tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70922231419675562342024-03-13T08:33:34.246-04:00The Beautiful MattersDeborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.comBlogger387125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-80975070095808579402020-11-23T14:07:00.006-05:002020-11-23T14:26:56.319-05:00Easy make-ahead turkey gravy<p style="text-align: center;">I don't know about you, but I like to get as much done as possible before the day of Thanksgiving. There are so many different dishes to prepare! I like to spend time with my family rather than all my time in the kitchen. And I tend to get frazzled easily if there are too many things going on.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> I have been making this gravy for years. Gravy is one of those things you have to make at the last minute, and it sure is nice not to have that going on along with everything else.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfpMyrf1ykg/X7v9Xm-aKhI/AAAAAAAASrY/nNM2T4qb5YoatsV5YZDMRtwzA2XsAWH_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6913-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfpMyrf1ykg/X7v9Xm-aKhI/AAAAAAAASrY/nNM2T4qb5YoatsV5YZDMRtwzA2XsAWH_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6913-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Package of turkey drumsticks (2 or 3)</p><p style="text-align: center;">3 or 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks</p><p style="text-align: center;">Large onion, quartered</p><p style="text-align: center;">Parsley</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/3 c oil</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 c flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">6 c chicken broth</p><p style="text-align: center;">pepper and salt to taste</p><p style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 400 F. Put the drumsticks, carrots, onion, parsley, and oil in a roasting pan over two burners on the stove. Brown the drumsticks for about 3 minutes per side; stir and brown the vegetables.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Transfer to the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Remove carrots, onions, and parsley. Remove drumsticks for another use. Put the roasting pan back on the stove and whisk the flour into the pan drippings. Add the broth and pepper, whisking constantly. Bring to boil, then simmer for about 45 minutes. Strain and salt to taste.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Can be made up to three days ahead of time or earlier and frozen. Reheat over medium heat; add a few tablespoons of broth if necessary.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MElx8mCOHRM/X7v-lkWn2pI/AAAAAAAASrk/PrLwed9aTFU5zNKHD0xIEvr1WZssiOi-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6914-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MElx8mCOHRM/X7v-lkWn2pI/AAAAAAAASrk/PrLwed9aTFU5zNKHD0xIEvr1WZssiOi-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6914-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't do what I did and use a foil pan. Use a regular roasting pan. I found this pan while sorting through stuff and thought I'd use it up. You can see where the drumsticks burned a little and I got some burnt pieces in the gravy. I did strain most of those out, and it tastes just fine. But now I know why I never use these pans! They're too flimsy for high heat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhyelB5QzV8/X7wAavsoMzI/AAAAAAAASrw/iYt5aBsTEiEQCcRJ0yAJ0_lbMN5VGlqBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6916-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhyelB5QzV8/X7wAavsoMzI/AAAAAAAASrw/iYt5aBsTEiEQCcRJ0yAJ0_lbMN5VGlqBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6916-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I make a sausage stuffing, and I never want the mess of cooking the sausage and sautéing the onions and celery for it on Thanksgiving morning. I do this ahead of time, too, and those casseroles are already in my freezer. I'll make a simple cranberry orange relish on Tuesday because that always tastes better after having had a chance to sit awhile. I'm going to do the sweet potatoes in the crockpot this year to save room in the oven. And my husband will slice up the ham ahead of time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My daughter is doing the pies and her MIL is bringing a vegetable dish.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, the only "big" jobs to do Thanksgiving day, besides the turkey, are peeling the potatoes and making the rolls. Now that I think about it, I might make the dough ahead of time, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*******</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are all able to celebrate Thanksgiving in some way this year, even if it looks different. We are having a very small gathering. We have, all eight of us, been carefully social distancing ahead of time (even more than usual) so we can be together. </div><p style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving! Even in this difficult year, there is much to be thankful for. xo.</p>Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-22096872364043529432020-11-09T08:50:00.001-05:002020-11-09T08:52:22.173-05:00Taking care of silver hair<p style="text-align: center;">Silver can be beautiful, don't you think?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qq-S0NJL5M/X6CFj20JeeI/AAAAAAAASoM/P-BLeN-Irf8rSNYVvlJ9DYAeKtBhF_r7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6880.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qq-S0NJL5M/X6CFj20JeeI/AAAAAAAASoM/P-BLeN-Irf8rSNYVvlJ9DYAeKtBhF_r7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6880.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> But you need to take care of it. This is what my tray looked like before I polished it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NAOf3shNjI/X6CFT-zCBHI/AAAAAAAASoI/ASIkrMS07cE7kr22lBd3vgnVi9JkcMNFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6879.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NAOf3shNjI/X6CFT-zCBHI/AAAAAAAASoI/ASIkrMS07cE7kr22lBd3vgnVi9JkcMNFACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_6879.png" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Silver hair also needs care. It is more porous, which means it is more easily discolored. Sun, pollution, product buildup, and heated styling tools can all cause yellowing.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I cut my hair really short after I decided to go natural. I was just too impatient to wait for it to grow out, and was tired of seeing the bleached blond ends. It was the shortest it had ever been and I really liked it that way. </p><p style="text-align: center;">But then COVID happened, and nobody got to get their hair cut. Mine grows fast and it was quite a bit longer when we were able to go back to the salons. By that time I had decided to just continue on growing it out.</p><p style="text-align: center;">But I've found I need to take much better care of it. After all, with a super short haircut and having hair that grows fast, I get a whole new head of hair every six months or so. Hair that reaches the collarbone can be two or more years old!</p><p style="text-align: center;">I have given away my curling iron. I didn't even want to be tempted to use it. It is a killer on silver/gray hair, and will yellow it very quickly, especially if you have any product like hairspray on your hair.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I do use a blow dryer, but only twice a week, on low heat, and only for a short time when my hair is almost completely air dried. I use it just to smooth my hair out.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Despite being very careful I recently noticed that the top layer of my hair looked off, a little yellowy and dull compared to the bright silver underneath. I'm certain it is because of the sun this past summer. Next year, I'm wearing a hat if I spend any amount of time outdoors.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I used a couple of different kinds of purple shampoo with no results.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then I got the idea to treat just the area affected as if I was coloring my hair. I separated out the discolored hair and covered it (dry) with a dollop of purple shampoo. I put it up in a clip and let it sit for a good half hour. I then washed my hair. <i>Et voila</i>! The yellow is gone!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biSwH83w2u4/X52sTQ2OhsI/AAAAAAAASnY/hZMqqCFgua4gtmjt-jYW_BXv3Xc5H2fkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1428/IMG_6822.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1428" height="546" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biSwH83w2u4/X52sTQ2OhsI/AAAAAAAASnY/hZMqqCFgua4gtmjt-jYW_BXv3Xc5H2fkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h546/IMG_6822.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eckmq3KD7I/X52rVKlv-1I/AAAAAAAASnM/96OKCWiQSQw5LASkwklKw9EhMG48OvyrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6832.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eckmq3KD7I/X52rVKlv-1I/AAAAAAAASnM/96OKCWiQSQw5LASkwklKw9EhMG48OvyrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6832.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I wouldn't recommend overdoing the purple shampoo. It's always better to practice prevention than to try and fix things. I overdid it with the purple shampoo when I first went natural for fear of the dreaded yellow. My hair turned a dark iron gray. Yours might turn lavender or blue. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Now that I've fixed the problem I'll only use it once a month.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I use a shampoo, conditioner, a root lift, and occasionally a little hair spray. Sometimes some dry shampoo. The great thing about using dry shampoo with silvery white hair is that you don't have to worry about hiding any white powder!</p><p style="text-align: center;">These are my current favorite products.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Redken All-Soft Shampoo and Conditioner.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kgjs8Rru8k/X52pN5vF2pI/AAAAAAAASmQ/AkOn-Pt8B10tuBMGkMG5-8oY8fmHOAO3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s522/71ZQcVRMr2L._SX522_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="522" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kgjs8Rru8k/X52pN5vF2pI/AAAAAAAASmQ/AkOn-Pt8B10tuBMGkMG5-8oY8fmHOAO3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/71ZQcVRMr2L._SX522_.jpg" /></a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWFTjTZveCg/X52pZfipVzI/AAAAAAAASmU/T31FiQ4WHPw9SigVTQaXkbTkkWGoH1yHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/71YDDCGn4kL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="224" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWFTjTZveCg/X52pZfipVzI/AAAAAAAASmU/T31FiQ4WHPw9SigVTQaXkbTkkWGoH1yHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/71YDDCGn4kL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Redken Guts 10 Spray Foam. I put this on my roots only. I have fine hair, so don't want a lot of product weighing it down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZAYtTBY8gA/X52rCHgD_4I/AAAAAAAASnE/HyZnkKqrL7Q3dz6uLLUbgwZsiCSg1jHQACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/51dzPoS1-bL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="140" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZAYtTBY8gA/X52rCHgD_4I/AAAAAAAASnE/HyZnkKqrL7Q3dz6uLLUbgwZsiCSg1jHQACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/51dzPoS1-bL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kenra Volume Spray 25.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDLLn_pK55M/X57980b-HNI/AAAAAAAASnw/K4gKE19IpFg6ejdH6l3tIqeyXU7GyYV-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/61pk825cbLL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="135" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDLLn_pK55M/X57980b-HNI/AAAAAAAASnw/K4gKE19IpFg6ejdH6l3tIqeyXU7GyYV-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/61pk825cbLL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Batiste Dy Shampoo.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8acclskoeHQ/X52qsHs0rCI/AAAAAAAASm4/5Xi_JokiAKIDGH6mIiSWvLHyie27p0OMACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/71cWN0CUTkL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="151" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8acclskoeHQ/X52qsHs0rCI/AAAAAAAASm4/5Xi_JokiAKIDGH6mIiSWvLHyie27p0OMACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/71cWN0CUTkL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For purple shampoo, I use the Redken Color Extend Gradiant Shampoo and Conditioner. This is what I used on my hair, as described above.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A90H4Fy43sc/X52pss4EXMI/AAAAAAAASmg/zDBsovTTTNgr9XMPn7oB--nh6SIqgUN5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/71bkWi4cIXL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="211" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A90H4Fy43sc/X52pss4EXMI/AAAAAAAASmg/zDBsovTTTNgr9XMPn7oB--nh6SIqgUN5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/71bkWi4cIXL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also have the Klorane Anti-Yellowing Shampoo, below, because it contains natural ingredients. It's not actually purple. But I don't care for the smell. I will use it, and the deep conditioning cream that goes with it, but probably won't buy again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa91i8YpyP4/X52p9mgXvzI/AAAAAAAASmo/T9owsH9cC_AxPfWcyzmsABLaBigYWA4AACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/614XtR9HQDL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa91i8YpyP4/X52p9mgXvzI/AAAAAAAASmo/T9owsH9cC_AxPfWcyzmsABLaBigYWA4AACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/614XtR9HQDL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Occasionally, I use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of residual gel, hairspray, or dry shampoo. This is the Redken Detox Hair Cleansing Cream.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoDuq9CXp30/X52o01dt5gI/AAAAAAAASmI/Q98f-4T-iXUrek2_jMDceTKKFynWrx6JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/61X6X3eJFdL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoDuq9CXp30/X52o01dt5gI/AAAAAAAASmI/Q98f-4T-iXUrek2_jMDceTKKFynWrx6JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/61X6X3eJFdL._AC_UL640_QL65_.jpg" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's a lot of Redken products. Ulta recently had a sale, two for one, that I took advantage of. I have been using these products for a couple months and love them. They really are worth the extra money. Think how much I'm saving on cuts and color!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*******</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A big thank you to Cheryl from <i><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions</a></i> for a copy of her book <i>Biblical Minimalism</i> and a Big Daddy Weave CD. I was a winner of her recent generous giveaway. Be sure to check out her blog. She is a treasure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lO-UW09mLHg/X6lItjpcAuI/AAAAAAAASo4/qPA5Ya0ADVM-JHuRSHxoWPfJeMVxGgOpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6885-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1999" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lO-UW09mLHg/X6lItjpcAuI/AAAAAAAASo4/qPA5Ya0ADVM-JHuRSHxoWPfJeMVxGgOpACLcBGAsYHQ/w390-h400/IMG_6885-2.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-80770943359489604862020-10-28T11:31:00.002-04:002020-11-01T13:25:05.027-05:00Wear more cashmere?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote>Fall . . . the season Michigan does best. My favorite time of year. </blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIfZZRC0PBs/X52Rdh00qAI/AAAAAAAASlc/WGoF1608zsohHEyrZ-9kKpHY4PSrarQZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIfZZRC0PBs/X52Rdh00qAI/AAAAAAAASlc/WGoF1608zsohHEyrZ-9kKpHY4PSrarQZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h416/IMG_6808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> A number of years ago I read a fun book entitled <i>Wear More Cashmere</i> by Jennifer "Gin" Sander. The subtitle is <i>151 Luxurious Ways to Pamper Your Inner Princess</i>. In it, the author encourages women to treat themselves to special pleasures and to enjoy them every day.<p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFoAsyEE498/X5mHviR3vMI/AAAAAAAASko/A5N3YPfFrUYfMWfvkQpO9bzPOychVT6dACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6809.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1544" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFoAsyEE498/X5mHviR3vMI/AAAAAAAASko/A5N3YPfFrUYfMWfvkQpO9bzPOychVT6dACLcBGAsYHQ/w301-h400/IMG_6809.png" width="301" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I didn't own any cashmere at the time and thought that a cashmere sweater in my wardrobe would be the epitome of chic and classic style. Fast forward a few years and I have three beautiful cashmere sweaters in cream, pink, and pale blue.</p><p style="text-align: center;">But I'm letting them go.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I knew I couldn't wear wool, but I had thought cashmere would be different. And I ignored the discomfort at first, thinking only about how luxurious they were. But. They<i> itch</i>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My cashmere sweaters have come from Garnet Hill, Talbots, and Everlane. Maybe an extra-fancy, ultra-refined $500 cashmere sweater would not itch? I don't know, but I'll probably never find out. (In case you love cashmere and it loves you, I think the Garnet Hill sweater, the blue one, is the nicest.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koZvOdf9EBc/X5mKDTrNOGI/AAAAAAAASk0/cyOFiv1GF0gXrPmJq5BBzm--Pi8KrtA5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6810.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koZvOdf9EBc/X5mKDTrNOGI/AAAAAAAASk0/cyOFiv1GF0gXrPmJq5BBzm--Pi8KrtA5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6810.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">So here I am, donating three beautiful cashmere sweaters.</p><p style="text-align: center;">If it's uncomfortable and you don't feel good in it, it's not worth it! Someone else will really appreciate it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Have you ever had this buyer's regret? Spent good money on something then realized your mistake? Maybe kept wearing or using something even though it didn't feel right? Or worse, let it languish in a closet or cupboard somewhere, and feeling guilty every time you see it?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Better to cut your losses and get rid of it. Try to learn the lesson and not repeat your mistake.</p><p style="text-align: center;">From now on, it's 100 percent cotton for me. Or silk. But no wool of any kind.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Another thing I've realized is not working anymore is dresses and high heels. My favorite things to wear. But after I've replaced just about everything in my wardrobe because of my weight loss, I'm not replacing the dresses. Of course, I have a few. For church. One for funerals, sadly a necessity. But we haven't been to church since March because of COVID. And really dresses don't work for my life. It's too cold most of the year here in Michigan. I've also realized that I favored dresses because I thought they were more flattering when I had extra weight on me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvoEjVgdtwQ/X5mKsWI_xdI/AAAAAAAASk8/KpZD2ZDY4tkUigQ2q2mSj1iioS_hFxBwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6815-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1935" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvoEjVgdtwQ/X5mKsWI_xdI/AAAAAAAASk8/KpZD2ZDY4tkUigQ2q2mSj1iioS_hFxBwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w378-h400/IMG_6815-2.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">These are so beautiful. But, seriously? What was I thinking?</p><p style="text-align: center;">I've taken to heart what some minimalist wardrobe experts have called "not shopping for a fantasy life." Mine would be very dressy -- beautiful dresses, high heels, lots of special occasions to go to. But realistically, this isn't my life. My new closet needs to reflect the fact that I spend most, almost all, of my days in very casual activities.