Discovering Beauty in Everyday Life Hello and welcome to Mountain Top Spice! I’m thrilled you’re here. This website is a cozy corner where I gather all my social media content into one harmonious space. In today’s fast-paced world, social media can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the vastness of connections. Here, on this blog, I aim to share snippets of my life—what I lovingly call "mountaintopspice." A Tapestry of Inspiration Through photography, videos, thought

The joys of growing our own food and bringing it to the family table. We live in a world where fast food has become all the rage. If we can't have our food in 30 seconds or less, frustration builds, and folks are ready to move on to wherever the line is shorter and the food is cheaper. But our lifestyle here in Idaho has taken a different direction from the mainstream. I began gardening over 20 years ago, and I continue to work the soil each year, hoping to bring forth a boun

I have officially finished writing my first Christian fiction novel! After publishing a local photography book, Through Love's Eyes, and a family cookbook, MountaintopSpice Family Cookbook, I decided to step into something completely new—Christian fiction. What a fun and rewarding experience it has been! I have loved watching these characters and their story come to life on the page. The book is now in the editing phase, and my hope is that it will be published later this fal

Why Make Cacao Chia Seed Pudding? There’s something truly comforting about a simple, wholesome recipe that tastes indulgent while fueling your body with lasting energy. This chia seed pudding made with coconut milk, cacao, and stevia is creamy, satisfying, and packed with nutrients that support heart, brain, and digestive health. Coconut milk provides rich, healthy fats called MCTs that your body easily converts into energy. It’s also full of electrolytes like magnesium and p

There’s something truly special about cooking at home, isn’t there? The way simple ingredients come together to create something nourishing and delightful... It’s like a little act of love, a quiet celebration of life’s blessings. I often find myself drawn to recipes that are not only easy to make but also nourishing for both body and soul. After all, real food is a gift from God to us, a reminder of the gifts He has given us for our nourishment. Today, I want to share one of

Highway 2, Idaho Embracing the Spirit of the Season It’s that busy time of year again! With endless lists, parties, and holiday celebrations to plan, it’s easy to forget what this season is truly about. Amid the hustle and bustle, we often overlook the beauty and significance of the moments we share. Recently, I took a trip into town. Dark clouds hung low in the sky, casting a shadow over everything. Suddenly, light broke through the clouds, sprinkling down like confetti on t

I don't know about you, but bread speaks a love language to me! There is nothing more exciting than pulling a loaf of bread out of the oven that your hands have made, knowing what was put into it, and how good it will taste! I have been making my bread for years, after watching my mother, grandmothers, and mother-in-law bake their own bread too. About ten years ago, I switched to making sourdough bread, and I've never looked back! I've experimented with many recipes, and have

This past Saturday was an overcast day with somber skies of gray. Snow had fallen the night before, but overnight, a warm weather pattern arrived, and instead of snow, it began to rain during the day. However, by late afternoon, the skies cleared and the sun’s radiance beamed. In just a few short moments, the cloudiness of the day disappeared, and glorious golden light beamed. Knowing how short-lived these moments can be, my husband and I grabbed our coats, shoved our feet in

Have you ever tried walking in the footsteps of someone walking in front of you? Often, when my husband and I walk in the woods together when the snow is deep, his steps are forged for me, and I try to keep up with his pace, stepping in his footsteps. It can be a challenge because he is taller than I am, and his gait doesn’t match my own. I think of how this can be like trying to follow the footsteps of the Lord. Trying to match my steps to His, His pace to mine - it can be

There’s something truly special about stepping away from the noise and rush of everyday life and immersing yourself in the gentle embrace of God's beautiful world. Have you ever felt a soothing calm wash over you when you find yourself surrounded by towering trees, as you listen to the rippling music of a mountain stream, or soak up the beauty of a glowing sunset? It’s as if the world slows down just enough for your soul to catch up. There is restoration in the outdoors that

There’s something truly special about curling up with a book that warms your heart and lifts your spirit. Faith-inspired romance tales...

Some views take your breath away… and some give it back. This one whispered hope deep into my soul. Finding Peace in Nature's Majesty I’m blessed to live in a place where winding roads lead you higher and higher into the mountains—until you reach a vantage point where the horizon stretches for miles in every direction. From that lofty perch, the view is breathtaking. Steepled pine trees stand guard, while logging roads curve like ribbons through open fields. Distant lakes shi

A Journey Through Nature's Palette Do you ever get the summer "blues"? I'm talking about the outdoor kind of blues—the blues found in the rivers, lakes, streams, and creeks. Then there are the berry blues, with all the wild berries that can be foraged deep in the mountains of North Idaho. We can't forget the deep blue skies showcasing the sun's brilliant rays. Yes, there are so many summer "blues" to enjoy! Riley, our dog, was enjoying summer's "blues" with us at the lake as