My Way, No. 10

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— The first ‘My Way’ post of 2015! Happy New Year! It has really helped me to write these posts with short bits of randomness. Saved quite a bit of time. I hope you are finding a few things of interest to you. I am going to try to update my blogroll and photo gallery soon.

— I was saddened by reading about the passing of former NY Governor Mario Cuomo. I am not a fiercely political person (though I have my beliefs and convictions, as most do), but this news still touched me. As you know, I originally hail from NY. His name stands out for me among a select few politicians holding office during my lifetime. I pray for the consolation of his family during this time.

— A few days before Christmas, I passed by the local mall and was thrilled to see several beautiful flowers blooming. I was informed they had just been planted that day. I felt like they were there just for me! If you recall from my ‘Still Lifes‘ post with the flower cupcakes, I had been a bit gloomy due to the weather. Seeing the newness of “spring” life in the winter gave me an instant cheering up. I guess living in the desert has its perks. I went back a couple of days ago to snap a few reminder pics:

— Has your New Year’s resolution to get moving and exercise left you with aches and pains in body parts you didn’t know you had, lol? 🙂 I recommend stretching very, very, VERY well before, during, after, whenever, and howmuchever you need it (after warming up, of course), but I thought I would also share a link for several natural remedies. It includes herbs, essential oils, and even kombucha (hadn’t heard of that one before! I’ll have to research it a bit further.): Sore Muscle Relief.

— I feel like I am one big head of lettuce walking around, I have consumed so much, haha! I’ve also been whipping up some of the 32 Detox Drinks I posted. I have enjoyed all of them thus far: Super Hydration Juice (with strawberries and beets), Cranberry Bliss Smoothie, Golden Detox Drink (I’ve made this before, but just coincidentally), and Orange Surprise (love the celery in this drink). I also made one from another site with cranberries, kale, and pom: Cranberry Pomegranate Detox Juice. And, I have been sipping the Ayurvedic Detox Drink several times a day (which I also saw here) without the fennel seeds. I have never been a big fan of fennel/anise/licorice-y flavors. Perhaps I will get brave one day and try it. I absolutely love the smoky cumin, though, and that’s what makes me keep making batch after batch. I’ve never had it in a tea, but it’s a new fave. My goal is to prepare a different one of the juices, teas, or smoothies each day for a couple of weeks. I think the variety will keep me interested. I haven’t been using the exact recipe measurements, just using the ingredients as a guideline.

— I took a pic of one of my recent salads that was so simple, but SO good! I actually had it for breakfast vs. my normal fruit. That morning, I just kept thinking about the butter lettuce I had purchased. So, salad it was. I rarely purchase butter lettuce (it’s not always available & many times it’s a lot pricier), but it’s my fave type. As it was a chilly morning, I decided to top it with a few warm roasted veggies: beets, butternut squash, shallots, and baby carrots. Just a bit of extra-virgin olive oil, thyme, and s&p to flavor the veggies. I added pistachios for a bit of crunch and extra nut-trition, and sesame seeds for some toastiness. I always buy sesame seeds raw & unhulled, then toast them as I need them. They are usually less expensive that way, and it gives you the toasted or raw option. I am kind of obsessed with sesame seeds, and now I am loving them on salads. I made a quick vinaigrette from maple, dijon, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vin, and a bit of onion powder. This was such a delicious combo, that I reheated the leftover veggies and had another half portion. I usually try to retain a bit more nutrients by not overcooking veggies, but they can be so yummy when they get a bit more caramelized. So, I think the second go round was even better.

Perhaps if I were not trying to eat lighter right now, a bit of goat cheese would have been a pleasant addition. As my body has decided to hold some sort of revolt against full & low-fat dairy products, it’s just as well (the evilness!). I will be continuing my fast from them or severely limiting my portions for a while, I think. After cutting the butternut, I took my suggestion and roasted the seeds with the Thai Lime Chili Cashew seasoning I posted at Thanksgiving. Yum!

