This product is right up there with duct tape and super glue in its usefulness in the house and yard. Oddly enough, I couldn't find a compilation anywhere, of all the useful things you can do with it. So, in the spirit of "Inspiring Serendipity", I've started a list of the way our family uses Velcro® Brand ONEWRAP, QWIKTIE, and Bundle Tie straps around our house and yard.
Product information for the various types of these straps available are available from the corporate site:
http://www.velcro.com/Products/Ties-and-Straps.aspx
You can purchase these straps at many stores, including Home Depot, Staples, JoAnn Fabrics, and Lowes. Send me a message if you're having trouble locating some, and I'll point you to a few on line sources as well.
I'll add photos, and more ideas, as I can. For those of you on a tighter than tight budget, simply re-use the printed bundle tie wraps from your lettuce and other vegetables - they last quite a while!
Do you have another use of this great product that's not listed? Add a comment - include a picture, if you can - let's see how far this goes!
#1 - Cable Management -Ethernest cords
#2 - Cord Control - Stereo equipment
#3 - Pant leg control for bicyclers
#4 - Teething ring keeper
#5 - Herb drying tie
#6 - Cat proof cabinet lock
#7 - Christmas tree light storage
#8 - Emergency car repair
#9 - Securing wires on trailer hitch
#10 - Keep a roll in the car to "tie down things"
#11 - Keep lock pin close by to where it will be needed again
#12 - Cord Control -Travel Electronics
#13 - Drape tie back
#14 - Cord control - Ironing
#15 - Cord control - Desktop electronics
#16 - Camping - suspend a lantern
#17 - Camping - tent pole management
#18 - Bike carriers - help secure bike to rack for less vibration
#18 - Plant management - Tomatoes
#19 - Plant management - Grapes
#20 - lettuce / romaine wrap
#21 - Biking - attaching grocery bag to bike
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Tomato Pie
Fellow foodee Dayle inspired tonight's dinner main course, Tomato Pie. Her version sounded delectable, and involved mixing some mayonaise and cheese to coat the top of the pie. I may try that version soon, as the tomatoes are starting to ripen in the garden. Today, I was in the mood for a slightly more quiche-like version:
Wildwoods Tomato Pie
Start with a large deep dish pizza pan or oversized pie plate, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Make up a pie crust, to your preference. For my recipe, I mixed in my mixing bowl:
2 cups of flour,
1 teaspoon salt,
1 teaspoon garlic powder,
Once this was mixed, I cut in
1/4 cup of margarine
and finally, mixed in about
1/4 cup of water, until I had a nice dough.
In my deep dish enameled pie pan, I started with a smear of olive oil, then patted the dough onto the pan directly. I used a small round glass to help roll it out so that the bottom of the pan was uniformly coated with the dough, and some of the dough I hand pressed onto the side edges.
I baked the crust for about 10 minutes, then removed from the oven.
Still hot, I coated the bottom with
pesto sauce, and a
sprinkling of cheese (I used cheddar)
and baked another 5-10 minutes, so that the cheese melted, creating a protective layer for the crust.
To this yummy crust, I stacked up
sliced tomatoes,
fresh spinach,
garlic,
a few dollops of pesto, and
more cheese.
In a small mixing bowl, I beat
1/2 cup heavy cream, with
4 eggs
.and poured over the whole pie.
Final back took about 1/2 hour. I let the pie set for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
It's a double win....was an excellent main entree, and there was enough to pack for lunches too!
Wildwoods Tomato Pie
Start with a large deep dish pizza pan or oversized pie plate, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Make up a pie crust, to your preference. For my recipe, I mixed in my mixing bowl:2 cups of flour,
1 teaspoon salt,
1 teaspoon garlic powder,
Once this was mixed, I cut in
1/4 cup of margarine
and finally, mixed in about
1/4 cup of water, until I had a nice dough.
In my deep dish enameled pie pan, I started with a smear of olive oil, then patted the dough onto the pan directly. I used a small round glass to help roll it out so that the bottom of the pan was uniformly coated with the dough, and some of the dough I hand pressed onto the side edges.
I baked the crust for about 10 minutes, then removed from the oven.
Still hot, I coated the bottom with
pesto sauce, and a
sprinkling of cheese (I used cheddar)
and baked another 5-10 minutes, so that the cheese melted, creating a protective layer for the crust.
To this yummy crust, I stacked up
sliced tomatoes,
fresh spinach,
garlic,
a few dollops of pesto, and
more cheese.
In a small mixing bowl, I beat
1/2 cup heavy cream, with
4 eggs
.and poured over the whole pie.
Final back took about 1/2 hour. I let the pie set for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
It's a double win....was an excellent main entree, and there was enough to pack for lunches too!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Blueberry Buckle
What's a buckle?
That's what she asked me, after we had been discussing what to do with the bucket of blueberries we were gradually filling. I realized I could not answer. All I remembered was that she had made a "buckle" with her 4-H leader a few years back...ok, so now that I think about it....had to be about 10 years ago. yikes.So once we got home, I searched through about 10 different cookbooks, coming up with a wide variety of fruit concoctions, including crumbes and crumbles, crunches, puddings, pies, cakes, and even something called a grunt...but not a single recipe described as a "buckle". The closest I found to what I recalled as the recipe, was from an old church fundraiser cookbook, The Village cookbook, that I had picked up from a yard sale somewhere, from "Ida Prince". I decided to use her recipe as my base.
Still struggling to recall how I got "buckle" in my vocabulary, it was off to the trusty Internet, where I found that Alton Brown understands me just fine. His Blueberry Buckle is nearly identical to Ms. Prince's "Blueberry Teacake".
Many thanks to both Ida and Alton for providing the inspiration for today's yummy treat. We enourage you to do your own investigation to find out "Watts a buckle?".
Watts a buckle?
Ingredients
1/2 cup margarine (cut in half)3/4 cup sugar (and 1/2 cup for topping)
1 egg
2 cups flour (and 1/4 cup for topping
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon for topping)
1 teaspoon coriander (1/4 teaspoon for topping)
1/2 cup milk
3 cups blueberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In large mixing bowl combine margarine and sugar. While you have the margarine in your hand, grease your 9x12" pan, then cut the remainder of the stick of margarine into cubes and place in smaller mixing bowl. Measure 1/2 sugar into that smaller bowl. Cream margarine and sugar. Add egg and beat until smooth. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl, adding the smaller quantities to the smaller topping bowl.
Add milk and dry ingredients to mix and beat until smooth. Remove mixer, fold in blueberries, and spread in your prepared pan.
Small bowl should now contain the cut up margarine, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and coriander. Use a pastry blender or fork and knife to cut the butter into the dryer ingredients. Sprinkle the resulting crumbly mix onto the top of your other mix.
Bake for 40 minutes. Allow buckle to stand and rest for 10 minutes, then cut and serve.
