Yvonne Moss

Favorite Product- Thursday

2012-02-02T07:46:00.001-05:00

Jasmin Cognac imported from France

Jeff bought it for me for Christmas. I wasn't sure if I'd like it.

But it's very nice. I'm not great with descriptive words so I'll just post what I read here on Bar None Drinks.

"Jacque Cardin Jasmin is an exotic flavor made with a distillate imported from India. The nose is delightfully floral with undertones of herbs and tea while the palate is heady and stimulating."

Here is my bottle (and yes, I shared)!

Never Confuse Clorox With Clorox Cleanup!

2012-01-29T22:25:00.000-05:00

Theresa, (who lives with us) went to clean the jacuzzi tub, and added what she thought was bleach. After running the jets for a few minutes, she found this. She says the bubbles were like 5 feet high but by the time I grabbed a camera they disappeared. I wish I had captured it. If you look by the toilet you can see the bubbles are as high as the bowl still.

While this is great for cleaning lots of things, the jacuzzi is not one of them!

This is what I meant!

Hoarding: Buried Alive Sneak Preview

2012-01-29T18:08:00.000-05:00

My dear, dear friend, CK's husband works on the show 'Hoarding: Buried Alive' and he says that this episode is "pretty hardcore." I'm not exactly sure what that means exactly, because I've thought they all are pretty hard core, but I'm guessing that my husband will be coming into the TV a little less if the gross factor is higher than normal! Usually, the scene at our house is that Jeff and I watch together with my brother-in-law often joining us. If Tony is in the room when it starts, he stays until something moves him to dash out saying something like "oh oh oh that is gross!"

Well, I'm hoping you tune in with me tonight. And if you are one of those who are trying to break the bad habit of eating while TV watching, then this is the show for you! I tried to watch this Sneak Preview on The Huffington Post which is posted below, while eating the delicious chicken and sausage gumbo that Jeff and I made together and had to pause it. How strong is your stomach? Feel free, girls and boys to come back after the show to comment on the show!

Here you go! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/hoarding-buried-alive_n_1235377.html

This is just a photo that I copied and pasted so don't try to click it!

Saturday Music - Barnaby Bright Might Brighten Your Day!

2012-01-28T15:39:00.000-05:00

This is a screenshot from their website.

I first got to see Becky Bliss from Barnaby Bright when she sang harmony for Allie Moss at Rockwood Music Hall a few weeks ago. My first thought was that she was to Allie what Allie is to Ingrid in terms of sound. Her harmony was perfect. It was just lovely to watch.

Becky (left), Bess and Allie singing "Bye Bye Love"

Well, Becky is half of the duo, Barnaby Bright along with her husband, Nathan. I bought their whole new EP titled "Gravity" on iTunes. Like them on FB here. They are touring in the US now with a show at Rockwood Music Hall on the 28th at 10 PM (which I think is free but it's nice to put something in the tip can) and again at Rockwood Stage 2 on Febuary 23rd, along with plenty of stops around the US. Go and give them a listen. I think you will agree with me. And maybe even buy their music!

Here's a couple of reviews...
"When a duo fills a space like a group at least twice its size, there's no doubt some seriously skilled musicianship at work."Three Village Patch

"Sounds like: that special place somewhere between the sleek adult pop of The Weepies and the more intimate harmonied splendor of The Civil Wars...classically-trained vocalist Becky has an effortless, gorgeous tone while multi-instrumentalist Nathan adds harmony and a virtual kit bag of backing sound." Direct Current

EP Cover
Here is The song "Gravity" from a live house show.

Does The Water Source Matter When Using A Neti Pot?

2012-01-27T10:14:00.000-05:00

A while back, I blogged about how great Neti Pots were here. What I didn't even know then, was how important water choice was. I used room temperature water from my filtered sink. Then, recently, Allie sent me this article and it rocked me. Please read the entire article from dailymail.com here. I'm copying a bit of it so you will read if you are a Neti Pot user. Apparently our lives could depend on it!

The headline reads.....

Two deaths from brain-eating amoeba linked to sinus remedy for colds

Both victims are thought to have used tap water, instead of distilled or sterilized water as recommended by the manufacturers.

In the comment thread, someone says this... "Surly you can get tap water up your nose every time you take a shower."

- Helen., london, 17/12/2011 22:58

While I agree, I doubt that anyone would argue that a few accidental drops of water entering your nasal passages can't be compared to a regular dose of 1 - 2 cups on a daily basis. I'd say that if you got a brain-eating amoeba while simply showering, it was your time to go! Otherwise, using a Neti Pot safely can save you from becoming an amoeba's next victim.

So what is recommended for safe using according to the article?

"use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution."

So while writing this post, a nagging thought came to me... is information on what type of water to use readily available? So I googled how to use a neti pot safely

WebMD said this.....

Is the Neti Pot Safe?

Research has found that the Neti pot is generally safe. About 10% of regular users experience mild side effects, such as nasal irritation and stinging. Nosebleeds can also occur, but they are rare. Reducing the amount of salt in the solution, adjusting the frequency of Neti pot use, and changing the temperature of the water appear to reduce side effects.

To prevent infection, it's important to properly care for your nasal irrigation device. Either wash the device thoroughly by hand, or put it in the dishwasher if it's dishwasher-safe. Follow by drying the device completely after each use.

I didn't see anything about water type. Many sites don't mention water other than the temperature. But the site fitsugar addresses it also. It talks about the difference between drinking tap water and forcing tap water through your nasal passages which a reader used as a point to argue in the dailymail.com post.

Before posting this, I went back into my old post and added a bit about water safety.    

Happy Birthday to Me from My Little Guys

2012-01-24T07:29:00.000-05:00

My 4th and oldest and her family weren't able to come for my birthday, so they sent this video. They text ed and emailed to me last night to make sure that I received it. It made me so happy! Yay, for when technology can help you when you miss loved ones.

A Solution For How To Keep The Plunger Sanitary

2012-01-23T21:14:00.000-05:00

My house was built in 1920 and now and then, we need a plunger for the toilet. I'm sure not only old houses have plumbing that require a need for a plunger but old houses definitely require owning one! So, while it's fine for to live on the bathroom floor when it's clean and dry, it's another thing altogether when it's been used. There you are, worried about overflow! And after sticking this thing into the toilet, you just plop this down unto the floor after stopping the spillage! And now, if you care, you have to wash the floor from the bacteria laden (along with probable fecal matter or at best, urine filled water... anyhow. I know it's gross but this under 50 cents disc of plastic makes less work and that's worth it. I have to credit my son, Steve for coming up with this one. But this is brilliant! Here is pic I took to show you how perfect the fit is!

Can you tell what it is? It's one of those plastic things that you get in the plant section of the supermarket to protect your furniture from over watering damage when watering your plants and after a google search, I learned they are called Vinyl Plant Saucers. It's the one that is 6 inches round.

No more drippy, yucky dirty toilet water drips onto a clean floor! And yes. After a messy cleanup, it is ideal to clean the plunger and the plastic disc can be washed in soapy water. I spray the plunger something strong! Like bleach, or Lysol or something. Then it's back into the corner until the next emergency!

Four Clients to Win Lifetime of Loft!

2012-01-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

                                                         So how do you enter?

                All you have to do is give your email address every time you shop! That's it.
                  You can enter as often as once a day (not that I advocate daily shopping).

I've never heard of a clothing company giving away $2000 worth of merchandise a year for 30 years before. Great idea for Loft to do this. With the markup on clothes, I know it doesn't cost the Loft anywhere near the $60.000, but to the 4 clients winning this, it's worth every cent of that.

                                         I work at Loft so I can't hope to win, but you can!

About Lying

2012-01-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

Since today is Mommy Blog Day, I thought I'd talk about this quote on the subject of lying.

"Lying is done with words and also with silence."
- Adrienne Rich, an American poet

This statement is very true and any mother can tell you that. Especially if she has more than one kiddo. You know the story. You just baked some cookies. You've told them not to eat them. They're cooling and to be served after dinner. And some are missing. You ask "who ate the cookies?" and you just get this....

the kids look each other and then you with that not me look on their faces and no voices fills the air. Only your own voice as you try to no avail to get the culprit to fess up. Silence. Of course. They didn't do it. NOBODY did. Those cookies just walked off the counter by themselves!

This habit of withholding truth is something that we all must address. However, because it's hard to stand up and speak truth. It's often messy. Uncomfortable. Painful. Fessing up, or truth telling requires humility and boldness. If you are lying then you are omitting the truth. If you are omitting the truth, then you are either lying or withholding information.

Here are a couple of tips I used when raising our children to keep a handle on lying or truth telling. Because this lesson is so much easier to learn when you're young. I know. Because I wasn't taught that growing up. I feared telling the truth because the punishment was harder. So I taught my kids that mercy was more often greater when truth was told.

1. If someone called and the kids answered, and I wasn't up to talking to them on the phone (not that this ever even happens nowadays with more cells than landlines!) I'd tell them to say "she'll get back to you tomorrow" or she's not available right now. No explanations. Because I don't owe someone a reason as to why I'm not available right now. I'm just not. It's much better than tell them I'm not here.... which paves the way to acceptable lies.

2. A common question...
You don't feel well and a friend or relative asks you "Are you ok? You seem bothered by something." There are other options besides saying no, I'm fine and spilling what you'd prefer to keep to yourself. You can say thanks for noticing but I'd rather not talk about it. You've been honest and informative. And now they know enough. That you aren't fine but you'd rather not talk.

3. You don't always owe someone a thorough answer.
This actually happened with my good friend, Debby who loves Victorian everything which I'm not a fan of. She had purchased a huge Victorian L-shaped fabric and leather sofa. While visiting, she asked me if I liked it. I looked and counted the different prints besides the leather. Seven! Plus the leather made for EIGHT different textures! She knows me well. I said "Deb, what matters is that you like it! I don't think I have 8 different patterns in my entire house, let alone in one sofa. I'm too much of a minimalist to go for that. But it's so you and that's what matters! " She responded with "Of course, why did I ask you?" Opinions are different from facts. Lets learn to navigate the difference.

Truth is freeing. If the kids know that the punishment is less for fessing up than lying, well, then maybe they will learn that the truth is always better. But teaching the principle has to be a choice. The bigger lesson with the cookie incident has to be about truth. It can't be about the cookies and that they are missing. Because the cookie story can really be about anything... so better to learn the lesson with cookies or cake.... or anything little and insignificant. Because life is hard. And telling the truth is hard. But always better in the end.

Jeff's Bread Pudding

2012-01-17T20:27:00.000-05:00

8 ounces French bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cups whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
13 ounces good-quality white chocolate, coarsely chopped
13 ounces good-quality dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
7 large egg yolks
2 large eggs

preparation

Preheat oven to 275°F. Arrange bread cubes on baking sheet. Bake until light golden and dry, about 10 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to rack; cool completely. Increase oven temperature to 350°F.

Combine 3 cups whipping cream, 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup sugar in heavy large saucepan. Bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Add 5 ounces white chocolate and 5 ounces of dark chocolate (about 1 3/4 cups each) and stir until melted and smooth. Whisk yolks and eggs in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in warm chocolate mixture.

Place bread cubes in 2-quart glass baking dish. Add half of chocolate mixture. Press bread cubes into chocolate mixture. Let stand 15 minutes. Gently mix in remaining chocolate mixture. Cover dish with foil.

Bake pudding 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Transfer pudding to rack and cool slightly. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover with foil and refrigerate. Rewarm covered pudding in 350°F oven for 30 minutes before serving.)

Bring remaining 1/2 cup cream to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove saucepan from heat. Add remaining 8 ounces white chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.

Do the same with the remaining cream and dark chocolate.

Serve pudding warm with warm chocolate sauces.

He got the recipe here but then changed it to what you see above.

Meal Sharing

2012-01-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

While I love to cook, I also love not cooking a couple of days a week. That is why I'm going back to doing something that I used to do many years ago and that is meal sharing with a friend.

Here's how that works...
You make a meal for your family but you make enough for your friend's family and she (or he) in turn does the same for you!

There are several benefits to doing this.

You get a night off!
You save money.
You get to eat something you didn't prepare.
You are doing something fun and wonderful with a friend.

