tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50402658429119341232024-02-19T19:54:04.404-05:00Weaver Girl GuzFat Girl, Boys, and a PharmacistAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.comBlogger1126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-73628010633516365652017-11-07T18:53:00.001-05:002017-11-07T18:53:56.778-05:00Coffee and Crafting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWZQCSCCvf58GSfSxy2yBDYG1DmgpwiAKf7tjpvDpGewdm4cWw-1-SdJTGjofdgF7nTtlPTT7M2pRXvyhAg33dJmgrOdmHT3ve0Y6jaNSCVCEYh2zw6UNqit-ekSmUP95sj8Wr0-4Iqk/s1600/mugs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWZQCSCCvf58GSfSxy2yBDYG1DmgpwiAKf7tjpvDpGewdm4cWw-1-SdJTGjofdgF7nTtlPTT7M2pRXvyhAg33dJmgrOdmHT3ve0Y6jaNSCVCEYh2zw6UNqit-ekSmUP95sj8Wr0-4Iqk/s400/mugs3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> All set and listed! I love making these mugs. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/570432591/personalized-initial-mugs-handpainted?ref=shop_home_feat_4" target="_blank">Nine currently available here!</a></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Kfqw0QrQuc4JkwunKHoSesCK8KWoA6ncw7fppbGmwDXNMTq928BZtj7_ZZvBFy73Pygl50wIoCewqoA5aKeCkfHklJwRfPDB2tRk5eMXtqvAkpVHUKuOIebP0_rE3Bc-9H0aZWEsYG0/s1600/mugs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Kfqw0QrQuc4JkwunKHoSesCK8KWoA6ncw7fppbGmwDXNMTq928BZtj7_ZZvBFy73Pygl50wIoCewqoA5aKeCkfHklJwRfPDB2tRk5eMXtqvAkpVHUKuOIebP0_rE3Bc-9H0aZWEsYG0/s400/mugs1.jpg" width="400" /></a></h2>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-75940048633096874302017-11-05T12:01:00.000-05:002017-11-06T06:48:16.798-05:00Chicken, Chicken, Chicken, Sausage (Chicken)If I don't plan, I fail.<br />
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I get lazy.<br />
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I make bad choices.<br />
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After a long chat at the gym the other day, I decided to do a prep day. For me, being home during the day, prepping isn't always necessary. That will (hopefully) change soon, so I decided it was time.<br />
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Prep Day was Wednesday. Prep Day doesn't have to be a Sunday or a Monday. It doesn't matter if you decide on a Thursday to turn your eating habits around. It's okay if you get a stomach ache on mini Halloween candy on Tuesday night - make Wednesday your prep day.<br />
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There is absolutely nothing you can do to change poor choices yesterday. Don't wallow in your failure, move on. Nothing good comes from self loathing. Use that energy to cook! Use it to prepare. Use it to enjoy the new day.<br />
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I *may* have overbought on the chicken, but it's so versatile.<br />
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This time, I made it three ways.<br />
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First up: <b>Crock Pot Hot Chicken</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbVnFfy2b_QU2DdcAeByErUj_PlP96_0r7HTLnIOR1DUwx87govShgNg9mrVcLp1EIG5c7QgObyWJJgzn_yuhkEUShbPZ7iCv9m9aAEXCqTp0v-eGsGjr2-hWTtH9V8MT6JV8uSDIPsI/s1600/20171103_134040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbVnFfy2b_QU2DdcAeByErUj_PlP96_0r7HTLnIOR1DUwx87govShgNg9mrVcLp1EIG5c7QgObyWJJgzn_yuhkEUShbPZ7iCv9m9aAEXCqTp0v-eGsGjr2-hWTtH9V8MT6JV8uSDIPsI/s400/20171103_134040.jpg" width="225" /></a>I used 5 chicken breasts and covered them in Chohula hot sauce, covered and cooked on High for an hour and then Low for 3 more hours.<br />
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Just break one open and make sure it's cooked.<br />
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This gets shredded with a couple of forks.<br />
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For lunch today, I had this with zucchini..delicious.<br />
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<b>HINT:</b> Because of the hot sauce and chicken, it reminded me of chicken wing dip...minus the cheese and sour cream. Let your nose tell you what you are eating!<br />
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Second: <b>Balsamic Chicken</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglUCjX_uxscREFDCyaspH9ag_ilQ-2EvT4lggosJEFsyWwOZ1i6v4nYNUUfVRO9oEXBXOL128twNGB8N2pglB8gqT49_aQZ6D6TtRSUgZsHkB8Ibd1ZXD8gtJpjzwour1XD03Soh7QlQ/s1600/20171101_130740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglUCjX_uxscREFDCyaspH9ag_ilQ-2EvT4lggosJEFsyWwOZ1i6v4nYNUUfVRO9oEXBXOL128twNGB8N2pglB8gqT49_aQZ6D6TtRSUgZsHkB8Ibd1ZXD8gtJpjzwour1XD03Soh7QlQ/s400/20171101_130740.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Before cooking, cut up your chicken in bite sized chunks.<br />
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I used a dutch oven that can go from stove top to oven. Doing this purely on the stove top, in a covered pan would work just fine.<br />
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So easy...add Balsamic Vinegar to your cut up chicken and cook.<br />
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I used <a href="http://davolios.com/index.php?p=product&id=114" target="_blank">D'Avolio's Fig Balsamic</a>. If you are going to eat healthy - pay the extra buck for the good Balsamic. You will be amazed at how much better it tastes than a basic vinegar from the grocery store.<br />
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I also love the <a href="http://davolios.com/index.php?p=product&id=296" target="_blank">white vinegars from D'Avolio's</a>. Super great on fish.<br />
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Third: <b>Forward Chicken</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsCSuuPxXGFqQYA3B7f6oDN7b0nZFX1DV4b5qT-TPBHWfu3AKBvH0eeKBNpknH69KkxJKAencX16VgzRtcek1uAzOO2lhTc30rG-6IhIW5Qq0-Fcj-rfcOZwFjkNdu1By0EIYNmTmvY8/s1600/20171103_134313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1279" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsCSuuPxXGFqQYA3B7f6oDN7b0nZFX1DV4b5qT-TPBHWfu3AKBvH0eeKBNpknH69KkxJKAencX16VgzRtcek1uAzOO2lhTc30rG-6IhIW5Qq0-Fcj-rfcOZwFjkNdu1By0EIYNmTmvY8/s400/20171103_134313.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
This is made exactly like the Balsamic Chicken, but I used <a href="https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/forward-seasoning/c-24/p-301/pd-s" target="_blank">Forward! Seasoning from Penzey's Spices</a>. We have a store here in Buffalo, but they also sell online here.<br />
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Forward! is salt free and it's got a great flavor. It looks like a curry, but is mostly peppers.<br />
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Again, paired this with zucchini.<br />
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Finally: <b>Chicken (Sausage)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM21k5z-JhT9zarc-hj_nsel8EWNpYmI9oaUxWEPQhKX9f2yzfUEQSYJJCqLYFYa_rQDCbKUG_Lgn2MQ6UVdcipPQQlQjQSatZGBCbH4kJ5J9d6IlVfKxQZrWI3sj_He5721CBQnYQLeA/s1600/20171102_185757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM21k5z-JhT9zarc-hj_nsel8EWNpYmI9oaUxWEPQhKX9f2yzfUEQSYJJCqLYFYa_rQDCbKUG_Lgn2MQ6UVdcipPQQlQjQSatZGBCbH4kJ5J9d6IlVfKxQZrWI3sj_He5721CBQnYQLeA/s400/20171102_185757.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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This is hardly a recipe, more of a compilation. <a href="https://www.wegmans.com/products/meat/organic-meat/sausage/chicken-sausage-sweet-apple.html" target="_blank">Wegmans carries a great organic Chicken Sausag</a>e. I paired that sausage with spinach and pre-cooked butternut squash.<br />
