Easy Breakfast Skillet Recipe...Perfect For A Sunday Brunch
My breakfast skillet is one of my family's favorites on the weekends. The flavors are great in this simple, yet hearty dish. The breakfast skillet comes together perfectly, and is great for Christmas morning breakfast, a Mother’s Day brunch, or just any day you want a tasty, filling breakfast.
One of the best things about the breakfast skillet is how simple it is to change up the flavors. I keep this recipe simple with eggs, potatoes, and bacon. But you can change the bacon to any breakfast meat of choice. I sometimes I use leftover roasted chicken, and it is so yummy. You can also use hash browns, peppers, and add fried eggs instead scrambled.
Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Ingredients:
4 Large Yukon Gold Potatoes
6 eggs
2 tbsp. Milk
6 Strips of Bacon
½ Yellow Onion
3 - 4 tbsp. Olive Oil
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
1 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
1 tsp. Thyme
½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Directions:
Wash and dry potatoes well, and large dice them. Add about 3 tbsp. of olive oil to large skillet, and heat on medium. Chop onions in small chunks. Add potatoes and onions to skillet and sprinkle with a little garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stirring frequently, add lid to skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Leave lid on potatoes once done but remove from heat.
Place bacon on microwave safe plate and cook for about 3 minutes until nice and crispy. In a medium size bowl beat eggs with thyme, milk, and salt and pepper. Soft scramble eggs in separate skillet.
Crumble bacon and top potatoes with it. Next, evenly spread scrambled eggs over potatoes and top with cheese. Replace lid for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Let me know if you enjoyed the recipe. Did you make any changes? Please share!
Faking Happiness...Are You Making Yourself More Miserable By Pretending To Be Happy?
They say fake it until you make it, but does that really apply to unhappiness? Does it apply to going through tough situations in your life such as marital problems, financial struggles, or issues at work? Most problems when not addressed immediately tend to grow, and snowball into bigger issues.
The truth is, faking happiness will not make problems miraculously go away, or fix themselves. The reality is that maybe some issues are beyond repair, but how would you know if you do not face the problems head on?
The Avoidance Of Admitting You Are Unhappy
So why do we sometimes choose to not address problems in our lives? Avoidance seems like a great idea, but that is all that it is, avoiding. The tough decisions, and difficult discussions will eventually need to happen. Your happiness will still be in jeopardy, decision or no decision.
The perfect life you imagined for yourself will start to look more distant, as you continue to bury your head in the sand.
In fact, avoiding may actually create more stress and anxiety. When you avoid problems and conflict, the issues build and become bigger. The stress of repressing your feelings increases, and a blow up, in some form is likely to happen. A weight will be lifted, and you will be able to breathe again.
Pretending to be happy is like holding one's breath. You can only do it for so long before your body gives out.
5 Signs You Are Faking Happiness
You Live In The Past
You were happy once, and so you focus on, and talk about the past as if it were the present. You constantly worry that others will realize that you are unhappy, so you discuss times when you were happy, and when you were in a better place.
You Work Hard To Show Others How Happy You Are
You are always posting pictures of your vacations, bragging about your fabulous relationship, and showing off all of your material things. Anything to prove to others how happy you are, and perhaps illicit a little envy as well.
You Have Lots of Highs and Lows In Your Mood
When around others, and showing off or bragging, your mood tends to be up. But when away from groups or by yourself you often feel sad, or not good about yourself, or your life. You are up and down, but never really just content.
You Drink, Gamble, Or Shop Too Much
Sad people tend to have a vice. Drinking and shopping are great distractions from the unhappiness in your life, and can provide temporary highs, and feelings of satisfaction.
You Are Always Tired
Sadness is exhausting, and so is faking happiness. It takes a lot of mental and emotional work to put on a show all day everyday for others, just to hide the fact that you are unhappy. But you do it, day after day, hoping one day it will be real happiness.
The Stigma Of The Imperfect Life
Do you worry what others will think of you if your marriage fails, your home gets foreclosed on, or you do not get that promotion? Living your life for others will prevent you from finding true happiness, and fulfillment. Besides, what’s the point?
What is gained by having to always put on a happy face and façade for others? Do you really think you are fooling anyone?
People see through the act, and are more aware than you know. You will find that when you remove the mask and live your true life, instead of worrying about what others will think of you, you will likely feel a huge weight has been lifted.