Great warm out of the oven, but also good the next day.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Henna tattoos
We discovered the joys of sharing henna tattoos, with the Eastern Naturist Gathering. As it was our first time offering our henna application to our fellow campers, we soon found ourselves with an excess of leftover henna. Before too long, we were piping the green goo in larger designs over entire backs.
I found this art form to be very peaceful, and fun. It became an excellent icebreaker, and we enjoyed getting to know people a little better as they requested specific icons or designs, some of them strategically placed over scars, either to obscure or commemorate.
My favorite experiment of the weekend was a requested "Green Man". Given plenty of time to "play" with teh design, and apply several layers with a paint brush, the results were very much appreciated:
Friday, April 6, 2012
Zentangle Easter Eggs
Zentangled Easter Eggs.
Krystin and I had a 20 minute holiday moment this morning....I went with various colors and designs, while she tackled a more geometric approach. Fun!
Krystin and I had a 20 minute holiday moment this morning....I went with various colors and designs, while she tackled a more geometric approach. Fun!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Garlic and Olive Oil
In our house, the sure fire way to bring folks into the kitchen looking for food and companionship, is to get some aromatics going on the stove.
Perhaps the most efficient at getting the job done is simply olive oil and garlic. Works like a charm, every time.
This year, I've come to realize that this same dynamic duo can turn a dreaded vegetable into a scrumptious treat.
The first recipe we learned to love was "Cauliflower Steaks", which has evolved into slices of cauliflower, roasted in the oven on our pizza pan, drizzled with olive oil, garlic, salt, and parmesan cheese.
After a little convincing from a friend, last night we tried the same technique with brussel sprouts. Wow, what a transformation. We'll be eating those again real soon!
Since our recent health and fitness class recommended vegetables, and suggested cauliflower and brussel sprouts as especially potent in nutrients and phytochemicals, I'm always game for new ways to eat these formerly shunned veggies!
Perhaps the most efficient at getting the job done is simply olive oil and garlic. Works like a charm, every time.
This year, I've come to realize that this same dynamic duo can turn a dreaded vegetable into a scrumptious treat.
The first recipe we learned to love was "Cauliflower Steaks", which has evolved into slices of cauliflower, roasted in the oven on our pizza pan, drizzled with olive oil, garlic, salt, and parmesan cheese.
After a little convincing from a friend, last night we tried the same technique with brussel sprouts. Wow, what a transformation. We'll be eating those again real soon!
Since our recent health and fitness class recommended vegetables, and suggested cauliflower and brussel sprouts as especially potent in nutrients and phytochemicals, I'm always game for new ways to eat these formerly shunned veggies!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Follow your Dream
Take one step at a time and don't settle for less,
Just continue to climb.
Follow your dream.
If you stumble, don't stop and lose sight of your goal
Press to the top.
For only on top can we see the whole view,
Can we see what we've done and what we can do;
Can we then have the vision to seek something new,
Press on.
Follow your dream.
~ Amanda Bradley
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Waffles, Gluten Free
Gluten Free Waffles:
Dry mix: (I recommend mixing up 2 or three of these to save time and effort later - dry mix fits in a pint size jar)
1/2 cup Sorghum flour
1/2 cup Potato starch
1/2 cup White rice flour
1/2 teaspoon xanthum gum
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
3 Tablespoons sugar
3 eggs
1-1/4 cup milk
5 T oil
fruit [optional]
Start waffle iron heating. Separate the 3 eggs, putting yolk into a two cup measure, and the whites into a mixing bowl. Whip the whites. In another mixing bowl, stir the dry mix ingredients together.
In the two cup measure, add the oil to the eggs. Pour milk nearly to the two cup mark. Holding two cup measure over the dry mix, whisk the wet mix, then combine with the dry mix. Add fruit if desired.
Fold in the egg whites.
Cook in preheated waffle iron.
Dry mix: (I recommend mixing up 2 or three of these to save time and effort later - dry mix fits in a pint size jar)
1/2 cup Sorghum flour
1/2 cup Potato starch
1/2 cup White rice flour
1/2 teaspoon xanthum gum
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
3 Tablespoons sugar
3 eggs
1-1/4 cup milk
5 T oil
fruit [optional]
Start waffle iron heating. Separate the 3 eggs, putting yolk into a two cup measure, and the whites into a mixing bowl. Whip the whites. In another mixing bowl, stir the dry mix ingredients together.
In the two cup measure, add the oil to the eggs. Pour milk nearly to the two cup mark. Holding two cup measure over the dry mix, whisk the wet mix, then combine with the dry mix. Add fruit if desired.
Fold in the egg whites.
Cook in preheated waffle iron.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Move it!
I've fallen behind on my blogging - in part because I've invested a little more time in myself. It's important to take care of your own health and happiness - or soon enough you won't have the energy to assist and inspire others.
A few years ago, my health was declining, and I was finding myself in rather dark and dreary moods all too frequently. As most people can, I could point to several contributing factors - some family related, some work related, but the long and the short of it, was I was hitting near bottom on my personal energy supply. With my trusted doctor, I explained my concerns, and this sage woman offered me some of the best advice anyone has ever given me.
Get up and Move.
She pointed out that much of my situation was indeed due to various stresses, and that taken individually, all of them would eventually resolves themselves. However, the one thing that I did have control of was my personal health and fitness. Never one to love exercize, my normal day had grown more and more sedentary. She advised me to take note of my moods, and whenever I felt blue, I should simply get up, take a walk, dance, or find some other physical activity that would literally get the juices flowing a bit faster. She did not prescribe a specific schedule, or set of exercizes - simply find something you like to do, and DO IT..
For the past few weeks, Dan and I have attended a series of healthy living classes called "Move it and Lose it"...which have reminded me of that talk with my doc so many years ago. All of the insurance and fitness advice we are getting now agree - 150 minutes of cardio-activity per week is all you need to ward off a wide array of physical issues. Simply move it.
If you are feeling down - or simply feel the need to wallow in your grief or grey mood, I recommend that you do so - while taking a walk. Acknowledge your feelings - but don't let them take over your health, as well as your emotions. Find 20 minutes here and there that you can reserve for you, and repeat as often as you can...that 150 adds up very quickly with a regular daily habit or two.
A few years ago, my health was declining, and I was finding myself in rather dark and dreary moods all too frequently. As most people can, I could point to several contributing factors - some family related, some work related, but the long and the short of it, was I was hitting near bottom on my personal energy supply. With my trusted doctor, I explained my concerns, and this sage woman offered me some of the best advice anyone has ever given me.
Get up and Move.
She pointed out that much of my situation was indeed due to various stresses, and that taken individually, all of them would eventually resolves themselves. However, the one thing that I did have control of was my personal health and fitness. Never one to love exercize, my normal day had grown more and more sedentary. She advised me to take note of my moods, and whenever I felt blue, I should simply get up, take a walk, dance, or find some other physical activity that would literally get the juices flowing a bit faster. She did not prescribe a specific schedule, or set of exercizes - simply find something you like to do, and DO IT..
