Sunday 12.13.15

This Sunday morning we are in the Twelve Days before Christmas!  The time of the season for celebrations with family and friends, the decorations are hung, the cookies are made and the presents are wrapped.

I enjoy these twelve days prior to celebrating the birth of our Savior to reflect upon the hope for the New Year.  The decorating of an evergreen tree is symbolic for celebrating winter solstice.  The evergreen tree does not go into hibernation and symbolizes eternal life.

Take time to enjoy and reflect upon your individual family traditions and ensure the love of Jesus Christ is the center of your celebration.

                                                       Merry Christmas!!!

Sunday 11.22.15

in just four days, we all will begin our family traditions for celebrating Thanksgiving.  It is a time of inward reflection for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us over the past year.

My blessings-
My faith in God-for he is at the helm
My health-fourteen years cancer free
My family-including the addition of baby puppy Snickers and grand puppy Jules
My friends each one blessing my life with their personalities and love
My career-provides me with peace and security
My home - provides a place of tranquility and safety
My freedoms-that so many still serve to protect

Take a few moments to reflect over your own personal bounty!

Sunday 10.18.15

Blessings on everyone this crisp Autumn Sunday!  The air is a little "crisper" in the Midwest these days.  I was forced to bring inside my outdoor fern.

The excitement in these parts is the KC Royal standings in the ALCS!!  Baseball has been an American past time since the 18th century, as the game evokes nostalgia since many people played the sport growing up.  It is a lesser contact sport than football, and involves specific skill of hitting, throwing and catching the baseball.  Once has to think about the strategy of the play for placement of the ball to achieve an out of the opposing team. It's a fun spectator sport!

Enjoy your Sunday Fun day with your family and friends!!  I am headed out to a festival at a local vineyard with friends!

Sunday 10.11.15

Wishing autumn happiness to everyone on this second Sunday in October.  The air is crisper, the sky clearer and each colorful leaf is like a flower.  In our region of the country there are lots of fall festivals – Apple Fest, Cider Fest, Art Fair, Renaissance Fest, Pumpkin Fest, Barbeque Fest and Hot Air Balloon Fest!  And lots of activities at local wineries.  Be sure to enjoy the sights and smells of the season!  As for me, I am beginning my morning with pumpkin coffee with pumpkin cream and a pumpkin bagel while sitting on my patio.

Links I enjoy:

1.  How to Lose Weight Without Really Trying

2.  Decadent Pumpkin Recipes to Keep You Happy This Fall

3.  Jewelry That Sparkles

4.  Six Mars Water Products

5.  Awesome Apple Cider Cocktails for Autumn

 

Cooking with Quinoa

High in protein and fiber, quinoa [KEEN-wah] is versatile and has a nice crunch.  It is a rain grown primarily for its edible seeds.  It originated in the Andean region of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia.

The nutrient value is comparable to common cereal grains.  The seeds contain essential amino acids and acceptable quantities of calcium, phosphorus and iron.

Black Bean and Quinoa Salad:

12 oz can black bean, drained and rinsed   

Salt

1 C quinoa, rinsed                                            6 scallions thinly sliced

3T sherry vinegar                                             1 small red onion, finely diced

1T soy sauce                                                       1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced

1T fresh lime juice                                           1/4C chopped cilantro

1 chipotle in adobo, minced                        1/4C + 2T EV olive oil

1.  In medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2C of water and pinch of salt.  Bring to a boil.  Cover the saucepan and simmer the quinoa over lo heat until the water has been absorbed (about 15 minutes).

2.  In a large bowl, whisk the vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice and chipotle.  Add olive oil in a thin stream, whisking until blended.  Add the black beans, quinoa, scallions, red onion, yellow pepper and cilantro.  Season the salad with salt, toss to combine and serve.

Make Ahead

The black bean–and–quinoa salad can be refrigerated overnight.

 

Laughter

Laughter is wonderful and powerful.  It has the ability to change the atmosphere, bring people together and help us connect with others.  A good laugh or giggle with family and friends has health benefits.

You should laugh more because:

1.  It is a great cardio workout because it gets your heart pumping and exercises your face muscles.

2.  Laughing reduces blood pressure which reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

3.  Increases general sense of well-being and produces a general sense of contentment leading to a longer and enjoyable life.