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So, as I've been re-building my wardrobe after this weight loss, I've let go of some of the lovely, "fantasy" items -- the ones that I thought were luxurious (cashmere) but in reality were uncomfortable and itchy, and let go of the idea that my life is going to be a fancy, dress-up party every day.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Here I am with my husband at a friend's cottage on Lake Huron in August. This reflects my daily "uniform" these days. Easy and casual and comfortable. And that's good by me.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oR-i-BZVYP8/X5mGcxptJxI/AAAAAAAASkc/i8hvuobn3cMaXU4k5oHBSAY26JYU5wQgACLcBGAsYHQ/s404/Resized_20200901_123031.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="404" height="573" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oR-i-BZVYP8/X5mGcxptJxI/AAAAAAAASkc/i8hvuobn3cMaXU4k5oHBSAY26JYU5wQgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h573/Resized_20200901_123031.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-78408499860445661002020-08-25T16:18:00.000-04:002020-08-25T16:18:53.050-04:00Bed making<p style="text-align: center;">After a six- or seven-week hiatus, it seems I should have something a little more interesting than bed making to post about. </p><p style="text-align: center;">But it has been a quiet summer. No vacations or travel plans, no concerts in the park, no big get-togethers. It sure has been a strange year, and things are still quite uncertain. So much turmoil and confusion. I've been reading very light, old-timey fiction and watching Hallmark movies when the news gets to be too much. And trying to rest and trust in the One Who has all things under control.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Speaking of resting, haha, I want to show you our new bedding arrangement. I'm not exactly sold on this, but my husband likes it, and there are some definite pros.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiC2rrZvips/X0VoihnUFAI/AAAAAAAASgI/wi6d1lWekSo4lFTkxFH2gJLNrJtcRNUPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6588.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1544" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiC2rrZvips/X0VoihnUFAI/AAAAAAAASgI/wi6d1lWekSo4lFTkxFH2gJLNrJtcRNUPACLcBGAsYHQ/w603-h800/IMG_6588.png" width="603" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I thought about gussying up the pillows and my nightstand for this photo, but decided just to show you what it really looks like on a day-to-day basis.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The biggest change is not using a top sheet. This is just a fitted bottom sheet and a light down alternative blanket on top. It's super easy to make a bed like this. I wash the fitted sheet and pillowcases every week and flip the blanket over for the second week and wash it every other week.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I made this change mostly because my husband is a hot sleeper and has never liked tucked in sheets at his feet. Sometimes I put an extra throw on my side of the bed if I need extra warmth. In the winter of course we'll have a heavier comforter (not too heavy for him!) and I will probably wear socks.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The down side for me is that I love the cozy feeling of being tucked in. I'm getting used to it, though, and love how easy it is to make the bed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I understand this no-top-sheet thing is popular in Europe and in Scandinavia. When my sister went to Iceland with her family, she and her husband slept on a bed that had only a bottom sheet and two twin comforters, one for each of them. I might try that this winter, with a heavy comforter for me and a lighter one for my husband.</p><p style="text-align: center;">You can see we have different pillow preferences too. I like a tiny little one under my head and a squishy one to hug.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Do any of you sleep without a top sheet? Or have any other non-traditional ways of making the bed?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQerrhVsKOk/X0VrvI3c21I/AAAAAAAASgU/o20uPzKpyKcRVg3fmuJF0kKZnOw0Wgd2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQerrhVsKOk/X0VrvI3c21I/AAAAAAAASgU/o20uPzKpyKcRVg3fmuJF0kKZnOw0Wgd2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_6646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I keep thinking I've done all the decluttering I can. But look what I came up with in the past few months during our lockdown. I finally was able to schedule a pick up by the Vietnam Veterans Association.</p><p style="text-align: center;">All this decluttering over the past five years or so, and I still have lots of stuff. I'm not a minimalist, although I love to read those blogs for inspiration. I still have hundreds and hundreds of books, dozens of teacups, boxes of old letters and journals . . . </p><p style="text-align: center;">But I've been really thinking more about getting serious about questioning every. single. purchase. It feels like I've made so many bad purchase decisions and have wasted so much money when I do these decluttering rounds.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I feel I'm even more committed to making much fewer, but better, purchases in the future.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry I haven't been around to visit my blog friends this month, and hope to remedy that as soon as I hit publish. Hope you're all staying well.</p><p style="text-align: center;">xo Deborah</p>Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-24580362523825261672020-07-07T10:32:00.000-04:002020-07-07T10:32:04.950-04:00Simplifying yet again and a winner!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yx1UgOwqYnU/XwNNILTgGpI/AAAAAAAAR5A/QfRUEp6DVE02yuZeCgMwHBSEAxmKuqGcgCK4BGAsYHg/s4092/IMG_6517.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4092" data-original-width="3084" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yx1UgOwqYnU/XwNNILTgGpI/AAAAAAAAR5A/QfRUEp6DVE02yuZeCgMwHBSEAxmKuqGcgCK4BGAsYHg/w470-h625/IMG_6517.png" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been thinking about what this pandemic has taught me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know these past months have been so hard for many people. We know people who have died from Covid-19. We know people who have been out of work and who have lost their jobs. I don't want to minimize that at all. I was very privileged in that I simply had to stay home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And one thing I've learned during this enforced quiet time, and it's not new, just a confirmation, is how satisfying a simple life can be. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even though I've decluttered a lot over the past five years or so -- tons of stuff, filling my foyer up multiple times with donations, and throwing out bags and bags of stuff -- I still have a ways to go.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This time around, during the pandemic, I've thought of decluttering my life in other ways. Not just the physical possessions. Other things that are cluttering up our lives, complicating things, and adding up on our credit card bill.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the things I've cancelled since the shelter-in-place orders began:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Sirius radio</b> -- I don't drive very much, and for short distances. Even though I always talked them down to a lower monthly fee, it just isn't worth it. I can listen to the local radio stations for the short amount of time I drive, or just enjoy the silence. Savings = about $7 per month.</li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Netflix</b> -- yes, we will miss some of the programming. But there's a lot on Netflix I don't care to support. I'm happier reading a good book. Savings = about $15 per month.</li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Amazon Prime</b> -- When I saw a $126 something charge on my credit card bill for Prime, I started thinking. I realized that I only have to spend $25 to get free shipping without Prime, and that I can wait a couple more days to get my shipment. I'm also going to try and shop less on Amazon. Yes, it is wildly convenient. But I'm more and more aware of how much power a few companies -- Google, Amazon, Facebook -- have, and am trying to withdraw support. To the extent that I can. And as far as Prime Video goes -- we just don't watch it often enough. The few movies I've watched this year on Prime have been ones I've had to pay for.</li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Thrive Market</b> membership. This is an online grocery store where I've found no-sugar ketchup and mayonnaise and no-sugar crackers, etc. But I've discovered several of my local grocery stores carry these items, so I can save the $60 annual fee.</li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Auto-ship Keurig</b> cups from Amazon. We are using the refillable Keurig cups. Cheaper and more environmentally friendly.</li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Auto-ship mascara</b>. I love the tubing mascara that just washes off with no black smudges left under the eyes. I loved a tubing mascara from Thrive (different company than the grocery store Thrive). But the drugstore L'Oreal Double Extend mascara is just as nice for less than half the price ($27 versus about $11). </li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Facebook</b>. I've been thinking about this for some time. It is hard to let go of since it is the only place where I see photos of extended family living far away, and hear news of engagements and births, etc., from friends I don't see often. But the divisiveness and anger really gets me down and stresses me out. I'm sure it will continue to get worse as the election nears. It is also an incredible time-waster, as I find myself mindlessly scrolling and discover a half hour or forty-five minutes have passed. I haven't deleted my account, just deactivated it. For a few days I felt a little lost and out of it, but I've adjusted and feel much better.</li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Instagram</b> (sort of) -- Instagram is a lot happier place than Facebook, but it can also be a huge time suck. I removed the IG app from my phone, so no more endless scrolling throughout the day. It's still on my laptop but I rarely find myself checking it anymore.</li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Instacart</b> -- this was the best thing ever when I started using it last fall. I loved placing an order and then having everything delivered to my doorstep two hours later. It was like a miracle! Especially since I so dislike grocery shopping. It is great for new moms and the elderly and so many who are too busy to shop. But I decided that the monthly fee ($9.99) and tips added up to too much. The final straw was when things were so crazy during the lockdown that my Instacart order was going to take 10 days to be delivered! And nobody had time to text me about replacement items so I was only getting about half my order. I know things are better now, but I've decided I can do this myself.</li><li style="text-align: center;"><b>Google search engine.</b> I was using Firefox for a while, but it seemed every time I rebooted I'd have to install it again. Google just kept trying to take over. Now I'm using Duck Duck Go for my search engine. I'm not too savvy about all this, but I'm trying to maintain a little bit of privacy, if possible.</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only are we saving money, but I feel lighter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hggc1U1GVo/XwRzc5aIW5I/AAAAAAAAR5s/-pCc_IOx5NEvob92M7IsnVO6NvWRyNl0ACK4BGAsYHg/s4092/IMG_6519.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4092" data-original-width="3084" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hggc1U1GVo/XwRzc5aIW5I/AAAAAAAAR5s/-pCc_IOx5NEvob92M7IsnVO6NvWRyNl0ACK4BGAsYHg/w470-h625/IMG_6519.png" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pizza dough set to rise. Look at that air bubble! Sometimes yeast does its own thing.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ni_VcgZts8/XwRzlVWo4VI/AAAAAAAAR54/SHXgiP7WSU8XVwooDQ7k0Q8QZhqYQWFewCK4BGAsYHg/s3658/IMG_6520.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3658" data-original-width="3084" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ni_VcgZts8/XwRzlVWo4VI/AAAAAAAAR54/SHXgiP7WSU8XVwooDQ7k0Q8QZhqYQWFewCK4BGAsYHg/w529-h625/IMG_6520.png" width="529" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-da-YlNXpU2M/XwRzs9HVqsI/AAAAAAAAR6I/JDB57NnIeBQcZ-ZtKxgTwR6mGGYjuPYvACK4BGAsYHg/s3870/IMG_6521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3870" data-original-width="3084" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-da-YlNXpU2M/XwRzs9HVqsI/AAAAAAAAR6I/JDB57NnIeBQcZ-ZtKxgTwR6mGGYjuPYvACK4BGAsYHg/w499-h625/IMG_6521.png" width="499" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2R17bDF49M/XwRzzO5at4I/AAAAAAAAR6U/DaGzgYN77YEyOeoIq8GjtNMpRBVlOzSRgCK4BGAsYHg/s3569/IMG_6527.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3569" data-original-width="3084" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2R17bDF49M/XwRzzO5at4I/AAAAAAAAR6U/DaGzgYN77YEyOeoIq8GjtNMpRBVlOzSRgCK4BGAsYHg/w541-h625/IMG_6527.png" width="541" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been further encouraged in simplifying my life by reading Cheryl Smith's book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Minimalism-Following-Abundance-Abundant/dp/B088N4WK4B/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Biblical+Minimalism&qid=1594128582&sr=8-1">Biblical Minimalism</a></i>. You can read my review of her book in my previous post. Cheryl has generously offered a copy of her book to one of my readers. Donna Nance is the winner! Congratulations to her. I know this book will be a blessing and an encouragement.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What are your thoughts re Amazon, Facebook, and Google? Do you find yourself subscribing to everything like I have in the past, or have you opted out? I'd love to hear.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">xo Deborah</div>Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-61939401765273579332020-06-29T07:45:00.002-04:002020-06-29T07:51:50.149-04:00Biblical Minimalism book review and giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">Please read to the end to see how you can receive a copy of Cheryl E. Smith's book, <i>Biblical Minimalism: Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="460" src="https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=18PD2KLaP1GUl63YXeyOD7A9pcAuBh13X&revid=0B5Aqab6rVSspRm1PMVN4UW5TMGVCSURkd3VhWjdGNGJ1dUlRPQ" style="text-align: start;" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so excited to receive a copy of this book. I have been following Cheryl's blogs, <b><a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com" target="_blank">Biblical Minimalism</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com" target="_blank">Homespun Devotions</a>, </b>for a while now, and knew that I was in for a wonderfully encouraging and challenging read. Many of you may already know her, and her sweet, tender heart and her devotion to speaking words of truth and encouragement. As soon as I heard she had written a book, I knew that I could expect deep and satisfying help and guidance. I wasn't disappointed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been on a minimizing and decluttering journey for some years now. No one who comes to my house would think I'm a minimalist with all my teacups and books, but I have decluttered many, many areas of my life, from clothing and decor and china to commitments and distractions, the most recent being Facebook (what freedom!).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've read Marie Kondo with my book club and have studied and implemented ideas from a number of books, blogs, and articles over the years. All of these have been helpful in simplifying my life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But Cheryl's book, <i>Biblical Minimalism,</i> isn't just another book in a long line of minimalism books that are so popular right now. She takes the whole minimalism thing to a much deeper level. This is not simply a book that shows you how to declutter your closet or how to get out of debt, although she covers these things. This is a Scripture-saturated book that really seeks to explain the WHY of minimizing and simplifying. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheryl describes Biblical Minimalism as being, "<i>a complete, whole-person release of anything unlike Jesus, a letting go of everything that hinders us from following Him wholeheartedly and single-mindedly and relinquishing all that brings us under bondage to this earthly, temporary life</i>."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her book is full of Scripture, and this, along with her inspiring personal story, is what makes this book so much richer than other books on the subject. In her gentle and compassionate writing style, she points the way for us as she describes her own minimalism journey, which included her family getting rid of 90% of their possessions. I had to stop reading in astonishment and ask my husband what we would get rid of if we did something like that. We came to the conclusion that it would be easier to decide what 10% we wanted to keep! This is hard-core minimalism! (Cheryl is quick to point out, however, that everyone's journey is different and she is not advocating for us all to do the same unless called to do so.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She takes us through her family's journey of drastically downsizing, of getting out of debt, and of leaving a legalistic church. Throughout it all the cry of her heart is to follow Jesus. To allow nothing to distract her from her call to live in radical obedience to and "love for the single-minded, eternity focused, unassuming, plain-living Galilean Who laid down His life and shed His blood for our redemption."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheryl is not just talking about physical possessions that weigh us down and prevent us from living an unencumbered life. She talks about emotional baggage, such as unforgiveness, of mental clutter, of unhelpful or unnecessary obligations and commitments, and of all the myriad of distractions in our social-media obsessed and consumer culture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheryl shares her journey with us, and gives us practical tips for minimizing. She guides us through steps to take to discover our true calling and purpose, and helps us to look at each section of our life to see where we need to be more intentional about minimizing. These are all very helpful, and I plan to re-read these sections prayerfully. But I think the best part of this book is how she continually points us to Scripture.<font face="inherit"> I was again struck by how often Jesus speaks on this subject.</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="inherit">We're not to downsize and minimize just so our homes can have a pleasing aesthetic. We're not to simplify our calendar just so we have more time to do what we want to do. There's a purpose to all this that goes beyond having a quieter and more peaceful life for its own sake. The whole point is, as Cheryl says, "to </font>let go of this world for the sake of a higher call."