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Let's talk about Wegmans again...they have<a href="https://www.wegmans.com/products/produce/packaged-vegetables/squash/cleaned-and-cut-butternut-squash-family-pack.html" target="_blank"> butternut squash peeled, de-seeded and chopped for you</a>. It isn't anymore expensive after you pay for the skin, stem and seeds. Buy the family pack - it goes fast! I did cut the pieces a bit smaller and drizzled olive oil and some 21 Seasoning Salute (another great salt-free seasoning from <a href="https://www.traderjoes.com/" target="_blank">Trader Joe's</a>). Toss and bake in the oven 400 degrees until you like it. I like it crisp.<br />
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When you add the squash in with the spinach and sausage...it takes on a sweetness that makes you think you are eating less than healthy.<br />
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(I just realized I hate the word 'cheat'. Cheat Meal. Sounds so depressing. You aren't cheating. There are no rules to your nutrition. You make the rules. Don't dwell on yesterday.)<br />
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Back to my point about the Chicken Wing Dip...let your nose guide your belly.<br />
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One quick thing about the zucchini. I have always cooked my zucchini first. It was often wet and slimy after a day or two. These meals that I made, I measured out my chicken and then added raw, chopped zucchini. When it comes time to heat up the meal, the zucchini retains a bit of crunch, that makes me happy. Try it.<br />
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Tonight, I'll finish the turkey soup and make taco meat.<br />
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After that, I'm going to veg and eat meat!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-61721598593928837992017-11-04T14:18:00.000-04:002017-11-04T14:18:09.041-04:00El Doggo and the Toad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6DGl-oJvIA2ssHAjcDX1394fbfFq5v_VonCgrOq5B1qE6m3bbMXuwrhBF4GGwzPk5hRBml-nNAMN1t8mBtr6gIkp6buJHPQKggW66oO7ZP-4LADJxTmRaJIzVQEiDffJvYnH_PvnXvU/s1600/20171102_143354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6DGl-oJvIA2ssHAjcDX1394fbfFq5v_VonCgrOq5B1qE6m3bbMXuwrhBF4GGwzPk5hRBml-nNAMN1t8mBtr6gIkp6buJHPQKggW66oO7ZP-4LADJxTmRaJIzVQEiDffJvYnH_PvnXvU/s640/20171102_143354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
If you haven't guessed yet, I love my dog.<br />
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This goldendoodle is the coolest, kindest, most playful dog around (in my humble opinion). And sometimes, a bit salty.<br />
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If she barks, it's usually because she wants to play. This play is not limited to people.<br />
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She enjoys leaves, squirrels, passersby, empty water bottles, our kind neighbor and toads.<br />
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She loves a good toad.<br />
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We found one yesterday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2JpQRrZ3Zm7t1GbzdFhtXv8wAWq_8QYzBvZACX9wJwrJXZJ-jrq0YPWmqNOaPOuEsfoiY2eOHHkGWV4XK3ZXgyuOWO01FLp1ECP6H5xZ2E1Ku5UsvR7yvh2afoJmzvGGhHj9Wj2hC7E/s1600/20171102_152247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2JpQRrZ3Zm7t1GbzdFhtXv8wAWq_8QYzBvZACX9wJwrJXZJ-jrq0YPWmqNOaPOuEsfoiY2eOHHkGWV4XK3ZXgyuOWO01FLp1ECP6H5xZ2E1Ku5UsvR7yvh2afoJmzvGGhHj9Wj2hC7E/s640/20171102_152247.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure how she expects to play with this poor guy. It was so frightened and perfectly still. After I got a couple shots, I had to lead her inside by the collar in hopes of not leaving the toad with a lifetime of toad therapy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhBzSpL866OUpHVCe3k-zE7czfdM3ybtHJElEkEj93w7A174LB_EkeIEEC63MWaaBNdfHQ29olWuWsH9yGt5Y_FCl1b6vBTb9LjESb2l5xZT8wmTv9F8XhF1XLcucRwANUTVZhjq8XRs/s1600/20171102_152122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhBzSpL866OUpHVCe3k-zE7czfdM3ybtHJElEkEj93w7A174LB_EkeIEEC63MWaaBNdfHQ29olWuWsH9yGt5Y_FCl1b6vBTb9LjESb2l5xZT8wmTv9F8XhF1XLcucRwANUTVZhjq8XRs/s640/20171102_152122.jpg" width="360" /></a>This photo represents Millie wholeheartedly. Drool and all.</div>
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The nose drip is fantastic. She has licked a frog once, I'm guessing she remembered the unpleasantness. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-85170306298170415932017-11-03T13:53:00.002-04:002017-11-03T13:53:55.545-04:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ3oRzSYf6lTH8fnjsW4_gm5Ut725TFOlFk0te62P1pleiVrk0bjDCrEnaiPp-cIkzrXPYOwhnN4u1GyxOPEjbU9KAN8mPpfxfA7mYRZG5vsV-kutyDt23MqIfu6VpOiujsDk7L9X_wk/s1600/IMG_20171103_134935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ3oRzSYf6lTH8fnjsW4_gm5Ut725TFOlFk0te62P1pleiVrk0bjDCrEnaiPp-cIkzrXPYOwhnN4u1GyxOPEjbU9KAN8mPpfxfA7mYRZG5vsV-kutyDt23MqIfu6VpOiujsDk7L9X_wk/s640/IMG_20171103_134935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. </span><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-47222769557604092652017-10-25T22:51:00.001-04:002017-10-25T22:51:16.729-04:00Simple Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm getting bored with food.<br />
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Food is fuel. With the fat girl inside, I used to eat to feed my disappointments and sadness. I would talk myself into bad food. Quick food. <br />
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Food isn't a reward, it is just the gasoline for the car.<br />
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It's hard to keep that focus. <br />
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I've been trying to feed my soul with pretty food. At least this way, I get the pleasure of interesting flavors and textures.<br />
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I found a chicken sausage and sliced it up, with a bit of olive oil. In an attempt to trick my mind, I cut an apple and added the chopped pieces to my sausage and sauteed it just enough to brown the apple, but not get mushy. My color was a little bland, so tossed in some spinach (I had cooked broccoli as well, but if you weren't making an additional veggie, increase your spinach) and it was perfect.<br />
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The apple gives a sweetness to the sausage and it almost seemed like it was a chopped potato. It's okay to trick your palate into thinking an apple is a white, starchy potato!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-65449046217874335082017-10-20T16:29:00.000-04:002017-10-20T16:29:44.758-04:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh6X4bO3Grm1LCW20dmmesSuAMmHDQ14j81oJqQKRRGbe3rsusp0DjKT0am4Hy357Xj_yy8We4PeNnwwTV5wKD_dgZlIl6XEIx_XB7s8kPmyX4lsp718P-rxguYaBKc4QZ9Zh-dcpvJY/s1600/20171016_205626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1141" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh6X4bO3Grm1LCW20dmmesSuAMmHDQ14j81oJqQKRRGbe3rsusp0DjKT0am4Hy357Xj_yy8We4PeNnwwTV5wKD_dgZlIl6XEIx_XB7s8kPmyX4lsp718P-rxguYaBKc4QZ9Zh-dcpvJY/s400/20171016_205626.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>No words, just pictures. Please add your moments in the comments.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Have a great weekend!</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-69464385814334763032017-10-19T11:35:00.000-04:002017-10-19T11:35:03.491-04:00Game Changer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XKP0L41ZFPGjPW5BIbhhaQhhn87XRdYHS905WQ7jSZva4Ms8pZorXBgWoKhUw1BAO-Br9-O3e8NQDYcmxDFCKFa6BuezSTILWSet1Gg5SsqqX-IbFiV311MiW_mPYDhqhSMLIC04O8Q/s1600/game+changer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="502" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XKP0L41ZFPGjPW5BIbhhaQhhn87XRdYHS905WQ7jSZva4Ms8pZorXBgWoKhUw1BAO-Br9-O3e8NQDYcmxDFCKFa6BuezSTILWSet1Gg5SsqqX-IbFiV311MiW_mPYDhqhSMLIC04O8Q/s400/game+changer.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
