Beautifly Blended

Beautifly Blended
"Like clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in My hands." God said. Jeremiah 18:6

31 March 2013

Happy Easter/Menu April 1-6

I pray that your Easter Sunday was magnificent!  Ours was.. because Christ proved Himself a risen Savior this day!!!!

But, with all the activities that go around Easter, I had forgotten to make a menu.

 
Menu April 1-6

Monday: Oatmeal

Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli

Hamburgers, French Fries



Tuesday: Cinnamon Rolls

Cheeseburger mac

Steak, Green beans, Garlic Bread



Wednesday: Eggs, Grits, Bacon

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Eating at Church



Thursday: Monkey Bread

Pizza

Chicken Fajita



Friday: Eggs, Sausage, Toast

Sandwiches

Rice and Beans Quesadilla



Saturday: Pancakes

Meatloaf, Corn

Leftovers


28 March 2013

Where do you begin? Healthy living

Some of you who read my blog may think I have been living this WONDERFUL healthy style all my life. But, honestly I have only recently started changing certain things in my home little by little. I do believe that is where it starts.

 I will admit I was a little taken back when I started reading all the stuff out there. Really I was plain overwhelmed. Some things I would read would say don't eat this and then another things would say you should eat this. I just didn't know where and how to begin.

So, I started with bread. Sounded simple enough. I got a bread machine and followed a simple recipe for about 1 year. Yes I waited a whole year before I even tried anything else.

Then, not long after that my SIL and I got involved in our local homeschool group, and these women are very wise in eating and living healthy. After talking with some on occasion I knew that I was no where I needed to be in taking care of my families eating habits.  This is something else I want to mention, start in the food area, before moving on to house-hold items or even make-up.

 Not long after that my SIL got interested in a food co-op that some of the ladies were into. Kris was the one talking to my SIL, and one day she decided to go. While she was there she gave me a call and was naming some of the extra's and I got her to get me just a few items. Because, shopping at the grocery store and shopping at the co-op, there is a price difference that I was not willing to commit to. But, remember quality over quantity.. I have to remember that sometimes.

Sometime later my dear, dear friend Joli, spoke to me about the food co-op and I just wasn't sure. I listened to what she had to say and she answered questions that I may have had.

Then, I did it...Just like that I up and went with my SIL (Danielle). It was a busy and overwhelming chaos. I was so confused with all the running around. I wasn't sure if this was what our family needed. But, I was determined to make a change. I spoke with Debbie the co-op organizer of it all, and that is where it took off. She hooked me right up. I got an address for UNF*, username, and a password and I ran with it.

I started reading more blogs about healthy eating, I started reading more about healthy eating, I started talking to others who were into healthy eating.

And, I must say, I try something new almost every week, not everyday, but at least once a week. I have turned into a label reader. The funny thing is, I used to laugh at the people who read the labels at the grocery store, now, I do it most the time and it is like second nature.

I guess I wrote all that to say this.

If you are concerned about the food you are giving your family start small. Don't try to jump into this whole world of organic, whole, and raw food. Try a new recipe, if you like it add it to your menu or diet plan. Then after that settles well with your family try something new. But, do let them know that you are making the changes.

I have been so blessed and thankful that my hubby and kids are just willing to try all these new recipes. And, I will admit my kids are some of the pickiest you will ever meet. But, they are coming around. I let them know why something may or maynot be good for them to eat, and this helps them understand why I am doing what I am doing. I want them to know that their eating habits are some thing that I am concerned about. I don't just want kids to look healthy, I want them healthy from the inside out.

It has been about 3 years since I have decided to make the healthy change, and I am loving it.

27 March 2013

You got Cocoa on your FACE?

Yes Ma'am that is right. I am changing almost every thing we eat, products we use on our bodies, down to the ones we use to clean our house. All these chemicals just plain scare me.

Once again I am on one of my most favorite site.. PINTREST!!!  I just love that place..

I came across a few pins on how to make your own make-up.. I was intrigued so I read on and kept reading, and reading, and reading. So, I finally got up the courage to try on of the recipes..

Translucent powder.. This one didn't have a lot of different ingredients and the recipe was simply to follow..

