Linda @ Linda’s Lunacy

The Day the Snake Came to Dinner

July 17, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Ok, so this happened a few months ago. I’m just now getting around to sharing. I blame the trauma of having a snake in my dining room!

My mother and I were the only ones having dinner this particular night. We were sitting at the dining room table, eating and chatting.

When I looked up, screamed “It’s a snake!!!” and ran out the front door.

This is what this section of my dining room looks like.

And this is what I saw. Except it was a real snake! Not my sub standard drawing of a snake!!

Back to the story. My mother heard me scream, but she didn’t understand what I said. She just knew I screamed and ran. So she’s still sitting at the table asking what’s going on? What are you doing?

So I had to yell back in the door about the snake. She’s hard of hearing, so I really did have to yell. lol She finally saw it and came outside.

Then I discovered that I had left my cell phone on the table!! Well, I wasn’t about to go back in there and get it! So my mother did. lol Which I couldn’t believe! lol

Shortly after that, my husband came home from work. He went in, caught it with no problem. Bare handed. And triumphantly carried it outside. lol

“It’s a black snake. It’s the good one! They eat poisonous snakes!”

Ok fine but not in my house! lol So he took it to the field out back and set it free.

Where hopefully, he (or she!) really is eating all the poisonous snakes!

Vitamin D – What It Is and Why You Need It

July 14, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Since I have experienced low Vitamin D myself, I have done some research.

So I decided to share what I have learned with you!

Vitamin D – What It Is and Why You Need It

Your body can not survive without Vitamin D. Vitamin D promotes cell growth, immune function, and it reduces inflammation, and along with calcium, it is important for your bones.

Your immune system is directly affected by low Vitamin D.

Low Vitamin D equals low immune system.

That fact is extremely important to know concerning the virus we are dealing with right now.

Some signs of low Vitamin D are

fatigue
you get sick all the time, or have repeated infections
poor wound healing
bone pain
muscle pain
hair loss
depression

Now obviously, those signs can come from numerous things.

So it’s important to go see your doctor about your symptoms.

Vitamin D is the only nutrient that your body can make when it is exposed to the sun. Pretty cool, huh?

It can take as little as 15-20 minutes a day of sun, exposing your arms, legs, abdomen, and back. You will need at least double that if you are exposing only your arms and legs. Which brings you to an amount of time that is next to impossible to achieve during the winter in the majority of the United States.

You may get enough vitamin D from your diet and the sun during the summer. In the winter, however, many people need to take a supplement.

Good sources of Vitamin D include:

salmon
tuna, and other wild caught fish
beef or calf liver
egg yolks
dairy products – milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.

To name a few.

Doctors don’t always order a Vitamin D test when you are having lab work done. You may have to ask.

You can get too much Vitamin D. And too much can lead to health problems.

You can’t get too much by eating foods with Vitamin D and from the sun.

You can get too much from taking supplements.

That’s why it’s important to get your vitamin D level checked regularly.

I have experienced low vitamin D myself. I know how awful it can make you feel. If you are trying to eat right and take care of yourself, but still feel bad and have some or all of the symptoms listed above, check with your doctor!

Easy Taco Casserole Recipe

July 13, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This Easy Taco Casserole Recipe post contains affiliate links

My family loves tacos. So everyone once in a while, I experiment with tacos in another form. Taco Soup, Taco Pasta Salad, Taco Roll Ups, and even making my own taco sauce.

This Easy Taco Casserole is a new family favorite. I love it because it’s so quick and easy. It can be prepped ahead of time and baked when your ready. Or baked ahead of time and everyone can reheat their own when they are ready. Have the veggies prepped in the fridge, and everyone can help themselves.

Easy Taco Casserole Recipe

1 pound taco meat*

1 can black beans or your bean of choice

1 can of seasoned dice tomatoes or salsa

1 can corn

3/4 cup sour cream

2 cups crushed tortilla chips, divided

2 cups cheese, divided

Mix ingredients in large bowl.

I used a can of seasoned diced tomatoes, because that’s what I had. I had originally planned on using salsa, but found this in the pantry, so I used it.

Put half the meat mixture in the bottom of a 13×9 pan.

Top with half the chips and half the cheese.

Repeat layers.

Bake the uncovered casserole at 350 for 20-30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is slightly browned.

Serve with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and more sour cream. the more sour cream, the better, according to my family! lol

*I try to keep cooked taco meat in the freezer, so that’s what I used in this recipe. This makes it easy! If you don’t, cook your hamburger with whatever taco seasoning you use, store bought or homemade, then proceed with the recipe.

