Being a Southern girl, I love comfort food especially when I am feeling badly. It takes me back to when I was little and sick, and my mom making this dish to make me feel better. The only difference is she would do this from scratch and I just don't have the energy or the inclination. This is quick and easy.

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It was my birthday this week and I have been in a funk, depressed, and moody and no one really understands why. Birthdays are occasions for presents, friends, and usually a few candles to blow out. Everyone around me has tried to cheer me up with lunch dates, surprise parties and lots of chocolate cake.

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Whoever thought of this great new gadget must have been sitting next to me at the diner, whenever I angrily rip open one of those sugar packets. Either I tear it and sugar flies everywhere, or I can't get the darn things open at
all.

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Dog days of summer call for cool treats that refresh you without a lot of work! These little "popsicles" are very easy to make ahead in quantity. Just pop into the freezer and enjoy whenever you wish!

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Continue reading "Easy Recipe: CrockPot Pork Chops" »

Story Time Felts are made by a company that believes in a hands on approach to learning. Their slogan is "Story Time is Together Time."

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I am one of the least handy people in the world and yet even I could install the FootFlush, so I know that you can too. But why would you want to?

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Ever wake up, pull on your jogging shoes and think about just not running that day? Chances are not, since running is hard with a cane or crutches, or everyday pain. So chances are most of that sugary motivational stuff out there is simply not for you. Here are some more practical things most of us with a hidden illness can do!

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I really enjoy scrapbooking. I think it is a new hobby, that creates a great memento for myself, or a perfect present for someone else. I started scrapbooking when I was stuck housebound, due to a recent hospital visit. I like that it is something I can do at my own pace, and I can be as elaborate or as simple, depending on my energy level. As excited as I am to work on most projects, there are days when I am just exhausted, and I don't even know where to start. I found this great product called "Layout Recipes," which are from Scrapbrats.com.

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(This funny list was written by the members of our message boards It made me laugh, and I wanted to share it with all of you)

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This is one of those little things that you find and it turns out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. My boyfriend and I were out grocery shopping and as usual I started getting neck pain and the muscles in my neck were swollen again. So my boyfriend suggested buying an ice pack, since all I usually used were ice cubes in a zip lock baggie, wrapped in a towel, which was often messy as they melted.

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Most of us that suffer with chronic illnesses and are unable to work, find ourselves sitting during the day bored and anxious because there is just nothing to do, or maybe you’re even stuck in bed. I have found the joy of reading while being at home has been an escape for me. I can go any place, and be anyone I want to be, just by opening a book. I love romance, traveling to exotic places, or even going back in time to another century. Fantasy where dragons and elves are roaming the earth, or mystery where murder is the center of the plot, is all possible for me though books. I love to read and have found it an outlet for me to be able to see things I may never be able to see.
I love England, so lately I’ve been reading fiction and non-fiction books about England and getting a feel for the old churches and historic landscapes of that beautiful country. I love fantasy- unicorns, elves, wizards and such, is a realm all its own and so much fun to read about. Even biographies are wonderful. Reading about other people’s lives and struggles can be a comfort to you as you go through your own life’s struggles and trials. I have found reading to be my escape, where I can forget that I’m sick and take the character of a native princess, a forensic detective, a young girl trapped in a castle or a doctor in Africa. I encourage reading- it’s a no stress, relaxing thing to do that will keep your mind working and teach you new things as well.

Here is a book review for a book I’ve just read that was beyond amazing!

Continue reading "Book Review: Two Little Girls in Blue By: Mary Higgins Clark" »

This is a recipe for fast easy potato salad that tastes amazing I couldn't believe how simple and easy it was and yet how amazing it tasted.

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Continue reading "Recipe: Easy Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad" »

If you have arthritis, neuropathy or other functional problems with your hands, you know that maneuvering hot items while cooking can be difficult if not dangerous. Pot holders can leave your fingers exposed. Oven mitts, while they protect your fingers, can be difficult to maneuver with clumsy hands, making you vulnerable to
losing your grip and dropping whatever you are trying to carry. So what's the solution?

Continue reading "Product review: The "Ove" Glove" »