Color drenching is when you paint everything (walls, trim and doors) the same color, but there are some dos and don’ts of color drenching that you should be aware of.

When we first bought our home I was in love with all of the light. There are windows everywhere and although I knew there were a few changes we wanted to make, first and foremost creating an ensuite on the main floor, I didn’t want to do anything that would lose the light.

And then we built a wall. One thing always turns into another and as we stole space for a kitchen pantry we ended up in need of a half bath on the main floor. So we stole hallway space that was unused and created a powder bathroom.

But let’s get back to color drenching.

DO Color Drench Walls with Picture Frame Moulding

Choosing to color drench a room is a bold new trend that actually helps create a curated and sophisticated look. But, flat paint on flat walls can feel heavy.

✅ Do Color Drenching to highlight architectural details. Adding moulding helps to add depth and character to your room that takes things from boring to curated.

✅ Do Luxe Architectural Moulding to save you time, headache, and money. It is not worth the hassle we went through in our other rooms. We searched high and low for moulding and though online makes it look easy, it was out of stock everywhere. Finally I found Luxe and it was the BEST. DECISION. EVER. The moulding arrived completely ready for each wall with peel and stick capabilities. We had it up and completely ready for paint (for a small powder bath) in less than 30 minutes.

DON’T try to Color Drench Open Layouts

❌ It’s far too difficult to know where to start and stop certain colors, so don’t don’t spaces where one room leads into another.

✅ Do choose to do spaces that are single room spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, offices and theaters. Walking into a room you couldn’t previously see is a jaw-dropping moment that creates fun and vibrancy in the home.

Do Add Wallpaper

✅ Color drenching and wallpaper are the peanut butter and jelly of the interior design world. Try adding the wallpaper between moulding, choosing an accent wall, or be bold, and do like we did, the ceiling!

We worked with Wallpaper Direct to locate a wallpaper we could not find anywhere and my friend even ended up doing her entire dining room in it! It is stunning and I’ve officially become obsessed with scrolling the site for new ideas. We went with the Pimpernel in Charcoal.

Do Large and Small Spaces

✅ Throw out the opinion that small spaces need light colors. That’s old news and totally not true. Color drenching can be in tiny spaces to large open spaces. It adds a cozy feeling without closing you in. The color we used is Night Train by Benjamin Moore.

Don’t Skip the Door!

❌ Do not leave doors the same as the rest of the house. Color drenching means literally painting everything. But what do you do about the door and the edge of the door? Paint the inside of the door the same color as the room and then pull the door open. If the door enters the room and you see the edge from inside of the drenched room that edge should be the drenched color.

The door edge should always be painted to match the color of the room the door swings into. You don’t want to see the other color when the door is shut AND you want the edge of the door to match the room it’s facing when the door is open! So you also have to look at the edge with the hinge, that color should match the hallway it now faces. Here’s a short video on color drenching doors.

Do Add Small Touches

✅ Do add wood, metals and other touches to break up the paint. We chose to buy these beautiful walnut shelves and then added actual brass railings to make them all the more special. Do not get sucked into the fake stuff online. It will break. It will look plastic or fake and it will not be worth your time and money.

We found the Brass Addict online and have quickly noticed that they are taking off more and more as the number one source for all things brass. In fact, stay tuned as you are going to see it show up in a very important way in another room in our house!!

Check out our instagram channel to see the videos of everything!

This stunning irresistible ombre strawberry cake recipe is perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day, a baby shower, or honoring cancer survivors—and it’s a delightful treat that anyone can create!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the special women in your life. What better way to show your love and appreciation than with a stunning Ombre Mother’s Day Strawberry Cake?

This show-stopping cake is a gorgeous centerpiece for any celebration, and the best part? It’s easier to make than you might think! No fancy decorating skills are needed! Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, a baby shower, breast cancer awareness, or Valentine’s Day, this lovely dessert will surely impress. Let’s get started!

What Ingredients Will I Need For This Ombre Strawberry Cake Recipe?

Here is what you need to make this beautiful Ombre Mother’s Day Strawberry Cake Recipe!