4.  Laughter triggers the release of endorphins which reduce chronic pain and produce a feeling of wellness.

5.  Lowers stress hormone levels which decrease the anxiety you feel and results in a better performance of your immune system.

6.  Tones your abdomen by expanding and contracting muscles.

7.  Gives a boost to your T cells helping your body to battle sickness.

Isn’t it good to see the reasons that laughter is good for your soul?  Do you laugh enough?

Sunday 09.20.15

Happy Sunday!  Change is in the air!  The days are ending earlier, the summer heat is dying down and autumn season officially starts Wednesday, September 23rd.  The fall equinox is one of the two days out of the year that night and day are equal in length, which signifies that the balance between light and dark is shifting. 

As the weather cools and we move from shorts to sweaters, we should be mindful of this and take time to reflect on them.

Below are five ways to celebrate the equinox:

1.  Let Nature Inspire You
Bring nature into your home with fall decorations and sit outside reading or strolling through the leaves.

2.  Listen to Yourself
Understand what it is you need instinctively for yourself to prepare for the winter months.

3.  Reflect On Your Progress
The equinox is a perfect time for a progress check on your personal goal you have set for yourself earlier in the year.

4.  Make a Plan
Plan for the winter - decide now your holiday plans so that you are not caught up in the stress; plan your winter vacation.  Then come knee-deep in the snow you can refer back to your plan.

5.  Relax & Actually Look Forward to Winter
The harsh winter weather is a time of socializing, relaxing and making things.  You can have a more balanced life by taking time to rest and play.

Happy Autumn!

EUA

Oh the pain of dating someone who is emotionally unavailable.  They are evasive, make excuses, or are just plain inept when it comes to talking about feelings or the relationship.  The confusing part of being attracted to unavailable, commitment-phobic people is that the emotional or sexual chemistry can feel so strong that you accept behavior you would never tolerate in friends.  The person can be charming, thoughtful and caring…yet seems more than a little emotionally unavailable.

Here are 6 signs of the emotionally unavailable:

1.       EXCUSES, EXCUSES

 A solid sign that the person you are dating is emotionally unavailable is having an excuse for everything.  There is always an explanation for not doing something that could even be remotely considered intimate, as in adding you as a friend on Facebook.

2.       Where For Art Thou Boy/Girl Friend?

 Another sign that the person you are dating is unavailable is their lack of availability – text you  instead of calling, calls and never leaves a voicemail, or disappears for days or weeks with no excuse other than they were “busy” to explain away the Houdini act.  You should take this as a huge red flag!

3.       Person of Mystery

Have you been dating for a few months and STILL don’t know many intimate details of their life?  This means that they have no interest in being close to you.  If this sounds all too familiar, run don’t walk to the nearest exit.

4.       ME, ME, ME

When you manage to be with your date – is it always on their terms and is it usually to serve their basic primal needs.  Are you given just enough to make sure that you can be called up and ordered like take-out Thai food.  If the other person sets the tone and pace of the relationship then you are dating someone who isn’t there emotionally. They are the driver and you are the passenger.  Find a different mode of emotional transportation.

5.       They are weird about you staying over

Whenever you hang out, is it always at your house?  Mine brought his overnight necessities and then at the last minute remembered he forgot his sleeping medicine….This is an indication that they can leave whenever they want – talk about emotionally unavailable. 

6.       What Friends?

Finally you have caught on after months of dating that you are NOT going to meet his friends, nor is he going to meet your friends.  Mine told me he had better things to do than to hang out with me and my friends.  WOW – now that is unavailability at its finest.

Often people who find themselves caught up in a relationship with an emotionally unavailable person have low self-esteem, believing that they are not deserving of someone who is emotionally vested in the relationship.  Don’t be willing to ‘settle’ when you are dating, but be firm in your values and needs.  Remember that you teach others what is acceptable behavior for them to be honored with your presence and essence.

 

 

Sunday 09.13.15

The weather has been cooler and crisper in my region.  The sure sign that fall is fast approaching.  That means weekends of attending fall festivals, wineries, football games and bon fires!  Hope you are having a relaxing and fun day Sunday!

