Saturday, September 5, 2015

Just because.... Decorate With Junk

 Today September 5th is a holiday little know about but if they did they would want to celebrate each and every day. It is a holiday simply titled "Just Because". You can do anything you want to do or nothing at all today "Just because" it is your day to decide what you want to do. So, today I decided to share with you one of our favorite ways to decorate the house with vintage goodies that others may not think much about but it is simply using what used to be and decorate the house for now.
 
 
 
 

Using an old window frame, some chicken wire, paint, stencil and blackboard chalk for small frames and you have a unique wall piece.

What do you think??

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Greene Chile and Cheese Egg Muffins

During back to school time, weekends become even more family friendly around here. During the week everyone is busy with work, homework, early evenings and so much more going on. So when Friday night comes our family travels to the family football game together and the weekend begins. Saturday and Sunday morning will find us dining out as a family or sharing a brunch together. This recipe for green Chile and cheese egg muffins would be so good and delicious the entire family would love. I hop you take some time this weekend, enjoy your family and enjoy some good food

Green Chile and Cheese Egg Muffins
makes 12 egg mcmuffins



12 eggs
one 4 oz. can diced green chiles (or use half the can if you want them less spicy, but now I always use the whole can; be sure to use Anaheim chiles, not jalapenos)
about 1 1/2  cups grated low-fat cheese (I use Four Cheese Mexican Blend)
2 T half and half, or milk (optional, now I rarely use this)
1 tsp. Spike Seasoning (optional, but recommended; f you don't have Spike use your favorite multi-purpose seasoning.)
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste


Preheat oven to 375F/190C.  Spray silicone muffin pans or individual silicone baking cups with nonstick spray.  (You can also use 2 paper muffin liners sprayed with non-stick spray but the silicone pan or muffin cups work much better.)  In each muffin cup put a very generous pinch of grated cheese. The muffin cup should be about 2/3 full of cheese before you put the egg in.
Break eggs into bowl, add milk or half and half  if using, and beat until egg whites and yolks are well combined. Add spices and green chiles with juice and mix into eggs.
Pour egg mixture over cheese so each muffin cup liner is full to the brim. (This usually takes two pourings as the egg mixture settles over the cheese. Be sure they are as full as you can get them, but not running over the side.) I like to take a fork and gently "stir" in each muffin cup to get the cheese evenly distributed in the egg.
Bake 375 for about 35 minutes, or until all muffins are puffed up and the top is starting to brown.  (I usually start checking them and rotate the pan after 25 minutes.)
Egg muffins will keep in the fridge for at least a week.  To reheat, put on small plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes.  (Don't microwave too long or they get rubbery!)

recipe source here

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Friday, September 4, 2015

Have an Extra Dessert : Pumpkin cheesecake dessert

September 4th holds the food holiday which may be the sweetest of all. For those with a sweet tooth or simply love dessert this is the day for you. The date September 4th has been deemed eat an extra dessert day. No one knows quite where it comes from only that many are glad that it did originate. So whether you are an ice cream type of person, someone who loves the goodness of a cake or cookie or the pie lover have a second piece on us. No guilt after all it is a holiday that others have observed.

If I could choose my favorite dessert to have seconds of it would be one like this Pumpkin cheesecake from betty crocker




Crust:
  • 2 cups honey graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Truvia brown sugar blend or ¼ cup brown sugar
  • Cheesecake:
  • 1 (8 oz) package low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
  • Topping:
  • ½ cup chopped roasted pecans
  • ½ cup caramel sauce/topping
  • Instructions
    1. Crust: In a medium bowl mix ground graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar until crumbly. Divide between 8 containers or ramekins; about 2 heaping tablespoons into each.
    2. Cheesecake: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until well blended. Add pumpkin, extract, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well. Fold in whipped topping.
    3. Add cheesecake filling by spooning or piping into the 8 containers.
    4. Serve immediately or refrigerate cheesecakes until ready to serve.
    5. To serve, garnish with caramel sauce and pecans

    Thursday, September 3, 2015

    Fairytale Brownies Sugar Free

    Fairytale brownies, a taste of pure enchantment. I believe they live up to their name. While I have enjoyed snacking on fairytale brownies before, I was delighted to see that they had a sugar free variety as well. Oh my goodness, I could stay on my diet and enjoy the delicious brownies as well. That to me is very enchanting.

