It's that time again....making lampshade slipcovers

It's been a pretty boring time around here with this weather we've been having.  6 degrees this morning, and that is a heat wave compared to what we've had, hahaha!

I've been cooking but that doesn't make me happy like my sewing machine does....so guess what I did last night?

You got it...pulled out the sewing machine and started making new slipcovers for some shades that I wasn't really pleased with.

First I'll start with this one.

When I made this one, for some reason I got off a little and the ruffle wasn't even all the way around.  So I took my iron and scrunched it really good and made it all crinkly.

That worked fine until all of the crinkles started losing their scrunchiness (my own word).

And that really bugged me!

The problem was the fabric, it was way too soft.  So I ripped it apart and added a crisper ruffle and made it all even!  Then some lace...now my OCD will let me rest.

Now for this one.  I was inspired with the one in the upper right corner to make one of my own.  It turned out pretty....but the blue wasn't doing it for me.  It reminded me of fruit for some reason. ( I know, fruit isn't blue)  I never was happy with it completely but I just left it alone until last night.  I just couldn't stand it any longer!

Now isn't that much better?  I am at peace now!

I love the bow and how soft the glow is...hey that rhymes! The lace just gave it that finishing touch.

I plan on doing some more sewing today, but I'll need to make a trip to the fabric shop.  I'm all out of white fabric...can you believe it?

I'll leave you with some simple white pitchers I bought the other evening at Home Goods.  I hadn't been out of the house for awhile and was feeling good so the hubby took me to buy some groceries and to my favorite store!  Do you know I hadn't been there for over 6 months?  I was shocked!

I wanted something simple for the island and I think I hit the nail on the head!  They'll be so pretty with my spring flowers in them this spring!

Update on Low Sodium Spaghetti

I have to update all of you on that low sodium spaghetti I made the other day.  None of us could stand eating it!!!

You can see the original recipe here.

So I started thinking how to spruce it up a bit still keeping it low in sodium.

~Baked Spaghetti~

I added 2 ounces of fresh mozzarella which is 60 mg, 2 tablespoons of sour cream which is 15 mg of sodium and 1/4 tablespoon of lite iodized salt which is 290 mg.  That all added together with the original recipe divided by 4 equals 231 mg....which is still low.  And let me say, it tasted wonderful!!!  The hubby dug in right away as you can see by the photo.

Dinner is ready for tomorrow!

It tastes like baked spaghetti is supposed to!  Now it will not go to waste which was driving me insane with the thought of that.  

I also went to the store and found a salt substitute called "no salt"...it tastes just like salt but will have to watch because it is high in potassium.  But it is a nice replacement.  Oh, and a no salt added ketchup...who knew?!

Everyhing has a Purpose

I felt great yesterday and decided to put away my Christmas decorations.  The house seems so big and open once again.  I so enjoy pulling out all of my stuff after Christmas...it's like presents all over again!

My mother gave me this metal monogram for my birthday.  Of course she knew I would paint it. Those were her words as I opened it as her eyes twinkled.  I love her so much and she knows me so well!

Now isn't it just perfect there at the end of the island?

As I sat by myself this evening after a day of not feeling so well, I caught myself looking at this grouping with it's soft pink glow and feeling like God was with me.  I could almost hear Him saying "just believe"....something we all need to do a little more of, right?  It's hard to do some days when you are feeling so bad and all you can focus on is just trying to get through that pain.  I read a post from a friend today that said, "let's do something different. Start saying I trust you Jesus."  Well, I did that today and it sure did make me feel better.  I do trust Him, how could I not?  I am here and alive after all that I have been through aren't I?

I noticed my grouping with fresh, new eyes....an angel behind the table saying believe, churches, beautiful spring flowers, a star, candles, a sleeping angel, a cross that says love, a bracelet that the girls gave me for mothers day adorning the top of my church and a crown.

All in a soft pink glow from the pale pink walls and the lampshade.  

How soothing to my soul.  That's when I realized that my home has things that are precious to my very being...who I am, what I believe in.  I felt this before but it hit me in a totally different way tonight.  God speaks through my home to others, it opens a door for Him to enter.  I have felt so little in this big old world at times...but tonight I feel like I am sitting at His precious feet while he gazes down at me with love in His eyes and I feel His hand on my head.  Knowing things will all be alright.  

God is so good!

Life isn't just about pretty things, how much or what we have...it's about people!  If I can help someone in the smallest of ways, then I am tickled pink!  

Now, that being said...Janet Coon from Shabbyfufu is having a giveaway!  Her home has been a pick me up to my soul from the very first time I ever laid my eyes on it!  It is absolutely beautiful and has been through many changes through the years...getting more beautiful as time goes by.  So stop by her blog, leave a comment, share and hopefully you might win!  I sure would love too!

Shabbyfufu

Aren't they beautiful?  

Have fun and be sure to enter to win!

Super Low Sodium Spaghetti

I've had some health problems that I haven't quite figured out yet...that'll come with more Dr appointments.  But for now, I have decided to do a low sodium diet to try and lower my blood pressure until I can find out what's causing the slight increase in my bottom number and making my heart race.

No one is liking it too well, but the way I look at it is that we will be healthier for it in the long run.

