National Gumbo Day

Did you know today is National Gumbo Day? Well according to my National Day Calendar, It says it right there in bold print. So without further adieu, I’m going to share (again) my favorite Gumbo recipe. We plan to make some as soon as the the weather decides to cool down.

This is a recipe giving by my late Mother-in-Law. Its simple and delicious. Best of all, it does not call for any fancy stuff, just basic foods you probably already have nearby.



St. Charles Street Gumbo

1 Tbsp.- Olive Oil
2- small onions (or one large)
1 lbs.- sliced okra (frozen works fine)
1 cup- chopped celery
1 Tbsp.- minced garlic
1 1/2 lbs.- chopped Skinless Sausage
48 oz.- Chicken broth (3 cans)
Dash- of Tabasco sauce ( I like more)
3 pinches- Cajun seasoning 
2 pinches- Parsley flakes
1- large can petite diced tomatoes
1-10 oz. can chuck white chicken (drained)

In a large sauce pan or skillet, heat olive oil over med-high heat. Add onions, okra, celery and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.



Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, parsley, and sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes.




Add chicken broth, Tabasco and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and add chicken. 




Cook 4-5 minutes or longer until chicken is heated through. 




Serve over rice and add more Tabasco if you desire.


Refrigerate left overs. 

1 cup gumbo with 1 cup rice = approx. 200 calories. (per "myfitnesspal" app)

Salt Pillow

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a big believer on all this holistic therapies like the essential oils and herbs for example. Don’t get me wrong, I do not doubt they play positive rolls for natural alternatives for some as they did back in the Bible days, but I just don’t always buy it. I have tried some of the oils but never find they help with any kind of healing. Not that they don't, I just haven't experienced it. However, I do believe in aroma therapy as I think smells can react on how you feel. I think some smells will make you feel energize while others can relax you. That’s about as far as I will go with the holistics.

I have always heard that Himalayan salt rock is good for the air around you. I have never had a salt rock but have always wanted one and would also love to visit a salt cave and sit awhile just to see. 

While out and about the other day, My husband pointed out these salt pillows. 


They were a good price so I said, “ok why not”. Let just see what it does. I mean, I could use a heat activated pillow for my earaches, headaches and tummy cramps”. So purchased it and brought it home. It sat next to my chair for a couple days while I just sort of looked at it. I was waiting on a day I felt I needed some soothing comfort. 


If you know me, you know I suffer from symptoms of Meniere’s and Tinnitus. My left ear will practically go deaf and the feeling of fluid pressure and dizziness will take over my head. This can go on for days at a time with a couple good days in between. I will wake up with head aches and those days can be rotten. 


I decided to take this little pillow to bed with me. I lay my left ear against it and I'm out like a light. Since I have been sleeping with this pillow against my head, I have not woken up with a head ache like I used to do every morning. I also have not had any symptoms of Meniere’s and vertigo in over three weeks now. I am aware that as soon as I finish this post I could have a flare up as they will hit without warning, but I can’t help but wonder if this little pillow is really working or if it's all in my head? 


It weights 2.2 lbs and can be heated in the microwave for one minute and used as a heating pad. With the weight and heat combined, I'm sure it will work great for cramps. It can also be placed in the freezer and used as an ice pack. 

Salt holds temperature extremely well, whether hot or cold. Himalayan Salt Healing Pillow is filled with 100% natural Himalayan salt crystals. The pillows weight provides gentle pressure while conforming comfortably to the face and body's natural curves. Crystal salts last indefinitely and can be used over and over again. 

You can purchase a pillow like this at most department stores such as Target or Walmart or any health stores or pharmacy. I actually picked mine up at Hamricks Department Sore. 

Or just go straight to the company.