And, ask more friends to join your group and cook even less! Then, maybe meet for coffee or a drink once a week to exchange meals. Then, freeze the ones that freeze well and eat them later in the week. Just think about the money and time you will save if you only had to cook one huge huge meal a week!

There are a few things you must do though to make this work. Considering family size is one. Obviously, you don't want to trade a meal with your friend who has three picky kids if you have no kids! And you also don't want to ask a friend who simply hates cooking, unless she is good at it whilst hating it. Having a night off might just excite her about the whole idea and you may get her best offerings!

There are sacrifices involved but the payoff is worth it. Helping your family see how they will get more of your time before starting will be helpful, should you want to give this a try. Especially, if they love your cooking. Ask them to give it a month to see how it works. And enter it on a trial basis. This way you can end it without insulting anyone. Entering with a common agreement is wise. Giving yourself exiting room is smart.

Some tips that can come in handy in planning...

Provide a list of foods to avoid for your family if you have them.
Choose friends who are easy to connect with during the week.
Agree on who will make what that week. Unless you don't care if chicken is served back to back!
Agree on price spent. (This can be worked out easily. You might make boneless chicken at $1.99 a pound and your friend plans on sending shrimp at $9.99 a pound. Either you can compensate her monetarily or you can make something pricier next week to even things out.
Use disposable containers to avoid the hassle of returning each others dishes. Or if that doesn't appeal to you, return your next meal in the friends dishes.
Agree beforehand if you will include sides or not.
Know the allergies and likes/dislikes of the other family, especially when it comes to spiciness (Allie's input).

If you are interested in doing this with your friends and have questions, please leave them in the comments and I will reply on the blog. I'll ask Allie to field questions also, as she did this with a friend/neighbor.

So, this week I received chicken parm with extra tomato sauce for my first meal. We were thrilled as I hadn't made this in a few years.

I sent Thai Red Curry with Chicken, which they had never had but enjoyed. My friend's family will need to get used to me cooking non typical food, I guess! Or, I will have to adjust. But, getting a night off is so worth it.

Sunday Quote

2012-01-15T08:59:00.002-05:00

"He who angers you conquers you"
- Elizabeth Kenny, was an Australian pioneering physical therapist.

"This Commercial isn't Real, Neither are Society's Standards of Beauty. "

2012-01-13T10:13:00.000-05:00

Since today is Beauty Day, I thought that it was the perfect time to re share this video. It might appear at times that I contradict myself when it comes to beauty so I'm taking this moment to clear that up. I think making the most of what we have without overdoing it is a good line. Keeping beauty in it's proper place within the whole of out lives and not obsessing about our own looks will keep us healthy and balanced. For years, I obsessed about my wide hips. I always felt like when I walked into a room I was screaming at the top of my lungs Hi, everyone, me and my hips are here. Somewhere along the line, I realized that it just didn't matter at all. That others didn't judge me by my broad hips. And even if they did, who cares? Life was much more enjoyable after that.

This video speaks for itself. And it's brilliant at doing so.

And their tagline (quoted below) under this video on youtube says it all. If you have daughters, show them this video before it possibly gets taken down! Take the time to talk about it with them so they can see how

"This commercial isn't real, neither are society's standards of beauty."

Favorite Product - Thursday

2012-01-12T08:55:00.000-05:00

I feels somewhat strange to actually post according to my schedule again. I can't promise that I will stay on target though. Who knows if I become suddenly extremely overwhelmed with an Unbreakable post and not feel I can hold it till a Sunday. I don't actually have a proper place for posts related to that subject and that might be where my problem lies!

Anyway, back to the mundane. Not the things that make you tick, but certainly enough to care about when you want to pick up a pen.

So, yesterday I stopped into Staples looking to replace the pens that seem to disappear from the kitchen. Tony, with his crossword puzzles and Jeff, who takes them to work (yes, I'm blaming you guys if you read this) steal them. Ok, they don't steal. They belong to the family, yet I claim ownership.

Anyhow...
I came across these. They are called B2P and that stands for Bottles to Water as these pens are made from plastic water bottles. And this made me very happy. Something to do with all those recycled bottles. But function matters to me, so these pens couldn't just have a cool origin. They had to have a smooth glide factor. And how does it dry? I'm a lefty, so these are two things that matter. All pens will smudge some as the left hand glides across the words before they dry as one writes. I always hated this in school. I taught myself how to position my hand in a way where this didn't happen as bad. But no matter what, if I have to hand write an entire page (and does anyone ever do that anymore??) I will no doubt have ink on my pinky. But some of best gliding pens leave the worst ink behind. Ah, the problems of a lefty!

This pen are going to be my new favorite. It did well in my write & smudge test.

And yes, most lefties don't like to write on the left side of note paper. It causes one's writing hand to hang off, feeling odd (if you noticed)! Well... at least that is the case for this lefty!

Here is a screen shot from the webpage telling you a bit about it. If you care about being green, these are for you.

Rushing The Struggle

2012-01-11T14:37:00.000-05:00

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly."
- Richard Bach, Bach is a best-selling American writer.

I read this on the daily love under TODAY'sQUOTES a while back.

New beginnings are a wonderful thing. Old things that end in struggles only to emerge into something lovely. This got me thinking about struggling.

"The process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly can take anywhere from 10 days to several months." eHow.com

It has to struggle out her cocoon. I believe that if someone were to help it out before it's time, that it would simply die, failing to have the strength to fly.

I watched a few youtube videos of this process. Some of them were time-lapse videos and as I watched, I couldn't help but think that that is how we want things. We want the 5 minute version of what took hours and hours. We don't want to struggle and avoid it at all costs. But some of the best things in life just need to be struggled through to get the end result. Something that is superb. Beautiful.

I have to remind myself of this often. To remember that things are better and more appreciated when labored over. It's the microwave vs. the slow cooker way of thinking. We tend to want it and want it now. Patience isn't something that comes naturally to us so we have to work at it.

Lately, I've been involved a lot with people who have been in the process of recovering from sexual abuse. Seeing how others are resolving to leave the cocoon and fly is precious to see. The word struggle has an immediate bad ring to it. Not a word we tend to love. A word we avoid doing. It's an action word. It means to grapple, wrestle, spar, labor. To strive, try hard, endeavor, make every effort, do one's best/utmost, bend over backwards, put oneself out; informal go all out, give it one's best shot. The outcome for these people has been healing, freedom and removed shame just to mention a few of the beautiful outcome. Struggling really is a good word. It produces results. And that is a beautiful thing.

If we allow the caterpillar's transformation into a beautiful butterfly tell us something, it's that change is good. Old things can have new life. A more beautiful life.

Cleaning Out the Refrigerator Cooking

2012-01-10T13:33:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was supposed to be clean and organize day and today is cooking day if I go back to my norm for blogging. So I'm combining the two to show you guys how I think about cleaning out the fridge and cooking at the same time.

Fact. We all buy stuff that we think we are going to use. Then we don't make what we planned.
Hating waste, here is how I deal with that.

Rather than say,'what do I want to make for dinner tonight' on clean out day, I let the fridge tell me what to make. And here is how that looks this time because it all comes down to what the heck is in there!

I had too much fruit that no one was eating.

And all those limes I bought to make something that never I never did were no longer green.

And Jeff made a fancy meal on a night that Tony and I weren't home so he only used one pork tenderloin and today, this was not enough for the family.

So. I made a fruit salad. I juiced all those lemons and limes. Don't get grossed out. Too many of you young people get way to squeamish at the thought of using food you think is bad and you toss it. Well, here is what the inside of those limes looked like making them just fine for juicing.

And as for the cleaning part? If you have a garbage disposal, throw your limes, lemons and oranges down them to freshen. Yes, I know my sink was gross. I wasn't done yet!

Now, I have some lovely juice to use this week by grabbing the citrus before it dried up into a brick.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I took the zest from the still green parts. Now if you love these awesome bottles, you will have to go ask Allie where she got them. She gave them to me as an early birthday gift since she will be touring when my birthday comes. Here is her FB page. Like it if you haven't and ask her. I'm sure she'll share. They are perfect for so many uses. I also have salad dressing in another one.

I also cleaned out the veggie drawer and simply cooked up everything that might not keep for the next few days so I wouldn't lose it.

I took the rest of the rotisserie chicken, which was mostly bones and grabbed some of the bones from the baggie I save them in from the freezer to make stock. I also pulled the prime rib bones (frozen since Christmas) and the short rib bones (from a couple of nights ago) to make beef stock. Since my veggies were in need of using, this was the best time for stock. My carrots were not bad but weren't good enough to eat raw in a salad. Perfect stock time. I've already shown you how to make chicken stock so I'm skipping that but here's how you make beef stock.

1. Simply place your beef bones in a roasting pan. Add onions, and any other veggies you want. Like past their prime carrots, celery that's getting soft and parsley that has wilted. Add a little water or beef juices that are left if you have just made a beef dish. I did have some from the short ribs so I tossed that in. Roast until it looks charred like this.

Then transfer to a large stock pot and add water, maybe some salt. Himalayan, preferable. Bring to boil and then simmer till it smells good. Or about two hours if your nose isn't so sensitive.

This was at the beginning.

While my stocks were cooking, (which I do twice each time) I made Mexican Winter Chili out of my remaining pork tenderloin, half of the chicken stock I just made and two cups of leftover canned pumpkin from the Pumpkin Bourbon Cheesecake that Jeff made (yes, I'll post that recipe soon)! Sadly, I don't have the finished pic of my stew as we were all too hungry and I forgot. But here's a copy of the clipped recipe,

And yes, it's spicy. So cut down on the poblano pepper if you don't like the heat! I also made rice to help with the 'spice' factor.

Using my pork tenderloin instead of stew meat, here's what you need to do before you cube it. Remove the silver skin. With a sharp knife, you just reach under and press upward so as not to remove the meat. I should probably do a video to show how this is done. I also prefer my meat smaller than most suggested 3/4 inches for 1/2 inch. But that's just preference.

Oh, I also had apples that had a few brown spots so I made Allie's baked apple recipe except where she uses whole (and they are much prettier that way) I had to cut mine. But it tastes great anyway. I'm going to ask her to share that recipe. It's so simple. And just lovely.

The beef stock is done when it has this beautiful rich color. And then I strained it into a bowl and chilled it.

Then I called it a day.

Today, I got out the beef stock to rid it of it's solid fat and plan on pouring into freezer bags. Homemade stock.

Then I strained it again...there are still tiny bits which could be removed via cheesecloth if so desired.

Oh, I guess I should close with dessert! but that was all Jeff. I had an unused loaf of French bread from the day before. It was hard. So he created a Black and White Chocolate Bread Pudding out of it. (recipe will come soon)!

Next, I will tackle the food pantry and do the same thing. Grabbing cans that will expire soon and make stuff from cans I bought throughout the year and didn't use. See, it's Shoprite's Can Can month and I won't allow myself to really restock without using up lasts year's cans. Chili, just in time for Superbowl Sunday and maybe some bean, lentil and pea soups coming up!

Anyway, I hope you have have gotten the idea of how we make use of food that is often tossed away. I've made some great dishes out of leftovers. Now if I could only remember how I made them....

When Young Men Are Brave, They Change The World

2012-01-08T22:09:00.001-05:00

So, since I've been bad at sticking to my said schedule and missed so many days in the last month, I figured I'd just stay with that whole model and post something that means the world to me.
If you read with any regularity, you know I'm very passionate when it comes to the issue of sexual abuse. Well, I'd like to fill you in on what's happening.

Grace's Project Unbreakable is taking on a life of it's own. It's touching lives and people are coming forward and getting braver and braver. For some, the image that they share shows only their poster stating something their abuser said. Some are showing just their eyes and some are showing their faces. For each of them, it's a huge first step. The FB page for Unbreakable can be found here.

