As we march into a new month, let's focus on personal renewal as Springtime approaches. We are all so busy, that we often forget to recalibrate what we are doing, and more importantly, why. How do we get back to what makes us happy? Simply explore what you wish for. When we wish it... Read more →
It's been years since I discovered the Butter Bell. When I first launched Here We Are, I shared that experience with you in the article, Butter... Spread Soft Cheer To Better Butter Up Your Toast & Maybe Your Host (obviously, I was exercising my "catchy title" muscles!). Since then, every time I entertain, someone... Read more →
Last week, the Two Word Tuesday for the month of February, 2016, was Like Yourself. Part of liking yourself is knowing what you like and don't like in life, career, business, products, food, etc. When you know what you like, those are the things you choose, typically over and over. It's that perfect sandwich... Read more →
Be patient! No matter what it is that is NOT happening in your life, just wait it out by being patient. Your personal timetable may not be lined up quite right with things beyond your control. Everything takes the time it takes, whether we like it or not. Perhaps you are working hard to... Read more →
Perhaps you implemented Two Word Tuesday #3, Clear Clutter, and in doing so you discovered a few read or unread books hiding about the house. This is a great time of year to TRADE BOOKS. It's after the holidays when many of us received new books as gifts. This usually means there is at... Read more →
Dear Santa Claus, It's been a very long time since I've written a letter to you. In fact, I think my last letter was written in Crayola Crayons with silver snowflakes and gold stars on top of my trees in the perfect pine green color... Maybe you remember it? me? I asked for a... Read more →
We are into the official holiday season. No matter which holiday you celebrate, there are many things to do, places to go, and lists to check off. And that is just the beginning! I offer up this week's Two Word Tuesday, Pace Yourself! It will all get done, the important stuff always does... AND... Read more →
Whether you are shopping for the holidays, birthdays, host and hostess gifts, or that person on your list that has everything, you can find interesting and creative twists on items that turn the regular into UncommonGoods! Rarely have I perused a catalogue or website that offered as complete a selection of unique and fun... Read more →
Wherever you are, and wherever you go, keep your Eyes Open. As we try to heal from the recent events in Paris, France, and the many other tragic incidents that plague our planet, it is time to be more aware of every thing and every one around you. While we are all saddened, I... Read more →
Who or what is the "you" in your "Thank YOU!"? Perhaps it's a neighbor, coworker, spouse, friend, your health, home, your God, the Universe… Whatever or whomever motivates your gratitude, really mean it. Think it, feel it, say it, or write a thank you note! The more you say thank you for the things... Read more →
According to NBC, this is the official, traditional place setting used on the tables during Prince William of England and Princess Kate's wedding reception. While you may not be entertaining royalty, this table setting chart offers a formal, and very extensive diagram for ALL of the flatware, stemware, dish, and napkin placements that might... Read more →
No matter where you live on this earth, we are all forever touched by the heinous acts that pierced Paris on November 13, 2015, and with it, our hearts. I've been sitting at my desk for a while trying to find the right words for this week's #TwoWordTuesday… The more I search, the simpler... Read more →
This is a very easy, quick recipe to make delicious, homemade cranberry sauce not only for the holidays, but as a side dish or relish any time. It's perfect with turkey, but also revs up roast pork, pork chops, and chicken for the meat eaters; spread it on top of a grilled portobello mushroom... Read more →
An apple a day keeps the doctor away… Whether or not this is true, eating an apple has to be more beneficial than munching on a bag of chips! I'm not advocating only for apples, to EAT BETTER, any fruits and vegetables you like are a positive way to start or increase the number... Read more →
In this ONE BY ONE video, Luci demonstrates how to use silicone covers and why you should… They are terrific! These bowl toppers are perfect to preserve food or prevent frying and microwave splatter. When you watch this product review, you will see just how handy, strong, and eco-friendly these new kitchen lids can... Read more →
It's getting to be that time of year when the days fly by faster than usual, and there are lists of to-do lists! Or maybe you are going through an emotional upheaval and need to find a moment of peace? Remember to Breathe Deeply throughout the day… Deep, long breaths, shoulders down and back,... Read more →
