Meredith Henning's Blog
June 14, 2021
SELF CARE
S E L F C A R E 
Does this term scare you or make you start to panic because it seems like overindulgence in vanity or pride?
When I was diagnosed with cancer back in 2017 I freaked out because I thought I was pretty good at taking care of myself, but you know what? Going to the grocery store by yourself, or taking a hot bath once a month, isn’t enough if your immune system is compromised from years of no set program for SELF CARE!!
After successfully completed my treatments, I gained an insight into what it takes for my body to reset, recharge and heal. And now this SELF CARE is a regular part of my daily routine. I also choose to treat myself occasionally with a splurge, like my new hair color and beautiful 22” extensions. I’ve always had “bad Hair” even on good hair days LOL! During treatments I did lose a lot of fullness in my hair, thankfully not all of it, but it’s never been quite the same, so I now give myself permission to treat myself to amazing hair and I feel great about it! 
So do yourself a favor and remember to take CARE of YOURSELF!! No one else can do it for you, and God gave us our bodies for our whole life here on this earth, treat it well and enjoy life knowing you get one shot at healthy and well!!
If you’re local to Scottsdale you can find the BEST in luxury, high-quality #hairextensions@hairextensionscottsdale_ and tell Angie I sent you, you won’t regret it, I promise 
June 9, 2021
KEY LIME PIE
KEY LIME PIE 
You could say we’ve been obsessed with Key Lime Pie lately. This is the second one I’ve made in the course of 1 week 
The first one I made wasn’t actually with true Key Limes, but it was very delicious! Sunday’s pie was a true Key Lime and I’m here to tell you that unless you have an automatic juicer, those little buggers are a pain to juice otherwise, I’m just sayin’ 
But on to this amazingly easy and quick summer treat!
Recipe adapted from @momontimeout.
Ingredients:
Graham cracker crust:
1 1/2 sleeves graham crackers to equal approximately 1 1/2 cups
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp butter melted.
Key Lime Filling:
28 oz sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup light sour cream or plain yogurt
3/4 cup key lime or regular lime juice
zest from 2 regular limes or 4 key limes
Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup organic heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, I left out)
Instructions:Graham cracker crustPreheat oven to 375F.Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a small bowl. Press the crumb mixture into an 8″ – 9.5″ pie pan. Bake for 7 minutes. Cool for at least 30 minutes.
Key Lime Filling: Preheat oven to 350F Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, and lime zest in a medium bowl. Pour into prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 10 minutes. Let pie cool slightly before chilling. Chill for at least 3 hours.
Whipped Cream Topping: Beat heavy cream and sugar together in a mixer until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla (optional). Spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the cooled pie. Top with additional lime zest if desired, highly recommended adds that little extra 
Enjoy!! Have you ever made a Key Lime Pie??
April 16, 2021
LEMON BLUEBERRY TART
LEMON BLUEBERRY TART 
This is my first ever baking challenge and it was the perfect thing to BAKE 
Not only does my family LOVE anything lemon, but the blueberries bring this tart to a whole new level!! We are fortunate to have a gorgeous and very abundant lemon tree 
in our back yard that we’ve been harvesting relentlessly the past month, hence the need to use these beauties in a confection!
First step is to cook the blueberries with a little bit of sugar and mash them up a bit. I used frozen Organic Wild Blueberries from Trader Joe’s cuz that’s what I had on hand and they worked beautifully!
Step two is to make the pastry dough, and for this recipe it’s a super simple shortbread dough. It’s very buttery and thick and presses nicely into the tart pan, no pre-buttering necessary!
I only have a 12 inch tart pan so I made about 1/2 more of the shortbread recipe (so 1 1/2 times) to fit my pan!
The filling is next up and so easy! Just a can of full fat sweetened condensed milk , lemon juice, an egg yolk and some lemon zest!
This goes in after the shortbread crust has been baked for about 15 minutes, you pour it in warm and then add the dollops of blueberry sauce and the BEST part…SWIRL!!!
Isn’t it GORGEOUS!!! Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-18 minutes, mine was exactly 16 minutes to perfection (overbaking not recommended)!
Out of the oven and ready to cool for an hour or so, then into the fridge for chilling (about 2 hours total) and then slice and serve, and get ready for YUM!!!
It’s as delicious as it looks, for sure a 10 out of 10 for my family! This tart is the April 2021 Sally’s Baking Addiction challenge, her feed is the bomb by the way 
A few things to note on my first attempt, yes people, I will definitely be making this one again!!
*NB: As mentioned above, I only have a 12 inch tart pan, so I made 1 1/2 times the pastry dough, probably should have increased the filling as well, but we liked how it turned out a little thinner, but still TONS of flavor payoff…besides, it’s bigger and it’ll last longer 
Are you inclined to do a baking challenge? Tag me if you have done this one already, would love to see it and give you a follow as well! Here’s to more confectionary delights from my kitchen to yours! 
