms are US Uniform Services ID Card or Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings statement, Veterans Organization card, photograph in uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

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The Las Vegas location is at 6595 N Hollywood Blvd, Las Vegas, NV. Call locations for more information or visit website.

Chicken Fried Steak: Another Hit with Hubby!

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I decided to try my hand at making Pioneer Woman's Chicken Fried Steak last night. My husband loves Chicken Fried Steak but after one bite he informed me that this one was better then his mother's! Wow! I'm on 2-for-2 this week!

Charles' Day Off: Let's Hang at The Pool

The hubby and I decided to hit the pool around 10 am this morning.

I find that we can have the apartment complex pool for just the two of us.

"Get Rid of the Other Meatloaf Recipes~ This One Is Amazing" Hubby Approved!

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My husband's day off and we're finally home to have leftover meatloaf and salad for lunch. He takes a couple of bites, asked me what I put into the meatloaf and then informs me to throw all the meatloaf recipes except this one! Thanks Pioneer Woman for the inspirational recipe!

Menu Plan Monday ~ June 25, 2012

It's another week of 100+ temps in Las Vegas so if I can make a meal that doesn't require the oven I will! This week, we'll be having BLTs, make your own salads, fried shrimp with mixed greens salad, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and salad, crock pot pot roast with mashed potatoes and green beans. Thanks to Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Mondays!

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Chronic Pain Sufferer: Modified Yoga Tree

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My son introduced me to yoga and I have grown to love it. I wanted to find yoga instructors that offered visual modified yoga positions that would accommodate my pain and motion restrictions. Here's the yoga tree: strengthen core, back muscles and balance

Meatloaf: Sunday Night Dinner

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I'm using The Pioneer Woman's meatloaf recipe as inspiration tonight! Mine will not have bacon nor the ketchup sauce. Mashed potatoes are required. And I'll be including a Mixed greens salad. Can't wait for the family to give their feedback.

Jumping Tandem Sundays ~ Seeking Strength

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! For those who have suffered from sexual abuse, You are always in my prays! Thank you to Jumping Tandem for hosting Sundays.

Longtime Use of Pain Medicines: Acid Reflux

"Okay, I now know I have acid reflux so you want to write me a prescription?" "And my long time use of opioids and anti-depressants may be contributing to the problem"? "I think I'll pass on the medications and pursue a homeopathic treatment". When I started my online research I noticed a common recommendation, Aloe Vera Juice. Charles and I had the opportunity to try Aloe Vera Juice at a health food store. His bothering tummy cleared up within minutes of drinking the recommended daily 8 oz cup. In my case, my pinched nerve, in my neck felt less painful. The chronic inflammation that I have also reduced a bit. So, we're going back to the health food store to purchase some Aloe Vera Juice. Oh, by the way the doctor looked very confused when I refused any medications.