3 Steps to Help Jumpstart Your Wellness Routine

3 Steps to Jumpstart Your Wellness Routine

It has been very nice here the past few days… in the 80s and sunny–borderline hot for me, but there has been a nice breeze. I actually broke out the walking sandals and put away my sweatshirts. So excited for nice weather. And then I realized what is coming up, like NOW. Summer. Shorts. Swimsuits. Tank Tops. AGH!! With the terrible weather we had this past winter I spent way too much time inside, sitting on my butt, instead of outside walking and getting exercise. I definitely need to jumpstart my fitness routine! By taking a few small steps in the right direction, I can improve my health and hopefully drop a few pounds in the process. I know that I work better with a plan. So my first step was …

Mother’s Day at the Spa

My husband, God love him, is a wonderful partner, friend, and father, but he is the WORST gift-giver. Four years ago he bought me a vacuum cleaner for Christmas, and he STILL doesn’t understand why that was a bad gift. Three years ago he bought me an amazing soft, fluffy robe… That was an extra small (but thank you for thinking I could fit in it)! Birthdays have never been a big deal for us so maybe I’d get a card, but not much else. He’s never done anything for me for Mother’s Day (“I’m not HIS mother” but he could have HELPED the kids do something). This Christmas he didn’t do anything for me. Honestly, I think he has pretty much given up trying. He used to buy me perfume, …

Fresh from the Farmers Market: North Carolina Beef via D's Beef and Bees Jalapeño Popper Burger Bombs

Fresh from the Farmers Market: Jalapeño Popper Burger Bombs made with NC Beef from D’s Beef and Bees

If you have followed me for any length of time you know that I am NOT a morning person. I have to wake up at 5:45 am every weekday to make sure my 17 & 15 yos get ready for school. I go back to bed until 6:45 am when I wake up my middle schooler. Back to bed again and up at 7:20 am to wake up my youngest (if she isn’t already up). Depending on my schedule that day I may or may not go back to bed for an hour or four. On the weekend, it’s not unheard of for me to sleep until noon. I can’t tell you how nice it is to have all five of my girls able to make their own breakfast, entertain …

Five easy tips to cook the Best. Steak. Ever.

Five easy tips to cook the Best. Steak. Ever.

When I want to treat myself, I don’t reach for chocolate or cake. I’m a savory girl. I go for steak. Or ribeyes to be specific. “The rib eye or “ribeye” was originally, as the name implies, the center best portion of the rib steak, without the bone. It is both flavorful and tender, coming from the lightly worked upper rib cage area. Its marbling of fat makes it very good for fast and hot cooking.” Ribeyes aren’t an inexpensive cut of meat. When I decide to treat myself I don’t look for the cheapest option; I want the best tasting steaks. IMHO the best place to find top quality beef is from a local farmer. Being a small business owner myself, I have made a conscious effort to support …