Tasty Tuesday-- All things Apple

A lady brought this cake into our office, and it was so yummy, that I immediately called to ask for the recipe. It's moist, and the flavors marry perfectly. The only problem with the cake that everyone noticed is that it crumbled into pieces. So, two of us set out to try to alter the recipe to find the trick to get it to hold together. Between the two of us,we've tried grating the apples, adding an egg, taking away flour, adding flour, adding some water,taking away some oil.... and with every attempt, the cake is still delicious, but STILL crumbly. I would love to know if anyone has any ideas of what we could try next to make this yummy cake a good one to make for crowds, and not just when you're sitting at home with a fork and a plate. If not, I suggest making it anyway, and eating every moist, crumbly bite.


Fresh Apple Cake
3 C Granny Smith Apples (chopped into small pieces)
2 C Sugar
2 ½ C Self-Rising Flour
1 ½ C Oil
2 Eggs
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1 C Pecans (chopped)

Blend sugar, oil, and eggs until fluffy. Add cinnamon and vanilla. Add flour slowly until blended in. Fold in apples and pecans. Pour into a greased and floured tube pan. Cook for 50-60 minutes on 350

Icing
1 C confectioner sugar
Lemon Juice (Just enough to make icing smooth and pourable)

Wait until cake is completely cooled before icing.

When Words Aren’t Enough

It seems like lately, I’ve had phone calls weekly and sometimes daily from people telling me troubling news about them, or their family and friends. About a month ago a young friend died suddenly, leaving behind a wife and two small children. He was fine that morning, and then a heart attack claimed his life by noon. What do you say when you know that nothing you do or say will make the hurt and pain go away from their hearts?

A few weeks ago, another friend called to tell me her grandmother had just had a massive stroke. She lives on her grandmother’s land, and helps her out with everything. She was devastated. Then she delivers the news a week later that her family wants to put her grandmother in a nursing facility and sell the land… the same land that she lives on. Where will she live? Oh, and by the way, she was laid off from work two weeks before all of this happened. Then just this week, I get a call from her delivering more bad news. Her mother’s cancer is back and it has spread. She’ll be undergoing extensive treatments for 8 weeks 12 hours from home. I thought for a moment, and simply said, “I know this doesn’t make anything better, but I’m sorry.”

I know others who are losing jobs, losing houses, losing babies, suffering from a culmination of illnesses that no doctor can help, struggling their way through chemo and radiation treatments, trying to provide for themselves while helping family members out too, and the list just goes on.

What can we say or do that will make it better?

There’s no point in even mentioning any petty problems that I’ve got going on. Plus, those who are in really tough situations don’t like to hear you comparing your situation to theirs. Telling someone to “buck up”, or “deal with it” isn’t really the most compassionate way to handle it either.
Sometimes I feel helpless just hearing about it. However, the problems of others aren’t something we just need to dismiss. Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” We need to show those who suffer that we are there for them. We can write cards, call to check on them, take food to the hospital for those who are there around the clock, help with yard work , or carpool, but mostly… not the very least, but the very MOST we can do for them is pray. The Bible tells us that even when our words are inadequate at best, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us on our behalf. Romans 8:26 -28 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

So, thankfully, when actions and our words aren’t enough, God knows our hearts, and He uses us to be a help and strength to the weak and weary… even if to us it doesn’t seem like we’re doing much of anything. Cherish every moment you have with family and friends because you never know what the future holds.

I love this time of year. I makes me want to bake and have the aroma of cinnamon and apples floating through the house every day. Of course, if I did that every day, I'd be as big as a barn, so I settle for a Glade apple/cinnamon plug in to get me through. I have, however, started baking something at least once a week. Last week I made Grace's (from A Southern Grace) Apple Dapple cake. It was very tasty. Honeycrisp apples were quite possibly the perfect choice of apple to use for the cake. If you've never had honeycrisp apples, you have got to try them. They're wonderful cooked or plain, or with a little peanut butter on them. They have a short season, so if you want to give them a shot, I'd suggest you try them soon before they're gone. I've bought them at The Fresh Market, Publix and Target. Target has the best deals on them.

This week, I'm doing a couple of things. First I'm going to make a grated apple pie using the honeycrisp apples, and then I'm going to make one of my very favorite things in the world. Pumpkin crisp! I guarantee that most of you have never had anything so heavenly. It's great for breakfast or dessert or just because you're so obsessed with it that you can't help yourself. Even if you hate pumpkin, you'll love it. My grandmother hates it and was instantly hooked on pumpkin crisp once she finally buckled and tried it. It's perfect. Salty and sweet and creamy and crunchy all in one. Yes. Perfect! This is a recipe that I never ever give out, but because I'm in an extremely generous mood, I'll share it with you guys today. Sorry I don't have a pic. I'm not used to our new computer. Please try it and let me know what you think.

Pumpkin Crisp

1 16 oz Can Pumpkin
1 15 oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 C Sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
3 Eggs
1 box Yellow Cake Mix (I use Duncan Hines)
1 C Chopped Pecans
1 C Salted Butter (melted)

Line the bottom and sides of a 9x 13 pan with wax paper. I've never found a pretty way to do that. Mix pumpkin, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and eggs and pour into pan. Pour dry cake mix over the mixture. Sprinkle nuts evenly onto cake mix. Spoon melted and cooled butter evenly over nuts. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes. Invert tray and remove waxed paper. Cool.

Frosting

1 8 oz pkg Cream Cheese (softened)
3/4 C Cool Whip
1/2 C Powdered Sugar (sifted)

Mix ingredients and spread on top of pumpkin crisp. Cut outer edges off, then cut the rest into squares. Refrigerate un-eaten portions. Best served at room temperature, but cool is delicious too.

Welcome Back - White Chicken Chili

I know, I know. It's been forever since I've blogged, but I've been un-inspired at best. This recipe involves a good bit of chopping (I know this will immediately turn some of you off), but it's completely worth it. This is a great alternative to traditional chili, and it's healthy to boot. That is... as long as you don't go nuts with the toppings.

It calls for beer, and I'm not a beer drinker, so I went to someone who knows a lot about it, to ask for a good cooking beer. They told me to use Yuengling Light Lager. The flavor it adds is very good (much better than just chicken broth). If you're not a drinker, I recommend buying a pack and sharing with friends so they can try the chili too.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. Welcome to fall!

White Chicken Chili
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Pablano peppers (seeded and diced)
1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauté ingredients till tender

Add to pot
1 can navy beans
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cans diced tomatoes with zesty green chilies
1 small can sliced black olives (optional)
1 packet of McCormick White Chicken Chili Mix
1 12 oz light beer
Approx 1 lb of either smoked chicken (from a B-B-Q restaurant or rotisserie chicken chopped.

Simmer for 1 hour

Squeeze lime juice in individual serving bowls (approx 1/4 of a lime per bowl)
Optional:Cheddar cheese,sour cream, pico de guillo, Rice Works (brown rice) Sea Salt chips or Tostido's

Tasty Tuesday -- It's Football Time!

