Homemade Refried Beans in 10 Minutes + a Giveaway!!

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In my quest to eliminate processed foods, I’m learning how to make even more of my own food from scratch. Like many of you, I’m busy and some recipes take a lot of prepping or time. I canned up a bunch of our heirloom October beans this fall. I’ve used them in soups, chili, and casseroles, but decided to try them with tacos.

While I love our Tarheel Green Beans, the versatility of October beans make them a close second as my favorite. Like our Tarheel beans, this seed came from North Carolina. If you’re just venturing into heirloom seeds, beans are the perfect intro as you don’t have to worry about cross-pollination or fermenting when saving the seeds.Homemade Refried Beans in 10 Minutes www.melissaknorris.com

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Announcing a New Nourishing Pin it Party! You’re invited!

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Welcome to the Nourishing Pin It Party!

I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing I like better than sharing my favorite things with my friends at a party. Especially, things that will nourish their body, home, mind, and soul.

And now I get to do that every Wednesday with you guys!! Some awesome gals and I decided to throw a Pinterest Pin it Party every week. Are you as excited about that as I am? Some of my best recipes, gardening tips, and home decorating have come from friends. I can’t wait to learn more from all of you. Continue reading

Why I Don’t Believe In Coincidences and Neither Should You

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Two weeks ago, I went through a major clean up of my writing desk. I filed, created new folders, tossed an embarrassing amount of paperwork, two boxes worth to be exact, and came across bar of Cadbury royal dark chocolate. Treasure hunts are always high on my list, how about yours?

I also discovered the paperwork from Children’s hospital when my daughter had been diagnosed with her blood clotting disorder four months ago. I put it in the folder marked with her name, where it would be easily accessed if and when needed.

It sat there for a few days. And then I had the niggling thought that I should program the number into my phone. Who knew when I might need it?Why I don't believe in coincidence and neither should you. www.melissaknorris.com

Turns out, that moment came much sooner than I’d have thought.

Friday evening, the kids went outside and I started to get dinner ready. I heard a cry. This didn’t cause much concern, they usually squabble and my daughter often comes crying when her big brother won’t let her do something. I went to the door and quickly realized this wasn’t one of those times.

Blood covered my daughter’s hand and streamed down her hand. I snatched paper towels, trying to wipe the Continue reading

Pioneering Today-Morel and Asparagus Quiche

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I saw this picture on Facebook last week and started drooling. Seriously, doesn’t it make your mouth water? I contacted the lovely baker and she graciously accepted my offer to share her recipe with all of us!Morel Asparagus Quiche Recipe at www.melissaknorris.com @MelissaKNorris

Challace Martin is a talented writer and photographer. I’m hoping she’ll impart some of her picture taking secrets with me, but I won’t push it, since she’s already sharing her quiche recipe. :) Check out more of Challace’s posts about being a new mommy, wife, and living for Jesus on her blog. Continue reading

Are Your Blossoms Where They Should Be?

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There is something about spring that enlivens my heart. Fresh air, the scent of warm earth and green plants, birds chirping, and the beauty of flowers blossoming. As a gardener, I think my favorite season is spring, when I first get to glimpse the potential of this year’s harvest.

Please "pin" and share thisWhat a few months before was a barren twig, stark and brown, now buds with  new life. There’s no doubt in my mind why God put Adam and Eve in a garden. Nature is God’s way of telling us the story of His love. Tweet this

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Pioneering Today-Foraging for Morel Mushrooms

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One of my favorite things about reading and writing historical novels is discovering how the pioneers did things in the olden days. There are so many lost traditions waiting to be rediscovered in dusty books and cobwebbed memories. I’m honored that I get to help preserve these traditions and arts for future readers with my writing.

Forest Foraging-Morel Mushrooms @MelissaKNorris

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Why God’s View Is the Best

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Do you ever notice how time gives you the benefit of seeing certain situations in a different light?God's view gives us the benefit of seeing situations in His light. @Melissaknorris

Looking back, I can see how my ectopic pregnancy changed me for the better. It was a blessing in disguise, though it was one of the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. When I started writing for Jesus, I believed it would be fiction novels. I still hold onto this belief, but He’s first had me become a newspaper columnist, non-fiction writer in the release of my book, Pioneering Today-Faith and Home the Old Fashioned Wayand a blogger. Continue reading

Pioneering Today-How to Plant Strawberries

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Nothing says summer to me quite like a fresh ripe strawberry. They’re as good fresh as they are baked into desserts. And to ensure you have a lovely crop come summer, now is the time to get planting. One of the great things about strawberries is they lend themselves nicely to small spaces. Even if you only have a porch or patio, you can have a great strawberry patch.

How to plant strawberries @MelissaNorris 5 tips for berry success

How to plant strawberries @MelissaNorris 5 tips for berry success

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Seeing God’s Love In Unexpected Places

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Last week I wrote about how to accept closed doors as part of God’s will and little did I know what He was preparing to show me.

What I thought might be a week of disappointment and lingering down in the dumps, turned out to be a blessing. See how Jesus turns any situation to His glory. @MelissaKNorris

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Pioneering Today-French Apple Dump Cake Recipe

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While I’m an advocate for growing your own food and stocking your pantry with home canned goods, I realize not everyone can do this. (My free ebook, Heirloom Gardening Guide, can help you get started, sign up on right side bar) But, everyone can cook from scratch and eliminate as much processed food from their diet and home as possible.

I came up with this recipe last Saturday when I needed to bake something to bring to our coffee hour after church service. I was short on time, but this dessert is not short on taste. I took home an empty pan with many people wanting the recipe. So I thought I’d share it here.French Apple Dump Cake Recipe-no processed ingredients, from scratch cake mix recipe included @MelissaKNorris

French Apple Dump Cake Recipe Continue reading