I do recommend that when and if you feel comfortable, that you try talking to a trusted friend, family member, or a counselor. Yes, it is personal stuff, but you should not go it alone. Allow others to be there for you, and to support you.
Did you know that pretending to be happy is actually a warning sign of depression? I am not a therapist, or a counselor, so I am attaching a link to a great article. My advice is for you to be honest with yourself. Are you pretending to be happy? If you are, confide in someone.
Always remember it is okay if everything is not perfect. It is okay to be disappointed in how some things have turned out. It is okay to be sad. What are your thoughts on faking happiness? Please share your story or experience!
I hide hurt behind a fake smile. I wear it all the time. Everyone says how I always look so cheerful. Shows what they know I guess. - Ellen Hopkins
Forcing Yourself To Be Happy Is A Warning Sign Of Depression
Essential Oils...The Benefits And Uses Of Essential Oils
I really love essential oils, and cannot get enough of them. You might ask what is it about essential oils that makes them so special? There are over 100 types of essential oils, some of them producing the most intoxicating scents. Essential oils are wonderful because they have the ability to heal, to calm, and to relax.
Essential oils seem like magic in a bottle, but the process for extracting oils is quite simple. Essential oils are created by extracting the oils from plants through steam distillation. The plants are suspended over boiling water, and the steam pulls the oils from the plants.
The oil is captured in a tube, and preserved our use. Besides smelling great, what else can they do? There are many uses for essential oils. Here are the benefits and uses of my favorite essential oils.
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus essential oil works to treat respiratory problem, heal wounds, improves mental alertness, relieve muscle pain, and eliminate lice. Eucalyptus can also be used to manage diabetes, treat skin infections, treat tuberculosis and pneumonia, and aromatherapy. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.
Orange - Orange essential oil works as an anti-depressant, improves mood, controls acne, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. Orange is also known to be an aphrodisiac, diuretic, antiseptic, and sedative. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.
Tea Tree Oil
Bergamot - Bergamot essential oil works to prevent infection, improve circulation, reduce pain, and aid in digestion. Bergamot can also be used for skin care, relaxation, fever reducer, spasm reliever, and odor eliminator. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.
Lavender - Lavender essential oil aids in sleep, relieves stress and anxiety, relieves pain, and treats acne. Lavender also treat respiratory issues, improves blood circulation, boosts immunity, and treats eczema. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.
Tea Tree - Tea tree essential oil is for topical use. Tea tree oil work to treat bacterial infections, acne, psoriasis, insect bites, and cold sores. Tea tree oil can also treat chicken pox, earaches, congestion and respiration infections, dry cuticles, and fungal infections.
Frankincense - Frankincense essential oil aids in pain relief, heals skin, aids in digestions, reduces inflammation, and prevents signs of aging. Frankincense also reduces stress, boosts immune system, works as astringent, and balances hormone levels. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.
10 Signs You Are In A Co-Dependent Relationship
Type the term "co-dependent relationship" in any search engine, and hundreds of articles will come up. Is it that co-dependent relationships are a growing phenomenon, or is it that more and more people are recognizing it for the unhealthy cycle it creates?
Relationships are about give and take, and a partnership of two individuals. But in a co-dependent relationship, all things tend to revolve around one half of the couple. Often times it is the female in the relationship that is the co-dependent partner.
She is eager to please, always with a smile on her face, even when she is sad or upset. Usually a learned behavior from the household she grew up in.
Co-dependent relationship can loosely be defined as the feeling that one cannot exist, be happy, or even feel complete without the other person. This type of relationship tends to stunt personal growth, create or exacerbate low self-esteem, and prevent those involved from truly being happy.
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Couples in codependent relationships tend to struggle for power and control. One or both are often anxious, resentful, and are guilt stricken. They do not respect each other’s individuality, or the need for autonomy.
Surprisingly, the relationships are usually drama free, because one or both are not honest with their feelings. The relationship also tends to lack in passion, and true intimacy.
10 Signs That You Are In A Co-Dependent Marriage:
Spouses opinion matters more than your own, especially in decision making
You prioritize their happiness, even if it makes you unhappy
You do not do anything without them, and do not have your own identity
You do not set appropriate boundaries with your spouse, and fear telling them “no”
You ignore their dishonesty, possessiveness, and jealous tendencies
You avoid confronting your partner about important issues because you fear rejection
You can’t "live" without the other person
You feel trapped in the relationship, but feel that if you did leave, you’d be a horrible person for abandoning your partner
You feel as if your life revolves around your partner
You cancel plans to accommodate your partner’s whims
According to marriage counselors, autonomy is the key to a healthy, balanced marriage. In a marriage, yes you love each other and want to be spend time together, but you should also be able to function independently. There needs to be allowances for separateness, differences, and one’s own thoughts and feelings. A partner should feel like a support beam, not an anchor.