*This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and purchase something, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

In the Kitchen with Linda

June 29, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

It seems like I spend hours in the kitchen every day. Probably cause I do. lol

I haven’t planned out a menu in a while. Written down. I do plan a little in my head. Not the best thing to do. lol

I really need to get back to writing down a menu. I’m sure my kitchen time would go much smoother if I do!

My mother recently celebrated her 84th birthday. Our gift to her was a seafood dinner. She’s a Cape Codder, so she loves her seafood. Being land locked in Kentucky now, we don’t eat as much seafood as we used to. She loves it when we do these dinners for her!

This time I made her sauteed scallops, sauteed shrimp, crab cakes (store bought), fries, homemade tartar sauce, cocktail sauce (store bought), chicken for those that didn’t want seafood, zucchini, and garlic bread. I made 2 lobster tails just for her. She didn’t have to share those! She picked those shells clean! lol

I made breakfast for dinner the last week. Scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, bacon, and strawberry muffins.

These strawberry muffins using fresh strawberries were amazing! We will definitely be making these again!

My daughter graduated from college earlier this month. Even though there wasn’t a graduation. ugh She waited to celebrate till now in the hopes that we would be able to have more than 5 people. And we were!

She had bought these silicone cake pan with her college logo. I made cupcakes in it while she was at work. Well, the first batch was a disaster! I over filled them. Oh, and I forgot to spray it first! ugh I used a homemade chocolate cake and it was just too tender for this pan. So all those things combined, and all I got out of the pan was crumbs. lol

So I started over. I went to the store and got a cake mix. I was careful to not over fill. And I remembered to spray the pan! lol

So they came out great! In every way! lol

She had requested them to be frosted with white homemade frosting, with blue sprinkles. The school colors. I actually liked them better unfrosted. I think brownies would be better made in this pan since you lose the details when you frost them. She was happy, and that’s all that matters!

We just did a cake and ice cream party. I made 2 13×9 cakes, one store bought yellow mix (because I have yet to master making a yellow cake from scratch), and one homemade chocolate cake. I put them together on a large cake board and frosted them as one cake with homemade chocolate frosting. Ice cream not pictured as it was in the freezer. lol She did request fruit and homemade fruit dip, too.

She was happy with everything!

And we are so proud of her and all that she has accomplished. Now she’s on to grad school!

And I’m back in the kitchen! lol

Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up

May 26, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Welcome to this weeks………

Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up!

This weeks featured post is…… Dollar Store Bin and Basket Hacks from Chas’ Crazy Creations.

Did you see this post last week? So many great ideas for all the rooms in your house! If you missed this, go check it out now!

Don’t forget to pin it to try later!

Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up

Now it’s your turn! Share your posts about homemaking ideas, recipes, crafts, decorating, cleaning tips, basically anything that has to do with caring for a home and family. The Link Up is open all week.

Don’t forget to visit a few other links while your here!

Your click is a vote for next weeks featured post! Having your post featured means I will share the picture you add in the link up, as well as the link to your post, in next weeks post!

All featured posts will be pinned to a special

Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up Pinterest board!! So link up your posts, tell everyone to visit the link up, and maybe your post will be the featured post next week!

NEW! I post all featured posts on Mix!

Mix Making a Home – Homemaking Link Up Featured Posts Collection

Click to tweet! Help spread the word! The more people that know about the Making a Home Homemaking Link Up are more people that will see your link!

[Tweet “I just shared my post at the Making a Home #Homemaking #LinkUp @LindasLunacy #recipe #craft #DIY #homeschool posts & more!”]

No giveaways, please. Giveaway links will be deleted.You can link your giveaways on my Thursday’s Giveaways link up. Thanks! Please provide a link back to me. A text link is fine. Of course, family friendly posts only.

I Still Believe Movie Review & Giveaway

May 8, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This post contains affiliate links

I Still Believe was released in theaters on March 13, 2020. It was the #2 movie opening weekend. It was the #3 movie overall.

Then the movie theaters shut down during the pandemic. I Still Believe was rushed to video on demand on March 27th.

I Still Believe became available May 5th, on BLU-RAY, DVD, and digital. It stars KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Gary Sinise and Shania Twain.

Check out the I Still Believe trailer….

I Still Believe is the real life story of singer Jeremy Camp. The movie starts when he was a teenager, follows him to college, starting his music career, meeting and marrying his wife, Melissa. His story doesn’t end there, though, it’s just getting started.