For the past few weeks, Dan and I have attended a series of healthy living classes called "Move it and Lose it"...which have reminded me of that talk with my doc so many years ago. All of the insurance and fitness advice we are getting now agree - 150 minutes of cardio-activity per week is all you need to ward off a wide array of physical issues. Simply move it.
If you are feeling down - or simply feel the need to wallow in your grief or grey mood, I recommend that you do so - while taking a walk. Acknowledge your feelings - but don't let them take over your health, as well as your emotions. Find 20 minutes here and there that you can reserve for you, and repeat as often as you can...that 150 adds up very quickly with a regular daily habit or two.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Connected Etiquette
When we first learned about e-mail, I was taught correct "netiquette". I'm sure I can find the details out there on the internet, but they involved savvy advice like
DON'T USE ALL CAPS - PEOPLE DON'T LIKE BEING SHOUTED AT
In time, these advice tidbits turned to conerned articles regarding the use of proper punctuation and grammar, and how the use of email is causing these wonderful life skills to erode.
Now, in the fullness of time, we all have cellphones and email, and nearly half of us have email on our phones, so that we can be connected to friends and family anywhere, anytime, with no effort at all.
All this communication is wonderful, and there are many positive aspects to the abilities these devices bring to our lives and our relationships.
However, with these devices comes a certain responsibility toward those around us. Each day, I find myself astounded, and even downright insulted at the behavior of coworkers, clerks, and others that pay no heed to those around them. Almost every meeting or group event I've been to recently has included at least one cell phone going off. Some don't even seem to be embarrassed by their phone's insistent rudeness in disrupting the speaker!
On the other hand, I was very impressed by one speaker who invited everyone in the room to remove the cellphones from their pockets, and shut them all the way off. The next 45 minutes were hers, and she would brook no interruption whatsoever. I was amazed at the shock and grudging acceptance to this demand. This should be standard etiquette, not something we do because we are told!
This week's news included a tragic story of three young people who were sent to the hospital with serious injuries, after using a crosswalk to cross the street. They had been hit by a young woman who was so busy texting, she saw the pedestrians too late to stop. Really? Important text, was it? Just how important, I wonder?
There was a counter clerk who quite politely stopped, in the middle of our transaction, with "Excuse me", so that she could answer her cell phone, text someone back for a few seconds, then resume my checkout procedure. Really? It couldn't wait? Apparently my time is less important than whatever was on the other end of that call.
A co-worker relayed multiple frustrations with other co-workers who use these annoying techniques to both read and answer a text on their phone, despite being in the middle of a work conversation when their phone alerted the owner to a fresh text:
DON'T USE ALL CAPS - PEOPLE DON'T LIKE BEING SHOUTED AT
In time, these advice tidbits turned to conerned articles regarding the use of proper punctuation and grammar, and how the use of email is causing these wonderful life skills to erode.
Now, in the fullness of time, we all have cellphones and email, and nearly half of us have email on our phones, so that we can be connected to friends and family anywhere, anytime, with no effort at all.
All this communication is wonderful, and there are many positive aspects to the abilities these devices bring to our lives and our relationships.
However, with these devices comes a certain responsibility toward those around us. Each day, I find myself astounded, and even downright insulted at the behavior of coworkers, clerks, and others that pay no heed to those around them. Almost every meeting or group event I've been to recently has included at least one cell phone going off. Some don't even seem to be embarrassed by their phone's insistent rudeness in disrupting the speaker!
On the other hand, I was very impressed by one speaker who invited everyone in the room to remove the cellphones from their pockets, and shut them all the way off. The next 45 minutes were hers, and she would brook no interruption whatsoever. I was amazed at the shock and grudging acceptance to this demand. This should be standard etiquette, not something we do because we are told!
This week's news included a tragic story of three young people who were sent to the hospital with serious injuries, after using a crosswalk to cross the street. They had been hit by a young woman who was so busy texting, she saw the pedestrians too late to stop. Really? Important text, was it? Just how important, I wonder?
There was a counter clerk who quite politely stopped, in the middle of our transaction, with "Excuse me", so that she could answer her cell phone, text someone back for a few seconds, then resume my checkout procedure. Really? It couldn't wait? Apparently my time is less important than whatever was on the other end of that call.
A co-worker relayed multiple frustrations with other co-workers who use these annoying techniques to both read and answer a text on their phone, despite being in the middle of a work conversation when their phone alerted the owner to a fresh text:
- turned their back with a wave of their phone "I'm listening, keep going". Just how good are your listening skills when you are unable to read my face, my body language, and likely are more focused on the written word now in front of you, rather than the words spoken to the back of your head?
- reading out a texted answer that just came in, on a personal topic, as if related to the work conversation. Here's a clue - your personal information is not so important that it can't wait until a more appropriate break in our work-time.
- stating "just a sec, hold that thought" and taking the call or text, without exiting the present conversation, making you feel obligated to stay and listen. If you just have to take that call, at least have the decency of releasing me from the current one. Try "Excuse me" or "I apologize", "but I really have to take this call, can I get back to you later?" or "I have to catch this guy, but our conversation is important, can we pick this back up later?"
- The ear bud talkers, who stroll along hands free, loudly continuing their cellphone conversations while walking to and from their office, or through the breakroom, disrupting everyone along their path.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Caesar Dressing
We learned how to "coddle" eggs today, and made our own Caesar dressing. The coddling step helps to make the dressing creamier.
We will likely be modifying this recipe to suit our tastes, but our first go was quite tasty: We used a blendar, but I think chopping up the anchovies and garlic, and then using a small food processor or a very brisk whisk would do the trick just fine, and the amount of dressing could be reduced.
2 coddled egg yolks
4 spoonfuls of minced garlic
1 spoonful dijon
1 spoonful worcestershire sauce
1 spoonful lemon juice
4 anchovy fillets
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
salt
We will likely be modifying this recipe to suit our tastes, but our first go was quite tasty: We used a blendar, but I think chopping up the anchovies and garlic, and then using a small food processor or a very brisk whisk would do the trick just fine, and the amount of dressing could be reduced.
2 coddled egg yolks
4 spoonfuls of minced garlic
1 spoonful dijon
1 spoonful worcestershire sauce
1 spoonful lemon juice
4 anchovy fillets
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
salt
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Mother's Love
Yesterday, I read a forwarded posting from another blog "A Mountain I'm Willing to Die On".
First of all - the title grabbed me and pulled me right on in...really? what mountain might that be?
I still don't know the answer to that first question, because I found her writing so very moving, and appropriate, and just plain wonderfully supportive of life, that I guess I simply joined her on that mountain.
The piece I read was at:
http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/22/a-mountain-im-willing-to-die-on-2/
In case the blog disappears one day, the takeaways for me are:
"Children are not cruel", they practice what they see and interpret from around them, and it is our job, those of us who are no longer children, to demonstrate for them what we most want to see in them.
"People are heart-breakingly sensitive", and receptive to even moderate criticism.
