Diary of a Not So Mad Housewife

Welcome 2012 With a Make Up Tip For You

2012-01-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

It's a new year and I thought I'd start it with a make up tip.

Ever wonder if your foundation is doing a good job?

I was recently thinking, viewing myself in the mirror, that I needed to try something new, that my foundation was not covering well.

Not long after, for some odd reason, I deterred from my normal foundation application and instead of applying my make up horizontally, I did it vertically, covering the right side in foundation.

It was then that I noted how much better the right side of my face looked and it was obvious that my makeup is doing an excellent job of coverage. Any lack I see in the mirror is with my face, not my make up.

You can test your make up in the same way and see what the result is.

I hate finding a new foundation and there's no need now.

The one I am using is doing a fine job and is not expensive.

It's not a miracle worker though and I must accept my made up face as the best that I can have and be satisfied with that.

FAREWELL 2011

2011-12-31T21:08:00.000-05:00

This Way
By Eliza M. Hickok

"Whence came and whither bound are we?"
Holds something still of mystery;
But one grave thought is clear and plain,
We shall not pass this way again.

Why waste an hour in vain regret,
For common ills that must be met?
Why of the thorny road complain?
We shall not pass this way again.

Why wound, or cause a tear to start?
Why vex or trouble one poor heart?
Each hath its secret grief or care,
Its burden that thou canst not share.

The years glide by: stand strong and true!
The good thou canst, oh, quickly do!
Let gentle words sooth woe and pain,
We shall not pass this way again.

2011-12-25T06:05:00.002-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Luke 2

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

1And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

2011-11-26T22:04:00.000-05:00

Monty Python on Redistribution of Wealth

2011-11-14T06:51:00.008-05:00

You can watch it here as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLkhx0eqK5w

Have You Heard?

2011-11-09T08:41:00.012-05:00

The woman who alleged Cain harassed her--Karen Kraushaar-- and left under a paid agreement, also filed a complaint in her next job.

Doesn't this throw up a red flag?

If it doesn't it should.

This important fact was reported on the morning news--barely. And it's being almost totally discounted and ignored.

In my mind this woman is lacking credibility.

Or is this just some pitiful victim who has bad luck on every job she goes to?

I have not believed the complaints against Cain and I still do not believe them.

The latest accuser--Susan Bialek-- was laughing and giddy like a school girl in the spot light--IMO-- when she was making her claim public.

Surely the occasion demands somberness at the very least? If women want others to take sexual harassment seriously they must behave accordingly.

Her demeanor and the way she 'read' her statement causes me to seriously question her credibility.

At the very least Herman Cain deserves fairness, and until he has been proven guilty he is innocent.

These women have accused him. It falls to them to prove their claims. IMO they have not done that. And until they do I will pay them no mind.

And their desire to gather and discuss it publicly as a group?!! Give me a break. That would be nothing more than a kangaroo court. Or a modern day lynching.

If that happens, and I were Herman Cain, I'd be playing the race card.

We should all be outraged that so much is being made of a serious matter with so little evidence or justification.

If and when there is some credible proof and witnesses against Herman Cain, then and only then will I listen seriously.

If you want to read the details of Karen Kraushaar's 2nd complaint go to this link:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/09/cain-accuser-filed-complaint-in-next-job/

Better Sound From Your Laptop

2011-11-02T07:19:00.000-04:00

I love my new laptop I got a couple of years ago. But I found that the built in speakers were lacking. For some applications I had to use speakers or ear phones to be able to hear the audio.

But that is a thing of the past. Now I have great volume and it was easy to fix. What made the difference? I changed two settings.

Under sound effects I chose "live". And I checked the box that said "loudness equalization". (I also made sure 'ear protection' was not checked. This setting is designed to protect your ears from sound that is too loud by reducing the sound.)

Before I chose "live" the enhancement setting was on 'custom' and 'loudness equalization' was not checked.

The above mentioned settings can be found in the Control Panel under Sound or Audio manager.

I no longer have to use adjunct speakers or ear phones to hear the audio.

BOO!

2011-10-31T07:15:00.016-04:00

For some good clean scary fun watch this today:

You'll find it at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VffXZ44_LQ

Enjoy.

Another Great Craft Tip

2011-10-26T22:00:00.000-04:00

Being a crafter I work with glue a lot.

Some of my favorite glues don't have a thin nozzle . If the nozzle is not thin it's hard to apply the glue neatly to small areas.

Enter the tape nozzle. Made with a small piece of plain old cello tape.

Not original, I saw it on Youtube.

It will be easier for you to see it then read how to make it.

So here you go--it begins around minute 2:35.

Here's the direct link to the video:

http://youtu.be/VHx8RKChPjY

The Learning Curve

2011-10-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

I guess I am a slow learner.

Having finally realized there is a learning curve for everything, I am free from the bondage of perfection.

Looking back I can see now that I gave up too quickly on many things.

Things that I've since returned to and found to be wonderful.

I missed out on them all these years.

The upside to my perfection is that I didn't continue to struggle with things for the wrong reason.

Sometimes the wisest thing you can do is 'give up'.

Having the wisdom to discern is key.

So treat yourself like a well loved friend or child.

I am often a cheerleader or offer the figurative cup of cold water to people in my life or who cross my path.

Giving myself the same kind treatment is a positive thing.

Give it a try. You just might be amazed in the difference it can make in your life.

Tis Glorius Autumn: Time For Reflection

2011-10-17T10:23:00.004-04:00

“If winter is slumber and spring is birth, and summer is life,

then autumn rounds out to be reflection.

It’s a time of year when the leaves are down and the harvest is in and the perennials are gone.

Mother Earth just closed up the drapes on another year

and it’s time to reflect on what’s come before.”

~Mitchell Burgess~

Polka Dots and Moon Beams

2011-10-13T23:45:00.000-04:00

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE 1965: CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

2011-10-03T14:14:00.008-04:00

How Much Do We Owe Others and When Should We Walk Away?.

2011-09-22T22:31:00.000-04:00

Read this link --it says everything I've been thinking of late.

In case the link doesn't work, copy and paste below:

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/09/12/how-much-do-we-owe-others-and-when-should-we-walk-away/

A CHANGE OF SEASONS

2011-09-13T10:38:00.003-04:00

It's fall and time for a change...a welcomed change.

Along with the change of seasons comes cooler weather and the urge to nest and bake...to enjoy to the fullest the wonders of nature and God's creation.

Inside I've been doing some nesting.

Here are some images of my fall and Halloween vignettes

Great Craft Tip: Dealing With The Pesky Hot Glue Gun Issue

2011-08-17T10:57:00.000-04:00

Not the one where you burn yourself. The 'fix' for that is low melt glue.

But the one where your gun keeps falling over, sliding off the table because of the weight of the cord. (Yes, there are cordless ones if you don't mind buying something new and adding one more thing to the heap 'o trash we have from excessive consumerism in this country or having to use batteries instead of electric.)

All you need is a picture frame with glass--picture is optional. Find one around your house or check out the thrift stores. Or hit the dollar store if all else fails.

Use the picture frame as your glue gun mat. The glass will take the heat and the glue drips...and the rim/lip/edge of the frame will keep your gun from being pulled to the floor.

If the frame is large enough you can use it as a tray and keep your glue gun and extra glue sticks at the ready--just whip out the tray--all ready to go.

My frame has a cute vintage postcard, so not only is it functional, but it's fun too.

Also, I find that the dried glue, once set/cooled, wipes off easily with a baby wipe, should you need to clean up the glue accumulation.

Need Some Crafting Inspiration?

2011-08-09T14:50:00.004-04:00

|SPARK| from Jmills ENT. Jeremy Miller on Vimeo.

What have I been up to?

Crafting goodness.

Crocheting dingly birds Attic24 style.

And lucky owls Amigurumi style.

And teeny tiny winter scarfs for teeny tiny objects.

And lots of flowers--to pin on hats and purses and crocheted vines which will become bunting.

And rubber stamping-- making cards... and matchboxes to hold eye candy.

And I have more projects. So many projects, so little time.

Hope your summer has been full of goodness and fun.

Easy Table Garden Summer Supper

2011-07-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

Our green bean, tomatoes, cucumbers and squash plants are prolific this year .

A quick and delicious way we have been enjoying them is this:

Roast very young and tender whole green beans in the oven on high heat, drizzled with olive oil, and salt to taste.

Do the same with zucchini that have been cut into pieces.

While the veggies roast boil some pasta. When it is done, drain well, add a knob of butter, some olive oil and a good amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to mix.

