Showing posts with label an education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label an education. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

The Beginning of the End of a Chapter

2018, smokey sunset summits.


Let's talk about time. Not the small moments that continually pass and tangle me up in nostalgia, such as summers winding down, kids growing too fast, and the teeniest of wrinkles creeping their way in to the sides of my eyes (I swear they weren't there yesterday). I want to talk about hefty chunks of time in our lives that feel more like chapters ending as we continue to press on and write our life stories.

Ten years ago this month I sat in an emergency room after being scanned, poked, prodded, and all but turned upside down and shook 'till my tears drained out. I watched as a young doctor frantically scribbled notes, and though his handwriting was upside-down to me and notoriously bad, it was still clear enough to read: MS? Maybe the question mark meant he was hopeful that it wasn't; but as I sat on a cold bed with an open back extra-large hospital gown, I felt anything but hopeful.

2008, MRI fashion.


Now before you think you've been duped into never hearing that I had Multiple Sclerosis, don't worry because I don't have it--I never did. Go back to August 2008, and I continued on with more testing, more doctors, and when no one could figure out what was going on, they needed a box to put me in. The MS box was the closest they could find, so they shoved me in tight with their doctors' stamp of approval and sent me off for weekly steroid infusions and daily self-injections of a medication that maybe would have helped me feel better, had I actually had MS. But since I did not have MS, I continued to be sick. I was achy, exhausted,  and tipped the scale at barely a hundred pounds, but the whole time I knew I didn't have what they told me I had. They were wrong. It wasn't even that I refused to believe it ( I mean, I was only twenty five with a toddler and baby to care for, so I wanted it to NOT be true), but it just didn't sit right with me.

I had a feeling.

After months of questioning and doctor hopping and spending way too much time on the Internet, I had lab work in my hand and found my answer. Lyme disease.

Now we could go on and on--many of you know my story, some of you read it along here in real time when we all blogged back in the day. It's a story that could take up pages on it's own, but for now it's not the main character in this story. Back in August 2008, and the four years that followed of travel and treatments and questions and answers, it was the beginning of this chapter.

*          *          *          *          *

I had always planned on going back to school. I was twenty years old in college and found myself spinning my wheels on what I wanted to BE when one day I became an adult. I mean, even though I was far from adult-ish, I was married, owned a car and a condo, and had job at the local college-town record store, so really how could life get any better? I took classes like zoology, geology, and floral arrangement....and while they were all fun, I just couldn't commit to a major. So I finished a degree in General Studies, and vowed to one day go back to school.

*          *          *          *          *

2010, a day in the life.

2010, PICC line round two.


The whole Lyme hiccup took four years to get through. When I say "get through", I mean to say I've been symptom free since 2012 (can I get an AMEN!). The Lyme still likely lingers deep in the shadows of my body, but next time it comes we will be ready (well maybe not ready, but at least educated), and for now it's just a memory and a little piece of what's made me, ME. In that time I bounced from doctor to doctor, state to state, nurse to nurse, treatment to treatment. I had a PICC line (once for a month, once for three months), and remember sitting with my nurse for my twice weekly dressing change. She cleaned my arm and prepped it for the new dressing. She would scratch and scratch and scratch with the disinfecting oversized q-tip, and that right there was my favorite care that I received throughout the four year process. I remember chatting with her thinking, I want to do THIS. (Ok maybe not sit and scratch people's arms), but I want to HELP. I needed to help--this was for me.

I had a feeling.


2012, "I beat Lyme, and so can you" outside my doctor's office in California. I looked at that message for two years before I sat and posed for a picture because it was finally true for me.


*          *          *          *          *
 January 2014, first day back to school


Most of you know, that after going back to school in 2014, I graduated last year as a registered nurse, and have been working two nights a week in a step-down ICU. I have also been slowly chipping away at my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, and started up classes again last week--on schedule to finish this December. I used to enthusiastically pack my pens and planner and pose for a back to school picture like an eager elementary student. Last week I put off even looking at my classes until the day the first round of assignments were due, and then I couldn't remember my password when I went to log in. I am burned out on the papers, discussions, and due dates that constantly hang over my head.

However, I was out on the trail last week, thoughts collecting and sorting themselves like they do when my feet are in the dirt, and all these words you are reading came flooding in.  I realized, what is four more months of school, when I've been writing this chapter for ten years?! (And while we are pondering, HOW AM I OLD ENOUGH to have chapters that started ten years ago?!)