    The company Fairytale Brownies began with a sweet friendship way back in kindergarten and a promise in high school. In the fall of 1992 the duo were baking late at night in a friend's catering kitchen. They were armed with lots of helpers and a secret family recipe. That is when their dream came true.
    The same ingredients used in the kitchen that day are the same ones that are used in the brownies today. Start with dark callebaut Belgian chocolate, premium creamery butter, farm fresh eggs, fluffy cake flour and don't forget the secret ingredient a dash of magic. In the Fairytale Brownie kitchen they cook up cookies and buttery bars as well with both made with premium ingredients. There are never any preservatives or hydrogenated oils.

    Whether you will eat them alone, share with a friend or give as a gift you can rest assured that Fairytale brownies will be delightful. Count on freshness, unsurpassed taste and an unconditional guarantee. The fairytale brownies experience to be taste of pure enchantment.
    Our Review:

     
    We were able to review the simply delicious fairytale brownies. They came in a pack of 12 and were magically delicious. I found these delicious enough to share with friends and most likely will be on our Christmas List to give as gifts as well. The same chocolate goodness that is regular brownies was found in the sugar free The nutritional value lets you enjoy an entire sugar free version for 200 calories and less than 30 carbs. We were delighted with them as I am sure you will be as well.
     
    If you are looking for a bit of fall and Halloween in a snack version check out the Fairytale brownie varieties in cute Halloween décor.
     
     
     
     
    Fairytale brownies. Perfect to snack on, give as gifts, or to share with your guest. Everyone I know loves them you should give them a try.
     
    Connect with Fairytale Brownies
     
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    Happy Birthday Alan Ladd



    Alan Walbridge Ladd born September 3, 1913 was an American actor and producer. His career began in the 1940s and 1950s where he was popular in western movies. As the westerns diminished so did Ladd's popularity. Movies he appeared in included

     


    this Date In History September 3rd

     
     
    The Treaty of Paris was negotiated between the U.S. and Great Britain in 1783. It ended the revolutionary war and recognized Americas independence. The signers of the treaty were nominated by the Continental Congress and included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson and Henry Laurens.
     
     
     
    Many say that today September 3rd was the day that WWII started when Britian declared war on Germany. This was after on September 1st Germany had invaded Poland.

    U.S. Bowling League Day

    U.S. BOWLING LEAGUE DAY

    September 3rd is the day that league bowlers celebrate across the U.S. League bowling was established soon after modern type bowling which was created and organized in New York City in 1895. 

    Leagues of all sorts exist. Those set up of male only, female only, or mixed. There are also leagues for teens and kids. Teams normally consist of 3 to 5 players. League playing is a great way to get out and be social as well as be physically active.

     

    Celebrate the day by getting together with you league or your friends and go bowling. 

    Welsh Rarebit



    Today is food holiday for Welsh Rarebit. A dish with a savory sauce of melted cheese and other ingredients. It is served hot, after being poured over slices of toasted bread. The hot cheese sauce may be served like a fondue. The names originated from 18th century Great Britain. While no one actually knows where the recipe originated there are many stories behind where it could have come from. Some say it is from South Wales where it was a staple of sorts. A generous lump of cheese is placed in a mix of beaten eggs and milk, seasoned with salt and pepper and baked in oven til egg mix is firm and cheese has melted.

    The name itself may have been adopted because it was used by the English to mean "foreign" However, it could have just been named for the welsh after their love for cheese. Rarebit was first recorded in 1785 perhaps as a miss spelling. Legend has it that Welsh Rarebit was created by the peasants as they were not allowed to partake in the rabbit that was so famously hunted. They instead would settle for their bread toasted with a cheese sauce over it.



