Chynna T. Laird's Blog, page 10

Foodie Fridays ~ Using Online Grocery Shopping To Help With Sustainability (SPUD)

There is a lot of talk about what we can do to reduce the footprints we leave behind in our environment. This is an issue that has become very important to my children and me. I teach them all about the importance of recycling, caring about where our garbage or wastes go once they leave our house (or are flushed down the toilet) and how to shop smarter.

Since we are a larger family, one area we really want to focus on is being more aware and smarter about our grocery shopping. We began with tr...

Writing Sample Wednesday ~ A Snippet From Blackbird Flies

Good morning, everyone. Sorry for the two pictures today but I was torn which represented today's sample the best. So, I'm using both.

Talk About It Tuesday ~ January Is Stalking Awareness Month

Welcome to our first post of 2019! After referring to my list of blogging subjects I've been approached to discuss each month, my immediate attention was drawn to this issue.

Stalking.

Like a few of the subjects we discuss here on the blog, this is something that can affect anyone. Men or women. Children or adults. Rich or poor. It doesn't matter what race you are, which religion you practice or culture you're a part of. It knows no boundaries. Because there are none.

Stalking is one person impe...

Music Mantra Monday ~ Welcoming 2019 Without Feeling 'Lost'

Another year is about to come to an end. Like many of you out there, I've been doing a lot of reflection over all that I faced in 2018. And all I can say is that I'm so grateful to still be here.

Every year at this time, there is always a lot of talk about how crappy the past year was...all the awful things we've had to go through and face. Some things just happen...a part of the life we live. Other things we've allowed to happen...a part of the life we choose. Either way, the new year isn't r...

In The Spirit ~ A Year Behind Us, And A New One to Embrace

With the new year only a few days away, I thought it would be great to open a discussion of what this day truly means.

Really, New Year's Eve is simply a celebration of the new year to come. But on some levels, it's much more than that.

When I was in my thirties, probably around the time I had my children, I saw New Year's Eve in a much different light than giving us yet another excuse to party and consume too much of the things we shouldn't be. It's an opportunity to reflect on the year past w...

Writing Prompt Saturday ~ New Year's Resolutions

Yesterday we had a nice, quiet day around here. The kids each did their own thing while I was able to catch up in some of my work.

After an hour or so of complete silence, which never happens around here unless no one is in the house, I went up to check up on what they were doing. When I got to my daughter's room, I peeked in to see them all laying on the floor writing. When my youngest noticed me in the doorway she beamed, "Look, mama. We're working on our New Year's Resolutions! Wanna hear&n...

Foodie Friday ~ Chynna's French Onion soup

If you're ready for a break from all of the Holiday-type food, as I am, this is a great recipe to try.

I used to make this one a few times a month when I get a craving, but a recent experience sparked my inspiration.

On Boxing Day, we went out to a local burger place for lunch. I'm not a huge burger fan unless I really crave one so I opted for French Onion soup and deep fried pickles (don't judge me...I've been eating a lot of greens lately too). I was really excited to delve into it but my exc...

Music Mantra Monday ~ Merry Christmas

Well, today is the day. I'm guessing that, like in our household, everyone out there is putting the final touches on their Christmas festivities. So I won't take up too much of your time.

We always had Christmas carols playing in our house this time of year. My grandparents had a stereo system set up where you could hear the music upstairs or down in the basement so anywhere you went, you'd be surrounded by the musical joys of Christmas.

One of my favorites was Bing Crosby, and this is a versio...

Writing Prompt Saturday ~ Special Christmas Memory

My grandparents' bell looked like this,
only with three angels around it.With Christmas only being a few days away, I thought our prompt today should focus on the Christmas memories we hold most dear.

The happiest Christmas memories I hold are being surrounded with the small family we had with lots of food, laughter and a few gifts for everyone.

These times are so precious because as long as we can still retain these memories, they give us light, hope and goodness that we don't always see the re...

Foodie Friday ~ GUY FOOD!!

While going through my huge collection of cookbooks this morning, I found this little gem shoved over to the side among all my other well-used vegetarian and pasta books. I forgot I'd even gotten this!

Now that my little man is becoming a little more adventurous with food, cooking and eating, and my husband is a major meat-eater, I try to add a few 'guy-friendly' recipes into the low-to-no meat menu the girls and I prefer.

Most of my diet until recently has been pretty much vegan. But due to my...