Grace has gotten emails from girls as young as 13 who tell her that they have never told anyone what happened to them and that she is the first. She has gotten a letter from a dad, who thanked her for how his daughter became empowered through her photograph and how it has changed her. Due to so many questions, Grace needed to add a place where people could email her and then get help to address them. I'm on the 'staff' along with Grace and another girl and we are now fielding questions that are pouring in. Being that I have been dealing with this issue for over 30 years now, I get to field the hard ones. Grace fell into this crazy place and is quickly learning things she never planned on. And she's 19! An age when many are simply worried about if their new lipstick works with their skin tone (still a subject that I consider worthy) along with what courses to take in college. There are times I hear her say "I should have planned on becoming a sports photographer" when troubling images are sent to her. Or she is asked a hard hard question and she yells "I'M ONLY 19!" And then her and I talk about all this.
She has taken on something so so needed. Her idea to photograph these sort of images has opened a door that I hope will remain open. That people will begin to be more open about something that has given to much misplaced shame. Shame belongs on the abuser. Not the abused! That is the huge message. And all these people are getting the words out of them and onto paper and gaining strength from it. Those words, memories, images... are beginning to loose the hold because the light has been cast on to them. Words that robbed and stole from them now beginning to loose their hold.

Each story is amazing. I get the privilege of knowing details that some people don't want published. But this post is special. Because it comes from a young man. Men are not supposed to allow this to happen to them. At least that is what they believe. Sometimes even told! And it doesn't matter if they are still barely toddlers or haven't been to school yet.

Well, meet a young man who knows that telling is power. He knows that there is no shame in being a victim. He is paving the way for others to come forward. And sadly... we can't begin to count how many wounded souls there are out there. And to think that I remember a time when I actually believed that I. Was. The. Only. One....

Go here to read his story.

Who is this?

2012-01-06T11:02:00.002-05:00

Who is this?

Who knew that a bald head from the back could be so easily identified!

I've Been a Slacker

2012-01-03T17:48:00.000-05:00

I really have been slacking in the blogging department. So much so that even conviction has left me when I don't get around to it. I'm really working on getting back to some sort of regular schedule but since I'm focusing on writing a book about sexual abuse, the time has to come from somewhere.

Well, let me start off by wishing everyone a Happy 2012 New Year! I hope you all achieve the things you set out to do. Mine has been on my list for too many years to admit to. But I hope to have a book in the works before we ring in 2013.

Anyway, I'm not much for resolutions nor am I a fan of Dear Abby or Ann Landers but a friend sent this to me and before I could hit delete, I started reading the first "Just For Today" and I was hooked. I read them all. While I don't adhere to the words of The Holy Vedas I agree with the quote and I have always loved the prayer of St. Francis. I was inspired by all 8 of the things to focus on Just For Today. At my age, I wish I could simply remember them all, let alone attempt to uphold them. I'm going to focus on finishing things that I start. Yeah, yeah.... my book. And just be nice to people who annoy the hell out of me. If I refrain from the sixth one (refrain from improving anybody but myself) I'd have to stop blogging! I mean, after all... the only reason I blog is to share all the crap I learn, be it how to make a new sauce or how to stop a fight from turning evil. It's what I do. Besides, no one has to read what I post! So if you're like me, and don't really want to fail at resolutions, then here is a list where you might want to grab one or two of these things and work on them. Thankfully, I've worked on a few of these things on this list already which makes me feel OK about myself. Is that bad?

Oh, in closing... I'm doing a cleanse for 10 days and then hope to eat cleaner! Gosh this is not going to be fun! I don't even know what to expect! Detoxing is never fun. I miss sugar already..... and I haven't even given it up yet!

Dear coffee,
Don't get scared. I would NEVER dream of parting with you. Especially NOW! I will need you now more than ever to get through!
signed,
Can't change too quickly all at once.

Merry Christmas To My Fellow Bloggers

2011-12-23T14:20:00.001-05:00

I can't think of a better way to say Merry Christmas to you all than to share with you a lovely little video that my daughter, Allie Moss made all by herself to a tune she recently recorded which is available on itunes along with two other songs, 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' and 'Auld Lang Syne.' She used photography images that she took of herself in the dark, writing all the words backwards. Yes, writing backwards is a skill that us Moss girls have. She used cool lights in the dark with a super slow stutter speed to create this. I am very proud of her for this little creative masterpiece. Judge for yourself!

If you enjoy this, head over to itunes and buy all three songs. Here is her album cover. Just put in Allie Moss Chritmas Tidings in the search bar.

I hope you all enjoy your Christmas. We've all worked hard. It's time to have friends and family over and enjoy ourselves!.

A Great Gift Idea

2011-12-20T08:45:00.000-05:00

It's called the Bringrr Phone Reminder Device and I found it on my favorite site for new products, The Daily Grommet. Here's how it works. You place this device in the cigarette lighter spot (is there a new name for this stop yet?). After that, whenever you get in your car, it will make one sound if you phone is on your person and another one if it's NOT! And if you are like me, you at least once in a while ask yourself if you remembered your phone. OK, I admit that I do this on a regular basis and will probably ask for this for my birthday so that two minute rummage through my purse and pockets ends when getting into my car. You can check it out here. Below is just a photo snap of the product!

Thank you, Daily Grommet for this find!

Cool Gift For Grandma

2011-12-17T09:38:00.002-05:00

Most people these days know how to use a cell phone but for the elderly, it can still be challenging for some. . I could be wrong about this but I'm guessing that there are a lot of grandmas and grandpas out there that still are having a tough time trying to get with the times. Well, I came across this phone and think that it might just solve the problem. It's lovely and comes in a few different colors.

It ranges from $100. to $150. and can be found here. The keys are large. There are no frills. No texting. Just a phone. And there is this one feature on the back where you can have your numbers written down old-school style. My mom still carries a tiny note pad where she has the phone numbers of her friends and family written down. I've tried to show her how to save them. Lets just say that the note pad works better for her! So when her current cell stops working, this is going to be the phone I get her. I'm guessing John Doe from Amsterdam has a relative like me! And if it weren't for me kids, who made me learn to text a few years ago, this very well could have been for me too.

There is a list of frequently asked questions on their site. I checked to see if it worked with all major providers and it does.

Tree Trimming Time

2011-12-14T09:19:00.001-05:00

Last night I decorated our tree. It's a job that I usually do alone. I played some of Jeff's Christmas mix, poured me a little drink and began. Some years I rush too much, not taking the time to remember. But this year, I needed that. Reflecting is something we don't do nearly often enough. And tree decorating seems a perfect time for it. My taste in trees is somewhat nostalgic. Never been a fan of those kits of matchy Christmas balls that Martha Stewart and others make. Never liked the fancy-shancy scene where there is a color theme. To me, I want my tree to reflect the years of our family.

The first year Tony and I were married, we barely had two nickels to rub together. I picked up a set of 6 cornhusk dolls for $3.00. Three of them have survived the 36 years of our marriage. That same year, my mom and a friend joined me to make some cookie ornaments, many of which have survived and they are still dear to me. They remind me that it's not how much something costs but the love and effort that goes into it. I still remember my mom painting the snowman asking what color his scarf should be. I was tempted to show you so many more of the ornamental memories but I'm keeping the list short as I'm sure this post is really more for me than anyone else.

A tradition I started back when the kids were little was to buy for the future so when the children got left home, they had enough to make their own tree festive and with memories from their childhood. I'd use them on our tree but rotate them and of course always hung the favorites. I'd let the kids pick out ones to buy that they would someday take with them for their own homes. I'm guessing that's where Allie's 1st Christmas ornament is. I still have some from when they were little (Allie's mugshot from school, Jeff in the fireplace and Steve's food covered face) make me smile and take me back to when I only dreamed of what sort of humans they would be when they were all grown up.

My 4th and oldest, Jenn got married after Thankgiving a few years ago and gave these lovely handmade ornaments to all the guests. My, how time flies.

Over the years, people have given us ornaments as gifts that mean so much. Sue Lang made these.

When I realized that my mother-in-law was on borrowed time, I asked her to make me several of these snow flakes. There are enough for all my kids to hang on their tree too. Relaxing with a fire in the fireplace during the holiday season and looking at those snowflakes on my tree bring me right back to sitting next to Nana watching her favorite shows. Gosh, I miss her.

I do love to find one of a kind, beautiful ornaments (always after Christmas though when they are 50% off or more) and I kinda hope that my kids don't want them when they leave. But if they do, I will gladly part with some.

Well, I want to wish you all a very wonderful holiday season. Listen to lots of Christmas music, take time to relax and eat lots of holiday fare!

Words Matter

2011-12-07T08:25:00.001-05:00

Words are very important in our house. We abide by a self-imposed code of things you just don't say to people. And when we slip, say things that aren't nice out of crankiness, tiredness or just plain being hangry (Allie's word for when you're so hungry that you're angry) we say we're sorry.

So here is a good side to this.
We have always stayed away from words we don't mean. Like in my marriage, words like 'if you don't like it, leave' or why 'aren't you more like so and so' have always been off limits. When raising our kids, words like 'I should have never had you', 'moron', ' you're never going to amount to anything' and 'no wonder you don't have any friends' were on the list of no-nos. Name calling has never been acceptable. What first got me thinking about writing this blog on words was this photo which is being used as an advertisement to prevent child abuse. It sends a powerful message using the hand of words around the child's neck.

I wish I could credit the photographer and editor but I couldn't find that information, though the image turned up several times. This bothers me as I have so many friends who are photographers but that's not the point of this post. So moving on...

I've known people who would never ever use a curse word, yet wouldn't think twice about using some of the combined words above without reservation. I quite frankly find the above words much more sinful than the 's' word or even the 'f' word. And while I don't agree with everything that Tony Campolo says, I agree with this statement he made some time ago.

"I have three things I'd like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a shit. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night." from Wikipedia.

Word are a powerful thing. Proverbs 18:21 says Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." I'm sure that whenever evil, negative words are spoken, the listener dies a little. We should consider thinking more before speaking. I'm just as guilty as the next person of speaking out of frustration. While I say clear of words that are mean in my own mind, I have been told that things I've said to my kids are still on the 'that's not nice' list. The only way to resolve that is to ask for forgiveness when that occurs.

But on a completely different note, the proper use of words is of extreme importance in my family. And that's the bad side of this. And sadly, I'm the one always on the end of that correction. See, I was an army brat with day dreaming issues, who moved more times than I can remember and school was not on my list of priorities. Spending 3rd grade in 3 schools didn't help! I always felt behind in the learning category. But my kids work overtime to make sure that I get it right. Often, I'm annoyed for the corrections. But, overall, I am thankful! I love getting the emails from Allie with comments like "nice post, mom. Corrections are Here's the cookies that Jeff made to Here are the cookies that Jeff made....

We could be having a very serious conversation and my 3 kids would interrupt to correct the use of a word! Which is why, if they didn't have quirks about wearing t-shirts with words on it, I would so buy them this shirt from Signal!

Help With The Holidays

2011-12-06T09:15:00.001-05:00

After coming home late last night, it was a pleasure enter the house to lovely Christmas music, cookies being made and holiday decorating underway. Jeff is the only one who likes to help with this. And of course, the only male in my house who knows his way around the kitchen. Now... if I could only get this help in January when it's time to put this all away!

Here are the cookies that Jeff made....

Cinnamon-Ginger Cookies

Mix dry ingredients and set aside
6.75 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (Jeff said he would add more ginger next time)
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
dash of salt

Combine 6 tablespoons of softened butter with 1/4 cup of the total 3/4 cups sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Beat in 3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons molasses and
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add flour mixture on low until blended.

Shape dough into a 6 inch disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill about 30 minutes.

Lightly coat hands with cooking spray and shape dough into little balls (about 2 teaspoons each) and bake 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray or use a slit pat.

Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees. When it comes to cooking cooking, we like to cool them on the granite counter instead of a wire rack as the surface is cool and there is no risk of cookies breaking if they are tender.

Broken Girl by Matthew West

2011-12-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

After reading a previous post of mine this last week, a dear friend sent me this video. Those 4:36 minutes basically tell my life story. I hope you watch. I try. I try often, in a day when people no longer think about God and who He really is, to talk to girls who hurt and they just seem to reject the idea of a true Healer. I don't understand how they can dismiss the possibility of a greater being so quickly. And without much investment of time and research. Reason is what is often claimed. So I suggest that while we reason, that we consider there is more to consider than that which one can see with their natural eye. That there is something that you know to be true even though you can't hand it to someone on a platter. People want God to be seen and proven and handed over just like that. On a platter. Prove it. SHOW me! I can't see it! If I can't see it, it can't exsist. That's what I hear so often.

