Joan Ambu Archives – Page 45 of 96 – Strength Of The Small

Thanksgiving Food and Drink Family Gratitude

Celebrating Thanksgiving

By JM PerezNovember 27, 20132 min read713 views

I love Thanksgiving as it is one of my favorite holidays. I love the joyful gatherings, food preparation, sweet sounds of laughter echoing throughout the House, listening to everyone take turns expressing their gratitude and even the clean up after the party. Thanksgiving is usually the time I reunite with people I haven’t seen in a long time, since most of us gather once a year, either during Thanksgiving or Christmas because we are many miles across the country from each other. I cherish the memories of Thanksgiving and carry them throughout the year.

Like every single day of my life, there is so much to be Thankful for: Life – Health – Peace – Joy – Family – Friends – Love and so much more. One more thing I wish for this year is having my Mother, whom I love so much, here with me. I want to see her and not just talk to her on a daily basis as we have become accustomed to. The same goes for my beloved Father. I want to express my gratitude for all she has done and sacrificed for me. I want to take care of her, celebrate her life and give back anyway I possibly can.

Seasoned Turkey. — *Seasoned Turkey (Herbs and Spices).*

This year, my husband will be roasting a Turkey and I am sure it will be as delicious as the one he did the previous year. My husband will be off for four days and my Son will be having a whole week off. We could even travel somewhere if time permits; sightseeing, exploring, visiting family and friends. Maybe we could forget about sightseeing and volunteer somewhere; brighten someone’s day and give to the less fortunate.

I am thankful for fond memories. Nothing is perfect in the World, but what I have is sufficient for me to thrive and give back. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and which I have carried with me on my way through Life. My prayers go out to the families of those who have lost so much, that they may find peace, comfort and strength in God’s faithfulness. I pray they may also find compassion and kindness in mankind.

“Be present at our table, Lord. Be here and everywhere adored. Thy creatures bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with Thee.” – John Cennick

Wishing you all a safe and blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones wherever you are.

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By JM Perez

Shabby Chic Home Decor High Desert

Shabby Candle Holders

By JM PerezNovember 25, 20131 min read753 views

Last Wednesday I visited the Shabby Sisters Boutique, a Shabby Chic Shop here in the High Desert which I recently heard about. We’ve visited most Shabby Chic, Vintage/Antique, Primitive shops around here and it turned out that the Shabby Sisters have only been around for the past six months (which probably explains why I didn’t know about their existence until last week). It’s a lovely place, owned by three lovely women who enjoy singing.

The shop itself is small in size, but features gorgeous items you will love to pieces. Shabby Sisters Boutique carries Refinished/repainted, up-cycled and re-purposed furniture as well as hand crafted items.

While searching for my candle holders and some candles, I found this lovely Bird Candle above which I either bought from Pier 1 Imports or Cost Plus World Market a few years ago.

Shabby Sisters Boutique

14258 Hesperia Rd, Victorville, CA 92395
Phone: 1 (760) 955-6241

Our of Operations

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed Tuesdays and Sundays

A few local shops in the High Desert will be celebrating Customer Appreciation Day on Friday November 29th and Saturday 30th. There will be Coffee, raffle ticket for free gifts and sales up to 50% off.

Antique Station, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (19176 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368).
Creative Treasures and Boutique, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (20601 Outer Hwy 18 South, Apple Valley, CA 92307).
Linda Marie’s Enchanted Treasures (19222 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368).
Shabby sisters Boutique, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (14258 Hesperia Rd, Victorville, CA 92395).

Victorville, CA 92395

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By JM Perez

Weather Flowers Shrubs & Trees High Desert

Rainy Days

By JM PerezNovember 22, 20131 min read474 views

Rainy days are back in the High Desert. Yesterday we woke up to a very cold morning and by the time we stepped out, there were thick cloud formation moving over the mountains and blocking the view. We had periods of rain developing early in the afternoon. Today is cold, the sky is white and it’s drizzling.