— More on the lighter meals front, I prepared the Salmon Noodle Soup from the previous ‘My Way‘ post, and adored it. Simple and satisfying. I used whole wheat spaghetti instead of rice noodles. I didn’t have any baby corn, so I subbed some kale. Then, I saw Thai Coconut and Veg Broth on the same site and decided to merge the two recipes. I kept the kale and salmon, and included the Thai soup’s veggies and coconut milk base. Delish! They are both now in my go-to soup repertoire.

— The Make-A-Wish Foundation is so wonderful. This story really touched me.
Great news: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/28/guardian-observer-christmas-appeal-tops-300000-pounds

— Dash it all, too bad I didn’t see this before Christmas! These light bulb penguin ornaments are the cutest. Oh well, perhaps keep it in mind when that time rolls around again (or get a head start). Several other adorable options, too: 20 DIY Christmas Ornaments. Check out this very cool (and très simple, I might add) fluorescent ink project! Homemade Sidewalk Chalk.

— DIY Neon Clutch from a VHS case. Coolness…

— Recipes: If you’ve said pshhhaw at all of this post-Holiday “cleansing and detox” business, lol, check out this warming Hot Buttered Whisky. Or, how about a Loaded Italian Sub with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli (OMGoodness, looks SO good!) and 4-Ingredient Coconut Cream Chocolate Bars for dessert? I’m sure you could find some way to spin the bars healthy, like with raw dark chocolate, raw coconut, maybe even some nutrient-rich almonds 😉 Works for me 🙂 . A couple other healthier options, haha: Roasted Harissa Veg w/ Kale and Ginger Pilaf and Protein Power Lentil-Amaranth Patties. Perhaps if I decide to venture towards fennel again, I would prepare something along these lines: Mozzarella Bruschetta w/ Shaved Fennel & Courgette. I’m sure I will at some point, as our tastes can change over the years. It looks rather tasty!

See you next time!

My Favorite Places: Pop-Cycle, Tucson, AZ

Pics from Pop-Cycle, 4th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona. You all know that I love to re&up-cycle just about anything and everything. This place gives me so much joy. They have so many neat up-cycled treasures, but I particularly love these cigar-box purses:

and these picture coat/jacket/scarf, etc. hangers (some styles have several knobs):

This Friday is the big Black Friday Sale on 4th Avenue in Tucson (with Big Local $avings), of which Pop-Cycle will be a part of:

“This Black Friday forget the Malls, the Strips and the Corporate Giants. Come on down to 4th Avenue for Fantastic Black Friday Deals. Over 100 Locally Owned Shops, Restaurants and Bars will be offering great discounts on food, drink, clothing, books and just about anything you can think of. Black Friday on 4th Avenue is all about Free Live Music along a Historical tree lined Avenue with colorful eclectic shopping, creative dining, open air patios, friends and OH YEA!” (4th Avenue.org)

When I was younger, I used to live at the mall. These days, even though I reside closer to one than I ever have…mall life no longer fascinates me. I do have a few stores I really enjoy, though. I just don’t like to spend hours and hours there as I used to. I would rather be at smaller shops, and it’s great to support local businesses. Pop-Cycle is at the top of my list, for sure.

Recipes: Thanksgiving

Guest Post: Apple Walnut Tart with Maple Custard from Baking A Moment | Hip Foodie Mom.

Well, it’s getting to be about that time. For those of you reading in the States, it’s countdown time to Turkey Day. I know those of you outside the States are probably wondering what all this fuss is about, lol. I see many of the blogs I read in the UK and other places are already on to Hanukkah and Christmas. I posted this gorgeous Apple-Walnut Tart on my previous blog, but missed re-posting it here. I thought it to be perfect for Thanksgiving, though, so here it is again. It does not contain wheat, if you have allergy issues.

As I have been thinking about rounding up recipes to post this past week, I was struck by something: I don’t really remember many of the family Thanksgivings I had growing up. I vaguely recall one or two. I think most of my memories are from the last few years. Perhaps sometimes you think you remember things based on what others tell you. And, maybe talking about traditional foods evokes certain memories that cannot necessarily be pinpointed to a certain occasion. There was a tradition of pasta at one point, but I cannot recall how it started. I think maybe I started it, as I’m the only one in the family so desperately attached to it. Then, a few years ago, I decided to go all out with the normal turkey and trimmings. Each subsequent year it was less and less of a production. I love to cook, but I was exhausting myself. I was so worn out from my job the last couple of years, that I actually supplemented the meal with restaurant food! So, this year, I am not giving myself all of that stress.