Unsweetened baking Cocoa powder
Cornstarch
Clay


All these products I ordered through my "local" food co-op.  I wanted to make sure I wasn't putting any unnecessary chemicals on my face.



At first I was thinking this is not going to do well on my face at all. I kept going over the directions.

1 part this and 1 part that.. I was so confused... I didn't understand what that meant.. I e-mailed the lady that posted this on pintrest and she was so sweet. She told me that she couldn't tell me a specific part because I am making to fit my skin tone... Duh Arica!!!  I felt so unsmart at that moment.. but, gotta love Christine she was so understanding.

Okay so, 1 part of this and 1 part of that, and just a smidge of the other.  To dark, add another part of the this..

Perfect.. well it wasn't that quick it did take a little more time but, I got it just right.

 It may look a little dark here... That is only because of the lighting.


I made plenty.. I love the way it goes on.

I had my hubby take some before and after pictures,


Before
 
After
 

I realize that I said I had my hubby take before pictures.. So here they are!!



 
Yep... I am in my Apron... I love my Aprons!!!!

Next mascara...



23 March 2013

Menu for March 24-30

Making these menus each week really help me now that I am coaching softball. I am learning to make meals in advance. Looking ahead is so convenient when I am always in a hurry.
 
Sunday: Egg Casserole

Nana's

Hot dogs, French Fries



Monday: Muffins

Sub sandwiches

Leftovers



Tuesday: Eggs, Bacon, Toast

Sandwiches, fruit, crackers (Painting at Joli's)

Pizza, Salad



Wednesday: Oatmeal

Sandwiches, Fruit, crackers (Painting at Joli's)

Steak and Chicken Stir Fry (with a veggie mix)



Thursday: Pancakes

Cheese Burger Mac

Chicken Pot Pie



Friday: Cheese Grits, Eggs, Sausage

Meatloaf, Broccoli

Fajita night



Saturday: Cinnamon Rolls

Eat out

Church egg hunt

21 March 2013

Changes gonna on around here!!!

Okay it seems to me that every time I get on here there is something new and improved on the Griner estate. Well, this post is going in the same direction.

Over the course of the past few weeks, we have acquired us some chickens, hens to be exact. We are, as of right now, getting an average of about 2-3 eggs a day.. Surely, I was expecting more, however, I must be patient and see what the future holds.

This morning my hubby brought us home another hen.. She is a yellow bluff and I got to name this one...Goldie locks.. you know after the tree bears. Oh did I mention we were given this beautiful hens.. yes yes we were!!


But, it seems to me that I have gotten off track..

Monday morning a fellow came up to the house and spoke with my hubby about clearing out some of our trees. And, in case you are unaware we live in the middle of a pile of planted pines, we are rough a half a mile off the main road. He walked the fellow around showed him where to start and where to end. I had no idea what was about to happen. But, I knew I need picture and lots of them.

We will start with the before..



 


 




See my hubby on the phone!!
 

HERE COME THE DEMOLETION


 
 
 
 
So as you see we were completely surrounded by trees.  Now... WE ARE NAKED!!!


 










I don't know what we are going to do with all the open space.. (I hope we get a cow)....  :)






 

18 March 2013

An upGRADE!!????

Recently my hubby asked me if we needed a new computer. I wasn't sure if you do or not. I do know that the one we have/had ran really s..............l.......................o...................w...............  even with broadband.

So he wakes up one day asks if I am going to Waycross that day.

I said sure what do you need me to get?

A new computer!!

What?????

Really.. I couldn't believe what I just heard.

He really wants me to get a new computer.

My hubby rarely lets me buy new electronics even if I beg.

So, about this I was tickled pink.

Off to Staples I go and low and behold look at all the neat computers. They don't look like the one I have at home.


Meet the dinosaur!  She has bee good to us for as long as we have had her. But, sometimes there are things in our lives that just need to be well....... replaced.

I searched and searched until there it was sitting alone big and beautiful. The fellow helping me said that this particular computer had the hardware in the monitor.

I was like wha???  with a real dumb look on my face. Essplain yourself dude!!

He told me that I wouldn't need a tower just the monitor, keyboard, and mouse..

Wow!!