In the South, we’re all about some sports. We love them all, but really, all of the others just hold us over till football season comes around. Men and women alike count down the days till the first football game. Whether you go to the games, tailgate and listen to a radio, or choose to sit in your recliner at home from 9:00 am (when Sports Center starts) till 11:00 pm watching multiple games on your HD TV, one thing is for sure. You’ve got to have some great munchies. So, since there are 30 days till the first college football games begin, I’m going to share some of our game-day family favorites.
I attended The University of Alabama, and grew up going to all of the games. I’ve been to a lot of stadiums, and I can honestly say, the hotdogs at UA games are far better than any I’ve had from other places around the country and they’re so easy to make. You could easily make a large amount for a big crowd. What’s better than a hotdog that’s already “doctored up”?

Alabama Stadium Dogs

Hotdogs (brand of your choosing)
Buns
Shredded Sour Kraut
Diced White Onion
Ketchup (Heinz)
Yellow Mustard (French’s)

Mix kraut, onion, ketchup and mustard together, and warm in microwave for 20-30 seconds or until everything is warm. You be the judge on the amounts, but it doesn’t need to be dry. You can either serve this on your hotdog right away or put it on there and wrap it in foil. That’s what they do at the game, and it’s wonderful! These will travel well too.

This next hotdog may sound gross, but everyone I’ve gotten to try it loves it. I made up this concoction when I was a kid, and have eaten it ever since. Warning: You cannot eat this without a plate and a fork.

Ash Dog

Hotdogs
Buns
Shredded Sour Kraut
Diced Onion
Hotdog Chili
Cheddar cheese
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Ketchup

Warm kraut, onion, and chili in separate containers. Load up your dog, and chow down.

No Saturday in the fall is complete without this dip we call, “Crack”. We call it that because it’s so addictive. It’s so simple, and I haven’t found anyone who didn’t love it.

Crack

8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
1 lb Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage browned (like hamburger meat) and drained
2/3 of 16 oz Jar Medium heat Pace Picante Salsa

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 8x8 glass dish with PAM. Mix ingredients together and pour into dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, and serve with Tostido’s.

Thursday Therapy -- Are you worth it?

Are you worth it? The answer to this question says a whole lot about who we are and how we feel about ourselves in regards to so many things in life. I was watching The Biggest Loser Couples earlier in the year, and this question was asked to Kristin in regard to weight loss. Did she feel like she was worthy of being healthy? If you saw this, you’ll remember that Kristin burst into tears before saying, “Yes! I’m worth it!” I’ve read more articles about her, and she identified this moment as the turning point in her weight loss success, and her whole outlook on life. You may be in a power struggle with yourself over a wide variety of things from jobs, to relationships to health. Today, ask yourself, “Am I worth it?” If you feel like you’re not worth it, then you need to talk to someone who can really help you, because we’re all worth it, but sometimes we get these horrible views of ourselves and our self-esteem can plummet. Sometimes we do it to ourselves, but sometimes others are the main contributors. If you know you’re worth it, but aren’t acting like it, it’s time to change your ways and act like you believe it. Thoughts without action get you nowhere, but going through the motions of everyday life without the right attitude won’t get you far either. It took me a long time to figure out that I was worth it, but I know I am, and I live every day with that mindset. You’re worth it too.

Wednesday Whatabouts -- It's Time

I just want to start out by saying that I'm terribly sorry if this post comes off as a rant, but I'll try not to make it such. I also want you to know that I am not into politics, and I don't claim either political party. I do vote in the elections where I've done my research, and found which candidate I align most closely with. I generally feel like if I don't vote, or voice my opinion, I have no right to complain. I did vote in the last presidential election. All of the being said, I feel more strongly about the current healthcare proposal than I've felt about anything political in my life. I work in a healthcare provider's office, and I deal with insurance, and have recently had some dealings with Medicare. I have patients calling me all of the time crying because of how badly they are treated by Medicare. If you think private insurance is a racket, you haven't seen anything until you've experienced Medicare. I know you may be thinking that the universal healthcare plan isn't Medicare, but it's basically the same style system we're looking at. I feel very strongly about certain elective medical procedures, and I certainly don't want my tax dollars paying for someone to have an abortion or to be euthenized. Yes. It's legal in a few states. On the same token, I don't want to die because it took a month to get me in for a surgery that if I'd had quickly, I would've been fine in a few days. All non-private hospitals are already required to see any person who walks into their door. They can't refuse treatment.

It is time for us all to research what the plan includes and excludes and call all of our representatives to let them know where we stand. We cannot sit back and let this pass and let future generations just deal with it. No, our healthcare system isn't perfect, but this plan would be so much worse for our country. Just ask all of the immigrants who have come here to get away from this type of system in their native country. Yes. I believe it's time.

Tasty Tuesday - Oatmeal Carmelitas or as I call them... Heaven

Oatmeal Carmelita is the official name, but Heaven would do way more justice to these scrumptious bits of goodness. You just can't go wrong with chocolate and caramel. Try them and I think you'll agree.

Oatmeal Carmelitas

Top and Bottom Crust
2 c self-rising flour
2 c quick-cooking oats (my little trick is that I pulse them in a mini food processor a couple of times so they aren't as big)
1 1/4 c butter (softened)

Filling
1 12.5 oz jar of caramel ice-cream topping
3 Tbsp self-rising flour
1 1/2 c chocolate chips
1/2 c chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 glass dish.

In a large bowl, blend all crust ingredients at low speed until crumbly. Press HALF of the mixture into bottom of dish. Reserve ramining half for topping.

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Meanwhile in a bowl, combine caramel and flour. Remove partially baked crust from oven, put chocolate chips, pecans and caramel on top. Stick it back in the oven for 2 mintues, then take it out and swirl around all of the melted chocolate. Then put the crumb topping on top and continue baking for 18-22minutes or until golden brown.

Cool completely, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow filling to set. Remove from fridge, and allow to come to room temperature before cutting into squares.

I generally don't use the edge pieces because they don't look as pretty. These are great at room temperature or heated just for a few seconds with vanilla bean icecream. Like I said... Heaven.

Tasty Tuesday -- A day late

Better late than never. This is a quick and simple dessert that's good warm or cold. Some call them chess squares, but my Grandmother calls them Cheesecake squares. This last time, I added a cup of toasted coconut just to add a slightly different flavor. Enjoy!

Grandmother's Cheesecake Squares

1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter (melted)
1 egg

Mix together and press into 9x13" glass dish that has been sprayed with PAM.

1 8oz. pkg Cream Cheese (softened)
1 lb confectioner's sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract.
(If you want to add something else like coconut, stir it in here.)

Beat until smooth, and then pour over bottom mixture. Bake at 325 for approximately 45 minutes. This is better a little under-done than over-done. Cool and eat. Refrigerate un-eaten portion.