"I don’t know much. But I know that each time I see something heartbreaking on the news, each time I encounter a problem outside, the answer to the problem is inside. The problem is AWAYS me and the solution is ALWAYS me. If I want my world to be less vicious, then I must become more gentle. If I want my children to embrace other children for who they are, to treat other children with the dignity and respect every child of God deserves, then I had better treat other adults the same way."
The rest of the blog is a lovely letter to her child, in which she pledges her promised embracement, and indeed, celebration, of all that her child is, and will be, no matter what path her child takes.
This particular woman has strong faith, and normally, I don't make it through writings like this one, but there is a lovely reward in reading the entire message. She ends her letter of love to her child with this simple statement:
"You are okay. You are a child of God. As is everyone else. There is nothing that you can become or do that will make God love you any more or any less. Nothing that you already are or will become is a surprise to God. Tomorrow has already been approved.
And so baby, your father and I have only one specific expectation of you. And that is that you celebrate others the way we celebrate you. That you remember, every day, every minute, that there is no one on God’s Green Earth who deserves more or less respect than you do, My Love."
Simply. Beautiful. That is a mother's Love.
First of all - the title grabbed me and pulled me right on in...really? what mountain might that be?
I still don't know the answer to that first question, because I found her writing so very moving, and appropriate, and just plain wonderfully supportive of life, that I guess I simply joined her on that mountain.
The piece I read was at:
http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/22/a-mountain-im-willing-to-die-on-2/
In case the blog disappears one day, the takeaways for me are:
"Children are not cruel", they practice what they see and interpret from around them, and it is our job, those of us who are no longer children, to demonstrate for them what we most want to see in them.
"People are heart-breakingly sensitive", and receptive to even moderate criticism.
"I don’t know much. But I know that each time I see something heartbreaking on the news, each time I encounter a problem outside, the answer to the problem is inside. The problem is AWAYS me and the solution is ALWAYS me. If I want my world to be less vicious, then I must become more gentle. If I want my children to embrace other children for who they are, to treat other children with the dignity and respect every child of God deserves, then I had better treat other adults the same way."
The rest of the blog is a lovely letter to her child, in which she pledges her promised embracement, and indeed, celebration, of all that her child is, and will be, no matter what path her child takes.
This particular woman has strong faith, and normally, I don't make it through writings like this one, but there is a lovely reward in reading the entire message. She ends her letter of love to her child with this simple statement:
"You are okay. You are a child of God. As is everyone else. There is nothing that you can become or do that will make God love you any more or any less. Nothing that you already are or will become is a surprise to God. Tomorrow has already been approved.
And so baby, your father and I have only one specific expectation of you. And that is that you celebrate others the way we celebrate you. That you remember, every day, every minute, that there is no one on God’s Green Earth who deserves more or less respect than you do, My Love."
Simply. Beautiful. That is a mother's Love.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hands of Time
If the hands of time were hands that I could hold,
I'd keep them warm, and in my hands, they'd not turn cold.
Hand in hand we'd choose, the moments that should last;
the lovely moments that should have no future and no past.
The summer from the top of a swing,
the comfort in the sound of a lullaby,
the innocense of leaves in the spring,
but, most of all, the moment when love first touched me
All the happy days would never learn to fly
until the hands of time would choose to wave "Good-bye"
~ Unknown
I'd keep them warm, and in my hands, they'd not turn cold.
Hand in hand we'd choose, the moments that should last;
the lovely moments that should have no future and no past.
The summer from the top of a swing,
the comfort in the sound of a lullaby,
the innocense of leaves in the spring,
but, most of all, the moment when love first touched me
All the happy days would never learn to fly
until the hands of time would choose to wave "Good-bye"
~ Unknown
Friday, January 20, 2012
Chocolate Dreams
This recipe takes me back to my childhood. One of the first recipes I was allowed to help with, and certainly one of the easiest. You'll need some room in your refrigerator for the trays of cooling cookies...but not for long, as these cookies disappear quickly!
In a medium sized saucepan or double boiler, melt:
1/2 cup margarine (one stick)
2 ounces baking chocolate
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes to meld the ingredients, and alert your household to the wonderful smells of goodies in the making. While it's cooking, measure out in a separate bowl or pot:
3 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup of coconut
1/2 cup of chopped nuts.
If you have time, you can also prepare your cookie sheets headed for the refrigerator, by lining them with waxed paper.
Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat, and add
1 teaspoon vanilla.
For the grand finale, mix the wet and dry ingredients, combine well, and drop spoonfuls onto the wax paper covered cookie sheets. Place sheets in refrigerator until cool.
These cookies are ok to eat as soon as they are cool enough to hold in your hand.
In a medium sized saucepan or double boiler, melt:
1/2 cup margarine (one stick)
2 ounces baking chocolate
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes to meld the ingredients, and alert your household to the wonderful smells of goodies in the making. While it's cooking, measure out in a separate bowl or pot:
3 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup of coconut
1/2 cup of chopped nuts.
If you have time, you can also prepare your cookie sheets headed for the refrigerator, by lining them with waxed paper.
Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat, and add
1 teaspoon vanilla.
For the grand finale, mix the wet and dry ingredients, combine well, and drop spoonfuls onto the wax paper covered cookie sheets. Place sheets in refrigerator until cool.
These cookies are ok to eat as soon as they are cool enough to hold in your hand.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Song of Long Ago
Carole King - part of the tapestry of my early years - wonderful songwriter.
a little melancholy, but I believe this song describes the joy of remembering those that were long lost.
Song of Long Ago
Whispering wind came uninvited
Looking for somewhere else to go
Here is a lamp I've left unlighted
Aren't you someone I should know?
Memory's flame is soon ignited
Lighting my lamp with amber glow
Quietly friends are reunited
Singing a song of long ago
Cry, cry for someone
Who just can't be happy
And be glad you can feel enough to cry
Younger than always, time descended
Bringing me brand new seeds to sow
Now that they've been a long time planted
What must I do to help them grow?
If it had been as I intended
I wouldn't have the peace I know
Loving the people I've befriended
Singin' a song of long ago
As it began, so I will end it
Singing a song of long ago
Loving the people I've befriended
And singin' a song of long, long, long ago
a little melancholy, but I believe this song describes the joy of remembering those that were long lost.
Song of Long Ago
Whispering wind came uninvited
Looking for somewhere else to go
Here is a lamp I've left unlighted
Aren't you someone I should know?
Memory's flame is soon ignited
Lighting my lamp with amber glow
Quietly friends are reunited
Singing a song of long ago
Cry, cry for someone
Who just can't be happy
And be glad you can feel enough to cry
Younger than always, time descended
Bringing me brand new seeds to sow
Now that they've been a long time planted
What must I do to help them grow?
If it had been as I intended
I wouldn't have the peace I know
Loving the people I've befriended
Singin' a song of long ago
As it began, so I will end it
Singing a song of long ago
Loving the people I've befriended
And singin' a song of long, long, long ago
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Bread in a bag
Home made bread does not have to be a chore, or a huge technical production.