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour
• Butter, melted
• Milk, room temperature
• Egg Whites
• Strawberry Extract
• Vanilla Extract
• Cake Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Baking Powder
• Salt

For the Frosting and Filling:

• Unsalted Butter, softened but still cool
• Red Liquid Food Coloring or Wilton paste
• Strawberry Jam or Preserves

Magic Cake Release: The Secret to Perfectly Baked Cakes

Say goodbye to stuck cakes forever! With this simple Magic Cake Release method, your cakes will slide out effortlessly every time. Here’s how:

1. Mix equal parts melted butter and flour (or cocoa powder for chocolate cakes) in a small bowl Usually 2-3 tablespoons for each will do.
2. Brush the paste onto every corner of your baking pan.
3. Pour in your batter, bake, and enjoy a flawless release—this is perfect for bundt cakes too!

Now, let’s put it to use. With your round cake pans prepped and the oven preheating, it’s time to mix up a silky white cake batter. Combine the liquid ingredients and dry ingredients in separate bowls, then beat softened butter into the dry mix until it resembles sand (see second image below). This unorthodox step gives the cake its light, velvety texture (thank science!).

Add the rest of the liquid ingredients, including strawberry flavor, to complete the batter!

The ombre effect gives this cake its stunning, eye-catching design, and it’s easier to create than you might think. Be sure to proceed with caution—too much coloring, and you’ll end up with hues darker than intended! Keep in mind, that liquid food coloring and Wilton gels or pastes are not created equal. Gels are far more concentrated, so use them sparingly to avoid overdoing it.

1. Divide the Batter: After preparing your cake batter, divide it as evenly as possible into three separate mixing bowls.
2. Color the Layers:
   • Bowl 1: Add 2 teaspoons of liquid red food coloring and whisk until fully blended with no streaks.
   • Bowl 2: Add 1 teaspoon of food coloring and mix well.
   • Bowl 3: Add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of food coloring for the lightest shade. Adjust the intensity to your liking by adding a drop or two at a time, ensuring each shade is distinct.
3. Bake the Layers: Pour each bowl of colored batter into the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles and even out the surface. Bake the cakes at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool The Cake Layers: Cool your cakes in their pans on wire racks for about 5 minutes, then invert them onto the racks to cool completely—at least an hour, or ideally an hour and a half. In a pinch, you can speed up the process by placing the hot cakes in the fridge or freezer.

What Rack Should I Use to Bake This Strawberry Cake Recipe?

For best results, bake the cake layers individually on the center rack. If that’s not an option, place two layers on the upper rack and one on the lower. Keep a close eye on all the layers and test them with a toothpick. If one layer finishes baking first, remove it promptly and let the remaining layers continue until fully baked.

Coloring The Ombre Frosting

While the cakes cool, whip up your frosting. Any type works—choose your favorite! I love using Italian Meringue Buttercream (I double the recipe for this cake), but store-bought white frosting works too, especially if you plan to color it yourself. Just make sure you have enough; when in doubt, double it!

1. Divide the Frosting: Once your frosting is prepared, divide it into three bowls, just like the batter.
2. Color the Frosting:
   • Bowl 1: Tint with 2 teaspoons of red food coloring for the darkest shade.
   • Bowl 2: Tint with 1 teaspoon for a medium shade.
   • Bowl 3: Tint with 1/4–1/2 teaspoon for the lightest color. Adjust as needed for a smooth gradient effect.

Frosting and Assembling the Strawberry Cake

1. Apply a Crumb Coat: Once your cakes are completely cool, Place a spoonful of frosting on your serving platter or cake plate to act as a stabilizer. Set the darkest of the three cake layers on top of the frosting. Spread a layer of your darkest frosting on top, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Next, add a layer of strawberry jam over the frosting and place the next darkest cake layer on top. Continue until all three layers are complete. Spread a thin layer of the lightest frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs, then freeze for 15–20 minutes to set.
2. Frost the Ombre Layers: When you’re ready to decorate, remove the crumb-coated cake from the freezer. Spread the darkest frosting around the bottom third of the cake. Apply the medium frosting to the middle third, blending it into the darker layer. Use the lightest frosting for the top third and the top of the cake, blending into the middle layer for a smooth gradient. I was a bit stingy with the frosting here; I should have used more, especially since it tastes so delicious!
3. Smooth the Sides: Once you’ve slathered on all that delicious frosting, it’s time to smooth it out! Grab something with a long, flat edge—like a ruler, a bench scraper, or a large offset spatula. I’m no fancy decorator, but I’ve got a lazy Susan and a bench scraper in my kitchen arsenal, and they did the trick perfectly! Just spin the cake around while you scrape the frosting smooth, and watch that masterpiece come to life!