Let's talk about power.<br />
<br />
Power, as described by Merriam-Webster is the:<br />
<div class="sense" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3e41; display: inline; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; letter-spacing: 0.64px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="sn" style="font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="sub-num" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">(1)</span></span> <span class="dt " style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ability to act or produce an effect </span><span class="sn" style="font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="sub-num" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">(<span class="num" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2</span>)</span></span> <span class="dt " style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ability to get extra-base hits </span><span class="sn" style="font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="sub-num" style="font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">(<span class="num" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3</span>)</span></span> <span class="dt " style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect</span></i></span><br />
<br />
Number one. Okay.<br />
<br />
Number two. Odd...but apropos for our current baseball playoff season.<br />
<br />
Number three. Yes. This is the power I'm thinking of.<br />
<br />
The capacity for being acted upon. <br />
<br />
The first and third definitions are almost at odds with each other. One holds the power and the other succumbs to the power.<br />
<br />
As women, I think we flip flop between these two definitions. We have the power one day and we succumb to other forces of power the next. I am forever hopping between the two, daily, if not hourly.<br />
<br />
My mind moves to Harvey Weinstein and Donald Trump and the power they believe that they hold. We can't allow bullies to have power upon us. It is scary how those that feel they are powerful can make others feel powerless. This is not okay.<br />
<br />
If you've read past posts, especially <a href="https://weavergirlguz.blogspot.com/2017/10/rain-coffee-and-tissues.html" target="_blank">Rain, Coffee and Tissues</a>, you'll know that my path has been questioned recently. And I'm okay with that. It's good to be rattled every once in a while. It's okay to be confused. It's normal to wonder if what you are doing or your path is the right one.<br />
<br />
But, it is not okay to let someone else take your power. No one can decide your fate as an adult. Don't let the bully get you down. They may have brawn, but you own the power to control your own fate.<br />
<br />
Surround yourself with friends that will lift you up. Friends that will remind you that your power is your own and no one can take it. Bullies may try to change the definition to Number Three, but you must own Number One.<br />
<br />
~Ability to act.<br />
<br />
~Ability to produce an effect.<br />
<br />
Remember who you are. Change the definition.<br />
<br />
I'll be right next to you, reminding you of how powerful you are.<br />
<br />
...and the game changed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3e41; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3e41; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-8183845027085564012017-10-15T16:33:00.000-04:002017-10-15T16:33:13.306-04:00Sign: Shine On<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio28VYvVusDVEa59whtHWru8Cx8ZwldHB3tAhHXTYaGKa7z-_VEs1yh9ElVI98THDcvFgk4VAqYqRbRP7fPyEJnCFy05OgsPkFZZjIdv64aGC2WhHgjBg4AAJhAT8c2iVv_gBV6Atod_U/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio28VYvVusDVEa59whtHWru8Cx8ZwldHB3tAhHXTYaGKa7z-_VEs1yh9ElVI98THDcvFgk4VAqYqRbRP7fPyEJnCFy05OgsPkFZZjIdv64aGC2WhHgjBg4AAJhAT8c2iVv_gBV6Atod_U/s640/DSC_0098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes, in life, you may feel like nothing can go right. Only left. Or downhill. Sucker punched, twice. Sometimes these things are small in nature, but when added onto other struggles, that small 'thing' can be enormous.<br />
<br />
And sometimes, you trudge through. It might be ugly and muddy, but you keep trudging, hoping you are going in the right direction. Still with trepidation, but trudging nonetheless.<br />
<br />
Then, the sign hits. <br />
<br />
My sign hit last night. This sign was just the encouragement I needed to push me forward, I thought I was doing the right thing, and then this song came into my life.<br />
<br />
My husband and I were gratefully invited to attend the <a href="http://news.wbfo.org/post/wbfo-blues-bash-becoming-tradition" target="_blank">WBFO's Buffalo Blue's Bash </a>last evening. Our generous friends welcomed us to their table to enjoy two great Blue's bands. Freightrain (<a href="https://robertfreightrainparker.com/" target="_blank">Robert "Freightrain" Parker</a>) and <a href="https://www.dawntylerwatson.com/" target="_blank">Dawn Tyler Watson Band</a>. The talent in both groups was inspiring. The best music is the music you feel in your gut. This was that kind of music.<br />
<br />
Back to my sign. You all know I had a rough week (actually one event last week that I couldn't shake) last week. I like to think I've moved on, but there is always that lingering sliver of roughness that doesn't quite leave.<br />
<br />
These words came from Dawn Tyler Watson at a time I needed them:<br />
<br />
<h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I want to give you all some real good news<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I want you all to keep your head up<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Stay positive<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Spread the love<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
This is a Song about perseverance and positivity<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If you are going through any crap right now, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I want to tell you, Shine on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And though the road is dark and long<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Our light will conquer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shine on<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shine on brothers and sisters<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Don’t let the darkness get to you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In this world there is pain and suffering<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But you must try to see the love in the moment…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">And as I connect the words from her mouth to my story, my friend places her hand on my shoulder and the tears begin to pool and stream down.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">When others see your sign, you know it's real. I'm taking control of this week. </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">No bad days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shine on!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(<a href="https://www.dawntylerwatson.com/music" target="_blank">You can listen to Shine On by Dawn Tyler Watson through this link</a>)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-64153279243910592852017-10-11T14:25:00.000-04:002017-10-11T14:26:37.685-04:00Rain, Coffee and Tissues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJD39yi6R_PWF6CSX-tT2c2_yvtp3E9swNLvFBgTbPNubxCFiwNs5MVfEURMzr8nT_3xAxEWjMUDIi_skus7ZXqyJZDLImGml9GPLUSW7QNe4a7SXnekAQHP3dyXVWS1xvOZHI3upmAY/s1600/cg+mug3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJD39yi6R_PWF6CSX-tT2c2_yvtp3E9swNLvFBgTbPNubxCFiwNs5MVfEURMzr8nT_3xAxEWjMUDIi_skus7ZXqyJZDLImGml9GPLUSW7QNe4a7SXnekAQHP3dyXVWS1xvOZHI3upmAY/s640/cg+mug3.jpg" width="360" /></a>I don't always have good days. This happens to be a 'bad' one. I'm getting frustrated with waiting for things. I had no idea how long the 'hiring' process normally takes. This is definitely an eye opener for me.<br />