Ten years ago when I sat in that hospital gown and read those upside-down letters that the doctor couldn't even say "we will refer you out to a neurologist" he said unsteadily; I had no idea that was the beginning of a chapter that would pave a path into my life I NEVER even in a million years saw coming.

So am I living the dream working nights as a nurse? Am I saving lives--jamming my hand in gunshot wounds to stop bleeding,  and restarting hearts? I'm not. My nights consist of running from room to room of sickly patients who for the most part don't really care that I am there. In the first few months I felt panicky--had I made the right choice? Was all the work worth it? As I'm settling in, and finishing up this chapter, I can see the pages of the next one start to form. As I meet people and come across opportunities, and as I finish these last few months of school, I know that my next chapter will bring with it more surprises and more pathways to follow.

I just have a feeling.

August 2018, us just being us.
 


 the end. but really the beginning.








For more of my story, you can read old posts HERE






Friday, October 9, 2015

friday q & a returns!

Back when I used to be better at blogging I'd sometimes do a little Q&A....I thought we could start that back up again.....here we go....

Every week I get questions from all my kind/sweet/funny/adventurous/super cool readers 
via comments/emails/instagram/facebook.........and as many of you have learned I have the HARDEST time getting back to you. I just can't sit on my computer all day answering questions......call me crazy.  

For frequently asked questions (camera talk, etc,) check out the FAQ (which most definitely needs to be updated.)  

If I get questions related to specific posts/photos that apply to everyone, I will try my hardest to post them here every few weeks. .....ask away!


One of THE most frequently asked questions I've gotten over the past year and a half is 
Why did you decide to go back to school?
When I went to college the first time around, I had absolutely NO direction. I applied as a photography major and then decided 1) what was I going to do with that degree (haha funny, right?) and 2) I didn't have any equipment...or the money to get it all......was it really what I wanted to do? So I got an associates degree in "General Education" which basically equates to nothing, if we are being honest. I just had no idea what I wanted to do, I was tired of school, newly married, and felt like more school at that point would have just been spinning my wheels. So I called it good, and knew I'd go back someday. When Lucy was in school all day I knew that my time had arrived!
(I wrote about "going back to school" HERE)

headed to my nursing school interview. Lucy insisted on being in the tree to take my picture.......ok(?) 
Some things you should know, my chaco tan lines are ridiculous in my heels! Also, I played in a softball league this summer and the night before my interview I took a line drive right to my ankle--it was so swollen it hardly fit in my shoe. It was red and purple and huge--I kept my legs crossed throughout my entire interview process hoping no one would notice....I guess they didn't care--they let me in!

First day, of my first semester of nursing school.


Why do you want to be a nurse?

I love this question! I feel so strongly about this decision in my life that I am happy to share my answer. Many of you know I went through a whhhhoooollllllle lotta health junk a few years ago. In that time I saw doctor after doctor after doctor.....and I honestly hardly remember any of them. But I remember so many of my nurses. I had some really terrible nurses who treated my like a number, but mostly I had absolutely wonderful nurses who truly cared for me--held my hand when things got rough. I realized that a nurse can make or break your day, and I knew that I wanted to be that person who made someones day a little better....so here I am!

Why blog?
I was recently asked why I decided to jump back into blogging when everything is so busy right now. Yes--it's super busy, and I'm sure I will have to skip posting from time to time, but I also really do love this little community we've built here. I loving sharing thoughts, food, and silly stories, and I always feel like my readers have so much wisdom to share with ME. I have been taking billions of pictures over the last year while I've been away, and I'm excited to share those too.

What biking gear do you recommend?
I get this question every time I post a biking photo on IG and I have to be honest......this really isn't my department. Robby has introduced me to the world of mountain biking and I am literally, just along for the ride. I have fallen in love with it--there really is such a thrill that I can't get from running. But I pretty much let him do all the bike-related-shopping. What I WILL say is if you want a good bike without paying ridiculous amounts of money, find a place that rents out mountain bikes--they sell all their rentals at the end of the summer. We are lucky to live in a popular mountain biking area, so we have lots of options to choose from, but it really is where you can find the best deals.


