My Favorite Picture of The Week...Sweet Hands

I'm loving this picture.

Grandma's sweet hands holding her grandchild. Hands that have served and cared for many in her life. Now holding and adoring this precious new life. The love and wisdom she must want to pass on to this child. A new generation, a legacy to live on.

Past, Present, Future

A tangible bridge between generations.

Grandma’s sweet hands, weathered with grace,
Trace every line of a newborn’s face.
Hands that have cooked, and cleaned, and sewn,
Now cradle a life she’s never known.
Fingers bent from years gone by,
Still soft as clouds in a summer sky.
Each wrinkle tells a tale once lived,
Of love she gave, of time she’d give.
She holds the child, so small, so new,
Eyes misted with a quiet view—
Of lullabies sung in a faded room,
Of garden beds in full, bright bloom.
A gentle pat, a whispered prayer,
Wisdom woven through the air.
She sees herself in tiny eyes,
A legacy time never denies.
And in that hold, so firm, so kind,
She passes on what stays behind—
A steadfast heart, a life well planned,
All written in her sweet, sweet hands.

My inspiration this week.

My inspiration this week. Mother's Day, of course.

Favorite definition this week. Balance - The intersection of pressure and trust, and finding peace within the tension of things.

A children's book that caught my eye. The World Needs the Wonder You See, by Joanna Gaines

What I am grateful for, right now. Rain. It has been so dry, and as I write this, I am listening to a thunderstorm.

What new product am I trying out this week. Meaningful Beauty Youth Activating Melon Serum. My face is needing a little extra help.

What video I've been watching. Simply R Home - New Summer Decor Haul. Amy found some beautiful things and some tips on decorating her office.

Before you go...

Check out my store, Little Cypress Shop

Are you into Social Media? I invite you to follow me.

Have a wonderful week.

Feeling Blessed

Disclaimer

Picture of The Week

May 11, 2025

Easy Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If you love a good Cuban sandwich, you will wow your family with this recipe.

1 cup orange juice

1/2 cup lime juice

12 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons spiced rum, optional

2 tablespoons ground coriander

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons white pepper

2 teaspoons pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

5 to 6 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast, cut into 4 pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

SANDWICHES:

2 loaves (1 pound each) French bread

Yellow mustard, optional

16 dill pickle slices

1-1/2 pounds thinly sliced deli ham

1-1/2 pounds Swiss cheese, sliced

In a 6- or 7-qt. slow cooker, combine first 9 ingredients. Add pork; cook, covered, on low until tender, 8-10 hours. Remove roast; shred with 2 forks. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook meat in batches until lightly browned and crisp in spots.

Cut each loaf of bread in half lengthwise. If desired, spread mustard over cut sides of bread. Layer bottom halves of bread with pickles, pork, ham and cheese. Replace tops. Cut each loaf into 8 slices.

Recipe and Photo Credit Taste of Home

Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches

May 8, 2025

It's getting a little warm here in Florida, which has me thinking about traveling and seeing sites.

Since we will be celebrating Patriotic holidays soon, I couldn't pass up this Americana Lighted tree and urn. Berries and stars with tiny lights.

The American Leather Co. created this Raffia and leather backpack. Perfect for casual or classy attire.

The Isle of Paradise Supersize Self-Tanning Butter

hydrates and nourishes with a blend of coconut, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils. It's a bestseller.

Sketchers Go Walk knit slip-ons are beautiful and comfortable. I get compliments on them all the time. They are comfortable enough that I wear them to work.

Loving the look of these wide-leg crops by Belle. Comes in petite, regular, and tall. I have several pairs of shorts from Belle. I find them to be the most comfortable shorts I own.

Click on the links below to view these items.

Americana Lighted Tree & Urn

Raffia & Leather Backpack

Isle of Paradise Supersize Self-Tanning Butter

Sketchers Go Walk Knit Slip-ons

Belle Wide-Leg Crops

Don't forget to visit the Little Cypress Shop...

While You Are Here, Check out...

Things Labeled Spring

Thank you for visiting. Have a wonderful week.

