OUR FUR FAMILY NEEDS ALL THE GOOD THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS HE CAN GET

Our grand-dog has been facing a series of health challenges that has left our family deeply concerned. Recently, we learned that his ongoing issues may be linked to periodontal disease and fractured teeth. it was a terrifying moment when we nearly lost him back in December by some miracle he pulled through, but his recovery hasn't been without complications. Tomorrow he is scheduled to undergo a surgery to have his damaged teeth removed, and the vet will also perform a thorough examination of his mouth to check for any additional problems. The weight of worry is heavy on my heart as I can't shake the anxiety that comes with the thought of him undergoing this procedure.

Throughout this ordeal, he has been on numerous antibiotics to manage the persistent infection stemming from his dental issues, leaving my daughter little choice but to proceed with this surgery. We know that taking care of his teeth is crucial to his recovery, yet the risks associated with anesthesia and the surgery itself in his weakened state loom large in my mind. It's hard to comprehend the possibility of losing him, especially after he fought so hard to recover last December. All we can do is pray for a successful outcome and remain hopeful that he'll emerge healthier and happier in the days to come, ready to wag his little tail and go for the long walks that he loves.

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TO BE GRATEFUL

 

Despite my chronic health issues, I am overflowing with gratitude for the many blessings in my life. First and foremost, I cherish the happiness and health of my children. Watching them thrive and enjoy life brings me a profound sense of joy and purpose. Alongside this, I am incredibly thankful for my wonderful husband, whose unwavering support has been a constant source of strength through my struggles. His kindness and encouragement uplift me daily, reminding me that I am never alone in this journey.

Another reason for my gratitude is our beloved grand-dog, who defied the odds and continues to be a vibrant part of our family following a scare last December. His wagging tail and enthusiasm for our daily walks bring an extra layer of jour to our lives, a reminder of the simple pleasures that can ignite happiness even on tougher days. Additionally, I am thankful for our beautiful home, nestled in a location where nature thrives around us. Every day, we have the privilege of witnessing wildlife in our backyard, which adds an enchanting element to our routine. 

For many years, I turned to journaling during my moments of sadness, pouring my thoughts onto the page whenever life felt overwhelming. Recently, I've made a conscious shift towards embracing a daily gratitude journal. This practice has transformed my perspective, prompting me to pause and reflect on the positives in my life. By intentionally focusing on what's going well, I've noticed a remarkable improvement in my mood. Through this gratitude journey, I am continuously discovering just how rich my life truly is, revealing layers of appreciation that often go unnoticed amidst my health challenges. 

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EXPLORING UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS IN MY JOURNEY TO OVERCOME HEALTH CHALLENGES

My life was turned upside down in a single night back in October 2018. I went from navigating the typical health challenges that accompany the approach of 50, such as occasional fatigue and aches, to a frantic struggle of survival. It began as an innocuous set of symptoms, but soon spiraled into a whirlwind of medical appointments and consultations - multiple doctors from various specialties scrutinizing my condition, each offering their own theories but no clear answers. I endured numerous treatments for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a trip to the Mayo Clinic seeking hope and clarity, and even kidney surgery that was both necessary and daunting. After countless diagnoses and misdiagnosis, I found myself entrenched in a battle that seemed unending.

As time marches on, one of the most profound shifts I have experienced is in my mental health. The toll of chronic illness is not limited to physical suffering; it seeps into every aspect of life, often leaving a shadow over the flickers of joy I once knew. I'm tired...really tired. The optimism that once buoyed my spirit has slowly withered away, replaced by a sense of fatigue that feels both profound and unrelenting. I've lost the believe in my future filled with ease and comfort, and in its place, doubt looms large. yet, despite the heaviness of it all, I persist. This relentless drive to keep going is woven into my very being; it is what I do. Each day I wake up and take another step, however small, in this ongoing battle for my well-being and that persistence has now lead me to try the hyperbaric chamber.

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RUN, RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN! YOU CAN'T CATCH ME, I'M THE GINGERBREAD MAN!

Get ready for a delightful treat this holiday season! I'm excited to announce that I'll have some adorable gingerbread men available for purchase at the Winter Market in Northfield on November 18th. These charming little soaps not only look festive but also smell absolutely divine, reminiscent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies wafting through the air. Just imagine the comforting aroma of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enveloping your senses.

These gingerbread men soaps have become a favorite among our customers, and it's no surprise why - they are perfect for adding a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering or for giving gifts. Each batch is crafted with care, ensuring that they not only lather beautifully but also bring a smile to someone's face. With their irresistible scent and cute shape, they tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to stop by early to snag your own. Join us at the Winter Walk and bring home a little piece of holiday joy!

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UPCOMING CRAFT MARKETS, HERE WE COME!

We will be at the winter market in Nortfield Minnesota every other weekend starting November 18th.  Here are a few of the soaps we'll have on hand.

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SOME NEW GOODIES IN THE SHOP

I finally have the website back up and running. Phew!

The excitement of launching new products is always a thrill, and this time is no different. I've uploaded the new soaps that are here for sale, and I can't wait for everyone to experience the fresh scents and vibrant colors that I've been working on.

Here are the latest additions to my collection: from calming lavender bars to invigorating citrus blends, each soap is handcrafted with love and care.

Be sure to check out the website for not just the soaps, but also to find out about other upcoming products. Your support means the world to me, and I'm eager to share these delightful new creations with all o you. Thank you for your patience during the website revamp - let's get back to enjoying the art of self-care!

Lemonade Stand

Smell the Rainbow

Pumpkin Souffle

Spearmint

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UNLEASHING MY INNER BAKER

I am so proud of myself! For someone who has always considered themselves a terrible cook and even worse at baking, it feels like a monumental achievement to whip up something my family absolutely loved. The inspiration for my culinary adventure harkens back to nearly 30 years go a friend's delicious cake at her daughter's birthday party. The cake was incredible, but it was the frosting that really stole the show, so light and fluffy, it had everyone buzzing with curiosity about its ingredients. When I learned that the magic was simply Cool Whip and pudding, I couldn't believe how easy it was. Who knew such a delightful treat would be so easy to create.

Recently the cake popped back into my mind, sparking a determination to create something similar on my own. As I recalled my friend's recipe, I knew the base had to be a box cake mix, but I was unsure which one. I decided to go with lemon, a flavor I had always loved. I bought lemon curd for the filling because I remembered the cake had a zesty punch, though I couldn't pin down if it was lemon curd or pie filling. Breaking some culinary rules, I opted for a single layer cake instead of the traditional two layers, using an injection took to disperse the lemon curd through the cake's moist center. Finally, I found a Cool Whip frosting recipe online and topped it off with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. The result? A creation my family became instantly obsessed with, devouring the entire cake and begging for more. It's ironic that I, who always shied away from the kitchen, could produce something so delicious, but the satisfaction of their enjoyment is more than enough to make me beam with pride

You can find the frosting recipe here: All Recipes 

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