    Contradiction, English cookbooks of the 18th century reveal that the dish was luscious supper or a tavern dish. With fine cheddar cheeses and wheat breads. There are variations of the welsh rabbit including English, irish and scotch rabbit but with none of them noted to be rarebit.



    Welsh Rarebit (Rabbit)

    4 thick slices good bread
    200 g good cheddar cheese (about one mounded cereal bowl, see below)
    2 tsp flour
    1 tsp ground mustard
    4 tbsp beer (plus more for drinking)
     2 tbsp. butter



    Combine the cheese, flour, butter, mustard and beer in a pot and melt together over med-low heat, stirring occasionally. Yes, it will end up looking like cheez whiz.
    While the melting is going on, toast one side of the bread. How do you do that? Use your boiler, but keep a close eye on the bread because it will go from very white to very black very quickly
    When your bread is toasty and your sauce is all meltey and combined, season the sauce with pepper (and salt, if desired). Flip the toasts over so the untoasted side is up. Spoon or pour the cheese sauce over the slices and return to the broiler again. Cook the slices until they have brown spots and are hot and bubbly.

    recipe source here

    SkyScraper Day



    The birthday of architect Louis H. Sullivan, erector of the first skyscraper and aka "father of skyscrapers" would celebrate his birthday today, September 3rd and so we celebrate today as Skyscraper day. The only definition that is given for skyscraper is a very tall building. Let me tell you that as a young girl from a rural community moving to what seemed like a much larger town (now that I have lived here not so big) saw a 10 story building I was astonished and delighted. I loved going down the road and seeing this tall building. I have been to the big city several times now and the large buildings still have that appeal on me, while I am scared of heights I love looking up at them.


    The world's first skyscraper is generally considered to be in my home state of Illinois. In Chicago in fact it is the Home Insurance Building. Standing 10 feet tall, as impressive to them as  it was me. With a frame of metal not the popular stone that was used primarily in the day. In 1890 2 more stories were added to the building.



    While visually impressive, Skyscrapers can be very economical in large cities where space is a resource and expensive. By going up skyscrapers create a high ratio of space to actual ground area.


    The worlds tallest skyscraper is the burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With 163 floors and at 2,717 feet it is truly the tallest.

    Do you live in a city with tall skyscrapers? Have you been to the very top?

    Nutrition Wise Recipes that can help you get your 5 A day


    Whether we buy lunch or bring a pack lunch to work, due to convenience and lack of thought, what we eat can become rather boring, monotonous and not necessarily stimulate us nutritionally. This could result in our cognitive performance diminishing and we may struggle to get through a long afternoon of meetings/work in the office.
    Why not try some of the suggestions below to help us stay alert, contribute to our five a day and of course …… help with our digestive health.




    A few pounds of lamb or beef shank or shoulder
    1 stick of butter
     A few pints of water (add more as needed)
    1 tablespoon of tumeric
    Salt and pepper to taste
    1-2 onions
    Vegetables. This part is really your choice. Using tomatos, carrots, and cabbage or squash gives the dish a nice color. Traditional vegetables include: Tomatos Carrots Cabbage (quartered) Daikon Squash (zucchini cut into halves or quarters length wise) Potatos (not so traditional) 2-3 jalapenos for those who like it hot Some fava beans (about a cup – your option) 1 can of chickpeas 1 box of instant couscous

    In a large pot or pressure cooker, sautee a chopped onion in butter (save a few tablespoons of butter for preparing the instant couscous later). Add the meat cuts and brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste and about a tablespoon of tumeric. Cover meat with water (at least a few pints) and put a lid on the pan. Cook until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. This takes about an hour in a pressure cooker. Add more water as needed. Once the meat is done, add in some vegetables and legumes such as canned chickpeas, fava beans, tomatos, cabbage, carrots, potato or daikon, and squash. Simmer vegetables in broth until tender. Meanwhile, prepare a package of instant couscous according to package directions. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Don’t skimp on the butter. Serve vegetables and meat on a platter over couscous. Enjoy the food and impress your friends and family.