A while back I posted this homemade pizza recipe on my Instagram page and it received a lot of action. Who doesn't like pizza? Especially when you can make it at home, any way you like, and on the grill! This recipe belongs to my sister-in-law, Lynn, who has been perfecting it for the... Read more →
I think this one is self-explanatory… Kiss Someone! 💋 💕💕💕 Hope you like this #TwoWordTuesday, feel free to share the picture and use the hashtag… Let me know your thoughts or tell me if a Two Word Tuesday quote helps you by emailing me or commenting below, thank you. I always love hearing from... Read more →
In this One By One video, Luci shows you how to open a wine bottle the easy and fast way. Watch her technique to keep the cork whole and removed intact using an old-fashioned cork screw. You will never struggle again with a broken or stuck cork! It is always frustrating when the cork... Read more →
Summer may be over but this lime salad dressing recipe is one you will make throughout the year. Not only is it EASY and FAST to make, you can use this tasty, tangy dressing over a mexican salad, drizzle it on sliced avocado and tomatoes, top a fruit salad, toss it with steamed vegetables,... Read more →
In this ONE BY ONE video, Luci shares an easy, tasty drink recipe that can be served in the pineapple shells after you've cored out the fruit. Don't throw away the shells after coring, consider using them instead of traditional drink ware for frozen tropical drinks. Remember to plan ahead so you have enough... Read more →
In this ONE BY ONE video, you will learn how to reuse the empty pineapple shells as serving bowls for the extracted fruit. Don't throw away the shells OR the spiky tops after you've cored out the fruit; repurpose them for the table as fruit bowls when you are entertaining. BONUS: By using the... Read more →
In this ONE BY ONE video, you will learn how to repurpose the empty pineapple shells that are naturally beautiful. It seems wasteful to just throw them away after you remove the fruit, so I came up with a few uses for you to try. This is the first of 3 Tips on how... Read more →
In this ONE BY ONE video, you will learn how to make a lovely hostess gift for about $20(US)! This floral centerpiece is perfect for bringing along to your next BBQ or house party. Whether the hostess places it on the table, the sidebar, or a serving station, it is ready to go! She... Read more →
If you love pineapple but struggle with getting the fresh, juicy meat out of the shell… Then you need a pineapple corer in your kitchen. This affordable gadget makes easy work of removing the delicious, nutritious meat of this tropical fruit. With a knife, a bowl, and a little elbow grease applied to the... Read more →
Luci's Money-Saving How-To Beauty Tip To Sanitize Your Favorite Lip Color, One By One Video We all have a favorite lipstick that has been hanging around for a while… You know you should probably throw it away, BUT there is a way to extend the life of your lipstick*. It's simple, quick, and you... Read more →
If you read the recent Announcements, Updates, and Reminders article, Sweet Summertime, then you know that I am launching a video series called One By One. While this particular product review video is not officially a One By One, I'm sharing it now since these ELF Lotion Wipes - although terrific all year long... Read more →
Dear Readers & Listeners: It's been a while since I've posted an Announcements, Updates, and Reminders article, but I've been working on several behind-the-blog projects and they are all finally coming together. It's time to share the news for this season! ~💗Luci ANNOUNCEMENTS New Season, New Look: Here We Are is now on a... Read more →
Ranunculus = Radiant Charm & Attractiveness It's true, a smile is the best AND most important thing you can wear… A smile is a potent potion of your inner energy mixed with your outer beauty projected to connect you with others. Just think about it. Everyone is attracted to a smile, it's human nature.... Read more →
It's that time again… April showers have given way to May flowers, or in this case, friends! This is the third Friend-A-Day-In-May Campaign, and each year I look forward to it all winter. I hope for those who have joined me in the past, you enjoyed this experience, too. While we might see and... Read more →
This is a fun, easy recipe that I've adapted for Here We Are after much testing and tasting! If you like the traditional York style peppermint patty, then you will enjoy making this eggless, homemade recipe. These chocolate covered treats make a great gift in a pretty box or cellophane gift bag; are perfect... Read more →
DIY Shower Vapor Disks Cold and flu season calls for extra relief of stuffed up noses and sore sinuses. Besides using a Neti Pot, another all natural, easy way to help move things along is to add homemade, inexpensive, melting shower disks to your hot shower. Scented with essential oils, these puck-like soothers release... Read more →