In your bowl--single serve pasta bowl is what we use--place some pasta, top with each kind of roasted veggie and grate some white cheddar or muenster over that.

For a side, and to use all those wonderful tomatoes we've been harvesting, I slice tomatoes and cucumbers, drizzle with Ranch dressing and cover with nutritional yeast--it tastes cheesy and is full of B complex vitamins, plus protein and some fiber.

There you have it--an easy summer supper I think you'll enjoy.

Hot Time-- Summer in the City and Country

2011-07-16T09:46:00.014-04:00

Video length is 1:17

It is summertime and the livin' is easy...but it's hot too.

My fave drinks for hot weather:

Lipton Peach Flavored Iced Tea: 1 large peach tea bag covered with one quart of boiling water. Steep a couple of hours. Remove bag. Chill. Serve over ice. YUM.

Jasmine Green Tea Iced: 3-4 regular size jasmine green tea bags. One quart boiling water. Steep an hour or two. Remove bags. Chill. Serve over ice. YUM YUM.

Iced Coffee: Make extra coffee in the morning and refirgerate. Or reconstitute instant coffee . Fill a glass with ice. Add coffee to 3/4's full. Add milk to fill. Sweeten if desired. More YUMMINESS.

Starbucks Passion Lemonade: Watch the video to see how to make it at home. I use Tazo Passion tea--I buy it at Walmart. Use your favorite lemonade.

For flavorings you can buy the flavored syrups, or omit. Another option is drink powders which come in a variety of flavors and are cheap and unsweetened.

Make a simple syrup using one cup of sugar and one cup of water, then add a package of unsweetened Koolaide in desired flavor.

It's almost summertime!!

2011-06-15T09:47:00.052-04:00

Are you feelin' groovy yet?

If not, it's time to get in the summer groove.

Take a minute and listen to a little Simon and Garfunkel.

Be reminded that it's:

Time to slow down.

Time to shift gears.

Time to have some fun in the sun.

Summer will soon pass.

Don't miss it!

I Know God Loves Everybody But Some People Are So Trashy I'd Like to Slap Them Silly

2011-06-11T23:18:00.015-04:00

In Walmart today I couldn't help but hear two men in their early 20's loudly talking trash, using vulgar filthy gutter words, both of them verbally abusing a 20 something blond young woman who was near tears. I knew I dare not intercede--I was there alone and they were the type who just might have a gun handy. But I did intercede in prayer and begged God to help that young woman see the horrible life she has with the guy she was with and to get out of the relationship immediately.

To young women everywhere I say this: you DO NOT NEED A MAN to have a fulfilling happy good life. Any man who treats you disrespectfully is not worth the air he breathes. DUMP HIS BUTT.

You do not need a life of manipulation and abuse administered by a control freak.

WALK AWAY and do not look back.

And count your lucky stars you escaped the S.O.B.

Blond girl, wherever you are, whoever you are--God loves you and you deserve better. Love yourself enough to never sell yourself short.

Need A Good Laugh?

2011-05-22T16:54:00.000-04:00

This is funny the first time. But eat time I watch it is funnier than before. So, watch often if you need a good laugh.

EWWWW--Meat Glue

2011-05-15T22:57:00.005-04:00

This could put me off meat.

Here's the link if it won't play:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXXrB3rz-xU

Pit Stop

2011-04-30T23:17:00.000-04:00

I've been out figuratively riding around in my automobile--enjoying spring.

With tomatoes being $2 a pound I thought I'd share this salad recipe.

It's good, not boring and no tomatoes necessary.

Coffee Cup Dutch Salad

Begin by making the dressing.

Combine: 2 cups Miracle Whip, 3 tablespoons mustard, one-half cup sugar, 1 teaspoon celery seed and salt and pepper to taste.

Warm in the microwave.

To make the salad:

Pour the finished dressing over chilled lettuce and top with crumbled bacon and sliced hard boiled eggs.

Enjoy!

I'm headed back out.

Gasoline is cheap in a figurative automobile.

Not sure when I'll be back.

But I'll keep you posted.

See ya.

Spring Break

2011-03-22T08:54:00.000-04:00

SPRING is here and I'm taking a break.

It appears I've got SPRING fever.

Enjoy these vintage songs with spring as their theme while I go out and enjoy the season.

When I get my fill of spring I will return.

BELLS ARE RINGING

2011-03-15T22:56:00.006-04:00

This is the movie that started it all.

My very first romantic comedy and the first movie I saw at a movie theater.

I was about 9 years old and thought Dean Martin was dreamy.

It was my first love story and started my love affair with love stories.

Daddy usually chose what we watched and he liked westerns.

And prior to this movie all I'd ever been to was the drive in theater, which was a family outing.

After this movie, everything changed and I became a huge movie fan.

To this day I love nothing better than a good clean movie, especially a romantic comedy.

They still make them too--surprisingly.

And while I'm older and wiser and know real life rarely resembles those old feel good movies, I still like them.

2011-03-11T22:06:00.000-05:00

See the USA in your Chevrolet

Remember this old commercial?

I remember it from The Dinah Shore Show.

I wonder whatever happened to her?

Just hearing her sing it takes me back, makes me remember the good times as a kid.

Mom and Dad, me and brother, all was well in our tiny little world. We were as snug as a bug in a rug.

But we must grow up and become the adults.

Sure does change things doesn't it?

The Cactcus Cuties Sing the National Anthem

2011-03-06T18:54:00.010-05:00

Get ready to have goosebumps as you listen to these little girls sing our national anthem.

They are AWE-some.

Truly....... America's got talent--more than we'll ever know.

COCONUT GRASS FRUIT SOUP

2011-03-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

Perfect for St. Patrick's Day or Spring

If you'd like to make this fun soup here's how:

In a blender combine:

*frozen banana
*frozen peaches
*frozen spinach
*plain yogurt
*protein powder
*ice cold water
*sweetener to taste

Blend until all the solids are liquefied.

Pour into a serving bowl.
Sprinkle with coconut.

The amounts you use will depend on the serving size.

For a single serving I use half a banana, one half cup peaches, about a fourth cup of spinach, one half cup yogurt, and a half scoop of protein powder. A teaspoon of sugar satisfies my taste buds. And I add enough water so everything blends well.

You can't really taste the spinach--but if you prefer another green, you might use kiwi. And a bit of green food color if needed.

This can be served in an Irish Coffee mug too--as a smoothie.

Fun for kids. Fun for adults.

More Goat Cheese Love

2011-03-03T08:20:00.004-05:00

Goat Cheese Salad

Fix your favorite mix of greens and veggies for the salad part.

I use a mix of baby spinach and iceberg or romaine and iceberg for the greens.

The veggies I add depend on the season.

For the goat cheese part, using two 1 ounce portions of goat cheese per person, shape portions into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disc.

Roll the edges of each disc in chopped walnuts..

At this point you can gently warm them in a skillet with a little oil, or serve them as is.

Place on top of you salad.

Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Basic vinaigrette recipe:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 scant teaspoon mustard

1 teaspoon sugar

salt to taste

4 tablespoons oil, dripped in slowly whisking all the while to create an emulsion

Note: for a sweet sour dressing use equal parts vinegar and sugar, i.e. in this recipe use 2 tablespoons sugar.

Serves One or Three

2011-03-01T10:30:00.004-05:00

Yummy Jello Sponge Fluff

Light, pastel color..... perfect for Spring.

Dissolve one small box sugar free gelatin--flavor your choice--in one cup of boiling water.

Chill until it begins to thicken-- the consistency will be like egg whites.

Stir in one half cup of fat free plain yogurt.

Fold in once scant cup (60 grams/100 calories worth) of fat free Cool Whip.

Chill until set.

Top with additional Cool Whip if desired.

Enjoy.

This whole recipe only has 175 calories.

It yields 3 nice servings--or you could eat the whole thing!

Perfect for those times you want something sweet, but not heavy.

Or you need to budget you calories and don't want to feel deprived of dessert.

More Goat Cheese Love

2011-02-27T15:31:00.026-05:00

Goat Cheese. I love you. Will you marry me?

Now if I could just figure out how to live near a Costco, where goat cheese is sold in honkin' big hunks.

Guess you get that I love goat cheese.

Here is a new way to enjoy it.

Prep half a red pepper and pan roast it on both sides in a small skillet.

When it's roasted to your preference--I like mine with a little crunch-- remove to a plate.

Top with a bed of baby spinach leaves.

Open a can of tuna, drain it, and dump it onto the spinach.

Top that with an ounce--or two-- of luscious creamy wonderful goat cheese.

Sprinkle with walnuts.

A vinaigrette is nice as a dressing.

