Gina's Heart of the Home

Happy Wednesday!  We've made it halfway through the week!  I'm spending my day doing some much needed cleaning around the house! Ever since I discovered Grove Collaborative, household cleaning chores are just a little bit sweeter.....sweeter smelling, that is!!! If you aren't familiar with Grove Collaborative, they are an all natural cleaning supply home delivery service. They offer a variety of natural cleaners, products, and self-care products. These products are not only better for the environment, but they smell heavenly!  No more strong, chemical fumes from cleaning your house!  Since becoming a Grove member, I have completely phased out all harsh cleaners, and use nothing but all natural products in my home. My favorites are the Mrs. Meyers and Method brands. I have loved every one of the products I have used from these two lines!  Grove Collaborative also has their own line of cleaning products and supplies which are also excellent in my opini...

When I think back to my childhood and recall the dishes my mom used to make, there are quite a few that immediately come to mind. All of them evoke thoughts of nostalgia for me. If it was a night where any type of Mexican food was on the menu, we could always count on this Spanish Rice being on the table as a side. This is a one pot dish that comes together quickly with few ingredients. Once the bacon and onions are sauteed, everything is just tossed into a pot and simmered on the stove together. It all comes together in about 20 minutes once it starts simmering, and the result is a creamy rice dish full of tomatoes and bacon!  This is the perfect side dish to tacos, enchiladas or quesadillas. On this particular night, I made soft tacos to go with it, but opted to put some taco meat and shredded cheese on top of my rice, and it made a fabulous Spanish Dirty Rice of sorts!  However you choose to eat this, you will enjoy every bite! Mom's Spanish Rice yield: ...

If you found a fountain of youth that would  completely halt one aspect of aging for yourself, what aspect would that be?  Would it be your hair? (No more grays, no more hair loss) Would it be your metabolism? (No more low energy couch potato days) For me, I think it would be  my skin. I think premature aging of our skin can make us look years beyond our true age. And after all, it is our largest organ!  We really need to make it a priority as we begin to age. I recently ran across this recipe while browsing around on some favorite food blogs. I knew immediately I needed to give this a try, and make it part of my regular skin care routine. Remember, what we put in our bodies is as important (if not more) than what we use on our bodies. And the best news of all, it is so delicious and refreshing!!! I simply use frozen mango and pineapple, and by doing so, I don't need any additional ice to make it thick. It is thick, creamy, and perfectly sweet!  And don't...