Home Is My Happy Spot

So Many Strawberry Recipes, So Little Time Strawberry season arrives at different times for all of us, depending on the region and climate in which we live.  June, however, is the primetime strawberry slot for many, with festivals being in full-swing in small towns across the country to celebrate this delectable fruit.   Prize-winning strawberry recipes abound, since there are seemingly endless ways to enjoy this versatile berry--in salads, smoothies, jams, salsas, and desserts.  It's nearly impossible to fit in all the ways you can serve strawberries within such a short harvest season, so you have to be choosy.   Sure, you can buy strawberries at the grocery year-round, but using fresh strawberries during peak season is when your taste buds will really savor the fireworks of sweetness. Strawberry pie is a "must" for your menu at least once during the season, but there are so many pie recipes circulating online, which one is most deserving of the splurge...

Just Like Grandma Made In today's busy world, cooks are looking for meals that can be fixed quickly.  Between working, soccer games, and other commitments, no has time to spend hours in the kitchen.   Cookbooks, magazines, and recipe sites abound that target people with hectic schedules, promising fast fixes that are simple but delicious. While some snap meals requiring only a few ingredients are tasty, many of them aren't.  Let's be honest.  The faster a meal comes together, the less likely your family will like it. Yet, when you think back to the meals your grandma made, especially if your granny grew up during the Great Depression, do you remember how mouth-wateringly delicious they were, even though her meals were nothing fancy and very basic? How did she do it? For one thing, she used whole foods and made everything from scratch.  Today's cooks cut corners by using canned broths, frozen vegetables, and other pre-packaged foods to save time.  It...

What Is Cabin Fever? According to Merriam-Webster, cabin fever  is defined as extreme irritability and restlessness from living in isolation or a confined indoor area for a prolonged time.    You've been stuck in the house all winter, and you're bursting to get outside and do all the things you love.  Problem is, it's still cold!  Even after the snow melts, the ground is often too soggy and muddy to enjoy.   Hang in there--we have some great tips to help you cope until warmer days arrive! 1.  Plan Your Garden Remember the beginning of the pandemic when store shelves were picked clean, restaurants were closed, and farmer's markets couldn't open safely?  People who normally weren't gardeners realized planting one might be a good idea.  Whether you're a veteran gardener or a beginner, the last leg of winter is the best time to decide on and map out a plan for your garden. Gardens come in all shapes, types, and sizes, so you can choose the...

Oldies, But Goodies Hallmark is best known for its escapism entertainment where fans can find a happy place to lose themselves in a stress-free love story that always ends happily. While Hallmark movies attract viewers from all walks of life, it has particularly been a haven for Christians and conservatives who flocked to the network to avoid the vile and secular programming that saturates the majority of networks. When the pandemic struck the entire world in 2020, even more people gravitated to Hallmark movies while they were stuck at home, drawing comfort from them like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.  Images:  Crown Media Despite gorging on an inordinate amount of these Hallmark movies (they are addictive!), there is a growing rumble of discontent among fans.  Conversations within the realm of social media reveals Hallmarkies prefer the older movies over the majority of newer releases.  This is admitted in hushed tones because Hallmark fans are a dedicate...

Mike Lindell Is Beloved If you haven't seen a lengthy MyPillow commercial by now, you must live in a cave. Mike Lindell nearly bubbles over from his passion about helping people get the "best sleep of their lives."  Lindell is not an actor.  He really is  as happy as he looks. His genuine smile, upbeat persona, and sparkling eyes aren't manufactured for the camera.  Lindell has tapped into the source of true and unending joy, and that is Jesus. Mike Lindell is the real deal. After battling multiple addictions for many years, Lindell attended a retreat where he finally made the decision to surrender his life to Christ, and it completely transformed him. Lindell has been blessed to be a blessing.  He created the Lindell Foundation to help veterans, cancer victims, and people struggling with addiction.  In addition, he founded the Lindell Recovery Network to help drug addicts connect with Christian recovery organizations.   Lindell is a generous man...