Links I enjoy:

The Seven Qualities of a Good Friend

Foods Proven to Make You Happy

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You

How to Reuse Your Summer Clothing during Fall

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Brew Cooking

Cool and crisp fall weather lends to cooking more soups, stews and baking.  Cooking with beer adds a rich earthy flavor to soups and stews that makes them taste like they have been simmering for hours.  Beers with a sweet or nutty flavor can add depth to desserts. Don't be concerned about getting drunk - virtually all of the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process!

Which beer to use in cooking?

• For long, slow cooking use dark, malty beers
• For quick cooked pan sauce use mild-flavored light beers
• For baking try lighter styles of white or wheat beer to avoid a bitter taste
• For uncooked marinades and salad dressings use hop beers - IPA for fullness of flavor

Measuring beer to minimize froth:

1. To reduce amount of foam, open the bottle of beer earlier than needed
2. Tilt a liquid measuring cup while pouring the beer slowly down the side
3. If beer will be used for cooking, re-cap an open bottle, refrigerate overnight and use next day

Some great recipes using beer:

• Beer braised short ribs
• Beer-cheese biscuits
• Skillet-roasted chicken in beer
• Slow cooker chili with beer
• Cran-beery relish
• Chocolate Stout floats

Sunday 09.06.15

Labor Day Weekend - the indicator of the close of summer and cooler weather ahead.  My weekend has been low key and doing activities I enjoy- watching movies, going through fall decorations, hanging out at the pool with friends and listening to music at an outdoor concert.

Hope you all have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend!

Links I like:

Easy Cold Brewed Coffee

The Secrets to Strengthening Your Nails

Chipotle Bloody Mary

Develop Your Personal Mission Statement

Grilled Parmesan Potatoes and Carrots

Sunday 08.30.15

It’s hard to believe that it is the last Sunday in the month of August!!!  Summer is quickly coming to an end.  I hope you have enjoyed the warmer weather and time spent with family and friends.  My summer was filled with helping my daughter move to Virginia to step into a new chapter of her life.  She is an amazing young woman with an open heart to life and love.  It’s never easy to boldly walk through new doors.  It does make it easier to be surrounded by beaches and the love of her life.

I have also had the privilege to spend time with family and friends, going to country music concerts, walking on nature trails, sitting around the pool, buying fresh produce at farmers' market, watching a NASCAR race, watching Major/Minor league baseball, fireworks at the lake, eating dinner on a patio and attending my 45^th High School Reunion!  It’s been a fun and enjoyable season of my life.

Links I enjoy:

How to be 10 times prettier with coconut oil

How to maintain a white and healthy smile

17 Refreshing Beer Cocktails you need in your life

Makeup Eraser

Microfiber cloths - Norwex

 

 

Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber

This past weekend a good friend and I made a day trip to Powell Gardens in Bates City, Missouri.  It was a gorgeous pre-fall outing, walking trails and viewing nature.  We had lunch at the Thyme Café and were served Mexican Sour Gherkin cucumbers as a garnish to the turkey wraps. 

We found them to be quite interesting – they are a cucumber-like fruit with a touch of lemon and shaped like a baby watermelon.  They are good added to salads or can be pickled.  The ornamental vines have tiny leaves and flowers, which are perfect for the cottage garden.   

Pickled Mexican Gherkins

Combine 1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons Kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Add 1 serrano chile pepper (halved), 1 garlic head (halved crosswise), 2 whole cloves, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns. Remove from the heat and steep until the liquid is warm–not hot. Add 1 cup gherkins, cool completely, and chill. Keep them jarred in the fridge–they will stay good for 2-3 weeks.

 

Sunday 08.09.15

Hope you are ‘driving slowly this Sunday morning’.  I am drinking in another cup of coffee while reflecting upon last evening with friends, reminiscing of days gone by.  I attended my 45^th high school reunion.  It was a fun evening and truly hard to believe the years have slipped away ever so quickly.

I have also been reflecting upon my current relationship – we survived a year with lots of ups and downs.  We each have lived a life and know it’s not easy to meld those lives together.  There is comfort in knowing that we have one another in a caring relationship.  We are aware of our personalities and seek acceptance from one another, not change.