Make a Difference Monday --Share a Coke

I must say that I have had a wonderful weekend filled with family and fun. I'm very thankful for times like this and hope I never take them for granted. I'm also loving the new coke commercial where the kid gives a whole bunch of people a bottle of coke with a bright napkin telling them where to meet at a certain time. So, I'm thinking.... how much fun would that be to do with friends? It may take a little planning, but it could be a really fun and random get together. Even if you can't get away from work, make it work in the break room. Try it and you just might make a difference in someone's day. Recycle and you'll make a difference in the envrionment too. Happy Monday!

Thursday Therapy - BFFL

I believe that every woman needs a best friend. No, your husband, boyfriend, family members, dog, cat, and guinea pig don’t count. We need the kinship of another woman because men don’t understand everything that we feel or go through. We need a friend who will be there no matter what. Who will tell us the brutally honest truth no matter how much we don’t want to hear it. Who will drop everything and be there for us when we go through a break-up, divorce, sickness or loss. A friend who will go to the terrifying Dr.’s appointment because they’ve found something that doesn’t look good. We all need one friend who will listen to us rant for hours on end without mentioning that they just had a horrible day too. One who will listen when we’re crying so hard they can’t make out what we’re saying. We need the friend who knows when we need a chick flick and a pint of double chocolate fudge brownie ice-cream. We all need a best friend who is funny and who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. We need a friend who isn’t afraid to be absolutely ridiculous in front of us. Who will work out with us, meet us for a quick lunch, who will tell is if we’re being awful to our men, who doesn’t back stab us, and who will defend us if we need it. We need a friend who isn’t jealous of us and doesn’t care to share any lime light that may be given. Best friends should laugh together and cry together. Your best friend should help hold you accountable in every aspect of your life. They should lift you up, and never tear you down. I have to say that I am so fortunate to have a best friend who fits all of these qualities, and I’m so thankful. So many days, talking with her or hanging out with her is my therapy. I hope all of you are as blessed as I am, and if you aren’t be on the lookout. I met my best friend in college and our friendship has just grown ever since. We went for years living hours apart, and now we’re so lucky to be in the same town. I just hope that am as good a friend as she is to me.

Wednesday Whatabouts -- All Things Coconut

I am craving coconut. I have no idea why. I'm craving it like a pregnant woman craves pickles and ice cream. So, I'm on the prowl for any great coconut recipes that anyone may have. I don't like sweet meat, so don't bother with things like coconut shrimp or chicken. I want some recipes for some sweet treats or breakfast foods. I love things like coconut syrup too. I first became addicted to coconut syrup on my honeymoon in Hawaii. Ever since, we've been bribing people to bring us bottles of it when they come back. It's perfect with fresh berries and pancakes. My family has a secret coconut cake recipe that is hands down the best coconut cake I've ever had. It's not traditional at all. it's moist, light and not sticky like most. If anyone has any great coconut cream pie recipes, coconut bars, muffins, etc. I'm up for trying out anything anyone sends (within reason). Man... I need an Almond Joy.

Tasty Tuesday -- Best Ever Lasagna

Today’s recipe is my go-to recipe for crowds, taking to people, or just when we need a great meal in our house. It is really scrumptious! My Best Ever Lasagna is so good, that we haven’t found any that’s better at any Italian restaurant around our area. Everyone I know thinks this lasagna takes some kind of special talent to make, but the simplicity of it will shock you. This lasagna is no fail too. I’ve never had it turn out badly. It’s also great because you can alter a few ingredients to suit your needs. I must warn you that in our house, we LOVE cheese, so this thing is loaded up with it. I believe it might just be a sin to only have cheese on the top. No worries… this recipe doesn’t have cottage cheese in it. Who came up with that anyway? Ick!

Best Ever Lasagna
No Boil Noodles (I like the flattest ones that I can find because the texture is better. I also generally substitute whole wheat noodles when I make this at home.)
2 jars Newman’s Own Marinara Sauce
Garlic Powder
Black Pepper
½ c Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated is key)
1 15 0z Tub of Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese (The lower fat doesn’t do well.)
1 egg
1 lb of Ground Beef (browned) You can substitute sautéed veggies (mushrooms, zucchini, onions, yellow bell pepper , eggplant) instead or you can do a little less meat and add veggies too.
6 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Sometimes, I’ll use 2 cups of Italian blend cheese with 4 cups of mozzarella. We have also used the 2% and it does fine.)

Pre-heat oven to 375. In a 9x 13 glass dish, spoon just enough marinara sauce to cover the bottom of the dish. This prevents the lasagna from sticking. Combine, Parmesan, Ricotta and egg, and set aside.

Order for Layering:
1 layer of noodles un-cooked (Make sure they don’t overlap because they won’t cook through if they do.)
½ of the Ricotta cheese mixture spread on top of the noodles
½ of meat/veggies
1 jar of sauce (shake some garlic powder and ground black pepper to taste over the sauce)
Mozzarella
Repeat this layering once more in this order.

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking at 375 for 15 more minutes.
Allow it to stand 10 minutes before cutting or serving.

*I sometimes make this in smaller, deeper dishes to get more of a restaurant look.

Make a Difference Monday -- Military

Whether you agree with the actions our government takes regarding war or not, there’s no denying that if it weren’t for our brave, and committed soldiers, we wouldn’t have the feeling of safety and freedom that we do. There are so many little freedoms in our country that we take for granted that those in other countries are not so fortunate to have.
One of my good friends is the wife of an Army soldier, and she and her kids are so proud of their soldier. This wife and mother of three goes for months at a time without seeing her husband, without help running the kids here and there, without help disciplining the kids, and the list goes on. For the majority of the past 7 years, she has basically acted as a single mother. You’d never know it because she has somehow gotten a hold of some of that military fortitude that helps her make it through each day with a smile. She knows that her husband is with her in spirit, and he knows his family is with him. Every time her husband’s troop comes home, she makes sure they have TV cameras, a parade, and hundreds of people there to greet them so they know they are loved and appreciated. I have to be honest and tell you that the first thing on my mind on Independence Day isn’t the thousands upon thousands of soldiers who are serving and who have served to gain and keep our great nation’s freedom. It generally doesn’t come to mind until someone says the prayer before lunch. Then, I’m reminded again by whatever beautiful display of fireworks I’m watching and possibly Lee Greenwood ; ). Soldiers make a difference in our lives literally each and every day even when we don’t think about it or realize it. It takes the heart of a servant to be a soldier, to fight for your country, and fellow countrymen. A bomb squad Marine told me recently that not everyone is cut out for military life, or to be the servant that the military requires, but for those who are, there’s no better life. He told me this after I thanked him for his service. He had just come back from his 5th tour in Middle East. He said he’d only been shot at 7 times this past tour, and that was pretty good. He literally risked his life with hundreds and thousands of other brave men and women from all over the place, and all I could say was a simple, “Thank You”.
While we may not be the ones defending our country, certainly we can make a small difference by taking the time to thank those who serve, and also thank their families for all they do to support them. Maybe you can even make a difference by visiting and helping a veteran, finding a way to help out a military family or by sending a care package to someone who is deployed. Maybe it’s time to not only thank those who make a difference in our lives, but maybe it’s time to make a difference in theirs.