This home economics / craft suggestion was given to me from a 4-H leader. It is a wonderful experience for building a person's confidence in the kitchen, or exposing a young cook to making yeast breads.
Bread in a bag:
Combine these ingredients in a 1 gallon heavy duty zip lock bag:
Add
to dry ingredients in the bag. Reseal bag. Mix by working bag with fingers. Add:
On floured surface kneed dough 2 to 4 minutes. Cover dough. Rest 10 minutes. Roll dough to 12x17" rectangle. Roll up from narrow end. Pinch edges and ends to seal. Place dough in oiled loaf pan. Cover. Place large shallow pan on lower shelf in oven (oven is not turned on yet) half filled with boiling water. Place loaf pan with dough on shelf above the water filled pan, covered. Let dough rise 20 minutes or until double in size.
Bake 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Slice with serrated knife to serve.
Combine
This home economics / craft suggestion was given to me from a 4-H leader. It is a wonderful experience for building a person's confidence in the kitchen, or exposing a young cook to making yeast breads.
Bread in a bag:
Combine these ingredients in a 1 gallon heavy duty zip lock bag:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 package Rapid Rise yeast
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 3 Tablespoons nonfat dry milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
Add
- 1 cup hot water (not boiling - just hot to the touch)
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
to dry ingredients in the bag. Reseal bag. Mix by working bag with fingers. Add:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
On floured surface kneed dough 2 to 4 minutes. Cover dough. Rest 10 minutes. Roll dough to 12x17" rectangle. Roll up from narrow end. Pinch edges and ends to seal. Place dough in oiled loaf pan. Cover. Place large shallow pan on lower shelf in oven (oven is not turned on yet) half filled with boiling water. Place loaf pan with dough on shelf above the water filled pan, covered. Let dough rise 20 minutes or until double in size.
Bake 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Slice with serrated knife to serve.
Combine
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Coconut Graham Crackers
Simple, quick, and extremly yummy! Great for last minute cookie swaps, holiday parties, or if presented in a lovely flat box or tray, a great addition to a gift basket.
Lay out graham crackers on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with
Lay out graham crackers on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with
- coconut and
- chopped nuts.
- 1-1/2 sticks margarine
- 1 cup brown sugar
Monday, January 16, 2012
Come and let me look in your eyes
John Denver was a huge inspiration to me, growing up. I learned to play his songs on the first instruments I dabbled with (Recorder and organ), sang along with his albums, and we sang many of his tunes in the car and around campfires. This is one of my favorites. If you have ever loved someone, you know the power of simply gazing into that someone's eyes, when you need them the most. [Although this is highly difficult with a chameleon ;-) ]
I guess growin' isn't hard to do, just stand against the wall
Once I was just two feet high
Today I'm six feet tall
But knowin' who to listen to, is somethin' else again
Words just whistle around my head
like seasons in the wind
All across the water the clouds are sailin'
they won't let me look at the sky
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes
In searchin' for the way to go I've followed all the rules
The way they say to choose between the wise men and the fools
I listened to the words they say
I read what I should read
I do whatever's right to do
Try to be what I should be
Someone let me in I think the sky is falling
Seems I've gotten lost on my way
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes
But wisdom isn't underground, nor on a mountainside
Where am I to take myself, there's no place here to hide Where can I hide
All across the universe the stars are fadin' seems I've gotten lost on my way
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes
I guess growin' isn't hard to do, just stand against the wall
Once I was just two feet high
Today I'm six feet tall
But knowin' who to listen to, is somethin' else again
Words just whistle around my head
like seasons in the wind
All across the water the clouds are sailin'
they won't let me look at the sky
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes
In searchin' for the way to go I've followed all the rules
The way they say to choose between the wise men and the fools
I listened to the words they say
I read what I should read
I do whatever's right to do
Try to be what I should be
Someone let me in I think the sky is falling
Seems I've gotten lost on my way
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes
But wisdom isn't underground, nor on a mountainside
Where am I to take myself, there's no place here to hide Where can I hide
All across the universe the stars are fadin' seems I've gotten lost on my way
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Diet choices
This time of year is an inspiring time for reconsidering dietary choices. We've just spent the holiday season over-indulging in our favorite foods, and relaxing with family and friends. January also brings fresh new resolutions to improve our health, develop a good habit, or set our new goals for the year.
There are so many diets, and so many different advisors out there. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to keep up with them all.
For me, these health choices seem to resonate with a respectable level of truth - I will keep this updated as the truths evolve. I'm a firm believer in continually challenging myself to improve - so change is inevitable.
#1 Strive to include more fresh fruits and vegetables in every meal and snack
#2 Eat many small meals, rather than one or two large feasts - Plan ahead to eat before you truly feel hungry
#3 Avoid foods with more than 5 ingredients, overprocessed or overpackaged foods.
#4 Share mealtimes with others, whenever possible, but don't let others negatively influence your own healthyy choices.
#5 Mindful eating - pay attention to the food you are eating as well as how you are eating it. Whenever possible - do not combine eating with other activities. For example, eating while watching TV.
#6 Avoid sodas, and other sugar syrups as much as possible.
#7 Include oat bran daily
#8 Try a new recipe or food often
There are so many diets, and so many different advisors out there. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to keep up with them all.
For me, these health choices seem to resonate with a respectable level of truth - I will keep this updated as the truths evolve. I'm a firm believer in continually challenging myself to improve - so change is inevitable.
#1 Strive to include more fresh fruits and vegetables in every meal and snack
#2 Eat many small meals, rather than one or two large feasts - Plan ahead to eat before you truly feel hungry
#3 Avoid foods with more than 5 ingredients, overprocessed or overpackaged foods.
#4 Share mealtimes with others, whenever possible, but don't let others negatively influence your own healthyy choices.
#5 Mindful eating - pay attention to the food you are eating as well as how you are eating it. Whenever possible - do not combine eating with other activities. For example, eating while watching TV.
#6 Avoid sodas, and other sugar syrups as much as possible.
#7 Include oat bran daily
#8 Try a new recipe or food often
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Transfer Station Treasures
Today's transfer station treasures were mostly books, but I did bring home a new friend, and an old frame.
I'm pretty sure Molly was left behind because she has somehow managed to become a double amputee to the knee. Lucky for me, feet are not required for the lovely lady to perch atop my art books, and watch over my creativity. I now have a ready muse and model to share my art space with.
The frame, now, that may take a bit more planning. I love the texture - but not the ugly worn white paint. I am going to try an create a drawing / painting / artwork, that will fit this frame well, before deciding exactly what colors to upgrade it to. Any suggestions?
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Rose
Bette Midler 'nuf said
There are some beautiful versions of this out there - be sure to listen to a few. :-)
Some say love, it is a river, that drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor, that leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower, and you, it's only seed.
It's the heart, afriad of breaking, that never learns to dance.