And another special feature you will enjoy it, it is touch screen...

Say wha! Well hot dog, Let me call my hubby and tell him the good news.

Okay we didn't get that one, but we did get a new one.


So sleek and fancy.


SWEET!

I am stocked about our new computer.

Now, if I can only figure out how to use WINDOWS 8.

Yep... it is going to take me a while. But, I did buy the Windows 8 dummy guide.



16 March 2013

This weeks Menu 17-26


Menu March 17-23

Sunday: Grits, Eggs, and Sausage
Nana's
Leftover/Eating with Avis
Monday: Omelets
Meatloaf, Broccoli
Leftover
Tuesday: Oatmeal
Philly steak and cheese
Fish, Cheese Grits
Wednesday: Co-op Day--Granola cereal
Crock pot sausage w/ potatoes and onions
Pizza
Thursday: Biscuits and Gravy
Stuffed Shells, Garlic Bread
Leftover
Friday: Baked oatmeal (pintrest)
Eat out
Bbq Chicken, Cheese Potatoes
Saturday: French Toast
Cube steak, rice and Gravy
Tuna Sandwiches, Nuts and Fruit

15 March 2013

Mean while back at the "FARM"

Things are coming around quiet nicely. We have finished out deluxe condo chicken co-op

.
 It is so nice. I thought we could have a house like this.. I am so proud of my Ty and hubby for all their hard work in getting this complete..
 
I am always impressed with how well my hubby works. In this photo you can see a tarp over the pin, but my hubby has a different idea to cover.. Right now, some of our chickens can catch wind and fly, and well we don't want to take any chances of them getting away.
 

The inside has 3 nesting bays or stables, which ever tickles your fancy.. 


A nice little perch for them to step out and enjoy some good morning coffee. 


We have also decided let them roam around free and peck the ground. I guess we could call them FREE-RANGE chicken.


These are other 3 chicken that we given by a good friend of my hubby.. Dominiquers .. So we have two different breed of Hens.. Partridge Brooders and the Dominiquers

Which on lays better you ask?

The Dominiquers.

There you see Bro as the shepherd boy...Keeping them all together!!!

Way to Go Bro..


The just love to scratch around and peck at the ground all day long.


It is a little comical to watch because they tend to stay with their own kind.

Even with the children's attempt to name each one..

Ty named his-----Bobby and Penelope

Syd named hers-----Sweetie and Peanut

Bro named his-----Speedy Chicken and Sassy Frassy..  I guess he liked giving them two names incase he had to get on to them..

Speedy Chicken Griner get over here!!!!


As for our baby Squirrels...they are not so babish any more.


Their eyes are open they have become more active and they eat more as well.


And, sometimes Butch will play peek-a-boo with you from under the covers..


As for Kassidy..Well she loves to climb on whatever or whoever she can get to..
Who you looking kid!!!


They are quite sweet.. and I just love them to death.. Fun fact. their top teeth are starting to come in so it won't be long before they can start eating nuts.. Right I am feeding corn syrup with milk mixed with ground up oats..

So basically they are eating really sweet oatmeal.... I gotta keep them healthy too.

About Layla the Guard dog... or should I say lazy dog.

When we first got the hens she wanted to get to them so bad she couldn't stand it so we had to find a way to keep her stationary so we could let the hens roam..


This is her before.. See the leash?  Yeah right there it is pink...


This is her after.. The hens don't even faze her anymore.. The can peck all around and she is like
"WHATEVER SUPPER!"

So, things are moving along nicely on the Griner Farm...
















 

14 March 2013

Award Ceremony

As many of you Bro played basketball this year. It was a great experience for the both of us. I enjoyed watching him learn a new sport and making new friends.

The Patterson Rec. department also wanted to show their appreciation, for their good sportsmanship and energy in playing this season, by giving them a banquet with trophies.


This is Mr. Melvin handing Bro his Basketball trophy.


Look at those happy kiddos...


You can Just See the EXCITMENT ON THEIR FACES..

And, not only did Bro get a trophy so did my nephew Jape.


Yep!!!!  I have to say I am proud of those boys..

But, what to do now!!!  They have the sports fever.. Because they are both playing baseball and our girls are playing softball. Which I am coaching..