I had several years I spent with my “adopted family” versus my own. As our family food heritages were the same, much of the same types of dishes were prepared: sweet potato pie, cornbread dressing, collard and turnip greens, baked mac & cheese. My mom always made apple pie, too, in addition to the sweet potato. The times I spent with my friends’ families or my step family, the dishes were much different: pumpkin pie, white bread stuffing, green bean casserole.

I’ve tried to gather a few recipes to add to the more traditional ones you may already have. I wasn’t really seeking out the healthiest types of dishes (although some are on the healthy side). Most of the recipes are not that involved, as you probably have enough going on that day to add too much more to it, haha. I tried to list a recipe from each of the food blogs on my blogroll this time, but please do check their entire blog for more fab inspiration.

Appetizers

I think apps and desserts are my favorite part of any type of gathering. When I prepared a big family meal for the day, I found I had to make sure to have enough snacks out pre-turkey. Otherwise, people try to sneak some of the dressing, etc. while everything is still being prepared, haha.

Crock Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa Bites
Goat Cheese and Cheddar Carrots Not a recipe, but take a look at the pic to see how to make it. SO adorable!
Thai Lime and Chili Cashews If you can’t have nuts, you might try the seasoning on roasted pumpkin or squash seeds. I made roasted seeds from the delicata squash I recently had with my own seasoning blend. I was going to use them for a salad, but they tasted so good warm…they were consumed quickly, lol!
Also, here are links to previous posts for:
Crab and Goat Cheese Guacamole
Homemade Cheese
Homemade Crackers
And, DIY serving tray/plate ideas for your cheese/fruit/nuts/olives, etc. from previous ‘My Way’ posts here and here.

The Bird

I always use a brine for my turkeys (cornish hens, etc.), but here’s something I’ve never tried:

Roasted Tea-Brined Turkey Breast

Dressing

Cornbread Dressing with Apples and Chorizo

Rolls & Savory Biscotti

Soft 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls You can use this as a base recipe for many shapes of rolls. I really like fan-tans.
Parmesan-Rosemary Biscotti

Veggies & Sides & Salads

Chilled Sweet and Sour Cucumber Noodles
Green Beans with Tomatoes and Feta
Roasted Butternut Squash with Black Garlic and Miso
Tennessee Honey Corn Pudding Whiskey is the secret ingredient!
Sticky Roast Chatenay Carrot Medley with Pomegranate Molasses
Rosemary Sweet Potato Stackers
One-Pan Spicy Rice
Roasted New Potatoes with Lemon and Thyme
Horseradish Mashed Potatoes Horseradish makes everything better. I could almost eat it by itself, I love it so much!
Previous links for:
Maple-Shallot Brussels Salad
And, if you make traditional sweet potatoes with marshmallows, don’t forget about the Homemade No-Corn Syrup Marshmallows recipe I recently posted.

Cranberry Sauce

Here’s a 2 for 1: Grab-n-Go Sweet Potato Cranberry Quinoa Power Bowl. Use the spicy cranberry sauce recipe for your Holiday meal, and then keep the cranberry love going with this energizing power bowl.

You can also use it for a leftover turkey waffle sandwich like the one I had at our Viva La Local Festival. I just can’t get away from thinking about that sandwich!

Desserts

As I said, sweet potato and apple pie have been the standing traditions in my family. I brought in the new tradition of mini or individual desserts. I have always loved any type of mini/petite dessert display. I love being able to sample a little bit of all kinds of tastes. It’s the same reason I’m fond of buffet-type meals.