Fireworks!!!!

I've been really sick and totally out of it this week, thus, my lack of blogging. Sorry aout that. Anyway, I hope you all have a happy an safe 4th today and be sure to find a great fireworks display tonight. I love fireworks and if I could, I would go see a display every night. If you have the opportunity, enjoy some great b-b-q and good times with family or friends. If you're like me, and that's just not in the cards this year, enjoy your day just the same.

Thursday Therapy -- You better start runnin' cause you much too late to jog.

Exercise. This one word can either make or break your day. Some people love it… can’t get by without it. For others, it’s the nagging thing in the back of their mind that they know they need to do, but either never get around to doing or if they do, they hate every minute of it. I think I’m kind of in between these two. I love it once it’s done, but most days, I dread the thought of sweating so much that I can’t do anything until I’ve had a shower. There’s no doubt that exercising has multiple advantages. We all know it’s good for your heart, and for your waistline, but I think sometimes we forget that it’s good for our mind. Exercise helps us to physically rid of the stress of the daily grind. There’s nothing like boxing or running to get rid of all of the things that weigh you down. Exercise helps you, for the moment, focus on your ability, and what you’re capable of doing instead of all of the things you can’t control. Aaaahhh… there’s that word. Control. A lot of things seem to revolve around that one word. Think about it. Generally, people aren’t as happy when they don’t feel like they’re in control of this or that… being their life. We mentally seem to spiral out of control when we don’t have control of a situation. Say you’re panic stricken about money…. not in control = stress/worry/anxiety. Job problems …not in control = stress/worry/anxiety. Your kids are doing things they shouldn’t… you’re not in control = stress/worry/anxiety. The things we don’t feel in control of are the things that stress us out, and cause us to turn into the kind of women we don’t like. The thing is, we can’t control everything, and truth be told, even when we think we do, we’re wrong because God is in control. The faster we realize and live that out, the better off we’ll be. However, in our own minds… we can control some things. Working out is one of those things. Working out makes us feel stronger, healthier, more confident and releases the endorphins that make us happy. Exercise is free therapy. It doesn’t matter what your circumstance or health problems, most everyone should be able to find at least one exercise that they can do. I get that not everyone has knees and feet that will hold up to running. I’m right there with you. Swim, bike, use and elliptical machine or do Pilates. There are tons and tons of things to do for exercise. Just make sure it’s something you enjoy doing or you’ll give up. Get a work out buddy if that helps keep you accountable. We can all say we don’t have time, but that’s not true and you know it. Even if you have to do two or three 15 minute sessions to get enough in, you can do it. Sacrifice 30 minutes of TV watching or reading. Do whatever it takes to make yourself exercise at least 4 times a week. You can do it. This may be therapy you have to force on yourself, but I promise it will make a difference in your life in more ways than one. Watch this today http://www.hulu.com/watch/4103/saturday-night-live-little-richards-simmons-show. I promise it will make your day.

Wednesday Whatabouts -- Canning

Lately I’ve really been missing my grandmother who I lost last year. I can honestly say that she was my hero. She lived through the depression in complete poverty, and raised eight kids on her own after her husband was killed at a young age. She never went to school after the 8th grade, but she was smart. She taught English to make money for her family to survive on. Through the years, it was a struggle for her to have enough food to go around, but she always took care of her kids. Later on, she had a bi-weekly column in the local news paper where she told about the local happenings and of course told what all of her grandkids were up to. Through it all my grandmother was a rock. You would never know how much inward strife she must have had based on her outer demeanor. She was also the spiritual leader and example for her large family. My grandmother loved to garden, and she loved to cook. Every time I would go for a visit in the country I was always underfoot while she cooked. It always amazed me how she could seem to make a feast out of nothing. In the summers I would go help her with her canning. My grandmother was serious about her canning. She had a whole room outside that was dedicated to all the things she canned. It was always so exciting to see what all she had in there, and what all she would share. There were green beans, sour kraut, bread n’ butter pickles, tomatoes, apple butter, chow chow, pear preserves… you name it, she had it. It was how she and her children survived. While I’m fortunate enough to not have to can for survival, I do love it and I think it’s a great way to save money and the foods can also make good gifts. So in honor of my grandmother, my Nannie, I’m going to start up my canning and freezing this week. And like her, I’ll only use the Ball jars with the wide mouth because she says they’re the best.

Tasty Tuesday -- Lieutenant Dan… Ice-cream!!!

In my book, ice-cream is really one of the best things in the world. For me, it’s one of those things that is nearly impossible to turn down. Chocolate, mint chocolate chip, butter pecan, rocky road, one sweet whirled, strawberry, vanilla bean, turtle, double fudge brownie, cookies n’ cream, coconut, coffee… I could go on forever naming all the delicious flavors. So, if you’re like me and love all things ice-cream, you’ll love today’s treat. Today’s recipe is so, so simple and can easily be adapted to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. This can also be made in any quantity you’d like, so I’ll leave that part up to you and just give the ingredients. I generally use an 8x8 or a 9x13 dish, but it can be made for one if you’ve got a hankerin’ and don’t want to wait for company to make it. This isn't anything prolific, but it's quick, easy and it's ice-cream.

Ice-cream Delight
Ice-cream sandwiches (pick your flavor)
Cool whip
Heath or Butterfinger bars (broken into small pieces)
Chocolate and Caramel ice-cream syrup

Place the ice-cream sandwiches in the desired dish, and spread on thawed Cool Whip. Next put crumbled candy bars on top. Drizzle caramel and chocolate over everything. Cover with plastic wrap, and pop the dish in the freezer so ice-cream won’t melt and Cool Whip can firm up. Keep frozen until ready to serve.

Here are some other ideas for this easy dish.
Use brownies or cake in place of ice-cream sandwiches
Toasted, sweetened coconut
Pecans
Any other type of candy bar
For a healthier version, use No Sugar Added ice-cream sandwiches, Lite Cool Whip, Sugar- free syrups and Sugar-free Toffee Bars

Make a Difference Monday -- Show Some Gratitude

I hope you all had a great weekend and were able to call, spend time, or reflect on time spent with your dad or father figure. I was able to make a quick trip to visit with my Dad for a few hours. One of my favorite things about my Dad is that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. I think I take after him in that way. I hope I do.
So, on to todays make a difference Monday. One of the lost arts of our society is expressing gratitude/thankfulness. I know so many ladies in their late 70’s and 80’s that still have it. You know the ones who have the ability to write poetic thank you notes or who always bake a cake to express their sincere gratitude. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by so many women in my life who have led by their example and I hope that I do half as good a job as they have in showing my gratitude toward them and others. I think we live in such a fast paced society with such a “gimme” mindset that we often take the little things for granted or else we just feel like we’re entitled to everything. It’s very important not only for others, but for ourselves that we take time to give a genuine thanks to those who have had a special impact in our lives even if through just one deed. Maybe it was your parents, maybe it wasn’t. Maybe it was a teacher, a co-worker, a neighbor; someone at church… the list could go on and on. Showing your gratitude is such a simple thing to do, and yet is often left undone. Today, pick at least one person who has impacted your life in a wonderful way and tell them how much you appreciate them. Sometimes all it takes to make a difference is to tell someone they’ve made a difference to you.