If you want to join me on Instagram at my new Baking & Cooking feed, I’d love to see you there @cheremeres_kitchen
xxoo
February 5, 2021
FRIDAY FIVE: BREATHING SPACE
Welcome to the FRIDAY FIVE! I’ll be hopping into your inbox each week with some quick tips, tricks, Feel-Better hacks, and maybe a few recommendations of things that I am loving and that will maybe help to improve your day! I will share my experience, my inspiration, what’s working for me. A High-Five from me to YOU!
If You Do Nothing Else this week…tap into some SELFCARE!Do you need a little self-care today?
Why not take a moment to just B R E A T H E … (go ahead, I’ll wait)… NOW, pick something from this list and give yourself permission to do a little S E L F C A R E. Your family will thank you, and even doing just this one little thing for yourself today will make a big difference in your overall outlook. Trust me, I know.
What I’m Watching…I finished watching Downton (for the second time through) and needed a new series to begin…ask and you shall receive! My dear FB friends filled my feed with numerous options, you can check out the thread here. Many great suggestions! I chose to start with the Durells in Corfu (on amazon prime video). Loving it so far!
Also enjoyed this great Ted Talk from Matt Walker about how to prioritize your sleep! Professor Matthew Walker is a world-leading expert in sleep and is wonderfully articulate and will leave you in no doubt that prioritizing your sleep is well worth it. Enjoy!
What I’m Reading…I’ve been creating some systems for my Beautycounter business to be more efficient and productive when I sit down to work. Whether it’s for 5 minutes or a full power-hour, and I needed to seriously stop overthinking things, enter Don’t Overthink It, by Anne Bogel (yep, Modern Mrs. Darcy ;-)) The take away so far is three things:
Setting Ourselves up for Success, Taking Charge, and Letting the Sun Shine In (my favorite part!!) Let me know if you’ve read this one already!My February Faves from Beautycounter…The Jellies are back and here to stay!! These little cuties sold out over the holiday season and we’re so happy to have them back! Only $29 for the Duo and such yummy flavors!!
I’m also loving the Melting Body Balm, it’s a savior for dry, winter skin, even here in Arizona when our temps dip below 40 degrees some nights!! This was also featured in Allure Magazine and won Best of Beauty in 2019!
And my last February pick, although there are SO MANY I could share here with you (you’ll just have to have a peek around my personal Beautycounter link here) is the Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel! Hands down one of the best products Beautycounter has created!! AND, if you become a Band of Beauty Perks member for only $29 (plus $50 in products) you can get the Peel and the Charcol mask for FREE!! ASK me how!!
And Finally a Quote I’m taking to Heart…“The beautiful thing about living, is that you’re the author of your life’s story. So be cool to your future self. ” (Matthew McConaughey, Greenlights)
Have a blessed and beautiful weekend friends!!! xxoo
December 4, 2020
Well Hello There!! Beautycounter Special Promo!!
Hello cute friends!! It’s been so long since I’ve written in this space that I’m a little out of practice (insert sheepish look here)…but I’d like to just jump right back in and get things rolling here with a little update and share what’s new in my life!
We are down to the last few years of homeschooling my youngest, Gabriel, is really an unschooler at this point and very involved in all things scootering and working out at the trampoline park. Benjamin is graduating from the University of Arizona next week, woohoo!!! Emma was engaged a year ago and we’re still awaiting a wedding date, sometime in 2021, and Elijah is in his 2nd year of college, albeit online at this point, and working full-time at a very prestigious jewelry store in old town Scottsdale. And I am in perfect health and have been in remission since July 2019 and doing great!! Praise God!
My time is basically my own with minimal weekly lessons with Gabriel so I have launched myself into my Social Selling businesses with Beautycounter and Red Aspen. I am having a blast doing what I love, which is sharing incredible Clean Skincare and Makeup products and getting them into the hands of my friends and family. I was honored to promote 2 levels in Beautycounter to Manager in November and I can’t wait to see where this adventure leads with this amazing company.
So I thought what a better way to get back into blogging than with a special promotion and giveaway!! Here are the details:
I am having a special promotion this weekend to not only thank you for your support and encouragement of my Beautycounter business but to help you shop your holiday list with #saferbeauty products that everyone will love!! Even the sweet men in your life [image error]
March 14, 2020
Are You Suddenly Homeschooling?
Amidst all the chaos and uncertainty of our current situation regarding the Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, you may be suddenly at home with your school age kiddos ( and even college kids) wondering what to do next.
First things first, don’t panic and think you have no options without childcare and resources. As a parent and homeschooler with 21 plus years experience, there are a myriad of things you can do with your children to help you bridge the gap during this quarantine and social distancing.