Did you know that one teaspoon of salt contains 2325 mg's of sodium?  A low sodium diet ranges from 2300 down to 1100 mg's of sodium.  If you start paying attention to your intake, you'll be blown away like we were!  Just take look at a hamburger and fries from McDonalds...that'd be all you could eat in one day!

So, I have set out on a quest in finding a way to make low sodium food and for it to be tasty.  I haven't quite mastered that yet, but I am finding it fun trying!  Plus I am learning and feeling much better day by day.

Now...here's one recipe I did making spaghetti.

Here's what you'll need.

2 cans of low sodium/no salt added diced tomatoes(mine was Kroger brand)

2 tablespoons of tomato paste(low sodium)

8 oz of vegetable juice(low sodium)

1 green pepper

1 cup of water

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 package of meat (I used real lean hamburger, the sodium was way less that turkey burger)

1 package of whole wheat noodles

Lots of spices!!!  No sodium of course.

I used lots of garlic, onion powder, onion flakes, Italian spice... tasting to your liking.

Cook your meat separately with a green pepper and seasoning to give the meat some zing.

In another pot, add all of the other ingredients (minus the spaghetti) and let simmer for about an hour.  Mine came to a boil quickly so I turned down the heat after 15 minutes  and then simmered for the rest of  time.  You'll know when it's finished.  Keep stirring occasionally and taste to make sure it's to your liking.

I forgot to take a photo of the diced tomatoes.  But if my math is correct, the sodium intake works out divided by four to about 140 mg's of sodium.  That leaves room for a salad and dessert! No one could eat the portion that it would be divided up to, but that gives you an idea of what the sodium would be.  Really...it was less because we could all have about 2 meals a piece from this instead of one. 8 meals in total.

Meat:  75 mg sodium for 4 ounces

Diced tomatoes (2 cans):  90 mg sodium

2 tablespoons of tomato paste:  30 mg sodium

8 oz. vegetable juice:  140 mg sodium

Spaghetti:  0 sodium

                 _________________________

             560 divided by 4 = 140 total sodium 

Now, doesn't that look good?

I will not lie...it was a little bland when one is used to lots of garlic salt and prego!  But I added a little vinegar and sour cream to mine when I started eating and it did the trick.  I have found sour cream and vinegar taste great together!  Who knew!!!  2 tablespoons of sour cream are only 15 mg's of sodium...and I love sour cream!  Vinegar is 0!  

I am learning more and more every day and taking it slow.  Making things from scratch is the key to lowering your sodium.  All of the prepackaged stuff is super high!  

I know this has been a different post with lots of reading...but if it can help someone to lower their sodium like me, then it's worth it!

             

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all!

May the Lord bless each and everyone of you with good health, peace, prosperity and to be surrounded with love!

Merry Christmas

I forgot to show you the "Little Girls Room" in with my last post so I am sharing now.  A little odd I know, but I just had to, lol!

I added a simple pine wreath with a pink satin bow...fell in love with it!

Just perfect!

 This old jar was going to be thrown out by my Uncle a few years ago...of course I couldn't let him do that, now could I?  I filled it with some ornaments and lights, painted the lid and added a pink bow.  Love it grouped with the little Dollar Tree gift box and my bird house.  It lights up the bathroom perfectly!

I had to keep my first snowman ornament I ever made and thought this spot was the right one.  The angel was a gift from my Mom that got a new look a few years ago with some pink and white paint along with some pink glitter.  She is beautiful!

And what little girls room could do without some sparkly pink poinsettias?

Now, as I promised...here's the outside.  I didn't do much as I usually do so I hope you aren't too let down.

I always put pine garland and lights over the garage with some bows but I was just too tired to do them this year.  It looks pretty when it's dark.

See....you don't even know the bows are missing.

My ladder works well as an easel for the large rusty star and a warm welcome to our guests.  I love my flag....you all know how I love churches!

And I love stars too!

This is my motto...Let it Snow!!!

Lovin' the arbor with the pine this year!

~Welcome to our porch~

I have had the worst trouble with these lights around the door this year...there is a short in them that is driving me nuts!  I added red wood berry garland to the white arbor trees.  I love red for Christmas outside!

They sure are pretty though all lit up...when they work!

I switched things around a bit with the tree...this is where it sits now instead of on the table.

And the "Bless all who Enter" sign is now on the door.  I definitely want that when someone comes to our home...I want them blessed!

Another star and my little welcome pillow that Oliver loves to sit on, lol!

The wicker chairs were bare so I thought the pine swags looked great and gave some color.

I put my mailbox out and just adore it with the pine and a Merry Christmas tin that looks like a letter.

I just want people to feel welcome when they come for a visit.  And I want them to feel like it is Christmas!

The swing is put away in storage so the bench is working nicely to hide Gabe's doghouse.

I love pine and pine cones...can ya tell?

If ya haven't noticed...I seem to have a snowman theme going on don't I?

This tree was in an urn that broke and the lights quit working.  So I put it in an old flower pot, added berry garland, bows and pine cones.  The little snowman says a clip from one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Gabe wanted in on the fun...so he got some antlers and a red Rudolf nose!

May God bless your Christmas with lots of love, family and friends.  

Merry Christmas from all of us!!!