Forget About it Friday -- Why not?

Forget waking up at dawn. Sleep in tomorrow!!!!!!! Hope you all have a great weekend.

Therapy Thursday -- Dear Diary

First, let me say, I can't imagine ever starting a journal entry with those words. To me, that's more of Martha May Whovier's style. I was never much into journaling when I was a child. I was way too much of a tomboy to ever go for anything so girly. I was the girl who was out playing baseball and fishing with the boys instead of playing with Barbie and hosting tea parties. As I’ve gotten older and learned a whole lot more about life and myself, I’ve found journaling to be very therapeutic. I’m a very train of thought writer, so needless to say, my journal topics are all over the map. Some days my entries are a written prayer. Some days the entries are a venting session. Other times, I write about what I’m loving about life at the moment, and things I’d like to change. If I had any drawing capabilities at all, I know I would sketch. I think I’d even like to start adding photos if I’m journaling about a particularly great day I’ve had or event I’ve gone to. Although my journal entries are always different, there is one thing that I always try to do. I make a point to write down things I’m thankful for. Sometimes when life is hard or even when it’s great, we forget to take the time to be thankful for things we’re able to do or have, lessons we’ve learned, or relationships we share. I’ve recently been in situations where I see spouses/boyfriends and girlfriends putting one another down and being really hard on the other (almost John and Kate plus 8 style). This isn’t healthy. There is always a reason why we like or love someone, and it’s important not to lose sight of it. We all get annoyed with people from time to time, but constant nagging or bashing is only going to push the person further and further away… even if they don’t say anything at the time. I say, if you’re upset with someone, stop and think before you speak. Nine out of ten times, the situation is too petty to be worth harsh words and an argument. Later on that day, once you’re removed from the situation, take time to write down a few things that you appreciate about the person you were ready to lash out at earlier. I guarantee, you’ll be more thankful that they’re in your life than angry about the irritating situation. This works for husbands, boyfriends, good friends, family, kids etc. Even if you’re not upset about anything or anyone, take the time to write down the little things in life you’re thankful for. I think it’s almost human nature to dwell on the bad and turn a blind eye to all the good in our lives. Let journaling turn that around for you.
Journals are things that I never want to get rid of. I think reading them 20 years down the road will give me such a wonderful and personal glance back into my life. I know feelings will change, I’ll mature and my perspectives will be different years from now, but I’d like to remember how things are for me as I see them. It will also be neat for relatives to have once I’m gone. It’s not that I journal for someone to read it… it’s the opposite really, but I would have loved to have had a journal from one of my grandmothers’ younger years. It would be so special to have a closer look into their lives when they were closer to my age. I wish I’d started journaling so much earlier in my life, and maybe you do too, but it’s never too late to start. Never doubt your potential to give self- therapy.

Wednesday Whatabouts -- Calgon take me away!

I’m having one of those weeks where I need an escape. I love my job. I really do, but I get so fed up with the constant gossip and complaining some folks do. It’s exhausting. I need a private beach, sunscreen that smells like coconut, beautiful weather, and great music STAT. Too bad that isn’t going to happen anytime soon. I do, however, have my first ever spa day coming up soon. I’m excited and curious to see if a hot stone massage is really all that magical. I’m thinking it could be. I’m very interested about the whole spa experience. I may or may not have called to see if they could get me in a day early, and they may or may not have returned the call. Should I take my I-pod or would that take away from the new age music they’re sure to have? I wish I had a friend going with me, but this was a gift, and I don’t exactly think it would be a great friend move to ask someone to shell out hundreds of dollars so I’ll have someone to go with… but I digress. Can I make it through two and a half more days?

Tasty Tuesday -- Not your Mama's chicken.

I love chicken, and I try my best to come up with new ways of seasoning it so I don’t get tired of the same ole’ thing. Here’s quick and easy recipe you’ll enjoy by yourself, with friends, or with family. I love mushrooms, and Baby Bella’s are my current favorite, but I know that a lot of folks hate mushrooms all together. If that’s the case, substitute grilled red onions for the mushrooms.
This chicken is great by itself or as a sandwich. If I’m doing this as a sandwich, I use a whole wheat bun; add some lettuce, tomato, red onion and some honey mustard. If you don’t have any pre-made honey mustard, you can easily make your own. I’ll put a honey mustard recipe below. Be sure to let me know if you ever try one of my recipes. I’d love to know what you think. Have a tasty Tuesday!

Chicken breasts
Zataran’s Blackening Seasoning
Baby Bella Mushrooms (sliced)
Bacon (optional)
Monterrey Jack or Sharp Cheddar Cheese (use 2% for a healthier option)

Cover desired number of chicken breasts liberally with blackening seasoning. Grill or sauté (sauté in 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil plus 1 tsp Butter) chicken until the juices run clear. Bacon and mushrooms can be cooked in a grill pan that is covered with foil as well. I like this option for easy clean up. If you’re not grilling, cook the bacon and drain most of the grease from the pan. Save enough to sauté the mushrooms or you can use a little olive oil for that instead. If you’re grilling, throw the mushrooms and the bacon together to cook. If after cooking for a few minutes, you want to make your bacon crisp, just put it directly on the grill for a minute or so. After everything has finished cooking, place chicken in grill pan. Top with bacon and mushrooms, then put cheese on top to melt. If you’re cooking inside, it’s easiest to just layer everything and pop it in the microwave it until the cheese is melted.

Homemade Honey Mustard
Disclaimer: This is very approximate. I generally do this by sight and taste. I recommend you do the same.

1 tsp honey
1 tsp mustard
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
You can add a little BBQ sauce for an added kick if you like.

Make a Difference Monday -- Sunflowers and a Milk Shake

I’m having the kind of day where I’m going to have to force myself to make a difference, but I know once I make an effort, I’ll be glad I did. There’s no doubt, we all go through hard times. We deal with loss, depression, break-ups, anger, hurt feelings, little annoying things that get under our skin, accidents, loneliness… you name it. At one point or another, we’ll all deal with most if not all of the above. I can name at least five friends/relatives who are going through a rough time right now. I know people who are out of jobs, who have just had their house burn down, those who have had miscarriages, several who are battling cancer, some who are stressed about work, stressed about what their kids are doing that they don’t know, and some who are just depressed about getting older. All of us can go from being on top of the world to being at the lowest low within a matter of minutes. I know. It’s so depressing to read all of those things, but what can we do? Well, first, we can be thankful if we’re not at a low point. Then, we can hopefully bring a little cheer to those who aren’t so lucky. Sure, you can help monetarily sometimes, but that’s not always possible, and depending on the situation, money isn’t always the right or best answer. Sometimes folks just need a shoulder to cry on, or a great friend to veg out and watch movies and eat ice-cream with. If you’re too busy for that, a simple card can still make anyone’s day. I try to be creative when I’m trying to cheer up a friend. Here are some of my favorite things to do. A bouquet of fresh flowers (bouquet of sunflowers at Publix for $3.33), a homemade CD, handmade card, chick flicks, milkshakes, favorite coffee drink, a candle and some Mr. Bubbles, window shopping, going for a walk, gifts for pets, gift cards, homemade cakes, something for their house in the color they’re diggin’ at the moment, etc. There are so many creative things to do that are either free, or cost hardly anything. Now that I’ve inspired myself, I just need to pick a friend, and go make a difference in their day. We can all make a difference one person at a time we just have to do it. Add to the beauty today.