<br />
It's a gloomy, rainy day. I'm thankful for the rain, just wish we could share it with California.<br />
<br />
My workout, albeit with great intentions, was not all that great. I whined. I complained. I struggled. But I went. I got in the car and went. Running into a friend on the way in was great, lifted me up a touch. My gal pals that I workout with, well, not sure I'd want to know life without them. If you are reading this and need inspiration, come work out with these women. Insanely inspiring. Each and every one of us has (at least) one physical injury that we power through no matter what. If you don't think you can lift something, they will be there talking you through your mental defiance.<br />
<br />
Upon coming home. I screamed. I cried. I made some phone calls. I got an interview. I watched a little TV while waiting on hold for 18 minutes only for the operator to say 'all operators are busy, please call back later'. Just what a girl down wants to hear!<br />
<br />
Shower with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Teals-Soaking-Solution-Nourish/dp/B00C193J7O?th=1" target="_blank">Milk and Honey Epsom salt </a>on the floor of the shower (amazing...Sara), some music (<a href="https://youtu.be/76HJDfZ70Nk" target="_blank">favorite one of the day here</a>) and this coffee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAhjYYsIg8b5uVTEo79uq0m_ynaYgbW3szYXjm4wG2R7tEXhQ8xHwjSdaG6TZ_PDFsHXlGvbUjl6aSYR49qkxHSwmRUPXuB4rfYuxH_nCD1rbgv1r4eo6NuRLJ5NaJ2HYB6VFwPU7iek/s1600/cg+mug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1052" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAhjYYsIg8b5uVTEo79uq0m_ynaYgbW3szYXjm4wG2R7tEXhQ8xHwjSdaG6TZ_PDFsHXlGvbUjl6aSYR49qkxHSwmRUPXuB4rfYuxH_nCD1rbgv1r4eo6NuRLJ5NaJ2HYB6VFwPU7iek/s400/cg+mug2.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My dear friend makes me coffee like this at her house. It's amazing. You can <a href="https://www.amazon.com/HIC-Coffee-Filter-Number-2-Size/dp/B001S353EQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1507746037&sr=8-7&keywords=coffee+brew+cup" target="_blank">get this little brew cup here on Amazon.com</a>. My grounds are a Mocha Java from our new Whole Foods.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyFhxiDhQp9O4bkyLhMSH3tWoTga6w7ibKF8icxhtQpJ9zdtB7pksLNcqvjm0cEG8T7GsIhVW1-s8eKDfS2yJo82_2zEx3gxaV0ehILkscP8sgPRKAdUkHh8ifarYNPnWu54nxcBFSEc/s1600/cg+mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyFhxiDhQp9O4bkyLhMSH3tWoTga6w7ibKF8icxhtQpJ9zdtB7pksLNcqvjm0cEG8T7GsIhVW1-s8eKDfS2yJo82_2zEx3gxaV0ehILkscP8sgPRKAdUkHh8ifarYNPnWu54nxcBFSEc/s320/cg+mug.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Cute mug, huh? I'd be happy to make one for you. I'll set them up in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WashMyCloth?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">my etsy shop here</a> in the next couple days, but let me know if you'd be interested. They have been go-to office and teacher gifts. Dishwasher safe!<br />
<br />
My day is looking better already. Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-16613893046906919902017-10-09T14:56:00.003-04:002017-10-09T14:57:57.267-04:00Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuNwHIb-k9luOW-x8AOAYOfm5QdV9hEUow_ie_wcg8AZzCa7OLPOtLOQfAmRruWQLDfSJIwUQVx9Gu-vG56mego6dEvaFapNjuSDQf29UvyMMLKdo_RKCvC4dP3WAgikheWCR0hdfrOk/s1600/document1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="476" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuNwHIb-k9luOW-x8AOAYOfm5QdV9hEUow_ie_wcg8AZzCa7OLPOtLOQfAmRruWQLDfSJIwUQVx9Gu-vG56mego6dEvaFapNjuSDQf29UvyMMLKdo_RKCvC4dP3WAgikheWCR0hdfrOk/s640/document1.gif" width="468" /></a></div>
Love this quote. I needed it this weekend. Was able to make it pretty on my Silhouette Cameo. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-41736678518402427132017-10-08T10:52:00.000-04:002017-10-08T10:52:10.268-04:00Plantain Vs. Banana<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ttivOl4BGYhrgJIIOMCoh3YN97c4Uj4pYv_jk0nbfmAZBB7BvPndy4LFeYRwnm-hGUrAHwivtR6ejRxqqIH9rBy4K8G8onfanM1qXEohF-vMqfdQ3mscLuIXtAdO0ATm-UYzQXN9XaU/s1600/20171007_104411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ttivOl4BGYhrgJIIOMCoh3YN97c4Uj4pYv_jk0nbfmAZBB7BvPndy4LFeYRwnm-hGUrAHwivtR6ejRxqqIH9rBy4K8G8onfanM1qXEohF-vMqfdQ3mscLuIXtAdO0ATm-UYzQXN9XaU/s400/20171007_104411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've always wanted to try plantains. They look so sad sitting there in the market with very little interest. What the heck can you do with a plantain? The banana tastes better and plantains are bland - almost bitter. Banana is softer and sweeter. A ripe banana is great for baking, smoothies, and freezing for later. But the plantain? Boring.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In true Carrie fashion: Chall</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">enge accepted. The plantain was purchased and the research began. Three days later the plantain remained on the counter. It was starting to get a grayish hue to it. Suck it up, Carrie, make something. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There are plenty of recipes for fried plantains, but I'm avoiding loads of fry oil and butter. I found this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/254765/fried-plantains-with-avocado-dip/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringContentType=search%20results&clickId=cardslot%203" target="_blank">recipe for fried plantain</a>s. The french fry shape made me think that I could bake the plantain.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I cut the plantain in half, then half again. The peel is quite hefty, so get in there with your knife and cut the fry pieces, then get your finger between the plantain and the peel. I was amazed how strong the plantain is. </span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeg0QA9J_4qP6A9C4m0GVkoEcNrk4vsAlwUwUGFaRRthc3NlXUCupOtq7F7G4nz-OMvuOjoqVwndp9J9i3Zt9C8Dz29oQDtMeNcSqhd3GUoy-oULAGtpbSSPW6CE6t1VHm6QEP1DzWP0/s1600/20171007_104442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeg0QA9J_4qP6A9C4m0GVkoEcNrk4vsAlwUwUGFaRRthc3NlXUCupOtq7F7G4nz-OMvuOjoqVwndp9J9i3Zt9C8Dz29oQDtMeNcSqhd3GUoy-oULAGtpbSSPW6CE6t1VHm6QEP1DzWP0/s400/20171007_104442.jpg" width="282" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place plantain on paper. Drizzle olive oil over plantains. I added quite a bit of cinnamon, perhaps 2 tablespoons, and a twist of Himalayan pink salt. Toss.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bake at 375 for 10 minutes, flip plantains, bake another 10 minutes or until they appear crispy and browned.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once out of the oven, let sit for 8-10 minutes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They tasted a little dry, but dipped in applesauce...amazeballs. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What I found so great about the plantain, it is a hearty fruit that kept me feeling full for a good hour after eating it as a snack. Little Man tried one and thought it was good enough to nod his head 'yes'. That's the key word for, "I'd eat this again".</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next time, I'm going to try the avocado dip in the above recipe with Greek yogurt.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-weight: 300; margin: 10px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