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I plan on re-reading this book. I've already marked up my copy! I know you will be blessed by reading it as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="inherit">Please leave a comment to be entered into a giveaway to receive a copy of Cheryl's book. I will leave the giveaway open for a week, until midnight July 6. If you'd like to order a copy for yourself or a friend, please<b style="font-size: 12px;"> click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=SWFS2KSWWDMPNQ2DNDH7&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="font-size: 12px;">. </span></font></div><div><font face="inherit"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2S-LHA8v-s/XvkbYaTL3nI/AAAAAAAAR3k/7GcJlFaPNqAYnEtIBy_LW6XgZGAuMQfBACK4BGAsYHg/s481/Cheryl%2B-%2BHeadshot%2BResized%2Bto%2B400x400%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="481" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2S-LHA8v-s/XvkbYaTL3nI/AAAAAAAAR3k/7GcJlFaPNqAYnEtIBy_LW6XgZGAuMQfBACK4BGAsYHg/s320/Cheryl%2B-%2BHeadshot%2BResized%2Bto%2B400x400%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Cheryl Smith is the author of the book “</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P597CB?pf_rd_r=SWFS2KSWWDMPNQ2DNDH7&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" target="_blank"><b>Biblical Minimalism</b></a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">,” the story of her family’s journey from a life of abundance to a more abundant life. She is the author of the blogs </span><a href="http://www.biblicalminimalism.com/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" target="_blank"><b>Biblical Minimalism</b></a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">, where she writes about minimalism from a Biblical perspective, and </span><a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" target="_blank"><b>Homespun Devotions</b></a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">, where she writes devotionals and conducts “Inner Views.” She loves to spend time with her husband and son in the mountains, sing and play Bluegrass music, and write.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-16518760398072639462020-06-23T10:40:00.002-04:002020-06-23T10:40:50.151-04:00 Weekly meal plan<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZdEAhb7Pqg/XvISwiO4BPI/AAAAAAAARwQ/bKy4lm39cCklJWiivYIgv9fd4DDn-OaQwCK4BGAsYHg/s4092/IMG_6505.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4092" data-original-width="3084" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZdEAhb7Pqg/XvISwiO4BPI/AAAAAAAARwQ/bKy4lm39cCklJWiivYIgv9fd4DDn-OaQwCK4BGAsYHg/w470-h625/IMG_6505.png" width="470" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you ever find it tiring to try and come up with ideas for dinner? Every. Single. Night?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I've come up with a plan that has really lifted that nagging question off my shoulders and made things a whole lot easier. Grocery shopping is easier, and I always know what to pull out of the freezer each morning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meatless Monday</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taco Tuesday</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wing-It Wednesday</div><div style="text-align: center;">Throwback Thursday</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fun Friday</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sizzling Saturday</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soup 'n Sandwich Sunday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Meatless Monday</b> makes sense in a world with meat shortages and rising prices. It's also healthy! An easy recipe is beans and rice. I cook the (brown) rice and mix it with a can of drained black (or any other kind) beans. I add sautéed celery and onions, chopped tomatoes. You could add corn. I sprinkle the top with cheese, bake, and serve with salsa and/or sour cream and fresh cilantro. There are many variations to this simple and tasty dish. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Taco Tuesday</b> is anything Mexican. I make my own taco seasoning (cheaper and much less sodium) and use ground turkey instead of ground beef. We usually make some kind of taco salad, with cassava chips (for me) on the plate first, then topped with meat, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, etc.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wing-It Wednesday</b> (coined by my daughter) is not wings! My husband plays golf on Wednesdays and is home late, so it's leftovers or he'll grab a burger. For me lately, it's been a big bowl of stove-popped popcorn with butter and a movie for dinner! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Throwback Thursday</b> is any kind of comfort food from yesteryear. Spaghetti and meatballs, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, chicken broccoli casserole, etc.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fun Friday</b> was going to be Fish Friday as that seemed traditional, but I don't happen to like fish, haha. So "fun" = pizza. Homemade pizza. I've been experimenting with cauliflower pizza crust and spelt pizza crust. I'd like to try making pizza on the grill this summer, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sizzling Saturday</b> is anything on the grill. Hamburgers, brats, steak, BBQ chicken.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Soup n' Sandwich Sunday.</b> Sometimes Sundays are a feast day with family and friends and a ham or a roast. But more often than not, it is a quiet day for us. BP (before pandemic) we usually went out for brunch after church (this is the only time during the week we eat out). So we're not too hungry for dinner. Homemade soup, made in batches and frozen, or a sandwich, is simple and easy for a quiet restful day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So there you have it. We've been doing this for four weeks now and I'm sold!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3HLQy8XC74/XvITAJ9ebDI/AAAAAAAARwg/YINYQgTK5VcuTZH4WPVakHF-W-lM5ljPgCK4BGAsYHg/s4092/IMG_6490.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4092" data-original-width="3084" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3HLQy8XC74/XvITAJ9ebDI/AAAAAAAARwg/YINYQgTK5VcuTZH4WPVakHF-W-lM5ljPgCK4BGAsYHg/w470-h625/IMG_6490.png" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A glittery notebook and a unicorn pen, a birthday present from my daughter. Isn't this fun?</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How do you plan your meals? Do you have a weekly plan?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">xo Deborah</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-72769129095284712262020-06-16T13:39:00.000-04:002020-06-16T13:39:23.911-04:00No-sugar cookies and pizza dough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5EPESNgt3c/Xuj61DXzP1I/AAAAAAAARtI/BUd3jsoMUnsZvxnureE_FWeTBOBpJcKCwCK4BGAsYHg/s4092/cookies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="4092" data-original-width="3084" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5EPESNgt3c/Xuj61DXzP1I/AAAAAAAARtI/BUd3jsoMUnsZvxnureE_FWeTBOBpJcKCwCK4BGAsYHg/w376-h500/cookies.png" width="376" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really miss baking. Since I have gone no-sugar, I really haven't had the option. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All I have been able to find, as I've researched online, have been recipes with sugar alternatives, such as Swerve or stevia, or "healthier" sugars, such as coconut sugar. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have tried making some of my favorite recipes without sugar. Pumpkin bread was a major fail. But gluten-free waffles, made according to the recipe but without the sugar, were a success. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But now I've actually found a recipe for cookies with no sugar! I have revised it at least five times and this is version I like best.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>No-Flour, No-Sugar Cookies</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 cups old-fashioned oats</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 bananas, very ripe, smooshed up (technical term!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 eggs, beaten</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 c no-sugar peanut butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp vanilla</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup milk (can use almond milk)</div><div style="text-align: center;">chopped walnuts and dates, as desired</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix all together and drop by spoonfuls onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHacOlyAFtE/Xuj7ulJoxqI/AAAAAAAARtc/OKtyDepieooxDmNGiDyZ_doszMU1UG06ACK4BGAsYHg/s3776/cookies2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3776" data-original-width="3084" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHacOlyAFtE/Xuj7ulJoxqI/AAAAAAAARtc/OKtyDepieooxDmNGiDyZ_doszMU1UG06ACK4BGAsYHg/w408-h500/cookies2.png" width="408" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are very moist, so I'm not sure how long they will last sitting out. My husband likes them so we can eat them in three or four days. I will have a few for breakfast with coffee.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are very versatile. The original recipe did not include eggs or salt. I've made them without milk. I've used applesauce or almond butter instead of peanut butter. You could use raisins or pecans.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The sweetness comes from the bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter the cookie. Of course, this cookie is not sugar free, with the bananas and dates, but it is at least natural sugar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*****</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was buying the cauliflower pizza crusts until I saw they have 1 gram of sugar in them. They are also pricey. So I found a yummy recipe that has no sugar in it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cauliflower Pizza Crust</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 lb bag of frozen riced cauliflower, thawed with extra moisture pressed out (I let it sit in a colander in the sink to thaw and drain and then press down on the cauliflower to get all the extra water out)</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 c shredded mozarella</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 c grated parmesan</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp oregano</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp garlic powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 eggs, lightly beaten</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix together and pile onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Form into a circle or square. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 F. Remove from oven, add toppings and bake for 10 more minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With all the cheese in the crust, you don't need as much cheese for topping. The first time I made this I </div><div style="text-align: center;">thought it was a little rich with all the cheese. But so good!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-IbnxFZw_o/Xuj8g0HaRwI/AAAAAAAARt0/367ugUDeBpY575fu7JhWSRowa2lKjIi6ACK4BGAsYHg/s3805/pizza1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3805" data-original-width="3084" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-IbnxFZw_o/Xuj8g0HaRwI/AAAAAAAARt0/367ugUDeBpY575fu7JhWSRowa2lKjIi6ACK4BGAsYHg/w405-h500/pizza1.png" width="405" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I used a bag of riced cauliflower and broccoli for this pizza. This is before it is baked.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwQR06xSqxg/Xuj9GB_0D9I/AAAAAAAARuQ/42DvoNJh_lguYiMzcZNmO3bg7B97AVX4wCK4BGAsYHg/s4092/pizza2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3084" data-original-width="4092" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwQR06xSqxg/Xuj9GB_0D9I/AAAAAAAARuQ/42DvoNJh_lguYiMzcZNmO3bg7B97AVX4wCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h376/pizza2.png" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After baking, before adding toppings.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I've come to where I think I'm going to allow one compromise in my no-sugar lifestyle. And that is in bread making. I have made gluten-free, sugar-free bread and it's okay. Not great, to be honest. So, occasionally, I think I will allow myself to make yeast bread with honey.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Am I being way too strict about all this sugar stuff? Yes, definitely. But I DO NOT want to re-gain the weight I've lost. Ever.}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We still have lots and lots of spelt berries stored in our basement from when I used to make bread on a regular basis for my family. But I sold my grain grinder years ago, and they have just sat there. Then I read that you can use a NutriBullet to grind grain. So I brought up some of those spelt berries and made a spelt crust pizza (2 tsp of honey in recipe).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0sLyclIcbk/Xuj-Ia2qRDI/AAAAAAAARuw/oZZ5zrDt8O8Jcc91Mm6RFWi4V_0Q2ag0wCK4BGAsYHg/s4092/pizza3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4092" data-original-width="3084" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0sLyclIcbk/Xuj-Ia2qRDI/AAAAAAAARuw/oZZ5zrDt8O8Jcc91Mm6RFWi4V_0Q2ag0wCK4BGAsYHg/w376-h500/pizza3.png" width="376" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSXlwn5-UII/Xuj-xqz-9AI/AAAAAAAARvE/pyuERedPHOcG7-kL9dAlmBYagZJQ0tvKgCK4BGAsYHg/s4092/pizza4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4092" data-original-width="3084" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSXlwn5-UII/Xuj-xqz-9AI/AAAAAAAARvE/pyuERedPHOcG7-kL9dAlmBYagZJQ0tvKgCK4BGAsYHg/w376-h500/pizza4.png" width="376" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Before baking, with roasted red peppers, artichokes, tomatoes, and fresh basil from my deck garden.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkGh2-cnUfA/Xuj_XRAtqxI/AAAAAAAARvg/mG80lydRTBoF1_2qv2XGdTzXZbidqIPkwCK4BGAsYHg/s4092/pizza5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4092" data-original-width="3084" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkGh2-cnUfA/Xuj_XRAtqxI/AAAAAAAARvg/mG80lydRTBoF1_2qv2XGdTzXZbidqIPkwCK4BGAsYHg/w376-h500/pizza5.png" width="376" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The crust ended up kind of heavy. I think I tried to grind too much grain at one time and the flour wasn't perhaps as fine as it should have been. Also I think I should have kneaded it for much longer than the recipe called for. (I also sold my bread maker so I kneaded it using my handheld mixer with the dough hooks.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you enjoyed these recipes. Next time, I want to share with you how I've super-simplified the "what are we having for dinner" question.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">xo Deborah</div><div><br /></div>Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-55928631995228058202020-05-08T12:20:00.002-04:002020-05-08T12:26:01.257-04:00Solitude and no-spend April<div style="text-align: center;">
How are you all doing these days at home? I know that for some this solitude is extremely difficult, even depressing. And, at least here in Michigan, we've got a ways to go. Although a few are being allowed back to work (landscapers and realtors), our "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order has been extended to May 28.<br />
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I am seeing a lot more cars on the road when I go out for groceries. I think many people are so tired of being cooped up, especially as the weather is getting nicer.</div>
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But, for the most part, I am honestly doing fine staying home. Of course, I wouldn't want to go on like this forever. I miss my friends. I miss my little grandson.</div>
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But I continue, for the most part, to be busy and happy with projects around the house.<br />
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I have all my books arranged by color, and decided I needed a few more pink books. I have a lot of scrapbooking paper that I had come across in my organizing, so decided to cover a few of my books in pink paper. This makes me happy. <br />
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I have continued to make masks. I have removed pockets from two dresses I own (those pockets added bulk right where I don't need extra bulk!). I have continued to organize and declutter and have three big boxes of things to donate. Most of these are clothes as I have gone down four sizes, from a 14 to a 6. Yay!</div>
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I have sorted through old games and dolls and sewing and craft supplies. I have literally hundreds of sewing needles! What?! It's amazing the things I have found.</div>
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*****</div>
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I decided when this pandemic shutdown started not to spend any money except for food and essentials. I did this mostly because everything was looking so uncertain back then (as actually it still is). This has been a really good exercise for me (as well as saving us money), and I have learned several things.<br />
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First, I've realized how easy it is just to sit on the couch and order from Amazon. As I've done another round of decluttering, I've realized just how many things I've ordered that I don't really need, and how many purchases have been made on impulse, or because a YouTuber or blogger recommended them. Because it is just so easy to get caught up in excitement and place an order right then.<br />
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I've seen how much I really have here, and how many things I can use up before buying more. It's embarrassing, really, to see all the stuff in my house.<br />
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For example, I discovered I have seven pots/sticks of lip balm. These will last me well over a year. I have at least a half dozen bottles/tubs of body lotion, and the same amount of facial lotion. I have enough mascara and blush and eyeliner to last that same amount of time (especially since I'm not going anywhere, although I have to say I put on makeup for Zoom calls!).<br />
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This doesn't even include all the random things that I thought I <i>had</i> to have but that I've never really used. <br />
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I've decided that as I move forward I am going to question every. single. purchase. When I look at all I continue to declutter I feel so convicted of wastefulness. Of money <i>and</i> time.<br />
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Even with food purchases. When we stayed home from the stores for three weeks and didn't even have any groceries delivered I saw how much we actually had, and how, through being creative, I could still put good meals on the table.<br />
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It has been eye-opening and humbling. And very freeing.<br />
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We've had eight weeks of church at home. This past Sunday we celebrated communion. We used what we had.<br />
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I miss getting together for worship, but there has been something very special and poignant about this time. To see musicians and singers leading worship from their living rooms. Our pastor in his kitchen "serving" communion to us. I'm grateful for technology that keeps us connected.</div>
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What about you? Are you all climbing the walls and ready to get going again? Or are you finding contentment at home? Have your spending habits changed, out of necessity or just a result of slowing down and being more thoughtful about things? What things have you learned through this time?</div>
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Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-22451770386877347222020-04-16T11:56:00.002-04:002020-04-16T12:01:26.134-04:00A culinary success and more organizing<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally made something gluten-free, sugar-free that's actually good, not just acceptable!<br />
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My husband put maple syrup on his. The recipe did call for sugar, but I just skipped it, and these waffles still tasted great.</div>
