Michael & Darby

Glee - Do They Know It is Christmas?

2011-12-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Michael and I have heard so many stories of hope this year it has just always gets to me. Watched a story on the news about a guy that goes out to the mall and hands out hundred dollar bills to people. He handed it out to one young man who he ended up saying he was a good man and it seemed to be just what that man needed to hear. Probably more then the money. Even though he needed the money too. But you could see how the telling him he was a good man got to him. It was a very special Christmas gift to that man.

Winter Light

2011-12-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Mint Cake

2011-12-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Michael really enjoys a minty flavor in bars, cookies or cake. But I don't often find recipes I really like that call for mint. This recipe happened to be on one of those recipe cards you receive in the mail - where they are trying to hook you into buying them forever. I usually go through those sample packs and keep ones that sound good and throw out the rest. Well this Chocolate Mint Cake is one I kept, because it had peppermint in it and also because it looked so easy.

It was really easy and very good...so moist and minty. It is just a small cake - an 8x8 (or 9x9 will work too) but perfect size for just a few people and not having to eat cake forever.

Hard to take a photo as the chocolate is so glossy

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 - package small chocolate covered mint patties*

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir to mix. Add brown sugar and cocoa powder and mix well. Add water, vinegar, oil and extracts. Mix well.

Pour batter into an 8" x 8" pan.* Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Arrange mint patties on top of cake. Return to oven until candies begin to melt - about 1 minute. Remove from oven.

Spread melted mint patties evenly over cake with a knife. Cool completely. Cut cake and serve.

* NOTES:
* The original recipe says 13 ounce package of small chocolate covered mint patties - well I wasn't paying attention to that and bought a 5 ounce package and it worked really well. I think it would have been overkill on mint using a 13 ounce package.

* The original recipe calls for an ungreased cake pan but I can't imagine not greasing a cake pan so I coated it with cooking spray and it turned out find.

All Natural Cleaning

2011-12-10T10:22:00.001-07:00

I have used this recipe for years as an all-purpose cleaner but have gone to another one.

OLD RECIPE - that is quite good and a nice place to start if you are just going green or trying to do natural cleaners for the first time.

All-Purpose Spray
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp liquid dish soap or something like Dr. Bonner's liquid soap
10 drops of essential oil (citrus, peppermint, or tea tree - I use tea tree and lemon)
water - to fill spray bottle

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before use.

NEW RECIPE

All-Purpose Cleaner

Heat about 28 ounces of water to boiling (enough to fill your spray bottle), turn off heat and add 2 tbsp BORAX powder, 3/4 tsp of liquid soap, 18 drops of essential oils - usually a mixture of 2 or 3. Stir until the Borax is disolved and won't clog your spray bottle.

Essential oils I use - I always use tea tree oil - in any homemade cleaner - as it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. I then add in lemon or a citrus scented one, and maybe rosemary - which all of these ones have disinfecting properties. But for Christmas I have just done tea-tree oil and peppermint so that it smells more like Christmas around the house as I clean. Peppermint essential oil has disinfecting properties too.

Basically these are the things I have moved towards when cleaning now:
Baking Soda - It is really good natural abrasive with mild alkaline properties. It is affordable, rinses easily and is completely non-toxic - no dangers for kids and pets.

Vinegar - It is an all natural and known disinfectant. It is affordable as well because you can get a pretty big jug of it at Walmart inexpensively. Only surface that you can't really use it on is marble as the acid discolors marble.

Hydrogen Peroxide - is also non-toxic and is known to be a disinfectant. Also very affordable.

Essential Oils - All natural and many have disinfecting properties. A little goes a long way so when looking at prices they do seem like they can be expensive but often you are using 6 to 10 little drops of it. I have had a bottle of tea tree oil for over 3 years and not even near being empty. Natural food grocers will have them, sometimes health food stores, Whole Food or Trader Joes I believe sell them too. But you can also get them online.

Liquid Soap/Liquid Castile Soap - You can use any liquid soap but to be green and more natural - Liquid Castile Soap is best. It isn't inexpensive but again a little goes a long way. Dr. Bronner’s sells liquid castile soap and I have found that at Target but Trader Joes and Whole Foods I am sure would have it too. Castile soap is a vegetable based soap where most others are petroleum based. So that makes Castile soap completely non-toxic so it can be used on your face and body but will also work well when it comes to cleaning your home.

Just a few little things I do to clean:

* Liquid soap and Baking soda make a great soft scrub (add in essential oil for a nice scent).

* Microwave vinegar and water in a little bowl and it steams all the cooked on food - and makes it easy to wipe clean.

* Clean fruit with 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water. Spray on produce and then rinse after 3 to 5 minutes.

Gratitude Friday

2011-12-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for...

1. beautiful weather - sunny and bright

2. house is clean

3. tree is up - just not decorated. We will do that tomorrow night.

4. wonderful peppermint smell from adding peppermint essential oil to my cleaning supplies today so that it smells very Christmasy here today

5. my love picking up take-out for dinner since I had been working hard on the house today

Sausage Stuffed Baked Potato

2011-12-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

This recipe is from Smitten Kitchen. She has amazing recipes. Almost everything she posts - I think looks good and I want to make. I actually made this late winter/early spring and never got around to posting it. It is a really good cold weather - comfort food type recipe.

I did make a few changes so posting my version. But Smitten Kitchen's version is here that she adapted from Gourmet Magazine. Smitten Kitchen served with a salad and so did I - it was a really nice accompaniment to this recipe.

Sausage Stuffed Baked Potatoes

2 large russet (baking) potatoes (if you don't have or can't find really large baking potatoes - just use a few more of the size you have)

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon water, divided

3/4 teaspoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil plus additional for coating potatoes

1/2 slice firm white sandwich bread

1 tablespoon milk

1/2 pound bulk breakfast sausage or 1/2 pound of breakfast sausage, casings removed

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Prick potatoes with a fork. Wrap each potato with a paper towel and microwave on high power until tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Cutting lengthwise, remove top fourth of each potato and scoop out centers (reserve for another use), leaving 1/2-inch-thick walls.

Whisk together mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon water, tomato paste, and 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard.

Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

Add some olive oil/vegetable oil to skillet and cook onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes.

Tear bread into small pieces. Soak in the bread in milk - in a medium sized bowl. Soak until very soft. Mix in sausage, parsley, onion, and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise sauce with your hands.

Divide filling between potatoes, then coat skins lightly with oil. Bake in a 4-sided sheet pan until sausage is cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.

While potatoes bake, whisk 1 tablespoon mayonnaise sauce with lemon juice, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoon mustard and 1/2 teaspoon water, and salt and pepper to taste.

Remove potatoes from oven and turn on broiler. Spoon remaining mayonnaise sauce over filling and broil 3 to 4 inches from heat until charred in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Cool slightly. Serve.

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Reverb11 - Discover/Important/Remember

2011-12-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Prompt: What did you discover?
Need to take more moments to just be myself. I don't take enough me times is more what I mean. I don't take enough time to do what I want. I do put my proprieties right is more to the point.

Prompt: Who was important to you?
Michael is important to me but I think really this year told me - especially the end of this year told me I need to be important to me.