At least once a week I'm asked, "where is this!??" when I post a picture on IG. Here's the thing....I love sharing all kinds of great stuff with you guys, but some of it I've just got to keep to myself, sorry! If I'm up for sharing our favorite spots, I promise I'll tell you :)
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
claywww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comton2www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com

From time to time I'm asked if I use essential oils
I am so late in the game on this one, but I have slowly started using them here and there, and finding oils I like. I don't recommend one brand over the other, but I mostly have been using Doterra--only because a handful of people I know well use this brand, and I can get their opinions and ideas on different things. Again, I'm not super in to it (yet...?), but here's what I can now say I swear by:
Serenity : I am not very good at sleeping (napping, yes. sleeping, no) It takes me forrrrrever to fall asleep at night, and then I wake up all night long. Since I've been using this oil (since spring) I SWEAR to you I sleep so much better. And  hey! Maybe it' placebo, but who cares, it's working!
Breathe : this has been great when my kiddos are feeling "stuffy" and has helped Jonah sleep better with his darn allergies.
OnGuard : It's been helping us fend off colds and flu since last fall....and it smells like Christmas.

So teach me, all you smarty pants....what are your favorite oils and how do I use them?

Next question/comment:
I hope you start posting recipes again!
Me too.....because that would mean I was cooking! We really just eat so simply these days (it has to be easy, and it has to be quick.) So it's a lot of eggs, a lot of beans, pastas, a lot of grilled meats and veggies. Nothing fancy, or really worth noting here, I promise!

So let me ask YOU a question. 
I need some good crockpot recipes. 
I've never been a fan of the crockpot because I don't feel like the food tastes very fresh, and I'm not a fan of all the canned stuff that usually ends up in the pot. But I know you all have some good recipes to throw together quickly in the morning, and can cook all day--will you share them with me? Also, what crockpot should I get? 
Mine is too small.....teach me!

One of our favorite meals is a good BLT and whatever veggie we have on hand. 
Here are my little bean snappers, helping me with dinner. 
Sauté your green beans with garlic and pine nuts in olive oil....so easy and good!
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com

Have a question? Feel free to ask!
Happy Weekend!

Sunday, October 4, 2015

seasons

I've been thinking a lot lately about seasons.
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
Summer has slowly faded away (my heart is still breaking a little), and we've been left with crisp air, chilly mornings, and sweaters and boots strung out all over the house. The mountains are burning up in reds and yellows, I've been waking often to rain, and we've had our first dusting of snow up on our favorite peaks.

But these aren't the seasons that have been on my mind.

These last two months of school have been a rough adjustment for out little family, I'm not going to lie. We are all constantly moving in opposite directions--I feel like I am flying though my weeks completely out of control--limbs flailing in all directions, uncertain of what is around the next corner (and there are just. so. many. corners!)

I was laughing at myself last week thinking of how I used to make LITERALLY almost everything we ate, from scratch. EVERYTHING! Some of you probably remember that too... YogurtAlmond milk! English Muffins! Who WAS that person?! Certainly it wasn't the same tired lady who slops together nachos once a week for dinner?

I used to run several times a week and practice yoga on the days I didn't run--always working to strengthen mind and body. I'm now happy to get a run in ONCE a week, and haven't been to yoga in an actual studio in over a year--my hips are paying the price.

I want to snuggle up with my babies, and watch movies and make cookies while it rains, and read the BFG with all different voices. I want my house to be picked up, and laundry washed and folded every day. I want to talk to Robby about life and things that are funny, and not just send quick kissy-faced texts when I have an extra minute.

I want it ALL.....and it's not working out that way. As we've been trying to adjust, I've been feeling down--I just can't do it all....not even close. And it's a hard realization, let me tell you. But these last two weeks I've made it my goal to see all the good that is happening within the chaos. It's pretty amazing, that once you start looking for something, you can always find it....imagine that.

Guess what I've found?.....Life is GOOD. It came to my attention that my kids have no idea how chaotic it is--they love school, soccer, they think having nachos and pancakes for dinner all the time is the best thing ever. They are becoming more and more independent and smart as we all take on more responsibilities at home.....what amazing little people they are....and they are figuring it out all on their own (and maybe sometimes they pretend they are the boxcar children....oh well). Just when I am feeling terrible about not helping Jonah with his book report he's like, "don't worry mom, I'm all done". And then I turn around and Lucy is frying eggs for breakfast. They've got this. We've got this.

