Merry Christmas Friends!

Merry Christmas to all my blog friends, and to all peace, joy, love and hope in 2014!

Write That Note Today

Today I took a bit of time to write a long overdue note. I’ve been thinking of sending news to a friend for two months now. I feel so much better now that I’ve done that. I value my friends so I feel so good about sending it. If you’ve been thinking of someone, why not let them know – send a notecard or an email.  Just a few words will do.

The cards displayed here are for sale on Etsy.com. Click on the card for the link.

Fruit and Nut Gluten Free Bread

(This is a photo of my first loaf – made a few weeks ago)

(This is photo of my second loaf – made today)

(Today I am making this recipe for a friend, so I thought I would write a post.)

For some time, I thought about a bread machine with a Gluten Free setting. I’ve seen them online but since I consume very little bread, I didn’t really want to put out the expense.  Recently, I was at my favorite department store and I saw  a bread machine on sale – to my surprise it had a GF setting.  Well, I quickly snatched one up and spread the word to my friends. I made this recipe and when it was done, my husband and I couldn’t stop eatting it. Quite frankly this is the  best white flour GF bread I’ve consumed. Because I have never made bread (in a machine or in the oven) I wanted to be careful. All ingredients were room temperature. I also measured all the ingredients in advance and added them one by one, as listed in the recipe.  This bread freezes really well. Slice it, wrap the loaf in plastic,  wrap loaf again but in foil this time, put the wrapped loaf in a freezer bag,  pop in the freezer.  It tastes marvelous when it’s thawed – really.  My favorite time to eat this bread is at breakfast. I toast it and top with my homemade chunky applesauce. Soooooo good!

(Model B6000C)

I’m reading a whole lot more

Since I purchased my ebook reader, I sure have been getting a lot of reading done.  I purchased a mini version so that it fits in my purse. Wherever I am now, if there is a delay, I can read without lugging a book around. I’ve been making more trips to the coffee shop ’cause I really enjoy reading there.  I’ve mostly rented novels from the library – however, the selection is limited. I’ve also purchased a few ebooks that are more reference type books related to a hobby of mine.

Frankly, I didn’t find the ebook reader that easy to use at first, and I am comfortable with computers. The instructions are very poor. I fumbled around for several hours trying to determine how to get ebooks onto the device. As it turned out, I needed to download an interface called Adobe Digital Editions onto my computer. After this was installed, I needed to sync my device. Also, I purchased a pdf version of a book and not an EPUB (that word is key when using an ebook reader- EPUB).  I find the pdf format  very cumbersome to read on an ereader. I’ll only use the EPUB format moving forward. Now, a person can download a ebook from Kindle or Kobo directly using the device and wifi, but this does not work if you are renting a ebook from the library or using a differant electronic resource provider. In this case, you must download Adobe Digital Editions onto your computer; download the ebook to Adobe Digital Editions; and then sync your device. Now that I have sorted out all the kinks, I am enjoying the ebook reader.

The pros of an ebook reader for me are: eco friendly, compact; lower price than a paper book; font is adjustable; highlighting and bookmarking feature; word search feature; can borrow from library; stores many books. For me the cons include: sharing a book is not possible; device requires recharging monthly; PDF is cumbersome; set up is not user friendly.

I would recommend an ereader to everyone, but I would suggest having a friend, who is using the device,  show you how to use it. You’ll avoid wasted time and possible frustration. I have noticed many ereaders listed on used sites for resale with comments like ‘just isn’t for me’.

( I purchased a basic mini ebook reader for 39.99, case included, at Costco. The brand is Kobo)

Thinking About My Values

I read this book this week – Living the Quaker Way. It’s a new ebook at my local library. I dont really know much about Quakerism so I thought I would give it a go. I found the book quite thought provoking. I also found that I share the same values. It was refreshing for me to get a glimpse of how certain ideals are lived out in the world and in a faith community. The author doesn’t try to convert the reader to Quakerism. He simply encourages one to live up to certain ideals – simplicity; peace; integrity; community; and equality. Its an easy read really.  I sure recommend this book.

