Blueberries....lots of Blueberries

Local blueberry season is coming to an end in just a few weeks. I've discovered a great source at the Farmer's Market in Summerfield and I've been enjoying them all summer. Yesterday, I picked up 2 gallons (16 pints) that were fresh picked that day. I froze most of them to get me through a few months of smoothies, muffins and pancakes.
This morning I made a few stacks of my healthy pancakes for all to enjoy!
I use a multi grain pancake mix I get from Earth Fare, 2 farm fresh local eggs, Brown Cow Vanilla Yogurt, Flax Seed, organic milk and of course, blueberries. I mix it all up, I always forget to measure when I'm doing a recipe and don't realize it until I need to blog it. I estimate about 1 1/2 cups of pancake mix, 1/2 c. ground flax seed, 3 T of yogurt, 2 eggs, 3/4 c. of milk or more if it is still too stiff. And of course, the blueberries!

Fry them up in a pan coated with a little coconut oil. That is my secret to a great pancake. I add coconut oil to the pan in between each batch of pancakes.
Although I'm a Maple Syrup girl, I could not pass up this deal on Log Cabin at Costco since they have now taken it upon themselves to take out the HFCS! Lets see if we can get others to join in! Or maybe the entire industry as well!
OK, here is your token "Mom can I take your picture" picture, in which you smile and pretend that you are super thrilled to have a picture of yourself in your Thursday morning best! We are all family here so I'll let it all hang out for you....this is me frying up the pancakes. Picture by Ethan, age 7.

So, lots of blueberries for us for awhile. We love them in our Juice Plus Vanilla Shake Smoothies.

It is A Beautiful Life to have 16 pints of fresh local berries to carry me through! I'm so thankful for the Summerfield Farmer's Market! It is each Saturday morning from 8-11 at the corner of 150 and Lake Brandt Rd.

Before and After

I don't have too much for you on this rainy friday in Greensboro, North Carolina.  However I love linking with Melissa at The Inspired Room on friday's so here I sit listening to the rain and not cleaning my 3 1/2 bathrooms I have to clean....two of which have clogs...thanks boys!

I have had some accomplishments, besides killing myself in boot camp this week.  By the way today was KILLER...made Monday look like a walk in the park!
I've been staring at this pile next to my side of the bed for at least 6 months.  Actually, this pile was after I "organized" the area and whittled it down to this much for the last month.  It maddens my husband to no end.  Well, he is gone all week and look what he has to come home to...
I threw everything away I could!  I must admit that all the magazine I could not part with are under my bed!
Here is the end result of my weekly vacuuming!  Isn't that just gross!  My Dyson is awesome! This is the usual weekly load!  Where does it all come from?????

I'm going to go dislodge my very sore body from the dent in the corner of my sectional and go get on those potty's!

Have a Beautiful Weekend!

I Want It!

A little Friday morning reflection of my week brought to you by The Inspired Room
My latest quest you ask?  The decision to fix the old refrigerator (she is only 7!) yet again, keep up the monthly hair dryer ritual on the broken part, or buy a new one.  I've already spent about $300 in the last several months to repair it.  It it worth it to spend another $200???  Well, I spied this new model and guess what it is?  BLACK STAINLESS!!  How totally cool!  I'm in love! I have black appliances right now.  She would fit right in.  Plus, they stay this new black stainless doesn't show fingerprints.  Oh yes, it is also on sale at Sears for $650 off...only a mere $1599!

She is not the only thing on my list.  I've been doing the battle again with all the things I want.  I feel like a selfish brat, not appreciating what I do have.  I'm just going to get it all out.  I'm going to put the list in writing and move forward!  OK, here it is.... I want...

1. Hardwood floors for our first floor office and master bedroom.....the carpet is totally depressing me.  it is so trashed and stained, it feels dirty all the time.  Even vacuuming it does nothing for me.

2.  New Fridge

3.  New washer and dryer and tile in the laundry room

4.  Screened in porch

5.  Landscaping

6.  I really want to go to She Speaks!!!!

Am I making you sick yet?  I'm about to puke.  I'm a total selfish brat!  Why are we so into new stuff?  What are we doing to ourselves? Satisfaction is so short lived.  I fear I'm passing this down to my children and I don't like it.  

My son was complaining this morning that he only has 5 pairs of shoes!  I gently explained to him that some people pick through trash to find things to make shoes out of in some countries!!  He looked at me like I was some crazy insane person.  No one would ever have to do that.  He asked me why I did not just buy them some shoes and send them to them!  So sweet!  Well, maybe I could if I just didn't buy myself so much.  

We do sponser a precious boy in Ecuador named Freddy, but maybe I could do more.  

OK, I've rambled my friday thoughts.  So, get your selfish wants out here, or let me know your kindhearted things you do for others..I'd love to hear both!