I am finally figuring out how I need to organize my time, making sure there is always enough for playing and spending time together on the weekends--and they get my 100% undivided attention--we make the most of every single minute, let me tell you. I am doing my best to get rid of all the unnecessary things in life--cutting the fat--so my energy is not wasted on things that don't matter.

We had our time--our season--to take things slow, and now we are in a new season. I'm learning how to embrace it, how to run with it, and how to love it. I'm buttoning up my sweater, slipping into my boots, and stepping outside into the chilly morning air.
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com


***

and as long as we are talking about seasons, I will share a very cinnamony pumpkiny and fallish recipe. Perfect for Sunday mornings in pjs.
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins // the little red house blog

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins // the little red house blog


Whole Wheat Pumpkin and Zucchini Muffins
Naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup. 
Made with whole wheat flour, flax,chia, and hemp seeds for a protein boost.



1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
2 cups pumpkin puree

1 cup shredded zucchini
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tsp Mexican vanilla (I like THIS one)
3 very ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/2 cup-1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup-1 cup chopped pecans
1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup ground flax
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease muffin tins. Combine all dry ingredients and mix. In a separate bowl, combine coconut oil, pumpkin, zucchini, syrup, and vanilla--mix together. Mash in bananas. Mix in eggs until thoroughly combined. Dump in chocolate chips and slowly add in dry ingredients, a little at a time, until just mixed in. Do not over mix. Spoon into muffin tins (mixture will be thick) and place on bottom rack of oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes for regular muffins or 16-20 minutes for mini muffins. Muffins will be soft but a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean when they are done.
enjoy!

More fall baking:


Thursday, October 1, 2015

behind the square

last month. post-hike, pre-sushi selfie. Because it's 2015, so why not.

Social media is great, right? It's the perfect way for me to stay connected to friends, see the world from different points of view, I can use it to work from home, and let's all agree....it's fun! It's also the WORST....we all paint this picture of the perfect little world we live in--only showing our best of the best moments....it's not at ALL a real representation of life. And I think sometimes it's too easy to get caught up in that, don't you think?

You've heard the term "Keeping up with the Joneses", right? Did you know the phrase dates back to the early 1900s? I mean really, what was it that Jones Family was doing that was worth keeping up with--growing better potatoes? Riding a faster horse? Now, with social media, we know every little detail of the Joneses life. Where they are going and who they are with and how they got there! What they are eating and when they are eating it! What their perfect house looks like, what their perfect kids look like, and what their perfect face looks like, because now the Joneses share lots of pictures of their outstretched arms and close-up faces. They definitely didn't have to worry about selfies back in 1913.

Those Joneses are BUSY, and they are everywhere. Doing everything. And rubbing it in your face.

Obviously social media wouldn't be any fun if we all just shared things like the dirty (mismatched, obviously) socks all over our house, eating pancakes (again) for dinner, and late nights studying drug interactions for school (this involves mild anxiety attacks)....so let's not do that (phew!) But let's all just try to remember that the lives we see every day in squares aren't entirely real--everyone has all kinds of mundane and ugly behind-the-scenes stuff going in their lives, they just choose not to share it.

So in an effort to be transparent for a brief moment, let me tell you about how my Tuesday and Wednesday went down. After class I threw on my running clothes with hopes of a quick run while the kids went to soccer practice. But by the time I got them over to the fields, my day caught up to me and I was so tired, I couldn't even imagine running, let alone leaving the parking lot.....sooooo.....I did the next best thing, and curled up in the backseat of my car to take a nap while I waited for them.  I woke up groggy with a seat belt imprint on my leg, and promised myself I'd do some kind of workout at home. So naturally I walked inside and finished off the cookies from the weekend and did some pull-ups. And by "some" I mean three, because have you seen my arms? I'm not really a pull-up-kind-of-gal. 
I then stayed up until 1a.m. working on homework, closed my eyes and woke up  (I swear it was 2 minutes later), and had to start my day again. I spent 9 hours in class, 4 hours in the car, and sustained myself on granola bars and a hearty dinner of chips and salsa.

Glamorous. 