<a href="http://foodandremedy.com/blog/plantain-vs-banana/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: medium;" target="_blank">NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF PLANTAINS:</a></h2>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plantains are high in fiber content. This makes you feel full for longer period of time, reducing frequent cravings for food. Thereby, in the long run, it can help with weight loss.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plantains are extremely rich <a href="http://foodandremedy.com/nutrition/minerals/potassium-rich-vegetarian-recipes/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #dd3333; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank" title="Potassium Rich Vegetarian Recipes"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Potassium</span></a> and <a href="http://foodandremedy.com/nutrition/minerals/magnesium/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #dd3333; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank" title="Magnesium">Magnesium</a>.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plantains are rich in vitamins, specifically <a href="http://foodandremedy.com/nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-a/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #dd3333; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank" title="Vitamin A">Vitamin A</a>, Vitamin C and <a href="http://foodandremedy.com/nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-b6/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #dd3333; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out;" target="_blank" title="Vitamin B6">Vitamin B-6</a>.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even though plantains are rich in starch, they are comparatively very low on the glycemic index scale. Consumption of plantains helps diabetic patients.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plantain prevents gastrointestinal infectious diseases.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plantain chips (with less salt or no salt) have more nutrients than the fresh ones!</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plantain takes longer to digest, keeps you full, which benefits diabetic patients and, also for weight loss.</span></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-44395142791589206012017-10-06T16:53:00.001-04:002017-10-06T16:53:48.145-04:00{this moment}<p dir="ltr"><i>No words, just my favorite photo from the week. Leave your moment in the comments. </i><i>💜</i>💛</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUq5m-H7SkBjxvXG8teRUlZL86g6bdhgvkWxQgb3g0yAb8ZN-_m4KsQmvIJ92RERr0hDBa6Gc0h-uiRUHDiFAfubvsbIVNq8uZ2HDrXe0mGo0p5AwFky9fMORFwJnGJyzKHQyvGkkCVc/s1600/20170930_133122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUq5m-H7SkBjxvXG8teRUlZL86g6bdhgvkWxQgb3g0yAb8ZN-_m4KsQmvIJ92RERr0hDBa6Gc0h-uiRUHDiFAfubvsbIVNq8uZ2HDrXe0mGo0p5AwFky9fMORFwJnGJyzKHQyvGkkCVc/s640/20170930_133122.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-54863556759304615632017-10-05T21:10:00.000-04:002017-10-05T21:10:24.851-04:00RECIPE: Spaghetti Squash Flat Bread Pizza (Gluten Free)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudxTsTIjc2VLVAgGw_j0tM3muBPdLPWvgnD4rZVpxZmrL1vdwvIq2YqSMnHJJpufv1oA8kJJXbfdXkB3Zgj9Rv8k5MYUW13mx6AZJ1esCHE4oaRQELRiZ2lqkoErPQroUouZDXGDkgX0/s1600/20171005_195424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudxTsTIjc2VLVAgGw_j0tM3muBPdLPWvgnD4rZVpxZmrL1vdwvIq2YqSMnHJJpufv1oA8kJJXbfdXkB3Zgj9Rv8k5MYUW13mx6AZJ1esCHE4oaRQELRiZ2lqkoErPQroUouZDXGDkgX0/s400/20171005_195424.jpg" width="297" /></a>This is a keeper.<br />
<br />
Cauliflower crust seems to be all the rage these days. Personally, I find it bland and boring. I'd rather go without.<br />
<br />
But...Mr. Spaghetti Squash...he's a good egg.<br />
<br />
This isn't a super fast recipe, but it has minimal ingredients, which I appreciate.<br />
<br />
If you are super pressed for time, go to your local market and head to the salad bar. I grabbed a small container and filled with a few things for my flatbread/pizza. Yes, you can call this pizza and you can eat the whole thing.<br />
<br />
This flat bread would work great with a rolled sandwich or dipped in some pasta sauce. I like to overcook mine so that it gets crispy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm currently eating clean, so I went super veggie on this with a teaspoon of grated Parmesan - mostly for the photo, I normally leave it off totally. But if you want a pizza, sauce and cheese it up!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Cooking the Squash:</u></b><br />
Slice your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy goop.<br />
Place face down in half inch of water in a baking dish. Roast in oven at 375 for 30 minutes or so. I don't set a timer, when I smell it and there are a few brown spots on the skin, it's done.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3-0jzxa8aWm2X42BW-Qsuomr3TcajmFu8-lFmOWpjcaXi5mde2K9jvSyAhuY4X9lT8EVsUxcXT2IEFljXmlwf0fqb9b-11OOWeXE1gzCDuAK5yj79JrDRHDAD-oysmL6O6rVycX0PfY/s1600/20171005_171907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3-0jzxa8aWm2X42BW-Qsuomr3TcajmFu8-lFmOWpjcaXi5mde2K9jvSyAhuY4X9lT8EVsUxcXT2IEFljXmlwf0fqb9b-11OOWeXE1gzCDuAK5yj79JrDRHDAD-oysmL6O6rVycX0PfY/s200/20171005_171907.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draining Squash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Take your fork and scrape out the squash into a bowl. I often let this rest for an hour or even stick it in the fridge for a day or two. Squeezing the water out of a hot squash is painful.<br />
<br />
When you are ready, put a cheesecloth or dish towel on the counter and place your squash in the center. Roll the sides over and start twisting the water out of the squash over your sink. You may have to open up the towel and adjust the squash and repeat. It always amazes me how much water is in there!<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8cPMXoyOflLNhZfv20O60rJCaYpxNK8CnaRwR786mTEqXH8nNxLDd3v7L_kv8Bbo8Lxt52SyQKjRWMmYJNK-uo6oyarsWA0Mik13oOV6VKRtwuh56HPG1BU1oYCp76g8RspFl-JXfT8/s1600/20171005_194813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1406" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8cPMXoyOflLNhZfv20O60rJCaYpxNK8CnaRwR786mTEqXH8nNxLDd3v7L_kv8Bbo8Lxt52SyQKjRWMmYJNK-uo6oyarsWA0Mik13oOV6VKRtwuh56HPG1BU1oYCp76g8RspFl-JXfT8/s200/20171005_194813.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squash after Draining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Making the Flatbread:</u></b><br />
Drained spaghetti squash<br />
2 eggs (if choosing to add cheese to your crust, omit one egg)<br />
Italian seasonings, to taste<br />
Onion powder, to taste<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Mix it up with your hands. It will be the consistency of a thick brownie batter. Spread mixture on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. You will spread this like you are putting lotion on. Or like a queen waves her hand in a parade.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IwsuIDcb7ORZPlB5rw2yXe5QHM_yUfAwt4IX4EjNr1maPeGw-QNxEJYiV8HviRpn_0bSKr_bau2GVUh-MmsbSY_CJQoUqR0XOuju6f1GR9C3RALgvbGWy5XIBMbj8lLtdyeliPN9VOw/s1600/20171005_181049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IwsuIDcb7ORZPlB5rw2yXe5QHM_yUfAwt4IX4EjNr1maPeGw-QNxEJYiV8HviRpn_0bSKr_bau2GVUh-MmsbSY_CJQoUqR0XOuju6f1GR9C3RALgvbGWy5XIBMbj8lLtdyeliPN9VOw/s200/20171005_181049.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked flatbread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Bake in 350 oven for approximately 25 minutes. <br />