Or a just a drizzle of fruity dark extra virgin olive oil will suffice.

Add a side of garlicky crackers or some toasted baguette for some crunch.

Eat. Enjoy. Heaven on your taste buds.

Note: You can substitute any leafy green for the raw spinach.

TEXAS TWO STEP

2011-02-25T22:25:00.003-05:00

For a quick and easy meal, no dancing experience necessary.

Layer 1: rice or tortilla

Layer 2: black beans

Layer 3: grated cheese

Layer 4: raw spinach or lettuce

Layer 5: one over easy egg

Layer 6: sour cream

Layer 7: salsa

DON'T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF

2011-02-23T10:12:00.020-05:00

You Were Not Given Good Information.
So it is not all your fault.

"With more fat-free products than ever, Americans got fatter....this focus only on fat calories to the neglect of carbohydrate calories has contributed to this epidemic of obesity."

The quote you just read is from Dr. Walter Willet.

Here are his credentials:

"Walter Willett is professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, a professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School, and the author of Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating. He is also one of the principal investigators on the Nurses Health Study, one of the largest, long-term studies to look at the effect of diet on health. Willett explains how his research on the Nurses Health Study led him to become one of the USDA food pyramid's greatest critics. "The food guide pyramid that was developed in 1991 really is based on the idea that all fat is bad," he says. "This pyramid is really not compatible with good scientific evidence." In this interview, he explains the reasoning behind his revision of the food pyramid to include exercise at the base and to separate out "good" and "bad" fats and carbohydrates. This interview was conducted on Jan. 9, 2004." (From the sidebar at the pbs link below.)

If you'd like to read the whole interview--and I suggest you do because not only is it informative, it is important information.

FAT IS NOT THE ENEMY.

And it is easy to read, in lay terms.

Go to this link:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/diet/interviews/willett.html

or

CLICK HERE .

I Hate My Body

2011-02-22T08:46:00.042-05:00

NOT!!

I appreciate my body. It's the shell that houses my spirit--which is the esence of me.

It is fearfully and wonderfully made declares the psalmist David.

And it is made in the image of God.

It's an amazing machine as it were.

Hearing on TV this morning that the average woman 'hates' her body' 13 times a day made me cringe.

What rot.

It's come to that has it???

Why do so many women allow the influence of the world standard of beauty to rob them of their joy?

To devote so much thought to the body image????

Ridiculous I say.

Sure, I'd rather I hadn't been born with crooked bottom teeth, or eyes that require spectacles. I'd prefer to be taller than I am. And a few other things.

But to obsess-- 13 times a day-- and hate my body?

Ridiculous.

I say, can we even believe that report?

If it is true, then women of the world I say "STOP!!!"

You are allowing your feelings to rob you.

DO NOT LET THE WORLD CONFORM YOU TO THEIR IMAGE OF WHAT YOU SHOULD BE.

It is your decision and yours alone.

Reject what others tell you.

Take your power and use it and make up your own mind.

Begin treasuring the body that houses the essence of you.

Take care of that body.

And most of all, be thankful for the gift of it--because it is truly a gift, designed by a beneficent Creator.

Pecan Flax Coconut Granola

2011-02-20T19:27:00.015-05:00

I like to sprinkle granola on my yogurt.

This homemade version is easy to make, has wholesome ingredients and is inexpensive compared to the costly name brands.

**********************************************

Ingredient List

Dry
2 cups quick or old fashioned oats

1/4 cup flax meal

1/4 cup pecan pieces

1/2 cup coconut

Wet
2 tablespoons coconut oil

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon vanilla

a sprinkle of sea salt

Method

Combine dry ingredients.

In large skillet melt coconut oil, honey and brown sugar; add the rest. Mix well.

Add dry mixture, tossing to coat.

Pour onto greased sheet pan (one that has sides) and bake in a preheated 300 degree oven for 20 minutes. Stir.

Bake 5 minutes.

Stir.

Bake 2-6 more minutes, until golden brown

Stir.

Allow to cool.

Store in a lidded jar.

*****************************************************

Each tablespoon (8 grams) is 30 calories.

You can substitute any kind of oil for the coconut oil or even use butter.

If you don't keep flax meal on hand you can substitute nuts or add additional oats.

If you don't like coconut you can replace it with any of the dry ingredients.

Weight Loss Update

2011-02-19T09:59:00.029-05:00

Finally.

Reached my second goal.

Thirty--30--pounds gone.

Now I'm thinking about setting a new goal.

But I think I'll enjoy this number for awhile first.

I could tell I'd lost without weighing myself--by the way my watchband fit.

I have a child's pink camouflage watch.

When I started wearing it I used the last hole.

It was tight.

Eventually I was able to use the second to the last hole, though tight.

Now is it loose on the second to last hole.

So I must be losing fat overall.

Let me encourage you to NOT go on a diet.

Instead figure out a way to eat for life that will 'carry' you to your ideal weight.

What worked for me is 6 mini-meals a day.

Six SMALL meals a day.

It is easier to eat less when you know you will be eating soon.

Eating before you get very hungry not only helps you prevent overeating, but helps you to eat less at that meal, and overall during the course of a day.

I always figured the more often I ate, the more I'd eat in the end.

But for me that was not true.

I encourage you to 'discover' what works for you.

But the bottom line is :

We must all eat/take in less calories than we've been eating if we want to be smaller.

My mantra is :

Eat small to be small. If you over indulge you will bulge.

Cheeseburger Salad

2011-02-15T11:48:00.008-05:00

Dynamite dish.

Not original.

Borrowed it from Deerunstoo

She's a vegetarian so she used a veggie burger.

I used a turkey burger.

Make a green salad.

Top a cooked burger with a slice of cheese and heat to melt. Put it on top of your green salad.

Now top the cheeseburger with your typical burger toppings.

Mine today were a slice of onion, dill pickle slices, mustard, catsup, and a tiny bit of mayonnaise.

Now eat with a fork.

All I can say is wow.

Didn't miss the bread in the least.

This will definitely go on my supper menu rotation.

Check out Deerunstoo's website , her you-tube channel

and her blog.

And if you'd like to see her 'not cheeseburger salad' video click here.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-14T08:46:00.019-05:00

Who doesn't love sweets for Valentines?

I made Oreo Truffles this year.

They are similar to cake balls, but I like them better

They aren't so overly sweet.

And they are easy to make.

Combine one package of crushed Oreo cookies with one room temperature package of cream cheese.

Allow to sit for a few hours in the fridge--this softens the cookie crumbs and firms the mixture up for easy shaping.

Shape into balls.

Dip into melted chocolate chips, placing them on waxed paper after dipping.

You can add some coconut oil (the kind that is solid at room temp) or some shortening to the chips if they are too thick for easy dipping.

When the chocolate hardens you can drizzle with some red melts to decorate--Wilton makes these. You could use some red and pink sprinkles--but add the sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

These are intensely chocolately and very rich.

If you love chocolate and you love truffles you'll likely love these.

New Love

2011-02-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

I ♥ smoothie--in a bowl!

Why?

It tastes great.

It's an easy way to get 2-3 servings of fruit.

And if you eat it in a bowl versus drinking from a glass, it lasts 'forever'. You'll have a heap big bowl of wonderfulness.

And you'll be stuffed. And satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time.

It's like a fruit soup.

And it's cold like ice cream because I use frozen fruit or add some ice.

And you can add toppings like granola, nuts, coconut--even Magic Shell topping, all of which makes it like dessert! Dessert that is GOOD for you. That you can feel GOOD about eating. And that tastes GOOD to boot

I like to throw in half a scoop of protein powder for whey protein (which staves off hunger) and some plain yogurt or milk for calcium as well as protein,

And I usually add some flax meal for fiber. Or some chia seed, which I grind first due to diverticulosis.

And always--for the B vitamins (plus protein and fiber too) --my beloved nutritional yeast.

I've been eating it every day and my weight is at a new low by a few ounces.

And I feel great.

Maybe it's psychological. Or maybe it's not.

No matter.

The proof is in the pudding--or in this case in the fruit bowl.

*******************************

Note: It's not necessary to add all of the above to your smoothie in a bowl. Just use what you have on hand and see if you like it. I always buy bananas, and I keep frozen fruit in my freezer--strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. Begin with one or two fruits, enough to equal two servings, add some liquid --like milk, yogurt and/or water--and blend away. Usually the fruit is sweet enough for me, but you can add a little sweetener for taste if you desire.

I got the idea for smoothie in a bowl from KERF--i.e, Kath Eats blog. I thought 'what's the big deal about eating it in a bowl?'. Well, I found out.