What are your thoughts on co-dependent relationships? Are you in a co-dependent relationship or know someone who is? Are some couples blissfully ignorant existing in this state? Or are they in denial? Either way, the bliss or denial cannot last forever.
What other telltale signs of co-dependency would you add to this list? Please share your story or experience!
A healthy relationship will never require you to sacrifice your goals, your dreams, or your dignity. - Unknown
Home Spa...Simple Tricks To Creating A Spa-Like Environment At Home
When was the last time you enjoyed a spa day? It can be hard to find the time, or the money to treat yourself as often as you deserve. Life can be stressful at times, which is why it is so important to find ways to manage that stress.
There are many ways to relieve stress. Exercise is a great stress reliever. Sex is also a great stress reliever. But some days a girl, or guy, just wants to be pampered.
When I want to be pampered I head to the spa. I get a nice massage, deep tissue for me, which is exquisite pain. I do a nice soak, or mud bath, and then I end with a facial. Unfortunately, this can take all day, and beauty and pampering don't come cheap. So I try to create a spa-like environment whenever I get the chance at home.
This blog is all about turning your home bathroom into a spa like environment and relaxing.
There are some key ingredients needed, and then there are some optional items as well.
Lavender Oil
Epson or Sea Salt
Candles
iPhone for Spa Music
Foaming Bath Soak
Eye Mask, Cooled
Soft Sheet Towel
Terry Cloth Robe (optional)
Glass of Wine (highly recommended)
Run a warm bath, as warm as you can stand it. Add a cap full of bath soak, 3-4 drops of lavender, and 1 cup of epson salt. Light your favorite candles, turn on Pandora, and turn off the lights. Don’t forget your mask once you enter your soak.
I also recommend making the small investment of purchasing a paraffin bath for soothing, and smoothing aching hands and feet. As well as getting hot rocks to massage your legs, shoulders, and arms. You can find YouTube videos on giving yourself hot rock massages.
There is nothing better than making your home an amazing retreat, or having a staycation. Sometimes it's not about the destination, or getting away. Sometimes it's just about finding the time to relax, unwind, and spend time alone, or spend time with that special someone. If you are with your partner pamper each other.
What do you do when you can't find the time, or the money to go to the spa for a nice facial, or massage? Do you do it yourself, or go without? Please share your advice or experience!
What Is Love? Being, Falling, and Crazy In It
Valentine's Day is just a little more than a week away, so I thought I would write about love today. I am actually a Valentine's Day cynic. I find it lame, and a total consumer manipulation, however, I do love love.
So what exactly is love? And for this blog, we are talking about romantic love. Love is a feeling of strong affection and care for someone or something. It can also be a feeling of devotion or attachment.
How Does Romantic Love Feel?
A deep feeling of affection and care for another person
A strong or constant affection for and dedication to another
A warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion
How Does Love Act?
When in love, you will show a commitment to, and adherence to, loving actions towards another, oneself, or many others, over a sustained duration
Love can take many forms and can be defined differently by different people.
I love the idea of falling in love, and being in love. I am not someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, and I was recently described as aloof, but actually I am a romantic.
Being in a relationship, and in love is nice. It feels safe and comfortable to look over at the person sitting or laying next to you, and truly feel like you know them, and that you are in it together. But in all honesty nothing gives the euphoric feeling like falling in love.
Why Does Love Make You Crazy?
The newness is what makes it so different. It's obsessive. You eat, breathe, and live the other person. You cannot get enough of them. You could stay up all night talking to them, or staring at their face. You miss them the minute they leave, hang up the phone, or text goodnight.
They are the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning, and last thing you think about when you fall asleep at night. It makes you feel alive. It's an amazing feeling that cannot be replicated.
Falling in love is great, but a true, deeper love comes with getting to know the other person. They are not perfect, but a flawed individual. They share your interests, but have their own too. They truly "see" you, and not the fantasy person they want you to be. Seeing me has been my request with love. See me, and all of my flaws. No masks! Someone is sure to have buyer's remorse otherwise.