Buttered Pecan Pots de Creme
Individual Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecakes
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies
Caneles
I cannot seem to link to videos properly, but check out Gemma’s 3 Bigger Bolder Holiday Pies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53SW4HAyxqU and if you have any desserts that are crying out to be a la mode, make sure to view Gemma’s popular No Ice Cream Machine Required, 2-Ingredient Ice Cream Base video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j70yTq2ysLQ. I first started watching Gemma’s vids after seeing a gorgeous ‘Naked Wedding Cake’ she made. The cake is ‘naked,’ as it has no icing (just powdered sugar), just FYI. I posted it on my previous blog, but I also missed re-posting it here. I am not great at cake decorating, so it’s right up my alley! She has new vids on Thursdays (and sometimes even more days of the week), and they are always so fun.

Drinks

Homemade Cranberry Liqueur Very versatile! You can use this for a host of things.
Funfetti Coffee Creamer After you’ve had your bubbly, here’s a fun funfetti way to perk up for football games and such.
Previous links for:
Rhubarb Shrub Sparkler
Sage and Peppercorn Old Fashioned
The Queen’s Cocktail

I hope you enjoy these recipes. If you don’t have the exact ingredients available (or cannot have some ingredients, for whatever reason), don’t let that stop you from creating your own version. You can use the recipe as a starting point to springboard your new ideas off of. You may be surprised at what you can come up with!

My Way, No. 5

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— Well, we’re into the 60’s here in Tucson, with some mid-70’s temps. I think I can justify wearing a lighter cape right now. Get the scoop on capes here: 21 Cute + Warm Ways to Wear a Cape.

— I caught up with Mrs. Green (not her real name, of course 😉 ) from Mrs. Green’s World at the Viva La Local Festival I recently posted about. I first learned of her organization from a local magazine, and then met her in person when she agreed to speak at one of my employer’s annual conferences. Her website is full of helpful hints and tips, and I thought I would share this blog post on having a greener and more sustainable Holiday season: Green Holidays are Easier Than You Think.

— DIY Teeth Whitener. Interesting info on how an orthodontist noticed teeth whitening as a side effect of oral wound care in the 60’s.

— Cooool…Kosherfest.

— And, awesome new Jewish museum in Poland. “It is the place that commemorates everything that is gone and will never return. And it reveals hope for a different future,” says Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

— Today’s Recipe Stars: Lobster Omelette OMGoodness, lobster and eggs were made for each other. Homemade No-Corn Syrup Marshmallows I love, love, love marshmallows, and even more so around the Holidays. Red Lentil Kofte, Zucchini with Butternut-Rosemary Coconut Creme Sauce. Today’s Featured Libation: The Queen’s Cocktail Check the blog recipe index for a pic of this delightful drink. Today’s Featured Base Recipe (basically, one to keep handy): Thai Green Curry Paste. Today’s Featured Cooking Technique:  Sorry, couldn’t make the link work on my computer, but go to How to Tourne a Potato by Gill Boyd (www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2LMzr2VPRY)

— After being on a breakfast burrito kick and then making tamales, I started making breakfast tacos. I thought I might as well make a batch of corn tortillas after making tamales. So, most of them have been used for breakfast tacos and a few for fish tacos. I love fried fish tacos from several places in town, but I didn’t fry mine. I actually took the time to make the eggs for a couple breakfast tacos my fave way. I love to cook them over a double boiler with olive oil (or butter, if I’m feeling luxurious). I love the texture of the eggs when prepared this way, but many times I am too hurried & quickly cook them in a fry/sauté pan. I have also been making my fave oatmeal with extra-virgin olive oil. It may sound strange, but I really enjoy it. I think maybe my mom got me started with that. And, after having that scrumptious turkey sandwich at the Viva La Local Festival, I started craving waffles. I just kept thinking about the sandwich, but as I didn’t have all of the ingredients…I had to settle for these Sweet Blue Corn Flax HHW (hand-held waffles).

I love sweet corn muffins, so I sometimes compromise and make a waffle instead. If you throw a few hot dog slices in, you can have yourself a corny dog HHW. I made these with blue cornmeal, whole&heirloom wheat flour, and flax. I put the flax in so I could feel like I was eating something healthier (instead of the cake that it really is 😉 ). I usually make extra to freeze and pop them out when I want a quick snack. My mom refuses to eat sweet corn muffins. I don’t know how I could have been born to her, as she doesn’t really care for things super sweet as I do, haha.

