Building Our Forever Home

Building Our Forever Home

Nov 8, 2021 | Family & Home, Home Organization

Our Eternal Home

I will be the first to admit that the idea of building my “forever” home has been a bit of a distraction. I am obsessed with all things home-related. 

 

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Looking to procrastinate? Just whittle away countless hours on Pinterest, saving interior decorating inspiration! Need a good lunch spot? Trade food for a trip to Restoration Hardware and fill up on furniture! I am an expert at scrolling social media for architecture, home decor, and everything in between.

But lately, I’ve slowed down on the idea of my “forever” home — realizing that it’s my eternal home that needs my focus.

 

A More Lasting Forever

I am reminded of Matthew 6:19-21 NIV, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

A scripture so powerful yet so easy to overlook. Although my prayer is that my earthly home always be a place filled with God’s presence and love, I must remember that it will never come close to experiencing our Creator and Savior in Heaven.

Construct Your Eternal Foundations

We must, first and foremost, remind ourselves that we will not live forever on Earth. It is merely a starting place for us to use scripture to build our eternal home’s floor plan. How do we do this? I may not have all of the answers, but I’d like to share what I am working on:

  1. Making it my priority and prayer to spend eternity in Heaven rather than plan for it on Earth.
  2. Keeping myself from seeing my home and the people in it as idols.
  3. Using a firm belief in Him as a foundation upon which to build.
  4. Establishing a plan that will guarantee I will receive keys to my eternal home when life ends here.

As we have excitement for things as trivial as our “forever” homes, we must surpass that excitement with a dedication to building our future in Heaven. Lay down your spiritual foundations with pride and exchange the material for the immeasurable. Only then can we rest assured our eternal home is waiting for us.

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Fall “Feel Good” Crockpot Recipe

Fall “Feel Good” Crockpot Recipe

Nov 2, 2021 | Dinner, Food, Holiday Food

Feel Cozy with some Hearty Soup!

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With the leaves turning yellow and cold breezes lowering temperatures, it’s time to break out one of my favorite warm and cozy recipes—Crockpot Lentil Soup! Not only is this recipe a family favorite during the fall, it is easy to make with the help of a handy Instant Pot or your slow cooker of choice. 

 

Here’s the recipe for my lentil soup!

 

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced 
  • 3 medium carrots peeled and cut into a ½-inch dice
  • 3 stalks celery thinly sliced 
  • 1 teaspoons Italian seasoning 
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
  • 4 cloves garlic minced 
  • 1 pack of Lipton onion soup mix 
  • 2 cups of Lentils. I do not recommend red lentils.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of basil, garlic, oregano diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 
  • Parmesan rind optional; add it if you have it in a large skillet (or All Clad Gourmet Plus Slow Cooker using sear option), 

 

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Sauté until the carrots and celery are barely soft, about 2 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker (or leave if using suggested slow cooker and turn to slow cook setting). Add to sautéed mixture the slow cooker, add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. 
  3. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the lentils are tender, but are not mushy. If the soup is too thick for your liking, thin with a bit of water or additional broth until you reach your desired consistency. 
  4. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. 

 

Once the soup is flavoured to your preferences, serve it hot with a sprinkle of parsley on top! I like to add a bit of quinoa and include a side of bread to create a truly filling meal. This soup pairs perfectly with family and cool nights, making it an autumn staple!

 

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For Expecting Mothers: What’s in My Hospital Bag?

For Expecting Mothers: What’s in My Hospital Bag?

Sep 30, 2021 | Family & Home, Parenting

When expecting mothers feel their labor pain kick in, everyone better be ready to go!

Preparation is key to having a smooth transition for parents and the new born during the first day, so I began building my hospital bag way ahead of our next arrival.

Having done this a few times (four children in), creating the perfect packed bag for myself and my husband was quick and easy when preparing for our fifth child.

Now, I want to share my special formula with future parents. So let’s get into what’s in my hospital bag:

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1. Toiletries

 

Your face is one of the first things your baby sees so including your skin care regime into your bag will keep you looking and feeling fresh. Bringing a few extra postpartum care items such as overnight pads (the hospital provides these but they aren’t always the most comfortable!), an ice pack, and a peri rinse bottle.

2. Breastfeeding

 

Feeding your baby is such a special bonding moment, so you don’t want to focus on the difficulties that come with breastfeeding. Pack a nursing pillow to help support the baby’s weight while breastfeeding and when they are done, nursing pads will save you from any unwanted leaks. Breastfeeding can be particularly painful for new moms, so having nipple cream on hand to ease the soreness will be a life-saver.

3. Clothing

 

Hospital gowns never keep me comfy, so I pack slippers, a gown, and a robe in my bag. I also bring along shower shoes and a nursing bra for some added convenience. When you are finally taking your bundle of joy home, a comfortable going-home outfit is essential.

4. Baby

 

The baby essentials include a swaddle, scratch mittens, and burp clothes. But I also love to dress the newborn in an adorable monogram going-home outfit! For the car ride, be prepped with a car seat, a hat, and pacifiers to make the experience calming and safe.

5. Miscellaneous

 

In the rush to reach the hospital you will likely forget daily items like a phone charger and an extra pillow so throw those in the bag! I also like to bring my favorite snacks, a bottle of Pierrer, my own water cup, and airpods.

6. For Dad

 

Don’t leave Dad behind! He will likely be the one stressfully driving you to the hospital, so it’s best to take care of his must-have items before the big day. Throw in socks, underwear, two sweat suits, shower shoes, and a toothbrush so he can stay smelling fresh for the entire hospital stay.

