Joyfull Living

It is interesting to keep up with the latest findings on what food is healthy.  For years things like coffee and eggs have bounced between being good for you and then again, maybe not.  Since I'm fiercely dedicated to a morning cup of coffee, my choice is that yes, it is all good! Lately the subject of healthy fats and their benefits are front and center.  Fat is a nutrient necessary for your health. While various fats in foods have different effects on health, some fats offer health-protective benefits. From lowering bad cholesterol and helping shed excess weight to giving you shiny hair and healthy nails, your body will reap the benefits of these healthy fats. Avocados are a great source of good fat.  The benefits of avocados are so numerous that they’re one of the healthiest fruits you can consume. They’re rich in monounsaturated fats, which raise levels of good cholesterol while lowering the bad.  Plus, it’s chock-full of healthy protein. I am usually qui

A mother's love crosses through generations, but do you know that her day lilies can too?  My grandmother planted day lilies in her front yard and years later, my mother would go dig up a few bulbs and transplant them. Any bare spot in her yard would be a perfect place for a bed of lilies.  She loved how they multiplied and how pretty they were when they bloomed.   It is funny how certain items can bring up the memory of someone dear.  We had a grandmother who grew beautiful amaryllis and to this day, when seeing them in bloom, I think of her.  Last year when a bare spot came up in my yard, I remembered my mother's love for lilies and planted a few bulbs, just like she would have!  To my delight, they have multiplied and bloomed! Right now they are in full bloom and a thing of beauty to behold. Some days I just stop and gaze upon them and their beauty. They bring back beautiful memories of my mother, her love for flowers and the her love for me - a comforting feeling t

"What are your colors?"  That is the question often asked about a variety of things such as weddings, the baby nursery, kitchens, home decor and clothing accessories.  For those like me who don't have an abundance of color coordination, this question strikes fear deep in the heart! Home decor is largely enhanced by color. For many years, I used one standard theme and an overload of one dominant color.  This method started out nice, but after a few years (and much time and expense spent on collecting), the theme of ducks and the color mauve make me nauseous!   But there is an easier way!  Big color effects can come from smaller places.  A central color can be carried out in a variety of spaces, textures and shades.   Here are 30 easy ways to add color to your home: Throw pillows (solid or patterned) Throw blankets Pillar candles Votive holders or candlesticks Fresh flowers or house plants with colorful foliage Flower or plant pots Vases Art Pictur

June, where did you come from and how did you get here so fast?  For the first six months of the year, the newness captures our time.  Once June comes along, we realize the year is half way gone and usually there is much we want to catch up on!   Besides jolting us to the fact of how fast the year is going, June also brings in summer break for school children, family vacations. Armed with the realization of how fast time is going, we yearn to embrace and cherish these moments of time.  In our family, the month of June brings the blessing of our wedding anniversary.  It also brings the anniversary of my father's death. From the extremes of grief to joy, June reminds me of the grace of God that is present in every season of life. This year will mark 28 years of both anniversaries.  The dates of the month this year also correspond to that June 28 years ago.  A few prominent days can be recalled with vivid detail. Tuesday June 6 a wedding shower was given to an exc