Yet I propose that people see...
kindness
strength
love
and courage.

And even toxic things like...
hate
evil
fear
and lack of hope.

All things that are not visible to the naked eye.

Yet if I asked if someone could give me evidence of love or strength or hate or fear, they wouldn't be able to present them on a silver platter with any more evidence than I would for faith. Because one can't see love, or strength or fear or hate. We only see the result of it in actions.

It's like the wind. You know it's there because you can see it move through the trees.
You can see the waves roll to shore. You can feel it over your body.
But you can't see the wind! You just know when it's touched you. It leaves evidence!

And I say, so is it with faith! You can't see it but you know when it's touched you.
The evidence for me was clear.
God took a heart of stone. Me, a wounded young woman who contemplated murder for 3 years to avenge the abuse I'd lived through. And then He asked me to forgive my abuser as He had forgiven me. See, I wasn't pure either. I had hurt people just like I'd been hurt. I had hate in my heart too. We all, when pushed to the limit, are capable of causing more pain to others than we like to ever admit. Because hurt people hurt people! It's an awful cycle. Men who have been raped often become abusers themselves. Sadly, it's how the make sense of the senseless. It's how they deal. They normalize what happened to them by repeating the crime. Of course, that does not justify it. But we aren't the judges. God is and He rules with perfect justice. No one gets away with anything in the end.

And the miracle of a changed heart is evident for people to see. Had Hilter had a heart change, there would have been no Auschwitz. We humans like to blame God for what evil man has done. Man must accept complete responsibility for one's own actions. Jesus is more than willing to turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh when invited to do so. He's not in the business of building robots. Could he make all of mankind love Him? Sure! But why on earth would He want to? As a mom, I sure wouldn't want loving, robotic children love me because they had no will and therefore had to. I want a free thinking child who is capable of being angry with me to also forgive and love me. One of the natures of God is Father. And a good father does not demand love. He waits. He wants love to be given freely. Reasoning that a God doesn't exist because bad things happen is not rational. That's like saying that parents don't exist because kids lie, want their own way and do bad things! Think about it...

If you or someone you know can use a little love and understanding, watch this beautiful video. It can be your story just like it is mine.

Christmas Tidings From Allie Moss

2011-12-03T13:30:00.001-05:00

I am happy to post that my daughter, Allie has released 3 Christmas songs on iTunes today!
Here's the link.

                                                   God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
                                                            The First Noel
                                                                            and
that song we all hear at midnight everywhere,
                                                                   Auld Lang Syne
I admit, I've never been a fan of the midnight to New Year Song but after listening to Allie's version of it, I realized that I it was the tempo I wasn't a fan of. Grace told me that she has always loved it and actually owned several versions which she made me listen to. I had to admit that all were better than the original (OK OK, to me at least)! It's a beat thing.   Well, give it a listen, and if you like it, please buy it, rate it and send the link to your friends so they can enjoy a new voice singing old favorites during the holiday meal! I think that Allie managed to keep her style in these and hope that she will record a couple of my favorites "Oh Holy Night" and "Mary, Did You Know" someday.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2011-12-02T09:30:00.001-05:00

My husband got tired of me layering on 4 layers plus a blanket around me under the covers when the north wind blows in my 1920's Craftsman style house where my bedroom is on the north side. The Tempur-Pedic matress (which I love 99% of the time) doesn't help on these nights either. It needs body heat to warm it. Feels like a cold brick when you first get in it. And I'm not a fan of patiently shaking as if I were on a dog sled resting on the side of the road on a cold Alaskan night. Besides... it usually takes me 5 trips in and out of bed gathering one layer at a time before I realize that warmth is escaping me and I'm doomed to freeze all night. So Tony bought me this....

with dual control so he doesn't have to explode from the heat while I'm just thawing out! I don't even think I need my hot water bottle now! And the beautiful thing is that I can heat it up before I even hit the pillow! My husband loves me. And his sleep!

Project: Unbreakable

2011-11-30T11:42:00.001-05:00

The stats are insane.

One in three women are molested or raped by the age of 18.

One in five men.

Seems overwhelming but people taking small stands will be the start of making a difference.

Through a series of circumstances, I met and become close to Grace Brown. She is in school for photography and if you read my blog with any sort of regularity, you know that I love photography myself. We share a few other things, the strangest being that both of our fathers are named Thomas J. Brown. Though her father and mine cannot be compared any further than their names.

Grace first came to my house to photograph me for her project titled 50 Extraordinary Women. I still don't know to this day, why she chose me without really even knowing me. But during our time together that weekend, I knew she would remain a part of my family's life. Grace doesn't just care about herself. Sure, she wants to grow, to learn from the many women she meets at her tender age of 19 but she also wants to inspire people to grow. I've met lots of girls her age. Most don't care much beyond what they are wearing and who they are with. Not Grace, and as a result of talking through subjects that are too often left off the table, she has decided to start another photography project.

This project is titled Unbreakable. The title came after talking about how the words that someone may have used while they abused you can lose their power when exposed. When a person can be brave enough to write them down... then hold them up for the her to photograph. Either facing the thoughts, the words again or possibly for the first time since it happened. No longer hiding the shame. Because, truly there is no need to hide. It's the abuser who should feel the need to hide. Never the abused! Yet, that is exactly how those of us who have been molested or raped feel. Shame. Funny thing is that I have wanted to do a photo project on this very subject for a couple of years now. I just didn't know how to do it and still keep dignity and respect of privacy, but Grace came up with a beautiful way to illustrate the pain, recovery, survival and healing while overcoming the insanity. It doesn't happen overnight. Healing takes time and we are all at different stages of overcoming. Most of Grace's images are shot are just with hands holding a poster. For some of the people, they are at the beginning of their story. They could barely gather the strength to write the words down seeing them in print for the first time somehow solidifying the horror of what happened to them. Others knew it was a healthy way to lessen the power of those awful words. I totally understand. There was a time when I couldn't bare the thought of uttering the words "my father raped me" and talked in circles saying things like when that happened to me... and I was so angry at the person who forced me to say it. Why? Why would I need to say..... My. Father. Rrrrrraaa.
Raped. Me? They were the hardest 4 words I ever said. Though I felt so much lighter after I said it.

Here's what I learned about not hiding my story.

Secrets destroy. They rob us from truly living. And they lead to shame. And shame about being abused leads to just plain old shame in general. Because shame knows no boundaries. It doesn't stop at shame due to being violated. It travels into every other area of life. I realized I lived in shame. I felt shame if someone looked at me wrong. When I looked at my shortcomings. I didn't think that I deserve a healthy sex life with my husband. I was damaged. Who would want me? Shame almost destroyed me.

And then I addressed it. I chose to stop believing that I was worthless due to my abuse. For me, this is where my faith came in. Admittedly, this is what really helped me... believing that God loved me and that shame didn't have to hold me prisoner anymore. Talking is where to start though, no matter what your beliefs. And besides, our beliefs often change as we change. But that's another topic!

I have no reason to be ashamed.

Why did I show my face for her project? Well, for me, I've been on this journey for many years. I've told all the people in my life that matter. My husband. My children. My mother. And my father? I confronted him and I forgave him. I decided to go public with my story after he passed away. I always knew I would do that.

There is hope. Hope for a different tomorrow. So if you, or anyone you know has talked of being abused, consider sending them to Grace's site. Sometimes, finding someone to relate to is the first step. Maybe realizing that you are not the only one this ever happened to will start healing. Seeing the lies in print can show how evil and manipulative those words were. Getting them outside of yourself testifies to the lies and lessens the hold those words had on you. At least I believe that. Be it written down or shared with a trusted friend.

Here is Grace's project simply titled Project Unbreakable. And if you or someone you know want to be a part of this, please contact her at grace@50extraordinarywomen.com.

Sorry this post is so long, guys. I just couldn't find a way to address this subject in a brief way. That's why I started a book!

Moisturizing Your Furniture!

2011-11-28T09:12:00.001-05:00

Our skin is not the only thing that gets dried out if we don't moisturize it! Our furniture does too! When the heat is on during the cold months, wood tends to dry out also, just like our bodies. And this is especially true of antiques as they've been around a while. Sorry, but the comparison works here too! The older we get, the drier out skin tends to get. And I'm not calling us over 50 folks antiques. But when it comes to older furniture, if all you do is give a quick spray and a wipe, it's not enough and there will come a day when the wood will begin to warp, crack and split over time.

So while I love Pledge Multi-Surface as a quick cleaner, because it can clean glass, metal, electronics and wood, it's not going to do much for the long term in keeping your wood conditioned.

Though I only use it when I want to give my house a lick & a promise sort of cleaning. However, I use this on the electronics all the time, just spraying the cloth though. Not your screens!

I use the Weiman Furniture Cream twice a year. That's when I do my major cleaning, taking the time to focus on things that I don't bother with during the year. There are several creams available for furniture. I just happen to love this one. What matters is that you condition your wood. If you haven't ever done this, you will notice how much better your wood looks after doing it. And don't just do the tops! Do it all! The sides. The legs. The drawers.

My favorite time of year to do this is when I take my tree down. Usually, it's cold outside. I'm sort of sad that the holidays are over. But a new year has begun. So I pop in some good music, light some candles and while I'm doing this mindless work, I stop and think about the past year. What I loved the most about it. What I learned through hard times. What I want to focus on changing about me. And what I want to accomplish in the new year to come. Mindless work is such a great opportunity for thinking. And thinking is underrated. Something we don't spend enough time doing with the constant opportunities to be entertained via, TV, the computer, the radio, and all other things that rally for our attention.

I pondered posting this in the new year when I actually use this. But I considered that it might take some hunting and while you are all out shopping the stores and online these days, I figured it was a good time to tell you not to forget your furniture. I'm sure, that yours, like mine... has been very very good to you! Be nice to it! Condition it!

Thanksgiving Help

2011-11-22T10:15:00.000-05:00

Want to tackle pie crust? Come on ! Give it a shot. Here's how.

Want a Brine recipe or a super delicious sweet mashed ? Go here.

Stick with homemade cranberry sauce.

A super duper Apple Pie !

And help with the turkey!

Sticking to your list for tomorrow....

2011-11-22T09:15:00.000-05:00

If you are cooking a large turkey, you may want to consider putting it in a brine bath today, after dinner. It can go in a huge pot in the fridge, or a large bag and then in a cooler packed with ice. A brine makes the turkey more tender. There are loads of different ways to do a brine. Kosher salt is the main ingredient. You can add some apple juice, wine, even beer. I think I'm going with a can of beer for mine. Here is a basic recipe. Should you choose to make one, make it earlier in the day as it needs to cool completely before pouring over the bird.

Today is a good day to do some prep that will allow you more time to relax with your family tomorrow. I made my Mashed Sweet Potatoes already as they are amazing reheated. Here is a pic of them cut up in the pot. And the finished product!

Recipe...
Serves 4, so double if you are having a big crowd.

In a lg saucepan combine...
   4 Tb unsalted butter, cut in chunks.
   2 Tb. heavy cream
   2 pounds sweet potatoes, cut into small chunks as shown.
   add a dash of salt and pepper.
   and a bit of sugar. about a teaspoon. I prefer brown sugar and a tablespoon of maple syrup.
Then zest some orange over the top.

Now cook, covered over very low heat, stirring now and then. It's done when the potatoes are fork tender. Mash. It's easy with the hand held blender.
Done!

This recipe can be found in Cooks Illustrated Magazine. If you haven't heard of it, you can read about it here.

Family

2011-11-20T08:39:00.001-05:00

                                                        What makes a family a family?

                 Is it how you stick by and defend even if that person was wrong in what the did?

                 Some people think that and expect others to stand with them, even when wrong.

                                                                   I don't agree.

                                                 I believe values trump relationships.

                                           But I also think that honestly trumps silence.

                                      And loving people through differences means so much.

                                                             And what about blood?

                                                          Oh, blood is thick alright!

                  But I believe that our hearts are big enough to include others into our family.

If we only open our eyes to see, we will see people who have been hurt, jaded and in need of some family love. We may not see eye to eye with them. Nor they will us. But we will connect on the love factor. And how do we get that love? We give that love out before it develops. As we pour it out... and it grows.