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If you're a follower of my blog, you know I've spent a good couple of years decluttering my house. But it seems I keep finding more things that need to be sorted and organized. Like recipes.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lo5Wr7pB_A/XpYYSAxJ26I/AAAAAAAARk0/RF6qmYCEO7weFdh2VCSeHSUKk4IbE50AACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/recipes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lo5Wr7pB_A/XpYYSAxJ26I/AAAAAAAARk0/RF6qmYCEO7weFdh2VCSeHSUKk4IbE50AACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/recipes.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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And look at what I unearthed, looking for ties for face masks I'm making. These laces must have come from my in-law's house. Circa 1960s probably. Even marked down to 26 cents! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNkBfxoSvL0/XpYYfWezH7I/AAAAAAAARlA/_PWVH6QySCEnm25IpBCEcUP2Ell47FnlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/shoelaces.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNkBfxoSvL0/XpYYfWezH7I/AAAAAAAARlA/_PWVH6QySCEnm25IpBCEcUP2Ell47FnlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/shoelaces.png" width="482" /></a></div>
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Another thing I've been organizing is the stuffed animals and dolls that belonged to our children. I have gotten rid of some, but they are hard to part with.</div>
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These beanie babies (remember these?) were all stuffed in a pillowcase and tucked away so that our cat couldn't get at them. She would carry one around like it was her own kitten, crying so much it was really pathetic. I had to hide them from her to spare her the distress. She's sadly no longer with us, so I can pull these out again.</div>
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Not sure what I'll do with them eventually, but I had fun arranging them against a guest room dresser. Will leave them until my grandson can come over and see them. </div>
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This little pink snail is one of my favorites. Isn't she sweet?</div>
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Another big mess right now is all our board games, puzzles, and children's crafting supplies. I forgot I have literally thousands of beads downstairs! Paper airplane kits, a woodworking kit, paper dolls, dominoes, cards . . . Our son in Iowa asked if we could mail him a board game. Then asked for five more. That was a big box.</div>
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We braved the grocery store after we dropped the games off at the post office. My nose always starts to run, even more than normal, under those masks! Does anyone else have this problem? And you can't do anything about it except keep sniffling.</div>
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It was so nice to get fresh produce. Everything got a lovely soapy wash and rinse. I haven't had a fresh berry in almost three weeks. The raspberries taste like heaven!</div>
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I came across mention of this soap in one of Miss Read's Thrush Green books. It sounded so lovely smelling that I ordered it (back before the whole Covid-19 thing). It is the soap that was used in the state rooms on the Titanic.</div>
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It is very nice, but doesn't quite have the smell described in the book. I've read that soap makers and perfumers have had to change their original formulations to comply with various environmental regulations, so that is probably the difference.</div>
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I've written a guest post entitled <a href="http://www.homespundevotions.com/2020/04/what-pandemic-can-teach-us-guest-post.html" target="_blank"><i>What the Pandemic Can Teach Us</i> here</a> at Cheryl's blog <i>Homespun Devotions.</i> If you've never visited Cheryl's blog, or her other one, <i>Biblical Minimalism</i>, definitely stop by. She has such a sweet spirit, and writes so encouragingly about our Christian faith.</div>
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Stay safe and well friends. xo</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-67419215351821534262020-04-07T13:14:00.002-04:002020-04-07T13:22:05.680-04:00Staying busy at home part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
This past week I've concentrated on making face masks. I dusted off my sewing machine (literally!) and got to work. I have been making them for friends and for hospital workers. It feels good to be able to contribute in some small way during this crisis.</div>
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I know that many of you are doing the same.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The kitchen is now "Face Mask Central."</i></span></td></tr>
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We were going to do a Costco run a couple of days ago, but decided to stay home. These next two weeks are supposed to be the worst, at least here in Michigan, so we will make do with what we have. Several weeks ago I got butter and cheese and milk and froze them. I bought some powdered eggs from Amazon, which just arrived. I froze some blueberries to have on our oatmeal, and we have frozen veggies.</div>
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The only thing I will miss is fresh fruit. But it is not worth it to me to go out and get it. I am truly grateful that we have what we need. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> Cauliflower and chickpea masala. Spicy and delicious.</span></i></td></tr>
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We have been able to donate food from our pantry, trusting that we will be able to replenish it in a couple of weeks. And because I invested in a handheld bidet, we've also been able to donate toilet paper!</div>
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Like all of you, I am super conscious of not wasting anything. I have a half a block of feta cheese that isn't going to last much longer. There's also some kalamata olives in a jar in the fridge. I have jarred artichokes and beets. I will organize some kind of charcuterie board today with crackers or bread, and that will be "dinner," along with some devilled eggs. </div>
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I have been making some dishcloths.</div>
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I got almost halfway through one and realized I didn't have any more of the matching yarn. So I'm using what I have. This will definitely not be a gifted dishcloth!</div>
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Every time I use this dishcloth in the future I will remember this pandemic, and how a trip to the fabric store was not an option.</div>
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We just discovered a new season of one of our favorite shows, <i>Doc Martin</i>, is available. It is nice to have something distracting and fun to watch. I have also been reading through my collection of Miss Read books every night before bed. I just can't seem to handle any heavier literature at the moment. I don't consciously feel anxious, but I must be at some level, because I am seeking out soothing entertainment right now.</div>
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My social calendar feels quite full at the moment with several Zoom calls scheduled during the week, and many Marco Polo videos to watch from friends and family. I am blessed right now to be an introvert. And to being a homebody. This is particularly hard on extroverts and those used to going somewhere every day.</div>
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If I could block out all the news, I would be quite content doing my thing here at home.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyE0tx0KdEo/XoyyG3CtL6I/AAAAAAAARkY/v-62KZewS50eK8t3ih3MxrvNYQV7z3FRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/coloringbook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyE0tx0KdEo/XoyyG3CtL6I/AAAAAAAARkY/v-62KZewS50eK8t3ih3MxrvNYQV7z3FRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/coloringbook.png" width="482" /></a></div>
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But worries do intrude, and I know many are suffering. A friend just texted last night that she and her daughter are having trouble breathing. A family member, who is self-employed, is not working and thus has no income. I know someone working for Shipt who is constantly facing exposure risks at the grocery stores, and friends who are nurses who are on the front lines every day. My husband, who is a CPA, has clients whose businesses may never recover.</div>
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I'm praying daily for all those who are struggling and for all those who are in authority and making decisions. I know God is still in control and that He hasn't forgotten us. I pray we make it through this with as little lives lost as possible, and that we can all, individually and as a nation, make the changes necessary to improve our world. </div>
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<i>Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</i> Phil. 4:6,7</div>
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Stay safe my friends. xo</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-37512629121812602652020-03-28T18:03:00.001-04:002020-03-28T18:03:18.374-04:00Staying busy at home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-di7ixr3Ee2o/Xn-0V56d7aI/AAAAAAAARgY/25NPrMVVx7gzrrrbEesqCLIRiMNnM-IbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-di7ixr3Ee2o/Xn-0V56d7aI/AAAAAAAARgY/25NPrMVVx7gzrrrbEesqCLIRiMNnM-IbACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bear.png" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Our neighborhood association asked us to put teddy bears in our windows so that children going for walks would have something to look for and to count. I think Mr. Bear looks slightly melancholy, stuck inside as he is. </i></span></td></tr>
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I've been busy in the kitchen this week, planning and thinking about "make do, use it up, or do without." We're trying to avoid the stores now if possible. I did order some things from Amazon a couple weeks ago for baking.</div>
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I haven't baked since July when I gave up sugar. But my husband likes sandwiches, and all the bread has been sold out.</div>
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I had given my daughter my baking powder and yeast. It was hard going finding it on Amazon, and of course, took much longer to arrive. But as soon as the yeast came yesterday I made a loaf of gluten-free, sugar-free bread.</div>
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No kneading required. Just mixed with my hand mixer with the dough hooks. It took longer to rise without any sugar, about twice as long.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJLFHCiyUUE/Xn-vojR27AI/AAAAAAAARfw/QMM-krW5t0cf4uY_oNzAfiwJyqdIvlAGQCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoBQNCGHCfQLt5B2bV6iEnrykAewt9ArjR2GZmSOd970hxU_eFlAsakE0FhTOrXW2jW02qL9H9jXkHjeuMhctWlVu5MPtyBZBBSuw9kdHVRKonW5aBJQH1g7yFtRudPXkksJm90S9giHIX6UJy1ZfpEStfzP6UyOUF0PHhelxlmvklzGa-PLU736z2ch14hSG7ZtrD76q3tNz0iVWor5lyRQArUGGoAdItickNUp6eMoZFyD6C-KrVOw99UALKT4k16ob7xtUOfavfJfEJ3D73OuHWSfwJ6qZOXdS74eAXTUv65vB05Ow_H7NPgoaqnS5P7IhzS1AsOPHmd8Sd-GrFYOZv7OpdzjtTPgZAkVskO8VmE5eHBzy40p75ciXZ7_JgdVLE6j_BMYTKyEFis7vmpeBiJzPdtKPTzlxu7yQG8MNiMXt_uetIt892aQBufniGNwJSj51xU9KwZyI7zC1EiMSPjm57DwORSYP6dnqCgXg99LzOIEqGUAAVoOqjlE0QSR6mIEjImoG4vcB62R-RI4VNfMt6l0jxVyRO4PdqQr0No4qmZQqk8ej82VO-fiybQLpiTnxraM4FDJEC3CFDTMOBEBhue6p3Qw8OT-8wU/s1600/dough.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJLFHCiyUUE/Xn-vojR27AI/AAAAAAAARfw/QMM-krW5t0cf4uY_oNzAfiwJyqdIvlAGQCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoBQNCGHCfQLt5B2bV6iEnrykAewt9ArjR2GZmSOd970hxU_eFlAsakE0FhTOrXW2jW02qL9H9jXkHjeuMhctWlVu5MPtyBZBBSuw9kdHVRKonW5aBJQH1g7yFtRudPXkksJm90S9giHIX6UJy1ZfpEStfzP6UyOUF0PHhelxlmvklzGa-PLU736z2ch14hSG7ZtrD76q3tNz0iVWor5lyRQArUGGoAdItickNUp6eMoZFyD6C-KrVOw99UALKT4k16ob7xtUOfavfJfEJ3D73OuHWSfwJ6qZOXdS74eAXTUv65vB05Ow_H7NPgoaqnS5P7IhzS1AsOPHmd8Sd-GrFYOZv7OpdzjtTPgZAkVskO8VmE5eHBzy40p75ciXZ7_JgdVLE6j_BMYTKyEFis7vmpeBiJzPdtKPTzlxu7yQG8MNiMXt_uetIt892aQBufniGNwJSj51xU9KwZyI7zC1EiMSPjm57DwORSYP6dnqCgXg99LzOIEqGUAAVoOqjlE0QSR6mIEjImoG4vcB62R-RI4VNfMt6l0jxVyRO4PdqQr0No4qmZQqk8ej82VO-fiybQLpiTnxraM4FDJEC3CFDTMOBEBhue6p3Qw8OT-8wU/s640/dough.png" width="482" /></a></div>
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It made a dense, kind of wonky-looking loaf. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPbIi1lwcxQ/Xn-3bifpsJI/AAAAAAAARh4/00e_xyWl6n0XmrXEo2lzAO6BiADCop5nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/loaf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1451" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPbIi1lwcxQ/Xn-3bifpsJI/AAAAAAAARh4/00e_xyWl6n0XmrXEo2lzAO6BiADCop5nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/loaf.png" width="580" /> </a></div>
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But we both agreed it was very tasty. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OJeb49cv4U/Xn-wAUMLxXI/AAAAAAAARf4/8-jHkCM-WhEw7M1t0jaUqdI43ZQlHUDfwCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoDOuTzW1AN1068Afn_ZW9Lm_xhL7fW3_Pz3UTX2Tvr6OyVEFzLea_D5oDzRp1Y_QZX58jIiTm1lNOuZHeAfgUJ-I_oG8xf8GgZ0iRgU2NUBcmzQXQmfulRmQaVwOEw1Mxnm6H8K2tYRCptE4EYiTdUj8N_ZYNjY-i5DDNCtphWcbBgX1WySbPZFWzdWMJftwzJIBMn3g3-hpjbUCK4IUBmR5JlKqWWffctecLBXuf_GOIiMuSuOBfzFpMnpxQ9uAHr48VLr_cVX0zBdYC5_RtSmMubPrumVp6wsZaX-61vwZ2s03EIDTixVZ5ypr9FGeKyZHuRjoZD4lpxl7LjwWBnU83uOaNpE2LBw4JRbIKjYv6542NPBcFatZt209tR-FZP8ohx8hemba-XjaNCgCcx4CCw5zqw_W8hYiej4JgGMxnhYz0YnqfrEDMJf8QKvL0nihinaNhg_q5p_PhsjzNj3tNJfSuIE5UY6AU5_x20m5rksAroMghF2_t3ikqnqx_Y96Z1QjsxiiVskyDZc7eLp9F1z1YjZb7z0xXmOTO_-Vqd_EFktSu-Cbp2kTO-fkv1WB5J3NV9blNwHv2U3B7QMoWEtW1PxetQw5-X-8wU/s1600/sliced%2Bbread.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OJeb49cv4U/Xn-wAUMLxXI/AAAAAAAARf4/8-jHkCM-WhEw7M1t0jaUqdI43ZQlHUDfwCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoDOuTzW1AN1068Afn_ZW9Lm_xhL7fW3_Pz3UTX2Tvr6OyVEFzLea_D5oDzRp1Y_QZX58jIiTm1lNOuZHeAfgUJ-I_oG8xf8GgZ0iRgU2NUBcmzQXQmfulRmQaVwOEw1Mxnm6H8K2tYRCptE4EYiTdUj8N_ZYNjY-i5DDNCtphWcbBgX1WySbPZFWzdWMJftwzJIBMn3g3-hpjbUCK4IUBmR5JlKqWWffctecLBXuf_GOIiMuSuOBfzFpMnpxQ9uAHr48VLr_cVX0zBdYC5_RtSmMubPrumVp6wsZaX-61vwZ2s03EIDTixVZ5ypr9FGeKyZHuRjoZD4lpxl7LjwWBnU83uOaNpE2LBw4JRbIKjYv6542NPBcFatZt209tR-FZP8ohx8hemba-XjaNCgCcx4CCw5zqw_W8hYiej4JgGMxnhYz0YnqfrEDMJf8QKvL0nihinaNhg_q5p_PhsjzNj3tNJfSuIE5UY6AU5_x20m5rksAroMghF2_t3ikqnqx_Y96Z1QjsxiiVskyDZc7eLp9F1z1YjZb7z0xXmOTO_-Vqd_EFktSu-Cbp2kTO-fkv1WB5J3NV9blNwHv2U3B7QMoWEtW1PxetQw5-X-8wU/s640/sliced%2Bbread.png" width="482" /></a></div>
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I found some beef broth I had made in the freezer and made up some vegetable soup. It was delicious with the bread. This bread is also good toasted.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiOEtldavP8/Xn-4VuvGceI/AAAAAAAARiI/-P9lle_WkDct4XcQneTLusOqa_HzFlhFACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoBqNxen-vEp-t06MZqdkZloTxI11PRlagtSl5BOcsjosuVTIKQ4JQtv5cNOM9-XKsm_m-20XIcL3VcqktQ4EOhnKRPO9zi63KTnh8zDXAZa9tqorxG6ahYooJrUfo-cExy0_BDiLxtzu-QFYq921VDbzmDxtkcCtCcqLAeQK137Mj_qem-GrKrsvebYIRmsXUrmZtaBmXdGO80xVxPFCCZGgHLTo-6GyoeM76-VJRinEdII0esi0V4aQhe4KrfZKDjy86BPBpkZBWTWr9gkOP6_-fsH614nDjvmtfDCl-zxoqcidltAmcKZkurcERugDDae-U3cmaW8vWBKntgxiyV06dWXBzejeZaC9qhlaZNWv4DaGQO8nvMhx56c0JjUJpL4sJEiav0ILz5cJRc7ycYN4LztCbIehq0krnIgYHgMz415Qg74DX8tdtiMQJiRL42D8HYd6st5Ps-CTQpXU87sL1MMztOF1DFgzgwiDKXrSi-DP9hsSW8zBtxCI6ynGant8jQ3zMTEl7nvyuUQ33EUMcSuhjCg5Mt_ZE3Mz_MKGF4v8irnCsFmYHam3H5XbWNacGV8XMWFQIna6VlubyWqUbZt1PkMT8kw1_b-8wU/s1600/soup%2Band%2Bbread.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1206" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiOEtldavP8/Xn-4VuvGceI/AAAAAAAARiI/-P9lle_WkDct4XcQneTLusOqa_HzFlhFACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoBqNxen-vEp-t06MZqdkZloTxI11PRlagtSl5BOcsjosuVTIKQ4JQtv5cNOM9-XKsm_m-20XIcL3VcqktQ4EOhnKRPO9zi63KTnh8zDXAZa9tqorxG6ahYooJrUfo-cExy0_BDiLxtzu-QFYq921VDbzmDxtkcCtCcqLAeQK137Mj_qem-GrKrsvebYIRmsXUrmZtaBmXdGO80xVxPFCCZGgHLTo-6GyoeM76-VJRinEdII0esi0V4aQhe4KrfZKDjy86BPBpkZBWTWr9gkOP6_-fsH614nDjvmtfDCl-zxoqcidltAmcKZkurcERugDDae-U3cmaW8vWBKntgxiyV06dWXBzejeZaC9qhlaZNWv4DaGQO8nvMhx56c0JjUJpL4sJEiav0ILz5cJRc7ycYN4LztCbIehq0krnIgYHgMz415Qg74DX8tdtiMQJiRL42D8HYd6st5Ps-CTQpXU87sL1MMztOF1DFgzgwiDKXrSi-DP9hsSW8zBtxCI6ynGant8jQ3zMTEl7nvyuUQ33EUMcSuhjCg5Mt_ZE3Mz_MKGF4v8irnCsFmYHam3H5XbWNacGV8XMWFQIna6VlubyWqUbZt1PkMT8kw1_b-8wU/s640/soup%2Band%2Bbread.png" width="482" /> </a></div>
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I had frozen some blueberries a week or so ago. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJK0VvmqQQ4/Xn-xIpX1CYI/AAAAAAAARgE/NtiDvcRP24wiKy0NCVeMbVONe_Ix7cYfACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoDS0YfEAoC_ahR9wy_DRlBBaZTqWhWbzFGleClVdtSUxjBVmeb9aDkKXZpKhHro4MuLTOsj0bDZMGIOXDVLQ5yUFHsf5NWcmByJIR_ogTEUaOaDeFDEgdqs9zzUDnWjeX7Z7baZA4XeQkPFFPx4PTY7vy78oM5IakwGlIaaoeUh93JsMECd7RKhKUyY83RgXz2CcG4n-u3-01io3MblDtI47y5FvWB0AQDdDU2g4xQzhDyiM9ZSMPC7rDnzlD-6Lmw-rfBc3CjIgkF9iMKCrqmLK-jPeo9oHxc5Qb1hTVzOl5HCvs3XBqwK-2dul9314XmUC9uEcYJu40L0PFFAuAlff0-tObELx4fFZ-loGg_KN43Ax0qUK0G6dM9gMQqGdf26w2wMbFEPRReDggTQygkZekVTaZ80xW0Gi6N95lDB494r8uish-8U79iQ804qV8FggvDYL7me2XVheuNUu-ujIRiK_CPELk1WSD_AmAxCkTTpgqHOUYnJzXkxyJC6ADYJbTcMq-U0TuStZo0V1Pww0zG03T_GNN2ihvK4QhBwz1UX9P0Dabvq-U-ZrmGPO9PY7IKdX9FeRm94S78bJOqTxmoVnbFdao4w4_b-8wU/s1600/blueberries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJK0VvmqQQ4/Xn-xIpX1CYI/AAAAAAAARgE/NtiDvcRP24wiKy0NCVeMbVONe_Ix7cYfACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoDS0YfEAoC_ahR9wy_DRlBBaZTqWhWbzFGleClVdtSUxjBVmeb9aDkKXZpKhHro4MuLTOsj0bDZMGIOXDVLQ5yUFHsf5NWcmByJIR_ogTEUaOaDeFDEgdqs9zzUDnWjeX7Z7baZA4XeQkPFFPx4PTY7vy78oM5IakwGlIaaoeUh93JsMECd7RKhKUyY83RgXz2CcG4n-u3-01io3MblDtI47y5FvWB0AQDdDU2g4xQzhDyiM9ZSMPC7rDnzlD-6Lmw-rfBc3CjIgkF9iMKCrqmLK-jPeo9oHxc5Qb1hTVzOl5HCvs3XBqwK-2dul9314XmUC9uEcYJu40L0PFFAuAlff0-tObELx4fFZ-loGg_KN43Ax0qUK0G6dM9gMQqGdf26w2wMbFEPRReDggTQygkZekVTaZ80xW0Gi6N95lDB494r8uish-8U79iQ804qV8FggvDYL7me2XVheuNUu-ujIRiK_CPELk1WSD_AmAxCkTTpgqHOUYnJzXkxyJC6ADYJbTcMq-U0TuStZo0V1Pww0zG03T_GNN2ihvK4QhBwz1UX9P0Dabvq-U-ZrmGPO9PY7IKdX9FeRm94S78bJOqTxmoVnbFdao4w4_b-8wU/s640/blueberries.png" width="482" /> </a></div>
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I tried a gluten-free, sugar-free coffee cake. This is the first time I've used xanthan gum. I couldn't get any of my favorite Rumford baking powder anywhere. These packets of baking powder were all I could find.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MA6JLAxIFaE/Xn-2Q36E_mI/AAAAAAAARhc/YFCL-YHX3BoNmG3yYukQ9hF_A9yMRMWCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/coffee%2Bcake%2Bbaking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MA6JLAxIFaE/Xn-2Q36E_mI/AAAAAAAARhc/YFCL-YHX3BoNmG3yYukQ9hF_A9yMRMWCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/coffee%2Bcake%2Bbaking.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The muffins in the jar are gluten-free, sugar-free banana nut. These were sweeter and better tasting than the blueberry coffee cake.</div>
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Why am I being so rigid about sugar? I think it's extremely addictive. And so many negative side effects of consuming too much of it. And I don't do moderation very well.</div>