I know everyone loves differently and I think some of the outdated thoughts on love and Valentine’s Day specifically, have changed expectations for many women I know. More women are embracing being single and are pouring more into themselves and their non-romantic relationships. Galentine’s Day is also coming up. Which day will you be celebrating? Or maybe both?
You have no idea how fast my heart races every time I see you. - Unknown
Soulmates...Meant To Be Or Nonsense For Romantics?
Soulmates...meant to be?
Once upon a time, when I was very young, I believed in the happily ever after. But then at some point reality hit me. Life is full of ups and downs, and no guarantees. Life will throw many curve balls, and one of them is love.
Love seems like such a simple concept in so many ways. You don't really have to think about it, you just feel it. You know it in your gut, and in your heart and mind that you love someone. But sometimes love evolves, or even fades away. We are talking romantic love.
Are you in love with someone right now? You may at some point, if you have not already, ask yourself if they are the "one". You may wonder if they are your soulmate. Soulmate has many definitions. The true meaning of soulmate is to have known and loved one another in many lives.
Death does not separate true love, and soulmates will always find their way back to one another.
The modern definition of soulmate is more simplistic. Soulmates are two people who are drawn to each other, and connect on every level. There is an intensity and passion between soulmates that is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate.
Do I believe in soulmates? Simple answer is no. Having a soulmate in theory sounds wonderful, and oh so romantic. But what if my soulmate gets hit by a bus? Am I doomed to a life of loneliness or lackluster relationships because the "one" is no longer here? That's depressing, not romantic.
But if you are going to find the closest thing to a "soulmate", or a person you can be very happy with, look to the list below for signs that you have met the one.
Signs You Have Found Your Soulmate
It Feels Right
You Just Know It
You Can Be Vulnerable And Be Yourself With Each Other
You Can Sense When They Are Hurting Or Are In Pain
You Admire And Challenge Each Other
You Have A Deep Connection And Friendship
There Is Amazing Chemistry Between You
Time Together Is Fulfilling
You Feel Like You Have Known One Another Forever
Being In Their Presence Has A Calming Or Euphoric Effect On You
Honestly, my theory on love and relationships is that you can find happiness and love with many people, albeit not all at the same time. There are those where the relationship is good, but not great. There are better relationships, and there are the best relationships.
The best relationship is when you truly click and get one another. The relationship in which you look at one another, and wonder where have they been all of your life. The laughs are good and plentiful, the sex is great, and hell even the disagreements are stimulating, and kind of hot.
So nope, I do not subscribe to the soulmate concept, but I think life should be the best it can be. No settling out of fear, loneliness, or desperation. There are over 5 billion people in our beautiful world. He or she is out there, and maybe searching for you as well. Or possibly even right in front of you.
Do you believe in soulmates? Have you found the one? Still searching? Or settled too soon? If you have found the "one" then enjoy and appreciate. If not, keep looking because the right one is out there. Please share your soulmate experience!
“A soul mate is not found. A soul mate is recognized.” – Vironika Tugaleva
Is Chemistry Enough? The Truth About Building a Lasting Relationship
Chemistry, and I am not referring to the study of matter, means different things to different people. I have chemistry with a lot people. Most people probably wouldn't be in my life for any extended period of time if I didn't have some type of chemistry with them.
Whether it is bonding over a shared love of books and music, or connecting with other parents and co-workers, chemistry comes in many forms.
Chemistry is a beautiful thing. In its simplest form it is just a connection with another person. You just click with someone. It isn't necessarily romantic. But great romances start with amazing chemistry, and that is what this blog is about. Recognizing romantic chemistry is easy. Knowing what to do with it can be the challenge.
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The 5 Signs Of Romantic Chemistry...
Commonality
Chemistry is bonding and connecting, usually over experiences and interests. You share similar personalities or backgrounds. You laugh at the same things, and are on the same intellectual level.
Attraction
You feel a strong physical pull towards each other. You desire this person, and when they are around everyone else fades.
Can't Look Away
It's as if they are water and your eyes have been wandering the desert for years. You could stare at them all day, and when your eyes meet it's HOT. Staring into each other's eyes happens frequently when you encounter each other.
Can't Stay Away
You want to be near this person as much as possible. Spending time with them is the best feeling imaginable. Being away from them is torment.
Never Enough Time
You could be with, talk to, and text with them all day and night, and it still doesn’t feel like enough time. Time flies when you are together, and yet somehow being together makes time come to a complete standstill.