Forget About It Friday -- Movies

This is going to be short and sweet because I'm about to leave to go to a cookout, but I wanted to wish everyone a happy, fun and safe weekend and also give a shout out to my best friend whose birthday is tomorrow. There are several good movies out right now, and some sneak peaks too. Lately, I've seen, Star Trek, Up, The Hangover, Night at the Museum, and I'm going to the sneak preview of The Proposal tomorrow night. As you can tell, all of the moives I've seen lately have been really diverse, and all were good in their own way. By the way, even though "Up" is a Pixar film, it's really more for adults. It deals with some pretty heavy issues that your kids may not enjoy. "The Hangover" is really funny, but I could have done with a lot less f-bombs and all of the gd's. " Night at the Museum" is pretty cute, but not as good as the first. If you're looking for a family friendly film, this is the one I recommend. As for "Star Trek"... to say that I'm not a fan of any of the old shows is a massive understatement. The only thing I knew about it going into the movie was that there were guys named, Spock, Kirk, and Scottie. That being said. I really enjoyed the movie. It far exceeded all of my expectations. My best friend saw "My Life in Ruins" this week and said it was cute, but that the writer will never do anything as good as "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". I have high hopes for "The Proposal", and I hope the movie lives up to its' hype. Wow... not so short after all. Take a couple of hours to go enjoy a movie this weekend. I'll be back Monday. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Wednesday Whatabouts -- Sew Blue

I love these dresses. They're simple, and just right.

Today I hate myself for not really knowing how to sew. These dresses are just a sad reminder. Sure, I have a Singer, but most of the time it just sits in my craft room behind all of my card making and scrapbooking materials. It’s sad really. You would think a Southern girl would know how to sew, but I don’t. My husband is from the country and had to take home economics in high school, so he knows a little bit about sewing, and both of us come from long lines of professional seamstresses. Back in the day, both of my grandmothers made clothes, bedding, curtains etc. and sold them to help pay the bills while staying home with their children. I know that my husband’s Mema did the same. My Mom learned to sew at an early age, and she hated it, so she hasn’t sewn in my lifetime. By the time I became really interested, both of my grandmothers couldn’t see well enough to teach me. My Dad’s mom knows how much I cherish hand-made quilts and blankets and has given me many that she or my great-grandmother made. I’ve tried to ask questions over the years about how to make certain things, and she starts throwing out all of these words that I don’t have the slightest clue what they mean. So, I have given up on her helping me out. I read the instructions to my Singer several years ago, and I can do a basic stitch to do things like throw pillows, but that’s it. If someone gave me a pattern, I wouldn’t know what to do with it. The worst part of it is… I LOATHE sewing. I’m pretty sure it’s because I was never taught the right techniques for cutting and pinning. I hate that part so much and I’m so bad at it that by the time I get ready to actually sew, I’m violent. I suddenly become the 3 year old you see in the mall having a temper tantrum. I throw things, scream made up obscenities, and then once I’m “calm”, I mutter how much I hate what I’m doing under my breath. I’m pretty sure if anyone were around, I’d kick them. Yes. It’s really that bad. All of that having been said, I would love to know how to sew… the correct way. Every time I go shopping I think about how much money I could save if I could just make whatever I’m currently drooling over. I could have three times the clothes I have now, and all of my bedrooms would have different bedding that I could change out at different times during the year. I would have all sorts of beautiful pillows and curtains. (I’m sort of sounding like Ralphie when he’s imagining how glorious his life would be with the Red Rider BB Gun.) So maybe I wouldn’t be that extravagant, but I would have a lot more. I would find a way to justify it in the family budget. So much for that. I’m too chicken to take a class because I’ve heard that the “beginner” classes aren’t really for people who are completely new to sewing. Instead, I will just window shop, and continue to be jealous of those who sew.

Tasty Tuesday -- Coconut Caramel Pie

I don’t know about the temperature where everyone else lives, but it’s starting to climb into the upper 80’s and low 90’s around here. So, for today’s Tasty Tuesday recipe, I’ve decided to go with something that can cool you down and bring a smile to your face at the same time. It’s so simple that anyone who has an oven, a pan and a mixer can make it. It makes two of these yummy pies. The pies should be prepared at least 5 hours in advance so they will be frozen. It’s great to make when you’re entertaining a crowd, but I generally keep one and give one away to a friend or a neighbor. Be sure to ask about any nut allergies before sharing. This pie definitely doesn’t get any points for being healthy, but I assure you, it is divine!!! Hopefully one day, I'll think about it and add pics of the recipes. Sorry for now.

Coconut Caramel Pies
2 baked Pillsbury deep dish pie shells (prepare according to pkg. directions)
¼ c Butter
1 (7oz) pkg. Sweetened, flake coconut
½ c Chopped pecans
8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
16 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
12 oz jar Caramel Topping

Bake and set pie crusts aside to cool. Melt Butter in large pan. Add coconut and pecans; cook till coconut is golden brown (stirring frequently). Remove from heat and cool completely. Combine cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth. Fold cool whip into the mixture.
First, layer ¼ of cream cheese mixture in each pie shell. Next, drizzle ¼ of caramel topping on each pie. Finally, sprinkle ¼ of coconut mixture evenly over each pie. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Cover and freeze until firm. Let frozen pie stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

*Note: I occasionally add something chocolate to this.

How Cool is This

I found these at greenhome.com Kinda pricy but worth it in my opinion.
Set of 8—$25.00Set of 8—$25.00

Eight plantable greeting cards that grow wildflowers when the lucky recipient plants it. What a beautiful and eco-friendly way to share and create beauty but leave not waste.

The set contains eight cards with matching envelopes, 2 of each blue, pink, green and orange per set. Each card measures 4x6 inches folded.

Each greeting card's seed paper contains the highest-quality mix of annuals and perennial seeds including: Bird's Eye, Clarkia, Coreopsis, Poppy, Catchfly, and Snap Dragon.



To plant your seeded greeting card:
1. Prepare a pot of soil or small patch of garden.
2. Place greeting card on the top of soil.
3. Spread a thin layer of soil onto the paper.
4. Water well and give plenty of sunshine.
5. Keep moist during germination. 6 - 8 weeks.

