Keeping it Real...One Sister's JourneyMy name is Lisa Buske and I enjoy sharing my faith, hope, and laughter with those I meet ~ whether it's here on my blog, my podcast, or in person. Life is a gift and we have the opportunity and blessing to enjoy it. May you find the encouragement, hope, and connection here.
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 Is anyone else amazed it is already the end of 2021? My goodness, so much has changed in a year yet nothing has changed. This phrase is an oldie yet in the midst of COVID, I don't think it has been truer. We, as a people, have learned to accept change with more grace and expectancy. There is a resemblance of normalcy, yet none. Oh my goodness. Life is a roller coaster like none this generation has experienced. While this is true, it's also an opportunity to look forward and prepare for the new year. We don't know the direction BUT we know there will be more bumps, turns, and things that take our breath away (both good and bad). Rather than fight it, let's prepare and embrace all 2022 will bring our way.  In the past, I usually have my word and Bible verse for the upcoming year either chosen or narrowing it down. This year, I can't seem to settle on one word. Since I pick my focus verse to coincide with my word. My hope is to have it hammered down by the end of January.
In the past, I would put pressure on myself to select my word and verse before Midnight so I am ready for the new year. The new and improved me has learned in 2021, after focusing on "Healthy Habits and Balance". So, my hope is to spend the rest of the week and weekend to finalize my word so I can have my verse in January. How are you doing - have you selected your word, verse, and/or mantra for 2022 yet? Will you share it in a comment below? Happy New Year!  Hello! How are you doing? To say it's been awhile is an understatement. I'm sorry if you've missed me and grateful for those that reached out to check in and see if I'd be writing soon. Thank you! Here I am. It's not that you are forgotten or not thought of. It's the opposite. I miss you too and think of writing something then I'm overwhelmed.
One thing I strive for on this blog is to "keep it real" for all of you. I don't wan to write, just to write - at least not on my blog. If you are taking the time to read, I want it to be worth reading. You deserve this much. I was inspired Monday morning to write this and share with you. We are 40 days into the school year and I'm just starting to feel like there is a semi-routine to our days. This is freeing my brain a little to focus when I get home on the things that need to be done. I'm learning, or should I say, reminded, it is important to do the things that bring us joy more often, especially when under stress. It's the third school year interrupted by COVID and the effect on our students' education is heartbreaking and the exhaustion felt by parents and staff alike are weighing so many down. If I think about it to much, I'm overcome with a grief for the next generation and the joy lost within our schools. Don't misunderstand, teachers are busting their humps to make school an enjoyable, rigorous, and fun place to be. The kids are laughing and learning. Our students are making friends and loving school. They know they are loved and look forward to coming to school, this is what energizes and inspires the staff to keep showing up. Our students have no idea of the exhaustion felt because they deserve better and they deserve our all, and they are receiving it. I'm grateful for the amazing staff at MACS striving to give 110% every day so our student succeed and enjoy school. I also pray for our staff because they are tired, we are all tired. The pandemic is wearing on everyone and I believe most are doing their best to keep giving 110% but if we are to remain healthy ourselves to care for others, we need to pause and reflect on what MUST be done and what can WAIT. I don't share this for sympathy or to upset anyone. I hare so you know that it's not that I don't WANT to write and maintain the blog with a few posts each week. It's the opposite. My prayer is, and always has been, for this blog, for this to be a place of encouragement and inspiration for all of you. As I wind down to wrap us up I realize its been 40 days of school, maybe this was our 2020-21 school year dessert? You are not forgotten my readers! I think of you often and when I share, I want it to come from my hearth, not to be empty words on your screen. I hope you are blessed by this post in some way and will send an encouraging note to your child or grandchild's teachers. Let them know you care, they are doing their best and giving all they have with such love, dedication, and compassion...it's unmeasurable! Thank you for entrusting your children to their teachers! They are in good hands!  