Please don't tell me you're already over all of the pumpkin everything. I know, I know, people get really into pumpkin this time of year, and some find it a bit overkill. But not me. I love pumpkin. As far as I'm concerned, pumpkin could just set up camp and move in for good. It's such a mild, sweet, comforting flavor...Who says it should only be welcome from September through November? I might just have to start a petition. But I will say...After baking a few loaves of traditional pumpkin
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Life Hacks for the Lean and Fit. Part I: The 80% Rule
I'm beginning a little fall health and fitness series to give some inspiration + motivation to those who need it. (raise your hand if that's you?...)By now, most of you know that I believe that our thought life is the biggest tool we have when it come to our weight, and overall health.And you also know that I don't believe in "diet plans" or any quick fixes for losing weight or getting fit.Because, here's how I look at it: When you think of "fit and lean" people that you know---Are
Barbecue Chicken Salad
This salad is so much a staple in our diet, I've never even thought to post it. It's my go-to, family-favorite, crowd-pleasing dinner. I mean, I'm pretty sure I've made it more than any other meal in our family's history (unless you count PBJ's, obviously.) But when I serve it to guests, they often ask me for a recipe. And I'm like "A recipe!? There isn't one..." as if everyone out there makes barbecue chicken salads. Off the top of their heads. But maybe not? I do clearly remember the
The Secret of Your “Naturally Skinny” Friends
Last week I announced that I would begin a little series here focused on health and fitness. In my introduction, I shared some of my thoughts on weight issues and mind games. Today I am sharing one more post along those lines...It's an updated piece from my old site, and it happens to be one of my favorites!Please NOTE: Though these first two posts are related specifically to weight and our thinking, you'll find plenty of practical health/fitness topics in the weeks ahead. Many of you
Weight, Health, and Loving Your Body: A new series!
Hey guys! It's September now...and September always makes me think of new seasons, and fresh starts. Well I've got exciting news for you! We've been doing a lot of talking here about taking care of kids, and taking care of our marriage, but this one--It's about taking care of YOU. Specifically, taking care of your body, and your health. Do you need a fresh start in that area? Some of you might welcome some fresh motivation...Others might want a fresh overhaul.And this is the best time
Papaya Bars {Gluten Free & Honey Sweetened.}
I get really happy when I get to create something delicious with the fruits we grow on our property. Even on the most stressful day, cooking relaxes me. And it's a good thing, because with four growing boys and a hard working man around, I do a LOT of cooking. The beauty of our tropical climate is that most of the fruit on our property grows year-round. But right now, it seems like everything is abundant: Bananas, avocados, pomelo, and papaya...Lots of papaya. Well, for a long time now, my
What Elementary Age Boys Need Most from Their Parents.
In my recent post "What a Teenage boy needs most from his Mom," I confessed that the teen years are my favorite. I love my teen boys, and the glimpses of manhood mixed with occasional remnants of boyhood that I see in them. The teens years are what I call my reward for all of the hard work that came in the younger years.So, what about those younger years? Many people have commented and emailed asking "What are some things you suggest we do BEFORE they are teens?"A good question
Quinoa, Peanut Butter, and Oat Cookies.
I confess: When it comes to cookies--I get in a rut. I've been making my low fat banana oatmeal chocolate chips cookies, A LOT, for a couple of years now, and they really are so good. But I wanted to put some healthy ingredients together to come up with a new go-to cookie for our family. It's time for a new cookie-rut. I have zeroed in on making a cookie from quinoa, because we use so much of it, (like in This Salad, and in These meatballs,) and it seems like there is always just a couple of