Beauty from Last Week

I must say that this week has been absolutely insane for me. How could I have been so relaxed last week and so frazzled this week??? Melissa at the Inspired Room friday linky is today and she asked about our beauty we found this week. I thought I'd share a little bit of my wonderful Spring Break with you.

This is my in-laws quaint 1923 Cottage in Mid Town Mobile Alabama. It is just as precious inside as it is outside. She has just painted the shutters red....they were black...I'm loving the red!

Here is one shot from her AWESOME backyard! This is the waterfall and pond. Note the bubbles in the pond....that would be from my youngest and very mischievous son who decided to squeeze a bottle of dishwashing soap into the fountain!

My husband surprised me while we were in Mobile and took me away for a night to a bed in breakfast in Magnolia Springs! Loving this front porch and wishing I was sitting on it right now! Since we were there on a Monday we had the house to ourselves. David, the owner gave me an amazing tour and history of every square inch of the house. My husband endured along with me...I loved every second of discovering this 110 year old house!

We stayed in the room that had the original bath of the house! Hello this toilet is over a 100 years old!!!! It is called a elephant trunk...see why! I will admit, I was quite intimidated by it at first. Would I break it? When I pulled the chain would it just come off in my hand?

Clog it? No way...this baby is how they should still be built! This picture does not do the "hole" justice...it is huge! I bet it has never been clogged...seriously! Why have we shrunk the "hole" down so much??? I have 3 "men" in my house...we are clogging constantly in NC. Do you think the toilet plungers companies have anything to do with this. They must be making a killing with these new models.

By the way, my husband thought I was so strange taking pictures of this. But, I knew I was going to have to share this with you all!

Have a blessed weekend!

Taking In the Everyday....

I'm reposting my picture of my master bathroom from wednesday's post. I was thinking after I posted it that I've taken this for granted. I've walked past it everyday for 7 years. After awhile I stopped noticing it. It seems like this carries over to so many things in our lives. We forget to be thankful, forget to cherish what we have.

I have so many friends that are being greatly affected financially by our economy. My family is so blessed that my husband has a great job with the U.S. Government that is very stable. We get the same paycheck every 14 days. Until recently I really didn't think much about that. We are not rich and we never will be...unless Oprah calls to tell me that my Chocolate Chip Cookies are her favorites!

So, no matter what situation your life find you in, take time this weekend to cherish what you do have. My prayers are with you and your families through these tough times.

Charleston Part II....The houses

Yesterday was a beautiful day and I walked all around the streets of Charleston, taking in all the historic houses and buildings.

I will stay at this Bed and Breakfast someday. It is on the corner of Battery and Meeting with a glorious view of the water.

Here is one for sale!!! Oh how I wish!

Now you know this girl is in love with this shade of blue! I love how the ceiling of the porch is painted this shade!!

Here is another pretty blue ceiling. So great against the white and I love the double front door with the clear glass!

My favorite of all would be the coffered ceiling of this gem painted blue!

I love this sign!

Well, I'm back to the real world. It was such a blessing to be able to accompany my husband to Charleston (he was there attending a work conference). I enjoyed sleeping in really late and having my days to myself. I did miss my guys at home too! They were well taken care of by Nana and Grandad. We got to come home to a clean house, fresh flowers on the table, and cookies coming out of the oven.

I'm also linking with Melissa at The Inspired Room today...this is how I found my beauty this week!

A Little Leopard

It is Friday again...time for A Beautiful Life with Melissa at The Inspired Room. She wants to know what we did in our homes this week!

I added a leopard throw that was on sale at Target for $12 and some change...was $24.99. You can never go wrong with a little leopard here and there. I need to go back and look for another b/c of course my boys are fighting over it!!! I honestly never thought they would think it was so great. But it is black fleece on the other side and we have all been taking turns on the couch with it. It is quite functional as well as cute on this black leather chair or my brown suede couch.

Other that that I've been just trying to maintain the ole homestead alone while hubby was gone 3 nights!

Have a blessed weekend and don't forget to check back next week for my giveaway from Once Upon a Cottage!

MJ

The Blur of January

Oops, its Saturday, but I'm still linking with The Inspired Room for Melissa's Linky Friday, to discuss the beauty we are finding each week.

I'm pondering the end of my January. Where did it go? What did I do? Is it measured by 3 swim lessons, at least 10 trips to tae kwon do, 250 cookies, the loss of a beloved pet, painting something in my house, trip to Pennsylvania, maintaining family time, enjoying friendships....?

Yes, I think it is. But, I think it is measured by our attitude in which we do all these things. Having a good attitude in what we do and accepting that it is OK not to get everything done perfectly or sometimes at all. My new shelves have been finished for almost 2 weeks and I have

not opened a paint can yet to finish them!

I've been reading Psalm 139 (all 24 verses!) everyday this week. "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughs from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways." HE KNOWS US!

Have a blessed weekend!

MJ