Christmas Wreath Card Display

Written by Kari, Contributing Writer I know there are hundreds of ways to display those beautiful Christmas cards we get each year. I’ve done most of them over the course of my beautiful life. Everything form hanging them from decorative ribbon to placing them in a crystal bowl. A couple years ago I was reading Living Magazine and found a quick and inexpensive way to display cards. I needed a change and this was perfect. A simple wooden wreath. Well, more like an embroidery hoop with … [Read more...]

Homemade Apple Cider

Written by Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life, Contributing Writer Every fall we do the traditional things like go pick pumpkins, ooh and ahh over the leaves, read books about Johnny Appleseed, and (one of my personal favorites) make homemade apple cider.  Sure, it's easy enough to simply purchase the glass jugs of cider from the grocery store. And we do that too.  But making cider at home is both easy and fun.  Last week one of my closest friends and her four children … [Read more...]

Whipped Naked Magnesium Butter

Written by Kari @ Living Strong Wellness, Contributing Writer  It seems these days that good, restful sleep is hard to come by. Not only with adults, but children as well. As this is not an exciting fact, it is a reality and I believe we have a wonderful variety of natural options to help us. For instance, there are herbal teas, essential oils, supplements and something I want to share with you today – magnesium butter. Ahhh, this stuff is amazing. Why do I love it so much? Because … [Read more...]

Tropical Delight Smoothie

Written by Kari, Contributing Writer   There is something about summer that brings with it the need to make me feel like I live near the ocean, palm trees and an abundant supply of coconuts. The truth is, I live in the foothills of Colorado - which I absolutely love - but it doesn't bring with it the euphoria of ocean waves and coconut beverages!   This is where I use our love of smoothies to fulfill this need for all things tropical. Everyday during the hot months of Colorado, we … [Read more...]

Quick and Easy Homemade Brown Sugar

Written by Contributing Writer, Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life It's true that too much sugar isn't good for you, but I'm not likely to completely give up on the occasional sweet treat.  Instead, we focus on limiting sugar in our day to day diets and choosing healthier alternatives to processed desserts.  Making our own treats is healthier and it saves us money to boot. I've also found that I can simplify my grocery shopping and save more money by learning to make own of the basics … [Read more...]

Protein Packed Nut Butter Bites

Written by Contributing Writer, Kari at Living Strong, Health & Wellness Snack time! Personally, I'm not a big "snacker". I can go meal to meal without needing any extra food to keep me going. Although, having a family, I need to have a plan on hand for our meals and snacks and then I need to make sure they are ready and available to eat! My kids, on the other hand, seem to need a snack every 30 minutes. I can understand why since they are on the go, non-stop, active kids. This can … [Read more...]

Raisin, Date, & Walnut Muffins

Written by Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life, Contributing Writer The New Year is almost here!  For many, that means resolutions and goals and hopefully a large dose of healthy optimism. My head is full of plans and ideas, mostly centered on getting us back to a normal routine and menu plan after a couple of months full of festivities and party foods.  How about you? Thinking of your own resolutions? Maybe you're resolved to eat healthier, whole foods? Or less sugar? … [Read more...]

Felt Fall Banner

Written by Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life, *NEW* Contributing Writer Every year we decorate the mantle for Fall. And every year the routine is basically the same. Pull off current decor. Pull out boxed Fall decor. Turn on Christmas music (I know, I know. But this year I have a good reason). Try to find an arrangement of things we already have on hand or have acquired cheaply that suits our simple, clean style. Send pictures to my best friend for a second opinion. Because she is a … [Read more...]

Chicken Tortilla Soup With A Kick

  Written by Kari @ Living Strong, Health & Wellness, Contributing Writer It is October and it's officially cooling down enough to try this great recipe, which is perfect for any chilly weather you might experience over these next few months! This belly warming soup is simple, quick and so delicious! All you need is a blender and a stock pot (or slow-cooker) and you're set to make the most amazing tortilla soup you have ever had! You can keep this a mild meal or add some … [Read more...]

Immune Strengthening Herbal Tea Blend

Written by Contributing Writer, Kari @ Living Strong Wellness  Now that summer break is winding down and kids are heading back to school – we need to start becoming more proactive with our children’s health. Don’t get me wrong, we should be proactive year round, but during the summer we’re outside more getting fresh air, we’re getting loaded with Vitamin D, getting more sleep and getting more exercise. With school back in session, our children are sitting in air conditioned schools, … [Read more...]