Also available are plantable cards and calendars!
Calendar
Journal
Inspirational Cards
Valentine's Day Cards
Christmas Cards


No more tossing cards out with the trash. Instead, plant them. LOVE IT!!!

Make a Difference Monday -- You're sooooo good looking!

This may not always be the right compliment to give, but it’s pretty great. If you don’t remember, this is what Seinfeld suggests that people say instead of “bless you” when someone sneezes. I don’t know about you all, but a nice compliment can last me all day. If I’m having an absolutely awful day, and someone says something nice like, “Wow, your hair looks great!”, I suddenly feel like everything is going to be ok, and that I’m worthwhile. Maybe I’m crazy. Maybe I shouldn’t take every compliment to the bank, but eh… why not. Women can sometimes be so competitive that we can come across as being hateful or self-absorbed. So many of us feel like we’ve got to be tough because we’ve got something to prove to the world. Prove you’re nice. I’m not saying that complimenting a random person will make them your best friend; it shouldn’t. It just means you are taking a second to appreciate something about someone else and that you’re quite possibly, making their day. Giving a great compliment is a gift, and so is being on the receiving end. I used to have trouble receiving a compliment. I would always turn around and say something to put myself down to negate what they said. This isn’t good. When someone compliments you, kindly and sincerely say, “Thank you.” A sarcastic, “Yeah right, thanks.” doesn’t quite have an appreciative ring. Another thing that folks sometimes do is automatically feel the need to compliment the one who gave the compliment. Don’t do this either. They’ll know you’re grasping for straws. Maybe instead, we should just accept the compliment (always acknowledge it) and then pass one along to someone else later. It’s funny how the small things can make a difference in our day. It may be funny, but it’s true. So, today, take a moment to give a compliment and make a difference in someone else’s day. If you're reading this today... you're SOOOOOOO good looking! Yeah. Go ahead. Take it to the bank ; )

Forget About it Friday -- Yatzi!

With a down economy, I think everyone has to watch spending right now. At least we should. However, it's important to have a life. So, we still have to find inexpensive ways to have fun with friends or family to avoid sitting at home and grunting like Harry in "When Harry Met Sally". My solution- game night. Right now, you're either in complete agreement, or you're making a face and shrinking back. I find myself in both positions from time to time. Games are one of those things that even if you hate them, you end up having fun playing before it's over. Enjoy a good card game like spaids, Rook or hearts with some folks or get a big group to play a game like Catch Pharase or The Game of Things. Forget about dinner, and just serve popcorn and soft drinks or dessert and coffee. You can't beat entertaining for under $10. If you don't have any games, you can generally find them for less online, or check the paper to see when Target or Wal-Mart are running a sale. Some of my favorite games are those I mentioned above as well as Like Minds, Apples to Apples, Cranium, Dominos, Monopoly, Canasta, Scategories and any of the Scene It games. It's always great to see how funny and revealing games can be. So, call up some folks or just enjoy time with the fam and have a game night this weekend. Had a bad week? Forget about it and play.

Thursday Therapy -- Chillin' and Chocolate

Sometimes we all just need girl time. So for today’s therapy, grab your best gal pals and have a blast. There are so many fun things to do with girlfriends; movies, dinner, sips n strokes, craft projects, working out etc., but I’m not in the mood for any of those today. Today is a great day for relaxation and indulgence. Yes. It’s the perfect day for a pedicure and some chocolate! My recommendation is to call your best friends (who are the reliable short notice girls), meet them for a pedi, then either head to a great restaurant/bakery or home to share some decadent chocolate. If you’re going for the at home route, my idea is to either prepare some chocolate covered strawberries and chill them ahead of time, or you can do some fun fondue. If you do this, I recommend dark chocolate chips, a little heavy cream, and some coffee liqueur. Then get some strawberries, pineapple, and maybe some pound cake to dip. If you’re worried about your waist line don’t. Sharing a dessert helps to ensure you’re not going to get too many calories. Choosing dark chocolate is also better for you because of its’ heart healthy benefits. I have a friend who freaks out any time anyone mentions dessert. She absolutely will not touch it because she’s sure it will somehow instantaneously cause her thighs to explode. She literally gasps at the very mention of anything with sugar. Please don’t do this. It’s crazy. People will really think you’re nuts if you act like you’re physically scared and taken aback by the idea of enjoying chocolate every once in a while. To put things in perspective, one dark chocolate covered strawberry is about 25 calories. That’s really not bad at all. Eating dessert with girl friends is best in my opinion because we all know that when we’re with one another, downing a huge brownie piled with ice-cream and hot fudge just isn’t going to happen like it would if we were alone. Instead, we try to create the appearance that we’re dainty and that we hardly eat anything… EVER. So, dish out the cash for a pedicure and share some chocolate and gab with your girls. It’s more therapeutic than you know.

Wednesday Whatabouts -- Dream On

I’ve recently decided that I need at least three houses to fully satisfy my decorating urges. I realize that I have no need for that many houses, and that I am indeed very blessed to own one, but a girl can dream can’t she? My home décor is very traditional. I’ve got lots of greens, reds, golds, browns and black. In the winter, I love my warm colors and cozy surroundings, but come spring and summer, I want cool, clean colors and lines. For this reason, my second house would be a summer home on a quiet beach. Don’t worry. There will be no starfish or cheesy peach shell wall paper. I’m thinking more whites, blues, and yellows. My third (imaginary) house would include all cheap and trendy furniture so I could change things out as often as I desired. I wouldn’t be afraid to do funky things with color or furniture because any furniture in the house would be so cheap that I wouldn’t mind if I ruined it trying out a new finishing technique. This one would more than likely have to be in Europe somewhere. I say this never having actually been to Europe. Again… a girl can dream.
I’d like to become way more eclectic in style with the house I live in now, but it will have to be a slow process. My Mom always taught me to get traditional basics so you don’t have to worry about it going out of style anytime soon. So, as a young woman, this is the route I chose to take. It’s a safe buying choice. It’s also the boring choice. I’ve slowly begun to add more edgy pieces here and there, and have even gone a little vintage with one. It’s a step-out for me. I refuse to get into any debt and won’t buy what I want until I can pay for it at the moment, and I won’t get anything I don’t absolutely love. Until I find my next piece, I’ll just keep searching the web and picking things out of magazines that I eventually want go buy. Aaahh the damage I could do with several milliion dollars.

Tasty Tuesday --Bring on the Jerk

You all will come to find that I absolutely LOVE cooking. I take a very laid back approach so it almost feels therapeutic to me. I hope that you all will try these wonderful weekly recipes as well as taking the liberty of making them your own by tweaking them to your liking.

I try to eat pretty healthily except for the occasional weekend or holiday binge fest. I never eat anything that I hate just because it's good for me, so that makes it all the more important to find new ways to make healthy foods good enough for myself, family, and guests to really enjoy. As for the not-so-healthy foods, my Dad says it best, "Everything in moderation." Never completely stop eating foods that are fattening, fried, or sugary. It just isn't right. Just eat a little bit every once in a while and share the rest so you don't find yourself sitting with an empty cake plate in your lap. Don't eat because you're happy or sad or bored. Eat for nourishment and because it tastes good!

