Joyfull Living

We're talking about marriage... 'what's in it for me?"   As women, when we are looking for a mate, our thoughts might revolve around finding Mr. Right and how he will treat us.  We need love, security, protection and attention.   But, any woman who has been a wife for a little while will quickly realize...it's not about you!!  Although marriage is a give and take between two people, it is a lifelong pursuit to understand that marriage is about the one you married.   A recent article which has been floating around Facebook, shared some of the best marriage advice for those considering marriage. This comes from a father to his son.  ..." I’m going to make this really simple: marriage isn’t for you. You don’t marry to make yourself happy, you marry to make someone else happy . More than that, your marriage isn’t for yourself, you’re marrying for a family . Not just for the in-laws and all of that nonsense, but for your future children . Who do you

In the past I've never been concerned about using commercial cleaners in my home.  I was raised in a home that used products such as bleach, Formula 409, Dow Bathroom Cleaner etc. and carried the tradition on into my own home. The 'green, eco friendly products' that I have used didn't seem to clean very well for me.  On top of that, they were more expensive than the regular cleaners I used.  But, I've been trying to use a few natural items to clean and am impressed how well they work!  It does feel better cleaning with things that are natural and less harmful to my home and family.  Here are a few items easy to find that will boost your cleaning. Tea Tree Oil This essential oil has antiseptic ingredients making it a perfect disinfectant. Add a few drops to a small spray bottle of water for an environmentally-friendly disinfectant throughout your home.  I have added it to my extra dirty laundry and sheets for extra disinfecting power.   Coarse salt Use

Here comes October!!  This is my favorite time of the year.  Although in the area I live, the climate doesn't change, on occasion a cool front get through and we get a taste of cool weather, a few falling leaves and brisk mornings!  Although these days can be few and far between, 'fall fever' can catch me unaware.  Have you ever had that type of morning where you have time at home, windows open and that strong desire to bake something 'fallish'?  Of course it usually involves pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon etc. and nothing else will do.  Many a morning has been interrupted by having to make a trip to the store for a fall ingredient that I didn't have in my pantry.   This year, I am working to plan ahead.  During a shopping trip, I found pumpkin on sale and picked up 3 cans!  Although they are very expensive, I picked up a big bag of nuts and used my chopper to make them smaller (and go farther!), replenished cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves!  A batch of pumpki