Pen and Paper

” The palest ink lasts longer than the finest memory.”

Every year my husband and I take two days to do business planning and set goals. Before we set our goals we read a few of our favorite articles that we’ve saved over the years. Today, as I was reading one of the articles by Brian Tracy, I read this quote ” The palest ink lasts longer than the finest memory.”  It’s a Chinese quote.  It made me think how important it is to write things down and not rely on my memory. You know, I have note books scattered around my house & in my office. I keep one in my purse also. I like to use a notebook when I want to remember a bit of information like: a book title; an upcoming event; my family history; a blog idea; a phone call I need to make; etc. I’ve referred to my notebooks/pads over and over.  I also keep them once they are full. I’ve referred to something long afterward I’ve recorded it and the books been put on a shelf. Pen and paper can last forever.  Note taking sure helps me to recall things and stay organized, especially when life is busy and hectic. Maybe this quote will inspire you and you’ll find note taking a benefit. Have a wonderful day.

Quick Buttermilk

I’ve never actually bought ‘buttermilk’  – ever. When a recipe calls for it I use this substitute.

Lemon and Milk: Place 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a measuring cup. Add milk (not skim, it’s too thin) to reach the amount of buttermilk called for; stir and set aside for 5 minutes.

Next time a recipe calls for buttermilk, try this. I think you’ll like it.

Chocolate Cake – No Flour (Gluten Free)

Yesterday, I made this GF chocolate cake for my girlfriends.  They sure enjoyed it. The sour cream topping is just lovely with the rich chocolate flavor.  So scrumptous. Beware – you might eat the entire cake.  A very small slice is all you need really.

Notes – The texture isn’t like a flour cake, it’s very moist.   I weighed the chocolate –  8 oz. is about 1 3/4 cups before melting. I used Bernard Callabaut bittersweet wafers. The cake battered leaked out of the bottom of the pan a bit – glad I had it on a cookie sheet. Next time I’ll wrap the bottom of the spring form pan with tin foil for a tighter fit.

Flourless Chocolate Cake  (From Real Simple)

Serves 10

Hands-On Time: 20m

Total Time: 2hr 00m

Ingredients

• 1  cup  (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for the pan
• 1/4  cup  unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for the pan
• 1 1/4  cups  heavy cream
• 8  ounces  bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 5  large eggs
• 1  cup  granulated sugar
• 1/2  cup  crème fraîche or sour cream
• 1/4  cup  confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and dust with cocoa powder.

2. In a medium saucepan, heat the butter with ¼ cup of the heavy cream over medium-low heat until the butter is melted. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth; remove from heat.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder; whisk in the chocolate mixture.

4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until puffed and set, 35 to 40 minutes. (Check at 35 min and leave in longer if necessary – mine needed about 45 minutes).Let cool in the pan for 1 hour. Run a knife around the edge of the cake before unmolding. 

5. Using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with the crème fraîche and confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form. Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar and serve with the whipped cream.

Tip

The cake can be baked up to 2 days in advance; refrigerate covered. Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature, dust it with the confectioners’ sugar, and whip the cream.

Nutritional Information

Calories 530; Fat 44g; Sat Fat 26g; Cholesterol 203mg; Sodium 53mg; Protein 6g; Carbohydrate 37g; Sugar 32g; Fiber 2g; Iron 1mg; Calcium 49mg

30 Gluten Free Recipes

Here’s a link to 30 Gluten Free Dessert recipes. At first glance, they seem to be quick and simple. I’ll try them over the next while. Maybe you’ll find this link helpful too.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/desserts/gluten-free-desserts-00000000058813/index.html#11

10 Things People Get Wrong About Yoga

I sure enjoy yoga. I feel so good when I’ve connected my mind, body and spirit. I practice it several times a week and sometimes I manage it daily.  Here are a few misconceptions about yoga. (Taken from this article).  If you are not practicing yoga I hope you give it a try.