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I've lost 45 pounds since going off sugar and white flours. I've reached my goal, and sure don't want to gain any back!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PjF-UmatO0/Xn-2qg475AI/AAAAAAAARho/InFdIU_Tv9QFw7K4aCHcazUliDeEBpGrwCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoB25qhArao-GJVHM07CzHXArGMzHu45ZNP_HDelJAAtQDcdBcOsghQBQvIE4PU8t78zSdRRmtdji_KZWWlo1a9cxHJbvRZsCJG9b-Af0zSfu-au4UlaBM3Z-ac_rP3993gWz_RizvI3XMgjodcEcqzij-wOt1fOB1hJrxvJ0bIeAnp4nLVmANKw9ryMBExN5BfUpO73WrTDp3EYUaSdy3q7_SFoKuEYNdwiVPoSbW0_sEklFf4UN3ypLROTDi67GeQ27tFCQmslLUR4VMsIqpeA-5hS9aVAkKKyATr4ul2BsD7Lwfzaqkg844ZZ2439KhM7QzBPquQxrl8sAa4tl6XP86564WGpkR-9lQ90CndNF2rumvM1-T1Lm-DVhK-YrsuHRMq9AZNjUtb5BI99PqUvKwNgueX1v-EuA66H4m1t5wsVfgLnkIla0U2hgkqw0X9iITf1Ej_Ykkve8Fwl4MbBukb6Q-WUZ2txxgcIlwenWuxR2zva4m-uV9lZLmIyEccLTgRjOkzfuPzqeQWRoAxMV-k_AHGYj4rWgYFErYHV7QN42PlIsIirJeqWPojjW9DS1uGKsix1D2GEKFNB1MSvq-i00UGPzrYwmvL-8wU/s1600/casserole%2Bmuffins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PjF-UmatO0/Xn-2qg475AI/AAAAAAAARho/InFdIU_Tv9QFw7K4aCHcazUliDeEBpGrwCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoB25qhArao-GJVHM07CzHXArGMzHu45ZNP_HDelJAAtQDcdBcOsghQBQvIE4PU8t78zSdRRmtdji_KZWWlo1a9cxHJbvRZsCJG9b-Af0zSfu-au4UlaBM3Z-ac_rP3993gWz_RizvI3XMgjodcEcqzij-wOt1fOB1hJrxvJ0bIeAnp4nLVmANKw9ryMBExN5BfUpO73WrTDp3EYUaSdy3q7_SFoKuEYNdwiVPoSbW0_sEklFf4UN3ypLROTDi67GeQ27tFCQmslLUR4VMsIqpeA-5hS9aVAkKKyATr4ul2BsD7Lwfzaqkg844ZZ2439KhM7QzBPquQxrl8sAa4tl6XP86564WGpkR-9lQ90CndNF2rumvM1-T1Lm-DVhK-YrsuHRMq9AZNjUtb5BI99PqUvKwNgueX1v-EuA66H4m1t5wsVfgLnkIla0U2hgkqw0X9iITf1Ej_Ykkve8Fwl4MbBukb6Q-WUZ2txxgcIlwenWuxR2zva4m-uV9lZLmIyEccLTgRjOkzfuPzqeQWRoAxMV-k_AHGYj4rWgYFErYHV7QN42PlIsIirJeqWPojjW9DS1uGKsix1D2GEKFNB1MSvq-i00UGPzrYwmvL-8wU/s640/casserole%2Bmuffins.png" width="482" /> </a></div>
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I found the Christmas ham bone in the freezer. I made up split pea soup. I don't care for it, but my husband loves it, so I froze up a bunch of individual servings for his lunches. </div>
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And made some ham spread with some of the extra ham on the bone. I have used sweet pickles in the past, but here I used dill pickles. I've found an avocado mayo from Primal Kitchen with no sugar that is very good.</div>
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Rice and beans with scallions, tomatoes, cheese, and seasoning. Served with salsa and sour cream and more scallions.</div>
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We're having leftovers of this tonight.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eL6R8VL074M/Xn-1QGkmZWI/AAAAAAAARg4/HiYSNuseKtAn7a8Pp8f82VyN5Kg8JnrOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/casserole.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eL6R8VL074M/Xn-1QGkmZWI/AAAAAAAARg4/HiYSNuseKtAn7a8Pp8f82VyN5Kg8JnrOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/casserole.png" width="482" /> </a></div>
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I soak my pecans in salted water and then slow roast in the oven. According to <i>Nourishing Traditions </i>cookbook, this makes them more digestible. They taste way better too. I use them mostly on oatmeal. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmqKjEryS4w/Xn-3AXZRXgI/AAAAAAAARhw/aMzZbZW4JocfeEJv249_2k10ow2krfutQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/nuts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmqKjEryS4w/Xn-3AXZRXgI/AAAAAAAARhw/aMzZbZW4JocfeEJv249_2k10ow2krfutQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/nuts.png" width="482" /> </a></div>
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Besides cooking, I hauled out my sewing machine, which was literally covered in dust! I made up five hand towels from some old linen cloth and some leftover lace. This project had been sitting around for several years! </div>
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And brought out my knitting. Some dishcloths for Christmas.</div>
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Here's my answer to the current toilet paper shortage! A handheld bidet.</div>
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I love this!</div>
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I am seriously thinking of having one installed on our toilet when all this is over. </div>
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Also in the self-care department, how great are these reusable eye makeup removers? I got them in black so any mascara or eyeliner stains won't show. No more buying cotton rounds. They are super comfortable on your skin, too. Although I haven't been wearing much makeup lately ;). </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_qXLwr4cKY/Xn-2BqcJMYI/AAAAAAAARhg/aTaCCSQ_r1E-V773snYt9L6l0gDKFhB9ACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoB27yZD0nO0THmH49LiSPfipKznGiB4aratw7PxWrvA53J0sWMs9ki4FDPJCevHbVsNZwlh_8Rf5WTduqi7DdFQR2NdW-R7V334TwD7RwosTGKe4RuPnUGW2x-TCEtDs5iQXZl_5KZ18mQ5g5889kJzXVOqCnyBV5j_prQ8r-eaSBOTQnaJY7wWKpslVJpwM_e8xCVOlKE9N9OyVhcN0VpvFVNRQOi9bpZ6dEyapGYhrF060zwuVsqZ-ypkdjKK29o-jUv3F-A2UZAN2x8exNrJPKqT7t4IStDkwxyAIH_rihDz9NGGY8PQ9vUsr5ERMoEl0Sn6pOsnxdrfjiUBA25PL_sajb7MhowhCWpeujT1KtO6yyPkbVpSJ3kkeje2S7hjO2Q5EecWBC73xU89YCmGk4IHLZOvfzTEDvCOT8tlaWy4jqAd-WTuLLM_ZNAntaiTd8iIzawiX8p-6AnepIr7phH4tPmdA7DeQqN6F1rdOW4B_SPEDs5xhLS9E5djjmWYR2Ahhri-xgoFHX1DQUv1qD7GK40yC69Bbiw3mBAB4qmwOM0QkE4flwX0x9DyXXkYIh9uEX0yJOWRC4NUbulJK-82U2b7wRgw__L-8wU/s1600/cotton%2Brounds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_qXLwr4cKY/Xn-2BqcJMYI/AAAAAAAARhg/aTaCCSQ_r1E-V773snYt9L6l0gDKFhB9ACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoB27yZD0nO0THmH49LiSPfipKznGiB4aratw7PxWrvA53J0sWMs9ki4FDPJCevHbVsNZwlh_8Rf5WTduqi7DdFQR2NdW-R7V334TwD7RwosTGKe4RuPnUGW2x-TCEtDs5iQXZl_5KZ18mQ5g5889kJzXVOqCnyBV5j_prQ8r-eaSBOTQnaJY7wWKpslVJpwM_e8xCVOlKE9N9OyVhcN0VpvFVNRQOi9bpZ6dEyapGYhrF060zwuVsqZ-ypkdjKK29o-jUv3F-A2UZAN2x8exNrJPKqT7t4IStDkwxyAIH_rihDz9NGGY8PQ9vUsr5ERMoEl0Sn6pOsnxdrfjiUBA25PL_sajb7MhowhCWpeujT1KtO6yyPkbVpSJ3kkeje2S7hjO2Q5EecWBC73xU89YCmGk4IHLZOvfzTEDvCOT8tlaWy4jqAd-WTuLLM_ZNAntaiTd8iIzawiX8p-6AnepIr7phH4tPmdA7DeQqN6F1rdOW4B_SPEDs5xhLS9E5djjmWYR2Ahhri-xgoFHX1DQUv1qD7GK40yC69Bbiw3mBAB4qmwOM0QkE4flwX0x9DyXXkYIh9uEX0yJOWRC4NUbulJK-82U2b7wRgw__L-8wU/s640/cotton%2Brounds.png" width="482" /> </a></div>
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Our small group Bible study is meeting tonight over Zoom. So thankful for this technology that allows us all to connect.</div>
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What have you all been doing at home these days?</div>
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xo Deborah </div>
<br />Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-90790968292600512212020-03-23T13:27:00.000-04:002020-03-23T13:27:59.881-04:00Hello again<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello again, my dear blog friends. </div>
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It's been a long time. I have missed you. </div>
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I had been thinking seriously over the past several months of shutting my blog down. But couldn't quite write that final post. I didn't really want to say goodbye.</div>
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So I am back, and hoping I still have things to say here. I still believe "the beautiful matters," maybe even more so now.</div>
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Isn't it wonderful to see some of the beautiful things happening right now even in the midst of this life-altering pandemic?</div>
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People singing together from their balconies or front porches. Families going for walks together. People at home sewing masks for health care workers. I saw last night a neighborhood where families put stuffed bears in their windows so the children could count them as they went for a walk with their parents. People sitting outside nursing home windows cheering their loved ones.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Miss Read is always comforting in times of stress.</i></span></td></tr>
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Drive up food distributions, online prayer meetings, funny memes to keep us smiling.</div>
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This past fall I became a mentor mom for our local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program. They were looking for someone to also lead a smaller group of moms struggling with anxiety and depression. This group has been meeting at my house every two weeks since last October.</div>
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We have set up a Marco Polo group to stay in touch with each other during this time of social distancing. It has been a wonderful way to check in with each other, encourage each other, and share the frustrations and challenges and joys of being home all day with little ones. When you also struggle with anxiety or depression.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sharpened and organized and ready for some serious coloring.</i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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This is an anxious time for everyone. I'm so thankful for social media right now. My book club is meeting via Zoom tonight. Our pastor has scheduled a short prayer time online every evening at 9 p.m. There are so many ways to stay connected. I've actually set up a schedule for all my Zoom and FaceTime calls!</div>
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**** breaking news ****</div>
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Just got a text our governor here in Michigan is issuing a stay-at-home order today. Things are changing daily.</div>
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Okay . . . three hours later . . . after a whole bunch of texts and calls among friends and family about what that means for us here. Concern for those who are self-employed. No work means no money. And concern for those who need to keep working and who risk exposure.</div>
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I am going to close now and spend some quiet time in prayer. I'll be back soon. </div>
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xo Deborah</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-6940435869250453512019-09-09T10:01:00.000-04:002019-09-09T10:08:22.663-04:00No-sugar vacation<div style="text-align: center;">
We got back last week from a lovely visit to Charleston, South Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina where my son and his wife live. As we were leaving Michigan, where the weather had cooled a bit and the humidity had lowered, I asked my husband why in the world were we going to hot and humid Charleston?! (This was a couple weeks before the hurricane.)</div>
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But we had great weather there, in the 80s and low humidity. We were assured by a number of people there that we had picked a good week, somewhat unusual there, where in late<br />
August it is normally in the 90s or higher with high humidity.</div>
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And thankfully, we got there and out before Hurricane Dorian. We definitely would have had to cancel if we had gone after Labor Day, which was our original plan.</div>
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Anyway, I promised a series on my new, no-sugar life, and I wanted to let you all (y'all -- I just got back from the South!) know how I managed, eating in restaurants almost exclusively.<br />
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Our very first stop was McDonald's. (I know, not an auspicious beginning!) We rarely stop there, but we wanted coffee and something fast as we got on the road. I got a sausage, egg, and cheese muffin. I took the muffin off, which most of the cheese stuck to, and just ate the egg and the sausage with my coffee.<br />
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Cracker Barrel had lots more options. <br />
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There was a wait at Cracker Barrel, so we had time to browse. So much candy! I reminisced about the "old days" when I would have bought the Moon Pies and the sugared pumpkin jellies, and more. </div>
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I'm proud to report that I didn't have any sugar on this trip. At. All. Or white flour.</div>
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It wasn't easy, and I had to get creative with my orders, but it can be done! </div>
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Just before we left, I decided that I was going to do the Mediterranean diet, instead of Keto (which explains the sweet potato).<br />
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Low country boil, eaten at a restaurant on the beach. We were able to spend two full days lounging on the beach. It was so relaxing. I love to listen to the waves. The water was 84 degrees! So different than our (to me) freezing cold Great Lakes! </div>
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I decided halfway through the trip that Mediterranean wasn't working (couldn't get enough good carbs), and switched back to Keto. Now that I'm home, I'm back on the Mediterranean. I just can't manage all the fat on Keto. It's been trial and error, and restaurant eating is so different than home eating.</div>
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I've been tracking everything on a free app called LifeSum. You choose the diet you want to follow, and they have quite a few options, and then you plug in what you eat and it tracks macros for you (carbs, fats, and proteins), as well as calories. You enter your current weight and your goal weight and it tells you how many calories you need. It adds calories to your plan when you exercise. </div>
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I usually don't like to be tied to food tracking like this, but it has been a really useful tool to educate me on what constitutes Keto or Mediterranean. I was always falling short of the fat intake on Keto, and I've been running short on carbs on the Mediterranean. Yesterday I got three big smiley faces for each meal, so I guess I finally nailed it!</div>
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We had friends over for dinner Saturday evening. We hadn't seen them for several years (they live out of state), and I didn't want to make a big deal over my diet as we had so many other things to talk about. I was able to eat sugar-free and sensibly without anyone noticing. </div>
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For appetizers (we ate them out on the deck -- the Michigan weather was perfect!), I had whitefish spread (from the straits of Mackinaw in Michigan) on (sugar-free) crackers, vegetables and (sugar-free) dip, cheese, and olives. </div>
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For dinner, I made large, composed salads with greens, tomatoes (fresh from the farmer's market -- yum!!), cucumbers, celery, and marinated, grilled chicken sliced on top. There was blue cheese crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, and pecans to put on top as desired. I bought some salad dressing (ranch, which has sugar) and had some homemade olive oil dressing. I noticed everyone had the homemade, sugar-free version! I also bought some dinner rolls to go with.</div>
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The tricky part, dessert, was an assortment of lemon bars, brownies, and chocolate peanut butter bars that I bought, cut into smaller pieces, and arranged on a tray. I also bought some Lindor truffles. And I had a bowl of strawberries and a pot of decaf coffee.</div>
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I had the coffee and a few strawberries. I told my husband that any dessert left over by Monday morning was going in the trash. He had a couple small brownies on Sunday, and this morning, three or four leftover lemon bars and brownies went straight in the trash! I put the rest of the truffles in a baggie and sent them to work with him. I'm doing well, but I really don't quite trust myself. And why have temptation lurking around?</div>
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The discouraging thing is that the weight is coming off SO slowly. A pound a week. I had gone to Target at the beginning of the summer and bought a few cotton dresses that I wore all summer. Now I've got one pair of jeans to wear every day until I lose some more to fit into my fall/winter wardrobe. Losing one pound a week, I will be wearing these jeans exclusively until Thanksgiving! I just don't want to buy anymore clothes at this size.</div>
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Two whole months today sugar free! </div>
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Thank you for following my journey everyone. Your support is so encouraging. xo </div>
<br />Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-48629869145082667282019-08-21T13:50:00.001-04:002019-08-21T13:55:43.832-04:00How to eat sugar-free over a three-party weekend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Making an omelette for my son Monday morning before his meetings. He's eating healthy, too!</i></span></td></tr>
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This past Friday I hosted our 5th annual book club sleepover. Then Saturday we went to a barbeque that our daughter hosted for her husband's birthday. Sunday we continued the birthday celebration here as our youngest son had just come home for a week of meetings at his company headquarters nearby.</div>
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A weekend like this could easily cause me to pack on an extra 3 or 4 pounds, but I was determined to stay faithful to my no-sugar plan. Thankfully, two of my book club friends are also trying to avoid sugar. It's always helpful to have allies!</div>
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The night of our sleepover we always go out or order in. We decided to go out and debated over Mexican but decided against that because of dairy allergies. Then we considered Middle Eastern, which I love, but nixed that because of my sesame allergy (in hummus). We finally decided that a steakhouse was the best option, taking into account all our special dietary restrictions. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>At this steakhouse, you cook your own steak on a 750 F piece of lava rock. Delicious with melted, flavored butter.</i></span></td></tr>
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A salad (no dressing, just some balsamic vinegar requested on the side), a steak, and some vegetables fit right into my plan, and was so satisfying. Unfortunately, the Brussels sprouts were served in some kind of heavy sugary dressing. I haven't had sugar in any form since July 9, and one taste told me they were covered in it! Never even thought to ask if there was a sauce on them. So they were left uneaten. We did share a big side of sauteed mushrooms which tasted delicious with the steak.</div>
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I passed on the bread. No one wanted dessert, so another temptation was circumvented.</div>
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For snacks during our movie time, I had popcorn popped in olive oil, some grain-free, sugar-free chips, and some nuts. Tasty enough for even those friends not on a sugar-free diet.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Gifts bags for my dear book club friends -- pampering items, including sheet masks and cooling eye masks.</i></span></td></tr>
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For breakfast, I made two breakfast casseroles, one with coconut cream and no cheese for our dairy-avoider, and the other with cream and cheese. No potatoes or bread in them. </div>
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A friend brought sugar-free bacon. I had the eggs and bacon and a small amount of fruit, which felt like dessert to me. I was able to bypass the scones, homemade bread, muffins, and juice.</div>
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It was a real advantage not to have had fruit for a while. It really felt like a treat, and made it easier to ignore the scones and bakery treats.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lady Carlyle, one of my all-time favorite patterns.</i></span></td></tr>
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At the barbeque that night, I enjoyed a hamburger with tomato slices and some fruit again. No bun, no sugary condiments, no potato salad, no salad (it had dressing mixed in), no chips and dip or baked beans or ice cream. I handled this by staying busy serving and washing up and playing with my grandson. I also made a point of socializing instead of eating. The hamburger was big, and I felt full.</div>
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The next night I made shish kebabs and grilled marinated shrimp. I made a tzatziki sauce with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, and brown rice. I meant to get pita bread to go with but didn't get to the store. I was able to eat everything except for the brown rice. </div>