Does the Type of Cake Pan Matter?

You may notice that my topmost layer is browned more than the others. This was due to the different types of cake pans I used. The bottom two cakes were baked in brand-new Wilton pans, while the top layer was made in a very old pan I borrowed. The difference is striking, especially since they all finished baking at the same time; the top layer didn’t spend any longer in the oven than the others!

Finishing Touches

Now, pop your cake in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it! Refrigerating will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. Just before you’re ready to display it, add some freshly cut roses, carnations, and sprigs of baby’s breath on top. I hit the jackpot when I found these gorgeous flowers—sparkly baby’s breath included—at my local grocery store. They looked stunning on the cake!

When it’s time to serve your stunning Ombre Mother’s Day Strawberry Cake Recipe, simply remove the flowers as needed and place them on the plates as a lovely garnish (just for show—I wouldn’t eat a real rose!). Or, even better, hand them out to any little girls running around; it’ll make them feel extra special!

Can I Make This Strawberry Cake Recipe Dye-Free?

If you prefer not to use artificial food dyes, you can easily achieve lovely shades of pink for the perfect Mother’s Day Strawberry Cake. Beet juice, beet powder, and freeze-dried strawberries can add a vibrant pink tint to your frosting and cake layers while enhancing their nutritional value. Simply add a few drops of beet juice or a pinch of beet powder to your frosting or cake batter, or blend dehydrated strawberries into a fine powder and mix it in for both color and a hint of fruity flavor!

Other Cake Recipes You Will Love:

Looking for other cake recipes to share with the ones you love?

• Pink Mother’s Day Cake
• The Most Perfect Moist Chocolate Cake
• Vanilla Cake with Fresh Strawberry Frosting
• No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes with Raspberry Sauce
• Chocolate Cherry Cake
• No Bake Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes
• Cookies and Cream Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes

Struggling to find the perfect gift for the man in your life? This Valentine’s Day, surprise him with a thoughtful present that’s both personal and practical. Our Men’s Valentines Day Gift Guide for 2025 includes some of Cade’s favorite items that he’s tried and loved!

A good classic meatloaf recipe should never be over-mixed, should always include a glaze, and the secret? Well, that’s in a combination of ground meat you don’t want to miss!

It seems like meatloaf is a divisive dish. You either love it or you hate it. I think it all depends on if you’ve had an amazingly awesome meatloaf like this one, or if you’ve only had mediocre meatloaf. We are making everyone into meatloaf lovers with this recipe!

Does it even matter who is coming to dinner if Mom’s meatloaf is on the menu? The flavor reminds me of home and it tastes just like mom made it! This is our favorite homemade meatloaf recipe plus every frequently asked question to help it turn out perfect every single time!

What Ingredients Do You Need for Classic Meatloaf?

Let’s start by talking about the ingredients you will need. I mentioned the combination of meat that makes the most outrageously delicious meatloaf, so here it is:

• Meat combination:
  • Beef Chuck (ground)
  • Pork (ground)
  • Veal (ground)

It is seriously the best! But if you want to keep it simple, you can use all lean ground beef chuck and it will be still be delicious.

These are the other ingredients you will need:

• Vegetable Oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrot
• Thyme
• Eggs
• Sea Salt
• Black Pepper
• Dijon Mustard
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Milk
• Ritz Crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• Fresh Parsley

Then we absolutely cannot forget about the glaze! It is my favorite part!! It is the perfect way to top this meatloaf:

• Ketchup
• Chili Sauce
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Brown Sugar
• Garlic
• Salt

The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make the Best Meatloaf:

Now that we know all the ingredients, let’s walk through each step of how to make this traditional meatloaf recipe. We are going to include a photo of each step as well. Here we go!