If we all dug a little deeper, invited someone over... for tea. A drink. A meal. Or a movie. Well, I think that there would be so many less lonely people with no hope. Maybe a Thanksgiving meal is a good time to welcome that work associate who's family lives on a different coast over. Or who's suddenly alone for some reason.

Too often, we tend to think that our family is too crazy. Too many issues. And then there is Aunt Sally! God, we don't want to subject anyone to her! But we don't consider that our lonely co-worker or neighbor doesn't care at all about crazy aunts or messy families. They just don't want to be alone and are grateful that someone cared enough to invite them.

Maybe consider joining me in opening your home to someone this year for Thanksgiving. We will be having a friend of my moms who has no family in Jersey.

A Lovely Clothing Website for Kids

2011-11-16T09:25:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year when we start thinking about gifts for the holidays and I came across this site called Nonchalantmom. She has very modern stuff for the little rug rats. Like these sneakers. They aren't cheap! But if you can afford $48.00 to $68.00 bucks for shoes that they will probably wear only a few months, check them out!

They have great fun t-shirts, dresses, hats, old fashioned blocks and paint stuff. And they even have some stuff for mommy. Though the mom clothes don't do much for me. Here's a few more pics.

Juicing... A New Way of Life

2011-11-15T09:28:00.001-05:00

I've tried juicing before. I've managed to get the muddy stuff down but only to hate it the entire time. I've tried giving it to my family, only to have them give me the eye... taste and say "I can't do this."

No matter what I would blend, I always thought more was better. A larger variety of veggies and fruit. And a good amount of it, only to produce a muddy, brownish same tasting stuff no matter what I juiced. And then, I watched a girl at the juice bar make me a drink I actually liked. And I realized that I was using too many ingredients and not enough water. So I copied her. And low and behold...

mine taste like hers! I used kale, cucks, ginger, apple, romaine lettuce and a little honey! And this held me much longer than a bagel, cereal, or some other carb.

I added the water first with a little ice up to about 12 oz. Then added the veggies and fruit. It made enough for my husband and I to each have a full glass. And he didn't complain or roll his eyes! I guess the green looked a bit more appetizing than the muddy brown!

And yes, I love my Blendtec blender! It keeps all the fiber. No waste!

No more mud!

How to Keep the Stove and Oven Clean

2011-11-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

Responding to this comment " I don't know the best way to clean and maintain my stove top & oven."
Do you just clean often, as you cook? Or once a week/month. Deep clean? When do you clean the oven?

I bought my stove the year before dripless burners came out. After spending $1500 for an oven 25 years ago, that was the most annoying thing to realize. I knew the chances of me owning the easy to clean dripless burner oven was not going to happen for decades. And here I am. Still with the same stove. It's not really cleanable anymore with it's rusted parts and non-replaceable parts. And it's plain dangerous as it gets so hot on the outside that I'd have been forced to replace it if I had little people in my house more often. But it does have 6 burners and two ovens so.... I wait. We are in the talking stages for a new one.

But about cleaning our stove...
I'm all about keeping things clean. And actually, dirty stove tops gross me out. I have friends who can start a meal without cleaning the major food spills that are already there. I can't do that. I am aware that whats there already will get cooked on more so and become even harder to clean after. So, I'm a wipe as I go sort of girl. If something spills, I will wipe it while I'm cooking. It takes a second and comes off immediately (though watch out so you don't burn yourself, should you try this for the first time). That same spill will take longer later on. So why not? I'm there aren't I? I'm standing there cooking! Because in the end, I'm always about less work!

As far as major cleaning, I do it when it bothers me. This is probably about once a month, where I take 20 minutes to give the stove a thorough clean. That's when I get out the SOS, take the burner plates off and scrub them in the sink. And clean underneath the burners also.

Once a year (usually during a winter storm) I pull the whole stove away from the wall, and clean the sides, underneath and behind it.

But daily, I wipe it down as I cook and after dinner, I spray it with a degreaser. I've been using this product from Shaklee called the Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate. It's a super cleaner. Leaves things shiny!

One 16 oz bottle will last forever! Here's why....
To mix as a window cleaner, you use 2 drops.
To mix as an all-purpose cleaner, you add 1/4 teaspoon
and to mix as a degreaser you add 1 1/2 teaspoons.

16 oz. will last years, I'm pretty sure! I gave Allie some and she liked it so much, she asked where I got it. I just gave her more since I still had over half a bottle of the concentrate and I've had this for over two years.

And for cleaning ovens....
I use this other Shaklee cleaner called Scour Off which I blogged about here.

To Trash Or Not To Trash The Dress

2011-11-11T08:04:00.000-05:00

There are people who are against trashing the dress. They think that it somehow defiles marriage and bride's gown. I don't see it that way at all. The gown holds no reverence on it's own. The marriage is what's reverent! While the dress may represent something of purity and significance, it isn't the fabric, beads, tulle, and lace that make up for a reverent dress. At the end of the day, a dress is a dress! And dirt or water don't cause that dress to loose it's respect anymore than a labored over, perfectly made meal is ruined by a empty, dirty plate when the meal is finished. The meal is what is remembered.

I looked around on the Internet to see where the term came from. It's not 100% known where the idea originated according to Wikipedia. Here is a quote on their site.

"It may be done as an additional shoot after the wedding, almost as a declaration that the wedding is done and the dress will not be used again. It is seen as an alternative to storing the dress away, never to be seen again."  

While some may argue that the name means something that is disrespectful to a wedding day, I think it's absurd to judge the term over the meaning of what is actually occurring.

A bride or bride and groom want to seal or finalize the wedding that occurred. They want to celebrate the couple. They want to remember the dress that served it's purpose. A photograph that shows them, joyous and only the main ingredient. THEM. Having been a part of these sessions, I find that the angst about how perfect the day will go is not present and a freedom comes with that. No pressure. No time line to follow. No agenda. No being nervous that the biggest party they have ever thrown goes right.

And the dress? Well, it's not somehow more revered by sealing it in a box into the unknown future in the hope that the non-existent future daughter or daughter-in-law may want to wear it. Being clean or dirty doesn't seal in any holiness. Heck, I've seen dresses that wind up pretty brown or green on the bottom if the weather didn't completely accommodate the wedding day plans. I seriously doubt that God views those dresses or the brides who were in them with less regard for getting theirs dirty before the 'holy sealing' occurred.

And what about the couple who can't afford to seal their gown? What is their status for just hanging their dress in the back of their closet, I ask?

I'm just trying to make a point. A point that if you carry out the thought that getting a dress dirty or wet on purpose is wrong, you can't overlook other scenarios. Be it clean or dirty does not make a dress loose significance. It's the attitude of one's heart that does that. Not staying married longer than it takes to plant and harvest a summer garden. Now that's dishonoring to the covenant of marriage! Spending millions on a wedding, thousands more hours on the prep for her wedding, Kim Kardashian said after not much more than 2 months that she gave "careful consideration" to her decision! COME ON! Doesn't it take longer than that to heal from plastic surgery? We've taken longer than 72 days to think about which school to attend. Which dress to buy! Poor Kim's brain just must not be capable of deep pondering or thinking something through! Heck. This is a sorry sorry \\\\\ for the institution of marriage. A couple who love, respect and serve each other... being photographed in a lake, by an ocean, in a rodeo stable or where ever! That is a beautiful thing! And here are a few shots that a couple of my favorite photographers shot and I think they ooze of love and romance. Ed Zorz and Vanessa Joy

But as with anything else, one can go too far and maybe loose the point. Or, their motives were just a bit dark to begin with. As with photographer, John Michael Cooper in his photo titled "Master of The Anti-Bride"

Favorite Product - Thursday Is A Great Pot

2011-11-10T09:35:00.000-05:00

I've never been a fan of set of pots and pans. I don't think that one brand of pots and pans are best for everything. What makes for a great saute pan may not be the best soup pot. I think that a kitchen should have a great cast iron skillet, a newish non-stick pan, a great copper pot, a large stock pot, and a some pots that have good heat conductors like copper. If you can afford several solid copper pots, get them, otherwise, stainless steel with copper bottoms are great. There is one other pot that I think every kitchen should have one of, and that would be this dutch oven. The largest one you can afford.

This, hands down, is my favorite Dutch Oven pot for making tomato sauce as it's got a perfectly flat bottom so no scorching. Nothing to burn. I also use it to roast a whole chicken at times. Makes a really juicy bird.

I'm telling you this because for a time Sur la table has them on sale in their newest catalog. The Le Creuset oval or large one that can fit a good size chicken in it.

Not only are they lovely and come in so many colors to match your kitchen, but they really are wonderful pots for holding moisture and even cooking with good heat distribution.

It normally costs almost double! If you are a foodie or have one in your house who doesn't already own one of these, I suggest it as a Christmas gift. Yes, foodies love cooking tools for Christmas. A true foodie probably prefers it to jewelry or clothes in my opinion.

I bought my pot about 29 or 30 years ago and it's still as awesome as it was when I first bought it. Mine is the large 5 1/2 quart (I think) but if you aren't feeding a tribe like I always am, the 3 1/2 quart should be big enough. If you'd like to read a bit about these pots, just go here.

If you're in the market for a cast iron, enamel overlay pot and can't afford this one, Sur la table also has it's own brand available in a 5 quart for $99.95 on sale from $130.00 Might be a fine alternative!

Reaction Verses Response

2011-11-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

Jasmine Star tweeted this quote from her dad a while back. He says some great stuff that she tweets now and then. And this quote was one of those that I raised my kids on. Not the exact quote per se, but the message...

"When life spits me against something, my response is more importance than my reaction" - Dad

Reactions come from our gut, our emotions. Our weaker place, I think. But our responses come from a thought out, wiser, more courageous place. Often, it's the harder thing to do. Be it to admit something.
Or confront something or someone. To see something from a different perspective. But in the end, it's always a better choice.

Who is Jasmine Star by the way? A super-duper photographer in the west. Check her out! Here's her blog.

Dear Jasmine,
Please thank your dad for the friendly reminder!
Yvonne Moss

Wholesale Shopping & Saving Space

2011-11-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

I've heard conversations before where people say they don't have storage space to buy in bulk. I totally get that if you live in a tiny NYC apartment with no space at all. But I still think that sometimes people just think they don't have space when they actually do. It's just that the space might not be where they think.

For example... I have a small kitchen and I love to cook and collect pottery, baskets and such. I also prefer to save money on groceries and hate buying little things that cost way more than the larger options. So I found a way to solve that. OK, I have a basement. I have a place to store backup items and this is what I do. I buy large when it's cheaper. Like this huge container of Finish dish soap from Costco or BJ's. And I keep it on a shelf in the basement with all the other backup cleaning products in my laundry room.

I spend the money once on the overpriced tin as it will serve as the storage container to hold the soap under the sink. Really, you could use anything else that you prefer to hold a smaller amount for the space you have available. I just liked that the tin was tall, sleek and takes up almost no space. This tin comes with a different Finish soap called the Quantum Powerball. It's pricier but works well. Not worth the money tho, long term, I think, if you're buying it and tossing. But once isn't bad. I don't know if this tin is still available. I only bought mine a few weeks ago but that isn't the point of this post anyway. I just want you to think differently about your available space!

You might notice the ugly little plastic basket that holds a roll of kitchen garbage bags next to the tall, thin tin. That tin will get refilled and I've hardly devoted any space under my kitchen sink to it. The basket also is handy. No digging in a box for a new garbage bag and I've saved money there also since I bought huge box for under $15.00 and I don't have to think about buying that for months.

If you think about your space, you might just come up with things that work for you. Things that save you money and also give you more space where you need it.

If you have a great space saver or money saver, please post it!

Saturday Music - Peter Bradley Adams

2011-11-05T07:35:00.002-04:00

Every now and then I come across an instrumental that really touches me and this one by Peter Bradley Adams does just that. It's short, only 2 minutes and 5 seconds. But a moving two minutes it is. It's called "Song for Viola."

He's a mellow singer/songwriter who usually plays guitar. I'm pretty fond of his voice. It's one of those voices that relaxes you while you listen.

Here he is on live radio singing " Longer I Run" with someone singing harmony.