When I drink it down, I guzzle it. Eating it with a spoon from a bowl takes longer and yields more pleasure and satisfaction--something any of us who are trying to lose weight need more of.

For pictures of smoothie in a bowl check out KERF.

Just A Thought

2011-02-08T12:36:00.010-05:00

MAYBE

.....it's not what we eat that matters.....

But what we don't eat .

Mixed Tea

2011-02-06T23:53:00.000-05:00

I like to have a variety of teas on hand. When I get several it's time to mix and match.

Here is my delicious cool brew.

one black current tea bag
one Tazo Passion tea bag (hibiscus tea)
one Constant Comment tea bag (orange rind, spices)
one plain Lipton tea bag

Hang in a quart mason jar and fill with water that you've brought just to the boil.

Put the lid on and let it sit on the counter.

Leave the tea bags in if you want--I do.

When you're ready for a cool drink, decant into an ice filled glass.

Flavorful without the addition of sweetener.

What in your pantry?

Valentine Slideshow

2011-02-04T07:19:00.000-05:00

For captions, click on word bubble...

Stuff I've Made Recently

Banners

Cards

Glitter Houses

Trees

Not the best photography, but the best I can muster.

Maybe I can blame it on my camera?

Another Favorite Mini-meal

2011-02-03T10:08:00.000-05:00

I love goat cheese with curry powder, walnuts and honey for breakfast, accompanied by some tea rusks or Melba Toast.

It's my almost every day go to breakfast--along with a cup of coffee of two. And it's reserved for breakfast.

What to have for lunch?

I have a new favorite mini-meal.

Lightly smoked sardines in oil--drain the oil-- and coat with a small dab of spicy brown mustard.

Alongside that have a serving of cottage cheese--my fave is Breakstone fat free;

and 3 rosemary and olive crackers.

Fast, tasty, healthful.

And a good source of omega 3's,

2011-02-01T07:20:00.004-05:00

Sprinkles Are Pretty

But they can make you feel like swearing.

Even if you are not a person who typically uses swearing words.

I warn you. Do not eat sprinkles over or near your computer keyboard.

Especially the large hard round ones.

Why?

Well, they can wreck havoc when they bounce from your mouth and under a key.

The key, you see, won't work. It can't go down.

To get your stuck key to work you must dislodged the sprinkle.

The round hard ones won't be smashed by forcing the key down.

This I know this for a fact.

They are that hard.

They must be blown out. Preferably with canned air.

But first, you might have to dislodged them with dental floss.

Once out from under the key, they tend to migrate to other keys.

So just when you think you are home free you find another key is stuck.

By one single solitary rock hard sprinkle.

Which is no longer an object of fun and delight, as sprinkles tend to be.

But one you want to cuss.

Eventually, in my case, I got the sprinkle out.

After much frustration.

And a lot of googling which yielded information on how to remove the key from the keyboard.

With the dire warning to not break it in the process.

Which would necessitate buying a new key board.

No prettily sprinkled food is worth the cost of a new keyboard.

I vowed to never again eat a dipped and sprinkled pretzel while keyboarding.

At least not close to my keyboard.

I lean far away from it and hope the little balls don't bounce THAT far.

2011-01-31T15:08:00.000-05:00

SATISFY A SWEET TOOTH

Split a banana long ways.

Spread with smear of peanut butter.

(My favorite organic is Smuckers. I've tired several and it is the best.)

Top with a dollop or two of fat free Cool Whip.

Sprinkle with some coconut.

Delightful.

But it may be addictive--it is that good.

You've been warned.

Note: You could skip the peanut butter and sprinkle it with chopped peanuts instead.

Weightloss Update

2011-01-30T09:35:00.016-05:00

Finally.

Lost the pound I gained at Christmas.

Plus a couple more ounces.

New low on the scale.

**BUT**

May have gained some of that back.

LOL.

Ate a 10 ounce rib eye yesterday.

With a baked potato.

And a Caesar salad drenched in delicious dressing.

I forgot to ask for it served on the side.

And for dessert?

Two tablespoons of coconut butter.

Heaven on a spoon.

Finally found the Artisana brand.

image from Artisana website

Expensive but yum yum.

Probably my first and last jar.

Too much temptation sitting in the cupboard beckoning me.

Bye bye coconut butter...but not today.

But soon, very soon.

The Pause That Refreshes

2011-01-23T23:05:00.000-05:00

Time for a blogging break.

More Nostalgia

2011-01-20T00:30:00.005-05:00

It's that time of the year.

Let's All Go to the Lobby

2011-01-15T17:17:00.007-05:00

When I was a little kid our family used to go to the drive in theater. Boy did I love that. Mom gave us our baths early, dressed us in our pj's--that'd be me and my baby brother. The she'd pop corn--enough to fill up a giant brown paper grocery sack. Dad would grab a six pack and off we'd go--early enough to get a good spot--while it was still day light, and so we kids could play down front on the swing set provided by the theater.

When the movie began, into the car we'd go, with dad adjusting the speaker which hung on the partially opened window. The voices sounded like they were coming from a tin bucket..and it could sound a bit scratchy if you turned it up too loud. But what a thrill--so exciting. Brother and I always enjoyed the cartoon which came first. Then we'd eat popcorn until we fell asleep.

Most of the movies we saw were westerns. My first non-western movie experience was at an indoor theater and it was a romance to boot. I still recall it to this day. Forever after I was hooked on romantic comedies. We were living in Montana, in a very small town and it was the dead of winter. I'm not sure how we ended up at a romantic movie, what with dad being a die hard western fan. But we did, and it was the beginning of my 'romance' with the picture show. I still remember that cold gray day and the experience of falling in love with 'falling in love'. I was smitten.

There's just something about sitting in a darkened theater, with the expectation of a special evening that beats watching a movie at home all to pieces. For at least 2 solid hours there are no interruptions, and it's just you and the dark and another world--and an ice cold soda, popcorn and a little chocolate don't hurt.

A couple of years ago I came across the movie that initiated my love of the movie theater and romantic comedies and I snatched it up. Every time I watch it, the larger than life memory and thrill returns. For a couple of hours I am 9 years old in my spirit.

The name of that movie? Well- that's a story for another day.

2011-01-12T11:08:00.011-05:00

"Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't"

Some days I want nothing but milk chocolate after lunch. Other days I opt for nutritionally healthier fare

Both options can fit into my weight loss plan. Hint: the key is calories--excess calories make you gain weight.

Here are two options that are fruit based-- I've been enjoying of late.

Date Nut Bites

remove pit from whole dates, then cut date in half
fill each half with a small amount of neufchatel cheese (this is like cream cheese)
dip in shredded coconut
top--press it in--with a nut piece, walnut or almond
drizzle with a little chocolate Magic Shell ice cream topping
chill for a few minutes to harden the Magic Shell

Raw Banana Split

peel one banana, cut in half, place on plate
top with diced dates
sprinkle with nut pieces and coconut
drizzle with chocolate Magic Shell ice cream topping--just a little
chill to harden the Magic Shell

Interesting note on Magic Shell ice cream topping

The 'magic' that makes it harden when it is put on cold food is coconut oil. Yep. And coconut oil is a healthy fat, similar to olive oil in that it is a medium chain fatty acid.

A lot of people declare it bad for us because of it's high saturated fat profile.

Whatever. I'm not convinced that sat fat is the culprit we think it is. To each his own.

Magic Shell has some sunflower oil too, which keeps it liquid and pourable. (Coconut oil is solid at normal room temperature.) If your magic shell gets cold it will harden so that it won't pour. If it does, set it in a vessel of hot water for a few minutes.

Triglyceride Primer

2011-01-10T08:36:00.006-05:00

Your total cholesterol is a count of lipids in your blood stream.

Usually the HDL (high density lipoprotein), LDL (low density lipoprotein) and triglycerides are measured separately.

Hence, triglyceride is found in the blood.

(The 'experts' say high triglycerides increase your risk for cardiac event or disease.)

What are they?

The short answer is they are a fat--a lipid.

How do you accumulate them in your blood? From eating fat?

Nope. Carbohydrates are the culprit.

The simplified explanation:

When you eat carbohydrates it is converted--by your body--into glucose.

That glucose fuels your cells. Any excess glucose is returned to your liver.

Once there, the liver coverts that excess glucose to glycogen.

Glycogen fuels your muscles.

When you 'move' you use your muscles and they burn glycogen for fuel.

Your muscles store glycogen--so it'll be available when needed.

If you are a body builder with lots of muscle volume you'll need more glycogen than someone who is not.

What happens to the excess glycogen not used and not stored by your muscles?