— I’ve also still been making salads and was reminded of the worst dining out experience I’ve had in years and years (just the food, the service was nice). I took my mom’s friend to a salad bar chain restaurant (at her request) a few months ago, and it was absolutely awful. I wasn’t expecting much and figured as it was salad and a buffet, how bad could it be? I think tried at least 20 items (salads, other buffet items, desserts) hoping that something would eventually taste somewhat decent. I found maybe 3 or so items out of all I tried to be OK in taste, texture, etc. The ice cream wasn’t even good. They said that most of the food was made on the premises and fresh, but I have had many fast food and chain restaurant meals that were previously frozen, microwaved, canned, etc., that have been better (and some that were quite good, in fact). I’m not trying to compare it to some fancy, fine dining place, either. I was just really shocked that I enjoyed almost nothing. We do have a chain salad bar in town I really like, though. It’s actually a sandwich chain, but the salad bar is fab and great in a pinch if you are nearby (and the sandwiches are pretty yummy, too).

— Keep that local love for your community going! 6 Ways to ‘Go Local’ for Thanksgiving. For those of you not in the states celebrating Turkey Day, you can still apply most of these tips to other Holidays.

— I guess as I’m fasting from cheese, I am now obsessed with cheese-related items. Love this DIY Chalkboard Cheese Serving Tray idea and these DIY Wine & Champagne Cork Cheese Spreaders are so cute! They would be great for the upcoming Holidays or any day, really. Beyond cheese, also check out these creative and thrifty ways to Decorate Your Holiday Table with Items Found in Nature.

‘Til next time!

DIY Air Dry Clay Bowl

DIY Air Dry Clay Bowl.

I recently saw a few awesome pottery pieces, so I thought I would post this link for a DIY Clay Bowl. This is an easy project for beginners, or those not artistically inclined (–>Me<–). My love for clay and pottery developed from admiring a relative’s collection. She would travel to Pennsylvania from New York to purchase items from a couple’s small shop. She would bring back the most beautiful dishes and unique vessels. I try to collect pieces as I find them.

This is also a great project to get little ones involved in. You might find you have a budding artist in the family!

My Way, No. 3

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— This DIY Fork Photo Display is so cute. I think it would be a great idea for dinner party, etc., place card holders. And, if you’re having a gathering, I absolutely adore this easy DIY Marble Cheese or Cake Stand.

— So, I said in a recent post that our jacket and scarf weather is very brief here in Tucson. But, I saw this post about 11 Ways to Wear Statement Collar Coats and had to share it. I don’t know if I could pull a few of these styles off, but they are fun to look at. I love looking at different styles regardless of whether or not they are ‘me.’ If I had one person I wish I could emulate fashion-wise, it would be Jackie O. She had such a simple, elegant style. I think of her style as I prepare for different occasions, but I still try to be ‘me’ (read my post on how to not be a total copycat, lol 😉 ).

— You know I have to post a few recipes that are tempting, so here goes: Homemade Vegan Tamales, Old Fashioned Panna Cotta with Bourbon, Bitters, and Tangerines, Loin of Venison in Sloe Gin and Blackberry Glaze. I love venison! The first time I had it, it was prepared by my friend’s mom. She wouldn’t tell us what it was until we finished eating it, haha. Having lived in Texas for a bit, I became obsessed with tamales. We have a fab tamale co. here in Tucson. Tucson Tamale Co. has several locations with many vegan and vegetarian options. If you are not in Tucson, you can order them online: Tucson Tamale Company. Here’s a few pics from one of my visits (tamale is blue corn with calabacitas):

 

— Last ‘My Way‘ post I was stuck on fries, and now I’m on breakfast burritos. That love also comes from my stay in Texas. If there was one meal everyone could agree on, it was breakfast burritos. When our friends were together, they were usually made pretty simply with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and chorizo. I only buy chorizo every once in a blue moon, and I’m fasting from cheese right now…so, I am making them with just homemade tortillas, eggs, veggies, & my lacto-ferm salsa. I especially love the combo of mushrooms and asparagus. I didn’t take any pics because I was so hungry when I made them. Usually my meal pics are not as cute then, as I’ve said in previous posts, haha!

