How To Get The Most Out Of Your Lemons & Limes

During the summer many recipes call for lemon or lime juice. Here are a few TIPS to keep in mind when you are buying and juicing your citrus.

DIY KITCHEN ISLAND WITH KEN

Give an Old Dresser new life by turning it into a Kitchen Island!

IT'S BLUEBERRY SEASON!

Blueberries are in season! This WONDER-fruit is sweet-tart and bursting with flavor. They have consistently been ranked among the top fruits and vegetables tested for antioxidant activity and several studies indicate that they are good for memory. Enjoy them now when they have the best flavor and are the least expensive!

The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Consuming lemon water on a daily basis can actually change your life –– for good! Not only does this citrus fruit alkalize your system (this is what I use it for, helping keep my tummy under control), it can also improve your overall health by preventing pathogen bacteria in your body. Lemons are packed like a clown car with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

20 GREAT ESCAPES THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL SMALL

Immense landscapes, huge mountain ranges, vast forests and massive waterfalls are all things in nature that can make you feel small, in a good way. That’s why I've listed 20 great escapes that can make you feel small and let’s you fully absorb the surroundings of where you are standing.. pure solitude and peace..

10 WAYS WITH WATERMELON

June is upon us and our little family has already started eating our favorite Summer food –WATERMELON! Just one look at a watermelon and I begin to feel relaxed and stress-free. I'm sure many of you have great memories of watermelon – fireworks, parades, picnics, seed-spitting contests, thumps and such!

SHE SHEDS - the room you never knew you needed!

I love sheds, but this is no ordinary shed! 

It's the room you never knew you needed! 

Welcome to the world of SHE SHEDS!

Confessions of A College Student's Mom: Great Alternatives to Double Majors

So, child #2 is home from college and our home is bursting at the seams with her 'stuff'. You all will be glad to know that I'm holding my OCDness together surprisingly well. The most obvious reason for this is because I know when she leaves for college this fall we will not be seeing her on a regular basis. I'm a little sad about that. Nevertheless, birds gotta fly and Mamas gotta let them go. We went through the same thing with child #1. And as hard as it was, we made it just fine. In fact, Mr.P and I enjoy the nest when it's empty!

LIFE LESSONS FROM MOM

My mother has taught me many valuable lessons that have helped shape my life. The advice I received from her was not specifically contained in any one sentence or in a formal heart-to-heart conversation, but in many discussions throughout my life. My Mother is caring, giving, nurturing, ever so patient, quietly hopeful and above all loving. But her best quality was to teach by example. That is the kind of life my mother has lived. She has inspired me in all areas by being a living example of what it is to be a wife, mother and friend. Here are the top ten lessons about life and love my sweet mother graciously taught me that have touched every aspect of my life and affected the majority of decisions I've made.

EASY LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS

Is it me, or is there is something magical about lemon poppy seed muffins? There is something about that fresh citrus tartness, mixed with the sweet cakey muffin and the distinct poppy seed flavor. It’s a good time. When making the muffins, I like to add lots of fresh lemon zest and lemon juice to the batter, and when they are hot out of the oven I spoon over a simple syrup made from freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar, to add that extra lemon flavor. Like making pound cake, the syrup sort of traps in the moisture and freshness, and makes them last a little longer than most other muffins. These are perfect in the morning with coffee, or in the afternoon with a glass of milk. They are simple, fresh, and delicious. Enjoy!

Mason Jar Hanging Light

Sometimes it's the smallest details in a room that make the biggest impact, bringing a whole room together. Personal decorating ideas from small details, decorative accents, a touch of color and cute knickknacks can make immense things happen in interior decorating. Charming handmade embellishments and recycled items are inexpensive ideas that give great opportunities to change the way your room looks and feels.

HERB ICE CUBES

Do you use your freezer to preserve herbs, vegetables, or fruit? The freezer can be a powerful, overlooked method of preserving. Pesto, strawberry puree, tomato soup — stash them away now to be used later. One of my favorite ingredients, a handful of fresh herbs from the garden, is one of the simplest things to preserve in the freezer, and I just learned a new, better way to freeze herbs: In oil!