Happy For The New Year!!

Wow; time sure does fly. It has been a few months since I posted any blogs. Life happens and sometimes gets away from me. Here is my tip for the new year and a way for us to try and be happier and grateful for what we DO have in our lives.

Happy New Year!

Say thanks

Gratitude is associated with greater happiness, so jot down something you're thankful for every day. Stressed?  I am thinking you wouldn't be stressed if it didn't matter to you.  Which means you can even choose to be grateful for those stress-inducers. Say you are caring for an aging parent: It's hard… but it's also a chance to strengthen your relationship. Go on a hunt for your silver lining! 
It is not about weather you will mess up or something will go wrong; it is inevitable. We all have this happen in our lives. It is a matter of how you pick yourself back up and move forward that is the important thing.  Being thankful is they key.

Here is a great article from CBS on the subject.  

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-health-benefits-of-being-thankful/

Warm regards and love,
Erin

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

'Tis the season for pumpkin spice!!

I made this recipe at home last weekend and it was delicious. I would highly recommend.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup hot brewed espresso or strong coffee ( I used a 1/4 cup )
• Whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice and ground nutmeg, optional for topping

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until steaming. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and pie spice. Transfer to a blender; cover and process for 15 seconds or until foamy. ( all I did was wisk mine and it turned out just fine. )
2. Pour into two mugs; add espresso. Garnish with whipped cream and spices if desired.Yield: 2 servings.

( note: you can also microwave the milk mixture in a microwave safe bowl covered with plastic wrap with a vent hole in the top for about 1 to 2 minutes until hot. )

Warm regards and love,
Erin

All Natural Cleaning Products:

Spring is not the only time for some household cleaning tips and tricks.

Dusting Spray.

All the ingredients serve a purpose, and are non-toxic:

• Vinegar: Great all purpose cleaner
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent dust for settling
• Lemongrass Essential Oil*: Anti-bacterial, repels insects, smells awesome

*Other great oil options include: lemon, lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, tea tree, and orange, among others. Anything that is anti-bacterial with a nice scent will work.

The recipe is ridiculously simple.

Ingredients:

·         1 cup water

·         ¼ cup white distilled vinegar

·         2 tablespoons olive oil

·         10-15 drops essential oil of your choice

Directions:

·         Mix all ingredients together in an empty spray bottle

·         Shake before use. Simply spray directly onto the surface you are dusting or a cloth and wipe the dust off. ( microfiber cloth works best )

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Produce Wash.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup vinegar (plain ol' white vinegar)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 bottle

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Pour the ingredients into a bottle(s) using a funnel. Store the DIY produce wash in the fridge until needed (this is necessary due to the fresh lemon juice).

To Use: Spray produce with the DIY produce wash and then wash the produce under water. OR, pour ½ a cup of the DIY produce wash in a sink of water and soak produce for 5 minutes. Rinse the produce with fresh water.

Warm regards and love,

Erin