SIMPLE THINGS: Take time to enjoy the outdoors

Late Sunday afternoon my husband and I decided to drive to Winter Park for a leisurely stroll through some neighborhoods and gardens.  We saw some beautiful sights and chatted all along the way.  Four miles later, we had a light dinner at the college restaurant.  

Take time to get out in the great outdoors this spring while the weather is so nice.  Enjoy some free time with the ones you love.

SIMPLE THINGS: A New Yard Flag

My husband surprised me with this pretty new garden flag for our front yard.  I like to change them with each season.  This one is more for the summer actually, but I have another with a sun on it that I'll put up in June or July.   This is a sturdy one that should last a few years from a company called Swaying in the Breeze.   You can order them online or if you're at the Flower and Garden Show at EPCOT these days, pick one up there.  SO many to choose from!

One Simple Change: Fruit and Nuts for Breakfast

A whole grapefruit with one tablespoon of whole almonds, one cup of coffee.  This is my breakfast almost every day (while grapefruits are in season).  No sugar needed. I sometimes add a couple of slices of bacon on the days I do water aerobics.  I got these ruby reds from Aldi and they are so juicy and delicious.

Keep it simple, keep it clean.

One Simple Change: Drink Your Water

Drink your water.  I prefer glass to plastic any day.  This glass holds two cups so when I finish one, I feel like I've really accomplished something healthy.   There are so many benefits of drinking water--healthy looking skin, regular BMs, better digestion, more energy, less junk food.  My goal is 4-5 of these 2-cup glasses each day.  I don't always make it, but most days, I do. Try it for a month and see how nice your skin looks.

For the Spirit: Take Heart ...

I love this quote from the book of John.  Designed by my friend who writes just-extraordinary.com.

One Simple Change: A Little Bit of Junk

A little bit of junk is better than a LOT of junk. Sometimes you just need a little salty crunch with your lunch.  The Cheetos bag was put away and not reopened.  I love green peppers and they added extra crunch to this simple lunch.

For the spirit: Peace be with you

FREE ADMISSION: National Park Week April 16-24, 2016

2016 is the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.  They are celebrating with offering free admission to 

There are more than 400 parks offering free admission.  See if one you are interested in is on THIS LIST.

From the site:  The fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.


Have fun with friends and/or your family and get outside!

Walgreens Balance Rewards Points for Exercising

This seems to be a little-known secret.  Every single person I have mentioned this to has never heard of this.  I had not heard of it either until someone told me.

While you are exercising, walking, making great choices for your health, you can get Balance Rewards Points at Walgreens that equate into $$.  You just have to make sure that you have an app linked to the site and that you have a Balance Rewards Card at the store.  I link mine to My Fitness Pal.

Often when I go in to a Walgreens, I have $5.00+ in rewards... Even then, you have to ask the cashier if you have any points as they don't always tell you but your receipt would show it.  Your purchase cost must be more than the Balance Rewards to use them.

May as well save $$ while getting fit!!



I do not know if CVS has something similar since I do not shop there.

SIMPLE RECIPE: Veggie Stir-Fry

Just put a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil in a skillet. Add broccoli, peppers, onion, a few cashews, and whatever other vegetables you like for color and flavor. 

Cook on low for 30 minutes (while setting the table or maybe making other dishes ) stirring occasionally. 

If you add nuts, you can eat as a main course, or serve as a colorful and healthy side dish.

Scripture in Life: Take Time to Slow Down

I posted this on Facebook over the weekend and it had quite a few LIKES, so I'm sharing it here with you also.  My  husband and I were on our way to Winter Park to walk and get some ice cream when we passed these Azalea Gardens on the lake as the sun was going down.  We stopped and I took this photo then.  (Actually about 10 photos, but this was the best one).  :)

We even bumped into friends (father and son) fishing while we there and visited with them for a bit.

Healthy and Whole From the Inside Out: Juice PLUS --My Story

This post is to introduce you to my newest venture.  As you know, this stay-at-home mom has been an eBay PowerSeller (very profitable AND fun), a doTerra distributor (mainly to get essential oils at way below retail) and now,  a JuicePLUS distributor as my husband approaches retirement.  Although fairly new to this, here is my J+ story:

I have been using JuicePLUS since early November 2015.  I started taking the Orchard and Garden Blends  on a daily basis a few weeks after I turned 60 after one of my sons told me that he had been taking it a month or so earlier.  HERE is a link to some of the details, research and product descriptions. 

The JuicePLUS products are not a replacement for real food but they fill the gap between what we eat and what we need in the way of fruits and vegetables.   Most would agree that we do not eat as many of each of those as we should. The concentrated, dried fruits and veggies are from 20 different fruits, vegetables and grains in the Orchard/Garden Blends.  If you also take the Vineyard Blend, there are an additional 9 berries included. 

My doctor told me at my physical in January that my blood work numbers were the best they have ever been with only this One Simple Change.   I exercise regularly (water aerobics, walking) and watch what I eat (the less bread, the less damage done), so J+ is definitely NOT a miracle cure for anything or a weight loss product...although I have lost weight and inches, too.

The two KEY selling points for me were (1) the inside out health and wellness benefits and  (2) the fact that for each adult [parent, guardian, or grandparent] that receives the Orchard and Garden Blend capsules, one child will receive the same two products for free for 4 years (chewables or capsules).   I have heard of  J+ for close to 20 years and had never heard this information.  If I had, I am certain that I would have done this much sooner.  Even though my last "child" is 21, he is in college and therefore, qualifies for this amazing benefit for another 3 years after he graduates while I continue!  Incredible.

I am hoping that at my next physical, I'll be able to delete two Rx medications that I currently am taking--one related to thyroid and one to help with blood pressure. My doctor is very open to that, pending blood work after one year on J+.  I added the Vineyard Blend to my daily regimen which is known to help with the circulatory system.

Please let me know if you are interested in more education on these products.  This company is excellent in teaching others about wellness, whether or not you buy their products--capsules or chewables,  Complete shakes, nutrition bars and Tower Gardens.  I would be glad to talk with you one on one or invite you to various free events in our area (or in my home) soon.

Or for private browsing in my online store, click on the link in the side bar on the right hand side of this post.

SunDay of Rest

Micah 6:8

One Simple Change: "Just a Salad"

Lettuce and tomato salads are boring. Maybe that is why I used to shy away from salads for a meal. That is, until I started stocking our refrigerator with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables. Eating it on pretty dishes certainly helps, too!