Recipes for Life
Ranked #3,520 in Healthy Living, #68,075 overall
Recipe #1: What is Joy?
One of my most treasured possessions is a faded pink recipe box that belonged to my mother. Whenever I pull a recipe from that box, I see my Mama's pretty handwriting and the years roll back.
My family was large - eight of us in all. My parents made sure we had what we needed in life, and we grew up understanding the difference between needs and wants--valuable lessons that have followed me through life. Because we didn't waste time wishing for what we didn't have, we learned the beauty of contentment, and how it can't be snatched away when life gets tough.
This lens isn't about doing without, but about how to look for joy in simple things. No joy, no contentment. No contentment, and life becomes a rat race.
Think About It...
Is it possible to be HAPPY but not feel CONTENTED?
Recipe #1: Blast from the Past

Why do old family recipes bring back such good memories? For me, it goes beyond the fact that they're delicious. When I'm preparing one of my mom's favorite dishes, a flood of memories fill my kitchen. Memories are free, and they're forever--a beautiful blessing, indeed.
Likes/Dislikes
Slow down!
People these days seem to be getting it - finally. Life isn't about who has the most toys. It isn't about competition or power or even "success". It's about living a life that makes a difference in ways that aren't always visible; leaving a legacy of the heart for those who follow.
I created this SIMPLICITY art poster from a simple photo I captured at the oldest pioneer home in our county. It's a reminder that life isn't measured by our Stuff.
Recipe #2: Needs vs. Wants

I made a comment recently that all I really needed was a new crockpot. My trusty old slow cooker had a broken settings knob, so to switch from high to low or warm, I had to use a pair of pliers. Not exactly earth-shaking, but aggravating. If you love using a slow cooker especially in fall or winter months, you'll understand why it was at the top of my wish list.
My husband had overheard me. So the next day, he stopped by Target and bought a new 6-qt. crockpot. I've always kidded him about how low maintenance I am, but you know what? It's true. I don't have a long list of must-have's. Neither does he. Maybe that's why after 37 years of marriage, we aren't stressed over finances or bored with Stuff.
The Simple Life
Recipe #3: Things I Thought I Needed (but didn't)

Glitter Text Generator
I'm sworn to secrecy on this one, so don't send chocolate bribes, please. Certain members of Squidoo have graciously offered to answer the following question. Thanks, guys.
In the last five years, what have you bought impulsively, and later regretted?
1. A tennis bracelet
2. Year's membership at our local country club
3. One of those stupid Food Saver things that seal leftovers in freezer bags.
4. A used motorcycle
5. A puppy
6. A watch from a pawn shop. It keeps lousy time but looks good.
7. I joined a coffee club from an email ad.
8. A membership to a warehouse shopping place.
9. A bracelet my mother-in-law hinted for, then hardly ever wore
10. A water purification system for our kitchen.
Think About It...
What is keeping you from contentment? Is it things? People? Stress? Think of one change that would make a difference in your situation.
Comfort Food for Real People
- Recipes by Donna
- Donna is a friend who likes to cook, and likes sharing her collection of favorites.
- Recipe Zaar
- How do you spell comfort food? Need I say more?
- Healthy Comfort Foods
- This one calls itself healthy, so after you choose a rich comfort food from the other lists, maybe this is the place to head to with your guilt offering. Fix something healthier and eat a smaller portion. Then you can return to Donna's Brownies in the first link.
- Comfort Foods Galore
- A whole index of comfort food - you choose!
Crockpots, and Gadgets, and Contentment, Oh My!
Favorite sites to simmer conversation...
This collection isn't about agreeing with the topic of each link; it's about thinking it through. Deciding if changes are in order. Listening. Most of all, it's about being true to ourselves and to our approach to life. For some of us (like myself), that may include a deep and abiding faith.
Please add links to the list and feel free to grab it for your own lens, as well.
The Happiness Project
A blog about the pursuit of happiness.1 point
The Best Way to Save Money - Learn Contentment
SavingAdvice.com offers sound tips on how to break more...1 point
What is Spiritual Growth? What is Wisdom?
Spiritual growth and wisdom have something to do w more...1 point
Inspirational Quotes
Thousands of powerful, life changing inspirational more...1 point
Inspirational Quotes
Thousands of powerful, life changing inspirational more...1 point
WHAT IS JOY?
0 points
Encouraging Joy
Who Wants to Have More Joy? I think there is no gr more...0 points
Reflections of my Soul
Welcome to my lens of poetry and other inspiration more...0 points
Contentment Quotes
A collection of inspirational quotes from a Christ more...0 points
Steps to Peace with God - Billy Graham
God loves you and wants you to have peace and joy more...0 points
Crockpot-in-Action
All Things Crockpot @Amazon
Life's Simple Pleasures - Recipes for Happiness
Is it possible to have fun without spending money?
Are your activities so deeply tied in with money, you can't imagine having fun without spending anything?
Some of my most memorable moments cost nothing. On the other hand, some of my most expensive outings ended up a big flop.
Here are a few links from people who have discovered how little money means in terms of happiness. (In our shrinking economy, that's good news.)
- Making Smart Choices
- ...examine your daily routine and see what buying decisions you make and see if the choices actually reflect your amount of fun/pleasure you get out of it. A higher price doesn't always mean better, and in the cases where it isn't, you're better off saving the money.
- Family Game Night
- Children value our time more than our bank account!
- Financial Fitness
- A guide for college students...
- Camping!
- Here's a great way to get out in nature without spending a fortune.
A Beautiful Reminder
Recipe #4 - FREE Fun for the Whole Family
What rocks your world...floats your little boat...makes you happy?
Children take their cues from their parents. If Mom or Dad are stressed about a lack of money for extras, or having to forego a vacation this year, it sends a message. It's also a good time to readjust priorities and expectations.
Life isn't about money. I once heard it said that the wealthiest person in the world probably won't be worried about his or her bank account when they reach their deathbed.
Instead of fretting over what you can't do, why not list some free activities your family can do together? Spread a blanket on the living room floor and have an indoor picnic. Haul out the board games. Create a craft together from recyclables like cardboard boxes or paper bags.
Free does not mean boring.
Share an activity that is fun, fee, and doable for all ages.
1
Plant a Garden Together
The process of planting a seedling and watching it more...5 points
2
Make a Gift for Someone Who's Sick
I love making soup in my crockpot. I usually make twice more...2 points
3
Watch the sun rise together.
Pick someplace close to home and watch the sun com more...2 points
4
Get to know a neighbor!
How many of us have said less than 100 words to ou more...2 points
6
Turn off the tv!
Nonstop tv watching drags a family down1 point
7
Rent a movie & have an indoor picnic
This works for me, especially when weather turns n more...0 points
8
Spend time at the library...
Libraries are in a constant state of flux. When's more...0 points
9
Invite an elderly friend over for dinner.
Many older people can't leave their homes. I used more...0 points
Think About It
Have you ever waited for something you thought you wanted, only to discover it didn't live up to your expectations?
More Almost-Free Fun for the Entire Family
"It's not money and it's not fame and it's not power.
Happiness is a good wife, a good family, and good health."
-- Bobby Bowden
Ten Reasons I'm Content
1. I enjoy people more than things.
2. I count my blessings instead of problems.
3. When life throws me a curve ball, I try to remember that somebody else is facing something worse.
4. In times of sorrow, I turn to God. He's never disappointed me.
5. In times of celebration, I remember to give thanks.
6. When I'm upset, I've learned to confront (gently) without it ruining my day.
7. Stressed spelled backwards = desserts. (M&Ms now come in dark chocolate!)
8. I try to not sweat the small stuff.
9. Life isn't going to be perfect, so roll with the punches and look for brighter days.
10. I work hard at de-cluttering. I love hauling out excess Stuff that weighs down my life.
Precious memories are like good cookies...
...betcha can't eat just one!