Action Plan for Beginning Homeschooling
My immediate advice is to put as many library books on hold as you can to pick up on Monday so you have an enticing stack waiting for you to dive right in, because what is a better way to learn and keep busy bodies busy, than with reading and reading aloud!
Next, plan to get outside everyday for a minimum of 30 minutes with and without your children. You many have adult children suddenly at home as well, as colleges are sending kids home and this means they need some structure and an action plan as well.
Limit screen time as much as is possible. We personally do quite a bit of online learning, but just be prudent with non-learning screen time and create routines around meals that don’t involve a screen as well.
You are not trying to replicate classroom schooling in your home. Homeschooling IS different and looks different for every family, so please do not think that you have to have a teaching degree to assist your children in learning. Just DO STUFF TOGETHER and talk about it. READ TOGETHER and talk about it. Pull out the art supplies, or grab some on amazon and have an afternoon of arts and crafts.
When is the last time you built a blanket fort and watched a movie with your whole family with popcorn? Now is a great time!! Most of all, try and have fun with your kids, ease the stress on yourself by taking breaks throughout the day, have some tea, or coffee, or wine. Lock yourself in the bathroom if need be…trust me on this one, invaluable homeschool mom hack for some down time 
March 5, 2020
March Daybook
Outside my window…
Surprisingly warm today, it’s going to hit 84 degrees which we haven’t yet seen this year…our Winter/Early Spring here in Arizona has been pleasantly mild so far. We have lived here for 3 1/2 years now and couldn’t love it any more 
June 7, 2019
Well Hello There!
It’s been a little while…almost a year to be exact! I never intended an intentional detour from writing here, but life has a way of getting in your way. Add dealing with healing my breast cancer and things get a little more involved
July 27, 2018
Erin Condren 2018-2019 Teacher Lesson Planner Review & Walk Through
Erin Condren 2018-2019 Teacher Lesson Planner Review & Walk Through
I’m so excited to be able to share this review with you today of this year’s newly redesigned Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner for the 2018-2019 academic year.
You are going to love all the modifications that they made from last year’s teacher planner.
And guys, it’s still the same price $55.00 for the basic setup! Even better, here is $10.00 off your first purchase following my referral link!
I am totally smitten with the new layout of this planner, it’s like the best power tool in a teacher’s lesson planning toolbox and we’re going to unpack it all for you here and I’ll show you how I am using it for my home school.
FAIR WARNING: This is a long post with a ton of photos, so if this is not your cup of tea and you could care less about planners, then feel free to click away, LOL!
Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my dear friend Jennifer Mackintosh from Wildflowers and Marbles, for all her inspiration and practical creativity in using and setting up this Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner, she’s a gem with the utmost southern charm and you should definitely go check out her YouTube video (here’s her link) on how she sets up this beautiful planner. Thanks Jen, as always, you are awesome
Let’s Jump In!
Planner Walk Through
As you can see, the new cover I chose is so colorful and cheerful 
July 26, 2018
Homeschooling High School by Design – Review
Homeschooling High School by Design – Review
Just popping in here today for a quick review and recommendation of a great new online course for those considering or already homeschooling for High School.
Homeschooling High School by Design created by my good friend Heather Woodie of the Blog She Wrote website is a wonderful eCourse that will enhance any home educator’s learning library.
Having already successfully homeschooled and graduated two of my four children, I can say that this course is a resource that I wish I’d had upon embarking on the high school years.
You see, there’s is a great deal of fear that accompanies teaching through the high school years, and you know what, there doesn’t need to be because it’s really not that hard.
And, put that together with a teen as your partner in the process and it’s a win-win for homeschooling high school.
What’s in the eCourse?
In the 16 Modules you will find these topics:
Creating a four year plan
Choosing high school curriculum
Building your high schooler’s schedule
Planning custom designed courses
Creating electives for high school
Record keeping and transcript worksheets
Parent teacher roles in high school
Making time for creative pursuits
Creating opportunities for homeschooled teens
What to do when things get hard
Teaching smart and unmotivated students
Homeschooling teens with chronic illness
Teaching struggling learners
Teaching gifted teens
Summary
What You Can Expect within Each Lesson Module:
Written lessons– each lesson has text for you to read. This is the primary way that information is shared.
Video instruction– A video format where most important.
Printable forms– Printable forms for some lessons. Print these out so you can follow the instructions
I truly enjoyed going through this course and have gleaned many useful tidbits that I will incorporate with my current high school student.
Most especially to keep in mind that you are creating an authentic, custom high school experience for your teen!
I highly recommend this course to anyone digging in to high school planning, the future of your high school student will be brighter for it!
Have you homeschooled a High School Student yet?
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