It's the dream, afraid of waking, that never takes the chance
It's the one, who won't be taken, who cannot seem to hear
and the soul, afraid of dying, that never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long
and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember, in the winter, deep beneath the bitter snow
Lies a seed, that when the suns thaw, in the spring, becomes
a Rose
There are some beautiful versions of this out there - be sure to listen to a few. :-)
Some say love, it is a river, that drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor, that leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower, and you, it's only seed.
It's the heart, afriad of breaking, that never learns to dance.
 |
| Peace Rose |
It's the one, who won't be taken, who cannot seem to hear
and the soul, afraid of dying, that never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long
and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember, in the winter, deep beneath the bitter snow
Lies a seed, that when the suns thaw, in the spring, becomes
a Rose
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Making Changes
Tips from an inspirational speaker on wellness and exercize I heard the other day - and want to remember.
In order to make effective change, to create a good habit.
First, identify where you are, and what you want to do.
Write it down, document it, and talk it up. Research everything you can on the steps you need in order to achieve the goal. Get the true facts, and then don't ignore or excuse them away. Recognize and acknowledge your own feelings, but seek out and get motivated by other's success stories.
Consistency triumphs everything.
A steady effort of a minimum of four weeks will yield a level of progress toward your goal.
Start today to build an exercize habit for the rest of your life. Aim for:
6 days a week of exercize
once that is in hand,
be sure that you include serious aerobic elements 4 times a week.
aerobic = min of 20 minutes in target heart zone -
(220 minus your age) X .60 = low target
( 220 minus your age) X .80 = high target
once that is part of your routine, add strength and resistance training 2 times a week.
Eat many smaller meals - increase vegetables and fruits
Another term for boredom is "absence of participation" - get involved, live in the present.
Proactively look for new activity. Guilt and shame do not motivate, so learn from your setbacks, correct your actions, and give it another try. Always strive to work toward something measurable.
Write it down - every day if possible, so that you can see that measure of success.
In order to make effective change, to create a good habit.
First, identify where you are, and what you want to do.
Write it down, document it, and talk it up. Research everything you can on the steps you need in order to achieve the goal. Get the true facts, and then don't ignore or excuse them away. Recognize and acknowledge your own feelings, but seek out and get motivated by other's success stories.
Consistency triumphs everything.
A steady effort of a minimum of four weeks will yield a level of progress toward your goal.
Start today to build an exercize habit for the rest of your life. Aim for:
6 days a week of exercize
once that is in hand,
be sure that you include serious aerobic elements 4 times a week.
aerobic = min of 20 minutes in target heart zone -
(220 minus your age) X .60 = low target
( 220 minus your age) X .80 = high target
once that is part of your routine, add strength and resistance training 2 times a week.
Eat many smaller meals - increase vegetables and fruits
Another term for boredom is "absence of participation" - get involved, live in the present.
Proactively look for new activity. Guilt and shame do not motivate, so learn from your setbacks, correct your actions, and give it another try. Always strive to work toward something measurable.
Write it down - every day if possible, so that you can see that measure of success.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Fudge Cookies
This recipe came from Better Homes and Gardens magazine many years ago.
I saved the recipe aside for my fudge loving husband. These cookies pack more chocolate flavor than any other cookie I've ever made.
In double boiler, combine
In a side bowl, prepare a mix of
When chocolate mixture is completely melted, move to mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla and beat well. Add dry mix and beat until well mixed.
Stir in
Drop by heaping teaspoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet (or parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until edges of cookies are firm, and top of cookie is dull and cracked. Cool on cookie sheet for an additional 2 minutes to allow the cookies to complete setting. Transfer to wire racks to cool thoroughly.
I saved the recipe aside for my fudge loving husband. These cookies pack more chocolate flavor than any other cookie I've ever made.
In double boiler, combine- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate pieces,
- 2 Tablespoons margarine, and
- 2 sqares of baking chocolate.
In a side bowl, prepare a mix of
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder,
- a dash of salt, and
- 1/4 cup flour.
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
When chocolate mixture is completely melted, move to mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla and beat well. Add dry mix and beat until well mixed.
Stir in- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Drop by heaping teaspoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet (or parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until edges of cookies are firm, and top of cookie is dull and cracked. Cool on cookie sheet for an additional 2 minutes to allow the cookies to complete setting. Transfer to wire racks to cool thoroughly.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Begin where you are
I found this poem as a teen, and tucked it away with other treasured poems. I feel it is a good one to start with, for our collection of poems.
If you want to be happy, begin where you are.
Don't wait for some rapture, that's future and far
Begin to be joyous, begin to be glad,
And soon you'll forget, that you ever were sad
- Author Unknown
If you want to be happy, begin where you are.
Don't wait for some rapture, that's future and far
Begin to be joyous, begin to be glad,
And soon you'll forget, that you ever were sad
- Author Unknown
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Bran Muffins
Like many Americans, we are currently trying to reduce our cholesterol levels. OK, technically, reducing the HDL levels while maintaining the LDL levels, but I don't want to get into the technical details of our blood chemistry situation here.
This week's healthy recipe find is a modified recipe from The 8-week Cholesterol Cure (Robert E. Kowalski, 1989). It's also found on the side of the package of Bran Cereal - which I would never have known about or purchased, if it weren't for this book. I thank Mr. Kowalski for sharing information on this very palatable way to eat healthy, lose weight, and stay off the dreaded medications.
I have found that the dry ingredients fit perfectly in a quart sized mason jar - perfect for gift basket ideas.
My own adaptation for the recommended Bran Muffins:
Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins
Set oven to 425 degrees. Find the muffin tin, and add 12 muffin papers. In a mixing bowl, combine:
This week's healthy recipe find is a modified recipe from The 8-week Cholesterol Cure (Robert E. Kowalski, 1989). It's also found on the side of the package of Bran Cereal - which I would never have known about or purchased, if it weren't for this book. I thank Mr. Kowalski for sharing information on this very palatable way to eat healthy, lose weight, and stay off the dreaded medications.
I have found that the dry ingredients fit perfectly in a quart sized mason jar - perfect for gift basket ideas.
My own adaptation for the recommended Bran Muffins:
Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins
Set oven to 425 degrees. Find the muffin tin, and add 12 muffin papers. In a mixing bowl, combine: - 2-1/4 cup bran cereal
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 cup apple cider [you can substitute other fruit juices, or a mix of fruit concentrate and milk]
- 2 eggs (you can omit the yolks if you are so inclined)
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped into bits
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Getting Inspired
Hello, I'm Krystin ("the daughter" also known as Katts)
I have been musing for a while on what I should put in my first post on this blog.. I decided that I would give a tip on something that I find difficult myself. My boyfriend recently gave me this tip after I fumed that I just couldn't get inspired that day. I've been having lots of trouble getting inspired. I would sit here on my computer staring sideways at my painting like it was a 20 foot high brick wall and I had no equipment with which to scale it.
 |
| Strawberries make me think of Tolkien's "shire" |
 |
| Before it was a house! |
Transfer Station Treasures
Our community has a wonderful "Transfer Station", well managed, where we take our garbage and recycling each week. The recycling center has a Reusable area, where folks leave items that might yet have some life left to them. We have found many treasures there, and many more bits and bobbles that have become part of other creations, over the years we have lived here.