Prompt: What do you hope to remember?
All the great people I met in 2011 - including some to come - such as my niece. As I will be meeting her over Christmas.

Lucky

2011-12-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

Reverb 2011

2011-12-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

Last year Reverb really affected me in positive ways. I just didn't let that positive force that I started out with - continue. I let some things trip me up and then I stayed back and stagnant - again. This year Gwen Bell isn't doing Reverb but a couple of her Reverb 2010 co-founders are and I am using prompts Kaileen posted. I might change a few out and add in some of my own though.

Prompt: Where did 2011 begin?

2011 started with me getting my migraines down so that they didn't impede on my quality of life so much. I get them still, but before it was about 22 days out of a month that I got migraines. Now I get them when a couple times a month and maybe up to 7 a month. But down from 22 to 7 is AMAZING! My doctor that helped me with this has left the clinic I go to but he was my ROCK STAR for 2011.

Prompt: Who did you meet?

I met people I have known online for years.

We met Colleen and Scott after knowing her just a little bit online. They lived on the other side of Colorado, but were visiting family who live in GJ. They were also in the process at that time of trying to decide where they wanted to move. We are thankful that they decided to move to our side of the state and are about an hour away now. We were lucky enough to spend some quality time with them soon. They have become really good friends and we wish we could spend more time with them.
I also met someone else I have known online for quite a long time. Kathie at Two Frog Home. Kathie and her significant other Jeff invited us for dinner when we were in Montana. It was an amazing night and I wish so much that we lived closer together. Kathie is one of those people I have always had on a mental list of people I would love to meet - and I am so very grateful that happened in 2011.
I thought and continue to hope we might get to Montana for Michael's work one more time in early 2012. I keep my fingers crossed as I would love to spend some more time with Kathie.

Prompt: What books did you read?
Not as many as I would have liked to read. But I did read the Karen Moning Fever series mostly because my cousin talks about them quite a lot and then she sent me the first book. So I got hooked on them.

I also read the Harry Potter books - first time I had picked one up. I started and kept on going to the end. I am hooked on the movies too and watch them several times a month.
I read a couple books by Brene Brown and they deeply impacted me. I really saw through so much guilt and shame I had/have still working inside me.

I read probably close to 100 books this year. I just haven't logged them all into Goodreads.com yet.

Prompt: When did you struggle?
I didn't struggle this year a lot - but really I feel like I just gave up on some things. It was hard due to health reasons so I did struggle there because I couldn't do anything. I felt like I was in a prison - if I took the trash to the curb - I coughed and needed several hours if not all night to recover. Just little tasks sent me over - because I couldn't breath. That happened in the end of July I was hit with really bad asthma attack and after that I just couldn't breath right. That went on for 3 months and then I started to heal some but then it came back. Oddly enough after this ER visit I had recently - my breathing problems went away after taking the powerful antibiotics. I am grateful it did. I mean still have some wheezing and little asthma problems but not like the 3 months were I couldn't sleep because laying down made me choke and cough. Luckily I am feeling better and just still struggling with some health issues but not to the extent I was before.

A Few Christmas Ideas

2011-12-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Source: s151.photobucket.com via Darby on Pinterest

I just love the simple look of this for decorating at Christmas. Or this next one too...

Source: goodhousekeeping.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: sewmanyways.blogspot.com via Darby on Pinterest

Such a cute idea for a place-card holder for a holiday dinner

Source: pillsbury.com via Darby on Pinterest

This looks fairly easy to do and would look good placing one on top of a tray of goodies as a gift.

Gratitude Friday

2011-12-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for...
1. Getting to see good friends tomorrow
2. the smell of freshly baked Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Icing
3. making some plans to meet a good friend on our way back from Minnesota
4. getting excited to see my family and especially my niece and nephew!
5. the Roku having so many music options for Christmas music

I've Been Pinned

2011-12-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Source: michaelanddarby.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

That is Christmas Subway art I created last year. It was put on Pinterest!

Here is a link to the post that has 3 different color options to choose from.

The Call

2011-11-28T15:14:00.001-07:00

Bell Pepper, Rice & Italian Sausage Casserole

2011-11-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
2 bell peppers - stem and seeds removed and cut off 4 to 6 rings and then chop the rest
2 tsp. + 2 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Italian seasoning (a blend of dried oregano, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary)
4 or 5 links turkey/chicken Italian sausage (1 lb.)
2 cups cooked rice - brown or white
3/4 cup cheese (low-fat cheeses work too - I used colby-jack mixture)
1 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. flour
3/4 cup any broth (I used a chickem bouillon cube to make mine)
1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large heavy frying pan. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and saute until the vegetables are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the cooked vegetables to a bowl.

Add 2 tsp. more oil to the frying pan (or less if you're using a non-stick pan.) Squeeze the turkey Italian sausage out of the casing and saute until it's fully cooked and nicely browned, breaking apart with a turner as it cooks. This will take about 5-6 minutes, but don't rush the browning.

When sausage is done sprinkle with 3 tbsp. flour and add 1 tbsp butter to the pan, stir until well coated/mixed. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir and cook until mixture thickens. After it the mixture thickens add the cooked vegetables, Italian seasonings and rice into the pan and mix with the sausage. Cook this mixture a few minutes, until the rice is warmed through. Put the mixture into a casserole dish that you've sprayed with olive oil or non-stick spray. (I used a dish that was 9 x13 but a slightly smaller size will work.) Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Add bell pepper rings to top. Push them into the casserole slightly.

Put the casserole into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the whole thing is piping hot, about 20-25 minutes. Serve hot.

NOTES:
1 can of cream of chicken soup can be substituted for butter, flour, chicken broth and milk. You will probably still need a little water or milk to smooth it out some though when mixing it in.

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Gratitude Friday

2011-11-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

From Facebook updates...
Nov 19 - I am thankful for my niece who turned 1 year old today. Sending birthday wishes to Chloe Jo!

Nov 21 - Today has been a long day. I am already falling asleep and it is only 8pm. I am thankful for being home and maybe relaxing a bit before going to bed. I am also thankful that all my Thanksgiving shopping is now done.

Nov 22 - Thankful for the beautiful weather, stack of Christmas books to gather inspiration for decorating & baking, mail love we have received the last few days and that we got out of Walmart today fairly quickly although it was packed.

Nov 24 - I am extremely grateful for the abundance of joy and love in my life. Everyday is a blessing and although I express my gratitude here just in November - I remind myself daily throughout the year of all my blessings. Thank you for being one of those blessings...I know how fortunate to have so many amazing people in my life.

This is Home

2011-11-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have been on a Narnia movie kick lately and I love the music from all 3 movies. This one the artist talks about how when he wrote this song for the movie he kept in mind when his father read the books to him when he was young. I thought that was cool that he enjoyed the books and then did a song for the movies. The books are great....I should read them again. I haven't read them since I was a little girl.

Anyway....beautiful song. This is home - just makes me so grateful for Michael and that this is home with him.

Gratitude Friday

2011-11-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Some more status updates from Facebook....

Nov 13 - I am thankful for the wonderful brunch Michael made, that I am able to stay inside on such a cold dreary day, and that more often then not I am able to go with Michael when he goes out of town for business - love road trips with him.