<br />
Keep an eye on this, it all depends on how much water you got out of the squash. <br />
<br />
When you see it curl a bit on the edges and have some crusty spots, flip it over and put back in the oven for 10 minutes. <br />
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Top with your favorite toppings and put back in the oven for another 7-10 minutes, or till toppings are melted, warmed, crispy...<br />
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Please let me know if you try this and how it worked out for you in the comments below. This won't hold up like a Buffalo pizza crust - so get that though out of your head right now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM67hXQhkM4ZdwDXkB4gNnN60g2CZpNBgnO31zjJXQxXVROdf7dTRKUPN5NClYX1oKIDVAX3yt5qWTfQKa889jJ9bdVr_mzDyTzphuncE2LTbpcZtwVfMEWuKNCjsIEf0qtp9a9NStns/s1600/20171005_182907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM67hXQhkM4ZdwDXkB4gNnN60g2CZpNBgnO31zjJXQxXVROdf7dTRKUPN5NClYX1oKIDVAX3yt5qWTfQKa889jJ9bdVr_mzDyTzphuncE2LTbpcZtwVfMEWuKNCjsIEf0qtp9a9NStns/s640/20171005_182907.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-19411087742775718692017-10-04T14:22:00.002-04:002017-10-04T14:41:55.510-04:00Here we go again, with a Twist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAlT9YhWQt2TnbvJvuGSh3-9tlykp_XcvUuQlwYmIw4_4Rj2uT-xdoKzKgE1S6agiUOlRvo2qeyI3SdoOKo4g5NwJf_lVje_0Fv0_nBilWDK1dpak8xwH3rRkT616mFigXy53xUCD5aM/s1600/FB_IMG_1507141204331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="949" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAlT9YhWQt2TnbvJvuGSh3-9tlykp_XcvUuQlwYmIw4_4Rj2uT-xdoKzKgE1S6agiUOlRvo2qeyI3SdoOKo4g5NwJf_lVje_0Fv0_nBilWDK1dpak8xwH3rRkT616mFigXy53xUCD5aM/s320/FB_IMG_1507141204331.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
Time to share my thoughts, recipes, heartaches, jokes, and struggles once again.<br />
<br />
I've left all my previous posts so that you have a little window into who I used to be. I'm still that girl, just been through a long road in between.<br />
<br />
Not doing as much art or fiber, but working hard at keeping my body working. I have back issues and a knee that blames me for every dance move I nailed in my teens. I love chocolate, but try to stay away, it's the first step in the steep spiral staircase that has me wallowing the pit of denial. I watch too much MSNBC and was recently let go from my previous job that started my healthy eating and exercise - that's a sad story for another day - or for never - it's in the past.<br />
<br />
So that you know I am a REAL person...here is my before and after pictures. Yes, I lost 100 pounds at one point in my life. It was amazing. Unfortunately, I didn't hide all those pounds well enough and they found me again...all in the struggle. I know I won't get that all off again, and that's okay, I'm ditching the scale and living my life.<br />
<br />
I hope you follow along - please remember, any recipe on here prior to TODAY, is most likely not healthy at all! Remember, I was a FAT GIRL. My twist...I'm done being fat.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-77397778874371916412014-05-19T08:53:00.001-04:002014-05-19T09:03:49.615-04:00Braided Gardening<p dir="ltr">As much as I love seeing the daffodils peek through the snow and crispy leaves,  I love the mid spring flowers growing around the fading spring bulbs. </p>
<p dir="ltr">My sister - in - law told me once that her mom would have her roll all the daffodil leaves and tie them close to the ground.  Every single plant individually.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">I think about that every year when I'm ready to rid the flower beds of the thin spiked leaves.   I never seem to have the right tools when I want to clean up the beds. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This year, I did a simple French braid across three daffodil plants with a simple knot At the end.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">At least it's interesting.  </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMnAU4ZTJBWqtHgSJv66oVxqKNtiW__j-ks4Zv872UM9Zn4Q-vibLHNf7Uc6MRZamC3YYdKOw7UnGkRyKjWewYWosVn8uauhieqC7TbYBYg6KljoYEpXZuIKUHckH3MdYl39uBXgD7NA/s1600/IMG_20140519_084958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMnAU4ZTJBWqtHgSJv66oVxqKNtiW__j-ks4Zv872UM9Zn4Q-vibLHNf7Uc6MRZamC3YYdKOw7UnGkRyKjWewYWosVn8uauhieqC7TbYBYg6KljoYEpXZuIKUHckH3MdYl39uBXgD7NA/s640/IMG_20140519_084958.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-72494348778899813582014-03-24T19:50:00.002-04:002014-03-24T19:50:24.821-04:00Rice-sagna<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBSsJcMBtb52GFCADwK8RTFxrndcCINLqU_FHcOaI-awWvO-3gklH7zH85KsCiBMZ0B-_uMLx23xitTdUw0yO6ibE67SND-4NOX-RRxbWrCaS6VOPsHvV8kRArVWLmhQ3n43YZpQtRW0/s1600/IMG_20140324_065555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBSsJcMBtb52GFCADwK8RTFxrndcCINLqU_FHcOaI-awWvO-3gklH7zH85KsCiBMZ0B-_uMLx23xitTdUw0yO6ibE67SND-4NOX-RRxbWrCaS6VOPsHvV8kRArVWLmhQ3n43YZpQtRW0/s640/IMG_20140324_065555.jpg" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We like rice.<br />
We like broccoli. <br />
We like ground sausage and beef.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
We love cheese. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I found a recipe that used quinoa and chicken in layers. I used the idea and switched it up to come up with a layered dish the whole family enjoyed. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Big Boy said, "Wow, this tastes a lot better than it looks."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I think that was a compliment. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Rice-sagna</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Preheat oven to 400° and coat casserole pan with cooking spray. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
1 1/2 cups uncooked rice<br />
2 cups chicken stock<br />
2 broccoli crowns<br />
3/4 lbs ground sausage<br />
1 lb ground beef <br />
1 small onion<br />
4 eggs<br />
Garlic and basil </div>
<div dir="ltr">
1. Make rice according to package directions, using the chicken stock as part of required liquid. (I added basil and garlic to the rice.) Set aside to cool. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
2. Cook ground meat (ground turkey would work) in skillet until no longer pink. Add chopped onion and one clove of garlic, chopped. Remove meat, leaving any grease in the pan. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
3. While meat is cooking, partially steam small pieces of broccoli. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
4. Add al dente broccoli to hot pan with grease to brown it a touch, salt and pepper to taste. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
5. Add whisked eggs to cooled rice. Mix thoroughly. (My rice wasn't totally cooled, you just don't want the rice to cook the egg. )</div>
<div dir="ltr">
6. Layer 1/3 of rice in casserole dish. Top with half meat. Add all broccoli. Layer 1/3 rice, reading meat, and last layer of remaining rice. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
7. Top with shredded cheddar or Italian blend of cheese. (I use whatever is in the fridge.)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