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For dessert I bought a bakery cake and a very small carton of ice cream. I had a cup of decaf coffee while the rest enjoyed cake and ice cream. Everyone said the cake was good. It was easier to resist than a homemade cake, and I sent the remains of it and the ice cream home with my daughter. We had leftover fruit from the weekend and I had a bowl of that on the table. I had thought I would have that instead of the cake, but discovered I was quite full and satisfied and didn't need it.</div>
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Oh, and for appetizers beforehand, I had olives, baked brie and grain-free, sugar-free crackers, cheddar cheese, and cut up veggies. I was able to eat these.</div>
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I have to admit, after doing so well over the weekend, I felt very tempted on Monday and Tuesday. Like I deserved a special treat after being so good. I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't deprived, and that I had enjoyed good, healthy food.</div>
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We are going to dinner tonight with family, and I told the hostess ahead of time about my sugar-free diet. I told her please not to be offended if I don't eat dessert. And also not to worry about me. I'll be fine with a cup of coffee. </div>
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This is going to be my life. Am I really doing this?</div>
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Sigh.</div>
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One day at a time.</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-88313961603117282262019-08-12T13:16:00.002-04:002019-08-12T13:16:33.815-04:00Slow and steady wins the (weight-loss) race<div style="text-align: center;">
After losing 8 pounds in three weeks, I gained a pound back and it has taken me 10 days to re-lose it.</div>
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It's discouraging after being so faithful to this eating plan. But, of course, on any diet, there is the initial water weight loss. And, I have to remind myself, slow and steady wins the race.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Baked Parmesan cheese with herbs. Dipped in a little sour cream, these are delicious and filling!</span></i></td></tr>
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I'm reminding myself of several things:</div>
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*** I'm older. Weight just isn't going to come off as quickly as it did when I was younger. My metabolism isn't the same as it was. As with many things in life, patience is key.</div>
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*** I have to remember that quick weight loss, especially in -- ahem -- more mature adults, can often lead to sagging skin and more pronounced wrinkles. The more slowly I lose the weight, the less likely (I hope!) I will have to deal with that gaunt, tired look that comes from rapid weight loss. I hope as I exercise and lose slowly, those negative effects will be mitigated.</div>
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*** If I lose 40 pounds quickly, and I'm "done" by November, say, then what? I've barely gotten used to a whole lifestyle change. I run the risk of saying, "Yay! I'm done," and gradually returning to old habits. If I lose a pound a week, which is what many experts recommend, I have more time to settle into this as a way of life. Almost a year. Hopefully, then it has had time to become more of a lifestyle change.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UALep7WUECM/XVGcGy-FljI/AAAAAAAARO0/WQQNrZ9QHIwlUmJZGLxnhYmEux2uGnSAgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5713.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UALep7WUECM/XVGcGy-FljI/AAAAAAAARO0/WQQNrZ9QHIwlUmJZGLxnhYmEux2uGnSAgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5713.png" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Love this sugar-free bacon!</i></span></td></tr>
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*** I need to forget about the weight loss, and just focus on health. The weight will come off, but good health and energy should be the ultimate goal. Losing weight quickly and then returning to old habits is not going to benefit my health. When I eventually reach my weight-loss goal, I am still going to be sugar-free and white flour-free and processed food-free. For life. So what am I rushing for? These eating habits will be continuing long after the weight loss.</div>
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***** </div>
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I am relying on prayer these days and trying to remember to turn to the Lord rather than turning to food when I'm feeling anxious or stressed, or in need of comfort. I'm remembering that He is the Bread of life. That we are to "feed on Him with thanksgiving." This is very different than my previous attempts at weight loss. Yes, I might have prayed for success, but I was really just relying on my own willpower to do this. We can't do these things alone, and I'm grateful I don't have to. </div>
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xo, Deborah</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-24431873054080019452019-08-05T09:14:00.001-04:002019-08-05T09:14:09.446-04:0013 ways to cope with sugar cravings<div style="text-align: center;">
Giving up sugar for life is such a radical step I still can't believe I've made this commitment. I get overwhelmed when I think of going the distance with this. Will I be able to do it? Is this crazy?</div>
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Yet, on the other hand, I feel such a sense of relief, as though a real burden has been set aside. It feels so freeing.</div>
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This whole new way of eating -- for life-- cannot be done by sheer willpower. Sure, I can lose the weight by sheer willpower alone. I've done that before. But maintaining? Really changing? That's going to need something more.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Feast on beauty (#12)</i></span></td></tr>
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Here are some things I've been thinking about that will help me take care of myself over the long-term, so I'm not turning to food for comfort or security, or out of boredom, fatigue, or habit. These are things I'm trying to implement in my daily life to help keep me stronger and more resilient through temptation.</div>
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1. Dress well every day. Put on good foundation garments to tame that jiggle! You will feel pulled together (literally!) and have more respect for yourself than if you slop around in your "fat" clothes. Put on some makeup if that's something you like, or a spritz of perfume. Do your hair. The better you look, the less you will be tempted to indulge in mindless snacking.</div>
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2. Think about what you might be really craving besides sugar. Comfort? Security? Love? Are you sad, bored, lonely, frustrated? Call a friend. Hug a pet. Do something kind for someone. Ask God to show you what you <i>really</i> need, and then do it.</div>
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3. Don't give food more importance than it is due. This is a hard one when you are learning a new way to eat and researching healthy eating ideas and recipes. This can involve a lot of time and energy going into thinking about food. If you are preparing food for a family every day, you <i>have</i> to think about food. Try to prepare as simple a dish as possible that is still satisfying so you're not in the kitchen as much. Give food its necessary due, but then move on.</div>
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4. Consider online grocery shopping. You still will probably need to go to the store for vegetables and fruit, etc., but you can limit your time around all those temptations. Seriously, I think it's a conspiracy to keep us all fat and unhealthy!</div>
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5. Limit meals out. This can be a hard one if you're used to eating out as a special way to enjoy time with a spouse or friend, or when you're too busy to cook. But there are so many temptations! Yes, you can eat healthy out but it requires some discipline. Learn to cook quick, nourishing, fast meals at home and the scale will thank you. Look for other ways to spend a night out. Go to a movie, go to a park, have a game night with friends (with healthy snacks).</div>
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6. Enlist the power of prayer. A friend and I are working through a free online course which helps us to rely on the Lord rather than on food for our ultimate needs. So far it's been really helpful for keeping our eyes focused on the most important things and not on that doughnut down at the local bakery!</div>
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7. Think of other ways you might treat yourself than by having a piece of cake or pie. Put on a sheet (face) mask (they're just a few dollars at the drugstore) and put your feet up for 15 minutes. Give yourself a mani or pedi or go get one done. Go for a massage. Take a luxurious bath. Light a candle and read from a favorite book or devotional.</div>
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8. Drink a large glass of water, maybe with a lemon or lime wedge. Oftentimes, we are really just dehydrated rather than hungry.</div>
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9. Exercise. I just hate that word, I really do. It's been a struggle for me. But, wow, you just have to do it. I'm trying to find ways to make it a little more enjoyable, like watching a YouTube video when I'm on the treadmill or really working up a sweat cleaning my house (that counts!). (Not that cleaning a house is that enjoyable, but the end result is pretty nice.) </div>
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10. Enlist the help of friends. Ask for prayer. Join forces. Encourage each other. </div>
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11. Don't be a people pleaser when it comes to food. Preaching to myself here. In other words, don't feel guilty turning down a friend's homemade cookies or pie. Don't apologize for what you're trying to do. Don't let people guilt you into accepting "just a bite" because it's a "special occasion." You don't want to start down that road! Explain your diet and quietly do your thing. Don't be a nuisance either; bring your own food if you need to, but don't go on and on about your diet or your "special needs." It's boring and annoying to those who just want to enjoy their food. And don't judge others!</div>
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12. Feast on beauty, not food. Surround yourself with beautiful things that bring you joy. Declutter your home and add some flowers. There's so much to be said on this subject. But really look at, soak in, and be grateful for everyday beauty. Try to allow it to speak to you and feed your soul. </div>
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13. Bad-mouth the sugar. I find it helpful now when I see sugar-laden treats to start up an inner rant right away. <i>Look at that stuff. Poison! They're trying to kill us! This equals diabetes and wrinkles and constipation and cancer! Why would I put that in my body, the one and only body I have that works so hard for me? Why would I poison myself that way?</i> Etc. Whatever works for you. Just don't say it out loud. Other people want to enjoy their sugar without feeling judged. (I know, I've been there!)</div>
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*******</div>
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Thanks to you all who have left encouraging comments and who've sent helpful links. I was especially encouraged by a post <a href="https://teainthevalley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Margie</a> sent me by <a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/2019/07/why-and-how-i-quit-sugar/" target="_blank">Gretchen Rubin</a>, author of <i>The Happiness Project</i>, who has been sugar-free for 7 years! I loved her thoughts about "moderators" versus "abstainers," and how she just functions better as an abstainer. I think that's me, too.</div>
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Well, that's all I can think of for now. Anybody have any other ideas? Would love to hear them.</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-74054371406841070212019-07-30T19:16:00.004-04:002019-07-30T19:19:27.863-04:00It's starting to look a lot like Keto<div style="text-align: center;">
I really didn't intend to go Keto. It seemed so complicated. All those fat-to-protein-to-carb ratios. Getting into and maintaining ketosis, whatever that is. And what's with these little breathalyzer-type tests you can do to make sure you're in ketosis? (I still don't know.)</div>
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But, the more I eliminate from my diet, the more I realize that what I am eating looks a lot like Keto. Just need to amp up the fats and scale back more on the carbs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSkPXEwDgiI/XUDPe8l1ZoI/AAAAAAAARGY/l3rarqNJ1NA05SHHR0MOOsXNvRwsgDRugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5689.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSkPXEwDgiI/XUDPe8l1ZoI/AAAAAAAARGY/l3rarqNJ1NA05SHHR0MOOsXNvRwsgDRugCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5689.png" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>So excited my local grocery store has started carrying sugar-free bacon. They had a sale and I stocked up!</i></span></td></tr>
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I've been reading online voraciously. There's a lot of info out there, and I am slowly starting to feel I am finding my way with this. I don't know if I will stick with this particular way of eating forever. Maybe I'll do Paleo or Mediterranean long term. But this seems great for now for weight loss.</div>
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Keto does allow for stevia and sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol. I am not using any of these because I want to be totally sugar-free. Even alternative sugars-free. I think using these would just keep activating my sweet tooth.</div>
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One thing that bothers me about low-carb diets and plans is that there is a lot of emphasis of "Keto-friendly" cheesecakes and ice cream and cakes and breads. I just don't want to go there. To me, it's like a vegetarian who eats tofu hotdogs. Why? If you don't want to eat meat, why try and copy it? </div>
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Similarly, if I am eliminating sugar, why would I "tease" myself with all these substitutes? Push the whole paradigm aside, and create new ways of thinking about what might constitute a dessert. And ask yourself if you even <i>need</i> a dessert. If so, how about --</div>
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<li>A parfait glass filled with raspberries, some homemade (without sweetener) whipped cream, and a pretty mint leaf garnish.</li>
<li>Baked apples with cinnamon, chopped toasted walnuts, and whipped cream.</li>
<li>A plate of artisanal cheeses with grain-free, sugar-free crackers, toasted pecans, and some fruit.</li>
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Right now, I'm not eating fruit, as I mentioned in a previous post. I will definitely add in some lower-sugar berries after I've lost some more weight.</div>
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So what am I eating on a typical day?</div>
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For breakfast I have a cup of coffee with a scoop of MCT powder. MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides. It's extracted from coconut oil and has many health benefits. It's just like putting a little creamer in your coffee, no coconut taste and no "oil slick" on the top of your coffee!</div>
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For lunch I might have a green salad with some hard boiled eggs, toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans), and a dollop or two of avocado mayo or some no-sugar dressing.</div>
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{I have found some good subs for ketchup, steak sauce, salad dressing, and mayo at Thrive Market online. I also get bone broth and many other Keto- and Paleo-friendly items there. There is a fee to join, but then you get good discounts, free shipping (for orders over $49), and fast delivery.}</div>
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For dinner, it's usually meat or seafood cooked in butter, ghee, or coconut oil with some vegetables.</div>
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On the Keto diet, 75% of your calories should come from fat. To be honest, that makes me feel just a little sick thinking about all that fat!!, but I've noticed that I am not hungry. When I went off sugar and white flour a few years ago, I was hungry all the time!</div>
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Do not use vegetable oils at all -- canola, safflower, sunflower, corn, etc. Olive oil is okay. I'm not going to go into all the science here, you'll have to look it up. They are just not good for you.</div>
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I'm still not sure I have all my ratios right. I'm looking at meal plans online and trying to gauge serving sizes from them. But I have lost 8 pounds in just three weeks. And no sugar at all.</div>
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The other night my husband and I went out for dinner. We ordered a bacon cheeseburger without the bun and without the mayo. (I'm thinking I might carry a jar of no-sugar avocado mayo in my purse, haha!) It will definitely be harder to eat out, but this is one option.</div>
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I add in nuts for a snack. Or a bit of cheese. Or a hard boiled egg. I'm already looking into adding some variety and have got some good ideas for pizza (with a cheese crust), roasted jicama fries, riced cauliflower, kale cooked in coconut cream, and more.<br />
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*******</div>
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Thanks to several of you who shared your no-sugar successes. It really heartens me to know that it is really possible for the long term. Have any of you tried Keto or Paleo? Please share your advice/experiences.</div>
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Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-89881843452289526782019-07-26T11:48:00.003-04:002019-07-26T11:51:38.166-04:00Motivation to get off the sugar merry-go-round<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I have not sat down and planned out an organized list of blog posts on this topic of giving up sugar. I am just winging it here, and posting as things come to mind and as I'm working through them. And please remember, do your own research. I'm not an expert at any of this, just a fellow traveler trying to seek a better way.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This grapefruit sparkling water is so good, especially served with a couple of wedges of lime in a pretty pink glass. A friend gifted me a set of four of these glasses and it just elevates the experience! You have to find fun ways to be healthy.</span></i></td></tr>
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I've been thinking a lot about how to make this commitment to a sugar-free life permanent. Worried that I'm setting myself up for failure. Worried that once I lose the weight (6 pounds down, 34 to go!), I will slip into old habits. That I'm being unrealistic in my goals and "should" learn moderation.</div>
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But, no, no, no!! I have to remind myself that moderation never worked with alcohol. I tried moderation for 20 years. Finally giving alcohol up for good lifted a huge burden. It was freeing. Such a good feeling not to be trapped by an addiction.</div>