Hello and how are you? It has been awhile, since September 14th, to be exact. I didn't not realize it ha been this long until yesterday. I'm thankful for all of you, my readers. As I walked into school yesterday a couple sweet ladies stopped me after their walk, and before I went into school. They introduced themselves and we had a short and uplifting conversation. This is when I realized, or should say, "learned", I hadn't posted since September 14. ugh...I'm so sorry everyone. I could bore you with a list of why I haven't posted but instead, I'll apologize and try to do better about posting at least once a week. Here's the deal, do you remember back in January when I chose my word and focus for year in 2021? After the burn out of trying to do it all last year, I have spent this year focusing on "Healthy Habits and Balance" in my life. In order to do this, not everything I used to do is getting done yet other thigs have blessed our lives and are filling in some of the gaps. Life is constantly changing and as my buddy Patrick reminds his listeners on his podcast often, "The only constant in life is change." Rewind to December 2020, I spent time reflecting on my habits, routines, and mindset. Then, I looked forward to where I wanted to be in December 2021. A few things came to the forefront: 1) I needed to prioritize my sleep 2) I needed to incorporate exercise at least 3 times a week 3) I wanted to grow my Epicure business Looking back to January, then June when the 2020-21 school year ended, I'm doing better about balancing my schedule, sleep, and quiet time. I had a great realization, I can't do it all. Of course I still want to be able to do everything on my list but we are not designed to do everything, all of the time, for everyone. This is obvious to most people yet to some of us, it's difficult to accept BUT now that I realize this, it is easier to say "no" and "not right now" to the requests that take away from my focus. Am I still busy? Of course, but I enjoy busy and think in a way, thrive on it. I believe this is a family trait too, so it's in my genes. The reason my blog and podcast have been sporadic, to say the least, is because these are the things I usually did early in the morning or exhausted before going to bed. This year, I make sure to get at least 7 - 7 1/2 hours sleep each night and to have at least 3 days of exercise. I'm getting in the groove and the routine is working itself out. I thought I had it figured out this summer and it was working great, but then it came time to return to work. Go figure. Seriously, thank you for reaching out, for your grace, and most importantly for your encouragement. One reader's inquiry of "Where have you been?" and knowing the last time I'd posted were a nudge from God to pause and look at my schedule. I've felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to get back to my blog, and my podcast, at least once a week. As I turned and started to walk across the parking lot, I whispered, "Okay God, I'm sorry. I'm listening. I'm sorry. Thank you for this reminder." And with that, I woke up this morning with anticipation to write this blog. As we move forward into the final months of 2021, I promise to do my best to be present at least once a week. Thank you for caring enough to inquire. How are you doing with your 2021 goals and focus?
 -Hello everyone! Summer is winding down and part of the country has already returned to school, with the remaining returning in the next couple weeks. It's a bittersweet time of year for me. I miss the carefree days of summer (anyone else humming the song now? LOL) yet I look forward to returning to the routine, my school family, and investing in the future of our community by teaching our amazing students and getting to know them and their families. This summer I dedicated a lot of time to establishing healthier habits I can continue while working full-time. I cleaned out closets, cupboards, and "stuff". We donated a lot and recycled even more. With our daughter on her own now, we repurposed her room into a multipurpose room: an office to work my Epicure business, an exercise room, a sewing room, storage, and a quiet place to have uninterrupted moments. It's a great room and allows hubby a space to enjoy sports and a get-away for me. It's a win-win! If you follow the blog then you are familiar with some of the ways I share with others: 1) This blog 2) My podcast: One Sister's Journey: Keeping it Real 3) An independent Epicure Consultant 4) Author 5) Speaker 6) Lead Women's Bible Study 7) Volunteer at local Food Pantry 8) Work full-time as a teacher's assistant at local school district 9) Building representative for our teacher's union 10) Young Living Independent Representative: Join/Order Here: enter #799780 as your sponsor (that's me) 11) PURE Independent Representative: Join/order here: enter US11274170, Lisa Buske as your sponsor 10) ?? I'm sure there is something I missed, my family will be sure to remind me. LOL I share this to say, there is one thing I know with less than a week until school starts... There are decisions to be made on how to spend my waking hours because my focus for 2021 is "Healthy Habits & Routines", in order to maintain this...SLEEP is important and necessary. With this said, there may be changes coming in the number of podcasts and blogs published and aired each week. Stay tuned for the new line up. How are you preparing
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Hello and Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope this day finds you healthy, happy, and ready to conquer the world. A special thanks to those who already ordered my 15-month calendar planner and the monthly planner. As I shared earlier this summer, I anticipated a few change but wanted to use it for a couple months and "work through it". I like the set up and for the most part, it flowed. This past week, I took out some of the cumbersome and repetitive sections that we really only needed once.
The updated version should be available by the time you are reading this blog! Yeah! I've ordered a few proofs to check it out but will be using the first edition until they are gone, which will be a FEW months. LOL Let me know if you like the update ad if you could take a few moments to leave a review on Amazon, it is much appreciated and helps others find this planner and calendar.