Nov 15 - I am thankful for being able to have fun and laugh with Michael especially after a long day like today.

Nov 16 - Today I am thankful for Michael being there for me during such stressful times such as this evening when I had to go to the ER. I am fine. They aren't exactly sure what is wrong with me but wanted to rule out a blood clot in my leg...and it was ruled out - so I am very thankful for that.

Nov 17 - Today I am thankful for our friend Missy and an email written by Michael. Missy told Michael about me and he wrote me 9 years ago today. I am very thankful he decided to write and share so openly as it was really from the words written - I knew he would capture my heart quite easily. And he did. I love you Michael

Nov 18 - I am thankful that Michael and I are able to have mini-dates in the midst of a very stressful week. Took me to Starbucks for a holiday drink. We needed that time away even if for just a short time. I wish it could have longer but some time was better then no time.

Visit to the ER

2011-11-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

I went to the ER on Wednesday. My left calf swelled up to about 2 1/2 the size it is normally. It was really sensitive to the touch and just hurt from the pressure of it being swollen. I then also had some chest pain and coughing. Coughing so much that it felt like I had bronchitis. I went to my doctor and he sent me to the ER to check for a blood clot. I had an EKG which was fine. And an ultra sound on my leg and no blood clots were found.

It actually looks like I have an infection in my leg - they treating me with powerful antibiotics and after not even 2 full days of being on them - my leg swelling has went down and hardly hurts, don't feel the pressure and it isn't as sensitive. It looks like I might have had a small cut that became infected and that sent my body into chaos.

I fell 2 years ago and I have an area on my calf that normally looks like a very dry patch of skin and I wore a pair of lounge pants last week that are soft on the outside but on the inside not so much. I think they rubbed across the dry patch causing an abrasion that became infected. Even though looking at it there was no visible open scratch. It just became very red...looked angry in the area but when it is very dry - it sometimes does so I didn't think anything of it.

The ER doctor wants me to follow up with my doctor on Monday. My doctor is out of town so seeing another doctor. But I think everyone will give me the clear that it is better. Because the ER doctor stressed about 10 times if isn't - I would be checking into the hospital for a stay to be treated with even more powerful antibiotic. Already stressing about the ER bill - so don't want to have to be staying in the hospital.

Michael of course said that I am worth the expene as he wants me around a long time. He was great - as he knows doctors freak me out and he did really well keeping me calm.

In the end - I am feeling better and it looks like what they are treating me with is working. I feel better and my leg looks much better. So I think things will be okay. Just very scary.

I was telling a friend - I think my warranty ran out at 43. I am 44 now but this last year has been a horrible horrible health year for me.

A Dance 'Round the Memory Tree

2011-11-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Tattoos

2011-11-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted a tattoo. One of my friend's husband is a tattoo artist and she has amazing body art. Covering almost everywhere except her face. But big pieces on her arms, legs and back....just everywhere. Another friend, one of my closest friends, Jessica has a star freckles as tattoos and each one represents a person. She told me early this year that she was getting one for me. It touched me deeply. Stars shape as meaning to me too so it makes it even more special to think I am going to be a star on her.

On Pinterest, I look at tattoos people post and collect ones I like.

Here are a few....

Source: blogs.citypages.com via Darby on Pinterest

Michael has a nickname of Spooner and so a spoon seems appropriate.

Source: fyeahtattoos.com via Darby on Pinterest

I have kind of an obsession for letters and numbers and this combines the two so could be a good tattoo. My friend with the star tattoos, Jessica, talked about doing a kind of henna-looking tattoo with the subtle brown color and design of henna as a tattoo - I think this would look lovely in a brown.

Source: flickr.com via Darby on Pinterest

Owls, spiders, elephants, turtles, ravens and crows tattoos always get my attention. Jessica gave me this book called Soul College. You create cards that have deep personal meaning. Many of them seem to involve animals. These are the animals that I feel are frequent images in my life that I am pulled towards. They represent aspects of me.

Source: fyeahtattoos.com via Fabiola on Pinterest

Words - I would love to have a quote tattoo. I am just not sure I would be able to narrow it down to what quote. As I love words.

Gratitude Friday

2011-11-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to do daily thankful posts on Facebook so here is the ones I have done so far....

Nov 1 - I am thankful for Michael taking care of me when I have the stomach flu.
Nov 2 - Today I am thankful for feeling better. Stomach flu seems to be gone. I am also thankful for the wonderful aromas going through the house with a new recipe that I made for dinner. Hoping it tastes as good as it smells...will find out in about 10 mins.
Nov 3 - I am thankful for the chance we had this past weekend to take a day trip and see beautiful scenery. I love living in Colorado.
Nov 4 - I am thankful for the beautiful weather we have, that the pantry is now organized after looking like a tornado hit, and for finding my favorite tea (it was buried in the pantry) when I had thought I was out.
Nov 5 - Today I am thankful for being able to stay indoors because it was cold, rainy and windy.
Nov 7 - I am thankful for our kitty cats who amuse me, nice fuzzy socks I got for my birthday that are warming my feet on a cold evening, migraine meds, and a cookbook all about soups that I am reading that make me want to make soup everyday as they look so good.
Nov 9 - I look at the archives of this website, reading the signs, and it really gets to me. I feel often at times we are struggling but then I read things like I am reading on this website and I am thankful for the roof over our head and the work coming to the business. Michael works really hard and I am proud of all he does to keep moving forward. Our story pales in comparison to most of the folks I read about. We are in the 99 percent - but we're grateful for what we have as so many are in worse shape.
Nov 10 - I am thankful...that I only have to get through today before getting the last Harry Potter dvd, for the adorable invitation we got in the mail for my niece's 1st birthday, for picking up the Design Sponge at Home book from the library, and that having milk and cereal brings back memories from childhood.
Nov 11 - I am grateful to all the men and women of our armed forces. You and your families have sacrificed so much for all of us...Thank you for your service!

Robert Redford Dessert

2011-11-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

I have seen this recipe under many names but it has always been called Robert Redford in my family because it is just as good as Robert Redford.

First Layer: 1 cup unsifted flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter or margarine softened, 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (have used almonds too)

Mix together flour, sugar, butter and walnuts until crumbly. Press in the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes - until lightly brown. Cool.

Second Layer: 8 oz. package cream cheese - softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup cool whip

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Fold the whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust.

Put the pan in the fridge while you prepare the third layer.

Third Layer: 1 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 3 cup whole milk, 4 egg yolks, 3 tbls butter, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla, 3 squares unsweetened chocolate - chopped

In a medium saucepan combine sugar, flour and salt. Gradually stir in milk and chocolate. Cook over medium until thickened and bubbly. Stir constantly. Reduce heat, cook and stir two minutes. Remove from heat. Separate eggs. Beat yolks slightly in bowl. Stir 1 cup of the chocolate mix into the yolks. Return all to saucepan, bring to gentle boil, cook, stir 2 more minutes. Remove from heat - stir in butter and vanilla. Cool in fridge before gently spreading over second layer.