As I was dropping off my garbage this morning, it struck me that should I ever grow bored with coming up with tidbits for this blog, all I have to do is visit this reusable pile, and find something that motivates me. And with that, I'm starting a new collection of tidbits here, called simply "Treasures" - where I will post crafts and ideas that have sprung from finding a Transfer Station reusable item.
For those of you in a more urban setting, you can think of these as "Dumpster Diving Delights".
This morning's "catch":
a variety of old card games (ATC card creations)
an old rubber door-stop (no need to repurpose this one - know right where I'm putting this one),
plexiglass photo keychain (not sure yet, but certain to be a stocking stuffer or gift tag eventually - or maybe not, as Krystin has already slipped this one into her pocket - you'll have to watch her blog entries for that one!),
a cast off bag of "Ta-Ka-Radi" blocks - which look nearly identical to the Jenga game we've had in the basement for a long time, ( I *will* come up with something for these, as I now have several types collected)
a small bottle-sized basket, (perfect for a hostess gift of some sort - all it needs is bottle and bow)
some old wallpaper border, (not sure yet, this may go back to the transfer station, but I wanted to muse on it for a while - any ideas?)
an old brass ring and frog mobile, badly tangled,
and a Pirate puzzle in a tin (who can pass up Pirates?).
Any suggestions? I can see a few ideas already. We'll see how many weeks it takes before one pops up on this blog!
As I was dropping off my garbage this morning, it struck me that should I ever grow bored with coming up with tidbits for this blog, all I have to do is visit this reusable pile, and find something that motivates me. And with that, I'm starting a new collection of tidbits here, called simply "Treasures" - where I will post crafts and ideas that have sprung from finding a Transfer Station reusable item.
For those of you in a more urban setting, you can think of these as "Dumpster Diving Delights".
This morning's "catch":
a variety of old card games (ATC card creations)
an old rubber door-stop (no need to repurpose this one - know right where I'm putting this one),
plexiglass photo keychain (not sure yet, but certain to be a stocking stuffer or gift tag eventually - or maybe not, as Krystin has already slipped this one into her pocket - you'll have to watch her blog entries for that one!),
a cast off bag of "Ta-Ka-Radi" blocks - which look nearly identical to the Jenga game we've had in the basement for a long time, ( I *will* come up with something for these, as I now have several types collected)
a small bottle-sized basket, (perfect for a hostess gift of some sort - all it needs is bottle and bow)
some old wallpaper border, (not sure yet, this may go back to the transfer station, but I wanted to muse on it for a while - any ideas?)
an old brass ring and frog mobile, badly tangled,
and a Pirate puzzle in a tin (who can pass up Pirates?).
Any suggestions? I can see a few ideas already. We'll see how many weeks it takes before one pops up on this blog!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Bucket Lists
As an adult, I met a friend who maintained an insanely long and seemingly impossible "bucket lists". Some of his ideas are positively wonderful to contemplate when I first read the list. It's been quite some time since then, and in reading through that same list now, I realize that each single item on the list - while still out of reach for me - were not out of reach for this person. Each one did involve a certain amount of persistence, effort, and drive - but it is very impressive how many of these seemingly impossible items have now been crossed off of his list. Simply having the opportunity to read through his list inspired me to start one of my own. Recently, I met another person who maintains the list in the opposite direction, with a concerted effort to make sure at least one item is added to her list of "new things encountered and accomplished".As I write this, I can't help but wonder how both of their lists are doing. No matter how long or short those lists are now, I'm sure both of them are not at all disappointed in their accomplishments.
Have you ever come to the end of a season, and found yourself mourning the fact that yet another year has passed, and you never accomplished some simple task? For example, I often reach the end of summer, and realize that I never once made it out to the beach, or the coming of Spring, and realize that I've missed out on trying out the special sledding hill that looked so good. This year, Dan made out a Summer Bucket List, and we managed to accomplish quite a few new things. We skipped the ocean this year...but I have no regrets.
There is a power in simply writing out your desires and accomplishments - earned or yet to be earned, that somehow managed to help you find a way to make them come to life.
Here are a few of my own personal "bucket list" items. I hope they inspire you, as my friends inspired me.
Accomplished:
 |
| Niagara Falls - Skywheel |
 |
| Attitash Mountain Coaster |
 |
| Arethusa Falls |
Here are a few of my own personal "bucket list" items. I hope they inspire you, as my friends inspired me.
Accomplished:
- Take a hot air balloon ride
- Create and sell a handmade craft
- Travel through the bermuda triangle
- Learn a martial art
- Kayak a quiet lake in the early morning
- Earn a master's degree
- Attend a ball
- Ride on the world's fastest rollercoaster
- See the view to the top of the tallest building (NY, Toronto, Tokyo, Manchester, Boston, St. Louis, Dallas, Niagara Falls-Canada)
- Tour an ancient castle
- Smithsonian (Air and Space, Natural History, Fine Art)
- Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum (London, NY)
- Learn to Contra Dance, Square Dance
- Learn how to shoot a gun
- Stargaze from the deck of a boat
- Watch fireworks from a deck of a boat.
- Raise dairy goats for milk
- Raise chickens for eggs
- Create a kitchen herb garden
- Ride in a sleeper car of a train
- Win an art contest
- Raise my children in a good and happy home
- Watch my son graduate from college
- Enjoy the sun and sand au naturale
- Share a hot tub with a ridiculous number of good friends
- Built a geodesic dome house
- Learn to make the perfect Tiramasu
- Bid on and purchase a work of art from an auction
- Make wine with grapes grown on my own land.
- Make it through one Christmas giving and receiving only handmade gifts.
- Create something useful, and obtain a patent for it
- Swim with dolphins
- Explore a volcano
- Visit a tropical rainforest
- Publish a book
- Illustrate a book
- Sell a photograph, drawing, or painting.
- Maintain a personal worth of over $1,000,000
- Vacation at an all-inclusive beach resort
- Kayak through a marshy, slow river or pond, photographing wildlife
- See the view to the top of the tallest building (recommendations-anyone?)
- Learn Zumba or Line Dancing
- Visit Stonehenge
- Soak in a natural hot-spring in Iceland
- See the fjords of Norway
- See the waterfalls of Hawaii
- Participate in an active hunt for deer or moose
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Basic Beer Bread
You don't need to purchase many different mixes. A wide variety of easy bread recipes can be made from this one basic recipe. Simply change out the beer used for one of a different flavor. Try using carbonated soda, or even a wine cooler for a unique flavor. Serve along with dinner, or with some complimentary dip, jam, or cheese for a appetizer or snack.