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I keep drawing the parallels here with sugar. I have been trying also for more than 20 years to get my weight under control. Losing and gaining. Feeling shame and guilt. Beating up on myself. Letting the number on the scale determine whether I was going to feel good about myself that day. Constant internal battles over whether to have that cookie or not.</div>
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Someone once said you will find the courage to change once the pain of remaining the same becomes too great.</div>
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I am really starting to feel that a life without sugar is preferable to my current life.</div>
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Can any of you relate to the following scenario?</div>
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You wake up in the morning, determined to start the new diet. Then you remember that there is some leftover pie in the kitchen. It sure would taste good with a cup of coffee. And it would be wasteful to throw it out, right? Just enjoy it, and then eat healthy the rest of the day. So you have it for breakfast, but by 1030 a.m. you're hungry. You tell yourself that this is the price you have to pay, you were a bad person, now you have to deal with the consequences. At lunch time you have a healthy lunch. You even manage to eat well at dinner. Then your book club comes over. Everyone brings snacks and you yourself have laid out some snacks, maybe even something healthy like vegetables and dip or cheese and crackers. You tell yourself to only have tea, no snacks. Everyone goes home and you're cleaning up at 1030. You had dinner early and now you're hungry. Those snacks sure look inviting. So you start nibbling on them and pretty soon you've had a piece of cake, some pretzels, a couple pieces of candy, and even finished up the cheese ball. You are disgusted with yourself for your lack of self-control. You wake up the next morning, a pound up, and feel shame and guilt. You give yourself a stern lecture, decide there's no more fooling around. Today's the day, no ifs, ands, or buts. You crack the whip and buckle down.</div>
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Until the next time. And then the cycle continues all over, leaving you feeling defeated and shamed and embarrassed and guilty.</div>
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Wow. In black and white it all looks pretty painful. Do I really want to live like this?</div>
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If I acknowledge that, for me, moderation doesn't work, why wouldn't I want to just get off this merry-go-round all together?</div>
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Why would I continue to treat myself so poorly? The lectures, the stern talkings-to, the guilt, the shame, the embarrassment. Why? I wouldn't treat an enemy like this.</div>
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Imagine a world where I can just set all of this aside. Where I can walk away completely. Where I am no longer arguing with myself or debating whether to have that piece of pie or that scone. Where I don't feel I have to have it in order to "celebrate" some occasion. Where I've set down that burden and am walking in the freedom of health and well-being and self-respect?</div>
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Sounds good to me. Sounds better than a few cookies, for sure.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19911900/dangers-of-sugar/" target="_blank">{This article</a> reinforces my thoughts about how addictive sugar is.} </i></div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-70468293517544533562019-07-22T10:33:00.002-04:002019-07-22T10:43:15.101-04:00It's not just sugar . . . <div style="text-align: center;">
In my last post, I shared with you my decision to give up all sugars. For life. Thank you to those who encouraged me to continue to blog about this. It will help me to stay on track and I hope it will help somebody else as well.</div>
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It hasn't taken me long to realize that "giving up sugar" means a whole lot more than just giving up sugar. It also means, for me:</div>
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<li>Giving up "whites" -- white flour, white rice, pasta. Because all these convert rapidly to glucose in the bloodstream. The net result is almost the same as it would be if you consumed sugar itself.</li>
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<li>Dramatically reducing the fruit I eat. I love fruit and eat a lot of it. But it, too, contains sugar. Yes, it is natural sugar combined with fiber and therefore hits the bloodstream more slowly than refined sugars, but it is still sugar. I do not plan to give up fruit for life. But for these first few weeks, I am avoiding it, and will then eat it with intention. I will especially avoid mindlessly consuming lots of high-sugar grapes, for example, and stick to antioxidant-rich berries. Dried fruit is definitely out, as it is super high in sugar.</li>
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<li>Giving up my sleep medication. This is HUGE for me as I have had a sleep problem for close to 20 years. But my doctor thinks it may be hindering my weight loss. And, to be honest, it doesn't always work that great anyway. Without it, I'm up until 5 a.m. maybe four nights a week. But even with it, I experience at least one night like that a week and regularly need an hour or two to fall asleep every night. There has to be a better way! (I am trying to use a cognitive behavior therapy program to help with sleep habits, but that is another post.)</li>
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<li>Which brings me to exercise. That helps with everything! I just read that smokers who exercise have better health than nonsmokers who don't! I have no idea if that's true, but I've also heard that sitting is the new smoking. If there is a cure-all for everything, it's exercise. And I don't do nearly enough. I know it will help with my sugar cravings and my sleep and a host of other issues.</li>
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<li>Reducing caffeine. Mostly to help with sleep. I'm trying to have just one cup in the morning and no decaf at night, because there's a little caffeine even in decaf. Herbal teas are not my favorite, but I am going to try and make friends with them. </li>
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<li>Giving up vegetable oils. These are just not good for you. Canola oils, sunflower and safflower oils, corn oils -- they're in many processed foods, but also in many "healthy" foods, too. I know I need good fats in my diet, like grass-fed butter, coconut oil, ghee, and olive oil. These fats are helping with the cravings and helping with satiety, so I don't feel so hungry.</li>
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I'm not sure that what I've set up for myself here is the wisest thing to do all at once. Some nutritionists urge going slow in implementing such radical dietary changes. But I seem to be an all-or-nothing type of person. Moderation doesn't work. Cold turkey, just like I did with alcohol, is best for me. And once I set my mind to something, I want to do it! </div>
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I have given away <i>boxes</i> of food. And really, my cupboard maybe only had one box of cookies, and my freezer a couple pie crusts and a cake. The rest was pasta and flour and molasses and canned goods with sugar in them, and condiments (steak sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, pickles, salad dressings). I found beef broth that had sugar in it, as well as cans of spicy black beans with added sugar (who knew?!). I found sugar sprinkles, cake decorating bags, confectioner's sugar, hot chocolate. Every day I thought I was done and then I'd run into more items that contained either sugars or white flours or vegetable oils.</div>
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People, it is <i>everywhere</i>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9xlPNgv-kY/XTXHEqVtitI/AAAAAAAARFQ/V-k3Q95SMIUmp0O9PRAj993d2aviw7mnACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5681.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9xlPNgv-kY/XTXHEqVtitI/AAAAAAAARFQ/V-k3Q95SMIUmp0O9PRAj993d2aviw7mnACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5681.png" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I wish I had a "before" picture of my pantry. There were no empty spots on the shelves. </i></span></td></tr>
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I am slowly sourcing foods to replace these items. My husband, who has agreed to do this with me -- yay! so thankful for that -- likes his steak sauce and ketchup, so I have found no sugar-added versions (not made with artificial sweeteners, a big no-no for me).</div>
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To keep me motivated, I made a quick list on my phone of the detrimental effects of sugar. I have been reading this list every day.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Constipation -- colon cancer (I have had (benign) polyps on two colonoscopies, so this is a real motivation)</li>
<li>Saggy skin and age spots (sugar breaks down collagen)</li>
<li>Belly fat</li>
<li>Insomnia (sugar can speed up my heart rate and "juice" me up)</li>
<li>Cancer</li>
<li>High cholesterol (studies have shown that it's sugar and vegetable oils that cause high cholesterol, not saturated fats)</li>
<li>Achy joints</li>
<li>Diabetes</li>
<li>Heart disease</li>
<li>Obesity</li>
<li>Depression (already prone to this, so don't need to add any more contributing factors)</li>
<li>Anxiety</li>
<li>Fatigue and lethargy (all those blood sugar spikes and crashes)</li>
<li>Cellulite (wouldn't it be nice to get rid of this?!)</li>
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And to motivate me further, I wrote this:</div>
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<i>Do I want to be an obese old woman with sagging, wrinkled skin and age spots, constipated and unable to move around and participate in life, diabetic and cranky and depressed? Suffering from insomnia? Prone to deadly disease and an early demise?</i></div>
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Yes, I have to make it dramatic and awful-sounding. Although it's probably not far from the truth. </div>
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I want to be able to play with my grandchildren. I want to be able to travel. I want to be able to live as a healthy old woman, and do the work God has for me. You have to find your own motivation if you want to implement such a radical lifestyle change.</div>
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One of the most important things I am doing here is praying. I know that I can't do this on my own. Willpower alone isn't enough. I'm also praying to try and discover reasons for my sugar addiction and overeating. I'm looking for ways to take care of myself rather than numbing with sugar. Just being mindful is a big step. </div>
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Next time, I'll give you an idea of what I'm eating these days, and share some of the sources of good, healthy, sugar-free foods I've found. And some of the websites and books that have helped.</div>
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<i>Please note: I'm not a nutritionist
and I'm not following any particular advised protocol here. I'm just
doing my research and learning from my own experience. Please don't take
any of this as medical advice. Do your own research!</i></div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-53759260714975969812019-07-17T17:57:00.001-04:002019-07-17T18:00:04.375-04:00Giving up sugar<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a week in. Eight days actually. And I can't believe I'm really doing this.</div>
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Giving up sugar. Not just white sugar. All forms, including brown, powdered, coconut, and date sugar. Maple syrup and sucanat and molasses and honey. All the glucose, fructose, dextrose, corn syrup. All the artificial sugars, including Nutrasweet and Splenda. Even Swerve and </div>
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xylitol and erythritol, which aren't supposed to spike blood sugar levels. </div>
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Why would I do something so drastic? And why am I planning on making this a permanent -- gulp! -- change?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR-fzXZqHMw/XS-W0v7dnVI/AAAAAAAARCE/lkBXvq0-1mkBf4bJ_xdQ9Py8eyrjSZTOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5652.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR-fzXZqHMw/XS-W0v7dnVI/AAAAAAAARCE/lkBXvq0-1mkBf4bJ_xdQ9Py8eyrjSZTOwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5652.png" width="482" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I've always loved to bake. I will need to find other ways to be creative in the kitchen.</span></i></td></tr>
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A number of reasons, really. It started off because I am so tired of carrying around this extra weight. But the more I read and learn (and most of this is just relearning what I already know), the more reasons I come up with.</div>
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The biggest reason is that I'm finally admitting that sugar is a real addiction for me. I have a problem with alcohol. For 20 years I told myself I could practice moderation. I never drank when I was pregnant. I could go weeks without a drink. No big deal, right? But once I had one glass of wine, I had to have another. And another. I finally had to go cold turkey, 11 years ago. It was an addiction.</div>
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And I've been telling myself for 20 years now that I can have sugar in moderation. I've lost weight (I blogged a few years ago about how I lost 30 pounds), and then as soon as I allow a little sugar back in, it just escalates, and the weight piles back on.</div>
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I never thought it was realistic to cut sugar out completely from my diet. Why couldn't I just practice moderation? What was wrong with me? And what about Christmas and Valentine's Day and all the other holidays? Birthday parties? Why couldn't I be like my husband or my thin friends and just practice self control?</div>
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I've come to the conclusion that sugar is like alcohol for me. It's an addiction. There's nothing "wrong" with me because I can't enjoy it in moderation. </div>
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Studies have shown that sugar reacts in the same way as cocaine does in rats' brains. It is a drug. And for those of us sensitive to it, just like a drug addict, we keep needing bigger and bigger hits of it. And yes, I'm here to admit that I've binged on jelly beans and other sugar-laden junk more times than I care to remember.</div>
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So this is a huge lifestyle change. I'm excited. I'm nervous. I'm wondering if I have the willpower to do this. (No, I don't. I need help.)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GiqXvzj8TA/XS-XKjgO-vI/AAAAAAAARCQ/3Rs2Z9ZNhJUrT54-P3-y4rK4kYKrc4dxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5680.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GiqXvzj8TA/XS-XKjgO-vI/AAAAAAAARCQ/3Rs2Z9ZNhJUrT54-P3-y4rK4kYKrc4dxgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5680.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>My new best friends.</i></span></td></tr>
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I'm thinking of doing some regular blog posts about my journey. Like how I had to remove literally boxes of stuff out of my kitchen. Like how sugar is in <i>everything</i>. Like how to eat out. How to manage holidays. What to eat to manage cravings. The whole psychology of cravings. </div>
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Would you be interested in hearing about this journey and riding along with me? I'm thinking I might post a couple times a week about it. Let me know if you'd be interested or if you have considered this for yourself.</div>
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And if you are the praying kind, I would definitely appreciate prayers! xoxo</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-24220394998202024682019-06-21T10:31:00.003-04:002019-06-21T10:39:32.023-04:00Catching up<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a long time, friends. I've missed you.</div>
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I celebrated a birthday this week.</div>
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My daughter and I went to The Cheesecake Factory for my birthday lunch. We had the baby with us so didn't stay for cheesecake because he was getting restless. But the waitress ran this little treat over to our table before we left. (Later, with baby snug and sleeping in his stroller, we got cupcakes!)</div>
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Got some new makeup to play with. Too Faced Natural Face palette, a MAC Ignite Wonder Face Palette (gorgeous packaging!), and a Tarte Tartlette in Bloom eyeshadow palette.</div>
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Got
a perfume sampler from Tocca, with three fragrances, including
Florence, Stella, and Cleopatra. I'm glad I didn't spring for a whole
bottle because the quiz online suggested that I would like Florence
best. It's a little too floral for me. My favorite of the three is the
Cleopatra.<br />
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I also found two travel-sized bottles of Jo Malone fragrances at
Sephora, Peony and Blush Suede and Wood Sage and Sea Salt. They can be worn
separately or together. The Peony and Blush Suede is a little on the
sweet side for me, and the Wood Sage and Sea Salt seems to be missing
something. Not enough oompf. Together, though, they make a lovely combination.</div>
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My favorite, all-time perfume, however, still is Angel by Thierry Mugler.</div>
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Our youngest son was in town for a few days. Good excuse to make some treats.</div>
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Last Sunday, our grandson was dedicated at church. He's already six months old. We had a celebratory dinner afterwards at his other grandparents' home. I made rolls. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxMXnlkOKbo/XQzddGiz5-I/AAAAAAAAQ0Q/0oQbrl8NXPMjs6cn8Jg6T9NZfOX_tg1KwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Untitled-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxMXnlkOKbo/XQzddGiz5-I/AAAAAAAAQ0Q/0oQbrl8NXPMjs6cn8Jg6T9NZfOX_tg1KwCEwYBhgL/s640/Untitled-8.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm still figuring out whether I want to post pics of him online. He is so adorable I'd love to share some. His dad posts pics of him on FB and IG, but I feel protective of him on social media. Anyone else feel this way about their children or grandchildren?</div>
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Some extra blueberry muffins from a batch I made for my niece. She just had twin girls! So exciting.</div>
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We got back last week from an over 3,300-mile road trip out to Denver via South Dakota and the Badlands, and back home through Des Moines where our youngest lives. I was surprised how much I loved the wide, rolling prairies of South Dakota. So clean and open and uncluttered.</div>
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Really made me think about how I've been making space in my own life, both physically through decluttering, and mentally and emotionally (also decluttering). I'll share my thoughts on that soon. </div>
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<i>(Apologies for the photo quality here. PicMonkey, the photo editing service I use, has completely
changed in the three months since I've used it, and I'm going to have to
take some time to figure it all out.)
