At Home Iced Coffee with Whipped Cream !

I was getting a little droopy around 2pm so I decided to treat myself to an iced coffee with whipped cream! Yummy

Big Lots Finds ~ July 2012

I went to Big Lots today, on a mission to finally buy blackout curtains! ($15 per panel) Yes, after 5 summers, a hot and uncomfortable bedroom and high electric bills, I decided to change out our curtains. The room temp drop 7 degrees within 1 hour!

Marcus also found himself a new mesh computer desk chair for $45. He tested it out in the store to make sure it was going to be comfortable for his 6ft 5inch body.

5 Minutes for Mom Pin It Friday~ Portland, Maine

I lived in Portland, Maine for more than 20 years. It's where our son Marcus was born. It's also where I met my husband, while waiting tables at Friendly's Ice Cream, in South Portland, 24 yrs ago! Thanks to 5 Minutes for Mom for hosting Pin It Fridays.

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Harbor Fish House in Portland, Maine

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Portland, Maine docks

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downtown Portland

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Old Port, Portland, Maine

Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday

Thanks Miss Mustard Seed for hosting Furniture Feature Fridays.

Source: pinner.in via Alvera on Pinterest

Touring Pinterest today's when I came across this amazing DIY project. Check out the upcycle of an ugly rocking chair into beautiful stylish chair! I just want to cuddle up with a good book, in the 'after' chair. She did a terrific job, don't you think? It gives me hope that with talented minds, tools and supplies one can turn an ugly duckling into a gorgeous swan!

Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Foyer! July 2012

In our apartment, there's no formal entryway. I wanted to share some beautiful foyers and entryways that I have posted on my Dream House Pinterest Board. Stop by Kelly's Korner to tour some gorgeous foyers!

Source: atlantahomesmag.com via Rona on Pinterest

I love the colors and different textures here.

Source: restyledhome.blogspot.com via Rona on Pinterest

a place for everything the family needs

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this one reminds me of the gorgeous homes in Portland, Maine

I Finished My Grocery Shopping! And They Deliver!

As a neck pain and myofascial syndrome sufferer I can't tell you how much I dread the simple task of pushing a shopping cart. It can leave me with additional muscle swelling and pain for days.

Since moving to Las Vegas, 5 years ago, I use Vons grocery delivery service, once a month.

Source: vons.com via Della on Pinterest

I usually start on Wednesday when the Buy One, Get One Free and Club Card specials are updated. Our menus are based around what meats, chicken and fish that are on sale. I'll also stock up on the Buy One, Get One Free of our favorite items. I look over the list a few times between Wednesday and Thursday. On Thursday, I select next day delivery and time. The 4-hour delivery window is my favorite because I can save $6 on the delivery charge.

The final total is charged to our card after the order has been completed and bagged at the distribution location. I usually come under budget by $10 to $30 after all the savings are added up.

Source: grandmaskitchen.com via Rona on Pinterest

The day of delivery the truck arrives between the selected delivery time. The driver brings you're grocery bags in, advises you if there was anything not available (i also chose no substitutions), I sign, and am given a copy. All that's left to do is put away the groceries!

Toasted Turkey Sandwich with Quick Cucumber Pickles

I love sandwiches for dinner. Especially one that is heated in the oven...with cheese! And the quick cucumber pickles recipe sound like a refreshing change from a green or pasta salad!

1 Peter 2: Defeating The Stumbling Blocks In Marriage 07/17 by The Imperfect Wives | Blog Talk Radio

1 Peter 2: Defeating The Stumbling Blocks In Marriage 07/17 by The Imperfect Wives | Blog Talk Radio  

God is so good!  I've been struggling these last couple of days with some negative feelings when I took a look at my email inbox and saw a link to Imperfect Wives radio show.  I immediately click on the link and listened to the show twice!

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My favorite message was to not be hard on yourself for struggling.  Something I definitely need to work on.

5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday ~ July 18, 2012

Thanks to 5 Minutes for Mom for hosting Wordless Wednesdays!