Beer Bread:
Using 1/2 stick of margarine, grease sides and bottom of a loaf pan, then melt remaining margarine.
Combine these dry ingredients:
Allow to cool before cutting, if you can.
For a gift idea, once you've found your favorite combination, Provide a container of the dry goods, a can of the beer or soda, arranged in a lovely basket or bag, and your own hand crafted recipe tag for them to keep, so that they can re-create the recipe. I found that the dry mix fits perfectly in a quart size canning jar, and even this simplest of jars is easily dressed up to meet any occasion.
Tips on making baskets:
If you are planning on mailing the gift, consider your arrangement and setting carefully. Any glass items should be secured, and well isolated from any heavy or moveable items. If the basket or bag will be presented or given away in person, or as a
door prize, you can use a larger basket or bag - the larger the better!
Use packaging peanuts, old styrofoam, or balled up grocery bags to
build up a suitable platform for your smaller item. Use tissue paper to hide your staging.
Then, simply dress up your star performer (in this case, the Beer Bread Mix with some ribbon, bows, or leftover garland pieces. In this case, I found a plastic snowman that was looking for a craft to jump in on! Personalize the basket to fit your intended recipient or occasion. For food baskets, I recommend avoiding using glitter or glitter covered ornamentation. The small pieces of glitter may be a turnoff to the recipient of your thoughtful gift.
Top off your package with a handmade recipe card, encase the ensemble with a large piece of cellophane and tie it all up with some curling ribbon If you collect baskets and ribbon pieces from other projects, a gift basket like this can be a very inexpensive, yet personal gift.
Beer Bread:
Combine these dry ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cup flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz of beer or carbonated beverage
Allow to cool before cutting, if you can.
 |
| Ginger Beer Bread, with Apple Jelly |
Tips on making baskets:
If you are planning on mailing the gift, consider your arrangement and setting carefully. Any glass items should be secured, and well isolated from any heavy or moveable items. If the basket or bag will be presented or given away in person, or as a
door prize, you can use a larger basket or bag - the larger the better!
Use packaging peanuts, old styrofoam, or balled up grocery bags to
build up a suitable platform for your smaller item. Use tissue paper to hide your staging.
Then, simply dress up your star performer (in this case, the Beer Bread Mix with some ribbon, bows, or leftover garland pieces. In this case, I found a plastic snowman that was looking for a craft to jump in on! Personalize the basket to fit your intended recipient or occasion. For food baskets, I recommend avoiding using glitter or glitter covered ornamentation. The small pieces of glitter may be a turnoff to the recipient of your thoughtful gift. Top off your package with a handmade recipe card, encase the ensemble with a large piece of cellophane and tie it all up with some curling ribbon If you collect baskets and ribbon pieces from other projects, a gift basket like this can be a very inexpensive, yet personal gift.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Bubble Solution
Combine:
1/3 cup dish soap or baby shampoo
1 1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons sugar (or corn syrup)
1 drop food coloring (optional - not recommended for indoor use)
Pour into unbreakable bottle or bowl.
To blow bubbles, experiment using plastic straws, pipe cleaners or bread ties formed into loops, slotted spoons, anything from your recycle bin that has a hole or holes in it. Even a loop of yarn or rope can be used - and some pretty amazing large bubbles can be achieved with the right creative efforts.
Notes: The sugar makes the bubbles last longer. Some dish soaps are more bubble friendly than others, - many recommend Dawn, but your mileage may vary. Try brands that are more highly concentrated, or decrease the amount of water used in your mix.
Add glycerin to make bubbles with a bit more staying power.
1/3 cup dish soap or baby shampoo
1 1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons sugar (or corn syrup)
1 drop food coloring (optional - not recommended for indoor use)
Pour into unbreakable bottle or bowl.
To blow bubbles, experiment using plastic straws, pipe cleaners or bread ties formed into loops, slotted spoons, anything from your recycle bin that has a hole or holes in it. Even a loop of yarn or rope can be used - and some pretty amazing large bubbles can be achieved with the right creative efforts.
Notes: The sugar makes the bubbles last longer. Some dish soaps are more bubble friendly than others, - many recommend Dawn, but your mileage may vary. Try brands that are more highly concentrated, or decrease the amount of water used in your mix.
Add glycerin to make bubbles with a bit more staying power.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Modeling Dough
Modeling Dough from your kitchen! Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of water, 1 Tablespoon of oil, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar in a pan. Add food coloring if you desire. Cook over medium heat until mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and becomes doughy. Knead until cool.
Not meant for human consumption, especially after it has been played with! Dough can be used and reused - keeps for 3 months unrefrigerated.
Not meant for human consumption, especially after it has been played with! Dough can be used and reused - keeps for 3 months unrefrigerated.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Family News Album
While cleaning the office, I realized what a gem I have in our old Holiday letters. I've saved each one, in those years I actually managed to get one written, and I find it interesting to see how dramatically the style has changed, as technology also evolved, and my available time to throw the letter together!. I've started work on
preparing a proper display notebook containing these letters, which ultimately records our
family history, as documented in holiday letters and a few other
nostalgia. For right now, I've simply started an old 3-ring binder and some clear acetate protector sheets, and loaded in the letters in chronological order. I'm still missing a few years, and I'm sure there is a nice crafty way to dress up the cover for this valuable compendium. - Any suggestions or ideas?
So here’s my tip number one….it
doesn’t have to be a traditional Christmas letter, but once a year, or some
other regular time interval, it is good to spend a few moments looking back,
and documenting how far you’ve come.
It’s important to live in the present, and to have an open mind and
ready spirit for what the future holds.
However, it is also a good thing to recognize and celebrate your
accomplishments and progress.
I hope to
create a nice memorial book for my grandchildren to read through so that they
know a little about what my life was like.
I know that I enjoy reading details about what it was like for my own
parents and grandparents, when they travelled through the paths of their lives.
I've found a few other interesting letters, and documents that I think will end up in this same album, as well as a few ads that detail favorite annual events that our family has enjoyed. In effect, it is an instant scrapbook but easy enough for anyone to do, even the busiest of moms.
Beginnings
Welcome to Inspiring Serendipity. This blog is a result of an inspiration that came from my daughter - a request for tips, tricks, and tidbits regarding a wide variety of subjects. My goal is to gradually add elements and details here that will eventually compile into a nice collection for her. In the process, hopefully there will be a little something for everyone to be found here. I hope to "inspire serendipity", and allow for even better things to evolve from the bits and pieces found here.
Step one, was to resurrect my own office space. For years, my office has been the "miscellaneous drawer" of the entire household, and I have not had the time or energy to dig out from under the deluge. Today, I have once again achieved a work space large enough for laptop and crafting spot.
It's still cluttered and a little crazy, but for those of you who have seen the room a week or more ago, it is quite an improvement.
 |
| the office, transformed! |
It's still cluttered and a little crazy, but for those of you who have seen the room a week or more ago, it is quite an improvement.
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