Forth Layer: After the third layer is cool, spread the rest of the whipped topping. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Can't Take It In

2011-11-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

Gratitude Friday

2011-11-04T21:55:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. the nice day trip we had with friends on a drive this past weekend
2. feeling better after the stomach flu hit both Michael and I this past week
3. Roku streaming Pandora for music
4. a soup cookbook that is inspiring me to make soup - everyday - okay not everyday but there are so many good soup recipes out there and I love soup!

5. clean sheets on the bed - I love the smell of clean sheets and the crisp look of the sheet when they are first put on a bed.

Day to Day

2011-11-02T09:30:00.000-06:00

I am doing pretty good. I can tell that the asthma problems are coming back at least somewhat and that is distressing me but I just keep hoping it won't come back as bad. My doctor has 2 new inhalers that will be coming by mail and hopefully they will help.

Otherwise things are pretty normal around here. Michael is working and working and working. And I am doing what I can to help him out but not much I can help with at this time. So just trying to keep up with my things as I am really behind.

I am trying to start thinking about Christmas and presents I need to make. I can't wait to see my family for Christmas.

So that is about all that is going on here.

Meatball Soup

2011-11-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

We had this soup last winter and I just never got around to posting the recipe. But I can't wait to make it again as it was such a huge hit with Michael. From the first bit Michael was raving about the great flavor. I didn't add any extra seasonings. The tomatoes with the basil, garlic and oregano plus my homemade meatballs have Italian seasonings in it - those things were the only seasoning for the soup.

1 bag (16 oz) frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed or homemade meatballs
2 cups beef broth
1 3/4 cup water
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (19 oz) cannellini beans, drained
1 cup frozen carrots
1 cup frozen green beans
1 cup cooked pasta - before serving
Shredded Parmesan cheese - garnish

In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cover and cook on low heat setting 6 to 7 hours. The carrots and green beans can become mushy in a slow cooker so add after 4 hours or 4 1/2 hours instead. Add pasta just before serving.

Garnish individual servings with Parmesan cheese.

O+S

2011-10-31T16:42:00.000-06:00

Gratitude Friday

2011-10-28T23:00:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. the time we are going to have this weekend - when we go on a little drive with some friends
2. beautiful autumn weather
3. hot apple cider
4. pumpkin recipes - I love pumpkin!
5. clean kitchen floor

Pita Chips

2011-10-26T21:06:00.000-06:00

One of our grocery stores has a clearance section of bread. I can buy pita bread from 40 cents to 70 cents a pack just depending how many packages they have left to sell. I buy them to make pita chips.

With the holidays parties coming upon, I always like to make and bring these. On their own or with a dip such as hummus.

Pita Chips

Pita bread
1/4 cup olive oil
Toppings

Preheat oven to 375. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray.

Cut pita pockets into triangles and then separate them where they are still connected to the other half.

Mix oil and toppings. (I did basil, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan cheese, sea salt)

Toss the pieces of pita bread with the oil mixture. Bake for 6-10 minutes until they are crisp. Flip/stir at the half way mark. Let cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Some possible toppings:
Sea salt
Parmesan Cheese
Herbs of choice such as basil, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, chili pepper, chipolte, chives, dill and so on.
Garlic
Cinnamon sugar with melted butter instead of oil

Hey Jude

2011-10-24T18:45:00.000-06:00

Gratitude Friday

2011-10-21T22:00:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. having a nice birthday on Tuesday.
2. a beautiful drive through GJ seeing all the colors
3. finding a bag - I have been looking for one for awhile
4. spending time with friends
5. feeling so much better

Channeling Surfing

2011-10-20T23:30:00.000-06:00

* Tomorrow we are going to have lunch at some friends who live in a nearby town. They just moved to the area in August. It is great to have them near as they are such good people. So nice to talk and laugh with them.

* My asthma problems have cleared up. My doctor ended up treating me for bronchitis - using an antibiotic and a steroid. Within 2 doses I was able to lay completely down flat - first time in over 3 months. I used my inhaler once in the 10 days of being on the meds. The day after ending my meds - I have had a few problems. Nothing like before but I did have to use my inhaler and ended up taking sinus meds at night. I am hopeful that whatever is going on is better. I have no doubt from now on for a while I will be easily susceptible to having problems. My doctor wants me to call if it comes back to like it was before the meds.

* We started using a Roku for the TV. We are really enjoying it. It is basically streaming content to the TV. All the content except Netflix that I am watching is free. But there are some channels that do cost but so far I am not seeing a need for them.

That is about all for right now....going to go to bed.

I Go To Sleep

2011-10-17T13:34:00.000-06:00

Gratitude Friday

2011-10-14T23:51:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. feeling better
2. a safe trip to Denver
3. a safe trip home
4. seeing adorable pictures of my niece sitting in a pile of leaves
5. a great muffin I had a Mimi's Cafe and finding the recipe online so that I can try to make them at home

Hoisin Meatballs

2011-10-12T19:22:00.000-06:00

This recipe was modified from Hoisin-Glazed Turkey Meatballs - I wanted to have them for dinner instead of as an appetizer. Also I didn't want to go out and buy anything additional so just worked with what I had on hand so modified the ingredients to work for me. I didn't see the need for the oil although I am sure it gives additional flavor. I also ended up having to add bread crumbs because the ingredients made the ground meat so wet.

Hoisin Turkey Meatballs

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium Soy Sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root

1 teaspoon sriracha sauce or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 scallions, minced

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (didn't have any garlic cloves on hand)

1/2 cup drained, finely chopped water chestnuts
1 pound lean ground turkey

3/4 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup purchased Hoisin Sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or tinfoil coated with cooking spray.
Whisk soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, sriracha or crushed red pepper, 1 tblsp hoisin sauce and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth. Stir in 2 minced scallions and water chestnuts. Stir in turkey and bread crumbs until completely combined.
Shape the mixture into medium sized meatballs. If you don’t want to cook these right now you could put them in the freezer for later.
Place the meatballs on a pan and bake until the meat is cooked through, 15 to 17 minutes.
Brush the meatballs with Hoisin sauce. Cook meatballs an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with stir fry vegetables and rice.

Click on the title of the post and then hit the print button.

Gratitude Friday

2011-10-07T23:00:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. another visit to my doctor - and maybe this treatment helping even after 1 dose
2. breathing
3. candy corn
4. finding out that I can freeze my yogurt
5. Frank and JoAnne giving me all their old encyclopedias - I just made room for them in my studio so that I can use them for art.