Enjoy and appreciate your loved ones – daily!

Links I love:

Outdoor cinemas to spend your summer evening

Tough Workouts That’ll Give You Amazing Results within 2 Weeks

5 Ways To Create Small Space Dining Areas

Watermelon salsa

 

 

Sunday 08.02.15

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday - a day of rest and renewal.  I am spending the day with my dear friend Susie, soaking up the sun while swimming at the pool.  Our paths originally crossed at work while being cube mates. 

Her humor and positive attitude was dimmed a year ago when she had a life changing event - the sudden loss of her husband.  I on the other hand, find myself an empty nester as my daughter has spread her wings to soar into the next chapter of her life.  Not losses on the same plane, but I am hopeful that we can encourage one another to bridge over into our new lives.  When woman experiences a shift in her role, it takes some adjusting whether it is planned or unplanned.

We know that these events have been experienced by others, both before and after us.  We have to hold onto hope in our lives as we wait patiently for our lives to take on new direction and purpose.

Enjoy that second cup of coffee as listen and watch the day unfold!

Links I Like:

The best natural appetite suppressants
Road trip essentials for your car
45 Life Lessons
Steps to a better you
If you love Etsy then you'll love these sites

Pass the Cheese Please

Cheese is a food derived from milk of various mammals – cows, sheep, goats and buffalo, that is produced in a wide variety of flavors, textures and forms.  Cheese making may have begun by pressing and salting of curdled milk in order to better preserve it.  Cheese produced in the cooler climates of Europe required less salt for preservation.  With less salt and acidity, cheese then became an environment for aging and interesting flavors.

Some popular cheeses and uses:

Mozzarella – pizza, lasagna

Cheddar – hamburgers

Parmesan – prepared pasta entrees or with sliced apples and pears

Monterey Jack – dips, casseroles, fish and chicken entrees

Swiss – hamburgers/sandwiches

Provolone – omelets, pizza, fondue, appetizers

Feta – Greek cuisine/salads

Gouda – pasta, soups, appetizers

Asiago – pasta, rice, soup, appetizers

Sunday 07.05.15

Hope everyone had a safe and restful holiday celebration!  I spent the weekend with my daughter, her boyfriend and his awesome extended family at a nearby lake.  It was relaxing and fun to be on the water.  It was a last hoorah with my daughter before she heads off to Virginia to write a new chapter in her life.

Some summertime fun:
Swimming
Canoeing
Camping
Miniature golf
Outdoor concerts
Outdoor movies
Picnics
And laying in a hammock reading

Enjoy your family!!

Sunday 06.28.15

Hoping you are having a relaxing Sunday with your family and friends.  I am spending the day with my sweet daughter - getting a pedicure together and going to our favorite outlet mall.  In two weeks she will be starting a new chapter in her life in Virginia!!  I am so very happy for her and thankful for the blessing of her in my life..

Some interesting links I like:

How to control your skin naturally

Calm your nerves instantly

Create a moody, cozy interior

How to travel on a budget

Sunday 06.21.15

Today is Father’s Day, the day proclaimed to honor the men in our lives.  I am a firm believer that we should honor one another daily, for the spiritual, emotional and physical influential roles that key male figures have played in our lives.

I am thankful for my father, grandfathers, brother, uncles, nephews, cousins, husbands and male friends that have had a direct or indirect affect upon my spiritual and core values.  They have all helped to set my life compass.  While we may not have always seen things in the same light, I was aware of an abiding love for my individuality, even though they found that frustrating at times.  I’ve never been afraid to stand for what I believed.

Because of the men in my life, I have a deep faith that has sustained me on this journey.  I know the value of helping others and how it is returned three fold.  I have a strong work ethic and take pride in my accomplishments.  I give myself permission to make mistakes and know it is not the worst that could happen.  I know how to laugh and enjoy playful times.  I hope you take pause today to reflect on the male influences in your life, whether positive or negative, it still has an affect upon you and influencing your authentic self. 

                         Happy Father’s Day to all of the men that have wondered into my life!!!