I am super excited about having this opportunity.. I pray God blesses it..




11 March 2013

Cold/Cough Remedy

Lately I have been doing some extensive reading on home remedies.. For our everyday use.
A couple of weeks ago my oldest had caught a cough (I guess from school), and he kept that cough for quite sometime. Even after the countless tea spoons of meds he took. A week later my Bro had caught the cough no doubt from his brother who caught it from school. Note this is the 1st time in 4 years that Bro had any kind of sickness. All due to being home school I am sure.

I grew a great concern for all the meds he was taking and I got to looking on line. Pintrest was my first stop for a home remedy of a cough suppressant. It didn't take long for me to find a gazillion different remedies and so the search was on.

Until, hours even years later I came across one that seemed simple and easy to make.

1/4 t of Cheyenne Pepper
1/4 t of Ground Ginger
1 T of Apple Cider Vinegar
2 T of Water
1 T of Honey
Pinned Image


Mix the Cheyenne, Ginger, vinegar, and water until the dry ingredients have dissolved. Then add the honey. Shake well before each use. This recipe was not recommend for children.. Instructions were to take 1 T spoon as needed for cough. I gave 1/2 t for the kids.

However, THIS WAS WAY TO SPICY FOR MY KIDDOS. I ended up talking a dear friend of mine who said that her daughter had  made this as well but she used cinnamon instead.

A light bulb came on. I threw away the batch from earlier and made a new batch suitable for kids.

So, here is the recipe that I made and Bro said "BETTER". He wasn't in tears when he swallowed. Thank the Lord!

1/4 t cinnamon
1/4 t ground ginger
1 T of Apple cider vinegar
2 T water
1 1/2 T of honey.. I use local honey because this helps with allergies as well..

Follow the same directions as before. But, I gave 1 t of it to Bro this morning. I will let you know how it goes.

See what meds do to my babies. It just makes them wanna sleep. Even when he wasn't tired.

Sucha  sweet face..

09 March 2013

This Weeks Menu 10-16


 

Menu March 10-16



Sunday: Eggs, Sausage, toast

Nana's

Hot dogs, Nuts---minor change...



Monday: Muffins (chocolate chip, maple)

Sausage, Rice & Tomatoes, Corn bread

Cheese Burger Casserole, Broccoli



Tuesday: Chicken Biscuits

Patty Melts, Fruits & Nuts

Pizza



Wednesday: Grits, Eggs, Toast

Tuna Sandwiches, Peanut butter crackers

Steak, Shredded Au gratin Potatoes, Garlic Biscuits



Thursday: Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Lasagna

Leftover lunch



Friday: Egg Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Fajitas



Saturday: Chocolate chip pancakes

Eat out

Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli








08 March 2013

Yummy Almonds!

Since I have started going to a food co-op. I have been introduced to many foods I wouldn't have considered eating had I been at the grocery store. But, we sure are thankful for our new eating habits, and one thing that I have added to our diet recently is Almonds. I didn't think at first I would enjoy them as much as I do, but what is even better so do my kids.

We will eat raw almonds with lunch, as a snack or mixed in cookies, pancakes, bread..I mean the possiblities are ENDLESS..... You hear endless....!!!!!

And, so I have been looking for other ways I can use almonds and I came across this pin on.....You guessed it...... Pintrest........ It is like only the bestest site in the world!!!!!

I don't remember what they were called but, they are very easy to make. And oh so Yummy!!!!

2 c. of Raw almonds (whole)
1 c of sugar (I used evaporated cane juice, but next time I think I am going to try honey)
1/2 c of water
1 T of cinnamon

Place the almonds in the oven at 375 for about 8-10 mins

While those are toasting ..


Add the other ingredients in a med. pot allow that to come to a boil. reduce heat and add the toasted almond. BE CAREFUL MIX IS HOT AND STICKY

Stir, and stir, and stir, and stir and stir until like FOREVER until it looks like almond goop.



Place on wax paper and separate with fork. Which really means to stir on the paper because it will stick to it.  15 mins of cooling time.


 Haven't started separating yet.
 
Done!!!  ENJOY..
 
I haven't been able to stop eating them!!!
 
Wild Olive