 

You’ll have enough to worry about when your baby is ready to meet you! A hospital bag is easy to prepare before the stress sets in, so take the time to properly prepare.

Here’s an easy checklist to copy:

_____  Toiletries 

          _____  Personal skin care regime items

          _____  Overnight pads

          _____  Ice pack

          _____  Peri rinse bottle

          _____  Toothbrush

_____  For Breastfeeding

          _____  Nursing pillow

          _____  Nursing pads

          _____  Nipple cream

_____ Clothing

          _____  Comfy slippers

          _____  A gown

          _____  A robe

          _____  Shower shoes

          _____  Nursing bra

          _____  A going-home outfit

_____  For Baby

          _____  A swaddle

          _____  Scratch mittens

          _____  Burp clothes

          _____  A baby going-home outfit

_____  For the car ride home

          _____  A car seat

          _____  A hat

          _____  Pacifiers

_____  For Dad

          _____  Socks

          _____  Underwear

          _____  Two sweat suits

          _____  Shower shoes

          _____  A toothbrush

_____  Miscellaneous

          _____  A phone charger

          _____  Extra pillow

          _____  Your favorite snacks

          _____  A bottle of Pierrer

          _____  Water cup

          _____  Airpods (or other headphones)

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Pregnancy Health Routine Tips

Pregnancy Health Routine Tips

Sep 29, 2021 | Family & Home, Parenting

I am counting down the days until my next baby girl arrives!

And while I love carrying my child, the discomfort and hormonal imbalances with my skin can be a real drag. After baby #3, I learned to incorporate a few things into my routine to help me feel a little less stressed and uncomfortable.

While I’m no medical professional, here are my pregnancy health routine tips that may work well for you, too:

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1. Soaking in a hot tub of water with Epsom salt, apple cider vinegar, and lavender essential oils

 

These ingredients are miracle workers for relaxing my body. The Epsom salt is a great home treatment for inflammation and sore muscles, two things I have definitely acquired while carrying around a growing bundle of joy. While the salt is healing your insides, the apple cider vinegar is enhancing that pregnancy glow with its antimicrobial properties that soothe the skin. To complete your bath, a couple drops of lavender oil will create a beautiful smell that leaves you feeling refreshed.

2. Chiropractor visits

 

Back pains are inevitable, but they don’t have to make you miserable. Your body is working hard to prepare for the baby so treat it with some helpful adjustments! The frequency changes from weekly to monthly, depending on how the baby is laying or the pain you’re experiencing. Not only will a chiropractic adjustment help you but it will also ensure that the pelvis is in the perfect place for delivery.

3. Prenatal massages

 

These are worth the splurge. No matter where you are in your pregnancy, laying on your stomach for a massage is uncomfortable at best. Prenatal massages are done by specialists that know how to adapt to your body with a special table and pillows. It can help with joint pain, swelling, back aches, leg cramping, and even sinus congestion!

4. Drinking lots of water and faithfully taking supplements

 

I take Mega Food Baby & Me Prenatal with prebiotic and probiotics, and Mega Food Blood Builders. These give me a blend of feel-good vitamins that keep my digestive system happy and provide me with a much needed dose of iron. I take it with a cup of orange juice to help get maximum benefit.

5. Hydrafacials

 

I have a ton of hormonal imbalances naturally, but they tend to go into overdrive during pregnancy and postpartum. My dermatologist recommended frequent hydrafacials and a skincare regime to use in between. With a special blend of serums and a powerful wand, the hydrafacial cleans, exfoliates, and hydrates my skin. Not only does this treatment help with skin texture, tone, and overall appearance, but it also is a special treat for hardworking moms to enjoy.

 

Pregnancy is supposed to be beautiful for you and the baby. So if you need to step back from the excitement and planning to focus on what you need to feel good, do it!

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Easy Rotel Dip Recipe For Parties

Easy Rotel Dip Recipe For Parties

Sep 28, 2021 | Food, Quick Snacks, Tamela's Tailgate Treats

I love nachos! (Doesn’t everyone!?)

It’s probably one of my favorite comfort foods. Growing up, my school did countless fundraisers, and during recess, selling snacks was our biggest hit! Nachos were always my first choice—topped with jalapeños. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! The funniest thing is that I’m not a cheese lover at all, but nachos are certainly a way to my heart!

Here’s a recipe for my favorite Rotel dip that goes great with nacho chips!

Ingredients

  • 2 small rolls or 1 large roll of ground sausage (If you don’t eat pork, you can use well-seasoned ground beef, ground turkey, or all of the above!)
  • 1 large block of Velveeta cheese 
  • 1 cream cheese package
  • 2 cans of Rotel tomatoes
  • Chips of your choice
  • Jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grab a large pot and set it on the stove at medium heat.
  2. Add the ground sausage and let it brown.
  3. Drain the oils from sausage and return to the pot.
  4. Add in the whole 2 cans of Rotel tomatoes, the Velveeta, cream cheese, and milk. (I usually cut the cheese into chunks first so it melts faster.

Once the Velveeta and cream cheese are completely melted, your fabulous, mouth- watering dip is ready to serve! Serve warm along with your favorite chips. The Davis family loves tortilla chips, Frito scoops, and Doritos. And Mamma loves to top it with jalapeños!

As always, don’t forget the love; it’s the most important ingredient!

 

Velveeta Cheese Rotel Dip - The F Word Blog - Tamela Davis

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