#OccupyWallstreet

2011-10-04T15:09:00.000-06:00

I have been totally hung up on this website for the last several days. It really is getting to me. I feel often at times we are struggling but then I read things like I am reading on this website and am thankful for the roof over our head and the work coming to the business. Michael works really hard and I am proud of all he does to keep moving forward. Our story pales in comparison to most of the folks I read about. We are in the 99 percent - but we're grateful for what we have as most folks are in much worse shape.

http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/

Live

2011-10-02T21:23:00.000-06:00

Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen Hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.
— Mary Anne Radmacher

Gratitude Friday

2011-09-30T20:56:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. a good doctors visit
2. time at Target looking at all the nice fall items
3. finishing the last Harry Potter book - although it always makes me sad finishing a book. I am eager when I start it but when I finish I am sad. I am still thankful for have the opportunity to read all 6 books as they were exceptional.
4. frozen yogurt
5. Alka Seltzer cold and cough - I wouldn't have any sleep without it

Source: nefon.tumblr.com via Chrissy on Pinterest

Hopeful

2011-09-27T23:00:00.000-06:00

Well I am hopeful....it was a good visit with my new doctor. He came in with notes he hand wrote out. And then he really was thoughtful of what to do - really thinking for a solution. He is much different then my previous doctor but he was nice. Going on some new meds and will be seeing him in a week as he feels a couple of the meds should be kicking in by then and making me feel better.

So I am just feeling hopeful that things will get better.

Adele again

2011-09-26T22:34:00.000-06:00

I am not sure I have found a song of hers that I don't like and don't play over and over. This one I played quite a bit last month.

Gratitude Friday

2011-09-23T22:19:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. that I knew the Dad of my best friend from junior high school. He always made me laugh. I have some very good memories and I am very thankful for them. I am keeping my friend and her family in my thoughts as her Dad passed away this week.
2. adorable photos that my niece sent us (well her Mom and Dad sent us but it said it was from her)
3. getting some rooms cleaned this week even though it takes so much out of me. I am still recovering.
4. out of the blue email from a good friend who now lives closer to us so we hope to go visit soon
5. the nebulizer I was loaned from the clinic. I am so thankful that I have had it around as I have needed it.

Cheeseburger Flatbread

2011-09-20T20:00:00.000-06:00

I found this recipe on Kevin and Amanda. I did change a few things.

Cheeseburger Flatbread Melts

1 lb ground turkey browned and drained (ground beef can be used also)
1/4 cup water
1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 pkg dry onion soup mix
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
11 oz pizza dough
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Brown and drain ground meat. Add water, vinegar, onion soup mix, ketchup, mustard and garlic. Stir to combine and simmer over low heat.

Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Divide the pizza dough into six to eight equal portions and press the pieces out to make them a little bit bigger. Fry the dough for one minute on each side or until golden brown and bubbly. Remove to a paper towel to drain. Top with beef mixture and shredded cheese.

Makes 6 to 8 flatbread melts.

NOTES:

* I left out the apple cider the last time I made it and it really didn't change the taste much.

* I increased the ketchup because I didn't feel it was covering the meat enough when I stirred it in. But you could try it with the 1/4 cup first and then see if you need a little more.

* Amanda's recipe uses the thin crust pizza dough but I tried it and then regular but really didn't find much difference except maybe got a little bit bigger pieces of flatbread out of the regular pizza dough.

Click on the title of the post and then this button to print.

Turning Tables

2011-09-19T19:18:00.000-06:00

I love Adele. I listen to her quite bit on Pandora.

Gratitude Friday

2011-09-16T17:53:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for...
1. being able to see Michael do his presentation - He rocked!
2. an evening out with friends
3. a great view from our hotel room in Denver
4. unplugging for the evening and just relaxing
5. time spent with Michael

Today

2011-09-14T12:25:00.000-06:00

The Verve

2011-09-12T12:27:00.000-06:00

Sick of Being Sick

2011-09-11T22:44:00.000-06:00

We were suppose to go celebrate Michael's sister-in-law's birthday yesterday with a surprise party for her but I was up all night with asthma problems. Michael didn't sleep well either so being on the road and driving wasn't a great option for us. We were feeling so bad about missing it. It is a milestone birthday and we also missed something else not too long ago that was important to her....so we just wanted to make sure we were there so she knew we loved her.

We were going to do what we call a turn and burn - drive 4 hours to Denver to the party. Stay at the party for a few hours and then drive all the way back to Grand Junction the same day. It takes a lot out of us and since we had just got home the week before we still aren't really up to speed yet. And we are going to be in Denver again next week it is hard to all this traveling so I guess it was our bodies saying no.

My asthma is still giving me problems. I have an appointment at the end of the month - and it will be someone new I am seeing since my doctor moved in August.

I am just feeling a little frustrated and down because it feels like I am falling behind on everything because I can't breath. I don't have the energy for anything. I am out of spoons. Basically I am sick of being sick. So I really hope that things go at the end of the month with the new doctor.

Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T22:00:00.000-06:00

We watched one of the specials on 9/11 tonight on TV and it was really hard to watch. I cried throughout. I feel so much for those firefighters who have developed cancer. Again this is one of those things that angers me because we aren't helping them with their medical bills. A bill passed that didn't cover cancer...that makes no sense to me. My heart goes out to the rescue workers and their families.

Double Crunch Pie

2011-09-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

There are times when recipes don't really turn out how the recipe is stated. For me it often happens with those recipe club cards that you get in the mail. I have some from collections from friends and then just sample cards in the mail.

This recipe was one of those...Double Crunch Pie...I had to modify it to make it work. Find the original recipe here.

1 (3.8-ounce) package instant chocolate pie filling
8 ounces whipped topping
1 (6-ounce) prepared chocolate crumb pie crust
7 chocolate creme sandwich cookies, crushed into chunks
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter chips

Directions

Prepare pie filling in a large bowl according to package directions.

Fold whipped topping into pie filling; stir until well blended.

Spread pie filling mixture evenly in pie crust. Chill in freezer until slightly set, about 10 minutes.

Combine cookie chunks, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in a small bowl. Sprinkle over pie filling.

Freeze until 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

NOTES:

The original had 15 crushed cookies on top and that would have been mounds and mounds of cookies that wouldn't have fit on the pie. It wouldn't set up and if you see in the picture on the original link the texture of the pie is the same as mine so I believe that it is frozen and not just refrigerated.

The pie was good. It wasn't spectacular but it tasted good and was easy to make for a quick dessert.

(click on the title of the post and then hit this button to print)

Gratitude Friday

2011-09-09T21:38:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. getting a chance to go to Ikea in Denver
2. Michael's parents taking care of our kitty cats while we were out of town
3. the kitty cats - we missed them while gone
4. being home
5. the great photos Michael took of our trip

photo by Michael of The Grand Tetons at dusk with moon

Decorating Eye Candy

2011-09-08T21:23:00.000-06:00

Some decorating eye candy from Pinterest....

Source: None via Darby on Pinterest

Source: younghouselove.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: younghouselove.com via Darby on Pinterest

OkGo & The Muppets

2011-09-05T10:22:00.000-06:00

YES!

Gratitude Friday

2011-09-02T23:53:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...

1. meeting Jeff and Kathie - and having such a lovely dinner with them
2. seeing beautiful double rainbows
3. the beautiful Flathead Lake in Montana
4. seeing Yellowstone....Old Faithful
5. just having this time with Michael...I love traveling with him

photo by Michael of Old Faithful

HGTV 24/7

2011-08-31T20:56:00.000-06:00

Michael is working all day here in Montana. He brings the laptop and iPad with him so I don't have access to the internet during the day. We should have brought the MacBook so I could have had it during the day - yes we are geeks with too many computers. I don't watch tv at home but being stuck in a hotel room all day - I am watching tv - HGTV to be precise. Michael leaves in the morning with HGTV on and comes back in the evening with HGTV still going. He can't understand how I can watch so much decorating/house shows. I have broken it up with some Food Network. :)

Source: hgtv.com via Darby on Pinterest

I really liked The Antonio Treatment. He did this kitchen above - the back splash is metal made to look like it was cut from old rusted signs into long planks/tiles. I want to have that in our kitchen as our back splash.