Melissa, who was diagnosed with cancer in college, was healed of her cancer. It returned right after their wedding. Trusting God through the bad times is a very big theme of this movie.

Here’s a favorite quote of mine from Melissa Camp in the movie….

God grants healing. Miracles do happen. Yet to another, His call is to suffer, even die. They both have value. Each is a chapter in a bigger story.

Suffering doesn’t destroy faith. It refines it.

I have an exclusive clip for you! The wedding scene from I Still Believe!

I Still Believe is an amazing story of God’s love, the power of prayer, miracles, and accepting His will. What if God doesn’t want me to be healed? What if it means losing a loved one?

This movie doesn’t end on a sad note, though. We see what happened after Melissa’s death. The music Jeremy wrote, and what God did in his life.

I loved this movie! Since I watched this movie for free online to do this review, I ran out to the store to buy my own copy!

I Still Believe is rated PG. My kids are all adults now, but I would have watched this with any of my kids, at any age.

For more information, visit the I Still Believe website.

Follow I Still Believe on Facebook.

I Still Believe is available for purchase now on BLU-RAY, DVD, and Digital, on the Lionsgate website or Amazon.

I Still Believe – A Memoir is also available on Amazon. This story behind the movie has been revised to coincide with the release of the movie.

Enter to win an I Still Believe Prize Pack!

One winner will receive the following Prize Pack:

FREE digital edition of I STILL BELIEVE

I STILL BELIEVE pop socket (for your smartphone)

I STILL BELIEVE wristband

Exclusive Q&A with Jeremy Camp (via video)

~~Now’s your chance to ask Jeremy Camp a question!

Post your question for Jeremy to answer in his video — a question about the film, about his music, about his life… about his source of Hope… anything. This is the video that you will receive as part of your prize pack.

Your questions will be compiled with others and sent to Jeremy. Jeremy will then answer select questions by video. He may end up answering your question!

Leave your question in the comments, it will also be an entry in the giveaway if you check it off on the giveaway form for below!

Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Be sure to read the terms & conditions on the form!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” My opinions are my own.

Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to claim their prize, or a new winner will be selected. Linda’s Lunacy is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

*This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

CSB Life Essentials Study Bible Review & Giveaway

April 28, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

This post contains an affiliate link

I recently received the CSB Life Essentials Study Bible to use & review. I have several Bibles that I use so I was excited to try out this new study Bible.

I have used this Bible for about 3 weeks now. I took it to drive in church twice, and used it watching church online last Sunday.

The Christian Standard Bible, CSB, stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity. Making it easier to read and study.

This CSB Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible features well known Bible teacher Dr. Gene Getz.

Dr. Getz guides readers through the Bible focusing on the 1,500 life principles found throughout the Bible. This help the reader to learn and apply the Bible to our lives.

Watch this Intro

It was raining this past Sunday and we couldn’t have drive in church. So I propped this Bible up in front of my computer screen to watch our church online. The large print makes it easy to follow along with the pastor reading. Well, larger print than most Bibles, but it’s not a Large Print edition.

The features of the CSB Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible are many.

Commentary and application questions on 1,500 life principles
Topical index and cross references for all 1,500 life principles
250 hours of free in-depth video teaching to accompany each life principle
Two-color interior design
Smyth-sewn binding
Presentation page
Two-column text
Topical subheadings
Black-letter text
9-point type
Textual footnotes
Concordance
Full-color maps

The verses in this Bible are on a white background. The Life Principles use a gray background. The Life Principles in the verses are highlighted in blue. Jesus’ words are not in read in this Bible.

The CSB Life Essentials Study Bible uses a multimedia digital study system with more than 250 hours of video teachings from Dr. Gene Getz. The reader can access these teachings through smartphone-accessible QR codes. You can see an example of the QR code below. When scanned, each one brings up a video that covers the principle in that section.

Here’s an example of a video from Matthew 2.

I love the easy readability of this Bible. Thanks to the different color backgrounds, it’s easy to tell where the verses are so you can continue reading. Then go back after and read the references and principles. Or read the section of verses on each page, then read the principles, before continuing to the next section. Whatever your Bible reading and studying style is, this Bible will work for you.

I will definitely keep using this Bible. The hard cover edition, like the one I have, makes it so easy to use this Bible. Whether in the car, in front of the computer, or on your lap in a church service.

For more information, visit the CSB Life Essentials Study Bible website.

For more infomation about this translation, visit here.

You can also find the CSB Bible on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

CSB Life Essentials Study Bible is available on Amazon.