Order you monthly planner by clicking here
Order our 15-month calendar planner by clicking here
The updated version should be available by the time you are reading this blog! Yeah! I've ordered a few proofs to check it out but will be using the first edition until they are gone, which will be a FEW months. LOL Let me know if you like the update ad if you could take a few moments to leave a review on Amazon, it is much appreciated and helps others find this planner and calendar.
Order you monthly planner by clicking here
Order our 15-month calendar planner by clicking here
Have you ordered your 15-month
Calendar and monthly planners yet?
What are you waiting for?
One of my favorite Epicure meal packets is their General Tao. I make mine with chicken and it is SO GOOD! Each time I make it, I improve and my husband said this last time, "You've nailed it!" I count this as a win.
I use my Epicure Prep Pro Chef Knife to cut the chicken, mix the seasoning in my 4 cup prep bowl and cook it in the amazing and easy to clean Epicure Wok!
It really is Raw to Ready in 20 minutes or less. Today I'm sharing a demo I recoded awhile back to show how easy it is to add Epicure's healthy, low sodium and low sugar seasonings and meal solutions to your routine and pantry.
I use my Epicure Prep Pro Chef Knife to cut the chicken, mix the seasoning in my 4 cup prep bowl and cook it in the amazing and easy to clean Epicure Wok!
It really is Raw to Ready in 20 minutes or less. Today I'm sharing a demo I recoded awhile back to show how easy it is to add Epicure's healthy, low sodium and low sugar seasonings and meal solutions to your routine and pantry.
If you want to learn more about Epicure,
host a cooking class and/or join my team.
Give me a shout, I look forward to chatting with youand sharing the amazing benefits of adding Epicure
to your pantry, table, and home.
host a cooking class and/or join my team.
Give me a shout, I look forward to chatting with youand sharing the amazing benefits of adding Epicure
to your pantry, table, and home.
As a child I was timid and afraid of what I couldn't see. As an adult, there are times when this still holds true yet I'm thankful to share that as I get older, the more I realize some of the best memories came from the excitement and anticipation of not knowing.
Wow, that's a very long, run-on sentence! A professional blogger would edit and make corrections, then there is me...LOL
Here's the deal, if we spend our lives afraid of what might be on the other side of the closed door, or gate, we will miss the exciting opportunities God has placed in our lives. There are times when He opens the door wide and calls you in and other times, He waits for you to have the courage to open the door yourself.
As you stand before this gate, what holds you back? What's on the other side? Will you go alone or invite God to join you for the journey? I suggest praying, opening the door, and going with God's grace and strength! You won't go wrong when you are following His lead and include Him.
Wow, that's a very long, run-on sentence! A professional blogger would edit and make corrections, then there is me...LOL
Here's the deal, if we spend our lives afraid of what might be on the other side of the closed door, or gate, we will miss the exciting opportunities God has placed in our lives. There are times when He opens the door wide and calls you in and other times, He waits for you to have the courage to open the door yourself.
As you stand before this gate, what holds you back? What's on the other side? Will you go alone or invite God to join you for the journey? I suggest praying, opening the door, and going with God's grace and strength! You won't go wrong when you are following His lead and include Him.
| "Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead." Proverbs 3:5-6 VOICE | "Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me." Revelation 3:20 Passion |
I hope you take a chance...
Open the gate and walk through with confidence!
I'm grateful for this summer. Instead of working my tail off all summer, I opted to recharge, refresh, and rejuvenate. Relaxation, balance, and refreshment was the goal and it's one I achieved.
I look forward to returning to school in a couple weeks yet will savor the moments on the deck, at the park, enjoying the outdoors and going to the gym at various time. Yet, I will be conscious that things and current habits need to adjust in order to carry over into the school year.
Life is about change. I'm thankful for the discipline to take care of myself this summer. Now I need to figure out to carry this healthy momentum forward and work full time. My new planner is going to help make this possible as it offers me ONE place to track EVERYTHING on my to-do list, whether its personal, home, school, or my Epicure business. The other tools that will prepare me are my poster board sticky note paper and markers! Yup, I'm spending the beginning of this week mapping out the next 2 1/2 weeks so I'm ready to walk into school on September 1st ready to rock!
I look forward to returning to school in a couple weeks yet will savor the moments on the deck, at the park, enjoying the outdoors and going to the gym at various time. Yet, I will be conscious that things and current habits need to adjust in order to carry over into the school year.
