Discoveries – Celiac
Celiac? NO…. (I’ve Got This!)
When Scott Was Told He Had Celiac….
I scrambled to try everything. These are my recommendations. Save yourself time and money. I would not put this out there if I didn’t love it!!
Best GF Breadcrumbs
Best GF Pasta
Scott's Favorite GF Cereal
Scott's Favorite Gravy Base (then adds things)
Best GF Nuts (found at Costco too)
Scott uses this on everything
Best Breakfast Cake
My favorite GF Flour
Best GF Pizza
We order every two months. We wait for a sale and get 6 or 7 at a time. We always order the GF pepperoni. I bake it 20 minutes and add fresh onions and gf mozzarella, and gf parmesan, and bake 20 minutes more.
Quick GF Lunch
So thankful they use a different cutting board, different knife, GF bread, and are so careful. It is the one place we pick up lunch with no worries.
GF beverage (not beer)
🌿 If you’re living with celiac and looking for a safe and delicious alternative to beer or wine, give SIX a try! It’s USDA Certified Organic, gluten-free, and made right here in North Carolina—where I live! I personally know the amazing folks behind it and trust their commitment to quality and wellness. 💚 Cheers to safe sips and supporting local! 🥂.
I have a $10.00 off code if you are a first-time customer.
Best sliced Bread
Best Pancake Mix
Snacks
Cookies
Gluten Free Life
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Cut up fresh boneless chicken breasts, and quickly fry chicken in fresh garlic and garlic olive oil. Marinate the bacon for 30 minutes in chipotle sauce. I cook the bacon on a cookie sheet with a rack for 8-10 minutes in the oven at 400 degrees. Cut the cooled back in half. Wrap chicken in bacon and secure with a toothpick.
*May be made a day ahead.
*Reheat in foil packet at 350 degrees until ready to serve.
Discoveries – Counseling
What I've Learned From Counseling
For over 30 years, I’ve gone to counseling and am a big advocate.
For over 30 years, I’ve made counseling a consistent part of my life, and I’m proud to be a strong advocate for it. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous and empowering step toward growth, healing, and living with intention. Counseling has helped me navigate the highs and lows of life: career changes, personal loss, family challenges, and even rediscovering my sense of purpose in retirement.
What I’ve learned through this journey is that therapy offers more than just a safe place to talk—it provides tools to understand patterns, shift perspectives, and build emotional resilience. Every counselor I’ve worked with has brought something new into my life, whether it was helping me set boundaries, deepen relationships, or simply learn to pause and breathe.
I believe everyone can benefit from counseling, no matter their age or stage in life. Just like we see doctors to care for our bodies, our minds deserve attention and support too. If you’re ever unsure about whether to reach out for help, I encourage you to try. Your story matters. And just like it’s helped me, counseling can help you feel stronger, clearer, and more connected to the life you want to live.
Discoveries – Star Advice
Thoughts To Share
Star Story
Love this story. Shine your brightest everyday!
🌟 The Star Story 🌟
I used to tell my students: “Shine your brightest!” Because here’s the truth—if there’s only one star in the sky, it might sparkle, but it’s just not the same as a sky full of stars twinkling together.
✨ A single star might catch your eye, but a sky filled with all kinds of stars—each glowing in its own unique way—is breathtaking. It’s a reminder that we each have something special to offer.
So be bold. Be bright. Don’t dim your light. Because when everyone twinkles at their brightest, the whole sky becomes magical. 🌌
We’re not meant to outshine each other—we’re meant to shine together.
Discoveries – Importance of being a Volunteer
Thoughts To Share
I love to Volunteer…
When I was teaching, it filled my heart to be the sponsor for Key Club, National Honor Society, and The Dance Marathon. All three of these organizations focused on volunteerism to support others. When I retired it was a new experience to not have volunteering in my weekly routine. But with eyes open and hands ready, my husband and I jumped into volunteering again after Covid passed. Volunteering helps me Balance my life. Please look for ways you too can help your community. Here is a link to one of my volunteer adventures. PAC
Volunteering with a Purpose
The Public
Archaeology Corps
My husband Scott and I started volunteering at the Public Archaeology Corps in Wilmington, NC. We enjoyed going to “the dig” downtown every other Saturday for a couple of hours to see what we could find.
Fast forward two years, and I’m the Volunteer PAC Operational Programs Director, creating and managing a website and continuing my educational influence to anyone who might be interested in history.
Still Learning
Basket Weaving
Something NewI'm going to make a basket...Whoever would have thought I would get a pine needle up my fanny that gave me an interest in making a basket. It all started when I went with my mom to Charleston, SC and saw all these people sitting on the side of the road...
Learning to create a website.
What a new adventure! In January, I tried to learn how to build websites. Here are a few to take a look at. It has been and continues to be a challenge, but I love learning new things, sharing with others, teaching others, and continuing to be a difference-maker in...