If you like him, I've done the work for you. Here is his itunes store. This record is called
"Leavetaking." If you're from LA, then he has a tune you might find endearing. And he has another song if you're from Ohio too.

I just really like the whole vibe of this CD. Nice to listen to while cooking, or just when you want to chill.

Even Thick Eyebrows Can Use Help At Times

2011-11-04T07:09:00.001-04:00

I'm a fan of Groupon. I get their daily updates and we enjoy an occasional dinner at a nice savings. We bought dance lessons that I think expire so we better get on the stick with that! But this post isn't about favorite products so I'll move on....
Today's Groupon is about beautiful porcelain veneers but the girl in the photo proved my point about how girls with thicker eyebrows seem to think that they never need a little strengthening. And maybe, for everyday, they don't. But in permanent images, like photographs, it makes a huge difference. I've pasted the image below(I'd credit the photographer but I don't see that listed). Though it's small so you could go here to see it larger.

Here's why this lovely girl could look even better in her photo...
1. Because her brows are very light on one side and sparse on the other, it makes the space between her
     eyes too far apart, widening her noise. And it cuts right above the pupil and the whites of her eye
     rather than frame her eye as an eyebrow is supposed to do. A little eyebrow powder just on the
     inner part of her brow would make her arch more pronounced.

2. Her eyes would draw more attention! Which is where you want people to look when they are
   talking to you.

I know, she has amazing teeth and this ad is all about them so that's what we are supposed to be looking at. But you see my point anyway, right?

By the way, if you don't get Groupon updates, you're missing out!

The Genie Bra

2011-11-03T07:54:00.004-04:00

So... I fell for the infomercial. OK, my disclaimer... I didn't order from TV. But when I came across it at the drugstore, I grabbed one.

And tried it for a week. I'm not a fan. Clothes didn't look great on and the worst part is that the band doesn't stay flat. As you move it starts to curl. At least it did on me. So, of course.... I returned it! That 20 bucks can be better used some other way that just leaving something in my drawer that will never be worn again.

The Daily Love

2011-11-02T11:39:00.001-04:00

A twitter friend told me about TheDailyLove.com a while back and I really enjoy it. Not that it will ever replace the bible for me for guidance but there have been some great quotes. And the one from today made me stop and pause.

TODAY'sQUOTES

"It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"

- J. K. Rowling, is the best-selling author of the 'Harry Potter" books.

J. K. Rowling has a point. Society tends to focus on what our abilities are. We are praised for our skills. But not nearly often enough are people praised for their choices. This subject has always been important to me. I raised my kids with focus on choices. I'd tell them that we have no choice over what we look like, what our natural abilities are, or our nature, be it shy or outgoing. But we do have a choice over our how we handle ourselves. How we react or respond. How we treat people. If we forgive. If we move beyond our hurt, our issues.

And J.K. Rowling speaks out of her experience. A Wikipedia search about her says this...
Seven years after graduating from university, Rowling saw herself as "the biggest failure I knew."^[43] Her marriage had failed, she was jobless with a dependent child, but she described her failure as liberating:

Failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy to finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one area where I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter, and a big idea. And so rock bottom became a solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life. – J. K. Rowling, Harvard commencement address, 2008.^[43]

I find her story very inspiring. And she clearly deserves to make a statement about choices.

A New Food Journey for Me

2011-11-01T13:49:00.001-04:00

So, it's November 1st. A new month. And for me, a new way of eating. While on one hand, I'm looking forward to this and on the other, I dread it.

The back story....
I've been in major pain for years now. Treated for back pain. Had over a dozen procedures on my spine with 14 nerve endings frozen. Then, a doctor told me I needed a major operation called a spinal decompression or maybe a fusion. Second opinion said no way, not needed. Next a neurologist tested me for several myopothies like MS and that came back negative. While I do have Spondylolisthesis and Osteoarthritis of the spine, the docs don't think my pain should be so high.

So what is known for sure. I have inflammation of my muscles. And that is what's causing the pain. So My doctor put me on an anti-inflammatory diet. And if you know me at all, you know how I hate food restrictions. Hate eating the same thing more than once a month. And now, it's chicken, turkey and fish. I hope I don't have a melt down!

And I'm back to trying acupuncture! This time, I feel about 50% better from it. I hope be improvement lasts a bit. I can't show you my naked back loaded with lots of needles but here's my arm, with needles down to my hand.

The whole process is actually very, very relaxing. And I felt so much better the rest of the day.
A special thanks to Lisa Abramson from Dr. Proodian's office. She also has me drinking this tea. 4 cups of it a day. She says it's for pain. Contains St. John's Wort and chamomile. I officially decided I hate chamomile! But I hate being in pain more so if this stuff will make me feel younger than 80, I'll drink it. I hope to drop a couple of sizes doing this stuff too!

Sweaters & Coat Hooks Are Not a Good Mix!

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's sweater season now. But sometimes, we take them off during moments we feel warmed up. We might have been cooking and now the kitchen is toasty from the oven being on or we worked outside and our body heat is up. So we take off our sweater. And if one of these hooks are available, our sweater or woven top gets tossed on one of these....

And before we know it, our lovely woven item has suddenly grown a nipple. Like this! (OK, Tony's disclaimer is that it's a work shirt but I seized the moment to make the point). Nipple laden clothes make you look like you hung from a hook prior to your outing.

And sometimes, the fabric will never go back to normal after being stretched beyond it's limit.

So maybe just toss your sweater on a chair instead!

By the way, hangers do this also! Sweaters will last longer if folded on a shelf.
Like this photo I took of a woman who didn't stop to look in a mirror prior to the fundraising dinner. I cropped her to spare her additional shame.

While nipples might be beautiful, they are not beautiful here!

Sunday Thoughts - Growing Beyond My Comfort Zone

2011-10-30T16:21:00.003-04:00

"If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone."
- John Maxwell, an American best-selling author & speaker.

and, boy, have I been forced... I mean aimed at growing. Getting out of our comfort zone isn't easy at any age. No matter how old we are, we don't like change. We like our routine. We want to have our morning coffee the same way. The toilet paper coming off the roll in the same direction. Routine is a natural thing. New things are hard.

I thank my Lord for always firmly, and kindly... sticking my face in what He wants me to do. Oh, sometimes I think I have gotten away for a time without doing what He asks. Not because I don't want to comply but rather that I feel unable. Like why should I do that when there are others who probably can do it better? But I keep hearing of stories of how great things happen through simple, ordinary people. People like me.

Right now, I'm reading the story of David in the bible. I'm doing my third Beth Moore study and I'm sure this one promises to be a 'cause growth study' like the other two. David had to wait 15 years from the time he was anointed to be the next king till he actually became king. During that time, he was on the run for fear of his life, questioning at times if God had his back. The Psalms were written during his time on the run while Saul was trying to kill him. David wasn't perfect. He was flawed with issues like all of us. Yet God called him a man after His own heart. And made him King over Israel.

Sometimes, we see things that we believe we should be doing with our lives. The God who made us gave us each a calling. A passion. A plan. And sometimes, we don't feel like we are able, or capable of doing the plan. And sometimes, it can take years. Which is what it is taking for me to get about putting a book together about shame and the effect it has on us. And how we can recover from abuse. I knew at age 20 that I would be used somehow in this area. And I'm still scared as it unfolds. But... if it's meant to be, it will be. Even if I feel small, insignificant and not capable. But in the end, it's not about me. It's about caring enough to pass on to others, that which I have seen for myself. Hopefully, seeing others receive hope like I have. Hope that we no longer need to live in shame for something that we had no control over in the first place.

I thank Beth Moore and John Maxwell for pushing me forward. For moving me beyond my comfort zone. And for CK, who will read my book as I write it.

Winter Song by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson

2011-10-29T10:53:00.000-04:00

So, it's not yet November. The leaves are still on the trees, I think because of all the warm weather we had this summer. There is barely even the presence of yellow, which means that we will be doing the massive leaf cleanup when it's cold out. I hate cold.

And the crazy wind isn't doing anything to help. My yard is clean. No leaves. Crap crap crap.

So I needed a little something to make me feel better about winter coming. And the fact that I might have to clean up snow covered leaves in the future. So, I lit some candles. Baked some scones and made granola. Scone recipe will post Tuesday. Pumpkin!

And listened to "Winter Song by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson" which always makes me lighten up. This youtube video is from when they got to sing this for the tree lighting at the White House last winter. I'm so proud of my Ingrid. And grateful that my Allie has gotten to work with her all these years.

If You Love Your Sushi, Take This

2011-10-28T09:30:00.002-04:00

So, a while back, reading a FB post a friend, Deborah wrote about her love of sushi and how she could eat it all the time lead to a conversation with Theresa (who I talk about regularly as she is a health professional who prefers organic, no junk, pharmaceutical quality vitamins, fitness guru...type of girl) about how healthy and how often one can eat sushi safely. I also did a little research myself though I usually don't learn much else after our lengthy chats on a topic. Theresa spends most of her free time reading and researching health benefits of different foods, vitamins, nutrients, physical activity and illness. That's when she's not hiking. I know... if you know me you're probably wondering why more hasn't worn off on me but the quick and immediate answer is that I love variety in food too much to give anything up at this time. So back to this subject.

Sushi.
First, lets clear up what sushi actually means. It's not raw fish. It's actually food made of vinegar ed rice. I've heard that the actual meaning is "with rice" but I don't know where that comes from.
But when we speak of sushi, we usually mean rice with raw fish. I started eating it back when it was still not popular some 24 years ago. A cool type, ex- New Yorker neighbor bugged us about going out for sushi for months and we finally caved, thinking we'd hate it only to be stunned by how much we loved it. I became the only food I craved enough to go dine alone for. And while I felt sorry for diners who ate solo, I never did at a sushi place. I knew why they were there. They needed their fix! Like me! Sometime later, this same neighbor, Sherry, taught me how to make it and I still think of her to this day when I get out my bamboo mat to make the rolls.

So what's healthy about Sushi and what isn't?
Ok, it's healthy because the fish is lean and low in fat. Also, low in calories. High in Omega 3's. And brown rice can be used instead if you're anti the white stuff. But the fish is raw so there is bacteria and too much of a good thing can quickly become a bad thing! So here is where Theresa and her knowledge comes in... turns out that you can take a little boost of Black Walnut Hull Tincture before and after eating to help prevent parasites! But turns out that this little nectar can help parasites that come from sources as well.

TheParasite Cleanse
Yet three herbs canrid you of over 100 types of parasites! Without any interference with anydrug that you are already on! The herbs are:

Black Walnut Hulls(from the black walnut tree)
Wormwood (fromthe Artemisia shrub)
Common Cloves (fromthe clove tree)

Quoted from this site.

And I'm pretty sure you can get this stuff at any health food store. Certainly online. And it's cheap. Only $6

Oh. One little fact about sushi quality fish that you might want to know...
It's fresher! I've been told 1 to 6 days out of the water. Where standard "fresh" is 7 to 12 days. Which is why there is no smell with sushi! And also, not all fish can be eaten raw safely. But, if you have a friend who fishes for say... tuna! Ask him (or her though I don't know any female fisher-women) for some fresh off the boat tuna and make yourself some sushi rolls!

And remember to take some Black Walnut Hull Tincture to be safe!

Oh, Deborah...
Should you read this by any chance, Allie will be bringing you a bottle this weekend! A little gift from me!

Favorite Product - Thursday is by Shaklee

2011-10-27T08:04:00.000-04:00

So yesterday morning, I just woke up and couldn't sleep. Everything hurt. I needed to get up and move a little. It was still really dark out. Even in summer, it's still dark at 4:45 am. While my coffee was brewing, I stared at the dirty stove and oven I'd been meaning to clean and... next thing I know, I'm scrubbing my oven. Yeah, it's old and not a self-cleaning one. Normally oven cleaning is not something you can use at 5 am while people are still sleeping in the house but with this great stuff called Scour Off Heavy Duty Paste, you can! It's totally odorless and works amazingly well. A totally non toxic way to clean your oven. And also so much cheaper. At 8 and change, if I did nothing else with this cleaner, I could clean my ovens about 50 more times with how little I used. Usually one can of that toxic crap isn't even enough for my two ovens. So, buying two of them at like $3.00 and I'm 2/3rds to spending the same.