Life is about change. I'm thankful for the discipline to take care of myself this summer. Now I need to figure out to carry this healthy momentum forward and work full time. My new planner is going to help make this possible as it offers me ONE place to track EVERYTHING on my to-do list, whether its personal, home, school, or my Epicure business. The other tools that will prepare me are my poster board sticky note paper and markers! Yup, I'm spending the beginning of this week mapping out the next 2 1/2 weeks so I'm ready to walk into school on September 1st ready to rock!
How do you prepare and organize yourself
when you know busy weeks are ahead?
I saw this graphic and it made me smile because it's the reminder I need today. For the most part, I am a forward-minded thinker, planner, and overall person. Yet, there are days when it's a struggle. Can you relate? If so, do you know what, who, or why you struggle when you do? This is the key!
Here's the deal, the reason I tend to be a forward-minded thinker is because I know what I need to do to keep this focus. It's taken years to realize my weaknesses. If I find myself with a negative attitude then I STOP and reflect on how I've spent my time recently. If I'm looking backwards, then I'M OFF TRACK.
Here are the things I know to be true:
1) If I'm not reading my Bible, the little things bother me
2) If I don't have enough sleep, I'm cranky
3) Reading for fun makes me feel better
4) Having a list keeps me focused and moving forward
5) When I skip church, I lose a positive perspective
6) I need to be surrounded by positive people
7) It's easier to be happy, positive, & look forward!
What helps you to stay focused forward? What holds you back?
Take some time to reflect and keep looking forward!
Here's the deal, the reason I tend to be a forward-minded thinker is because I know what I need to do to keep this focus. It's taken years to realize my weaknesses. If I find myself with a negative attitude then I STOP and reflect on how I've spent my time recently. If I'm looking backwards, then I'M OFF TRACK.
Here are the things I know to be true:
1) If I'm not reading my Bible, the little things bother me
2) If I don't have enough sleep, I'm cranky
3) Reading for fun makes me feel better
4) Having a list keeps me focused and moving forward
5) When I skip church, I lose a positive perspective
6) I need to be surrounded by positive people
7) It's easier to be happy, positive, & look forward!
What helps you to stay focused forward? What holds you back?
Take some time to reflect and keep looking forward!
What do you see when you look forward?
I spent yesterday at school and it increased my motivation to get-r-done! As I slept through my alarm, missed my Epicure Power Hour, and accomplished NOTHING before leaving for school...I realized, I'm not where I want to be by the first day of school.
This summer has been one focused on resting, relaxing, recharging, and re-evaluating. It's nice to be relaxed and refreshed yet I needed today's reality check. Yes, I'm in a better place than I was in June and I'm grateful for this. On the flipside, if I'm to accomplish my writing goals, be a leader with Epicure, lead Bible study, exercise, and maintain healthy habits...I need to be focused and re-evalute my goals and planning. Here's the deal, as prepared as I thought I was, there are weaknesses.
Why am I sharing this with you? Simple, we all face times in our life that require more energy, dedication, and focus. When is the last time you stepped it up to grow as a person? This can be to further your education, spend more time reading your Bible, join a small group, write a book, start/grow your business, or ???? What is your question mark? I encourage you to challenge yourself, and your brain.
When you are faced with a challenge, obstacles, or learning/experiencing a new skill, your brain activity is active and this creates renewed energy within you and is the motivation you need to grow.
This summer has been one focused on resting, relaxing, recharging, and re-evaluating. It's nice to be relaxed and refreshed yet I needed today's reality check. Yes, I'm in a better place than I was in June and I'm grateful for this. On the flipside, if I'm to accomplish my writing goals, be a leader with Epicure, lead Bible study, exercise, and maintain healthy habits...I need to be focused and re-evalute my goals and planning. Here's the deal, as prepared as I thought I was, there are weaknesses.
Why am I sharing this with you? Simple, we all face times in our life that require more energy, dedication, and focus. When is the last time you stepped it up to grow as a person? This can be to further your education, spend more time reading your Bible, join a small group, write a book, start/grow your business, or ???? What is your question mark? I encourage you to challenge yourself, and your brain.
When you are faced with a challenge, obstacles, or learning/experiencing a new skill, your brain activity is active and this creates renewed energy within you and is the motivation you need to grow.
What are you waiting for?
How will you grow?
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A family favorite is Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken and Dumplings so after I watched an Epicure training video about the wok being oven save up to 450 degrees, I set out to make a Chicken Pot Pie in my wok. It came out better than I could have hoped or imagined. Yummy! I didn't follow a recipe (typical for me) but I made sure to take a picture of the Epicure seasonings I used. The pie crust is a recipe an old friend, Becky, shared with me decades ago and it's the best I've used.