Want more honesty? I try to post several times a week on my IG account, and guess what? Sometimes those photos are just pictures I took over the weekend. So yeah, I am not a true INSTA-grammer. I am more of a WEEK-OR-SO-LATER-grammer. I know, I know, I'm blowing your mind right now. So rather than posting a selfie of drool running down my cheek as I desperately try to rest my brain in the backseat of my car, I'll post a picture of myself out doing something I love, or my kids being adorable, or basically anything to distract from the craziness that is my life sometimes.

And now you know a piece of my life behind the square....just a few things to keep in mind as you admire Mr. Jones exotic vacation or Mrs. Jones seemingly easy breezy and stress free lifestyle. 
Those Joneses are liars. 

Tell me about your day.
Your REAL day, not your internet day.
Your day behind the square.

depending on your thoughts on social media, you can unfollow or follow me on IG @_sheenarae


Thursday, May 8, 2014

friday senses

woohoo for friday! here is a little peek at our week....

seeing: snow. yep. snow. the last few mornings we've woke up to fresh white stuff on the mountain. luckily it's staying up there (I mean c'mon.....it's May), but we are definitely ready for some warmer temperatures....and soon please.
counting down: 15 days left of school for the kids!! We have all given up on getting to bed on time, and they have been playing outside every night until sundown....I have lost all control.
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
not missing: sugar. If you read my post yesterday, you saw that I am studying this whole Whole 30 business. I love so many things about it, and while I don't think I'll be doing the 30 day program any time soon, (I'm still super hung up on so much meat) I committed myself to this whole week and it's been great. My favorite part has been coming up with new meal ideas--so many vegetables! I don't eat a ton of sugar during the week usually, but I thought I might miss my dark chocolate after dinner or peanut butter and chocolate chip spoonful at 4:00 that sometimes accidentally happens. (tell me it happens to you too) I really haven't missed it. Who knows--maybe I'll have a treat this weekend, maybe not, but it feels good to know that sugar doesn't have a hold on me like it once upon a time did.
thanking: you guys! I LOVED all of your comments on yesterday's post--thank you thank you for chiming in! It's so great to learn from each other.

sleeping: under one billion trillion stars last weekend. If you haven't seen the stars in the desert, then you haven't seen the stars.   
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
watching: I basically didn't watch any tv these past few months--2014 has been pretty much tv-less. The few times we turned it on I felt like everything was dumb.....is that true these days? Are there any shows worth watching anymore?
loving: In last month's natural beauty post, I briefly mentioned Aztec Secret Clay. I have been using it since then and really loving the results. My skin still has a ways to go, but it is clearing up better than it has in years. I'll do another post on it in a month or so--but seriously check it out. I mix it with THIS --my very favorite apple cider vinegar.
exploring: new places last weekend--every time I visit the desert I love it even more (I'll share a few more snaps next week) 
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
asking: ok someone teach me about essential oils. I know I am really late to the game here, but I am so interested in them, and have no idea where to begin--
brand/favorite oils/must have/etc. 
you guys are always so smart--teach me.
juicing:
go green juice // the little red house
Go Green Juice
this one is a zinger--one of my new favorites! bonus: stir in some chia seeds
-3 big handfuls of spinach
-1/2 of a cucumber
-1 large piece of pineapple
-handful of parsley (I am loving parsley in juice!)
1 lemon, peeled
1/2" piece of ginger

Do you have a favorite juice right now?


happy weekend! 
and happy mother's day mamas!
(a favorite mother's day post HERE)


blogged 1 year ago: tiny flock
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blogged 3 years ago: friday senses

Thursday, March 27, 2014

blogging about not blogging

last summer. one of our favorite family spots.
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com
why hello there.
it's been pretty lonely around here lately, I know. 
dust collecting, tumble weeds rolling.
these next few weeks will be the same--we are nearing finals (super excited/dreading this time of year),
and I have what feels like 736 papers due and 421 tests to take.

but come find me on instagram (@_sheenarae) for a little mini blog action. I still post photos with little snippets of life, and super simple, throw-together recipes. 

see you......someday.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

college, thus far

2001. I never ever ever ever ran. Ever. 
After a 10:00pm burger, fries, and shake, we ran a Midnight 5k......it was not awesome.
THE LITTLE RED HOUSE 
 I'm doing it! I am officially a student.
The last two weeks have flown by in a matter of minutes......yet somehow it also seems like years have passed since my first class. I'm still adjusting to our new schedule and trying to figure out how to make things happen, and here are some thoughts so far....
first day of school
THE LITTLE RED HOUSE
I just can't get over how much life has changed since last time I was in school
(10 years ago).
Like, I am old. I have been pleasantly surprised at the number of non-traditional (read: older) students that I have in some of my classes, but I do have one class where I am by far the oldest and it's just humorous to me. These kids are babies!

