Simply Home by Beth

Simply Home by Beth

Real Comfort…

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Real Comfort…begins at home.

“There is nothing like staying home for real comfort.” –Jane Austen

Home is our refuge, our sanctuary, this is where we live, love, laugh, and grow.

All of life happens between these four walls, the place we call home, where could a better place be found?

There is none.

The photo above is from Sheila @lakehavencottage.com, her home is lovely, and she is a must-follow for sure!

There are so many ways to add “comfort” to a room…what’s one of your favorite ways to layer in the ” cozy”?

Remember the Three P’s….

pillows

patterns

plants

These always work.

Some faux greens and moss in a transferware serving dish, adds old-time comfort to your table.

This little transferware serving dish adds patterns, and plants at the same time. Multi-functional.

Not on my list, but a must, includes the use of candles.

I love to add candles, between their scents as you walk into a room, and the tiny flicker of the wick, they’re a warming “welcome” to any space.

This sweet candle was a Christmas gift from my daughter, it’s almost half-used and it’s only January!
Extra pinstripe pillows for the sofa
Mustard stripes for Fall, toile for the bedroom, 2 more closets to go!
Summer, Fall and Santa squished on the shelf!
Guest-room closet holds a few extra bed pillows.

This brings us to the matter of pillows, decorative, seasonal, throw pillows, bed pillows, bolster pillows…. etc. etc….. this is a sore topic in my home!!

Have you experienced that yet?

True story, just today, as we finalize storing Christmas away until next year, my husband declared, while looking right at me, “These pillows! You need a room just for your pillows!”

Giddy, I squealed, “YES! That would be awesome!!!”

He did not think I was funny.

Suffice it to say, I believe that changing out a few pillows on a sofa, chair or bed, gives the entire room a “new” look, which is more cost-saving than buying new furniture.

I think I’m “frugal”, and creative.

Are you with me?!

Anyway, just a few thoughts on a late-night write.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the “pillow” debate…. how many are too many?

If there is such a thing….

Hugs to you, my friend!

xx,

Wallpaper Plans hit the wall…

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Plans to raise this chair rail, have been blown out of the water, I was hoping to raise it another foot or more.

So, what’s that expression?

How does it go?

Oh…” the best- laid plans of mice and men, often go awry.”

(Adapted from a line in “To a Mouse,” by Robert Burns.)

Simply put, the translation states that “No matter how carefully a project is planned, something may still go wrong with it.”

It seems my plans have “gone awry” for the time being.

I’ve chosen my dining room wallpaper, actually quite a while ago, and I was hoping to have it finished before Christmas of 2022. That did not happen.

First Impressions, loved the arched transoms, peaked roofline, and columns

Since the very first day when I saw this brick home, with its arched windows and large columns holding the porch roof high, I thought it had a sense of “the South” to it!

So, as I stepped inside, thinking, “I want new double front doors, to accent the windows’ arch above,”” already “changing” what I didn’t like and knew it was possible to do so.

To my right, was the formal dining room, open to the living room, hallway and entry on two sides, bordered by ornate, white crown moulding and millwork around the wide, open doorways. It wasn’t grand in scale but could certainly make a “grand” statement with color or wallpaper and millwork. It was large enough for a buffet or hutch, and a table to seat 8 or more people, which is perfect for us!

I noticed that the ceilings were quite high, “ten feet”, said the Realtor, which I believed it when I saw the stretch between the standard height chair rail and the crown moulding above. Tilting my head up to the ceiling, I decided to “flip” the proportions, by raising the chair rail and adding a board and batten look, or moulded picture frame blocks under the chair rail.

I knew I’d wallpaper the entire room, and this would decrease the amount of paper needed. When I chose my paper, it was so costly, that I was even more determined to use less of it, with more wood trim below. The ratio would be 1/3 paper, chair rail, 2/3 wood, down to the floor.

Door trim, and Crown moulding in the Dining Room.

I asked my cousin, who is a professional Master Finish Carpenter, if we could remove the chair rail, and still use it. I simply wanted to raise it.

Well…he thought about it.

NO.

