I attended a virtual cooking class a couple weeks ago and learned about Epicure, "Good Food. Real Fast".
Many things impressed me at the start:
1) Raw to ready in 20 minutes or less
2) Directions are easy to read
3) Gluten Free
4) Nut Free
4) 90% GMO Free
5) Sugar and Sodium Conscious
6) Free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives
7) Free of corn syrup and hydrogenated fat

Are you looking for healthy options to prepare for their family and the ability to sit at the table and enjoy quality conversation because you have time to spare?

Would you like a meal you can prepare in less than half an hour, toss it into a glass 4-cup or 1-cup prep bowl, with lid, and head to practice? 

How does knowing you can do this in less than half an hour, and serve something healthy to your family sound? My husband is unsure of the nutritional aspect yet he looks forward to more time sitting in the same room. He's one of my best supporters. Personally, this sounds great. I don't have the hustle and bustle of transporting a child around anymore yet as an empty-nester, time continues to be a precious commodity. I look forward to the school year starting and having a healthy alternative to a fast food stop. 

If this isn't enough, check out the foundation of this company. It started with a mother's love for her children and built into the amazing company it is today.

Remember that trip to the fast food joint, imagine you drove by and engaged in an Epicure meal instead? You would maximize your time and improve your quality of food you put into your body, and that of your family.

​In the same time you could drive thru for a high calorie, high fat, and greasy bag of food, you could drive past and into your own driveway.  You'll have time to prep and cook a healthy, gluten free, low sugar and low sodium meal, and take the dog out. If you need to eat on the go, Epicure has 1 cup (for just you) or 4 cup (for the kids) glass prep bowls to toss your warm and nutritious meal in. You'll be back on the road in less than a half an hour, got in some extra steps, and filled your water bottle. Not only will you avoid extra calories and fats, you spent time with the people and pets you love.

I received my starter kit today and it is exciting. I have my first two cooking classes scheduled for August. If you want to learn more about Epicure or to book a virtual party, click on the link below and explore. Your prayers are appreciated as I move forward with this new venture sharing healthier, and quick, alternatives with others.

Four years ago our home was a buzz with anticipation, prepping, and packing for our daughter to embark on her journey into higher education. With her Bachelor's Degree accomplished she journeys forward to complete her Master's in Higher Education Administration. We are so proud of her. We are on the countdown to this new and empowering opportunity she has.

The past weeks have been fun and the conversations ranged from goofy to serious. Case scenarios have been reviewed. Textbooks ordered. Classes secured. Boxes, boxes, and more boxes packed. Today starts the loading and puzzle piecing to load the vehicles in our caravan to make the move out of state.

Upon my return I have the luxury of quarantining for fourteen days. Usually I'd have a list prepared so I could hit the ground running and move mountains within these walls but this time, I'm taking time to process and absorb the amount of change we're experiencing. I'm sure this nervous energy will produce excess energy and my list will be written on Monday morning but for now...I'm enjoying the time and memory making. I think this makes us official empty nesters. I look forward to how we all grow, change, and adapt in the weeks to come.

 On May 6, 2020, I had the honor to be interviewed by Forensic Artist, Diana Trepkov, for her new podcast, Can I Help Find Your Missing Loved One?, to talk about my sister's kidnapping case. After the interview, instead of my normal follow-up, I headed out the door to volunteer at the local food pantry.

After interviews about my sister's kidnapping case I usually take time to reflect and calm my thoughts and mind. The emotional drain following an interview overwhelms me. I scheduled this interview before heading to the pantry for food distribution because I knew the interviewer and was relaxed. I didn't anticipate the tears or drain. I wanted to call and cancel but I don't like to cancel when others expect me. Plus, it is uplifting to help others and give back. Life isn't supposed to be a self-pity-party, we are called to be ambassadors, receiving an internal joy for being there for others.

The food pantry had our busiest night, as of that date, and we were all busting our bums to keep up. I don't know if it was the mental distraction, the never-ending line, or the combination thereof but one thing I do know...my mind and body were not working together.

I knew boxes were stacked there and I had worked around them for an hour but in one instance I forgot and my foot caught the corner and off I flew then landed. My hands and arms were scratched but my knees took the hit, literally. The left was sore but my right knee swelled immediately and thanks to COVID-19, it took three days to get into to actually see the doctor.

I called the doctor that night, it was a Friday, and if it wasn't better I was to call the office on Monday. I saw my primary for a consult and x-rays on Monday. X-rays showed no breaks, just fluid and swelling so he'd follow up later in the week. By Wednesday the pain was so bad I called the orthopedic I saw two years ago and scheduled an appointment. They didn't have an opening until the following week due to COVID-19 guidelines. Ugh, I think the world hasn't forgotten that other medical needs happen and require attention in a timely manner. I don't blame the doctors, as they are following guidelines, but goodness, those making decisions need to remember some people need medical treatment unrelated to the current pandemic. (Rant done)

Two months later and two trips to the orthopedic, and physical therapy twice a week, and daily home exercises. I drafted this blog a week ago and the next line read, "My knee is getting stronger and doing better each day." with hopeful and promising words to follow BUT I needed to modify the original post since this week, the pain and swelling seems to have taken a step backward.

At physical therapy today, I was quite down as the exercises I did last week with ease were a challenge today, and one I couldn't even do. I had to lower weights and half the time on the bicycle. I shed tears of frustration (felt like a fool) and tears from the discomfort. Ugh...talk about mental defeat. My physical therapist and his assistant were both wonderful, and encouraging.

Long story short, the increased pain and discomfort could be due to the heat increasing the inflammation or it could be there was more damage on the interior of the knee and as it heals, new injuries surface. The good news, this past Sunday I walked 3.25 miles. It was NOT my best walk but I did it with little discomfort. I planned to celebrate my slow walk, instead of 14-17 minute miles like I was doing prior to my injury, it was slow going: Mile 1 - 36 minutes, Mile 2 - 40 minutes, and Mile 3 - 46 minutes.

I share this because we need to find the good in whatever situation we face. Rather than focus on the turtle pace I'm focusing on the ability to walk the distance. Instead of focusing on the back-step with pain and swelling, I celebrate the bruising is better and I'm moving and doing more. We will face many challenges in life, from mental exhaustion to physical malfunctions BUT if we keep a positive, hope-filled, and encouraging attitude...success is closer than we know. We can't dwell in the negative, we MUST take the first step and move forward.