It goes back--ta da--to your--you guessed--LIVER.

(Gee--I'm beginning to think the liver is a big deal--it works hard.)

The liver turns the excess glycogen into fat--i.e. triglyceride.

Some of that fat goes into fat storage.

(You'll find it on your tushie, your tummy..you know .)

And the rest?...it circulates in your blood, where it can gunk things up.

If you want to reduce the triglycerides in your blood, you must reduce your intake of carbohydrates.

You can do this by reducing your overall food intake--in other words quit eating excess calories.

You can do it by reducing the percentage of calories that come from carbohydrates--in other words eat more protein and fat--the good kind preferably.

And you can do it by moving those big muscles--which activity uses the stored glycogen--making room in your muscles for more to be stored. The more that goes to the muscles for storage the less there will be floating around in your blood stream.

Ahhh---the mystery of triglycerides solved.

Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries

2011-01-09T12:19:00.004-05:00

Chocolate covered ones that is.

I had my share of chocolate covered cherries over the holidays.

Now it's time to get back to healthy eating and reaching my second weight loss goal.

But--I need not give up the flavor combination.

I've found a low calorie low carb substitute that tastes surprisingly like: *chocolate covered cherries * :-)

One bowl

One single serve of sugar free CHERRY gelatin

4 tablespoons of fat free Cool Whip

Unsweetened cocoa powder

One spoon

Into the bowl goes the gelatin; break it up with the spoon. Cover with a layer of FF CW. Sprinkle with the cocoa powder. Eat with your spoon. Yum Yum.

Enjoy.

Edit: Skip the cocoa powder and drizzle with chocolate Magic Shell ice cream topping. Top with 3 maraschino cherries. Stick in the freezer a minute or two to harden the shell. Wow. Good. But more calories...and fat.

Beyond the Horizon

2011-01-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

Been thinking about death lately. Loved this poem when I read it. When our friends and loved ones set sail they are gone, but only from our sight.

GONE FROM SIGHT

I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts
for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come
to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says;
"There, she is gone!"
"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull
and spar as she was when she left my side
and she is just as able to bear her
load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!"
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout;
"Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

-Henry VanDyke

Shocked, Stunned, Saddened

2011-01-06T23:55:00.018-05:00

Edit: Be sure to read the post below this one for the URL to Margie's other blog. There you will find some information about what happened following the accident.

In the blog world I have made some blog friends. Even though we've never met they are real people to me and I become invested in them through their sharing of themselves and their life via their blogs.

Once such blog friend I met via her blog "My Healthy Living Through Weight Control" (you'll see it in my sidebar and note it has not been updated for 2 or more months) --Margie--was an inspiration to me.

She asked the question 'would you like for me to post my daily food intake". I responded that I would and she did.

And that is when I realized that I was eating way too much food.

Each day I looked forward to her postings. Then I discovered she had another blog--one about herself and Bruce, her husband, and their travels in their RV, along with their 'furry kid' Annie the schnauzer. The three of them lived full time in their RV.

So I began to read it as well. Vicariously I got to travel to all the places Bruce and Margie traveled to.

And then one day she did not post...several days passed and no post on her food blog, so I went to her RV blog.

There I found a post labeled "posted by Margie" which said that her parents had been hit by a car and killed instantly while out walking. And that they were having a hard sad time adjusting.

I reasoned that her parents were probably at least 80-ish and thought while it was sad and very tragic that at least they gotten to go together. And I assumed in a month or so Margie would get back to posting regularly again.

But she didn't. There was a post or two on the RV blog but none on the food blog.

And those posts on the RV blog didn't make sense. They said that they were taking care of Annie and it seemed odd to have her living with them full time since their parents' death.

So I went back and reread--yesterday--3 months after the fact, thinking-- "I know you are saddened by the loss of your parents Margie but they lived a good life and they were elderly and it was their time to go and they got to go together"--when the reality sunk in.

It was Margie and Bruce who were killed!! Margie was 59, Bruce was 63. They were out for one of their lovely routine morning walks when a 19 year old whose 17 year old girlfriend had broken up with him was upset and wanted to do himself harm and drove off the road, through a fence at speeds of 100 mph and hit my blog friend and her husband killing them both on the spot.

They never knew what hit them. They had no clue of the impending doom and death.

Margie and Bruce woke up that morning like they did every morning. They had no idea that an activity as innocent and harmless as a morning walk would be the death of them.

I am saddened and stunned. And shocked that they are both gone. How can this be? And poor little Annie must be sad too. She was loved by them, their constant companion and friend.

And Bruce and Margie's children and grands--how difficult this all must be for them as well.

It was their daughter Stephanie who posted on Margie's RV blog about the death of her parents. Somehow I missed that it was Bruce and Margie. I still can't believe they are gone.

They went together, doing an activity they loved, and now they are with their Savior and God.

Rest in peace Bruce and Margie. We will miss you. You impacted my life and the lives of all those you met and loved.

And the take away from this? We have an appointment with death, and it is sure. When we least expect it the end may come. Make the most of these minutes you have today.

Margie's Other Blog

2011-01-06T09:59:00.002-05:00

For those of you who followed Margie's weight loss blog she had another blog on which her daughter posted about the tragedy of her and Bruce's death, with some brief updates about Annie and what ensued following their death.

Her RV blog Bruce and Margie's Full Time Journey can be found at :

http://www.bruceandmargiesfulltimejourney.blogspot.com/

Make Your Own Laundry Soap

2011-01-04T18:39:00.028-05:00

Edit: My concentrate got so thick overnight I don't think it will pour out of the jug. I'll have to cut the top off and add the additional water for ease of use. So--if you make this be sure and add all the water--which is water to equal 5 gallons.

Today I finally got around to using the supplies I'd gathered to make my own laundry soap. Five gallons worth for the price of a bar of Zote soap, a cup of washing soda and a half cup of Mule Team Borax.

I was inspired to do this after my husband brought home a sample along with the recipe-- given to him by a coworker who has used it for years. I thought why not--not much money to lose and a lot of money saved if I like it.

There are a lot of recipes on the net. All similar. Mine called for half a large bar (the large is 14 ounces) Zote soap, one cup washing soda (not the same as baking soda) and half a cup of Mule Team Borax

You grate the bar of soap, then melt it in hot water. Stir in the soda and borax mixing well to combine. Put this is a 5 gallon bucket and add water to fill. Use one half cup per load.

I didn't have a 5 gallon bucket so I added enough water to make 2.5 gallons of concentrate. I'll use a fourth cup per load.

Here's a video that shows the general process.

_____________________________________________
FYI: I found the washing soda at my grocery store (Ingles) and the Mule Team Borax at Walmart. I found the Zote bar soap at Kmart. For grating the soap I bought a grater-- to dedicate to soap making-- at the Dollar Tree. I saved 3 one gallon water/milk jugs to pour it into after mixing in my bucket-- which I already owned (remember I only made 2.5 gallons instead of 5).

Also, once your soap is mixed and stored it's important to shake it before dispensing--it gels and you want to make sure it's well distributed.
_______________________________________

For a step by step photo blog post go to Gardenview Cottage.

__________________________________________

And here's another recipe from The Duggar Family website.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

My Word For 2011

2011-01-02T09:22:00.009-05:00

***********

PURSUE

***********

as in

1. To be engaged in (a vocation or hobby, life)

2. To proceed along the course of; to follow

3.To follow after

4. To carry on; continue.

5. To carry further; advance

6. To accomplish

1-1-11: 10:48 a.m.

2011-01-01T10:48:00.002-05:00

THE WEATHER TODAY

The perfect weather today for lazing about, eating yummy food and thinking about plans for the new year:

gray, rainy, balmy.

The snow is gone and it feels like spring out there. Mind you this won't last. We will have cold weather before spring actually arrives.

And I don't think today's dark gray weather portends an ominous year forthcoming.

As a matter of fact I find dark gray weather comforting....like a cocoon...you can wrap yourself in it and shut out everything else. Pretend that nothing else exists. That is, until the sun bursts forth.

Once the sun is beaming down and light is spilling in it's back to reality.

The light reveals everything and covers nothing.

Unless it is blinding.

In that case--blinding light--you can't see and are in fact forced to close your eyes.

Too much light can be as bad as too little.

Great isn't it that God only allows us to see the future a little bit at a time.

Otherwise we might be so overwhelmed as to be frozen, stuck, unable to deal.

Yahweh--the God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac-- gives us light and grace as we need it.

1-1-11: 10:02 a.m.

2011-01-01T10:02:00.009-05:00

MY WORD FOR THE YEAR

to be determined

***********

My word for last year was FUN.

