Category: self-care

What! It’s time for a Change?!
art · art studio · lifestyle blog · personal blog · personal development · self-care · simple life

What! It’s time for a Change?!

caroline

This morning, I became motivated to change some items around in my home.

First I ordered a new bedding. I need my colors to match! I also want some colors that show my personality.

I moved my area rug to my studio. I now can do yoga with a rug under my mat, which my knees are so happy for this decision.

Breakfast

For breakfast, I made sausage. And cut up kiwi, and added blackberries and raspberries to it. And a tall glass of chocolate milk.

I watched some of my favorite YouTube artists.

I do have clients scheduled today. Mostly later this evening.

Will the change happen?

I’m still undecided if fully working from home will be the best for me. I think by the end of the year I will have the answer.

Happy Day

Caroline

Portobello Mushroom Pizza
dairy free · dinner · gluten free · kitchen · lifestyle blog · lunch · personal blog · personal development · recipes · self-care · simple life · toaster oven

Portobello Mushroom Pizza

caroline

This afternoon, lunch was planned. Lately, my stomach has been picky. I have to eat gluten free dairy free and soy free. Having digestive issues, rheumatoid arthritis and lipedema, this is the best diet to keep inflammation under control.

Portobello Mushroom Pizza

Ingredients

  • Portobello mushrooms
  • Tomato sauce
  • Vegan parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Toaster oven

Set toaster oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the stems and scrap out the black veins of the mushroom. Use a spoon or something blunt.

Put some olive oil on the mushroom where the stem was.

Bake in toaster oven for 3 minutes.

Flip the mushrooms over.

Add tomato sauce and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, mine was done in 15 minutes.

I served it with potatoes fried in olive oil. You can make a salad or have it with spaghetti. I was craving potatoes!

Happy Day

Caroline

Gladiolus Flower Drawing
art · art studio · drawing · illustration · mindfulness · personal blog · personal development · self-care · simple life

Gladiolus Flower Drawing

caroline

Today I wanted to draw. I had a few minutes to sit down in my studio.

Inspiration Flower

Gladiolus

  • Comes from Latin word gladius
  • Gladius means sword
  • Associated with gladiators
  • Flower resembles a sword
  • Symbolizes strength, infatuation and passion
  • Used as a symbol of protection during the gladiator era

I really enjoyed this coloring illustration.

Happy Day

Caroline

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Crepes
autoimmune · dairy free · gluten free · mindfulness · personal blog · personal development · recipes · self-care · simple life

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Crepes

caroline

I found this on the blog:https://www.mamaknowsglutenfree.com/gluten-free-crepes/#recipe

This was a great recipe. It turned out delicious. It was like I was in Paris France again.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup milk , dairy-free use almond, cashew or coconut milk.
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (leave out if your flour already has it)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter , for dairy-free use Smart Balance butter

Directions

Beat the eggs, add rest of the ingredients.

I had to use a mixer to get the batter smooth.

Drop 1/4 cup of batter into the heated pan. Cook for 1 minute. Flip and cook for 30 seconds to a minute.

Add fruit to the crepe.

Why the oranges in the photo? Because I was originally going to make crepes with oranges and squeeze some for the juice. After inspecting they were not good to eat. So strawberries and bananas were the next choice.

Yes I added chocolate syrup to mine!

Happy Day

Caroline

Illustrating Flowers
art · drawing · illustration · mindfulness · minimalism · personal blog · personal development · self-care · simple life

Illustrating Flowers

caroline

I started a new journal. This one is 5″x8″ journal that will be dedicated to flowers.

The book In Bloom, has wonderful illustrations and directions on how to draw flowers from around the world.

Currently I am sketching the flowers. Then next week while waiting to be called in for jury duty. I will finish the sketch using pens or color pencils. Not sure yet.

I will post more as they get completed.

Happy Day

Slow Down Night
dairy free · dinner · gluten free · lifestyle blog · personal blog · personal development · self-care · simple life

Slow Down Night

caroline

Let’s just face it, we all need a break and a relaxation night. I worked from home. (by the way, I have a second job) and I was exhausted. This night, nothing seemed to satisfy my taste buds. So my idea of feeding my stomach was simple and sweet.

This is the easiest snack to make. This can be for breakfast, lunch, snack and for this night, dinner.

Rice Cake with Peanut Butter and Strawberries and Bananas

Ingredients

  • Gluten Free Rice Cakes
  • Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Cashew Butter
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries

Spread the peanut butter on the rice cakes, layer bananas on it. Use the remaining banana for a side snack along with strawberries. It can be made in 5 minutes!

For the drink: Almond Chocolate Milk

Why we Need to Rest

  • It is vital for mental health
  • improves concentration and memory
  • healthier immune system
  • Reduces stress
  • Improved mood
  • Better metabolism/energy
  • prevents injuries
  • Maintain weight
  • make you happier
  • help your creativity

Ways to Rest

  • Practice gratitude
  • take deep breaths
  • exercise/do yoga
  • Practice sleep hygiene-scheduled sleep routine, unplug electronics, dim lights

Happy Day

Caroline

Embroidery Stitching
crafts · embroidery · needlepoint · personal blog · personal development · self-care · simple life

Embroidery Stitching

caroline

This is the latest I have been working on. The reason I started embroidery was because I needed something simple and fun to do while I have been extremely busy with work and I needed a break from the Paris Rue cross stitch.

Embroidery

I am working on another one and will post when it is finished.

Happy Day

Caroline

Another Painting Night
art · art studio · painting · personal blog · personal development · self-care · simple life

Another Painting Night

caroline

It’s been a busy week. Well I started to make some changes. I’m going to make a major decision soon. It’s going to go fast. I’ll announce later.

Painting on Canvas

Tonight I was able to spend time at the craft table. I did yoga it was needed. I have been busy, running around and feel like I needed to pull away and create.

This began as a scribble. Then I started to pick colors. This time I wanted pastel, quiet colors. The first layer is on the canvas.

I’ll let it dry and hope to paint in a few days.

Happy Day

Caroline

30 Drawings of Mandalas
art · art journal · art studio · art therapy · autoimmune · drawing · lifestyle blog · mindfulness · personal blog · personal development · rheumatoid arthritis · self-care · simple life

30 Drawings of Mandalas

caroline

Drawing Challenge

This challenge is to doodle 30 mandalas. Why, you ask? Just for fun, and to get myself focused on art and creativity again.

I am working out of a hardback sketch book, 8″ x 11″ using a black pen and crayons, color pencils or gel pens. This is something I can do before I go to sleep. Resting my legs under my weighted blanket after a long day. With my work schedule, taking care of my pets and resting my body, I won’t be able to finish these in 30 days. The outcome will be having 30 doodle mandalas.

I started drawing this evening. Here is my rheumatoid arthritis hand. Swollen, puffy and joints are in pain from all the drawing.

The completed drawing will be posted later…

Happy Day

Caroline