"Every day, be full of awareness of the beauty around you. Be full of gratitude for friends and family, for the goodness you find in others, for your health and all you're capable of. Be full of acceptance of yourself and others - without conditions or judging - knowing that differences and changes make... Read more →
Thanksgiving is over and the last of the cranberry sauce is gone. Now what to do with those extra cranberries that didn't make it into the sauce? Freeze them... Right? Except six months later we find the Ziploc bag of berries in the freezer - uncertain if they are any good - we wastefully... Read more →
Share this graphic! What is going on with the negative commenting on the Internet? Is there a solution? Are typed words the new bullets we must dodge living on the Wild Wild Web? If you run a website, use social media, or comment on others' sites, then this Here We Are Talk Show podcast... Read more →
These days we meet people from around the world without ever leaving the house. The connections that develop are important to growing your personal and business network... You may have heard the statement, "If you aren't online, you don't exist." Harsh though it may sound, in the 21st century, there is truth in this... Read more →
Updated Directions, October 2017. If you like to munch on pumpkin seeds, then try this quick and easy way to make this healthy, nutrient rich snack! The roasting process is approximate, keep an eye on them so they don't burn, but don't overcook them if you want the nutritional benefits. Here are the notes... Read more →
Every once in a while there is a fashion trend that goes beyond a current style to invoke a statement by the wearer. Personal style and fashion sense - beyond trends - are an expression on the outside of who we are on the inside. Over a year ago, I was looking for a... Read more →
Shades of Chartreuse ~ Freshly Green Tips™ By now you've heard about coconut oil and the hundreds of suggestions for its use. Maybe you've tried it, maybe not, or you bought a jar and it's sitting on your cabinet shelf waiting for you to experiment with it (several people have told me they bought... Read more →
Spring has sprung... and life feels full of possibilities! It was a very long winter for most. Now is the time to shed our heavy coats and spread our wings! Two years ago, I launched the Friend A Day In May Challenge and it was a wonderful experience. So fulfilling that I shared my... Read more →
If you are a regular Here We Are reader, then you know that I live what I write, mean what I say, and say what I mean. When I came across this hiTask 7 Day info graphic, the "eat a frog" suggestion caught my eye. Not that I'm a fan of snacking on green... Read more →
Happy Valentine's Day If you begin the day with love in your heart, peace in your nerves, and truth in your mind, you not only benefit by their presence but also bring them to others, to your family and friends, and to all those whose destiny draws across your path that day. ~ Attribution... Read more →
Happiness... Ahh, the elusive feeling every person seeks as the answer to their life's search. It's the reason we set goals, make resolutions, wipe the slate clean at the turn of each new year. Ask anyone what they want from life and you are sure to hear, "I just want to be happy." This... Read more →
At Thanksgiving, more than any other time of year, when hosting a dinner we think in terms of "dressing." We dress the turkey, whisk the salad dressing, dress up the buffet table, select a dress to wear, yet year after year, we put on the same tablecloth. Well no more boring old pumpkin colored... Read more →
This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself,... Read more →
Recently, I was in my car sitting at a red light. While waiting, I glanced over at the sidewalk to see a bright green bench hand-painted with the phrase: Plant Kindness & Gather Love! The light changed to green so I missed the chance to take a picture to share it with the Here... Read more →
This past winter I decided to develop a granola bar recipe to share with the Here We Are readers. After reading long, sugar-filled ingredient lists on store brands, I wanted bars that were light on sugar content, preservative and soy-free. And so the testing began... Like all of the HWA recipes that must pass... Read more →
Who you are often depends on how you see things and people around you. A shift in perspective is often all you need to open your eyes to your best life. It's not about "looks," it's about seeing someone's warm heart, their decency, kindness, humor, and all that makes them special... When you recognize... Read more →
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt. Charles M. Schulz Read more →