Thick Clouds formation over the mountains. — *Thick clouds formation over the mountains.*

Roses glistening and dripping with raindrops, what a lovely sight.

Raindrops On Roses, — *Raindrops On Roses.*

Some of the leaves on the Raywood Ash in my front yard have now turned a deep purple/red color and started falling. It’s always the first tree to change colors and the last to shed its leaves. The leaves on the Mulberry are almost all yellow. Soon enough we will be raking leaves.

We will have to keep busy indoors since this cold and soggy weather will continue through Saturday.

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By JM Perez

Insects Flowers Shrubs & Trees Gardening High Desert

Joy Of Gardening

By JM PerezNovember 16, 20131 min read658 views

Despite the hectic weather, it felt good stepping out today and watching the wind send leaves flying everywhere in the backyard as I slowly made my way towards the front porch. It was time to bring my Boston Fern indoors. I walked around the backyard and spent a couple of minutes with my Roses. These are some of the moments I cherish the most. Growing and caring for Roses is hard work as it demands a lot of determination, time, patience and love. In the end it pays a thousandfold and I have had a wonderful year with my Roses.

On my way to collect the trash can from the street earlier in the week, I couldn’t resist stopping by my Rose Garden where a couple of rose bushes where blooming. As I began taking pictures of the beautiful blooms, I spotted a large Green Valley Grasshopper (from its rather large size, I believe it’s a female). I can’t tell if the insect was just hanging out, perhaps resting from a long flight or just getting ready to feed on my plants.

Today my heart is particularly filled with gratitude for the gift of Life and beauty in the World.

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By JM Perez

Health and Wellness Parenting Family

Sick with Stomach Flu

By JM PerezNovember 15, 20132 min read596 views

Upon waking up on Thursday morning my daughter came down with the stomach flu. She spent the entire day throwing up and taking trips to the bathroom. Though she’s such a strong, lively child and didn’t let her illness bring her down; I felt a wave of helplessness enveloping me. As a parent it’s always heartbreaking watching your child go through something like that. Just as she started getting better; her brother became the next victim and kept me up all night. I helped him clean up, gave him new clothes, changed the sheets and sent him in another room. Little did I know that I was already infected from cleaning contaminated surfaces.

As I began throwing up in the toilet, I heard my boy doing the same in his. How could I possibly take care of my sick child while I was fighting the same fight? It was a long, uncomfortable and painful night. At least, my daughter was sound asleep (I would have lost my mind otherwise). With much luck, we made it through the night until my husband came home this morning (took over for a little while to give me time to rest and recuperate) before beginning throwing up himself. We called my son’s school to let them know he wouldn’t make it in today.

When I Recover ... (Source). — *When I Recover … (Source).*

What a way to spend the weekend! To be held hostage by the Stomach Flu. At least we are still alive and we are getting much better. I started disinfecting the house and as soon as I am 100% on my feet, I will be sanitizing the kids toys and deep cleaning the carpets. As of now we will stay hydrated and make the most of our day.

According to Health.com, we should try to avoid drinking too much plain water, or beverages like soda or juice that contain sugar, but not enough of the right electrolytes, says Dr. Rogg. Putting water into your body without adding electrolytes will dilute the electrolytes that still remain in your body, Dr. Rogg explains, while taking in sugar without salt can make your diarrhea worse. WikiHow suggests to make your own oral rehydration solution if you’re struggling to stay hydrated or you can’t leave the house to buy an electrolyte solution at the pharmacy. Mix the following, and drink as much as you can:

4.25 cups (1 litre) clean water
6 tsp (30 ml) sugar
0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) salt

Also, according to the website wtsp.com, ‘Stomach Flu’ could be caused by your refrigerator. The article, which you can read here, recommends to check out your refrigerator and make sure it is at 40 degrees or below, to follow safe food handling at home to prevent deadly food poisoning.

Click here or here to figure out if you are suffering from Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis) or Influenza.

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By JM Perez