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Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-67723634610632969242019-03-26T12:26:00.003-04:002019-03-26T12:26:50.760-04:00Getting ready for overnight guests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My mom and sister came in recently from Colorado for a short visit to see my new grand baby. They were only here for three nights, so I wanted to be able to spend as much time with them as possible. Not time in the kitchen preparing food.</div>
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Two of our children live out of state, and whenever they come in for a visit, it's the same thing. I want to plan ahead so that I can spend every possible moment with them, talking or playing board games, going to a movie or walking around our little downtown. Not having to run to the grocery store or cook.</div>
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Even when I have guests just for dinner, I try and prepare as much as I can ahead of time. Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen when you can visit?</div>
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So I try to get as organized as possible ahead of time, planning out all the meals, and buying all the ingredients needed. I also make sure to have ingredients available for guests to make their own sandwiches or snacks, and buy anything extra I know they'll like (diet Dr. Pepper for a dear friend, almond milk for my DIL).</div>
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I select recipes that can be cooked up ahead of time. If there will be family staying over for longer than a couple days, like at Christmas, I'll plan out all the meals and freeze them -- breakfast casseroles and muffins, stews and lasagne, bread and cookies. It's easy to pull out and add a salad or fruit.</div>
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So for this most recent visit I just had two dinners to plan and a brunch. My mom and sister were coming in very late on a Thursday evening, so Thursday I did my cooking and baking. </div>
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I made a beef stew for Friday night. I always make stew the day before we eat it anyway, because it always tastes better the next day. We were babysitting that night, so it was easy to carry the pot of stew over to my daughter's house. I brought along bakery rolls and some fruit and dessert.</div>
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Then I made this one pot Middle Eastern chicken dish for Saturday night.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPNxfPZKvHc/XJpBi0sSVjI/AAAAAAAANTo/MQNcSbVt71ArZne3Ye9CLQHbqxzjBdfKgCLcBGAs/s1600/middle%2Beastern%2Bchicken%2Bpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPNxfPZKvHc/XJpBi0sSVjI/AAAAAAAANTo/MQNcSbVt71ArZne3Ye9CLQHbqxzjBdfKgCLcBGAs/s640/middle%2Beastern%2Bchicken%2Bpot.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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This also tastes better made ahead because there's time for all the flavors to meld. I love this dish. It's got olives and apricots and cinnamon and all kinds of yumminess in it. I normally serve it over couscous, but because we have some gluten-free family members, I made rice.</div>
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I added an easy green salad and some naan bread quickly warmed in the oven.</div>
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It was our daughter's birthday that night so I made a cake that I also was able to partly do ahead of time.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sFJ7sr7D6Q/XJpCQ__984I/AAAAAAAANTw/StTE_FDyhIk6rTQRlmwsCxAXXpNs1iMQQCLcBGAs/s1600/jessica%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sFJ7sr7D6Q/XJpCQ__984I/AAAAAAAANTw/StTE_FDyhIk6rTQRlmwsCxAXXpNs1iMQQCLcBGAs/s640/jessica%2Bcake.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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I baked up a doctored devil's food cake (adding sour cream and mini chocolate chips). I wrapped the two layers up on Thursday. Then on Saturday I just needed to make the ganache (heat up heavy whipping cream and add with butter to chocolate chips) to spread over two layers. The other two layers (I split the cake into four layers) I spread with seedless raspberry jam. The recipe called for a homemade raspberry filling, but again, I wanted to make it as easy as possible.</div>
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This cake was so delicious! It's definitely going to be making future appearances around here.</div>
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The weekend before my mom and sister came we also had overnight guests. I had made a big recipe of breakfast casserole ahead of time, divided it into two dishes, and froze them. I pulled one out for that weekend, adding fruit and muffins. The second one I was able to pull out when my mom and sister were here.</div>
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Another thing that's nice to have set up is a coffee station. I've changed this a bit now as spring is here, and we're not really drinking hot chocolate anymore. But here I have hot chocolate mix and peppermint flavored mini-marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and flavored syrup for coffee. The Keurig and electric kettle are just to the right of this tray, the coffee and tea cups in the cupboard above, and tea bags in the drawer beneath.</div>
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This makes it easy for guests to help themselves.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSan1ykjg54/XJpEf27mEaI/AAAAAAAANUI/liyCg1oy9FYe8fUxWBqNwY9DyKcdQbVkQCLcBGAs/s1600/coffee%2Bstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSan1ykjg54/XJpEf27mEaI/AAAAAAAANUI/liyCg1oy9FYe8fUxWBqNwY9DyKcdQbVkQCLcBGAs/s640/coffee%2Bstation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although I like to make as much as I can from scratch, there's no shame in buying prepared foods!</div>
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Book club was last night, and I didn't have time to make anything or go to the store. I remembered I had this triple ginger cake from Trader Joe's in my freezer. I popped it on a pink Target cake plate. It was delicious.</div>
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I also had some eggs so I made up a quick plate of deviled eggs. My friends usually bring treats as well, so I was all set.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6S3Fn1HB1Pg/XJpC9_VM74I/AAAAAAAANT8/DlOOq39q3cU0aWk8PLjdTv51N_B4JC2wwCLcBGAs/s1600/trader%2Boe%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1434" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6S3Fn1HB1Pg/XJpC9_VM74I/AAAAAAAANT8/DlOOq39q3cU0aWk8PLjdTv51N_B4JC2wwCLcBGAs/s640/trader%2Boe%2Bcake.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
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The less fun part of getting ready for guests is cleaning the house!</div>
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Since The Massive Decluttering of 2018, it has gotten easier to clean my house. But it still needs to be done. I try and keep on top of it so it's not such a huge job when people come over. I also have someone come in once a month for a few hours to help out.</div>
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Clean sheets on the beds, and clean towels and soap in the bathrooms. And we're ready.</div>
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I am not Super Woman. Far from it. I know my limits, and know that I can't run around like a crazy woman. Planning is key. And with so many in our family out of state, times together are few and precious. A little planning ahead of time helps guarantee I can relax and enjoy their visit.</div>
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How about you? How do you get ready for guests?</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-8916598866565577822019-02-22T12:07:00.000-05:002019-02-22T12:07:04.879-05:00Dermaplaning and dermarolling at home<div style="text-align: center;">
I stumble across all kinds of things watching YouTube videos. There's some great info out there. I've figured out knitting stitches, how to take apart a vacuum cleaner, and more. I've also bought more beauty products than I can count . . . so tempting!</div>
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Over the past few months, I've tried out three different facial tools that I've seen on various YouTube channels. They range from inexpensive to pricey, from easy to use to downright scary!</div>
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Here's my thoughts on each of them.</div>
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The first is the Tinkle razor for removing peach fuzz on your face. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkGVWMO0xUU/XHAZmpNT5ZI/AAAAAAAANR0/iJ_AXMgavoU4bZFEMlai_qG8Z2l-7QaBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/81z0RL3LMqL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkGVWMO0xUU/XHAZmpNT5ZI/AAAAAAAANR0/iJ_AXMgavoU4bZFEMlai_qG8Z2l-7QaBwCEwYBhgL/s400/81z0RL3LMqL._SL1500_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I would have walked around in ignorant bliss, peach fuzz in all its glory, if I hadn't seen a few videos where shaving was part of the overall skin care regime. Who knew? But after hearing about amazing results, with moisturizers and foundations gliding on so much more easily after the peach fuzz had been whisked away, I decided to give it a go.</div>
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I guess it's a thing. These razors and others have been around for several years, popularized by recent interest in Korean and Japanese beauty care. Apparently, Japanese women have always shaved their faces.</div>
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Even Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor did.</div>
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Besides removing hair, shaving can work as an at-home version of dermaplaning, a procedure you can get done in a dermatologist's office that promises to not only remove all facial hair, but exfoliate in the process.</div>
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But the at-home version will save tons of money and basically do the same thing.</div>
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After being reassured that I would not end up with stubble or five o'clock shadow !!!, I bought some little disposable razors called Tinkle from Amazon. I got 12 for $6.95 with free shipping with my Prime account. One razor is good for several shaves, and most YouTubers I watched didn't shave more than once a week, usually less.</div>
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Look what I shaved off!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M25fs4hDzb8/XHAawSawgHI/AAAAAAAANSE/qFAdtSgBY6Uy7ehwM78Z6jdAeb-98HlhQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5374-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1544" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M25fs4hDzb8/XHAawSawgHI/AAAAAAAANSE/qFAdtSgBY6Uy7ehwM78Z6jdAeb-98HlhQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5374-2.jpg" width="616" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">And yes, there's a lot of exfoliated dead skin there, too! </span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5hmfPnwGdU/XHAci6I0vAI/AAAAAAAANSQ/dJMtp0JYY5kdxbd46trlIWWgLawJsbN3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5373-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5hmfPnwGdU/XHAci6I0vAI/AAAAAAAANSQ/dJMtp0JYY5kdxbd46trlIWWgLawJsbN3wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5373-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some people, including Kate Somerville, who owns an eponymous line of skincare, use a regular old men's razor. She's been shaving for 20 years!</div>
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By the way, if you use a little scraper, like the Tinkle (and there are many other brands out there), you can use it dry. No shaving cream or oil. But if you use a regular razor, you will need to use shaving cream.</div>
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I put this Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse dry oil on after I shaved. It is so soothing, and it has a lovely scent.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-UTO4Qjvts/XHAeuMHswwI/AAAAAAAANSs/wOdk2OwT3lgYb5YXwdC-SlyPcGPxpu34QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5391-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-UTO4Qjvts/XHAeuMHswwI/AAAAAAAANSs/wOdk2OwT3lgYb5YXwdC-SlyPcGPxpu34QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5391-2.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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My face feels baby soft and smooth. But, caution: these razors are sharp!! Go slowly. And watch some instructional videos first.</div>
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(And please, no shaming of anyone who chooses to keep peach fuzz. I loved it on my grandma. She always looked so soft and lovely. Do what you want!)</div>
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The second product I tried is a rose quartz roller. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZJMzY_2pQw/XHAS3rbuJyI/AAAAAAAANRk/aHGbhzdTfAgXgTc4AUTLC4SwpVgTnHDbQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5388-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZJMzY_2pQw/XHAS3rbuJyI/AAAAAAAANRk/aHGbhzdTfAgXgTc4AUTLC4SwpVgTnHDbQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5388-2.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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These are meant to seal in serums after application. They are also meant to contour and de-puff, as well as promote lymphatic drainage. The Brazilian rose quartz is also supposed to transmit "loving and healing energies." I'll take that last bit with a grain of salt, but this roller does feel very nice and cooling on the face.</div>
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I like the smaller side, too, for rolling gently around the eye area.</div>
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I've seen these rollers in jade as well, and they are available at various price points. I got this one <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/contouring-de-puffing-rose-quartz-roller-P438628?icid2=products%20grid:p438628:product" target="_blank">here</a> from Sephora.</div>
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The last item I tried is a facial microneedling tool. This was the most expensive and definitely the scariest to try. I tried the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Bioscience-BeautyBio-GloPRO-Microneedling/dp/B07CCZH87X/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1550847014&sr=1-5&keywords=glopro+microneedling+regeneration+tool" target="_blank">BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Tool</a> from Amazon.</div>
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The tool is a handheld roller covered with tiny (0.3 mm) needles.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfs2batNkbc/XHAdhT6oEcI/AAAAAAAANSY/aA2cuyPy8NAxUlbct1FDk6N6mZB-WnCbACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5390-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfs2batNkbc/XHAdhT6oEcI/AAAAAAAANSY/aA2cuyPy8NAxUlbct1FDk6N6mZB-WnCbACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5390-2.jpg" width="614" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I tried to get a closeup so you could see the actual needles.</i></span></td></tr>
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You roll it over your face gently back and forth, up and down, and diagonally, to create tiny cuts in the skin. As the skin heals, it is supposed to build up collagen, a key ingredient in keeping skin youthful. It will also cause your skin to better absorb moisturizing serums and creams.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISEhTeNYw4g/XHAd9NCtr7I/AAAAAAAANSg/GqPkce7gXrQVsVSQlNoiM7o64kLMVbe9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5389-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1207" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ISEhTeNYw4g/XHAd9NCtr7I/AAAAAAAANSg/GqPkce7gXrQVsVSQlNoiM7o64kLMVbe9ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5389-2.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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Microneedling treatments in a dermatologist's office are quite expensive. I asked my dermatologist about these tools. She said they really don't penetrate deep enough into the skin to enable collagen to build up. (Hmm . . . is this because she doesn't want to lose business? Or because it's really true? Thoughts?) And she cautioned that you must be sure to clean the tool with alcohol after each use. But she did acknowledge that it would help your skin to better absorb skin care products.</div>
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In practice, this tool was much easier and less scary to use than I imagined. The needles are very small, and I definitely did not feel like I was cutting or injuring my skin. It didn't hurt at all.</div>
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Because I've been trying to up my skin care game, and because facials and dermatology treatments are expensive, I felt these tools were worth a try. Not sure that they are game-changing, but I would definitely recommend any of them.</div>
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What about you? Have you tried any of these products?</div>
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*******</div>
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I got a large, positive response on my last post on abortion. Only one negative comment, which I didn't post because of the vulgarity it contained. I don't mind printing opposing viewpoints, but I will not put ugly language on my blog. Because civility is important. </div>
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xo</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-16448278825839511382019-02-08T18:20:00.001-05:002019-02-08T20:41:48.463-05:00Third-term abortions a travesty<div style="text-align: center;">
In the five-plus years I have been blogging, I don't think I've ever written a controversial post. But I feel I need to respond to the recent state of New York legislation on abortion. That, together with recent comments by the governor of Virginia, have compelled me to say something about the wretched lack of regard for life here in our country.</div>
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Originally, I was only going to simply respond to some pro-choice Facebook posts, but I've never liked getting into online arguments, and they never seem to go very well anyway . . . So here are my thoughts.</div>
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Although I believe that life begins at conception and that all abortion is the taking of a life, I am completely horrified by the expansion of abortion through the full term of pregnancy and the idea of taking the life of a baby who can survive outside the womb, as is now law in the state of New York.</div>
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This legislation allows abortion up to the baby's due date if necessary "to protect the mother's life or health." The now-tabled state of Virginia bill allowed abortion if the mother's physical or mental health would be "impaired." </div>
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There is no medical reason to abort a baby to save the life of a mother in the third trimester. None. Early delivery may be indicated in order to save a mother's life, such as in the case of a mother with preeclampsia, but delivering early can save both the mother and the baby's life. </div>
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And if a mother's mental health might be "impaired?" We certainly can provide the psychological care needed to help her through a month or two until the baby is born, and after. Adoption is a life-giving option. There are so, so many couples unable to have children who are longing to adopt.</div>
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I'm sorry, ladies. It is not your body. Fair or unfair, the moment you became pregnant, it was your body and another person's body. Google "sovereign zone argument" and "right to refuse" argument for interesting and compelling arguments supporting the pro-life position in this regard. </div>
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And, in what could be another whole post, I believe, at its core, that abortion is anti-woman, a violation of the essential nature of us as life-bearers.</div>
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In addition, almost all third-trimester babies can survive outside the womb. The age of "viability" is recognized as 24 weeks. A baby born at the start of the third trimester, that is, at 27 weeks, has a 90% survival rate, and those born at 32 weeks and beyond have a 95% and greater chance of survival.</div>
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*** My own sweet grand baby was recently born at 34 1/2 weeks. He is healthy and well. ***</div>
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You have two premature babies in the hospital. One is getting life-saving treatment in the NICU. He will go home soon. The other, down the hall, has just been aborted. The difference? One was wanted and the other one wasn't. Is this our criteria for life?!</div>
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I have heard pro-choice people say that we pro-life people are only pro-baby and not pro-children. In other words, we only care about outlawing abortions; we don't care anything about the lives of those babies after they are born. We don't care if they are born into poverty and we don't support, for example, social service programs that help poor women and children.</div>
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There are two problems with this argument, as I see it.</div>
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First of all, even if this were true, and it is unequivocally <b>not</b>, it has nothing to do with whether the murder of babies is right or wrong. And I'm sorry, we pro-life people are generally polite, and don't use the word "murder," but hey, it is what it is.</div>
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Do we say, let's get rid of our veterans because we don't have the social services and support network to take care of them? Do we get rid of our elderly because they don't have the health care and quality of life that they should have? Is there any other population group that we agree to dispose of because their lives are difficult, or because we sometimes as a society allow them to fall through the cracks?</div>
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Whether or not a person has or is going to have a good quality of life has nothing to do with whether or not they deserve to have life. God help us if this is our standard. I think the early eugenics programs attempted something like this. Iceland now boasts it has no Down Syndrome in its country at all (because those babies have all been aborted); ask a family with a Down Syndrome child if his or her life is not valuable.</div>
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Of course, we must always do what we can to help the most vulnerable in our society. Children, low-income families, the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans who have fought our wars and need medical and psychological help . . . we need to provide safety nets. But no human alive is guaranteed a life without struggle. Accidents, disabilities, loss of jobs, deaths of loved ones, aging . . . it happens to all of us at some point. We don't have the right to take away life because it might be hard.</div>
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Secondly, pro-life people <b>do</b> care about babies and children. I have pro-life friends who have adopted, who foster children, who work at social service agencies to help the poor and marginalized. Pro-life friends who tutor inner-city children after school, run programs for disadvantaged rural youth, conduct job training and parenting classes for women who have chosen to keep their babies. The list goes on.</div>
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I said this would be a controversial post. But really, why it should be controversial is beyond me. It's appalling to think that any sane person would agree that it should be legal to take life, and especially in the third trimester.</div>
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I have always prayed that one day -- soon -- we will look back on the era of Roe v. Wade with the more than 60 million aborted babies in its wake, and cry out in anguish and in repentance for what we have done. It has been a holocaust.</div>
Deborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.com37