Feeling Blessed

This site contains ad links, meaning I may receive a small commission if you buy something. These are items I would personally purchase myself or have already purchased. Little Cypress Lodge only promotes items that I Love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Getting Ready for Summer

May 6, 2025

Traveling...for 3 hours in a car is exhausting.

This is my sweet little boy Myers. He is not a fan of traveling, but he is getting better.

He makes me laugh, while we were unpacking he collapsed on the couch. After his nap it was not long before he found his toys that we packed and then tried to challenge is older brother, Oscar in a game of hockey.

My inspiration this week.

What I have been watching. Romance on The Ranch on Amazon Prime.

What have I purchased lately. A recipe journal called Feel Good Food from Target. A perfect place with plenty of space to write down your favorite recipes.

What I am loving this week. Belle Maison gold bow tabletop frame. So sweet and charming.

What recipe I want to try. Cream Cheese and Sausage Stuffed Crescents.

What have I been doing this week. Cleaning out my files in my home office. A paper shredder has been extremely helpful in destroying our personal information.

What I've been traveling with. I was in need of a new makeup/toiletries bag and found this unique bag. I am amazed at all the different compartments and mesh pockets to hold items in place.

Before you go...

Check out my store, Little Cypress Shop

Are you into Social Media? I invite you to follow me.

Have a wonderful week.

Feeling Blessed

Myers Picture of the Week

May 3, 2025

A zesty one-pot pasta dish is complete after tossing with capers, basil, olive oil, and lemon juice. Serve with focaccia or a crusty baguette.

3 quarts water

8 oz. uncooked spaghetti

1 lb. peeled and deveined large shrimp

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

3 tablespoons drained capers

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups of spinach

Bring 3 quarts water to a boil. Add pasta, cook 8 minutes. Add shrimp to pan; cook 3 minutes or until shrimp are done and pasta is al dente. Drain. Place pasta mixture in a large bowl. Stir in basil and next 4 ingredients (through salt). Place 1/2 cup spinach on each of 4 plates; top each serving with 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture.

4 Servings

Cooking Light Recipe.

I came across this recipe many years ago, and it has become a favorite of mine.

Lemon Basil Shrimp and Pasta

May 1, 2025

I've been shopping on Kohl's and Bealls this week and found these sweet gift ideas.

Mom's Daily Routine Coffee Cup is a wonderful reminder to stay focused.

Display one of your favorite pictures in this charming Belle Maison gold bow tabletop frame. Loving this.

Moroccanoil Hand Creme is a fast-absorbing moisturizer that intensely nourishes hands, nails, and cuticles.

The Lonna & Lilly Open Flower Drop Earrings are a beautiful expression of elegance and charm.

Sun & Sand This straw shoulder tote crossbody bag features a beautiful woven straw design and has leather trim. I think this is perfect for spring and summer to complement your wardrobe.

Click on the links below to view these items.

Mom's Daily Routine CoffCree Cup

Belle Maison Gold Bow Tabletop Frame

Moroccanoil Hand Creme

Lonna & Lilly Open Flower Drop Earrings

Sun & Sand Crossbody Bag

Don't forget to visit the Little Cypress Shop...

While You Are Here, Check out...

Things Labeled Spring

Thank you for visiting. Have a wonderful week.

Feeling Blessed

Mother's Day Ideas

April 29, 2025

Peppercorn, Dijon mustard, brandy, heavy cream, bouillon & butter makes a delicious sauce to add to your favorite filet.

Steaks:

8 whole beef fillets or other good steaks

Lemon pepper

Seasoned salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Melted butter

Sauce:

4 to 6 tablespoons tri-color peppercorns, crushed

4 tablespoons butter

1 beef bouillon cube

4 to 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 cup brandy

1 1/2 to 2 cups heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half for some of the cream)

For the steaks: Sprinkle both sides of the steak with lemon pepper, seasoned salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side over high heat, and then a further 3 to 5 minutes over lower heat. Brush with melted butter as they cook.

Meanwhile, make the sauce: Start by crushing the peppercorns with a rolling pin in a zip-top bag and set them aside.