As for the Filling:
1) Savory Herb Gravy:
My favorite gravy and it's Gluten FREE! You'd never know - it's seasonal so stay tuned in the fall. I only ordered one last yaer but know I'll stock up this year!!
2) Nourish Broth: click here for product description
3) Minced Garlic: click here for product details
3) Toasted Onion: Click here for product description
As for the Filling:
1) Savory Herb Gravy:
My favorite gravy and it's Gluten FREE! You'd never know - it's seasonal so stay tuned in the fall. I only ordered one last yaer but know I'll stock up this year!!
2) Nourish Broth: click here for product description
3) Minced Garlic: click here for product details
3) Toasted Onion: Click here for product description
What do you add to your chicken pot pie?
A Tribute to our Gardens
All Bible verses ae from the New International Version: Biblegateway.com
"For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations."
Isaiah 66:11
"Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field."
Matthew 13:24
Isaiah 66:11
"Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field."
Matthew 13:24
"The LORD will
guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs
in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a
well-watered garden,
like a spring whose
waters never fail."
Isaiah 58:11
"Build houses & settle down; plant gardens
and eat what they produce."
Jeremiah 29:5
"For seven days celebrate
the festival to the Lord your God
at the place the Lord will choose.
For the Lord your God
will bless you
in all your harvest
and in all the work
of your hands,
and your joy will be complete."
Deuteronomy 16:15
and eat what they produce."
Jeremiah 29:5
"For seven days celebrate
the festival to the Lord your God
at the place the Lord will choose.
For the Lord your God
will bless you
in all your harvest
and in all the work
of your hands,
and your joy will be complete."
Deuteronomy 16:15
Amen...
Good afternoon! Today we are talking about time and time management on our weekly T.O.P.'s Tuesday post. I've considered myself an organized, prepared, and on-time person yet in the past year...not so much!
I joined Epicure as a consultant in July 2020 and it has changed our lives for the better. We are eating better and having fun sharing healthier seasonings, time saving cookware, and the benefits of cooking at home with so many people. It's a blessing for sure.
I wasn't this busy when the school year started yet as the calendars turned, my business started to grow and the opportunity to reach more people along with it. This is exciting and I enjoy every moment. With this being said, I hope to continue to grow and share so this summer is VERY purposed and disciplined. My goal is to have healthy habits, time-management, and work/writing/Epicure balanced.
A few things I've done and I am doing to accomplish this goal:
1) Using a 15 month Calendar for planning purposes
2) Using a Monthly Planner designed for someone who works and is in direct sales
3) Power Hour - at least 5x a week (1 hour of uninterrupted work time via Zoom with others - cameras on, sound muted - only unmute to ask for help)
4) Exercise 4 - 5 times a week at the gym
5) Using the Planner EVERY DAY - check the night before, create my list, and get it done the next day!
6) 7 - 8 hours of sleep each night
7) Getting up early
8) Doing something outside and away from the house EVERY DAY
9) Keeping the house picked up so it doesn't get away from me
10) Reading at least 15 minutes a day
Am I achieving these every day? Nope
Do I start each new day driven to accomplish them? YES
Will I have it mastered by the time school starts? Yes and No
Yes - I'll have heathier routines and balance for a summer schedule
No - I'll need to tweek and modify these routines a little yet they will be a priority the first 2 weeks of school!
I share this with you because I have goals with my writing, speaking, blogging, podcasting, and to grow my Epicure business. In order to do this, I must take care of my self ad dedicate time to self-care as much as I do the things I'm passionate about. You need to to do the same thing? Are you?
I joined Epicure as a consultant in July 2020 and it has changed our lives for the better. We are eating better and having fun sharing healthier seasonings, time saving cookware, and the benefits of cooking at home with so many people. It's a blessing for sure.
I wasn't this busy when the school year started yet as the calendars turned, my business started to grow and the opportunity to reach more people along with it. This is exciting and I enjoy every moment. With this being said, I hope to continue to grow and share so this summer is VERY purposed and disciplined. My goal is to have healthy habits, time-management, and work/writing/Epicure balanced.
A few things I've done and I am doing to accomplish this goal:
1) Using a 15 month Calendar for planning purposes
2) Using a Monthly Planner designed for someone who works and is in direct sales
3) Power Hour - at least 5x a week (1 hour of uninterrupted work time via Zoom with others - cameras on, sound muted - only unmute to ask for help)
4) Exercise 4 - 5 times a week at the gym
5) Using the Planner EVERY DAY - check the night before, create my list, and get it done the next day!