8. Bake 20 minutes, or until warned through. Finish off under the broiler to brown the cheese. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Eat! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
We added some Frank's Red Hot Sauce and it gave it a nice kick. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-28025690079724140222014-03-19T15:25:00.001-04:002014-03-19T15:37:42.466-04:00I Cut It Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUAqHKRlZZsGLyaysZxIuB9vUvcUbToyIyahENIn6KSlbdqowT5ZAua95kkvDnQiNs226ExYIClx6XjXaLZqy9vF9b66mhVqY2C5aO3EKVuHzEjHFlc02qZWqGQUBXVmLCRvYLQ0qa6M/s1600/2014-03-19" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUAqHKRlZZsGLyaysZxIuB9vUvcUbToyIyahENIn6KSlbdqowT5ZAua95kkvDnQiNs226ExYIClx6XjXaLZqy9vF9b66mhVqY2C5aO3EKVuHzEjHFlc02qZWqGQUBXVmLCRvYLQ0qa6M/s1600/2014-03-19" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am ashamed to say that it has been 4 years since I have touched my weaving loom.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Let me rephrase that it has been 4 years since I have woven on my weaving loom. It has been a table for much too long. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The piece of fabric that came off of it was a sample piece used during an art show. I took my loom with me and allowed customers to try it. The four inch square pieces were meant to be coasters and I was going to send them to the people that wove them. I grossly misjudged the time it would take newbie to weave four inches of fabric. Most people took one or two sweeps and they were done. I was left with a lot of unwoven yarn in a pattern that didn't make any sense for anything but coasters. And I don't need any coasters.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I have a couple ideas for the leftover yarn but that will have to wait for another day.</div>
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Tomorrow I start dreaming of new projects on the loom.</div>
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Okay, maybe not tomorrow. </div>
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How about right now?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-77342087457403808482014-02-11T21:50:00.001-05:002014-02-11T21:50:39.268-05:00Frozen<p dir="ltr">This weather has made us hermits.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Even the dog is getting antsy. She is eating everything that she shouldn't be: Sharpie Paint Marker, Valentine list for school, lid for our pretzels and most heartbreaking, Tom's wool hat he has had since he was 13 years old.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We went for a walk tonight. She is very protective of her yard. Barking incessantly. On our walk, a neighbor dog was barking at us. Millie couldn't understand what the noise was about. Quite funny. Although my legs were frozen within three minutes of the start of our walk, we forged on. </p>
<p dir="ltr">A warm-up is on the way. 31 degrees. Sounds like short sleeve weather. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfaBkKnl7pL8jwBRwllRCw5npDB6enXt-TO02lEnPHIY1WkO67ETMPjenkREYpPntwRlhWzsobPKL0wEX3dXP0Kz6zDHmbU1ypHO7eSSE9HZgj-9IFLL0iarWjDw9vIESV_By511FtAQ/s1600/IMG_20140211_094034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfaBkKnl7pL8jwBRwllRCw5npDB6enXt-TO02lEnPHIY1WkO67ETMPjenkREYpPntwRlhWzsobPKL0wEX3dXP0Kz6zDHmbU1ypHO7eSSE9HZgj-9IFLL0iarWjDw9vIESV_By511FtAQ/s640/IMG_20140211_094034.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-76262271553054415062014-01-08T14:33:00.001-05:002014-01-08T14:33:16.042-05:00Hello, My Name is Carrie<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTa5LcOI5wrtCymypXmt1A9FxxF95phsoDPhEC771egZAX3KRoXety0jiTXhQsnRXW4MG7E-vyuvfJBYupcgvJe_eXjWbepk02tW8nWfKfbXWYsot15PktyRbmNPCTrJaeSV0HVPakbI/s640/blogger-image--2050822038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTa5LcOI5wrtCymypXmt1A9FxxF95phsoDPhEC771egZAX3KRoXety0jiTXhQsnRXW4MG7E-vyuvfJBYupcgvJe_eXjWbepk02tW8nWfKfbXWYsot15PktyRbmNPCTrJaeSV0HVPakbI/s640/blogger-image--2050822038.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Happy New Year!<div><br></div><div>I've missed this blog. My former boss used to say, "If you are going to work from home, you must get dressed and ready to work each morning in order to be productive."</div><div><br></div><div>I may have not bought into his mantra a couple years ago, but I have been thinking about it recently. It's been a year and a half since I stopped working full time. I had many plans. I've done some, been sidetracked on others.</div><div><br></div><div>Building my Etsy shop was going to be my number one task. I haven't done that. I have four purses, almost complete, that could go on Etsy. Instead, I made this:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI5PUizY_fxk2rSRDMRI1xUZov3bn8Oi9pl5Lp_lWw5QHcCe96OYF7cud0C54XDpEna9oLQIcwkH9NndEMWxyvlF71e3UCbRF7XoajTHgfr9FpTjpf0T8YeIv-jN03Mt1qkauqa2Jzds/s640/blogger-image--1268955746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI5PUizY_fxk2rSRDMRI1xUZov3bn8Oi9pl5Lp_lWw5QHcCe96OYF7cud0C54XDpEna9oLQIcwkH9NndEMWxyvlF71e3UCbRF7XoajTHgfr9FpTjpf0T8YeIv-jN03Mt1qkauqa2Jzds/s640/blogger-image--1268955746.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And this:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg3lKYlwHF2x5zkYdzSOJG3xub9S3ILqL7fPWfzyfjHfVfR37MyYURvV2k7Lo60aZxo_lE63klKRGgmosGD4-mmOMQS7-XnX6_akIg1NpUm5WIo8DVnV5IGh6bEZsOrQHopdigMmGKLg/s640/blogger-image--1587651720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg3lKYlwHF2x5zkYdzSOJG3xub9S3ILqL7fPWfzyfjHfVfR37MyYURvV2k7Lo60aZxo_lE63klKRGgmosGD4-mmOMQS7-XnX6_akIg1NpUm5WIo8DVnV5IGh6bEZsOrQHopdigMmGKLg/s640/blogger-image--1587651720.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I've made other things, which are fulfilling, yet not money makers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's time to get dressed and be productive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">~Carrie</div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-56043142925852407022013-10-19T08:52:00.001-04:002013-10-19T08:52:29.390-04:00Good Morning<p dir=ltr>Its a beautiful, crisp, and cool morning here in Buffalo. </p>
<p dir=ltr>This is Millie's favorite spot. She gets very excited when she spots a squirrel. We have to slide the screen incredibly fast or else she will run right through the screen. </p>
<p dir=ltr>I love how she never gives up. She chases multiple times a day, she gets close, but never succeeds. Frankly, I'd be afraid if she ever succeeded. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The first weekend in December is the Artist's in Buffalo Holiday Showcase. My location is the Red Cross Building on Delaware. I am excited, and nervous. Not nervous to be there, but nervous that I won't have enough items made to show. I have had a few dreams where I show up and have only a few items on the table. Not very reassuring. </p>
<p dir=ltr>I'm going to take a lesson from my dog.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I'll keep chasing the squirrel until December. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Now, back to my squirrel (yarn).</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSefI1d9RgkZ6xVXqXtJztDiXPrU2WJbltDbexQQzrGMuZZyICPxmu3oeJxlTrcGfzyCRxLeqhZdX9ErDgEtCUJeAsGy6d7iB_Nhp1JZErsGmVAI8VQspyCbrakp45YALr5o8INdK8rk/s1600/20131019_083529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSefI1d9RgkZ6xVXqXtJztDiXPrU2WJbltDbexQQzrGMuZZyICPxmu3oeJxlTrcGfzyCRxLeqhZdX9ErDgEtCUJeAsGy6d7iB_Nhp1JZErsGmVAI8VQspyCbrakp45YALr5o8INdK8rk/s640/20131019_083529.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0Americas, null54.525963 -105.25512tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-57032918535988065732013-09-27T18:31:00.001-04:002013-09-27T19:12:19.176-04:00The Not So Fairy-Fairy Garden<p dir="ltr"><br>