How else is it different this time around?
I have a car!
My freshman year of college I either walked, rode my bike, or if I was lucky--tagged along in my roommate's sporty Dodge Neon. I soon met Robby and he was a fancy college kid with a job AND a car, so I married him of course......but I only got to drive every now and then--his job was 20 miles away so HE got first dibs on the shiny gold honda. Which left me with my bike or my longboard for transportation.
So I feel pretty spoiled with my very own car [booster seats in the back, mind you.]

I have a cell phone!
Does this improve the college experience? Not at all, but it's just weird to think there was once a time in my life when I didn't have one--didn't need one! How nice.

I have a computer!
Robby and I got a computer with some of our wedding money, but my freshman year I spent way too much time waiting in line at my apartment's computer lab. I'd stand there wishing girls would quit blabbing to their long distance boyfriends via hotmail, so I could write my papers.

I have kids!
Oh yeah, that. Luckily 3/4 of my classes take place while they are in school themselves--perfect! They are my #1 inspiration to make sure I manage my time efficiently. 
In with the good, out with the time wasters.

I care!
The first time around I drug myself to class because that's just what you do......you go to school. I got up in the morning and it was just a normal [boring] part of my day, like unloading the dishwasher--go to class, do homework, repeat. I had no interest, I was just going through the motions.
Now I KNOW what I want to do (taking some pre-nursing classes right now), and I'm READY to be in school. I am loving so much of the material we are reading about (biology! psychology!) and it makes the homework interesting instead of just a check on my to-do list.
I know it's going to get hard, and I am pretty sure I won't always love it, but I am excited for the end goal this time.

I will not gain my freshman 15.
Ok.....it was just the freshman 12......but still. We talked about this before (remember HERE). 
Alllllll thosssssse nachos.
I've been in and out of the classroom, and you guys, these kids eat crap.
Hundreds and hundreds of ounces of Mountain Dew for lunch, while I am scarfing something weird and nerdy like hemp and chia loaded "cookies". Weirdo.
I even made it out after class today for a quick run.
So different this time around.
THE LITTLE RED HOUSE
School is still new and awkward and exciting--I'm anxious to see what these next few months years bring!

and now.....it's been too long since I've posted a recipe.....
My old college self wouldn't have even touched this stuff--I would have laughed at the very idea of it as I shoved my generic brand Cap'n Crunch in my mouth.
GINGER TEA // The Little Red House
This is hardly a recipe.....more of a "recipe"....it is the easiest drink ever to make, and you can add a little more of this, or less of that to customize it just for you (I've heard ginger tea is good with cinnamon!)
It's the perfect way to soothe sore throats, and it can be made as strong or as mild as you like it.
And it just tastes so good on a chilly morning.

Lemon boosts your immune system with vitamin C.
Ginger has anti-microbial properties to help you with your winter cold. 
Raw honey will help soothe a sore throat.
It's the perfect combination!

Homemade Ginger Tea
play around with amounts to see what combination you like best. 
I like it strong with lots of zing, so I use extra lemon.
-1 1/2 cup water
-1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-spoonful of honey

Place ginger slices in a saucepan with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer ginger for 15-20 minutes. Pour water into mug, (discard ginger) and add lemon and honey to taste. 
GINGER TEA // The Little Red House
enjoy!
and happy weekend!

I'm guessing this blog will be an odd place for a while--just a warning. 
I will stop by when I have some free time, and right now I have no idea how often that will be. 
I want to keep in touch though as much as we can!
For little life bits come say hi on Instagram (@_sheenarae). I take quick snaps of my food every few days, in case you're missing out on recipes around here.

Also: I had such a good response to my Essentials Page (check it out HERE) that I want to continue sharing some of my favorite products with you. I will update the page here and there (I'll let you know when I do), but in the meantime, I will post links to our most loved products from time to time on my Facebook Page--so come follow over HERE.