Words I am considering for this year so far are:

engage

awake

discern

determine

act

live

1-1-11: 9:53 a.m.

2011-01-01T09:53:00.005-05:00

THE MENU FOR TODAY

Ham

Baked Sweet Potato

Black Eyed Peas

Greens

Cornbread

Iced Cinnamon Tea

1-1-11: 1:02 a.m.

2011-01-01T01:02:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

No resolutions or goals as of yet. Not sure if any are forthcoming.

What I do know is I wish the brats next door would go inside. It's fine to celebrate and have fun, but underage drinking and staying out in the yard until the wee hours of the morning? Ridiculous. I'm just thankful we are renters for the moment and will be able to move away at some point.

Not such a great start to a New Year. But a sign of the times I'm afraid.

Heading Into the New Year: Focus on fiber and cinnamon

2010-12-29T08:04:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to get more fiber into your diet this upcoming year eat more beans. They are a great source of fiber, cheap and good for you.

Yes they are carbohydrates, but complex. Pass on the bread and eat beans instead.

Fiber not only promotes regularity, it helps you fill full longer and it feeds the good bacteria in your gut. And you want to feed that good bacteria--so it can control the bad bacteria population.

As for cinnamon, it has several healthful benefits. Dr. Oz recommends it and I find him to be credible. When it comes to losing weight, 'they' say cinnamon helps by increasing metabolism.

And if you are diabetic or have insulin resistance issues, cinnamon has some proven benefits for those issues too.

In Asian cultures and Ayurveda it is considered to be a warming spice. And don't worry if it is Ceylon cinnamon or cassia. Cassia is even higher in the beneficial elements than cinnamon per my research.

My goal is to consume a teaspoon of cinnamon every day. The easiest way I find to ingest it is in a tisane.

Here's how I make mine.

CINNAMON GINGER TISANE

I bring some water to a boil. While I wait on that I grate some fresh ginger into my cup--a good amount--probably a teaspoon or more-- I like it gingery and spicy. To that I add a third teaspoon of cinnamon and a packet of stevia to sweeten it. Then I add the water, about 10 ounces, and I let that steep, covered, for about 5 minutes.

If you don't like ginger omit it. But be sure to allow the cinnamon to steep and soak up the water. If need be, reheat it after steeping. If you don't allow it to steep it will taste sharp instead of sweet.

Weightloss Update

2010-12-27T07:43:00.000-05:00

Last weigh in the scale was down a pound. Total lost: 28. Two more pounds and I'll reach my second goal. I may set a new goal when I get there.

It's a winter wonderland here--snow everywhere. We had 24+ hours straight of snowfall, which began on Christmas Eve. It was still snowing the day after Christmas but the kids made it to the airport to fly home.

Now, begins the best time of the Christmas season. A time when I can relax and just enjoy the decorations, eat yummy leftovers and read.

In January begins the annual purge of papers but for the next few days--these 12 days of Christmas-- I am in 'do nothing but have fun' mode.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T00:05:00.010-05:00

Today is the day we celebrate the birth of Christ. If you don't believe in Christ than you have nothing to celebrate this day.

And groups like the ACLU who expect Christmas to be celebrated without any religious context--well, they are idiots. To them I say 'bah humbug'. They won't rest until every trace of Christ is eradicated.

But to those who do rejoice in the birth of Messiah I say a hearty "Merry Christmas".

Wishbook

2010-12-22T08:52:00.000-05:00

image from Welcome to Wishbook

For a stroll down memory lane click on over to Welcome to Wishbook

At the site you'll find vintage Christmas catalogs you can peruse to your heart's delight.

**********************************************************

Back in the day kids couldn't wait to get their hands on the Christmas Wishbook. Ours were from Montgomery Ward, Sears, and Spiegel.

I used to wish for a magic Wishbook--one that allowed me to grab the image and have the item come off the page right into my real life.Instant gratification. Bliss.

The idea of having to fill out an order, mail it and then wait for it to be processed and sent by return mail was agony. But agony turned to ecstasy when your order finally arrived.

Today we have the electronic catalog. To me it's no better than the old paper catalog. Yes, it saves a little time and allows me to shop the world....but it's not a whole lot different than what we had way back when.

Then There Was Chatty Cathy. Every Little Girls' Dream Gift for Christmas in 1960

2010-12-21T15:25:00.021-05:00

First came Betsy Wetsy in 1938, followed by Tiny Tears in the 1950's. In 1959 Barbie was born and in the 1960's Chatty Cathy.

Betsy wet her pants, Tiny cried 'real' tears, and Barbie--well she was a sex pot--and Cathy yammered a lot.

I had Betsy, Tiny and Barbie, but no Chatty Cathy.

If only I'd kept that Barbie I got in 1959. She was in mint condition when I finally parted with her--on an impulse.

In a brief moment of good will I gave her to a little neighbor girl. I'd decided I was too big for dolls.

My loss, her gain. Original Barbie would fetch a pretty good price today.

Classic Coke Christmas

2010-12-20T07:58:00.001-05:00

Another fave Christmas commercial.

LSMFT: Another Great Classic Christmas TV Commercial

2010-12-19T08:03:00.018-05:00

Not sure what to get someone for Christmas?

When I was growing up everyone smoked.

Everyone who was anyone on TV smoked. The old movies are rife with it. It was glamorized--like alcohol--so it's no wonder there were so many smokers back in the day.

My parents smoked. I hated it. And I determined in my young heart I would never smoke.

When mom and dad would light up after every meal it gagged me to watch them put their ash in their plate. GAG.

I had chronic earaches as a child and I feel sure it was related to constantly breathing smoke. I smoked vicariously.

Today I can't be anywhere near cigarette smoke. I immediately get a sore throat.

I'm so thankful that nowadays we have laws that limit where people can smoke in public places.

And I'm thankful for the education programs that have informed the public of the dangers of smoking which has led to its decline. It's a shame we don't target the dangers of alcohol and drugs with the same gusto.

I make no moral judgment on those who do choose to smoke, though I do think it is an expensive, harmful, wasteful habit that increases your risk of lung cancer.

BTW--LSMFT is short for "Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco".

Robert Hall

2010-12-16T09:11:00.002-05:00

Another favorite commercial here. I've remembered this one for decades.

Etched in my memory is Mom and Dad taking me to Robert Hall and buying me a dressy winter coat for school. I also got some new shoes that day. Red ones.

I was a 'fancy' girl'. But then, in those days girls were not permitted to wear pants to school. And most of the girls did dress up. The boys were not allowed to wear jeans either. And shirts had to have a collar and be tucked in.

When the winter weather was frightful you wore a snowsuit over your clothes. Many is the time I've been bound up so tightly in all those wrappings that I could barely put my arms down--think Randy, Ralphie's brother in A Christmas Story.

Believe you me I ended up freezing all the more so. To stay warm you need 'loose' layers.

Suzy Snowflake

2010-12-14T07:03:00.000-05:00

A cute song I enjoy this time of year and perfect for the weather we're having.

Christmas in the City

2010-12-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

As a child Christmas trips to visit grandpa and his wife--my step grandma who was a fun person--were exciting for me. They had pet parakeets that they treated like their babies. And an old retired gentleman friend of theirs always gave me--a chocoholic at a young age--white chocolate. I was fascinated with it. How could it be white I'd think?

But the best part of the visit in my memory was our trip to downtown Fort Wayne for shopping in the city. The cold crisp air, the swoosh of the bus doors opening to allow passengers to exit, the ladies with their Christmas corsages--the plastic ones which I'd love to find at a vintage shop or yard sale--the hustle and bustle in the air, the decorations, and best of all the music that floated on the air, supplied by the various stores speaker systems.

My favorite was Silver Bells. To this day it never fails to transport me back into that time, that era, those good memories.

KISSES

2010-12-09T09:57:00.017-05:00

Don't you just love this commercial? I do.

Weight Loss Update:

I lost the pound I gained at Thanksgiving, plus one more! Total loss to date: 27.

TV Dinner Anyone?

2010-12-08T07:40:00.002-05:00

If you're rushing around and pressed for time this holiday season and there's barely time to eat let alone cook, Swanson has the answer to your dilemma.

Overheard in a Small Town Diner: A Dirty Little Secret

2010-12-07T08:48:00.000-05:00

We were eating lunch when in walked two strapping youngish men.

While they were waiting to be served the guests at an adjacent table were taking their leave.

They spoke about the weather, how cold it was.

One of the men said they lived on the mountain top and that he was originally from the cold northern clime of Indiana so he was used to it.

Mind you he didn't even have a coat on and it was 29 outside and snowing.

