Paying Attention

Living out here in the woods, in this beautiful and silent landscape, has made my days filled with gratitude and inspiration. Yes, it is Thanksgiving week. I have COUNTLESS things to be thankful for. But I am really reminded of is the small things. Nature. How remarkable it all is, and how we can always turn to the comforts of nature at any moment, and anywhere.

Pumpkin Butter- super easy, no crock pot needed!

I love me a good fruit "butter". When I first tried apple butter a decade ago at an Amish fair, I absolutely fell head over heels with it. I was surprised to find out there was absolutely no butter (or other fat for that matter) involved!
So, I learned to make apple butter, yum! Next, I tried pear butter- it may be even more satisfying than its apple cousin.
So, this time it is Pumpkin Butter's turn. This is my second batch ever, and I must say it is good, the only problem I found was that I had to add more sweetener than I expected and significantly more than in the pear and butter varieties, due to the pumpkins more savory flavor.
My sweeteners of choice in this batch was maple syrup (the real kind) and apple cider. Quantities of all ingredients is pretty much up to you and your preferences.

I start my pumpkin butter with, you guessed it, a PUMPKIN! Not from a can, but from a field. We got ours this year from a local farm- Hill Ridge Farms- where we also had a blast!

Here's some simple directions- play around with the seasonings! I'd love to hear about others versions I always love experimenting and learning! You can completely skip apple cider and maple syrup, and just go for some good ole cane sugar! Or, how about honey? lemon zest? Fresh ginger? I can't wait for my next batch!

Click on the images for larger- more legible version!

You will end up with a guaranteed delicious, nutritious and versatile spread/dip. My kids love dipping apple slices and graham crackers in it. It is also great mixed in with vanilla yogurt and granola. The options are endless. ENJOY!

Going for it

One of my most favorite quotes ever. I wish I knew who said it!
This rings so true in regards to myself, my life and my business.
I often catch myself dreaming of a retirement on a particular beach, and when I snap back, I remember this quote, and get back to work creating something new :)

Gift Ideas for the Holidays

I want to share some of these ideas with you. I'm sure we all have those people on our list who "have everything" or those that are very difficult to shop for. Or, a older friend in need of a health boost?

Check out some of these sweet, smart and from the heart, gifts for the holidays.

How about some adorable cleaning gloves and a Get Clean Starter kit? Best all-purpose green cleaner anywhere. It is so concentrated; I've had my bottle for 2 years. Fantastic product.

 

 Or, for some safe skin care without all the pesky chemicals and preservatives, check out this line of wondrous softness and age erasing power! I adore the A.M Repair! Add some super luxurious, organic face towels, and you have a memorable gift!

Water. Simple. Delicious. Essential. Water. I have made a promise to myself, I will never again buy plastic water bottles. One of the greatest sources of plastic pollution in the world is the water bottle. Not only can you get healthier, cleaner and cheaper water from your tap when you use Get Clean Water, you can also feel better about what you do for the planet. With so many cute, re-useable water bottles out there, why ever buy those pesky plastic bottles again!?

For even more gift ideas, check out my website- sunnyside.myshaklee.com - and I would love to hear your green gift giving ideas! I can never have too many :)

Trust

Re-boot!

I'm thrilled to be back on the blog! I must apologize for the extended departure, but I sold a house, bought another, and moved across country with the whole family. There was simply no time for blogging. Or showering (kidding on that last one... ).
What a ride it has been! We successfully pulled this thing off, and have now landed in the beautiful forests of Wake Forest, North Carolina! During this whole ordeal my whole remarkable family has kept smiles on their faces and and a sparkle in the eye.
Despite tons of stress, extended separations, 3 days in a car, 1 month living with in-laws and one very tedious real-estate transaction, we all remained happy, HEALTHY, and a tight unit.

As I have landed with both feet on the ground and technology back at my fingertips, I am re-launching my Shaklee business, and my blog! Hooray!
My contact information is mostly the same, except for the physical mailing address, and if you need it, you will have it.
My online store is still sunnyside.myshaklee.com, I am still on Facebook as well.


I could not be more excited to be back, and I'd love to hear from you!