1. It’s not about the guru.

Yoga philosophy says the guru is within, but people practice memorizing the rules of some outside guru. Philosophy lectures will have you seated, writing in journals, and lectured to. It’s more useful when you practice exactly what you want in your life, rather than having this disconnect between an idealized philosophy and a very different-looking practice.

If you want freedom and creativity in your life, you can practice that in your yoga. By practicing your own yoga, you get to directly experience your power within. Practice gives you the experience and confidence to move with ease in your life.

2. It’s not an intellectual study.

Of course, you can sit around and pontificate, theorize, even argue, and sign yourself up to listen to someone tell you what yoga is. Or you could do something much more useful and fun: practice and find out for yourself.

3. It looks different on every body.

One version of a pose is not better, or more advanced than another. Too often instructors say “If you are advanced to this, if you are a beginner do this.” If advanced yoga had to do with the poses, 11 year old gymnasts would be the most advanced yogis. Advanced yoga has to do with what is going on in your mind. Don’t worry about the picture of the pose. Allow yourself to find the ease in your body and mind. And a fun note: When you allow yourself to be easy, the poses will be a lot easier.

4. It can be very athletic.

A mistake that happens along a yoga path is disconnecting the mind, body and spirit. “I am not my body” is a mantra that leads to unhappiness while you are living inside your body, which is your entire life. It’s ok and not superficial to move your body in a way to keep it healthy, strong, and open. Yoga is the connection of the mind, body, and spirit. Stay connected and enjoy the ride.

5. It’s not a religion.

The power is within you. Yoga connects you back inward. The practice brings you closer to your own truth – whether  Rabbi, Christians, Jews, Catholics, Hindus, and many other religions all practicing together.

6. It can be your main form of exercise.

If you practice moving your body every day with yoga, it can be your only form of exercise, and it can be a really great way to cultivate health for your entire life.

7. It’s not boring.

Your practice is there for you to connect inward. It can be as exciting and as interesting as you dare to discover.

8. It doesn’t causes injuries.

People get injured practicing yoga when they disconnect from how they feel. When you push and force your body, your body will break. When you practice listening and following how you feel, you will cultivate a strong, healthy and radiant body and mind from the inside out.

9. You don’t need to memorize and follow a bunch of rules.

The only useful rule is to listen to yourself and follow that.

10. Nobody is more spiritual than anyone else.

Everyone has a spirit. We are all equally spiritual. Being a good person is something we can work on.

from : http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10544/10-things-everyone-gets-wrong-about-yoga-and-how-to-make-it-right-for-you.html

Tea Bag as Bug Bite Soother

When I was in the North, I sure got alot of bug bites. The bugs up there take out a portion on the skin so the bites are sometimes very bloody and always uncomfortable. I brought bug repellant but nothing for when the sneaky things bit the spots I missed with ‘bug dope’. I had plenty of tea bags though. Sure wish I read this on Real Simple before I went to the North. I would have tried it. Maybe you can try it if you get a bug bite.

A smart way to soothe itchy mosquito bites: Place a cold, used tea bag on the sting and let it sit for five minutes. Tea will help ease sunburn, too: Brew a pot and pour it into a bath of lukewarm water. Soak until you feel relief.

Outdoor Quiet Area

When we replaced our 12′ by 32 ‘ deck last year I was so happy to set up this hidden  sitting spot.  In the morning, we love to sit out here to: have breakfast; read; and enjoy the sounds and scents of nature. Sometimes I practise meditation here.  An outdoor area is so easy to set up. I previously had the bistro table, bought the umbrella at a garage sale (5.00) and picked up the mat on sale (20.00).   The plants are on stands with rollers so I can wheel them around. Bamboo blinds are good for creating privacy also. I use them in another sitting area on our property. Because this area is not permanent, we take it down before the snow arrives.  I hope you give this a try if you aren’t enjoying your outdoor space.

BBQ Potting Stand

Last summer when our BBQ broke, my husband made me this potting table.  For the top he used old floor boards that we had taken from our 1913 home.  I painted the top blue – left over paint from my chair project.  I like the wheels on it. I wheel it around to differant areas of the yard. In addition to using the stand for potting, I use it as an extra serving table when we’re entertaining.  I think it looks pretty with a plant on it.

