When I think of islands, they soothe my soul. I lived on 5 tropical islands in the Pacific years ago and refer back to my “happy place” when I need peace and solidarity. I also go there when I need an escape from pain.
Warm rice bags, ice, monthly massages, good sleep, prescription medications, warm showers, anti-inflammatory foods, stretching and exercise take me to my “happy place.”

If you ever think you’re too busy to go to your happy place, you are! You always will be. Being a mom is wonderful, most of the time, but sometimes, we ALL need a break! Guess what? Nobody else will tell you to take one. Just do it. Take the afternoon off, whether you’re at home, school or work. Find time for yourself to heal and rejuvenate yourself. It’ll be worth it in the end.

My hubby is my rock. Everyone needs one. He’s always there. When we were 1st married 20 years ago, I had panic attacks because I decided to go off my anti-anxiety meds. Too many side effects. So many nights and days he just held me though my crying and couldn’t get a full breath. So thankful for him and many prayers to heaven asking my Heavenly Father to help me! After several years, my prayers were answered.

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My Latest Posts

  • Flare or no flare?
    One of the most difficult things I currently deal with is figuring out whether I have a bladder flare or a UTI or maybe even a yeast infection. After having been diagnosed with Intersticial Cystitis, (IC) I have gone through a myriad of elimination diets to find out all of my triggers. It’s safe to…
  • Quinoa twice baked potatoes
    OK so I feel like people either have a strong like or dislike toward quinoa. but I happen to love it! And recently, much to my dismay my husband decided that we should incorporate more meatless meals. Hence the quinoa twice baked. I basically made it the same way I make my twice baked potatoes…
  • Chicken enchiladas
    1.5 lbs. chicken, 1 large and small can cream of chicken soup, 8oz. Sour cream, mozzarella cheese, green chili sauce, half onion sautéed, flour or corn tortillas, olives. Cook chicken in instant pot for 37 minutes from frozen. Mash and add sour cream, green chili sauce, onions, soup and olives. Fill each enchilada, adding cheese…
  • Snickerdoodles
    I try to make a new type of cookie every Friday and have enough recipes that I can not overlap them for at least 5 to 6 weeks. I hadn’t made snickerdoodles in months and it was time. This time instead of using our Crisco like my recipe calls for I decided to add a…
  • Maple glazed Cinnamon rolls with chocolate chips
    With the weather cooling, it made me want to make some comfort food. This is a recipe I’ve been working on perfecting for the last couple of decades. I used my Aunt’s cinnamon roll recipe and my mother-in-law’s Carmel frosting. I also put whipping cream (not whipped) over the rolls once they’re molded into a…
  • Pumpkin white bean chili
    Chili is the perfect way to start off the Fall season. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to eat chili due to my interstitial cystitis and intolerance of inflammatory foods, which include tomatoes. Last Fall, we harvested ample pumpkins from our garden which I then (tediously, pumpkin processing is very time consuming) puréed and froze in quart…
  • Home canned stewed Roma tomatoes
    Canning season is in full swing! I can’t turn down “free food”. It’s not in my nature. Even though I can’t eat tomatoes. They’re inflammatory, my family can. And they love canned tomatoes puréed in soups, etc. So when my husband’s aunt offered her beautiful Roma’s, I said yes! I added a teaspoon of lemon…
  • Homemade French bread cheese sandwiches
    I’m all about reusing things from the night before. This French bread I made last night for dinner and decided to use it for delicious cheese sandwiches for lunch today.  With my busy life style, three kids, a dog and husband, it’s hard to keep everybody satisfied and full so breadmaking is a large…
  • Whole grain oats with blueberries, bananas and raspberries
    This is my go to breakfast in the morning accompanied by 2% milk. I use about a half a cup. I also had a spoonful of brown sugar or honey depending on the day.. Sometimes I add a little bit of brand flakes. Which is very yummy and nutritious! When I was doing my interstitial…
  • Canned Homemade applesauce
    Homemade applesauce Is there anything better than fresh apples cooking in your kitchen? I don’t think so. The smell was divine! It got a little steamy, but thanks to my sweet hubby hooking me up with a sweet set-up for processing apples. It’s not an easy task, but worth it! That’s how my wonderful applesauce…