Watching this much HGTV has given me lots of ideas and inspiration.

Dinner with Friends

2011-08-30T22:36:00.000-06:00

Tonight Michael and I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Jeff & Kathie from Two Frog Home. I have known Kathie for many years online. We have exchanged emails, snail mail, and gifts. She has been an inspiration to me and been on that mental list of someone I wanted to meet - someday. So when Michael said he was going to Montana for business and I could come - I checked the map right away. As soon as I told her we were coming and where we would be - she invited us to have dinner with them at their home.

Such a lovely home. We sat on their porch and ate a delicious dinner. Kathie has a big garden and many of the things we enjoyed at dinner were from her garden. Dessert was a cherry tart that was outstanding that every time I think about it - my mouth waters. On top of all that and the lovely evening of conversation and laughter - Kathie sent us home with a big basket of goodies. Her canned Vanilla pear butter, Balsamic Berry Jam, hand knitted dish cloth, cookies, massage oil she made, stickers and jelly beans. It was so thoughtful.

I was so nervous when I would call to talk to her to set up the dinner but then the night before dinner I realized something that made most of my nervousness go away. I knew without a doubt Kathie was someone who would accept me for me. And that made me feel free to just be and that is rare. I know in this world we are just suppose to be ourselves but I don't feel often people can be truly open and free around people. We all have masks we have to wear to get through the day and I knew I wouldn't have to do that with Kathie. And the evening was exactly that way - I could relax and just be. Jeff and Kathie made us feel right at home and comfortable. Kathie is such a lovely person and it made me wish we lived close together as I just had such a nice time being with her.

Michael will probably have to go back a couple more time and one of those times I will probably get to go with him. I look forward to the next time we can all get together.

*photo by Michael - was taken on our way into the area on Saturday. That is Flathead Lake which was so beautiful. It took us almost an hour to get around just one side of the lake.

You Could Be Happy

2011-08-29T23:59:00.000-06:00

I hope you are happy.

Rainbows

2011-08-29T20:17:00.000-06:00

We are in Montana. It was a long drive here but so pretty.

In Utah, we saw a double rainbow. Those were the most gorgeous rainbows I have ever seen. One of them you could see the whole thing from one end to the other. It was incredible. I am not sure I have ever seen a full rainbow before.

Here are some picture Michael caught of them. You will see in the second picture the faint double rainbow. If you click on the photo, it will take you to a bigger view of it.

photos by Michael McGruder - taken August 27, 2011

TinyBuddha.com

2011-08-28T17:25:00.000-06:00

I love TinyBuddha.com and they post things that make me stop and pause and reflect almost daily. So just sharing a few titles with a little snippet from the post.

Dealing with Conflict: Knowing when the Battle is Internal - "When daily life and all its trappings take over, we can sometimes lose ourselves and neglect to do the things that help keep us strong—and that can lead to conflict all around us."

Letting Go of Insecurities with Two Realizations - "We really can be ourselves if we can remember that it’s our perception that matters—and it’s a waste of energy to try to see ourselves through other people’s eyes. Odds are, they’re paying far less attention than we think."

Creating Happiness from Within Even When Times Get Tough - It goes into each of these more....
How to cultivate happiness from within, right now:
* Control what you can, and let go of what you can’t.
* Learn to love yourself.
* Spend time with people who make you happy.
* Get some perspective.
* Pay it forward.
* Get your OM on.

Letting Go of Painful Memories - "We just need to learn what it means to let go in a moment, and then remember what that looks and feels like to do it again when necessary.

It may mean practicing mindfulness, or reminding yourself that it wasn’t your fault, or revisiting what you learned through the experience. What matters isn’t that we find letting go to be easy; it’s that we find it to be possible."

Sometimes No One is Wrong - "Maybe we can define the conduct we believe to be good and kind, without assuming we know people’s intentions, thereby labeling them right or wrong when they stumble. Maybe we can decide and honor what we believe and allow other people the same freedom, choosing not to be threatened if they see things differently.

Maybe loving ourselves is feeling secure without having to convince other people we’re right; and loving other people is wanting to understand instead of wanting to tell them they’re wrong."

Gratitude Friday

2011-08-26T23:50:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. seeing a woman jogging over Vail pass in a hot pink tutu
2. the chance to get meet Kathie from Two Frogs Home when we visit Montana
3. taking a road trip with Michael
4. Michael being my champion and getting me a nebulizer to take on the trip with us.
5. several friends who had been looking for jobs - finding them recently - I am so happy for them!

I Won't Let You Go

2011-08-22T20:45:00.000-06:00

I think sometimes we have unfair expectations of our partners to be there in ways they can't but other times I do think there are times they should be there when we are falling and maybe aren't. This video made me think of past relationships. I am really lucky that Michael has been here so much for me when I am falling.

Gratitude Friday

2011-08-19T23:13:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for my...

1. inhaler

2. kleenex

3. allergy meds

4. cough syrup

5. pillows

Things I Want to Make SOON

2011-08-17T23:01:00.000-06:00

Source: cookiesandcups.blogspot.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: healthyseasonalrecipes.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: eatingwell.com via Darby on Pinterest

Miracle Worker

2011-08-15T14:29:00.000-06:00

Mick Jagger in a Hot Pink Suit....hmm :)

Gratitude Friday

2011-08-12T23:39:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. my doctor - I will miss him.
2. Michael is getting help with his hearing!
3. M&M cheesecake bars
4. inspiration all around
5. dreaming

Where is the Air?

2011-08-09T21:22:00.000-06:00

It is going on three weeks of not being able to breath and it really has got me down. A couple weekends ago we were suppose to go and be with some friends moving to the area. Help them paint, just hang out and talk but with my asthma we couldn't. Then last Friday there was a group of friends getting together for a picnic where there would be a few smokers in attendance and I couldn't risk making it worse so we didn't go.

I don't have a lot of energy and just can't do a lot without causing more breathing problems, because I can't get in a good breath. I have several obligations I have fallen behind on. It is very frustrating so I have gotten down. I have had several days of melt downs which of course doesn't help my asthma. Being upset just exasperates it more of course so that doesn't help me but I just get so down about not being able to do anything. Michael of course has been great and understanding. He has gone out of his way to help me in anyway he can. Even to the point of thinking of getting me a nebulizer to have here at home.

It is so strange - I didn't have to use my inhaler for over 2 years. Actually I haven't used it hardly at all since moving here to Western Colorado. Then this spring allergies started up and all of a sudden I needed it. I was shocked. I had to have my doctor call in a new one as all mine were expired. This inhaler has a counter and I used 20 puffs in 2 days (2 puffs per dose - so used it 5 doses per day). I am doing anywhere from 4 to 6 doses a day.