And after using for this and a few other things in the past, I still have tons in there.

I even took before and after pics to show you... I have two ovens, side by side so this pic was after I did the first one. Don't judge me, I've been meaning to clean them for like 3 years! I blame my back pain.

They say it's great on grout so, so I'll be using it on that next. Yeah, this grout is not black. It's supposed to be light grey. Go ahead. Judge me... But check out my before and after oven! Awesome, right?

Here are the features from their website... It costs $8.50 and lasts forever.

Here’s an exclusive scouring cleanser that sets a new standard. It’s a paste, so it doesn’t form dust clouds. It cleans stuck-on messes. It even cleans burnt-on food in your oven. And it doesn’t burn off your nose hairs in the process.

Natural ingredients remove the toughest dried-on splatters and spills, burned-on grease, baked-on food, and sticky messes without hazardous chemicals or toxic fumes.
Scour Off is made from natural mineral abrasives and biodegradable cleaning agents. It does not contain chlorine, bleach, or dye.
Scour Off gently removes stains other cleansers can't and is great for cleaning tubs, ovens, sinks, and tiles.
It will even remove rust, and is great for cleaning these surfaces: copper, grout, cement, ceramic, and imitation marble.
Wide-mouth jar makes it easy to use.

Jillian & Ryan's Wedding

2011-10-26T17:36:00.002-04:00

My candid pics from a lovely, hot October wedding in Rhode Island, where the bride and groom were some of the most fun people I know. I was makeup artist and guest and it was great to spend that much time with the girls before and during the wedding. Sadly, I'm always too busy to get any before shots myself.

While at a wedding, this little guy caught my attention looking all adorable and blowing raspberries, dribbling down his little chin.

The wedding of Jillian and Ryan.
This boy was ready to get married!

The flower girls

                       Ryan seems to be saying...Is she coming yet? Lets get this thing going!
                       I loved how the guys were dressed. No jackets, yet it looked awesome.
                         Which was perfect for this hot October day.

The bridesmaids. Couldn't get them all in from where I was seated and didn't want to be obvious by getting out of my seat to take pics when there was a very capable photographer there.

Then he throws his head back in utter joy when his bride walks in the room.

Prayer

They did something at their wedding that I've never seen done. They had all the guests who wanted to come forward, do so, laying hands on them or on someone near by and pray for them. Out loud. As you wished. This lasted a good 10 minutes.

After the 'I dos'

We did it!

Vanessa, using her man as a table to write out their card. These two can't take a bad pic.

My husband, carrying my stuff as usual, in front of the lovely barn-like reception hall.

And if you wanted to, there was bowling...

And candied apples. Which I forgot to take and I've wanted one ever since.

And during the dance with Jillian and Ryan, a moment that if you know them, this is so 'them.'

And finally, I wanted to show you her veil just because it was so stunning.

The next day, a few of us checked out the scenery.

And we walked along The Cliff Walk...

Where Vanessa shows us how not to fall off the edge.

Thanks, V, for keeping us safe!

The Best Gourmet Apples by Leigh... Buy Em!

2011-10-25T09:22:00.000-04:00

So Leigh is back to making her holiday apples and I can vouch that they are better than any other big name you've had. Our family favorite is the Apple Pie but I'm sure they are all amazing.

We've had the Pecan and Chocolate Chip also. The biggest and best apples ever!

Her email is leighjd@comcast.net and you can also like her on Facebook here. If you are in Monmouth or Middlesex County, NJ you can arrange pickup with her. If you aren't, ask her to ship. Shipping won't be cheap as these babies are heavy but you'll agree that they are worth every penny. And her apples are much less expensive then... say Amy's which charges $15.99 to $18.99 plus shipping for one would cost $30.00 and Mrs. Prindable's are even more at $22.95 before shipping.

Leigh's apple's run $10.00 and $12.00. And they are as large and lovely as her competetors. So treat yourself and your family to one. You will agree with me.

I've asked Leigh about shipping and she says that she thinks it's too expensive and doesn't think people want to pay that kind of money for a fancy apple. But it seems that Amy's and Mrs. Prindable's are selling lots. So many she will change her mind if someone asks. Sorry, Leigh. I know you don't think it's worth it and I couldn't disagree more! I hope you don't hate me for telling my far away friends to buy them!

DermaBlend for Tattoo Covering

2011-10-24T09:23:00.000-04:00

So the other day, my daughter, Allie posted this crazy video showing how amazing DermaBlend is at covering anything. I have known about this product for years and yes, it works. The problem however, is color matching. If DermaBlend were to increase the color line, giving more options and maybe mute the colors out some, then this entire line would find it's way into my makeup kit. However, the warm colors are a bit to orange-y. I'm not sure about the cool tones. There is the option of buying two colors and mixing to the perfect shade as another solution though I find that easy being a makeup artist. Most people get nervous blending colors. Even just eye shadows. The other issue with using this to cover tattoos and big scars is this...fading this product into the clean skin without leaving a trace after blending well. Blending is possible but it's not perfect. The cream is thick and dense, which is why it covers so well! Maybe though, I'm just a perfectionist. I'm open to see if it's easier to use these days. If you decide to try this, practice! Don't get it out for the first time day of wedding or that big event you need coverage for. But if you just need to hide a tat from a possible boss or dad, who doesn't know you have that tat, this probably works just fine. They won't notice the oranage-y cast!

If DermaBlend has improved this line over the years and wants to send me a complete color sample, I'd love to test this out and photograph the project. The completely covered tattoo guy is not a complete test. Yes, I agree that the product says it covers completely and it does. Amazingly well. But I'd rather see a a smaller before and after and where I'd look is not at the tattoo itself but the area around it. Can one see that there is a product there acting as a band-aid of sorts. I'd prefer to see the test on a person will one huge tat and see it gone without any mark of being there. Also, if you look at the video that sparked this topic, look close and you will see that Zombie Boy looks a bit orange. And that is with proper lighting and all. Watch the video and see if you don't think he looks orange.

This is a snapshot from the video.

I own the Leg and Body cover. I will admit that it covered my veins but looked like I was wearing tan stockings. You know the color I mean. Stocking either come nude (if you're pale as hell, this color is for you) or tan (which is gross and orange-y). Then, who cares as no one wears them anymore anyhow!

Here's the color chart that I found on their website.

I guess that if you're not going to have your picture taken in the DermaBlend, it's probably just fine. But if a bride or bridesmaid was going to use this to cover, I'd suggest that she try it out, take a photo and send it to her photographer to ask what he thinks.

Our View of Ourselves...

2011-10-19T05:04:00.000-04:00

Since I started shooting images of people, there is one thing that seems to be repeat itself

over and over again.

That is...

How we see ourselves and how the world sees us are seldom the same.

I just love this photo of Katie.

I see a zest for life...

and a gorgeous smile.

She sees messy bangs.

I ask...

who cares about messy bangs if the smile is full of life?

Fall Food is Offically Here - Pot Roast and Sweet Roasted Potatoes!

2011-10-18T07:46:00.003-04:00

Pot roast meat is pretty cheap so it's good to make for a crowd. And it's very little work. Get a rump. Top or bottom work fine. Brown it in a bit of oil on all sides as this seals in the flavor. Then toss it on your crock pot. Add onions and chopped carrots of you like. I added sauteed onions and mushrooms. See, there really are no rules!

Then add a can of beef stock or homemade beef stock (which if you know me, that's how I roll). But I had to pull mine out of the freezer and defrost it first.

Pour it over the beef and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

Then, sometime before dinner, cube and roast some potatoes in oil.

And saute some squash and spinach.

And here's dinner...
A lovely pot roast which I prefer to regular roast beef which is often so dry. Broth keeps it moist.

And a nicely plated meal.

Ok, it won't win any artsy food photo awards but it rocked as a first fall meal on a dreary rainy day!

Storing Your Drying Cleaning in the Plastic Bags

2011-10-17T08:32:00.001-04:00

So... you come home from the cleaners with your fresh clean clothes.

I admit, this is one area I'm tempted to be lazy. I don't feel like taking the plastic off. I also don't like wire hangers so I have to transfer them to my lovely wider, felt hangers. Were it not for the fact that I have these great matching hangers, I might stoop to this laziness but my bent for visual neatness keeps me focused. And the fact that knowing it's not good to keep your clothes in plastic.

So why isn't it good to keep your clothes in these dry cleaning plastic bags?
1. The plastic doesn't breathe, which is not good for fabric. I used to think that plastic protected but
it doesn't. From dust, yes. But there really isn't much of a dust issue in a closet.
2. If there is humidity, moisture gets trapped inside the bag. Also not great for fabric!
3. If you've dry cleaned sweaters or any other knits, they will stretch while hanging which can lead
to this! Read if you want a little chuckle.
4. If you live in a place that moths are an issue, They thrive in high humidity. And they love wool!

So if your storing your fresh clean wool sweaters like this photo, you've just sent an invitation to the moth world that you have their next meal ready for them.

And after all, it only takes a second to rip off the plastic. A little more time if you're one who fancies nice hangers like me.

Glad My Texting Skills Are Improving so I don't do This

2011-10-16T09:00:00.002-04:00

I saw this on Facebook today and found it quite funny so I'm sharing it. It's from ParentsShoudn'tText.com

I've never checked out that site before, but now... if I need a good laugh, I'm heading there.
I'll share a couple more...

See what I mean? This next one was titled "So Clueless"

And my favorite...

I'm A Blog Slacker today

2011-10-14T20:51:00.001-04:00

So today, my husband updated my computer to the new Lion thingy on my MAC. I don't really understand it all except that I now have different looking email, and I have iCloud instead of MobileMe. Again... new things to learn but I must say that this is the first time that I'm not approaching change with fear and apprehension. I am really growing! I actually can't wait to learn what this all day update is going to do!

I've had company. I love them so I'm glad they are here. I'm also on a new medicine that I hate and hope to quit soon. It makes me dizzy, foggy, and tired. So... between the computer issue, my guests, and my new med, I didn't get a chance to write about a beauty product.

But I did come across this photo and being the mother of girls as well as boys, I could relate. Thought you might find this as humorous as I did.

Favorite Product Thursday - Glass Water Bottle

2011-10-13T07:58:00.001-04:00

I came across this via my favorite site for new stuff, the Daily Grommet.

This 22 oz glass bottle was designed by an architectural glass designer named Laurel Herter. She wanted to create an eco-conscious water bottle. And this bottle is made from 75% recycled glass and of course is BPA-free, plus boasts the lowest carbon footprint of any water bottle in the industry. I'll admit it's not cheap at $33.95 before shipping but I'm certain that I've spent way way more than that on bottled water like Poland Springs over the months and years. I bought this for someone as a gift and now I want one for myself! I think it's even nicer in real life than in the photo. My daughter saw it while at my house and she's getting it also. Yup. Us Mosses are sold. Poland Springs is not getting as much of my money soon! Though it may take a bit for me to notice the savings in my budget! But it's worth it.

Check out this video to see for yourself. You will want one. And just think about how many plastic bottles you will never use again. Just don't loose it. Or take it where it can get stolen!

Keeping a Stocked Kitchen Cabinet

2011-10-12T11:52:00.001-04:00

In response to a blog I did about kitchen cabinets, I received this message.

ooh, i just cleaned out all of my cabinets 2 weeks ago. now i'm trying to build up my pantry "essentials". maybe you could do a blog about stocking? im trying to figure out what's good to backstock so the family has everything they need even when im not home to prepare (i work a lot of nights)." private reader

So here is my answer.

Not all cabinets are stocked equally.

Much depends on your cooking and eating habits. For example, if you cook with a lot of stock and don't make your own, you will always keep pre-made stocks in your cabinet. I always make sure that I have stock in the freezer. Since I do love to bake, I always have butter in the freezer (yes, it freezes beautifully)! I also freeze flour once it's open and all my nuts are stored there also. I also make sure I keep back-up breads on hand that freeze well. And always, I keep frozen fresh basil so I have it during the winter.