So the question is, if you have great romantic chemistry will you have a great relationship? I think the answer is, most likely. I believe the foundation of a solid romantic relationship is a good friendship.
They say opposites attract, but opposites may also struggle once the newness of the relationship wears off. That is why commonality plays a major role in any long lasting relationship. If a couple shares mutual interests and enjoy talking and "listening" to one another, it will bode well for a solid future together.
Be sure not to confuse infatuation with chemistry. Chemistry is truly chemical. Chemistry is two bodies saying we belong together. While infatuation is about feeling passion and fascination for someone. Infatuation by definition is temporary, and either turns to love or fades.
Either way, if the infatuation was based on looks or just an admiration of someone so unique or different from oneself, but no real compatibility existed, what are the odds of it lasting?
Is finding that person you have amazing chemistry with the secret to a long, happy relationship? Do you think chemistry matters? Do you think it is important to have similar interests to stay connected? What are your thoughts?
You can't force chemistry to exist where it doesn't in the same way you can't deny it when it does. - Unknown
Photo by Josh Willink from Pexels
Devious Diets...How Do You Get Your Best Body?
It's that time of year again, or so they say. It is beach body time. Ugh! I will not likely be donning a bikini this summer, but I am working on getting my best body in years. I am not getting any younger, and it is important to make my health and fitness a priority.
When it comes to losing weight, looking good, and getting rid of those dimples, and I am not talking those on your face, it really comes down to diet. I notice an immediate change in my skin, and quite honestly, my thighs when I eat clean.
When I say eat clean I mean no sugar, no alcohol, no fried foods, and no processed foods. It sounds difficult, and it is at first, but it is definitely worth the results.
Eating clean for 30 days quarterly has worked for me. I have slowly lost weight, and continue to do so without ever completely giving up foods that I like, but also not reverting back to old bad habits either.
This will not work for everyone, but there are so many option out there, you are bound to find the right fit for you. A warning though, discipline and some self-restraint will be required.
Here are some popular diets....I do not personally endorse any but I eat closest to Paleo:
Atkins
Paleo
Whole 30
South Beach
Zone
Mediterranean
Jenny Craig
Weight Watchers
Raw Food
Also in order to aid in weight loss and tone up that body, exercise is a must. I have knee and back injuries, so running is no longer enjoyable. However, I do not let that stop me from moving. I walk and hike everyday as far as I can with the allotted time in between family responsibilities, weather permitting.
Otherwise it's to the gym hitting the elliptical or cycling, which are are back and knee friendly, but also burn tons of calories. I also do the kettle bell, free weights, and plank exercises.
I seemed to have found what works for me. I am not focusing on a number on the scale, at least not completely, but I am focused on how I look and feel. I hope you can find that "something" that works for you as well.
I am fortunate in that I live in a very active community. There are plenty of trails and bike lanes. There is not a time I go out when there is not a group of cyclists, joggers, or others walkers out and about as well. It is a motivator. Are you motivated? I hope so!
Which Is Worse...This Or That?
This or that is always a fun game to play, especially when all of the choices are a win-win. But what if no matter what you choose the results suck? If you had to pick between two things, which is the lessor of two awful things? That's this game. Enjoy!
Food (These are all real foods people around the world eat)
Ghost Peppers or Denatonium (the most bitter substance known to humans)
Chitterlings or Cow Tongue
Liver or Kidneys
Bull Testicles or Pig Feet
Haggis or Balut
Spoiled Milk or Rotten Eggs
Sheep's Head or Bat Paste
Brain Sandwich (Pork) or Livermush
The Body
Death Valley
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Flu or Chicken Pox
Bee Sting or Fire Ant Bite
Chlamydia or Gonorrhea
Migraine or Back Pain
Instant Death or Knowledge of Exact Date/Time of Death
Face Punch or Gut Punch
Tooth Extraction or Hemorrhoids
Kidney Stones or Childbirth (not c-section)
The World
Death Valley or Antarctica
Zombie Apocalypse or Plague
Drought or Blizzard
Rat or Cockroach Infestation
Trapped in Elevator or Keys Locked in Car
Earthquake or Tornado
Missing Flight or Tire Blowout
Dictatorship or Autocracy
Stepping in Gum or Being Pooped On By a Bird
Yes, this is ridiculously immature, silly, and fun. Relax, enjoy, and pretend for five minutes you have not a worry in the world.