On to today's recipe. Since it's a great time of year to grill, we're going with grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken. This is a recipe that is delicious and good for you. That's a combo you can't beat in my book. If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, you can always use something like a George Foreman Grill. The taste won't be quite as good, but you'll still get the over all flavor. This does require several hours to marinade, so don't try to make this last minute. You can always marinade over night, and have it ready to throw on the grill when you get home from work the next day. The main thing is that the flavors need enough time to soak in. Warning: This is spicy!! Use gloves while preparing the habanero pepper.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

1 Dried Habanero Chile (re-hydrated, seeded and coarsely chopped)
2 Tbsp Yellow mustard (I use French's)
2Tbsp Fresh Rosemary
2 Tbsp Fresh Basil
2 Tbsp Fresh Thyme
1/2 c Green Onion (chopped)
1 clove Garlic (quartered)
1 tsp. Salt ( I use Kosher salt)
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
2 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
4 Chicken Breasts (You can choose bone in or boneless)

In a small food processor or blender, mix all ingredients except chicken until well blended. Arrange chicken on a non-metal dish. Brush 3/4 of the mixture over the chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate chicken (and remaining marinade) for at least 4-6 hours. Allow chicken to set out for about 20 minutes before grilling. Cook till juices run clear turning once and brushing with remaining chili mixture.


*Note: If you are using boneless chicken, you may want to make sure the chicken is all the same thickness so to assure even cooking. To do this, place chicken on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, then use either a meat mallet or pan to hit it several times or until the chicken reaches the desired thickness.

Make a Difference Monday -- Be Universal

Yes, Monday is here; back to the daily grind. For most people who work, it’s a day to dread all weekend long, but for a few, Monday means a fresh start, or a new outlook. Either way, Monday is the day that I am going to choose for all of us to try to make a small difference in the world.
There is only one action that I can think of that is completely universal. Smiling. A simple smile breaks all language barriers and cultural differences. It’s amazing how a friendly smile from a stranger can brighten your whole day. There are so many people who are caught up in their own little world that they give what Seinfeld calls, “the stare ahead”. That is, if you don’t make eye contact, you don’t have to acknowledge the person. In several Asian countries, there is actually an un-written rule in driving that you should not make any eye contact with another driver. However, so many of us live our day- to- day lives this way. We walk in and out of stores, offices, gyms, churches, and restaurants giving the stare ahead and avoiding the common courtesy of a smile or holding a door open for someone else. I know when I’m having a horrible day, and someone flashes a quick smile my way it can make my attitude change in an instant. Now, please understand that I’m not an advocate of sporting a fake smile at all times. It’s just not healthy. There are times when people (especially those close to us) need to see that we’re not always hunky-dory. Allowing those closest to you to see past the surface is essential to actually becoming happy and not just the having the façade. But, I really think that in our daily activities when we’re surrounded by strangers, a smile is exactly what is needed. You never know when you can be a light in someone’s dark tunnel. Go out and make a small difference to one or a one hundred. Just smile : )

Forget about it Friday-- Get Out

 The week is winding down. In my world it means it’s time to forget about all things stressful, kick off your shoes, and just have fun! The last part of spring is such a great part of the year. It’s nice and warm, but not scalding hot. This makes weekend days and nights so much fun because you don’t have to be cooped up inside. I love being outside gardening, boating, going to the pool etc., but so many of my friends would rather just stay inside and read or watch movies.  I'm all for this when it's freezing outside, but not while the grass is green and the birds are chirping.   To those of you who would rather hibernate indoors I say this –force yourself to go outside this weekend. I know the thought of it makes you want to sink back down into your bed, but take a great book or your i-pod, find a pretty park or garden and take it all in. You may find that you feel more like you belong in your favorite book or movie if you’re actually out doing something rather than sitting on the bed in your pajamas eating Bon-Bons. For those of us who love to be outdoors here are some other ideas for getting out this weekend either by yourself or with friends and family. Putt-putt (aka mini golf), disc golf, catch a local baseball game, walk around an outdoor shopping complex, visit a local farmers’ market, fishing, swimming, boating/canoeing, hit the beach, take a walk or a hike, rock climb, play games in your back yard, walk or jog, visit a local garden or do some gardening at home. Make some yummy  homemade ice-cream to enjoy on the back porch. Life is short. Take time to enjoy it.  Sometimes to add to the beauty, you have to take in the beauty that surrounds you.   Forget the weekly stresses  and focus on the fun because it’s FRIDAY!!!!

Thursday Therapy -- Is Mr. Bubbles Really the One?

It seems things always get crazy this time of year. It isn’t nearly as bad as the holiday season, but with school finishing up and with a down economy, I think you’ll agree that things can get a little nutso. Whether you’re finishing up finals, planning family activities, keeping grandkids, stressed about family problems, praying you don’t lose your job or that you can just keep your head above water, today’s “therapy” is for you. I have found over the years that any time I’m in overdrive the best thing for me is Mr. Bubbles. This may not be your favorite brand. You may prefer the lavender or coconut scented bubble bath, but I'm telling you - Mr. Bubbles is the cheapest, and he gets the job done. If you’re only slightly stressed, you can hop in a nice bubble bath with a good book or magazine, maybe some John Tesh, and just relax for a while. I highly recommend that every woman do this at least once a week just for some “me” time. If, however, you’re in a really trying time in your life, and you have no idea how on earth you’re going to make it through the day, here are some of my "must haves" to go along with your bubble bath:
First, you’ll need a few candles (no other light - the flickering glow is the first step towards total relaxation). Second, you’ll need soothing music- something like Enya or Sarah McLachlan. Finally, you’ll need prayer. There is no right or wrong thing to say when you pray. Just stumble your way through with the thoughts that lie deep within. I can’t begin to tell you how many times in my life these few things have gotten me past the point of no return. It’s amazing how thirty minutes of time spent alone in a bubble bath can completely refresh your body and calm your fears.So, whether it’s just a hectic week or a horrible time in your life, take time for some Thursday Therapy.

My lame disclaimer

So to begin this journey (yes, that is cheesy), let me start by saying I am not a writer.  I do not claim to be a writer.  I guarantee you that I will misspell several words on these postings. Probably several times.

I am not a therapist.  I do, however, have one of those "faces" that seem to say "Hey.  Do you have a deep, dark secret that your husband/wife/parents/sister/brother/best friend/cousin/aunt/uncle/godparent would probably disown you if you told them?  No problem. Tell me.  I care.  I can fix it."  So I find that people come to me for advice a lot.  Sometimes I can help.  Sometimes I'm horrified and try my best not to make a face while they're unburdening themselves.

All that being said, I feel like everyone makes a difference in specific lives - good and bad.   This is my shot at making a postive difference for women of all ages and situations.  If you log onto this blog and it makes your day a little brighter, then that's exactly what this is about.

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