"Here lies Neil. He slipped on a banana peel and kicked the bucket. "</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lines like this were abundant this morning. My mom and I participated in a Fairy Garden workshop at Mischler's Florist and Greenhouses.</p><p dir="ltr">The instructor was kind, creative, encouraging and funny. He also happens to be my talented father.</p><p dir="ltr">For $20 you get the pot, the dirt, three plants, sticks, rocks, mulch, and moss along with a fairy. You may also purchase from the cute Fairy Nook, any other trinkets to go into your garden. I went with a Halloween theme and took advantage of a root turned upside down that looks like an old spooky tree. </p><p dir="ltr">My favorite parts are the spider hanging from the root and the black cat peeking from behind the plant. I chose one succulent and two house plants (probably not the best idea based on water consumption, but I can make it work).</p><p dir="ltr">I understand there may be two spots left for tomorrow morning, Saturday September 28th at 10 a.m. It's totally worth it you should try. </p><p dir="ltr">You'll be hooked.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwuP0RJhlnEvh5lHQ_fOnf8Uvnr-k8lQBTYhV2oFHQ7uIaZBkNqovbm409qacAy5_Quug6bdcKoDKAdQ6MzujfLpHK6rvRqGtNnqm9H80y7J55MIUT9veKm0iRb88Lb0qUYDfk_Xfh30/s1600/20130927_173712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwuP0RJhlnEvh5lHQ_fOnf8Uvnr-k8lQBTYhV2oFHQ7uIaZBkNqovbm409qacAy5_Quug6bdcKoDKAdQ6MzujfLpHK6rvRqGtNnqm9H80y7J55MIUT9veKm0iRb88Lb0qUYDfk_Xfh30/s640/20130927_173712.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0N-3zIdWGG8mCu0zUT4rVlTtQZZjB7XVV5Vdy6Xrv6oPtt7E1hCoEq3rfdp3oW80hpdRFzU8n-J-gPRZq30zUzJ26OEmwqJY5E5whqjGDvIRhBSLm7_AynHVdThrVVI1NcUl1BxjmCw/s1600/20130927_173731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0N-3zIdWGG8mCu0zUT4rVlTtQZZjB7XVV5Vdy6Xrv6oPtt7E1hCoEq3rfdp3oW80hpdRFzU8n-J-gPRZq30zUzJ26OEmwqJY5E5whqjGDvIRhBSLm7_AynHVdThrVVI1NcUl1BxjmCw/s640/20130927_173731.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNXl7tOJ7OfbcAjo-trT1_6aXQRCnAiDKMShsWq1GV51jei_KvRxUOS2Oj5xOq0Teb9y_U3jV3IwObJ7ecOxjHsVX1sOxFqWZ6KyVIRTr5AT664Iv0sTpfcRbMH5tvLIakQRToTPdDq8/s1600/20130927_173726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNXl7tOJ7OfbcAjo-trT1_6aXQRCnAiDKMShsWq1GV51jei_KvRxUOS2Oj5xOq0Teb9y_U3jV3IwObJ7ecOxjHsVX1sOxFqWZ6KyVIRTr5AT664Iv0sTpfcRbMH5tvLIakQRToTPdDq8/s640/20130927_173726.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-85240360282971584732013-09-23T18:08:00.001-04:002013-09-23T18:08:02.364-04:00What I've Learned From My Dog<p dir=ltr>We have only had Millie for four months, but she has taught me so much.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Millie is my first dog. I grew up with golden retrievers, but was never responsible for their daily care. I can't imagine this family without Millie. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Millie has showed me the importance of napping. Who doesn't benefit from a nap?</p>
<p dir=ltr>Fetch is ok, but playing with your toy without someone throwing it 20 feet away each time is better.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Surely there are all the lessons on unconditional love and forgiveness,  but the best lesson is: <b>You don't need to see where you are going to enjoy the ride.</b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMrsQZOy8bdIHwQ74kAnN5_92jiCrhYV8_2QMILebfjp0lQuOJQzTGSSp1ZOgwWjspk9ZBHymVSnK1VX9Ql8aK_4BX38cQ9XMIS3gIilGxdnjd9-iiIFcRISai0k0JE38qPoKxSicUGQ/s1600/20130922_180622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMrsQZOy8bdIHwQ74kAnN5_92jiCrhYV8_2QMILebfjp0lQuOJQzTGSSp1ZOgwWjspk9ZBHymVSnK1VX9Ql8aK_4BX38cQ9XMIS3gIilGxdnjd9-iiIFcRISai0k0JE38qPoKxSicUGQ/s640/20130922_180622.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-70677423806258839342013-09-21T11:14:00.001-04:002013-09-22T11:48:55.573-04:00This is Sunday<p dir="ltr">Wool and a dog that resembles a sheep.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Love.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX35zoVU7JqFr9e3JOisRH_zanI11bZkx7Mb1AgXSWog1FFyUWc_BdyTbOTwICHSOMDjgkcDpVodXoDUIgKTzPDth6CHITdmufwW1otvWzglhz0REwkP6ZKd1sGl3mioDVSeeQGkzOnaI/s1600/20130921_111244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX35zoVU7JqFr9e3JOisRH_zanI11bZkx7Mb1AgXSWog1FFyUWc_BdyTbOTwICHSOMDjgkcDpVodXoDUIgKTzPDth6CHITdmufwW1otvWzglhz0REwkP6ZKd1sGl3mioDVSeeQGkzOnaI/s640/20130921_111244.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-46196695317117862122013-09-21T08:25:00.001-04:002013-09-21T08:25:07.798-04:00The Rain<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LosNFVHEPuAlnEfmY0oZzt2tRNcOBam1rcSnNXUqrOPllsld2A9Yf8E9RE4sAfC3O-HbblyMfgU2qWH89NjwtnGCgslMPnn0Ley0xDnFn1VDHOdUwUdXtWFmWE7CyhxNtLgdY33FQjM/s640/blogger-image-1881974254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LosNFVHEPuAlnEfmY0oZzt2tRNcOBam1rcSnNXUqrOPllsld2A9Yf8E9RE4sAfC3O-HbblyMfgU2qWH89NjwtnGCgslMPnn0Ley0xDnFn1VDHOdUwUdXtWFmWE7CyhxNtLgdY33FQjM/s640/blogger-image-1881974254.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Forgive me readers, it's been much too long since my last post.<div><br></div><div>Our house phone rang at 3:24 am. The confusion turns to panic, then turns to aggravation when it's an unknown number and dead air.</div><div><br></div><div>I had really wanted to sleep in, but was restless since then.</div><div><br></div><div>The rain is falling. We have a part of our gutter that is bent and the water falls to the patio and creates a loud clapping sound. Yes, I am truly awake, now.</div><div><br></div><div>Boys are all asleep and I think how great life has become. It was hard a mere three years ago. The load has lightened, our moods are brighter. Our difficulties are different, but not worse.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Highlight the quiet, serene moments of life.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Even if they only last long enough to write one paragraph.</div><div><br></div><div>Pitter patter of little boy feet headed my way.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5040265842911934123.post-70455016582737353662013-09-21T08:12:00.001-04:002013-09-21T08:12:54.428-04:00Portable Strawberry Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NJU2H4MABA0zXjir-k28NLNPUppnARrktsrV-wgPKE06LJDg00c2gUCNHhEzwVm-TDVUSwKLpjceVCGlXvLqzeOugv4fbFHPbYraehu0xplyIJogQBsPAoz2xRV0iEz9vqOlx8wPewc/s640/blogger-image-1783121097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NJU2H4MABA0zXjir-k28NLNPUppnARrktsrV-wgPKE06LJDg00c2gUCNHhEzwVm-TDVUSwKLpjceVCGlXvLqzeOugv4fbFHPbYraehu0xplyIJogQBsPAoz2xRV0iEz9vqOlx8wPewc/s640/blogger-image-1783121097.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks to Pinterest, I finally tried the cheesecake strawberry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's dangerous people. Really dangerous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was short on time, so made a no bake cheesecake. It was soft and more pudding like than cheese like. One gal tried it, even though she hates cheesecake, she liked it. This would be easy to do with pudding that was thickened with gelatin or whipped cream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had extra cream after the initial batch and another eight for a neighbor. This is where it gets dangerous. All that precious cheesy cream filling in a big bag with a nice hole in the corner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Think Redi-whip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was that kind of dangerous.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13981518855662785278noreply@blogger.com1