Happy Feet

Yesterday, I returned home after 17 days volunteering in the North West Territories. My feet were in need of special attention.  Once again, I gave myself a pedicure. It really is quite simple and inexpensive.

 Follow these steps :

1). Soak your feet 10 minutes in Epsom salts. Remove old polish.

2). Exfoliate with a scrub – (there are many homemade recipes online)

3). Clean, trim and shape nails

4). Apply lotion

5) Optional – apply a few coats of polish (light pink looks clean and natural)

To keep it up – lather your feet with lotion before you go to bed.  Any lotion will do. Put on cotton socks and leave them on overnight.  If your feet are very dry and cracked add Vaseline to your lotion or use Vaseline by itself.   Each time you shower or bath, use a pumice stone on your heels and rough spots. You can exfoliate at this time also. Do not try to remove all dry skin at one time.

If you keep this up, you will have pretty feet year round.

Jumping back in

The last while I have been focussing on dance lessons, family history, adjusting to the empty nest, volunteering, working…….I’m looking forward to blogging again. Yippee

Coffee or Tea Ring

Today, I noticed a tea ring stain on my natural wood coffee table -reddish in color.  I gather  it’s been there for about a week. After doing a bit of research online, I mixed 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 tsp. ammonia in a cup.  I poured a little of the mix on the stain and blotted it. I did this on and off for about an hour. The stain is still faintly visible, but the table is distressed, so I am okay with it as it is.  If I worked a little longer,  it would have most likely faded completely.  Give this a try for coffee or tea stains. I think you will be pleased.

Coconut Chocolate Squares

Here’s another of my favorite Gluten Free treat  recipes.  These are so simple to make;  taste great; and are full of healthy fats.  I usually have a few in my freezer. When I feel like something sweet,  I’ll have just a small piece – that’s all I need.

Coconut Chocolate Squares.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded coconut- unsweetened
• 2/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup dark GF chocolate wafers or chips

Directions

1. In medium bowl, mix shredded coconut,  melted coconut oil, vanilla, and almond butter until well mixed.
2. Line a 8 ” square pan with tin foil.
3. Using hands or a spatula, press the mixture into the foil lined pan.
4. Melt the chocolate in a double broiler.
5. With a spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the coconut mixture.
6. Refrigerator or freeze.  Cut in small squares.

Variation – use peanut butter instead of Almond butter.

Enjoy

Uses for Lemon Juice

‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” ― Hippocrates

I like this list of uses for lemon juice. Thought you might too. Have a wonderful day. Linda

Freecycle

I decided to post again about Freecyle after I put a  computer monitor on the site for giveway. I had to replace my monitor as I have a smaller space and needed a flat screen. Instead of taking the larger monitor to the recycling depot, I decided to post it on Freecycle first.  The site has changed a bit since I last posted about it. What I like now is that one can upload a photo. Freecycle is all about reuse, recycle, and keeping good stuff out of landfills. The site is very well organized and monitored.  I have gifted items such as: an office chair; books; a chest of drawers; DVD s; a rain barrel; clothing; hunting gear; moving boxes; and computer hardware. I have kept many things out of the land fill. I have also acquired a few things. This is how it works in a nutshell: you post an “Offer” with a brief description of what you are offering; Freecycle members who are interested reply and you receive an email; you choose who to gift the item to; the person drives to your home and picks the item up (I put the item on my porch with a name on it). If you are looking for something in particular you create a ‘Wanted’ post.  Please think about Freecycle the next time you are sending something to the landfill.

Walnut Balls

I’m always looking for quick and easy gluten free ‘treat’ recipes. My friend Marlene sent me this yummy recipe the other day. These are so tasty – it’s hard to stop at one.  I like that the recipe can be put together in no time.   I also like that the balls  can be made small and that’s all I need when I want something sweet. Hope you give them a try. Linda

Walnut Balls

2 cups walnuts
1 cup coconut unsweetened
1/4 cup raw honey
1 tsp vanilla
Grind all in food processor, form in balls, freeze.