Lisbon Lemon plant ~ window shopping at Home Depot with the hubby

Menu Plan Monday ~ July 16, 2012

Temps have finally cooled down so that I don't mind turning on our oven! I also think the family is in the mood for something other than sandwiches. Thanks to Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Mondays.

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Joe's Red Deviled Chicken and Potatoes ~ a family favorite

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Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

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Ham & Cheese Potato Casserole ~ I'm using cheddar instead of Velvetta

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Slow Cooked Sticky Chicken with Brown Rice

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Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce

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Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes

Source: joyful-mommas-kitchen.blogspot.com via Rona on Pinterest

Chicken Enchiladas from Joyful Momma's Kitchen

Inspector Lewis: Generation of Vipers on PBS, Sunday, July 15

Watch Inspector Lewis: Generation of Vipers Preview on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

In "Inspector Lewis: Generation of Vipers," Lewis investigates the death of a lonely college professor who had become an object of ridicule after the video she made for an Internet dating site was posted on a subversive media blog. On tonight, at 9pm PST on PBS.

Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday

Source: dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com via Laura on Pinterest

Check out this beautiful decoupaged dresser shown at Dishfunctional Designs. I really love the color and print. This project also reminds me that this is a project that the hubby and I can do together! Thank you to Miss Mustard Seed for hosting Furniture Feature Fridays!

Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life ~ Mantles

This week's Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life is Mantles! Now, I don't have a mantle in our apartment but I certainly appreciate a beautifully decorated one. And these days a mantle can be located over a bed or in a entryway.

Source: completely-coastal.com via Linda on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via amy on Pinterest

Source: ichijosan.wheels.at via Takeisha on Pinterest

my dream bedroom!

Severe Chronic Pain Sufferer: My Experience Making the Decision to Quit Opioids

After 11 years, I made the decision to stop taking pain medications, as part of my pain management plan, almost a year ago.

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I hadn't really made a commitment to quit till one day I heard the voice of The Heavenly Father telling me to and reassuring me that I could do it! There were other deciding moments: I had grown sick and tired licking the inside of my pill bottle because I ran out and had to wait a week or more for a refill! (yes, I've done this so many times before) I actually grew to hate the person I had become. And because I didn't want a second visit to the mental institution I knew I had to follow through.

Source: ysvoice.tumblr.com via Rach on Pinterest

When I informed my son he was also extremely supportive. He shared with me that I was an addict and was embarrassed, for years. My husband wasn't so sure but said it was my decision and he would support me. I really needed everyone on board because I knew there would be times of weakness, on my part.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Holly on Pinterest

My Withdraws were horrible! But everyday...every moment I had the Lord and my family telling me this wasn't going to last forever and they would continue to support me. Marcus would come hold my hand and tell me to focus on the moment instead of the day. I can't express how much that helped me. I actually use that to endure my 9+ pain days. My husband was there to clean me up after I repeatedly sweat through my clothes, threw up or loss my bowels.

Source: seedmagazine.com via Wilson on Pinterest

My pain management doctor kept me on anti-depressants and muscle relaxers but no more opioids.

Source: metwit.com via HowdyClowdy on Pinterest

After several months, of quitting, I noticed I was much stronger for going through it. For me, this was the right decision. I'm feeling more focused and enjoying things. ( a big improvement) I haven't had a migraine in over a year, my daily pain level is around an '8' instead of a 9+ and I'm now pursuing a healthier diet and lifestyle!

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I still get the urge for a pain pill from time to time but it's getting less frequent and the moment doesn't last long.

Jumping Tandem Sundays ~ Patience

“Timing is so important! If you are going to be successful in dance, you must be able to respond to rhythm and timing. It’s the same in the Spirit. People who don’t understand God’s timing can become spiritually spastic, trying to make the right things happen at the wrong time. They don’t get His rhythm – and everyone can tell they are out of step. They birth things prematurely, threatening the very lives of their God-given dreams.” ~ T. D. Jakes Thank you to Jumping Tandem for hosting Sundays!