Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween!!

Posted by Unknown

What a great and fun day! Even for Adults. I love going to the grocery store and see the few lone customers who dressed up for the day as well as the evening. It's just fun to see spirit and energy. Of course especially with the kids. Jack-O Lanterns, trunk or treats, spook alleys, and of course Candy. How could you not get excited about the day.

Have a great weekend! Be safe and enjoy October 31st! After all, it only comes once a year.

Imagine all the Apples

Imagine all the Apples

Posted by Unknown

In my quest for becoming resourceful we went to a local orchard......or should I say a forgotten orchard. It was a thriving orchard in the 1940's and since has been subdivided into smaller acreage properties. The whole thing about this orchard is that I don't think any of the homeowners maintain their trees! There were hundreds or trees that have been abandoned with thousands of apples everywhere. My mind went to work with what I could do with them.

I dehydrated about 50 (thank you to my apple peeler for doing all the work) and have pies planned for different people. I'm not no much into canning so apple sauce isn't a priority. I feel like I'm the keeper of the apples and need to not let such a valuable resource go to waste. They are so good and just too many to pick myself.

Organic apples anyone? What should I do?

Sometimes you just wonder why

Sometimes you just wonder why

Posted by Unknown

Something light for Wednesday. Millions of people have enjoyed this. Sometimes I just wonder.....

Fall Colors

Fall Colors

Posted by Unknown

Recently at Disneyland I noticed that they had changed every last flower and plant in containers, on pathways, in hedges and garden areas just to match their theme of Halloween and harvest time. Despite the 95 degree heat, you did at some level really think the leaves were falling and that summer had come to an end. It's like placing a pumpkin at your doorstep. It makes you feel warm like there is hot chocolate waiting inside for you after you've jumped in a pile of leaves. An article in Sunset Magazine grabbed my attention and I love the seasonal display of flowers that they recommend. Black and Purple leaves, orange blooms and dried reeds all bring the feeling of the season. Whether it be a bouquet on your dining room table, a container full of reubekkia, or even dried corn stalks adorning your threshold, it's the simple things of the season that make me smile. Although I don't have the resources of Disney it still feels good to get out and do something before the long winter sets in. Don't forget to plant your bulbs in preparation of Spring. Another thing to brighten any ones day that you definitely have to plan in advance for.

The sweet truth about cleanliness

The sweet truth about cleanliness

Posted by Unknown

A college friend once told me that there are two types of people in this world. The kind that prefer soap....and the other that prefer body wash. I'm not sure why this was a topic of conversation but I do know one thing about myself. I like soap but really like the smell of body wash. For this reason only I tend to use body wash because at some level I really think I'm going to be smelling like cinnamon buns (from Philosophy) all day long. Now that I think about it, this could be a contributing factor in my lack of weight loss and that I'm always hungry. Note the picture below. I saw this picture and thought everything looked so good.

.......the only thing is that it is all soap from birch bark soap! Can you believe it!! A masterpiece of soap. Can you please tell me why you wouldn't want to just bite it right in the shower. Now smelling and bathing with chocolate could revert me right back to the soap side of life.

The best jackolantern

The best jackolantern

Posted by Unknown

Have a great weekend. I'm sure some are going to Halloween parties this next week. Send me your pictures of yourself dressed up and funny looking. I haven't decided what I'll be but I'm in the creative and planning stages. I loved the pumpkin picture above and maybe will pull the old which costume out.

DIY Fire pit

DIY Fire pit

Posted by Unknown

I found a new '"green site " that may be worth checking out. It's called Ecologue and the following link is a video that caught my attention. I think Michelle Kaufman's idea has merit and could be used in a variety of ways. I thought rather than trying to make a fire pit why not have a centerpiece of rocks. The possibilities are endless.

The Coolest Bike Helmet Ever!

The Coolest Bike Helmet Ever!

Posted by Unknown

I recently saw these on Design Mom and thought they were to die for. They are bicycle helmets with style. I love the orange one you know I'm going to be ordering one of these when the next paycheck comes in. They come in different styles and colors. They are currently just sold in Europe but you can get them shipped to North America. Anybody know the exchange rate for the dollar now days? Maybe I'll have to save a bit but I certainly do love the look. Especially with how much I ride around town.

Check them out at the following link. http://www.yakkay.com/cover_sunhat.html

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Cookies

Posted by Unknown

Here's a recipe I recently found on a blog and I couldn't believe the comments. Since they are pumpkin I couldn't resist making them and they are 100% tried and true. I also used a cream cheese frosting on them but honestly, they were almost gone by the time I frosted them. They were very light and fluffy and were sooooooo good. Could I even stretch my case and say healthy....maybe not but I'd like to think they have nutritional value to eat more than one.