 

Sunday 06.14.15

Today is Flag Day - a day to observe and display our national flag. Below are some interesting web sites containing history surrounding the "Grand Old Flag":


Flag Timeline

National Flag Day Organization

Flag Day Quotes

Flag Day Activities

Flag Day Food Ideas

Unhappy Flag Day


Enjoy your Sunday with your family and friends, while proudly displaying the flag of the USA!

Aging and The Mind

I recently watched the movie Still Alice with my beautiful young adult daughter.  The movie is based on a novel by Lisa Genova. The main character Alice Howland, is happily married with three grown children and a renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. When she receives a diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease, Alice and her family find their bonds thoroughly tested. Her struggle to stay connected to who she once was is frightening, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

Being in the third stage of my own life journey and having parents in their mid-eighties, this movie resonated with me.  This woman had a life style that would seem to ward off the disease - exercise, diet, mind games and challenging work.  What she couldn't prevent was genetics, which unfortunately neither could her children.

In the aging process people face developmental challenges with emotional consequences such as retirement, loss of status, reduced physical and mental abilities, loss of family and friends, and the inevitability of death.  It is important to recognize and discuss these challenge with family and friends so that proper diagnosis and medical treatment is received.  Otherwise depression, anxiety, diabetes and heart disease can complicate the mental challenges.

As older adults we need to be advocates for our health and well being and not ignore the signs of impending symptoms.  Often times a word or person's name cannot be immediately recalled due to fatigue and dehydration, however when this happens more frequently, it might be time to take more aggressive action.

Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.  James 4:14

Sunday 06.07.15

I enjoy reading during the summer for both pleasure and knowledge.  So whether you are on the beach, poolside, lake, hammock, patio either soaking up rays or dodging storm clouds, below are some great summer reads:

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer, involves the reader in a liberating process from life's drama to soar beyond your limitations and discover inner peace and serenity.

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins, is an emotionally immersive Hitchcockian thriller about a female riding the same morning commuter train every day who becomes entwined in the lives of a couple she sees daily and witnesses something shocking.

What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey, a compilation of Oprah's column of the past fourteen years based upon a question to her by Gene Siskel that caused her to take stock of her life.

Shark Tales: How I turned $1,000 Into A Billion Dollar Business by Barbara Corcoran, best advice for anyone starting a business that provides unconventional lessons learned from Barbara's homemaker mom that inspired her to gradually create a $6M company.

The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon, an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment - at work and at home.

Pilgrims by Elizabeth Gilbert, short stories that explore the revelations of diverse and memorable characters, each pursuing a singular American pilgrimage.

Enjoy a restful and relaxing Sunday!

.

Onion Revealed

Onions may make you cry, but their flavor is enjoyed by people around the world.  Below is the pick of the crop:

Yellow - also called globe or cooking onion are the most common.  Ideal for soups, stews, sauces and caramelizing.

Spanish - milder than the yellow and can be eaten raw in salads and sandwiches.

Red - have a cleaner, sweeter flavor and are delicious in salads and on the grill.

White - mild flavored yet become stronger the longer stored, great in Mexican dishes.

Sweet - large specialty onion with names like Vidalia, Walla Walla and Maui.  Only available for a few weeks in spring and summer and don't keep well.

Green - also known as scallions, have tender white bulb and green tops and can be eaten raw or used in dishes for garnish.

Pearl - sweet, mild flavor available in white, red or gold best when creamed or pickled.

Shallots - mild onion that when peeled separates into cloves like garlic and the smaller the milder the taste, used in sauces or custards.

Sunday Morning Coffee 05.31.15

It's hard to believe that it is the last day of May and Summer Solstice is only a mere 21 days away.  As you spend your weekend with family and friends renewing you spirit, pause and reflect on those spending the weekend trying to put their lives back together after the devastation of flooding across our beautiful country and give thanks that our forefathers modeled self preservation.

Links I like:

Watermelon Salad

My favorite facial hydrator

Delicious summer beverages

Best summer vacations

Fun summer tennis shoes

Cilantro

Cilantro, or Mexican coriander, is an herb with wide delicate lacy green leaves and a pungent flavor.   The herb is available year-round.  It is very low in calories and contains no cholesterol.  Its deep-green leaves possess good amounts of antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins and dietary fiber that help in reducing LDL and rising HDL. 