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place a skillet on your stove top and heat the oil over medium high heat.
2. Sauté: Add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet and cook until it soft. It should take about 5 minutes then set them aside to cool.
3. Glaze: While the veggies are cooking, I like to whisk together all the ingredients for the glaze so that it’s ready when I need it.
4. Whisk: Add the eggs, thyme, salt, pepper, and milk to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
5. Add: Then add in the mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce and whisk everything together.

Meat Mixture

1. Combine: Place your meat(s) in a large bowl and add the egg mixture to it. Also add the crackers, parsley, and the onions, carrots and garlic you sauteed. Mix everything together with a fork until thoroughly combined but be sure to not overmix it. The mixture should not stick to the bowl when it is stirred.
2. Form: Move the meat mixture into a loaf pan pressing it firmly down so that it is evenly distributed throughout the pan. Brush about a quarter of the glaze all over the top of the meatloaf. Place the meatloaf into the oven and bake it until the glaze is set (about 45 minutes).
3. Bake: When the glaze has set, pull the meatloaf out of the oven and top with another quarter of the glaze. Place it back into the oven and continue to bake it until the second coat has set and loaf is 160 degrees in the middle of the loaf (about 15 more minutes).
4. Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. While it is cooling, simmer the remaining glaze over medium heat until it has thickened slightly.
5. Slice: Now it is time to slice and serve! Slice the meatloaf and serve with the extra glaze. I like to put it in a little bowl and let people add extra if they want.

This meatloaf is so dang good! I want a slice right now! The complete recipe can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

What to Serve with Meatloaf?

This is a classic comfort food meal, so you need to have some classic comfort food sides. We love this meatloaf with some sort of potato side dish like mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or baked potatoes. Then just for good measure, we like to have a vegetable or salad side dish too. Green beans with bacon, lemon roasted broccoli, tomato mozzarella salad, or a delicious fruit salad are a few of our favorites!

How Make Meatloaf Moist?

One way to make meat loaf moist is to use high fat meats. Leaner meats will be dry out quickly, so using higher fat meat will keep it nice and tender. Another important part of making a moist meatloaf is to be sure to add moisture at every step. The eggs, milk, Worcestershire, ketchup and mustard are all important. Sauteing the vegetables is also a critical step to keeping the texture moist.

Why Does My Meatloaf Fall Apart?

The binders, like egg and bread crumbs that we add to meatloaf are what keep it all together. If your meatloaf falls apart, more binders need to be added the next time you make it. Meatloaf will also fall apart if it gets too dry by overcooking it.

Can Meatloaf Have a Little Pink?

It is possible to cook meatloaf to a safe temperature and for it to still be a little pink. If your meatloaf has reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center, then it is perfectly safe to eat.

How Do You Know When Meatloaf is Done?

When a meat thermometer inserted at the thickest portion of the meatloaf reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit your meatloaf is done and safe to eat.

Can Meatloaf Be Made Without Eggs?

Eggs are a key binder for meatloaf, but there are a few alternatives that can be used. You can use 1/4 cup of tomato sauce, beef broth or unsweetened applesauce.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf Before Baking?

Meatloaf is a great meal to freeze beforehand. Prepare the meatloaf as the instructions state including adding the glaze on the top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze for a few hours. Then pull the pan out and wrap the whole pan in plastic wrap. If you have a freezer bag that is big enough, place the whole pan in a bag and seal it.

When you are ready to eat it, place the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator so it can thaw for about 24 hours. Remove the bag and plastic wrap and let it come to room temperature. Bake it according to the instructions.

How Long Will Meatloaf Keep?

For cooked meatloaf, leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator will last for 3-4 days. If you want it to last a little longer, try freezing it wrapped in heavy foil and stored in an airtight container. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can Meatloaf Be Cooked in a Crock Pot?

Absolutely! Follow all the instructions as listed, but rather than placing the meat mixture into a pan, place it on a large piece of foil and form it into a symmetrical loaf shape. Top the meatloaf with half of the glaze and place the meatloaf with the foil underneath it into the crock pot. Cook on low for 6 hours.

You can’t go wrong with Mom’s recipe, especially this classic meatloaf recipe! Invite over some new friends and enjoy this comfort food together!