Amazing Pumpkin Spice Cookies
1/2 cup coconut oil (or butter)
3/4 cup unrefined sugar (or maple syrup or honey)
1 cup cooked pumpkin (cut in half, scoop out seeds, place cut side down on baking sheet and bake at 350 until soft. Peel and mash or blend the pumpkin.)
2 eggs (or egg substitute equivalent)
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mix all ingredients together and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 325, drop spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside.
In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.

Pumpkin Fever

Pumpkin Fever

Posted by Unknown

I do love pumpkins and someday I will grow all the pumpkins I need in my own yard. However until that time, I'll continue to buy pumpkins....the white ones, the green ones, the perfect orange ones and even the plastic ones from craft stores to fillful all my pumpkin desires. These are my new favorite pumpkin pictures...... thanks fo Martha for holiday inspiration. However the last one is my favorite punkin of the season:)

Life's Frustration

Life's Frustration

Posted by Unknown

Where is the hidden stash of all my rubber bands for my hair? I seem to need to buy rubber bands all the time because I'm on the last one and it's about to break any minute. Do the dogs take them? To they get hauled away by mice? Do they disappear in the laundry machine like my favorite sock? I just don't understand.

Maybe this is my excuse for not venturing out yet this morning. I cannot go for a run without one but it seems I cannot find one anywhere in the house. Do I lose these subliminally? Who knows but now that the horrible thought came out (it's quite tempting actually to just give in and not run) I guess I'll have to shove my mop in a ski hat and run like the wind. Now where is my beanie anyway?

Have a great weekend and go put a pumpkin on your doorstep. It's one of my favorite things to see this time of year!

Free Blog Templates

Free Blog Templates

Posted by Unknown

I recently researched free blog templates and found a cute and trendy site that offers just that. Free blog templates! I thought Lena's templates were very cute and had very easy installations instructions. I quickly copied one for my personal and family blogs and am 100% happy. Take a look and see if you can find anything you might like. It's like a makeover for your computer :).

Posted by Unknown

So I have a friend (whose name I will keep anonymous (she lives in Colorado, is running 5.5 miles five times a week, hangs her khaki pants with perfect pleats by the ankles in her closet, and has a good friend named Diego)) and she is one her path to the perfect physique. I'll just call her 'Elaine' to protect her identity to the fullest. She recently asked me how I stay motivated. I scoffed......That is the last word I would describe myself. I'm dreading my early morning run two weeks from now let alone this morning.

One of my favorite catalogs to receive in the mail is Athleta. I'm not sure how I even received the catalog in the first place but truly I do enjoy it and it makes me feel like I belong to a group of motivated and in shape women out there. There is this one model in the magazine named Monica Carlson who is featured in it so much you commit her picture to memory. This last summer while watching American Gladiators (did I just admit that to the entire world) I noticed that she was now a Gladiator and had won the previous years competition. No wonder she is so muscular and fit. She works out 24/7..........and did I mention she has two kids.

Anyway the catalog Athleta has a blog and below is the link to it. I enjoyed some of the articles and thought I'd share. It motivated me to actually find and commit to two 5 or 10K races during the winter season. Yes they cost money but so does a gym membership! Find a friend and sign up for a run or a walk. Get out and enjoy the energy races provide. It's not about winning but rather just being out there and doing. Or like my other friend says......it's all about the tee shirt. So Elaine...this is my goal for the week. No sugar, no chocolate and no cheating. Can you make it one week with me? I take it day by day but certainly I do like the results that follow. Here is the link to the blog

http://www.athleta.net/chi/

I also enjoyed the article titled run like a mother by Kristina Pinto. Maybe it was just the title :)

A short week thanks to Chris

A short week thanks to Chris

Posted by Unknown

Happy Columbus Day to the new world! Or rather to be political correct now days I believe it's called Discovery Day (or in Berkeley it's called Indigenous Peoples Day). Whatever the day is called I believe the mail is not delivered and my personal bank will be closed. Since some may have the day off I'll keep it short and call it a holiday myself. I'll celebrate by eating pizza and Coca Cola. Without him, I might still be in England drinking tea and eating crumpets.

Friday Night Movie

Friday Night Movie

Posted by Unknown

In honor of Paul Newman I thought I'd watch a movie from a great actor and charitable American. It's a classic movie and if you haven't seen it then go rent or buy it today. And if you have seen it, it's definitely worth another viewing.

The bonus is that Robert Redford is in it as well. It's not just about Butch Cassidy. Have a great weekend everyone....and let me know what your favorite Paul Newman movie is.

Cute Idea for the Day

Cute Idea for the Day

Posted by Unknown

I have a few good friends who are pregnant right now but I don't live near them. I saw this cute idea on Martha Stewart and secretly want someone to become pregnant just so I can through a shower.