    Try Mexican bean salad with chips. The spices will offer you awesome flavor with good source of nutrition and fiber



    1 cup grape tomatoes, halved   
    1 small yellow pepper , diced 
    1/3 cup cilantro, fresh, chopped                                                                            
    2 Tbsp fresh lime juice   
    1 tsp olive oil, extra virgin   
    1/4 tsp ground cumin   
    1/4 tsp table salt   
       
    In a medium-size bowl, combine beans, hominy, tomatoes, pepper, onion, cilantro and jalapeno.
    In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, oil, cumin and salt; pour over bean mixture and toss well to combine. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.
    recipe source weight watchers

    Banana Blueberry Muffins (made with whole wheat flour and honey)
     
     
     
     
     


     
    no processed sugar, coconut oil and whole grains makes for a hearty, healthy, and delicious muffin. The whole wheat flour helps increase fiber intake. Banana offers great form of potassium and blueberries are one of the "super food" packed with antioxidants and vitamins. They freeze quick and therefore make an easy breakfast any day or goes nicely in a lunch box. 
    ½ cup coconut oil
    ¼ cup honey
    2 eggs
    2 ripened mashed bananas
    ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
    1 teaspoon vanilla
    ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    pinch of nutmeg
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    ½ teaspoon salt
    1.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour
    1 cup rolled oats
    1-2 cups fresh blueberries
     
    Add coconut oil and honey to large mixing bowl. If coconut oil is solid, microwave for 15-20 seconds, until honey and oil are softened.
    Cream together with a mixer on high speed.
    Add egg and yogurt or sour cream, cream together.
    Add bananas, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and mix until well combined.
    Add flour and oats- stir until just combined.
    Fold berries in to mixture.
    Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners; fill with mixture.
    Sprinkle with turbinado sugar (optional)
    Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

    MADD



    MADD recently celebrated its 35th birthday. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. I first heard about MADD my freshmen year of highschool when a teacher thought enough about her students to have a leader come in and talk to us about drinking and driving and drinking under the age. That was more than 20 years ago but the information shared was something I will never forget.

    MADD recently celebrated their many years by creating a future for NO MORE VICTIMS. The largest nonprofit group working to end drunk driving and help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these crimes and prevent underage drinking. There is no charge for the help that MADD offers. The group serves one person every ten minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD HELP. The goal is to eliminate drunk driving through increased law enforcement, all offender ignition interlock laws and advanced vehicle technology.



    Having lost family members in car wrecks caused by other drivers who were under the influence I am very much aware of the loss that occurs when this happens. I have preached to my own children to never drink and drive and if you ever find your self in a situation where you need a ride all you have to do is call and I will be there to take you home , no questions at that time just a safe ride home. The same goes to my friends I am there if they need help as well. Recently, however when one of my children's friends went out on their own and drove under influence and had a wreck I was proud of my children who told him all about how wrong it was and what I would think. He found out that I did not like it but I was not the worst thing that happened. He faced trials, jury, insurance hike, probation, community service and so much more including a visit with the MADD official in our area.

    Remember to drive sober or face the consequences. To hear stories of those that have faced nights like the one I did but were not as lucky as our friend you can visit the MADD website.

















































    Be More Enthusiastic


    While life may not be perfect. There are a few things that you can try to be more enthusiastic in life in whatever you do.



    You can be your own cheerleader. You will see if you take on life with enthusiasm that others will enthusiastic as well. Try to take on life with enthusiasm and see if it changes your life. Everything can be done for a short while but 30 days set up a repetition cycle that could just make your life better

    Force yourself to act enthusiastic, and you'll become more enthusiastic."
                 American businessman Edward B. Butler (1853-1928)



    Well organized thoughts and a plan to go with it will help you achieve great enthusiasm. I call it a plan of attack or a battle plan. I plan to battle out what I have to do and get it done. This makes me take on tasks just a bit different than I other wise would

                                    Lawrence J. Peter, author of The Peter Principle, says:
                "If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else."

    Get a rush off of positivity in your own life. When things go right allow it to give you a rise which allows you to draw enthusiasm away from it and keep that rolling. Keep a journal of these great moments to help you stay enthused

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