More Comfort Meals You’ll Love:

• Beef Stew
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Garlic Butter Steak
• Broccoli Bake with Bacon
• Instant Pot Chili
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Sloppy Joes
• Lasagna Pasta
• Macaroni and Cheese

How to Make Meatloaf Video

Hello friends! Walmart is having all kinds of sales and deals right now, so I wanted to share some of my favorite summer items that I buy at Walmart.

KITCHEN

1. Stoneware Cake Pedestal
2. Small Ceramic Dipping Sauce Bowls
3. Owala 16oz Kids’ FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
4. Programmable Slow Cooker – 6qt
5. Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
6. Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker

MAKEUP

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Instant Eraser Multi Use Concealer
3. e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil
4. L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer
5. e.l.f. SKIN Bronzing Drops
6. Maybelline Super Stay Powder Foundation Makeup, Soft Matte Finish
7. e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick
8. L’Oreal Paris True Match Cream Foundation Makeup
9. Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel Cream Blush
10. Multi-Use Blush Stick

APPAREL

1. Time and Tru Women’s Pique Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit
2. No Boundaries Juniors’ Side Bow One Piece Swimsuit
3. Time and Tru Women’s Hooded Flat Thong Sandals
4. No Boundaries Women’s Woven Stripe Straw Tote Bag
5. Women’s Flutter Sleeve Cotton Summer Cover Up

DECOR

1. Arch Full Length Mirror
2. Better Homes and Gardens Throw Pillow
3. Better Homes and Gardens Curtain Panels
4. 5-Wick Oversized Candle
5. Acacia Wood Rectangle Serving Tray

OUTDOOR

1. Folding Wood Picnic Tables
2. Charcoal Grill Outdoor BBQ Pit
3. Aluminum Corn Hole Set

FITNESS

1. Athletic Gym Workout Shorts
2. Dumbbells Set

This cold buster green smoothie recipe is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system, hydrate your body and send those winter colds packing!

Green smoothies were all the rage a while ago and still are, but I never really thought they were that big of a deal. And then I realized that with all of those vitamins packed into a smoothie we would actually be giving ourselves the proper nutrition that we are recommended in getting. So, we started keeping a full supply of spinach and fruits and sure enough, not only did we start feeling better but we weren’t getting sick.

I hate winter. I know, lots of people love it and cannot wait to get outside and enjoy all that the snow has to offer, but I hate it. Strong word? I seriously dislike it I guess. I am learning to really enjoy skiing, but I still freeze to death and cannot last very long out there. But the major reason I don’t like winter is because we all get sick and pass it around over and over again all winter long. I freeze all winter which I’m sure keeps me sick.

You don’t have to pass a cold around all winter. Last year we cracked down and learned how to fight a cold and this cold buster green smoothie was a huge help! Keep scrolling to the end to see other products we love to help us survive winter colds.

What Makes a Green Smoothie?

The definition of a “green smoothie” can be quite ambiguous but the basics of a green smoothie are:

Leafy Greens + Liquid + Fruit

Then, of course, you can add other ingredient to add protein and more nutrients. Keep scrolling below to see suggestions for the best types of leafy greens, liquids and fruits. We also want to highlight what makes this recipe specifically a cold buster green smoothie.

Ingredients in a Cold Buster Green Smoothie

This smoothie is unique in that we chose specific items to kick the cold right where it hurts:

• Spinach: adds great fiber, vitamins and nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K as well as iron, folate and potassium
• Orange Juice: isn’t just about the vitamin C it’s also about staying hydrated
• Orange with Peel: really slam dunk the vitamin C and the peel contains 4 times more fiber than the fruit itself, it has anti-inflammatory properties and may even help reduce harmful LDL’s
• Baby Carrots: great for killing germs in the mouth and helping with digestion
• Banana: gives the body natural energy which is something you are lacking when sick, and it helps the smoothie be extra creamy
• Frozen Pineapple: adds flavor and helps thicken the smoothie when it’s frozen
• Apple: adds flavor and natural sweetness
• Ice: helps thicken the smoothie without adding sugar or extra calories
• Optional: add a scoop of protein so our body has the nutrition needed for energy

NOTE: We avoid dairy completely as it encourages mucus production. In fact, we skip the dairy entirely while sick.