My sister-in-law got her tubes tied so unless they adopt...she's out. My other sister in law has six kids and I don't think she's going for seven. And everybody else is in between. I'll guess I'll have to wait. Maybe I can perfect the idea until then. I'm sure this takes way more practice then I think. After all, I'm kind of a perfectionist. But I do love to plan a party.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Posted by Unknown

I'm on my last ten pounds of weight loss. Yes, I'm still working on the 70 Pounds that I gained during pregnancy. I'm starting to be thin again and I feel so much better. I can actually get into my jeans on, though truthfully my pockets are more on my hips than on my big watoosee. It's taken longer and its so much harder than I imagined. But as I approach I say to myself those famous last words. I will never let myself get out of shape again.

Since my triathlon I admit that I'm probably in shape. Just wanting to loose more and tighten up my body. I'm getting tired and bored with the monotonous run I do. Since my schedule is limited I can't mix it up more than I am currently doing. As the weather gets a little colder I realize my motivation has to stay. Maybe a race in early spring or even some light races through the winter months. In Bend, they have the turkey trot and jingle bell runs but they are only 5ks....oh..and I don't live there anymore. Mapmyrun.com is supposed to be motivating but....that's not working out for me either. I need an extra push.

In college my friend Tara used to meet me at 6:00am to go swimming everyday. Some days I'd think she wasn't coming but she always showed up. She was the motivation I needed to get myself out on cold tired days. I depended on her and she depended on me.

Any thoughts? I'm not into the Gym thing. Unless it's a yoga or spin class. I need a boost

Oilily Clothing

Oilily Clothing

Posted by Unknown

Those of you familiar with Oiliy clothing know that you are definitely not shopping at Wal-Mart. They absolutely have the most cutest clothing for little girls ever. 100% absolutely adorable. (and yes I think it's a shame that they make such cute things for little girls when I have a little boy.)

I recently went into one of their retail stores and found a woman's skirt that was to die for. I instantly fell in love and to top it off it was on sale marked down 25%. I have to admit my heart skipped a beat. I searched eagerly for the tag and did the math. Again, I have to admit that with such big numbers it got a little tough to do the math. The total came to $298. My heart sank. I would never spend that amount no matter how cute the skirt was. Maybe I'm not a designer woman but even at 50% off I wouldn't buy it. It's just too much for a skirt. I'm frugal remember! I like a screaming deal not a layaway plan. I admired the skirt but did indeed make the slow and painful steps out the door. I quickly glanced at the sales girl and she read my face immediately. She smiled and said, "maybe next time", with a shrug. Yeah right chica!!! Do I look like the rich and famous.

Oh yeah.....and this is the skirt. Isn't it beautiful. What would you pay?

My favorite sandwhich

My favorite sandwhich

Posted by Unknown

One of my favorite sandwiches is a traditional BLT. I figure wherever I go nobody can really screw up a BLT and all that I can be is pleasantly surprised if it's extraordinary. Since I also love fresh basil and fresh mozzarella sandwiches on ciabatta, I decided to mix the two. I opted to use the basil verses the lettuce and leave out the mozzarella in lieu of extra mayonnaise :). Loved it! The only thing that could have improved it would have been avocado. However I don't want to take away from the basil. All I know, is how it tasted. Delicious!

*Trader Joe's always has the best deal on Basil. In the past I have always bought a container full of large leaves for about $1.99 (that's sooo inexpensive comparative to the supermarket.) However in the summer I always buy a full plant and use the leaves fresh whenever I need. The plant is only $3.29. Gotta love Trader Joe's

A Woman's Prayer

A Woman's Prayer

Posted by Unknown

A random e-mail that someone sent. Maybe I should say this prayer more often. I am aging rather quickly nowadays.

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my shape to keep.
Please no wrinkles, Please no bags
And please lift my butt before it sags.
Please no age spots, Please no gray
And as for my belly, Please take it away.
Please keep me healthy, Please keep me young,
And thank you Dear Lord, For all that you've done.

Website of the Day

Website of the Day

Posted by Unknown

So in hunting for a cookie recipe I found a new fun site to add to my list of blog likings. It has recipes galore and boy does the food look good. I love good food and truly don't want to waste the calories on eating bad uneventful food. The title of the blog is Scandalously good food on a budget. Let me know if you make a recipe from it and what it was. You never know what you might receive. :)

If the button below doesn't work click here.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Posted by Unknown

I am in the hunt for the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. There are several good recipes out there but I'm looking for the mother of all recipes. There is a cookie shop/bakery in my home town called Raspberries. They make the best cookies. I also have had cookies from the Pacific Whey Baking Company and they are divine. There is something special and I'm thinking that as soon as somebody finds the perfect recipe they start a store and the recipe is then top secret not to be discovered. Don't get me wrong, I never complain about a chocolate chip cookie. But there are good, great, and absolutely divine. I guess I'm looking for the latter.

I'm on the hunt. When I find it...I'll be sure to share....and if you feel inclined....let me know your secrets.