The Dirty Dozen

One of my least favorite things to do is go grocery shopping.

I seem to always overspend, only to get home and realize I completely forgot something that our family needs right away like bread, milk, or even toilet paper.

Personally, I find the big box stores overwhelming. They have just too many choices and it takes forever to get through the entire store.  "Rice on Isle 198!"

I typically end up at two different neighborhood grocery stores on the same day. One store has great meat, fish, and chicken selections. The other has boxed food (cereal, cookies, pasta, brownie mix) at a much cheaper price.

As a busy mom, I don't take the time to really educate myself in the culinary arts but I do want to purchase and prepare food that tastes good and is healthy for my family.

Lately, I've been seeing words like lactose free, gluten free, range free, hormone injected, and genetically modified. The scary part is that I'm finding these words on food labels in my local grocery stores. And, they're listed right next to words I can understand like sugar, flour, and salt.   


Last week, I was sharing this new found information with my friend, Joanie. She's a mom that knows all about the important things to feed her family. In fact, I'm pretty sure Joanie's name is on the Moms Nutritional Hall of Fame list. She only buys organic fruits and veggies, free range chickens and said something about sharing a cow with a neighbor.

We were only three minutes into the conversation and Joanie could tell by the look on my face, that I was slowly slipping into an overloaded information coma. That's when she asked, "Have you heard of The Dirty Dozen?"

The Dirty Dozen...isn't that an old movie? 

Joanie laughed and suggested that I start simply by reading The Dirty Dozen, which is a list of 12 fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticide residue. This list is put out annually by the Environmental Working Group which estimates that individuals can reduce their exposure by 80% if they switch to organic when simply buying these 12 foods. 

This seemed so doable to me so I printed out the list and now take it with me to the grocery store. I thought you might like a copy of it too.

The Dirty Dozen 

If you want to know more, check out this article by Dan Shapely at www.thedailygreen.com

Here's a video for those of you who would rather watch instead of read. VIDEO

Question: Do you think buying organic food is a healthy choice or just hype? Where do you like to shop for organic food? Do you have any healthy food tips you'd like to share on my blog today?

Christmas Cards of Prayer

Today, I'm guest posting for my dear friend, Glynnis Whitwer who is celebrating A Sweet and Simple Christmas on her blog.  Glynnis has been sharing with her readers different ideas on how to make this time of the year very special and memorable without it becoming overwhelming for you and your family.  

If you're stopping by from Glynnis' blog today, welcome! I'm so glad to meet you and would love to introduce you to my family.

 As you can see, I live in a house full of males, so Christmas can sometimes be extra tricky for me. My guys are not into baking cookies, long leisurely trips to the mall, or sipping lattes while getting Christmas pedicures. But, they love celebrating Christmas and always want to keep this mamma happy.  After all, when mamma's not happy - nobody's happy. Or, so is the saying in our house.

We do enjoy going to Christmas concerts and celebrating the holidays with friends. A nighttime ride through neighborhoods while looking at Christmas lights and a quick shopping trip for presents works too.  There is always Christmas music and candles lit at our home during this time of year. The sweet aroma of cinnamon, french vanillla, and spruce pine greet our guests each time we open the front door.

Something extra special that we love as a family is getting Christmas cards in the mail. I've shared the reason why how we make this a very special time for our family on Glynnis' blog. So, hop on over to her sight and find out more.

 While you're there, be sure to sign up for my giveaway or leave a comment here. Since 2013 is right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to give away a Proverbs 31 Devotional book called God's Purpose for Every Woman. It's one of my favorite devotional books of all time!

  I'm getting ready to launch my new website so if you'd like to receive my updates, be sure to sign up under the subscribe section above my picture at the top of this page.

Merry Christmas from our family to your! May you experience God's love, grace, provision, and presence this holiday season and draw closer as a family as you seek to serve Him.

Blessings,

Missing Someone This Christmas?

Is there someone special in your life that won't be with you this Christmas season? Maybe a spouse that's in the military...miles away from home. Or, a relative that lives half way across the country and can't come for a visit this year?

How about a loved one who's passed away? Someone that you long to hug and say "I love you". But, only memories are left to hold. Those kind of memories that bring tears to your eyes and a knot in your throat, every time you think them.

Last year my mother passed away right before the holiday season. It was so incredibly difficult to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas without her.

Something was missing.

She was missing.

It just wasn't the same.

This year is no different. Although time has passed, my heart still hurts, when I think of my amazing mom. She always made the holidays so special for our entire family. I can picture her warm smile and happy eyes. And, if I'm really still and quiet for a moment, I can even remember the gentle tone in her voice. She loved singing Christmas carols.

Who are you missing this Christmas season?

Can you picture that person's warm smile and happy eyes? If you're quiet enough, can you remember the gentle tone in his or her voice?

How can we still find it in our hearts to celebrate the season, even when that special someone isn't going to be with us? 

I'm choosing to remember the special moments from past years. To hold onto what was priceless before and embrace what is still  precious now. Those memories that occupy my mother's presence.

The fragrance of her perfume.

The softness of her skin.

The gentleness of her tender love towards her children and grandchildren.

I will celebrate the season and honor her in the midst of  it. I will not forget or try to busy my way past the memories. I will pause. I will reflect. I will cherish.

And, I will know in my heart, that one day. Yes, one very special day. I will see my mother again.

Glory be!

Question: Who are you missing this Christmas Season and why is this person so special to you?