The measurements for all of these ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make a Cold Buster Green Smoothie

Making the best green smoothie recipe couldn’t be easier! Just toss everything in the blender and blend until smooth. We are 100% loyal to our Blendtec blender. I’ve tried them all, and there just nothing that gets the job done better than Blendtec. Use our discount code (Ohsweetbasil10) for 10% off!

I’ve read other people say do blend the greens and liquid together first before adding the fruit, but I honestly haven’t noticed a difference so I just add evereything at once.

Variations and Substitutes

For a true cold buster smoothie follow the recipe as written, but you can totally switch things up to find your favorite blend. Here are some ideas:

Leafy Greens to Use

• Spinach
• Kale
• Swiss Chard
• Collard Greens
• Beet Greens

Liquids to Use

• Almond Milk
• Coconut Milk or Coconut Water
• Oat Milk
• Dairy Milk
• Water
• Fruit Juices
• Cashew Milk
• Soy Milk
• Greek Yogurt

Fruits to Use

• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Avocado
• Banana
• Raspberries
• Mango
• Blueberries
• Apple

Add-Ins

• Protein Powders
• Chia Seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Almonds
• Collagen Powder
• Almond Butter
• Peanut Butter

Can You Use Frozen Fruits in Green Smoothies?

Yes, and you absolutely should! In fact, almost all my fruit for smoothies and my greens are frozen when I add them to my smoothie. Check out my post on how to meal prep smoothies. It not only saves time but it also helps my mornings be more stress free!

Can Green Smoothies Replace Vegetables?

Smoothies are a great way to get the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables but they shouldn’t replace whole fruits and vegetables. Blending vegetables actually starts to break them down and you lose some of the nutrients that you would get if you ate them whole. Bottom line…don’t skip the whole veggies!

Can You Taste Spinach in Green Smoothies?

If you have the proper ratio of leafy greens to other ingredients, you will not be able to taste the spinach at all! Follow this recipe for the best flavor!

Is a Green Smoothie Good for You?

Drinking Cold Buster Green Smoothies is a good way to get nutrients and stay hydrated. Consuming Cold Buster Green Smoothies is a good way to get vegetables in your diet.

But, there’s a catch…you have to watch your fruit intake as they still have sugar and carbs so people can take something healthy to not so healthy. Making a healthy smoothie takes some attention and conscientiousness.

Will Cold Buster Green Smoothies Give Me Energy?

Cold Buster Green Smoothies can provide you with lots of healthy calories, that your body can convert to energy.

Can Cold Buster Green Smoothies Be Frozen?

Yes, Cold Buster Green Smoothies can be easily frozen.  I recommend taking it out of the freezer to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Most likely, it will still be frozen in the morning. Set the jar on the counter and it will thaw in about an hour or so.

Will a Green Smoothie Keep Overnight?

Yes! You can blend your cold buster green smoothies ahead of time and store your cold buster green smoothies in a sealed container for 1 to 3 days in the fridge. … Fresh is always best, but a 2-day old cold buster green smoothie is still way better than a bag of the Cheetos.

How to Fight a Cold

Air Purifier 

We went ahead and got a Honeywell Air Purifier. One is upstairs and the other downstairs. They run day and night all year round and I swear it’s been helping to keep out the nasty.

Simply Saline

Cade cannot handle a Netty Pot but many people love it. Instead we use Simply Saline. As soon as you feel the sniffle get out your saline and keep things cleaned out. You’d be shocked how much it will help. We even use the Little Remedies one for kids and it has blown our minds with how much better they get with it.

Zicam Nasal Spray

I hate nasal spray. I also hate taking those nasty vitamin c or zinc tablets to fight a cold. And do they even work? I wasn’t feeling like they were. Until I found Zicam Nasal Spray. Immediately when I get the tickle I take it and Cade is quickly following suit as he sees how well it works. I even travel with it now. It’s the only clinically proven nasal spray to shorten a cold.

Aquafor

Blowing your nose and a stuffed up nose that requires you to breath from your mouth all day can lead to chapped noses and lips. I love this little Aquafor tube. It’s all I use for chapstick now, but it’s great on noses that are being blown too much too.