All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and dried seeds are commonly used in cooking.  Look for a bunch with unwilted leaves in medium green.  Store in refrigerator with cut ends in a jar of water and leaves loosely covered with a plastic bag for several days.  When preparing, wash and pat dry the leaves before using. Use in avocado, chicken, fish, lamb, lentils, mayonnaise, peppers, pork, rice, salads and salsas.

Cilantro Lime Rice

2C water
1T butter
1C long-grain white rice
1tsp lime zest
2T fresh lime juice
1/2C chopped cilantro

Bring water to a boil, stir the butter and rice into the water.  Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.  Stir the lime zest, lime juice and cilantro into the cooked rice just before serving.

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 05.24.15

This Memorial Day weekend celebration began with my daughter and I watching the movie "American Sniper".  The men and women serving our country make extreme sacrifices both mentally and physically.  Their families are torn between loving them from a distance and sharing them with the world to avenge and protect.  It was a very chilling and touching movie that this man sacrificed and endured so much globally only to be killed on American soil by one of his own.

In your celebrations this weekend, please take time to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our wonderful freedoms.

Some items of interest on the internet:

What’s your real age?

Learn DIY Nail Art Designs

Seven ways to outsmart your allergies

 

Motherhood Reflections

On this special Sunday in May, I am turning my attention to my experiences of motherhood.  From the moment of realization that you are ‘with child’, until you draw your final breath – a woman is forever a mother.  Motherhood is defined as the experience of having and raising a child.  

Motherhood includes feeling a kaleidoscope of emotions simultaneously – fear, joy, worry, angst, pride.  It can also include being an advocate and a revolutionary who empowers her children to engage in society in a meaningful, fun and vibrant way.  Motherhood also means always giving up the biggest piece of cake and the last Popsicle.

Motherhood is leading by example when it comes to telling right from wrong and showing your kids which battles are worth fighting.  It’s encouraging your children to learn new things and to give their best effort to accomplishing a task.  And when the time comes, motherhood is letting go of the reins to see where the children go on their own.

Motherhood is the realization that our children make us laugh, bring out the teacher in us, and each child is a complete individual with a unique personality, outlook, potential, talent.  I choose to spend time in the presence of my daughter because she is someone whom I love, respect, admire and laugh with – she has such an infectious laugh!

I am forever grateful that God bestowed upon me the desire of my heart to be a mother.  The rewards have by and large outweighed the challenges!   

As the quote from Elizabeth Stone goes, having a child “is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”

As Bill Murray’s character in Lost in Translation observes, “They learn how to walk and they learn how to talk… and you want to be with them. And they turn out to be the most delightful people you will ever meet in your life.”

Sunday Morning Coffee 05.03.15

This weekend I spent time with my beautiful daughter planting and adding flowers and plants to our patio area.  We even planted herbs and a succulent for her to take with her when she embarks on a new and exciting venture in her life!

May is a busy month for my family - Mother's Day, my fathers 85th birthday and my parents 67th wedding anniversary!  We are planning a family celebration over Memorial Day weekend.  That should be fun!!

Hope you are enjoying this first weekend in May! 

Some of my favorite links this week:

Mother's Day Brunch recipes

Beauty apps must haves

Seven talks to have with the man you love

Water the elixir of life

Happy May Day

April showers bring May flowers.  The ritual of hanging May Day baskets on the doorknobs of neighbors and friends has a long history, stemming from the European pagan festival of spring. A May Day basket contains almost anything, by way of small presents you have in mind to put in it, together with your respects, best wishes — love, perhaps. It is hung after dark at the door of anybody the hanger fancies.

Another tradition is the tall wooden pole and its dance – Dance of the Maypole.  The Maypoles are a part of the general rejoicing at the return of summer and the growth of new vegetation.

May Day marks the halfway point between the first day of spring and the summer solstice.  On this first day of May – rejoice and relish in the decoration of the earth with flowers, trees, grasses and sunshine.  Bestow this decoration to those you in your life that have a special place in your heart.