Think of your childhood. What was your favorite cookie? Whether your mom was a cookie-baking machine like mine, or a grab-it-at-the-store type, you know how those childhood favorites have a way of sticking in our minds.
Certain scents do the same thing for me. I can't pass a lilac bush in full bloom without stopping to smell it. I love roses, too--my dad grew them all over the backyard.
Word of the Day!
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Thanks for visiting!
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John_Michael Feb 14, 2012 @ 7:30 pm | delete
- a wonderful presentation which I enjoyed
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flinnie
Jan 7, 2012 @ 1:14 pm | delete
- Hi great lens,I enjoyed reading it.Thanks for all the info glad you shared it.
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crstnblue
Dec 17, 2011 @ 2:54 pm | delete
- Wonderful lens, thoughtful and optimistic. Glad to find it! Thanks for sharing!
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JoshK47
Dec 15, 2011 @ 9:09 am | delete
- Absolutely fantastic lens - thanks for sharing!
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whyamiwealthy
Aug 20, 2011 @ 11:57 am | delete
- excellent! I really like the way you used "recipes" to capture the key points in your sharing! I think it is very creative and engaging :)
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It's free and registration is fast. Squidoo provides all the tools you need to launch your first lens...or your 100th.
Once you begin, if you have questions, the answers are available at The Answer Deck, the best resource around for newcomers. Don't hesitate to jump into a discussion at Squid U too. That's where I learned in my early days of Squidooing. Squidoo lensmasters are some of the nicest people around, and very willing to help you.
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Go back to favorite modules of this blog
- Think About It...
- Recipe #1: Blast from the Past
- Likes/Dislikes
- Slow down!
- Recipe #2: Needs vs. Wants
- The Simple Life
- Recipe #3: Things I Thought I Needed (but didn't)
- Think About It...
- Comfort Food for Real People
- Crockpots, and Gadgets, and Contentment, Oh My!
- Crockpot-in-Action
- All Things Crockpot @Amazon
- Life's Simple Pleasures - Recipes for Happiness
- A Beautiful Reminder
- Recipe #4 - FREE Fun for the Whole Family
- Think About It
- More Almost-Free Fun for the Entire Family
- Ten Reasons I'm Content
- Precious memories are like good cookies...
- Word of the Day!
- Leave a Footprint
- Search "contentment" @Twitter
- My Top 10 Lenses
- Want to Make Your Own Squidoo Lens?
- Text module
Text module
How often do we human types think we need something until we bring it home...then quickly lose interest? It could be that we've confused needs with wants. Think back on all the gadgets and gizmos that have come roaring onto the technology scene. Seems like there's always a stampede to be the first to try something. (I confess, I did cave and buy myself an Amazon Kindle--one of the best purchases I've made in years.) I wanted it and I sorta-kinda needed it. Turns out it's a great tool for researching. So there.Are you a stampeder? Why?
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by seedplanter
Contact me
Wife. Mom. Grandmother. Writer. Photographer. Product reviewer. Jewelry designer. Zazzler. Giant Squid. Blogger. Human Bean of the creative...
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