6) 7 - 8 hours of sleep each night
7) Getting up early
8) Doing something outside and away from the house EVERY DAY
9) Keeping the house picked up so it doesn't get away from me
10) Reading at least 15 minutes a day
Am I achieving these every day? Nope
Do I start each new day driven to accomplish them? YES
Will I have it mastered by the time school starts? Yes and No
Yes - I'll have heathier routines and balance for a summer schedule
No - I'll need to tweek and modify these routines a little yet they will be a priority the first 2 weeks of school!
I share this with you because I have goals with my writing, speaking, blogging, podcasting, and to grow my Epicure business. In order to do this, I must take care of my self ad dedicate time to self-care as much as I do the things I'm passionate about. You need to to do the same thing? Are you?
"One hour of uninterrupted time is equal
to three hours of a regular day."
By Gregg Vetter - click here for article
to three hours of a regular day."
By Gregg Vetter - click here for article
The Power of Uninterrupted Time – RD221
Not only does Mark Des Cotes encourage you to carve out 1 hour of uninterrupted time, he takes it a step further and says to find 3 hours!
A link to the article and podcast can be found here.
by Mark Des Cotes | Podcast
Not only does Mark Des Cotes encourage you to carve out 1 hour of uninterrupted time, he takes it a step further and says to find 3 hours!
A link to the article and podcast can be found here.
by Mark Des Cotes | Podcast
What tools, strategies, and skills do you use to
stay on task and get everything done
without being exhausted and miseable?
It's been awhile since we shared what we are thankful for. In November, there are daily and weekly thankfulness posts and activities. As we move into December, our gratitude transitions into ways to bless others and share. It's a joyous time, filled with much laughter, kindness, and hope.
As I sit by Lake Ontario, gratitude overflows from my heart and leaks from my eyes. I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the United States, many travel across the country to watch one sunset over this lake. I have the ability to enjoy this magnificent view daily - either by walking 30 minutes along an apple orchard lined road or making a quick 20 minute drive to Fort Ontario or Breitbeck Park. These are blessings I shold count everyday yet I forget until I pause long enough to enjoy the view.
Today, I'm thankful for the beautiful county and town I live in. I'm grateful for the ability to enjoy God's creation firsthand any evening I choose. I'm thankful for the variety, and multitude, of orchards in our community. I'm thankful for good health offering me the opportunity to walk, or drive, to enjoy the Lake Ontario sunsets. Life is good!
As I sit by Lake Ontario, gratitude overflows from my heart and leaks from my eyes. I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the United States, many travel across the country to watch one sunset over this lake. I have the ability to enjoy this magnificent view daily - either by walking 30 minutes along an apple orchard lined road or making a quick 20 minute drive to Fort Ontario or Breitbeck Park. These are blessings I shold count everyday yet I forget until I pause long enough to enjoy the view.
Today, I'm thankful for the beautiful county and town I live in. I'm grateful for the ability to enjoy God's creation firsthand any evening I choose. I'm thankful for the variety, and multitude, of orchards in our community. I'm thankful for good health offering me the opportunity to walk, or drive, to enjoy the Lake Ontario sunsets. Life is good!
What are you thankful for today?
Today's blog was written in December but never posted - JOY is important 24/7/365! Enjoy!
This week I usually blog and podcast about setting goals, choosing your word and Scripture verse for the upcoming year. I'm doing it a little different this year. Instead of goal setting, let's focus on JOY this week!
As 2020 winds down there are many things to celebrate and remember. You have a choice, you can remember it as the pandemic, toilet paper shortage, and quarantine year OR you can focus on the JOYful, JOYfilled, and JOYous moments! What are the memories and happenings that brought you JOY in 2020? There were many of them. It might be a year requiring you to think harder yet it's important to end the year celebrating, remembering, and journaling the JOY you experienced this year.
If you think it's impossible, it isn't. Set aside a few minutes this week and find at least 2 - 3 positive things for each month. The first couple might be a challenge yet as you continue, it will get easier and and you'll find the list is easier to make.
As 2020 winds down there are many things to celebrate and remember. You have a choice, you can remember it as the pandemic, toilet paper shortage, and quarantine year OR you can focus on the JOYful, JOYfilled, and JOYous moments! What are the memories and happenings that brought you JOY in 2020? There were many of them. It might be a year requiring you to think harder yet it's important to end the year celebrating, remembering, and journaling the JOY you experienced this year.