For my cooking and baking style, I always keep
evaporated milk, condensed milk ( for baking mostly)
olives,
crushed pineapple ( I use this in my fruit and veggie juices)
coconut milk ( for when I get the urge to make red curry)
tomato soup my only canned soup ever (for when Jeff gets the urge for it to go along with grilled cheese)
canned clams, potatoes and half and half (so I can make New England Clam Chowder anytime as a quick meal)
and canned salmon (for salmon cakes)

Point is, you need to keep things around so you can make a meal without having to defrost something!

Crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, 8 oz. tomato sauce and tomato paste are standards. ( I prefer Hunts to Redpack these days but I'm a bargain hunter also and can't pay double so when something is on sale for a buck from $1.89, I must stock up.
Beans, all kinds We eat them in soups, Mexican food and I make a black bean dip and lots of hummus too, so beans are always in stock. This, by the way is my basement back stock cabinet. It doesn't fit in my kitchen so I asked my husband to install kitchen cabinets in the basement for me.

Lentils, different rices, pastas, cous cous, and quinoa ( I like options for sides as well as main dishes).

And then, a variety of vinegars, good olive oil, Pam with flour and regular Pam are basics too. I'm thinking of adding coconut oil to this mix also for better health.

And of course. Spices. Lots of them!

I like to keep my spices in small jars as I don't have much room in the kitchen but I also use so many spices that I like to buy in bulk from Penzeys . So I keep my backup stocked in a cabinet where it's mostly dark (my laundry room) which is where my other kitchen cabinets are. This keeps them fresher being they are away from light and heat.

So, in building your pantry, think about what you feed your family and make sure you always keep a stock of those things. Over the years as my kids were growing up, I kept things on hand for them so they could feed themselves like

frozen pizza

Hot Pockets (though the boys can't believe they liked these awful things now)!

lots of cold cuts like baked turkey and ham.

Different cheeses

and Costco and BJ's sell these great complete Angus hamburgers that come 6 or 8 in a package. I'd keep a couple of them defrosted in the fridge for the boys. All they had to do is heat them. And they tasted great for prepared food.

Now a days, I prefer to eat healthier and I will make sure I always have salad greens in the fridge along with nice cheeses and dried cranberries so a salad is only minutes away from eating. And thankfully, all my boys like that. I even put greens on their sandwiches, as do they, when they make them. Fresh spinach, arugula, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes.... always in the house!

And we always made sure we had homemade iced tea so they didn't want for soda.

Hope this helps!

Musical Trash The Dress and Uke By Lisa Hannigan

2011-10-08T09:11:00.000-04:00

I can't take the credit for finding this. My daughter, Allie posted this on her blog. In the past, I've had the pleasure of being a part of a several "Trash The Dress" photo shoots, where brides put their wedding gown back on and 'trash' it in some clever way, usually with their grooms. These images are often more romantic and artistic than the wedding itself. This musical video evoked to memory such shoots, (without the romantic part). She trashes herself and her instrument instead. So this Musical Trash the Artist, Instrument and Song all in a really really fun way!

Haven't heard of a Trash The Dress Shoot yet? I'll show you a couple of photos at the end here. But first, enjoy with me this singer, Lisa Hannigan singing 'Knots' while being pelted with paint. This video was hosted on NPR Music and you should probably go there to read the story if this interests you. But I'll show you a couple of freeze frames from it to make you want to go!. And a bit copies from the post about how the idea came to be.

See where this is going? I wonder if any of these guys have ever seen a Trash session?

And I found several using paint but really liked this one...

Thanks Allie for sharing!

How To Fix Broken Eyeshadows or Blush

2011-10-07T16:44:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited about this post because we all have broken eye shadows from time to time. Last night I noticed that Allie had a broken one in her large MAC pallet that holds 16 colors. She travels a lot so this is a common occurrence. It's very easy to do.

Here's a pic of Allie's with the broken one....

All you have to do is spray it with rubbing alcohol....

Then, take a quarter (or some other change that fits the size of your broken product) and wrap it in thin cotton. A t-shirt works great....

Like this...

After you spray your broken shadow, take the fabric covered coin and press it firmly into the shadow, twisting gently from side to side....

And your shadow is all fixed!

This also works on any other pressed product.

Great Gift Idea for The Little Kiddos

2011-10-05T07:52:00.000-04:00

It's called the Trunki... a ride on suitcase. And I found it, of course on my favorite website for new stuff, Daily Grommet. The Trunki holds all their favorite toys and can be lugged to Nana's house or for a weekend trip to a friends how. It even meets the airline regulations for carry on and the best part is they can carry it themselves via pulling it or riding it! Go watch the Grommet video here if you have little people who like to carry their stuff around!

It appears to be priced between $26.99 and $ 39.99.

It's Cold Out... Which Means Pie Time!

2011-10-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

Things I love about fall....
Wrapping myself in scarves and being able to wear skinny jeans since the boots bring a bit of balance to the hips. Boots are the best!

And since I love change when it comes to food and drink, fall brings on a whole new way of cooking.
Yup. Time for pie! And this...

My first cup of plain hot water of the season.

I drink it along side my coffee, or after. Allie told me about this last year and I gotta say that it helped so much in consuming water in the cold season. You can add lemon, lime or orange. I do that some times but I also like it just plain. But really hot. And I find when I get really cold, this works better than coffee or tea to warm up on the inside. Well, brandy works well too, but that's not a good idea in the mid morning!

So while the air was crisp the other day, I sipped my hot water and made pie crust for the first pumpkin pie of the season.
Pie crust seems to be something that we fear making. I admit that I used to buy the crust and just make the filling for the first several years of my pie baking adventures. It wasn't until I tasted store bought crust and my friend's homemade at the same time that I decided it was worth learning how to make it. A friend, who made my recipe for the filling brought a pie to the same event allowing me to sample them side by side. My store bought crust tasted cardboard-y. And dry. Her's was flaky and so tasty! So I changed my paradigm and decided that if she could make it, so could I rather than leave pie crust in that catagory of stuff too hard to make. It's really not! It's easy, actually. But like rice, or pancakes... it's not forgiving if errors are made.

So today, I want to focus on rolling out the dough. To actually make the crust, you can go to a previous blog I wrote here, where I give you the recipe and technique. I use a food processor which makes it very quick and easy. If you don't have one, the other method using a pastry cutter works well ( better, actually) but takes double the time. Below is an image of what a pastry looks like. I also wrote another blog on pie crust here, giving attention to how to get the pie crust into the pie plate along with a different way to finish the edge and how to store them if you want to make them in advance. I really advise reading both of these other posts to become familiar with dough first.

So... Rolling out the dough.
If the dough makes your hands wet and sticky, it's too wet. So flour your hands before placing the dough on your flat surface for rolling out.
There are a couple of different ways to roll out dough using different tools. Both work well. It's your preference or what you have!
Either marble pin and board like this.....

Or wooden pin with cloth cover and cloth for rolling on, like what I used below. I own both and both work well. The marble set using 'cold' and 'weight' to help the crust roll out. The cloth is gentle and lets you go slower, I think and gives less breakage to the crust. Just my opinion...

1. Flour your surface and roll your pin through the flour so both are coated.

2. Place your dough, shaped like the photo in the center.

3. Starting from the center, roll towards the edge working to make a round circle about two inches
larger than the pie plate.

4. You can place your pie plate on top to judge the size like this...

5. Now you place your crust into the pie plate (remember that detailed directions are given on
the other blog). You don't want to rip it now if you've made a nice one. But don't worry if it's
not perfect! You can patch it. Just press gently to get the dough to meld.

6. Here is another way to finish the edges...

You simply fold the overhanging dough under. Then on one side, push your index finger into the
dough while you cradle your dough wrapped index finger with the other index finger and middle finger on the other side. I really wanted to show you this via photos but no one was home to take it and I haven't yet mastered the timer thingy. Sorry! Now you crust is ready to fill!

Oh yes. For some pies, you will need to bake the crust solo. If so, you can toss some foil into the center, loosely and pour some dried beans on top to weigh it down while it bakes. For many pies, though, you just fill and bake. Note. Always read the directions to the end of what you're baking to know what you will need to do next!

I'd love to see pics from you guys!

In closing... a confession. My very first pie ever...
A chocolate cream pie....
I greased the pie plate (don't ever do that) so the crust slid down into a lovely 3/4 inch blob on the bottom. I over cooked the chocolate mixture making for this grand rubbery disaster! Then I overbeat the whipped cream... yup... into butter! And I had the nerve to serve it to my man. I think it was the only time her ever said "I'm sorry. I can't eat that."

We all make mistakes! We grow. We learn. Let's raise our glasses (Ok, coffee cups, or whatever your drinking while reading) to a homemade pie crust. You can do this!

*This is what a pastry cutter looks like!

Game Day: Done In Style

2011-10-03T09:08:00.002-04:00

I admit... I'm no football fan. I have tried to learn the game but I guess that I'm just not interested enough to care. I remember back when Allie was about one and a half, she walked into the living room while football was on and yells "OH, dey all run, OH dey all fall down. OH dey all run again! OH mommy, dey all fall down again!" And over the years, her statement that day pretty much sums it up for me. But since I'm surrounded by crazy Giants fans between friends and family, I've managed to learn a little more over the years. Not much, but enough. All that doesn't matter though because games can be really fun. Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. Him, in front of the TV with a friend or two, expecting you to bring the beer and chili to them. No no! That doesn't happen much, and when it does, I don't mind bringing the football fare. I do, however, hang with people who should win an award if one were given for hosting the best Giants football parties. Ever!

Take The Dooleys and their Giants Fan Ritual....
Bob, the father of 5; 3 which are girls, once told me that there are a couple of things that his daughters need to know...
that any future husband must love Jesus 1st and The Giants after that in order to fit with their family.

Here's how it's done at their house. They figure, the game is played outside so it must be watched outside. With few exceptions, like thunder and lightning, pouring rain, or deep snow, that is how it done. I've been there during some pretty cold weather with blankets on our laps and the wood stove burning! Years ago, when they first started these backyard tailgate events, they pulled the pickup into be back yard and put the TV in the back of the truck. Then came another kid and I think the pickup had to go.

Peggy, Bob's wife, keeps a log. She feeds all the guests the food of the enemy team. Yup, when the Giants play Philly, we would eat Philly Cheese steak. But most likely, if the Giants lost this game, Peggy would come up with something else that is big in Philly for the next Giants/Philly game.

I will just go ahead and show you how it's done in pictures because you gotta see this to believe it! Yes, the flat screen TV comes out for each game!

I should mention that Peggy doesn't believe in serving guests off of paper plates, even when her dishwasher was in need of repair! She will break down and use paper napkins if they happen to represent! And boy, can she cook and bake!

So this game happened to be a nail biter! I can't remember if the Giants pulled it out or not. But I do remember how great the food was!

When things get too tense, people need a breather.

And this seems the perfect time to work on how to throw.

And kick.

And now it's time to eat. Giants played Tennessee so we ate ribs.

Yup. Even I can enjoy a football game when it's done like this. The only thing I had to get used to back in the beginning was Peggy shushing me so often so she could watch the game!

Crazy thing is they do this all season long! Every game!

Apologizing in Relationships

2011-10-02T08:18:00.002-04:00

Would have love to have found who said this...but failed in my ten minute search.

I found this on a friends FB page and it made me think. There really is an art to apologizing. Showing that you are truly sorry for something you did without excuses doesn't come easy. We are always too tempted to say "I'm sorry, but..."
But a heartfelt apology is so heart melting. It's easier, I believe to forgive when the apology comes without explanation or excuses.

I used to apologize believing that I needed to say things like I would never do something like that to hurt you on purpose. Then I read this book about forgiveness and things changed for me. I realized that duh, of course I wouldn't do it on purpose, but I still did do something without realizing how much it might offend someone! And a true apology along the lines of "I'm sorry I hurt you" is much sweeter to the soul than I would never do something like that to hurt you on purpose. It offers more vulnerability and humility and thereby allows forgiveness to come with a pure heart, bringing harmony to the relationship.

I also realized that often, it's not just one person who is wrong. But in the process of a dispute, both parties offer unkind words and attitudes which don't bring resolve. If we think about it, being hurt usually brings along it's own baggage of cutting words, quick responses and things said out of that hurt. Those things don't get a free pass! That's what I was thinking when I read the quote.