Next, heat a heavy ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Crumble in the beef bouillon cube. Whisk to combine. Then add the Dijon mustard to the skillet and whisk it around a bit. Pour in the brandy. Whisk the Dijon and brandy together until combined, and then let it bubble for about 45 seconds or so. Then pour in the heavy cream and the crushed peppercorns. Whisk it all together, allowing it to bubble for a few minutes to thicken. Spoon it over the grilled steaks.

This recipe is from The Pioneer Woman. This sauce is so amazing. It's a new fav in our house.

Recipe Credit Ree Drummond Recipe

While You Are Here, Check out...

Things Labeled Spring

Fillet with Peppercorn Sauce

April 23, 2025

Spending some time on Amazon, I came across this Crochet Pullover Sweater for Summer. Loving the light blue. Martha Stewart's cookbook, Martha The Cookbook, features 100 recipes, amazing photos, lessons, and stories. I've been looking for a new lanyard and found this pretty Flower Charm Beaded Lanyard. I purchased this stylish Farmhouse Extra Large Utensil Holder a while ago. It sits beautifully on the countertop with a cork mat on the bottom to prevent scratching.

Click on the links below to view these items.

Flower Charm Beaded Lanyard for ID Badge & Keys

Martha The Cookbook 100 Favorite Recipes, Lessons & Stories

Farmhouse Extra Large Utensil Holder

Crochet Hallow Pullover Sweater

Don't forget to visit the Little Cypress Shop...

While You Are Here, Check out...

Things Labeled Spring

Thank you for visiting. Have a wonderful week.

Feeling Blessed

Amazon Shopping

April 20, 2025

My Picture of the Week - Sweet Easter Egg Centerpiece

...also

“Your life is only a blink long —and then you wake up to the forever that your life chose.” - Ann Voskamp

My inspiration this week.

What I was listening to this week. Texas, tequila, and all things BBQ with Glen Powell on The Martha Stewart Podcast. Celebrating the launch of his new affordable organic condiments. His belief in making healthy food accessible and how he entertains his family and friends on his Texas Ranch.

What I've been watching. Your Guide to Designing a Charming Cottagecore Kitchen. So inspiring.

A recipe that got my attention. Crock Pot Garlic Potatoes at Recipes Worth Repeating.

My favorite product The Pink Stuff the miricale all purpose cleaning paste. Loving how it cleans and shines my stove top.

What I purchased this week. Better Home and Gardens Tritan Plastic Wine Goblets in Blue perfect for the patio and not having to worry about breaking glass. Serve a glass of wine, or a parfeit, even ice cream. Those are my plans.

What am I making this weekend. Hummingbird Bundt Cake. Filled with pineapple, cream cheese & bananas.

Before you go...

Check out my store, Little Cypress Shop

Are you into Social Media? I invite you to follow me.

Have a wonderful week.

Feeling Blessed

Picture of The Week

April 19, 2025

Blueberries, cream cheese, and maple syrup are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

12 slices of French bread or sourdough bread thin sliced (6 slices cut up into cubes)

2 8 oz. pkg of cream cheese

1 cup of blueberries

12 eggs

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 cups milk

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

dash of nutmeg

For the sauce

1 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons of cornstarch

1 cup of water

1 cup of blueberries

1 tablespoon butter

Arrange the bread in a buttered 13 x 9 inch pan; cut the cream cheese into squares and place over bread; sprinkle the blueberries over the cheese; arrange the bread cubes over the top of the blueberries.

In a large bowl mix the eggs, syrup, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg whisk well pour the mixture over the bread mixture; chill the mixture overnight.

Bake at 350 for about an hour or till it is puffed and golden brown.

Sauce

In a small saucepan mix the water, sugar, cornstarch over moderately high heat until it is thickened, then add the blueberries. Simmer for about ten minutes or till blueberries burst then pour over French toast.

This recipe comes from a friend and co-worker, Sheri O'Neal. It is a dessert for breakfast and is so delicious. Sheri made it for a breakfast staff meeting. I believe we voted to have more of those types of meetings.

Picture Credit Creative Culinary.com

Note: I omit the sauce and exchange fresh blueberries for a can of blueberries or mixed berries to go right on top of the casserole. It provides the sweetness, and the sauce bakes into the casserole.

While You Are Here, Check out...

Things Labeled Spring