“Sweet May hath come to love us, Flowers, trees, their blossoms don; And through the blue heavens above us The very clouds move on.” -- Heinrich Heine

Sunday Morning Coffee 04.26.15

How are you planning to spend your relaxing Sunday?  My plans include touring our new Whole Foods Market store - which includes a taproom, donut cart, fresh juice bar and weekly deals & steals!!  It should be a fun exploring time given it is an overcast day where I live.

Links I've enjoyed this week:

7 Ways to Eat and Drink Turmeric

Non-words that should exist in English language

Rose gold hair color tutorial

7 Most Self Deprecating Phrases


Enjoy the beginning of a new week!!  Get ready to welcome the month of May!

 

Okie Dokie Artichokie

The globe artichoke is a species of thistle cultivated as food and is native to the Mediterranean area.  There are early records of artichoke use as a food among the ancient Greeks and Romans.  The budding artichoke flower-head is a cluster of many budding small flowers on an edible base. 
In purchasing a fresh artichoke (December-February), choose one that feels firm and heavy with a healthy green color, compact center leaves and a look of freshness.  Wash thoroughly and slightly slice off the top, trim the stem but keep intact and snip off the thistles.  Gently open the petals slightly to allow spices and seasoning.   The artichoke can be baked, roasted or boiled.
The heart of the artichokes can be cooked and eaten, or used in herbal teas and liqueur. The total antioxidant capacity of the artichoke flower head is one of the highest among vegetables.  Studies have shown it aids in digestion, liver and gallbladder function and raises the ration of HDL to LDL.

Artichoke Dip

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped

1 C Kraft Real Mayo

1 C Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 clove garlic, minced

Heat oven to 350 F.  Mix ingredients until blended. 

Spread onto bottom of 9 inch pie plate. 

 

Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve with pita bread triangles or your favorite crackers.

It’s Time For Digital Spring Cleaning

It doesn’t take long for apps to collect on a tablet, emails to pile up in an inbox and data to be a drain on a smartphone.

So while you’re scrubbing the floors and organizing your closets, why not take some time to tidy up your digital environment?  Here’s a checklist to get you started:

·         Update your passwords.  Many of us use the same one for multiple sites.  Instead use different passwords for your critical accounts and remember to change them frequently. 

·         Cut digital clutter.  Unsubscribe from e-newsletters, daily deals and other emails you don’t read.  And delete apps that haven’t been used in a while and may be siphoning more than just space.

·         Clean up contact lists.  Look through the contact lists on your phone and e-mail accounts.  Delete the ones you never contact and update out-of-date information.

·         Sell or recycle unwanted gadgets.  Make some cash out of unused gear by selling it, donating it or recycling it.  If you’re going to sell an old computer, be sure to back up all your files and wipe the hard drive.

·         Delete old and unused files.  Go through all those folders on your computer and delete anything that’s no longer of use.  This will clear up memory on your machine so you can now save new data.  To get rid of what you’ve deleted for good, use a hard-drive wiping program

·         Clean and organize.  Don’t neglect your computer, keyboard, monitor and cabling.  Spring is a natural time to wipe down devices, blow crumbs from the keyboard and use bread ties or Zipties to tidy up loose wires and cabling.

Easter Eggs

Easter Egg

Easter eggs, or Paschal eggs, are decorated eggs given to celebrate Easter or springtime.  The oldest tradition was to dye or paint chicken eggs, however the modern day tradition is to give chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with various sweet.  Eggs are a traditional symbol of fertility and rebirth.  They are a Christian symbol of the tomb of Jesus who rose from the grave. 

The Christian custom of the Easter egg can be traced to the early Christians of Mesopotamia who stained eggs red in memory of the blood of Christ.  The shell of the egg appears to be like the stone of a tomb, and a bird hatches from it with life which symbolizes the eternal life of Jesus.

There are many natural ways to color eggs by using various plants:

·         Brown: onion peels

·         Black: oak bark or the nutshell of walnut

·         Golden: the bark of apple tree or marigold flower

·         Violet: petals of the mallow flower

·         Green: leaves of periwinkle

·         Pink: beet juice

Games to play with Easter eggs:

•       Egg hunt
•       Egg tapping (much like marbles)
•       Egg rolling
•       Egg dance

Happy Easter To a Good Egg!