I had a doctors appointment today - just my annual exam. I talked to him about my asthma. He feels it is just allergies. It was a hard appointment today as I had to say goodbye to my Doctor. He is moving so leaving the clinic. So I will be getting a new doctor - which is why I had my annual before he left so I didn't have to have it with someone new. Anyway he has been my ROCK STAR this past year - helping my migraines and my sciatica. Also urging me into therapy. So without him - I can't imagine where 2010 would have ended up at. I am so grateful for him. It will be hard to see someone new.

Turn My Head

2011-08-08T11:26:00.000-06:00

Live - Turn My Head

I heard this the other day and it brought me back instantly to living in Topeka. Listened to Live a lot then. This month has been full of past memories. I don't think it is going to change for a bit...working through a lot of things or at least trying.

Barriers

2011-08-06T20:04:00.000-06:00

Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. - - Rumi

Gratitude Friday

2011-08-05T13:58:00.000-06:00

Source: polyvore.com via Cathy on Pinterest

I am thankful for...

1. Michael and I being able to take an afternoon to see the final Harry Potter movie

2. Michael getting me hooked on Harry Potter

3. J.K. Rowlings for being so imaginative in thinking up the Harry Potter world and entertaining me

4. Harry Potter books allowing me an escape when I am feeling so awful with my asthma problems

5. Harry Potter dvds allowing me to escape also

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

2011-08-03T12:21:00.000-06:00

I found this recipe via Pinterest and then followed it to myrecipes.com....

This recipe isn't health food and involves what I consider convenience foods. But it was easy and tasted like comfort food. I changed it slightly. They baked it in individual dishes and I didn't want to go through that hassle frankly. So I just made it in a 9 x 13 so I am writing the recipe like I made it. Follow the above link if you want to see the original.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey (I used turkey)

1 (15.5-oz.) can sloppy joe sauce

1 (15-oz.) can chili with beans (I used hormel turkey with beans)

1/2 (30-oz.) package frozen country-style shredded hash browns (about 4 cups)

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Brown ground beef/turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 7 to 10 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Stir in sloppy joe sauce and chili.
2. Spoon chili mixture into a 9 x 13 pan that is lightly coated with cooking spray. Top with frozen hash browns.
3. Bake, covered, at 425° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until browned and crisp. Sprinkle with cheese, and bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.

NOTES: It took longer then 10 minutes for my top to crisp up and still wasn't crisp all over but was hungry so just topped with cheese and did the final 5 mins. So allow for 10 to 15 mins on the time to crisp the tops of the hash browns. I think next time I make it I might bake covered 25 mins and uncovered 15 to 20 mins. And then top with cheese.

Coldplay

2011-08-01T11:19:00.000-06:00

Coldplay is one of my favorites. I really like the graphic elements of this video.

Reveal Beauty

2011-07-30T19:12:00.000-06:00

"If we look at the world with a love of life, the world will reveal its beauty to us." -Daisaku Ikeda

To Err is Human

2011-07-28T22:52:00.004-06:00

I seek out to listen to Brene Brown and went to her website and found this link to where she spoke on a radio show called Tapestry from Canada. The first person they spoke to though I really enjoyed too gave me a lot of food for thought - Bruce Mau. He has a great voice and face too because I had to google him after hearing him.

Here is the interview of Brene Brown and Bruce Mau on Tapestry

Brene Brown has been doing classes online this past spring/summer and I am hoping that maybe this fall she has another and with birthday money I treat myself to take it.

makes me want to sew

2011-07-26T16:13:00.000-06:00

I have a sewing machine but haven't used it in about 10 years. But when I am on Pinterest - I always think about that I should break it out and make some of the wonderful things I see there.

Such as a few of these things...

Source: little-inspirations.blogspot.com via Darby on Pinterest

Source: skiptomylou.org via Darby on Pinterest

Source: thismamamakesstuff.com via Darby on Pinterest

The First Time

2011-07-25T21:06:00.000-06:00

I love that feeling when you feel that spark like you are meeting for the first time even though you have been together for a long time. It is like you even though you know each other so well you can look at each other with excitement and anticipation of what's next.

Gratitude Friday

2011-07-22T22:29:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. my inhaler - having lots of asthma problems
2. M&M's
3. my sisters
4. homemade cleaners that smell good and don't give my lungs problems
5. smiles

Zesty Corn on the Cob

2011-07-20T11:35:00.000-06:00

Corn on the Cob - freshly cooked
Butter
Seasonings
Ziplock Bag

Place several pats of butter and seasonings in a ziplock bag. I put almost a pat of butter per ear of corn. And it is just to your taste on the seasonings but I probably start with a tablespoon of my main seasoning.

After husks are removed and corn is cooked, place hot corn into ziplock with butter and seasonings. Let the hot corn sit there for a moment to get the butter melting and then start move it around in the ziplock to incorporate the seasoning over the corn.

I used Northwood Seasonings by Penzeys which has coarse flake salt, paprika, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic and chipotle. But I have also used Italian seasonings and just garlic cloves too. You really can just add so many different seasonings to spice up your corn on the cob.

Dog Days Are Over

2011-07-18T10:09:00.001-06:00

I listened to this song a many times and knew it sounded familiar from a movie but it took me a while to place it...Eat Pray Love - DUH!

Gratitude Friday

2011-07-15T23:56:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. that the final Harry Potter movie is coming out and we will be seeing it soon!
2. safe drive over to Denver
3. time spent with a good friend
4. getting through a hard day
5. spending time with family

Paper Coterie Review

2011-07-14T22:52:00.001-06:00

I decided to create a book from Paper Coterie for my sister and brother-in-law for their 1st wedding anniversary. First wedding anniversary is paper so I thought it would make a good gift along with the newspapers from their wedding date that Michael picked up. I also made a graphic print of hearts with their initials and wedding date.

Paper Coterie has a wide variety of books for different occasions. I found them very easy to use. Uploading photos, changing the layout, dropping and dragging them to the layout of the book and changing the words as well as adding words. You can change out backgrounds, swap them with other pages and play around with the clipart. I knew if I played around with it too much I would just keep playing and playing and never get it done. But I did have fun playing with it and it was so easy to create.

The book I received was so pretty. Good quality paper and colors. I definitely would like to create more books from them. They make great gifts and keepsakes for memories.

This is the little graphic print I made for them too.

The Work

2011-07-12T14:36:00.005-06:00

I don't believe there is one end all be all to fixing things. I think actually each person has a responsibility to their ownself and that of course we might come across tools that will help us but won't help someone else. It has taken me a lot of years to become aware of myself and what works and how I tick. And change some of the things I didn't like about myself. But it does feel at times like a continuous journey of learning. Brene Brown's books have really impacted me this year but a friend also suggested Byron Katie so I started reading her book recently. I really am taking some good things from it too. The website really gives the key pieces though.

The 4 Questions are really interesting and they have been insightful and beneficial in many situations. I wish I would have learned them a long time ago.

Trouble is a Friend

2011-07-11T14:24:00.000-06:00

Really like the style of the video....the shadow puppets.