He said he and his friend were truck drivers. He was asked if they were local or long haul.

He said they did a run to California and back. That is when he told them the dirty little secret.

He said when they topped the hill entering the San Joaquin valley the sky overhead was brown; that the air pollution was horrible there in that valley where so much of our produce is grown.

And that the water they irrigate the crops with is unfit for drinking.

He told them to soak any greens from California--like salad--in water for 30 minutes. Then rinse and spin in a lettuce dryer.

Now the secret is out.

It makes me think this is the reason Californians make such an issue about food quality and safety.

They know the dirty little secret.

And now you do too.

Speedy Here

2010-12-05T23:57:00.000-05:00

Need relief from too much holiday excess? This little guy offers a remedy.

The lovable Speedy--isn't he cute?

I grew up with him and never forgot him.

Slinky

2010-12-03T07:28:00.000-05:00

The toy I never wanted. The toy I never understood.

I received one of these in a gift exchange. I'd seen them on television and they puzzled me.

What did you do with them? How did you play with them?

There were no stairs in our home, and after you'd juggled them a bit--which took all of ten seconds--what was left?

I knew how to play with my doctor's kit, my dolls, my dishes, my chalkboard, my toy cash register and all my stuffed animals.

My play was elaborate. Our living room was the waiting room to see the doctor--which was me. The examining room for my patients was my parents bedroom. I loved giving my patients shots and telling them it wouldn't hurt.

When my patients finished they could go to my restaurant in the kitchen, where I took their food orders on a real guest check pad. I cooked the food, served it on my real china toy dishes, and when they finished they paid me with play money which I placed in my cash register.

And while they did all of this their kids were at school, located in my bedroom--complete with child size table and chairs, chalk board, red pencil, foil stars and my own old school papers which I graded while the 'kid's--my stuffed animals and dolls--did their seat work.

As I taught with my Lee press on nails I stood by the chalkboard at the front of the class.

So--how would a slinky fit into this elaborate play scheme?

I never figured it out and that is one of the few gifts--along with play dough, and marbles and kites in the spring--that I didn't welcome or really appreciate.

I could never get a kite to fly, marbles were pretty but the game made no sense--though jacks did--and play dough--it didn't spark any creativity in me. If anything it limited it. One can of play dough, one color like yellow. What can you create with a lump of yellow play dough?

Give me a Mr. Potato Head. At least he came with a variety of elements and I could create several persona's.

Shoot give me a new fancy dress with a 'can can' slip and a pair of black patent leather shoes plus a pair of ruffled lace top socks. At least I could wear those and feel like a little princess.

But a slinky? No thanks.

Vintage Flinstones

2010-12-02T07:15:00.001-05:00

Do you need some Christmas spirit?

This old Flintstones commercial always puts me in the Christmas spirit. I find nothing beats nostalgia and good memories to arouse some festive feelings.

Microfiber and Mighty Mouse Save the Day

2010-11-30T08:24:00.002-05:00

My dryer lint filter is in the top of my dryer. Because it is important to clean the lint filter with each load that is dried, I do. But tiny pieces of lint--lint dust-- end up all over the top of my dryer.

For years I cleaned up up with a wet paper towel.

Let me tell you, getting wet lint up and off your dryer is no easy feat. But leaving it dry is worse--the lint scatters everywhere and ends up mostly in the air and on the floor.

Then one day I got a brilliant idea.

I bought a micro-fiber duster at the Dollar Tree.

Voila. A mini dust mop that captures the lint in one fell swoop.

I keep it hanging beside my dryer. All it needs for maintenance is a good shake outside--like you'd do a dust mop--once in a while. And it can be laundered.

No more using those expensive paper towels and no more chasing lint.

And for your viewing pleasure one of my favorite cartoons from the past:

This May Be Happening at a Mall Near You

2010-11-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

Christmas Flash Mob

Random Acts of Culture

Vintage Thanksgiving Short

2010-11-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

Hurrah It's Thanksgiving Day (Almost)

2010-11-24T07:42:00.002-05:00

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1964

Like the rest of America I'll be busy in the kitchen tomorrow so I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I am truly blessed and I thank God for all his provisions.

In the background while I'm preparing my feast there will be the Macy's Christmas Parade--which always happens on Thanksgiving Day-- playing on the TV. I don't think I've ever sat down and watched the whole parade, but I always enjoy listening to it. Pure nostalgia.

Rawhide and Pie

2010-11-22T18:20:00.000-05:00

Another one of dad's favorite westerns. Just hearing the theme song brings back memories--good ones.

With the upcoming holidays everyone needs an easy to make delicious pie. Here is one of my favorites:

Hawaiian Pie

2 baked pie crusts (I buy the frozen 2 pack shallow shells--bake according to package.)
1 large can crushed pineapple (DO NOT DRAIN)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 large bananas sliced
1 cup of grated coconut--fresh or frozen (I have used the processed too with good results.)
1 cup of chopped nuts (I like pecans but walnuts are good too.)
1 large tub of Cool Whip or whipped cream if you prefer

In a saucepan combine the sugar and flour. Add the whole can of pineapple. Stir together to mix well. Heat/cook until thick. Let cool.

Line your pie crusts with the sliced banana. Sprinkle nuts over the bananas and coconut over the nuts. Pour half of cooled pineapple filling over each pie. Chill. Cover each pie with half the whipped topping.

Laramie

2010-11-21T17:32:00.000-05:00

Another favorite show of daddy's when I was a kid. He loved a good western. This brings back some good memories for me.

Protein Pumpkin Pancakes

2010-11-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

Trust me--you won't know these have cottage cheese in them. The pumpkin is perfect for fall, and now that there is an abundance at the store--and in your pantry too? ( I stocked up)--it's time to use some of it.

This is one serving.

In a bowl :

beat one whole egg with a fork (you could use two whites if you prefer)
add one fourth cup fat free cottage cheese, beat together
add one fourth cup self rising flour and 1 teaspoon of sugar (it helps the cakes to brown), mix well
add 2 heaping tablespoons of canned pumpkin, mix together
sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, to taste--OR add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc to taste if you don't have the pie spice mix--and stir
add enough water for the consistency you desire--thick pancakes?..use less. Thin pancakes?...use more

In a non stick skillet that has been liberally sprayed with cooking spray cook as you would any pancake.

When you are ready add your toppings. I spray them with a buttery spray, then drizzle with sugar free maple syrup and top with a few pieces of broken walnuts. (You could add the nuts to the mix before cooking.) I like to sprinkle mine with some additional cinnamon too. (Dr. Oz says cinnamon boosts your metabolism and it helps lower blood sugar as well.)

For an extra protein boost I eat an egg on the side.

By themselves the pancakes yield 14 grams of protein from animal sources (eggs and cottage cheese). The egg on the side adds another 7 grams.

This is a hearty breakfast that should keep you going full steam ahead until lunch time. The calorie count comes in at 350 total if you use the sugar free syrup.

This meal would constitute my breakfast and mid-morning snack.

No Man is an Island

2010-11-19T08:58:00.008-05:00

I guess they don't teach that in public high school anymore. Listening to a morning program I heard a young musician--singer/song writer--say that because he had a new baby, he had to be careful about what he wrote NOW since his boy would grow up and be able to hear it.

WHAT ABOUT EVERYBODY ELSE'S KIDS PRIOR? Honestly--he had no concern that what he wrote might be detrimental to them????

Granted, none of us are perfect and we are always more bothered about our own kids knowing our 'secrets' than some stranger's kids.

But no man is an island, and we are our brothers' keeper. And my brother, he ain't heavy. So it's a small thing to do the right thing for the greater common good.

I Did It!

2010-11-18T07:27:00.008-05:00

Music by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Brooklyn, NY

I reached my weight loss goal today--the first one. Twenty six pounds--gone.

The plan was to work on the second goal after the holidays. It would put me at a 30 pound loss.

Because it's only 4 more pounds AND because there's a week until Thanksgiving and a more than a month to Christmas I think I'll press on toward the second goal, eating just like I have been eating since February.

AND because I plan to eat this way the rest of my life it is EASY.

Thank you fat free Cool Whip for providing aid and comfort and helping me reach my goal.

I'd all but given up ever weighing this number again. The moral is "NEVER give up".

If what you are doing isn't working or making you miserable, examine it, study it and find a WAY that WILL WORK that you can live with.

I've said it before and I will say it again: make your diet fit YOU, don't try to conform yourself to a diet someone designed for commercial purposes.

Magic Cookie Cool Whip Dessert

2010-11-17T09:05:00.000-05:00

Just when I thought there were no more options I surprise myself.