Followed by, “if it’s an MDF, we could probably save most of it, if it’s manufactured, it will break in pieces and pull your drywall off with it, so, we can try, but it’ll be expensive.”

“We’d have to replace the drywall and all or most of your trim, before we add more.”

I looked at my pretty trim and changed my plans…

It’s hard for me to say that friends, I’m rarely willing to “give up” on a plan, because I get so excited…I can SEE IT as a finished project, and that just spurs me on!

Here’s a happy note: I bought the new chandelier and chose the drapes to order!! The chandelier is sitting with me in my office, watching over my shoulder, probably wondering when she’ll be out of the box, and the star of the show!

I promise to keep you all posted, if you’re interested. I’m so tempted to pull off a piece, just to see if I can…can you imagine the mess, if I can’t?

I have to wait.

I have to “do it” right.

And I’ll take you along, sharing the process and progress as I go.

I think you’ll love it, at least I hope you do!

I. Can’t. Wait!!!

Stay close, and I’ll keep you posted on updates,

xx,

A Weekend’s Breakfast

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Blueberry Mug Muffin

Good Morning!

How do you kick off your weekends?

Do you serve a leisurely breakfast on the weekends? Are your children all around your table, happy for a No-School Day and for time at home?

Or are you in a rush, packing and preparing for a day at the ball diamonds, soccer fields, or for Cheer Camp? Life with littles can be as wonderful as you make it, or as wonderful as you can keep up with!

My grandchildren, if they’re over 2nd grade, are busy every weekend with music lessons, gymnastics meets and sporting practices or games. It makes me want to sit and hold the youngest on my lap, tightly, and not let go, not wanting her to grow too fast, or to be too worldly too soon.

Let’s slow down a little and consider these recipes for today’s breakfast, or this coming weekend’s morning meal…

This little mug muffin is the sweetest idea. The muffin takes less than 2 minutes to prepare in your microwave and is gluten free with high protein. It’s simple to make, and fun to watch it puff up and “grow” in the microwave. It has blueberries, which is a plus in my book, and I always sprinkle a little sugar over the top after it’s cooled.

Blueberry Mug Muffin

Gluten free, Keto recipe Blueberry Mug Muffin
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 372 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 microwave cooking time can vary according to the wattage of your microwave.
  • 1 mug microwave safe to cook in

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp. blanched almond flour
  • 1 tbsp. coconut flour
  • 1 tbsp. Swerve, confectioner's style
  • 1/4 tsp. baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp. unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp. avacado oil
  • 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 8 blueberries washed and dried
  • salted butter, or honey for serving

Instructions
 

  • 1. Place the almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt in a medium-large microwave safe mug and blend with a fork.
  • 2. Add the egg, butter, avocado oil and vanilla, mix well.
  • 3. Gently stir in the blueberries. Use the back of a spoon to pat down the batter and smooth the top.
  • 4. Place the batter-filled mug in the microwave and heat for 1 minute 15 seconds. Microwaves vary in strength, if dough is still moist and not rising, add 15 seconds at a time until top is slightly golden Carefully remove mug and place a small dish on top of the mug, turn upside down, the muffin will slide out of the mug as it cools. Slice in half, add the butter, and a drizzle of honey is delicious!
  • 5. Enjoy!

Notes

All Keto recipes are from the Simply Keto cookbook from Suzanne Ryan.
I was on the Keto diet for nine months, and enjoyed this slightly sweet breakfast, fast and easy to prepare, and just fun to make!  After months of being on Keto, I truly enjoyed the “bread-like texture”, and combined with the butter and honey, it was just delicious!
Keyword almond flour, coconut flour, avacado oil, Swerve, blueberries

Now that we have our main dish, or should I say “mug”, let’s add a cup of good coffee to that, and a Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie, just for fun!

Also, for the protein eaters, some Chicken Breakfast Sausages would be a great addition for these muffins, and a side of fresh blueberries or strawberries mixed would be the icing on the cake, so to speak.

Now that’s a meal!

Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie

A drink, a meal, snack or dessert, the Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie is a delicious addition to your day!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 292 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened vanilla flavored or plain unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 scoop sugar-free protein powder I use Quest Vanilla Milkshake flavor
  • 3 frozen strawberries
  • 1 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tbsp. MCT oil
  • 4-6 ice cubes
  • 1 fresh strawberry for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If desired, slice a whole strawberry in half lengthwise, not all the way through, and hang it on the rim of the glass, as a garnish.
Keyword Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie

And there you have it! You’re off to a great start of your weekend, or any day of the week!

I’m sure you and your children will love the “mug” muffin, just watching it bake and putting it upside down sounds fun!

Remember, whether I’m coming over or not, don’t forget the coffee, if you can’t wake up, you’ll miss the whole day.

I really can’t imagine NOT having coffee with my breakfast, it just rounds out all of the rough edges in your early morning, at least it does for me.

Happy Weekend friends, hope these little suggestions work for you, and you enjoy them!

Have a Happy!

xx,

Recipes for Success

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Broccoli, Bacon and Egg Muffins for Breakfast

Hello and welcome to Thursday’s Recipes for Success!

I am literally sharing recipes today, not life coaching, though I’d like us to encourage each other along the way, to better health and stronger bodies.

Isn’t that what friends do? Support, love and encourage each other?

Let’s do that!

The first “recipe” for success is the simple reminder that we have to drink more water, or at least enough to “more than hydrate” our bodies. That’s the case for myself, I feel that my coffee intake is adequate, because it is simply water poured over a bean…. hence, still water!

Can you tell I’m not fond of water?

Drink more water! An infused glass of Cucumber, Lime and Mint water is always refreshing.

Have you tried the “bubble waters”, which are flavored naturally with fruit juices?

I like them, but make sure they’re not full of chemicals or sodium. Also, I really prefer to add a “fresh” element, fruit slices, fruit juice, a sliced cucumber or fresh mint is always good, it just helps me to feel like I’m drinking my water!

My husband started, a few months ago, a fitness plan of his own. For years his doctors have wanted him to be on blood pressure pills, to lower his risk of having a heart attack or stroke, because he also has high cholesterol. His elevated cholesterol count combined with a very stressful career and constant traveling put him at “high risk”, which in turn, raised his insurance coverage prices…. which in turn, raises his blood pressure and stress levels!

What a cycle he was on on!

Finally, he chose, with his doctor’s permission, to try to lose the extra weight himself, his way, and he was successful in not only losing pounds but in drastically lowering his cholesterol levels as well, to a normal range. After losing a few pounds, he joined a local gym, The Fitness Center, and began an exercise program of his own making.

Today, he’s lost about 40 pounds and is stronger than he has been in the past few years.

I’m very proud of him, his determination to save money is stronger than anyone I know! Sadly, his insurance rates have not gone down, but he chooses to NOT think about it!

I’m very proud of his successful weight loss and fitness routine. He is also a Pro Water advocate and is my biggest encourager to drink more water.

I really do think he wants me to stick around a bit longer!

Drink more water!

So today, I’d like to start with a suggestion, not really a recipe, for drinking an infused water, to increase your intake/quantity levels.

Mint, Cucumber, and Lime infused water:

Ingredients: 2 quarts water, 10-12 fresh mint leaves, muddled, 1 lime, thinly sliced, more mint leaves for a garnish

  1. Place all ingredients in a pitcher and allow to infuse for 1 hour before drinking. Serve with fresh mint sprigs, if desired.
  2. Store in an airtight container (like a mason jar, water bottle, or jug) in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Note: Sparkling water, such as LaCroix, is a great option for flavored water, without sugar added.

Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Egg Muffins for Breakfast

Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Egg Muffins

Easy, bake ahead breakfast, high protein and low carb friendly, Egg Muffins
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 307 kcal

Equipment

  • muffin pan, standard size
  • oven
  • mixing bowl, measuring spoons, fork, muffin tin silicone liners (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C. broccoli chopped
  • 3 slices bacon baked or fried till crisp
  • 6 lg eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • hot sauce a few drops for a kick (optional)
  • 1 C. Cheddar Cheese shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350* F. In a standard size muffin pan, line 6 muffin cups with silicone liners or spray with cooking spray.
  • Boil or steam broccoli until soft, let cool, and dice into small pieces. Set aside.
  • Fry or bake bacon until crisp. Blot grease with a paper towel and let cool.
  • Crack the eggs into a medium size mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce if desired, and beat until blended, don't beat like scrambled eggs, just to mix.
  • Evenly distribute ingredients into the muffin cups, Add cooled and diced bacon, cheese, broccoli and egg, in that order. Mix lightly with a fork to get items mixed well.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until eggs are set, slightly golden.
  • Store leftover muffins in a Ziplock bag in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days.

Notes

I double this recipe, making 12 at a time, store in the refrigerator and I have an easy breakfast with just the microwave to warm them up.
2 muffins per person is 1 serving.
Also, I use broccoli if I have it. I chop it raw into small pieces, by the time the eggs are baked, the broccoli is soft. You can also use any vegetables you have on hand, like making a mini omelet. The last time I made this, I used chopped scallions with the green tops for color, and I always use Costco Kirkland brand Bacon Bits/from real bacon, just to save time.
These are so easy, fast, and Keto qualified! 
Keyword Eggs, Broccoli, Cheese, Bacon

Let’s have a happy AND healthy start to this new year!

I’ve started going with my husband to the gym, for a quick 1–2-hour workout.

I usually use the treadmill first for cardio, then finish with a round of weight machines that concentrate on making my arms and legs stronger, not bulky muscles, but for toning.

I’ve been a “walker” for years, walking a 3 mile stretch daily, and sometimes twice on a weekend day. I’ve had some health problems in the past and walking consistently is easier on my body and bones than running.

Have you ever seen a runner smile at you as you pass them by in your vehicle, or walk by?

No?

Exactly!

Like I said, I’m not a runner.

However, my daughter said that if I walk for miles on the treadmill, I’ll need new shoes!

Yea! Now I’m a shopper as well.

Enough with the nonsense!

Just wanted to share a basic refreshing water beverage, and a high protein, low carb egg muffin recipe, that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Here’s to you, to us, and a healthier tomorrow!

Keep moving, and have a great day,

xx,

New Year, New You, and me too!

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Infused Cucumber and Lime water. Let’s lift our glasses and toast the new year, the new you, and me too!

In the beginning….

This year, this 2023, I feel that I need a “reset” button for my overall health.

I’m not ill, but often “tired or disinterested”, not partaking of activities that I’ve enjoyed before and not feeling “bad” about it, one little bit.

My children and my husband have all pointed this out to me, hoping to spur me on or motivate me to DO something about it. I do appreciate their desire to “fix me”! to get the mother and wife back, and the grandma as well, to where I used to be, and who I used to be. Truly, I have new interests that have replaced the time needed to exercise, walk, play, and simply move more, which is keeping me busy and happy, not missing the exercise at all.

This is not a healthy decision on my part. You have to move if you want to be able to later on, it’s that simple. Exercise is key.

Last month, a few weeks before Christmas, I had a doctor’s appointment that I had requested, which is unusual for me to do so, I generally go once a year, whether I “need it” or not, updating physicals and lab work for Insurance purposes. This time, I had a “pain”, a burning in my back which literally woke me up at night, Boy, did that get my attention!

I used every adjective I know to adequately describe my new “pain.” The doctor seemed unimpressed, asked a few questions, and requested new lab work with a liver scan. What I thought was unique, unusual, and perhaps frightening was summed up in one word, “gallbladder.”

You don’t even need a gallbladder!

My final diagnosis, based on the lab results, turned out to be “stressed kidneys”, which I’d never heard of.

She said, “Eat more protein and drink more water.”

That’s it!

The 2nd round of lab-tests confirmed that I was back to normal.

So, here I am, right back at the “beginning” again. This year, I want a “new normal” for myself.

Don’t you?

Don’t you wish transformation was EASIER?

This year, I have goals for my home, (which are fun and easy) and for myself, (which are much harder and zero fun) and I want to share them all with you, right here on this little blog!

This is what I’m thinking and planning:

Two types of posts here on the blog, weekly, every Tuesday and Thursday.