Gratitude Friday

2011-07-08T22:34:00.003-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. time with friends
2. my therapist
3. Harry Potter books - I hadn't read them before and I am really enjoying them
4. the best corn on the cob - done with Penzeys Northwood Spices. Yums!
5. my sister and brother-in-law - it is their anniversary today! I am very grateful that we were able to spend their special day with them last year!

Letterpress

2011-07-05T22:56:00.000-06:00

Letterpress from Naomie Ross on Vimeo.

I found this via Pia Jane Bijkerk.

I love the look of letterpress and would like to try it sometime. Thought this video was a cool view of it.

My Country tis of Thee

2011-07-04T14:29:00.000-06:00

I first heard this version of this song on West Wing and it just just moved me to tears. And so on this day....July 4th....I think of this song.

Gratitude Friday

2011-07-01T23:07:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. movie night with a friend
2. all the laundry being done, folded and put away
3. a holiday weekend
4. purple notepad
5. my friend Jessica giving me a star - she has stars tattooed on her like freckles for important people in her life and she is getting one for me. It touched me deeply. And I feel the same about her.

Paula Deen Poultry Seasonings Grinder Top

2011-06-30T08:13:00.001-06:00

I got a good deal on this Paula Deen Poultry Seasonings Grinder Top so decided to try it out. What really sold me on trying it was when I tipped the jar over and saw all the big chunks of delicious spices. It had big pieces of sea salt, coarse black pepper, paprika, thyme and rosemary.

I baked some chicken breasts to have ready for quick summer meals on salads. So I decided to try it out on a few of the breasts. The taste is not over powering it was just perfect for what I intended. I am not sure if it would have been enough flavor if we were eating the breasts on their own but adding more wouldn't be a problem and I don't think it would still over power but just give it good flavor. So glad I picked up and I am sure I will be using again.

New Hair Style

2011-06-28T12:21:00.002-06:00

I finally got my hair cut. I had almost 11 inches taken off so that I could donate my hair to locks of love. I went into this knowing - it is just hair and it will grow back if I don't like it so I decided to go for something very different for me. Well I did get something very different....I haven't had my hair this short since I was in high school. I am not really liking it at the moment. A little too short. I think I will like it a bit better when it just grows out a bit more. Michael likes it but knows it wasn't what I was going for when I went to get it cut. I brought the iPad in with a bunch of pictures and I did get layers and I know why she cut it the way she did but it wasn't exactly what I was wanting. My hair has some natural light curl when it short. But my hair is so thick that when it grows longer it weights it down and pulls the curl out - making it straight. So right it has some curl to it which I actually don't mind. I wanted layers and it to be a little more sassy but just not this short.

The hair stylist was asking me how I wanted my bangs. And I said to the side and longer. I usually did shorter straight across but since I am going to part on the side I wanted longer to the side. She said "well since you are so young you can pull that off." I kind of laughed. I said, "I am 43 - is that young?" She had to have been in her mid to late 30's so calling me young made it seem like she thought I was I was younger then her. It turns out she did. She was stunned. She kept repeating that there was no way she would have guessed I was 43. She thought I was really young. She never said how young but I am guessing younger then her. So that was a nice compliment. But I thought the whole bangs comment was weird that having bangs on the side was only for young women. When did that happen?

I don't have pictures of my hair yet - because I don't like it. Haven't even sent one to my Mom who has asked me several times.

Chasing Cars

2011-06-27T10:04:00.000-06:00

Things have been really busy and it would be nice to just lay still and forget the world for a bit.

Gratitude Friday

2011-06-24T23:46:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. a safe trip to Denver
2. a safe trip back home
3. hair can grow back out
4. I was able to go on and do what I needed to do today even after a very hard moment
5. mail love

Gratitude and Memories

2011-06-21T15:25:00.004-06:00

Source: inchmark.squarespace.com via Darby on Pinterest

I really like this idea...it is to take and write down memories through out the year as they happen and then on New Years Eve read them. This came from a blog for that did it as a family project but I think just even for Michael and I - it would be fun. And something to be thankful for all those moments we had during the year.

I think it would make a good Christmas gift to make up little pieces of paper. I could do a graphic with it about memories with little lines. And then get a mason jar and maybe decorate a lid with some dangling tags off of it.

Pomplamoose

2011-06-20T09:59:00.000-06:00

Pomplamoose doing a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's Mrs. Robinson. I love these guys they are so fun! The music is great but their facial expressions make me laugh.

Gratitude Friday

2011-06-17T23:47:00.002-06:00

Gratitude Friday
I am thankful for...
1. going to a drive-in movie theater this week with Michael
2. spending time with friends
3. rereading books that are old favorites
4. clean house
5. projects almost done

Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

2011-06-16T16:12:00.003-06:00

We like breakfast for dinner and I will often make these for dinner. I usually make enough so we have left overs though for breakfast. These pancakes are really flavorful with the cinnamon and applesauce in them. And the whole wheat and oatmeal give it a good texture. Just a really good pancake that is pretty healthy too.

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup quick cooking or old fashioned oats
3 tablespoon sugar or even splenda/sugar substitute
2 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 egg
1 1/4 cup milk - low fat or fat free
1 cup sugar free applesauce
4 tablespoons canola oil
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Stir together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl.

Beat eggs in separate bowl; stir in milk, applesauce, and oil.

Add liquid mixture to dry ingredients, stirring just until blended. Fold in walnuts.

Heat greased griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375 degrees. Griddle is ready when a few drops of water bubble and skitter rapidly around.

For each pancake, pour scant 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook pancakes until puffed, bubbly and dry around edges. Turn and cook other sides until golden brown.

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One Thing

2011-06-14T16:07:00.000-06:00

Source: tumblr.com via Darby on Pinterest

I think I need a notepad like this...because some days I need a gentle reminder that doing 1 thing is okay. Sometimes I get so stuck in the whole list of stuff that needs to get done that nothing gets done. I might start bunches of stuff but nothing gets done. So just doing 1 thing today is okay.

Throw Me a Rope

2011-06-13T09:49:00.000-06:00

Gratitude Friday

2011-06-10T19:11:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for...
1. leaving fun voice mails with my friend Jessica. I save them to listen too later too and they make me smile.
2. the color purple
3. apple oatmeal pancakes (recipe coming soon)
4. the series of books my cousin Rachel got me hooked on - the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning
5. rereading some old favorites too and having some good memories associated with the books (Anita Blake series)

Connection, Belonging and Being Enough

2011-06-09T21:53:00.003-06:00

If you didn't catch the video by Dr. Brene Brown for Paper Coterie's Open House, they have now posted on their blog. Please take a look at it. It is so powerful and inspiring. You might look at it and think you don't have time for 24 minute video, but please take the time. It is worth it. Her message is worth it.

Being Hard on Myself

2011-06-07T21:19:00.001-06:00

Source: absolutelywhite.blogspot.com via Cici on Pinterest

I really like this from Tiny Buddha: Being Hard on Yourself

"What helps me is to focus on progress, not perfection–to forgive myself when I’ve gotten negative, and then start anew from right where I stand."

Bright Eyes

2011-06-06T08:21:00.005-06:00

Heard Bright Eyes on NPR when they were streaming Sasquatch Music Festival. I liked this song and now this video too which is showing love.