If you think it's impossible, it isn't. Set aside a few minutes this week and find at least 2 - 3 positive things for each month. The first couple might be a challenge yet as you continue, it will get easier and and you'll find the list is easier to make.
I made Lemon Dilly fish with oven roasted potatoes, and seasoned veggies. Everything was delicious & the aroma filled the house.
The fish was seasoned with Epicure's Lemon Dilly seasoning and cooked in the wok. I added Sea Salt and the Black Pepper/Tumeric blend.
I tried something new with my vegetables. Instead of my favorite, Sweet Garlic Chicken, I used 1 tbsp. Montreal Steak & 1 tsp. Lemon Dilly and cooked them in the Multipurpose Steamer, 4 - 6 minutes. after tasting them, I was pleased with the taste yet using the Sweet Garlic Chicken is still my favorite but it's good to experiment with different seasonings.
The potatoes were mostly yellow with a couple red potatoes to add color. I cubed the potato and put them in a bag with 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tbsp. Herb & Garlic and 1 tbsp. Souvlaki seasoning. After shaking them and letting the seasoning sit a few minutes. I used the full sheet pan, with the cooking grade silicone liner. I poured the potatoes onto the liner and baked for 35 minutes at 350.
I hope you enjoy trying this recipe, let me know how it turns out.
The fish was seasoned with Epicure's Lemon Dilly seasoning and cooked in the wok. I added Sea Salt and the Black Pepper/Tumeric blend.
I tried something new with my vegetables. Instead of my favorite, Sweet Garlic Chicken, I used 1 tbsp. Montreal Steak & 1 tsp. Lemon Dilly and cooked them in the Multipurpose Steamer, 4 - 6 minutes. after tasting them, I was pleased with the taste yet using the Sweet Garlic Chicken is still my favorite but it's good to experiment with different seasonings.
The potatoes were mostly yellow with a couple red potatoes to add color. I cubed the potato and put them in a bag with 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tbsp. Herb & Garlic and 1 tbsp. Souvlaki seasoning. After shaking them and letting the seasoning sit a few minutes. I used the full sheet pan, with the cooking grade silicone liner. I poured the potatoes onto the liner and baked for 35 minutes at 350.
I hope you enjoy trying this recipe, let me know how it turns out.
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TIP
I used an empty Lemon Dilly container, removed the label,
and put 2 packages
of the Sweet Garlic Chicken in it.
I cut the recipe out and used mailing tape to attach it to the jar.
I used an empty Lemon Dilly container, removed the label,
and put 2 packages
of the Sweet Garlic Chicken in it.
I cut the recipe out and used mailing tape to attach it to the jar.
Do you have favorite fish recipe you'd like to share?
I enjoy quotes and poems. They are often short, concise, and make you think. Of course there are longer poems and less than appealing quotes BUT this is the beauty of writing. For me, the tidbit and morsel offered through a quote, haiku, or short poem make me think. I like to nugget and to reflect, ponder, and process the deeper meaning.
The best part, the meaning I take away may not be the author's intention yet it's the way I internalized and personalized it. As an English and writing major in college, many a professor told me "That is not what the poet/author meant." It irritated me, and still does because only the author knows what they meant.
As individuals with different pasts, education levels, and locations, we can read the same passage and take away something totally different. I only had one professor in four years who challenged us to read the 3 1/2 inch thick literature text book and write papers about different passages, poems, and essays from our perspective and what we believe the author was telling us. After we submitted our assignments, he would teach and share what scholars believe the true meaning and purpose was. There would be some in the class who said, "Yes, I got it." and others, like me, who thought, "Missed that by 100 yards." BUT the professor required we provide supporting information of WHY we interpreted the passage the way we did.
This is the best part of the lesson, after his lesson, we had the option to take our paper back and rewrite it after the day's lesson. I enjoyed this method of teaching and if I ever opt to be an adjunct professor, I'd mirror his methods because he didn't just teach us about literature, he encouraged us to think, challenge the norms, and offered us the opportunity to change our minds. Isn't this what we are called to do? To think for ourselves, learn new information and process it, then mold it into a beneficial piece of knowledge to help us be better?
Today's quote resonated with me, I won't share why but instead, I encourage you to think about it for a bit. Read it aloud. Write it down a few times. Read it aloud again. What speaks to you? Where do you find your thoughts traveling? How does this quote speak to you?