All of this just comes from Amazon to my house and most is around $4. I’m lazy like that, but you can always watch a store for sales too.

And that’s it! What little tricks do you have to beating the winter colds? Green smoothies are a great way to start your day in a healthy way, and if you are trudging through bleak winter days trying to fight the latest cold bug, give this cold buster green smoothie a try!

More Smoothie Recipes

• Freezer Prep for Green Smoothies
• Chia Peach Berry Protein Smoothie
• Raspberry Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
• Orange Berry Protein Smoothie
• Pineapple Orange Banana Green Smoothie
• Protein Green Smoothie with Protein
• Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl

Cold Buster Fruit Leathers

A snack is a great way to get the kids healthy again!

Green Smoothie Pancakes

Pack all the good stuff into a pancake!

It sounded like they (gosh, who even were “they”??) were charging down the hallway right outside my door.

What was happening?!

Were we under attack??

Months ago my family and I traveled to Israel with religious leaders from my church. That night my heart began to pound in my ears and I held my breath as I slowly turned in the blackened room to see if the girls in the bed next to mine were awake with the fear I was experiencing.

I Felt Ok?

Mouths hanging slightly open and covers tucked up under their chins, my two daughters were sound asleep while our hotel in Israel was clearly under attack.

Or so it sounded.

Cade and I had to be separated each night for two weeks as we traveled around Jordan, Israel and the borders of neighboring countries.

No hotel had a room big enough for 5, so boys slept in one room and girls in the other.

I felt responsible.

Frozen.

Confused.

And ok?

I wouldn’t say I felt peace, but I did feel calm as the noise rose and fell for a few hours.

I didn’t dare step out of our room to peer down the hallways at Cade’s room. What if they were out there and three girls, alone but together would become an obvious target.

My texts wouldn’t go through to Cade and then a loud explosion ripped through the air and I glued my eyes to the ceiling while I silently prayed.

Standing Guard

The next morning our entire tour group began to share stories.

Unanswered phone calls to the front desk where workers had abandoned guests, all of whom were from another country and didn’t speak the language or know how to seek help.

Cade had a front row seat to all of it.

Slipping a camera carefully between the curtains to capture images and video here and there.

He waited up all night. Ready, listening, and standing guard at windows and hallways to watch over those, including his family who hid away in their rooms.

Little did I know, this was a fight on the road outside. A barricade and late night surprise attack that ended in an explosion, gun fight and armored vehicles.

One Fearful Night

I’ll never know if anyone was lost that night, but I hurt knowing that my one fearful night pales in comparison to what they are enduring now.

That night another man, a leader in our church also walked the halls, watched, prayed and stood ready to protect those in his care.

I do not understand the things happening in the world, but I understand this:

In the midst of danger there were men I could trust, listen to and who stood between me and them. Looking to truth, and those who lead with it may not have kept the danger from ever happening, but it does give you a source to look to for guidance, peace and yes, even protection.

Peacemakers Needed

Never in the history of the world have we needed those who are able to stand upon watchtowers and walk through abandoned halls more.

My heart has been absolutely destroyed to watch a place I just wandered, discovered, and loved be turned to war. It’s not right. It’s not fair, but it is not “them”, it is all of us. We need prayers. We need Christ. And we need each other.

If you are confused, lying there tonight, staring up at a ceiling in wonder about what is going on “out there”, may I offer you the peace I held onto?

Christ walks our halls.
He stands at the windows.
He goes individually to those inside and outside His dwelling place because we are all His.

Search peacemakers needed by @russellmnelson and may we all gather in prayer for those who are enduring much more than one night😭. #peacemakersneeded

I slowly peeled the sticky note off the windshield as I read, my heart thumping faster and heavier with each word.

I quickly shoved it in my pocket as I glanced to see if my mom had noticed.

She hadn’t.

We were utterly exhausted and wanting to somehow leave the worry there at the hospital and symbolically drive into new hope and faith as we exited the hospital parking garage. We needed to gather up a little energy to give a little more to Dad over the next week.

They Didn’t Know

It was 7 pm and we’d been at the hospital since right before 7am.

The person didn’t know we’d only found out just a couple days before that the surgeon had found an almost totally blocked carotid artery and set surgery for right away.