— Yes, I’ve been craving burritos, but I feel a salad wave coming on…a big, big, BIG salad…and I need this bowl to put it in: Siberian Elm Bowl. You could swim in this bowl!

— OK, as I am not the best at craft projects, I thought I would throw this idea out there for some of you who are. There is probably someone out there doing this already, but I haven’t researched it. A few years ago, I picked up a couple of ‘Healthy Salad Dressing’ bottles at a yard sale. They are pretty cool and easy to use. The bottles are labeled with exact ingredient amounts, and you just fill the bottles accordingly. Here’s what they look like:

They give instructions to “add miscellaneous ingredients first, then add liquids to the indicated levels.” My thinking is that you could easily make one of these with perhaps a canning or decorative jar, paint pen (or sticky letters or something similar), and your own recipe(s). Perhaps a clear coat would be wise if you need to protect your writing. I think this would be a great gift idea, even better if you had a batch of dressing already made in the jar.

That’s it for now. See you next time!

DIY Yoga Mat Bag

In my post about that totally adorable DIY Scarf Kaftan, I mentioned I would try to post pics of my up-cycled yoga mat bag. I don’t have step by step instructions because I made this a few years ago, but I think you can get the gist from the pics. As I also said in that post, I am not a machine sewer. So, this project is easy for beginners and only takes a needle and thread. I’m sure you could also find a way to use the iron-on fabric tape or glue if you get crafty enough.

So, without explicit instructions, here’s how I made it:

1) The Body: This was a pair of camouflage pants I found at a thrift store for $5. I cut one leg and used it for the main body of the bag. I measured the pant leg against the length of the rolled up yoga mat and then cut it, adding a few extra inches of material for the top of the bag. When rolled up, my mat is 24 inches lengthwise, so I may have measured 27 or so inches of material. There are probably a number of ways you can create a bag closure, but I chose to use a drawstring. I recycled one from a storage bag I had. You could use just string or ribbon, though (and a matching color might be cute). I sewed the drawstring around the top of the pant leg using the extra inches of material I left.

2) The strap: This pair of pants was a double blessing because it came with a matching braided belt. If you don’t have a belt, you can always use the material from the 2nd pant leg, ribbon, or any other material you fancy. I sewed one end of the belt to the inside of the top of the bag, and the other to the inside of the bottom. I held it up to myself to make sure it had a proper cross-body fit.

3) The bottom: The great thing about a lot of camo pants is that they have big poofy pockets (great for this project, anyway). As you can see in the pic, there’s one on the body of the bag. You can use just the flat pants material for the bottom, but I chose a pocket from the other pants leg. I liked the idea of pockets for this bag because you can store your keys, wallet, etc., without having to lug a purse to class with you.

So, that’s it. Easy as 1-2-3! I cannot remember how I even thought to make this bag, but I really enjoy it so much. Maybe one day I will learn a bit of machine sewing and make one slightly more professional, but this works for now! You can get creative with any thrift store pair of pants, or you can save even more by up-cycling ones you already have.

Easy Labor Day Weekend Craft Project: Chalkboard Paint Wine Glasses

Inspired Entertaining: DIY Chalkboard Wine Glasses | Always Order Dessert.

I love chalkboard paint projects because they are great for any DIY craft skill level and can produce fun and whimsical or striking effects. For those in the States, I thought Labor Day weekend would be the perfect time to take on this type of project (if you’re not in the States, I’m sure there are plenty of reasons you can find to still take it on 🙂 ). Many people have a number of guests over, and it can be quite easy for them to lose track of their glass. Actual wine glasses are great if you are having a formal gathering, but you can always use disposable ones for a more casual type of party. You can even use a ‘rocks’ glass (true glass or disposable) if you do not plan on serving beverages you think befit a wine glass.

The link above uses a black spray paint, but here’s another video link demoing a colored paint from a can: How to Make Event Place Cards. I think red and blue paint with white chalk would be a great festive look!