The best part, the meaning I take away may not be the author's intention yet it's the way I internalized and personalized it. As an English and writing major in college, many a professor told me "That is not what the poet/author meant." It irritated me, and still does because only the author knows what they meant.
As individuals with different pasts, education levels, and locations, we can read the same passage and take away something totally different. I only had one professor in four years who challenged us to read the 3 1/2 inch thick literature text book and write papers about different passages, poems, and essays from our perspective and what we believe the author was telling us. After we submitted our assignments, he would teach and share what scholars believe the true meaning and purpose was. There would be some in the class who said, "Yes, I got it." and others, like me, who thought, "Missed that by 100 yards." BUT the professor required we provide supporting information of WHY we interpreted the passage the way we did.
This is the best part of the lesson, after his lesson, we had the option to take our paper back and rewrite it after the day's lesson. I enjoyed this method of teaching and if I ever opt to be an adjunct professor, I'd mirror his methods because he didn't just teach us about literature, he encouraged us to think, challenge the norms, and offered us the opportunity to change our minds. Isn't this what we are called to do? To think for ourselves, learn new information and process it, then mold it into a beneficial piece of knowledge to help us be better?
Today's quote resonated with me, I won't share why but instead, I encourage you to think about it for a bit. Read it aloud. Write it down a few times. Read it aloud again. What speaks to you? Where do you find your thoughts traveling? How does this quote speak to you?
There is no right or wrong...
yourself THINK!
Monthly Planner for Your Direct Sales Business
As I searched for the perfect planner and organizer to keep my home and business responsibilities at my fingertips, I came up empty.
As a child my parents encouraged me to create it if I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Hence, you have this planner on our desk.
My hope is to share how I organize my to-do lists and spark your inner genius to be the best business woman or man you are called to be.
May you manage your family time, business, and life right here and feel the sense of peace to know you haven’t forgot anyone or anything.
Let go and grow! CLICK HERE TO ORDER
As a child my parents encouraged me to create it if I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Hence, you have this planner on our desk.
My hope is to share how I organize my to-do lists and spark your inner genius to be the best business woman or man you are called to be.
May you manage your family time, business, and life right here and feel the sense of peace to know you haven’t forgot anyone or anything.
Let go and grow! CLICK HERE TO ORDER
15-Month Calendar: A Companion
"Planning for Success: 15-Month Calendar" is designed to accompany your planner but will give you a 15 month snap-shot of your appointments.
Slide it in the back cover of your planner for ease. The hope is to help those building a business while still caring for themselves and others, the tools necessary to succeed!
Click here to order
Slide it in the back cover of your planner for ease. The hope is to help those building a business while still caring for themselves and others, the tools necessary to succeed!
Click here to order
In order to be successful, we need to be organized.
These are tools I created for me but I'm sharing them in case they might work for someone else too!
Today's meal share is actually a healthy snack and fresh from the garden. We, Dad and I, had our first cucumbers for the 2021 garden. Often I'll just wipe the cucumber on my shirt and take a bite but with the first harvest, we always slice them and soak them in a vinegar and oil mx.
Dad has his special recipe and this year we added our Epicure seasonings. There are multiple bowls on the counter: Dad's secret mix, Epicure's Herb & Garlic, and Epicure's Lemon Dilly. Upon first taste, the Lemon Dilly was my favorite but after they sat, I think the Herb and Garlic is better. Who knows, tomorrow I might like the latter. Either way, there are three varieties of deliciousness on the counter and thanks to the ease of Epicure's 4-in-1 Mandoline, the slices are uniform and cut in seconds.
Check out the live demo I did on my Facebook page, "Keeping it Real Cooking with Lisa". Have a fun and safe weekend everyone! Make memories and cherish them!
Dad has his special recipe and this year we added our Epicure seasonings. There are multiple bowls on the counter: Dad's secret mix, Epicure's Herb & Garlic, and Epicure's Lemon Dilly. Upon first taste, the Lemon Dilly was my favorite but after they sat, I think the Herb and Garlic is better. Who knows, tomorrow I might like the latter. Either way, there are three varieties of deliciousness on the counter and thanks to the ease of Epicure's 4-in-1 Mandoline, the slices are uniform and cut in seconds.
Check out the live demo I did on my Facebook page, "Keeping it Real Cooking with Lisa". Have a fun and safe weekend everyone! Make memories and cherish them!
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1st cucumbers of 2021
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What is your favorite cucumber recipe?
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