Tuesday will be simple changes for our home, where and how we live and how to express ourselves in decor choices. How to create a Welcoming Home.

Thursday will be for us! Health tips, recipes, and even today’s post, where the simple addition of water in our diet is crucial for our overall health.

Tomorrow’s Breakfast, Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Egg Muffins

I so hope you follow along, and even try a tip or two, a new recipe, or just enjoy the fellowship of knowing others are reading along, just like you, and we’re cheering each other on!

Here’s a thought, I don’t want you to think that I’m going to be going on and on, about weight loss, diet foods, and water consumption…that gets old fast, and I don’t like that myself. Once the weather gets warmer, outside activities and home projects will largely replace “gym time” with “me time.” I wanted to share that, because I am not writing a recipe book, or a guide to better health, fitness and diet manual. That’s not me!

But staying true to a schedule, keeps me on track, and we should both benefit from some organization!

Accountability is what I need, it’s the key for success in any area of your life.

This year, I’m giving up wearing stripes!

Years ago, I asked a friend why she still attended Weight Watchers’ meetings, because she was a beautiful woman, just the way she was. She answered that she went to “stay” the way she was, the group was supportive and encouraging, and she found that the meetings helped her with accountability.

I joined WW at that time and lost 40 pounds over the course of nine months and kept that weight off for more than 20 years. Now, since I’ve remarried, and cooking for two or more, I’ve slowly added pounds back, not all 40, but too many to feel good about. Diabetes runs in my family, and an extended period of extra weight increases my chances of developing that disease. I want to avoid that, if I can.

Keto Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie!

Strawberry and Vanilla Smoothie, yum!

Will post all recipes on Thursday’s blog post.

On that sweet note, let’s wrap up today, now that we have a plan for tomorrow, and I’ll be looking for you on Thursday! In the meantime, you can find me daily, at Simplyhomebybeth on Instagram or Beth Wood on Facebook!

Come say hello, or leave your comments in the box below, I’ll answer as soon as I read it!

Happy New Year my new friends!

We’ll talk soon!

xx,

January, a new start

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A cup of warmth on this Winter’s Day

Happy January!

I hope your New Year started off with all the fireworks you could handle!

We have an entirely new year to learn and grow, share together, and I’m excited about it!

However, I’m not exactly a Winter lover, are you?

I promise to be kind, no matter your answer. In other words, I. Am. Not.

I do so appreciate lovely photos of people ice skating on frozen ponds or ice rinks, of evergreens heavy with thick blankets of snow, and wisely, I admire Winter from a distance, (for instance, through a window!) I don’t need to stand outside in the snow to experience it.

So, now we begin a brand-new year, filled with brand new opportunities, and I wondered what you have planned for this year, or for the next few months?

Making your house your home, and your life your own, one step at a time

I have a few plans of my own to share, and I’m excited to do so!

For this next year, all 12 months, I’d like to focus on what I call “Home Matters.”

All things home, truly is where I’m most happy and enjoy talking about, working on or writing about. I’m relieved to find a “focus” to center on, and I hope you’ll enjoy it as well. I’m not spending every post debating the benefits of laundry pods versus the liquid versions of the same brand of detergent….no interest in that.

Home Matters is the category of all things home related. What better subject could there be? Our home is where we live, grow, nest and tend to ourselves and our families. This is where we share life, love and laughter, also where tears are dried and bedtime prayers are taught. Memories are made there, and hearts return there.

Think about that last sentence, “our hearts return there,”…self-care and our emotional well-being is of great interest to me as well, I feel the categories go hand-in-hand.

I’d like to share some How-To’s I’ve learned along the way, from fixing and flipping homes, and more recently a renovation project, from a full-out demo to a newly built home within the original four walls of our little cottage.

This is my Chip Gaines on Lake Cottage Demo Day

I could go on and on and on…but truly, can you help me out a little?

Any suggestions on what you’d like to see or hear from me?

What would you like to learn, do or try this year?

Please feel free to drop a comment below in the little box, and I’ll answer as soon as I read it, would love to hear from you,

Again, God Bless and Happy New Year!

xx,