They didn’t know we were inside fasting and praying as what had been said would be a shorter surgery turned into many hours and finally into all day of waiting.

They didn’t sit with us when the surgeon finally came out, wringing his hands with a serious face as he said, “it was much worse than I had expected.”

They didn’t know we’d just faced the reality that at any time one wrong step off of a curb could have taken a husband, father and grandfather.

They didn’t know we were relieved to have witnessed a miracle of discovery and removal but that we were still carrying the day upon us.

They did see that the left side of the car had too much space between the lines and the right side was sitting too close to the yellow line.

And that was enough.

Points of Intersection

We are all but lines on a world map and eventually we will come to what is known in math as “the point of intersection.”

What can be a total annoyance to one maybe someone else’s mere effort of survival.

Lines crossing lines without seeing where they are coming from.

I didn’t know this sticky note had followed us in the move but today I lifted a book and there it was.

A sticky reminder that I just want to act in a way that others might feel grateful for my line intersecting with theirs.

They didn’t know.
But neither do we.
Whose line shall intersect mine today?

I do have a real name.
And a real family who also have names.
I just sometimes forget that we need to introduce ourselves.
It only takes a few people saying, “hey, oh sweet basil!” When we are out and about to remind me🤣
So hiiiiii! We love love love meeting you and what better chance than right here, right now!
So!

Cade is from all over but we claim #SouthCarolina since that was the last place he lived. He works as an administrator in #healthcare and loves the #gym, #sushi and #traveling with all of us.

Carrian was born and raised In #vanouverwashington but almost always says #portlandoregon because otherwise everyone guesses Vancouver is in Canada. She HATES sushi, being tickled and being cold.

Peyton is 16 and is a die-hard for basketball, music and has found a new passion in golf. I literally have no clue where she came from. She is crazy helpful, organized and Pushes us all to do and try new things which is so stinking fun!

Claire is 12 and is a baking extraordinaire. She loves all things sweet and kind and has an affinity for younger kids and those with special needs. I don’t even know what to say about that last one other than, seriously, it’s a piece of her soul that is so uniquely built into her.

Grayson is 6 3/4 (yes, he requested I say that) and will one day make some darling girl so dang happy because he’s hard working and smart, a natural athlete, but most of all he’s gentle, aware of the needs of others with a pure form of humility attached. He is our gentle giant and has completely changed us forever.

Now, your turn! Who are you, where are you and tell us something about yourself!

What if our purpose is merely to leave people and places better than we found them…❤️

I once found myself doing a few simple tasks that should have been a basic part of life but instead began to ignite embers of resentment in my heart.

I had just spent some time inside of our home fixing a few things and then moved on outside to tackle a real mess of a weed situation.

With each yank of a wretched tendril another seemed to appear before my eyes. Medusa’s never ending snakes seemed to be the ground with which I was working and suddenly the nastiness of her was in my heart. I found myself thinking, “could we ever live somewhere that starts out beautiful instead of always a place that needs to be rescued?!”

And then “she” appeared before my eyes.

I pictured the previous home we’d been in.

Rescuing Our Home

I imagined her old and depleted. Her feelings of being forgotten hung with every worn wall and broken hinge.

I felt her ache and depression; unneeded, unwanted, empty and ugly.

And then I saw us.

My little family happily working with small children running here and there as we gently began to love her.

Moving walls and brightening her shadows.

Lifting smudges and beautifying her surroundings with a few more plants here and a little weeding there.

Suddenly she was awakening. She began to straighten herself up when we were around, standing a little taller and almost giving in to a smile and giddiness as the children laughed and played.

Soon enough the gray shadows of nothingness were replaced with confidence and purpose.

There she was, loving us as we were loving her.

She had purpose once again and all because a little family showed her that she still had life left to live and something wonderful to become and offer.

Leave People and Places Better Than You Found Them

My heart completely softened as the sentence rang through my mind and heart with such clarity as the sun breaking forth through the morning haze:

What if your purpose is merely to ❤️Leave people and places better than you found them.❤️

What if that’s what it means to keep your covenants?

What if that’s your noble duty on earth?

People and places… better than you found them. ❤️