Marble Slab Creamery has their mix-ins, Kath of "Kath Eats Real Food" has her oatmeal mix-ins and I have my Cool Whip mix-ins.

If you like the taste of Magic Cookie Bars you'll probably like this.

Into 56 grams of fat free Cool Whip (that's a fourth of the tub) add:

a pinch of coconut (about a tablespoon)
a few broken walnuts
a few mini chocolate chips or grated chocolate
one whole graham cracker broken into pieces--not crumbs but smallish pieces

Fold this together. It makes one serving.

The fat from the nuts and coconut are good fats.

The calorie count will depend on how much you add but the CW is 90 calories, a tablespoon of coconut is 35, a half tablespoon of mini chips is 35, the graham cracker is 65 and an eighth ounce of walnuts is 25.

To make a few walnuts 'feel' like more, don't fold them in, sprinkle them on top and leave the pieces large. A little will go a long way.

This dessert may cost you 250 calories, but it beats having a whole pan of Magic Cookie Bars in the house.

The portion is generous so it doesn't feel like calorie pinching--which is the parallel of penny pinching. As we must budget our money, so must we budget our calories.

Enjoy.

Next post it's back to the classic TV videos. There's something about nostalgia that puts me in a holiday mood, and after all, Thanksgiving is next Thursday.

Do you know where your turkey is?

Playing With Paper and Ink

2010-11-15T18:20:00.000-05:00

Three cards I've made recently. Excuse the horrible photography. It's not my forte.

Lucky Cool Whip #13 and Weightloss Update

2010-11-13T10:11:00.000-05:00

On the weight-loss front--I've lost another pound--finally. It is coming off slowly, but I guess that is to be expected at this level. Total lost to date: 25 pounds.

Now for Cool Whip Lucky 13. It is the one with protein.

I think it tastes a bit like cheese cake.

In a bowl place a half a cup of fat free cottage cheese. Add one packet of sweetener--your choice. Stir together to mix. Now fold in one fourth tub/56 grams of fat free CW.

Adding the cottage cheese give you 12 grams of protein for only 80 calories.

The whole dessert is only 170 calories and honestly, tastes like cheesecake to me.

It's quick and easy to mix together when you need it too. With it I am able to satisfy my sweet tooth with an option that does not include candy, cookies or brownies. Smile.

Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, carbs for energy and not high in calories in the fat free or reduced fat versions.

So give Lucky 13 a try. You might like it. Enjoy.

Cool Whip Number 12

2010-11-12T13:35:00.016-05:00

Just when I thought I was out of fat free Cool Whip options I discover a couple more.

Today's one serving treat is 'Whipped Coconut Pie' and as usual no real recipe.

Just toss together one quarter tub (56 grams) of fat free CW with one whole broken graham cracker and a tablespoon of grated coconut.

Heavenly and 190 calories. The coconut adds 2 grams of fat.

Tomorrow Cool Whip 13.

And after that it's back to the nostalgia.

Wagon Train

2010-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dad loved a good western. This is one in the lineup of weekly westerns we watched at night when I was a kid.

The Junk Food Diet

2010-11-09T08:12:00.002-05:00

Nutrition Professor: Eats Junk Food, Loses Weight

And he ate only what he could purchase at a convenience store.

To read the full story click here or here.

Tomorrow it's back to nostalgic vintage video--because tis the season to be jolly-fa la la la la, la la la la.

I Was an Ovaltinie

2010-11-08T07:42:00.000-05:00

Yep, I drank Ovaltine when I was a kid. Not sure why my parents fed it to me. I was a pretty scrawny kid. With the influence of the new medium--TV-- my parents probably thought I needed it.

It wasn't to get me to drink my milk either. I loved milk straight out of the glass bottle it came in. Remember the paper caps with the tabs? Or the foil caps that were pleated on the sides?

I loved milk so much that I often drank down a full glass before I even began my meal. Which probably had a lot to do with why I never ate much--I was too full of milk.

Crusader Rabbit

2010-11-07T07:59:00.000-05:00

Add this to my lineup of much loved childhood TV shows: Crusader Rabbit, the first 'made for TV' cartoon.

Popeye the Sailor Man

2010-11-06T01:12:00.000-04:00

As a kid I loved spinach. I'm sure I owe that love to Popeye, another favorite Saturday cartoon I enjoyed growing up.

Sky King

2010-11-05T06:05:00.000-04:00

As a kid every Saturday was a big TV day. One of my favorites was Sky King. Here's a clip of the introduction to it.

I Want My Maypo!

2010-11-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

I love vintage and I love nostalgia. When I was a kid I loved my Maypo. And this is one of the classic TV commercials that introduced me to the wonderful delightful Maypo.

Only 43 Shopping Days Until Christmas

2010-11-02T13:41:00.000-04:00

I miss the days when there was a nice down time between Halloween and Christmas. And when the Christmas decorations and mad rush didn't begin until we'd turned the page on the calendar to December.

We'd never have considered using a fake tree...and since a real tree wouldn't remain fresh very long--not even with daily watering--we were forced to delay the trimming of the tree which added to the anticipation, making the event a real treat when it finally arrived.

For quite a few years now when Christmas finally gets here I am sick to death of it. Sad I think.

That's the end result of commercializing what should be a holy day into a mega big bucks season.

I was at the super store this weekend perusing the Christmas section and overheard a five year old saying-- in disbelief-- 'they skipped Halloween too!". It tickled me. I imagine his mother had commented that they'd skipped Thanksgiving and because he didn't see any Halloween stuff he thought they'd skipped it as well. He could have rested easy though--it was all front and center in the store for the last minute shoppers hoping for a bargain or two hours before the big day.

While my blog is decorated for Christmas my home won't see any Christmas decor until the day after Thanksgiving at the earliest. In my world we follow the 'old' ways.

Should I find a great vintage nostalgic Thanksgiving background I will put it up. Until then it's Christmas in my blog spot.

BOO! Vintage Halloween Disney Short

2010-10-31T07:04:00.000-04:00

Diary of a Not So Mad Housewife

Welcome 2012 With a Make Up Tip For You

FAREWELL 2011

This WayBy Eliza M. Hickok

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

Monty Python on Redistribution of Wealth

Have You Heard?

Better Sound From Your Laptop

BOO!

Another Great Craft Tip

The Learning Curve

Tis Glorius Autumn: Time For Reflection

Polka Dots and Moon Beams

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE 1965: CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

How Much Do We Owe Others and When Should We Walk Away?.

A CHANGE OF SEASONS

Great Craft Tip: Dealing With The Pesky Hot Glue Gun Issue

Need Some Crafting Inspiration?

Easy Table Garden Summer Supper

Hot Time-- Summer in the City and Country

It's almost summertime!!

I Know God Loves Everybody But Some People Are So Trashy I'd Like to Slap Them Silly

Need A Good Laugh?

EWWWW--Meat Glue

Pit Stop

Spring Break

BELLS ARE RINGING

The Cactcus Cuties Sing the National Anthem

COCONUT GRASS FRUIT SOUP

More Goat Cheese Love

Serves One or Three

More Goat Cheese Love

TEXAS TWO STEP

DON'T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF

I Hate My Body

Pecan Flax Coconut Granola

Weight Loss Update

Cheeseburger Salad

**HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY**

New Love

Just A Thought

Mixed Tea

Valentine Slideshow

Another Favorite Mini-meal

Weightloss Update

The Pause That Refreshes

More Nostalgia

Let's All Go to the Lobby

Triglyceride Primer

Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries

Beyond the Horizon

Shocked, Stunned, Saddened

Margie's Other Blog

Make Your Own Laundry Soap

My Word For 2011

1-1-11: 10:48 a.m.

1-1-11: 10:02 a.m.

1-1-11: 9:53 a.m.

1-1-11: 1:02 a.m.

Heading Into the New Year: Focus on fiber and cinnamon

Weightloss Update

Merry Christmas

Wishbook

Then There Was Chatty Cathy. Every Little Girls' Dream Gift for Christmas in 1960

Classic Coke Christmas

LSMFT: Another Great Classic Christmas TV Commercial

Robert Hall

Suzy Snowflake

Christmas in the City

KISSES

TV Dinner Anyone?

Overheard in a Small Town Diner: A Dirty Little Secret

Speedy Here

Slinky

Vintage Flinstones

Microfiber and Mighty Mouse Save the Day

This May Be Happening at a Mall Near You

Vintage Thanksgiving Short

Hurrah It's Thanksgiving Day (Almost)

Rawhide and Pie

This Way
By Eliza M. Hickok

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY