Adventures in Gardening

Things are moving forward in the gardening world - and this year it looks like there are bountiful harvests all over the prairies! I have heard that chokecherries are hanging like grapes in certain areas of the province, and I know the squash in my garden is coming forth with a fury I cannot even keep up with on a mental level.

There will be squash.

 

My 'Garden of Eatin' as I have dubbed it - is going to give us tomatoes, squash, corn, zucchini, cucumbers, peas (yummy!) and carrots.

I am very lucky to live in an area where gardening is even possible. Although we suffer from what I call 'the 10 month winter deadness', I love the idea of growing our own food and having nutritious options instead of constantly buying produce from the store and settling for whatever they happen to have in stock at the time. I'm also learning a lot from those who have a list of things that work (aka: tricks of the trade) when it comes to stocking up for winter.

It has been super busy around here getting everything put into the freezer, I thought I'd share a few snaps with you. What good would a blog be if it didn't entertain and inform?

I learn so much every day - mainly because in the past I ignored the lessons and went straight for the fun. I was the grasshopper and the ant story - and I wasn't the helpful one.

I bought my food in a store and thought hateful things about gardening. Dirt too. Things change.

Fresh corn on the cob is my favorite garden treat next to fresh peas. I used to wonder if it was possible to eat so many garden peas that you would get ill. It is. Totally possible......but so delicious.

A friend of ours grew this beautiful specimen of corn - peaches and cream he called it - and I learned that when the husk at the top of the corn (the hairy brown part) is dried out, your corn is ready! It's like nature's timer.

So, a bag of corn on the cob is turned into blanched and bagged corn for the freezer. We may or may not have set aside a feed of corn for our evening meal......ok, we totally did and we will be doing it again really soon. Eating fresh from the garden - there is nothing better!
The one thing that I noticed during the whole process of blanching and preparing? It is time consuming - but it makes a person feel terrific!
Getting ready for winter just got even more fun. I have canned, froze and dried for winters past - but never like this. Never.......but it has been a goal for awhile now!

The tomatoes - it seems that they are not the type of vegetable that knows when to quit.

I learned this year that indeterminate and determinate species of tomatoes exist (nope, didn't know this):

Determinate varieties of tomatoes, also called "bush" tomatoes, are varieties that are bred to grow to a compact height (approx. 4 feet).

They stop growing when fruit sets on the terminal or top bud, ripen all their crop at or near the same time (usually over a 2 week period), and then die.

 

They may require a limited amount of caging and/or staking for support, should NOT be pruned or "suckered" as it severely reduces the crop, and will perform relatively well in a container (minimum size of 5-6 gallon). Examples are: Rutgers, Roma, Celebrity (called a semi-determinate by some), and Marglobe.

 

Indeterminate varieties of tomatoes are also called "vining" tomatoes. They will grow and produce fruit until killed by frost and can reach heights of up to 10 feet although 6 feet is considered the norm. They will bloom, set new fruit and ripen fruit all at the same time throughout the growing season.

 

They require substantial caging and/or staking for support and pruning and the removal of suckers is practiced by many but is not mandatory. The need for it and advisability of doing it varies from region to region. Experiment and see which works best for you. Because of the need for substantial support and the size of the plants, indeterminate varieties are not usually recommended as container plants. Examples are: Big Boy, Beef Master, most "cherry" types, Early Girl, most heirloom varieties, etc.

 

From: GardenWeb.Com

 

One of my favorite because it is versatile veggies has got to be the onion. They really work with so many things - and just the combination of onions and anything else makes a mouth water! We have a friend who grows incredible onions and always shares. The size of some of the vegetables I have seen locally grown amazes me! Onions are a known cancer fighter too - so be sure to eat your onions! The one thing I learned? Onions are a natural blood thinner! Perfect for me!

I'm not sure why I was so opposed to gardening in the past. I think it may have stemmed from always watching others master the art of the vegetable and my not wanting to at the time. It seemed overwhelming so I didn't even bother to get started learning about it. There were other (more fun) things I wanted to do. We can all learn.

This year, I put three types of herbs in my garden; parsley, oregano and thyme. I wasn't disappointed! There is nothing like fresh herbs for cooking - even dried they seem far superior to anything you can buy at a local grocery store. I love the scents - and learning about how each one benefits us - I used to think that spices and herbs were 'boring' and without value in my life.

 

I know now that as we grow up, priorities change and we shift our focus to other things.

 

These days my focus is on filling up the freezers with all of these vegetables before winter. I love that this winter I will be able to go to the freeze rand already have everything I need to make soups, stews and casseroles! It's a great start!

 

Nothing here goes to waste - the trimmings and scraps go to a friends chicken coop - they love them!

Our daughter also wants to remind us that we should save some room in the freezers for all of the pumpkin pie she will be needing soon. Another great idea!

 

Stay tuned - tomorrow I'll share my newly acquired 'Apple Juice' recipe - made from fresh fruit we picked ourselves! It is simple, delicious and really good for you! I have several mystery 'garden mentors' and they are all teaching me so many valuable things about gardening and preserving foods for later use - this apple juice recipe is one of them.

 

My grandparents used to have an apple tree in the back yard and  I remember the sweetest tasting juice that Nan would make. It was like nothing I had ever had before! She added ice to it and make this summery drink I craved as a kid. It was like tasting your favorite food for the first time over and over and over.

 

This apple juice recipe that was shared with me is the very same recipe and I am thrilled I will be able to make this for my family too! It seems to be famous 'round here - so be sure to check in and grab it tomorrow!

Rock the rest of your day - I'm off to see what else I can blanche.

 

 

 

 

 

Period.

Be Happier For It......

Easy Peasy Pecan Pie

Do you love pecan pie? I do - I really, really do.

Whenever I used to make (ok, buy) pecan pie, it would disappear before eyelashes could be blinked and I found it futile to keep bringing it into the house - especially after reading the list of ingredients from store bought pies.

This recipe makes a simple 1.5 inch pecan pie. To accommodate those other pesky folks who are going to bother you to make them one too (most of us call them husbands and children)-adjust the recipe accordingly.

Pecan pie - there really isn't anything better.

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
6 dates, soaked
1/4 cup pecans
pinch salt

1) In a food processor with an "S" blade, process the walnuts and raisins until they are crumbly and stick together. Press into a small tart plate (the one I used is 5 inches diameter) and chill.

2) Then in the food processor again, puree the dates with a tiny bit of the soak water until they form a gooey paste. Spread into the crust and top with pecans.

The amounts can be easily increased to make a larger pie for a more conventional sized dessert.

Fast and good for you. These make great tea time additions!

12 SIGNS THAT SOMEONE MAY BE A RAW FOODIST.

I realize folks who come to this blog aren't raw foodists. I'm currently not 100% raw (at the moment), but I laughed out loud when I read this list.

If you are or know a raw foodist - you will completely get this. If you are exploring, have fun with the idea of it. Either way - all in good fun.

RAW FOOD HUMOR: 12 SIGNS THAT SOMEONE MAY BE A RAW FOODIST

1. If you notice that the person in front of you in the grocery checkout line has twelve bunches of organic bananas in their cart – and they don't own any monkeys – they just might be a raw foodist.

2. If absolutely nothing in their cart comes in any kind of box or jar or can or bag, either they are boycotting all containers, or they are definitely a raw foodist.

3. If you find your neighbors growing large trays of what you think might be cat grass – and you know they don't have any cats – they just might be raw foodists.

4. If those same neighbors also use their oven as a cupboard and their stovetop as space for their dehydrator, they may indeed be raw foodists.

5. If one of your relatives claims the entire family-sized serving bowl of salad as their personal meal at Thanksgiving – and completely ignores the turkey – they just might be a raw foodist.

6. If that relative actually sculpts their own “turkey” out of a substance called “pate,” you know they are a raw foodist.

7. If you walk into a home where the kitchen has more strange contraptions than a well-equipped science lab, it just might be the home of a raw foodist.

8. If that same kitchen contains enough produce to feed an army battalion – and only 2 people live there – you are absolutely in the home of raw foodists.

9. If enticing aromas of pineapple, watermelon and mangoes waft over to you throughout the day from the work cubicle next to yours, your coworker just may be a raw foodist.

10. If that same coworker is the only person in the office still awake at 3:00 in the afternoon – and he never drinks coffee – he is most assuredly a raw foodist.

11. If your friend often speaks some gibberish language using strange words such as durian, goji, maca and cacao, he just might be a raw foodist.

12. If that same friend happens to know someone who goes by the name of “Avocado,” he is definitely a raw foodist.

Thanks, RawFoodGuide

Take a Day to Dream

 

Day dreams are necessary - I believe this to be true (tried, tested and....) - without a dream, how do we ever create our reality? All things start with a thought....and sometimes, it is as simple as seeing something to tweak an idea you never thought you might one day have.

Have you BEEN to Pinterest? I rest my case.

I strongly suggest everyone on earth take 'me days.' These days are not spent taking care of things like dishes or laundry - it is about reflecting and relaxing - and dreaming. Spend time laughing with your kids, friends....whoever makes you feel good inside.

We get time to organize thought during these moments instead of piling our brains full of thoughts and to do lists and things we need to grab at the store lists.....

We can relax in the sun on a blanket (yes, folks still do that!), walk leisurely through our neighborhood or soak the stress away in a tub of bubbles. These are just three cost free ways - there are endless things we can do instead of stressing. When we are stressed, thoughts and creativity will not be able to flow.

A day to dream is part of a complete, balanced lifestyle. It almost sounds like a cereal commercial but it's true! I am more focussed, productive and feel better than if I didn't take the day.

If we can't always take a day, we take moments. We do the best we can with what we have where we are....and we keep moving forward. Never grow up. ;)

No Worries - I Will Never Grow Up!

I still don't feel like an adult. There I said it....

I really, really consider this a good thing in life.

Now, rest assured this doesn't mean I'm not responsible, punctual and professional - I definitely am - but I still try to see the world through the eyes of someone experiencing things for the first time.

I get excited about a thunderstorm every single time and giggle and snuggle up under the blankets - why? 'Cuz thunder sounds creepy and lightning looks incredible! Nature provides a visual spectacular and I'm going to enjoy it - it's a freebie!

It's open season on tickle fights at our house - and with luck my hands aren't in the kitchen sink doing dishes when they attack....I like to be prepared.

I secretly still believe fart noises are hilarious - but only if you make them on your arm like a professional. Avoid the sensory overload of gross - go straight for the funny.

When I was a kid, my 'Nan and Pa' would clear the dining room of all furniture, and the whole lot of us would dance to their favorite songs. It is a memory I will cherish forever - because the sound of people laughing and having fun filled the room and even carried out to the street where the neighbors could hear us. It is infectious and fills us with joy and wonderous memories.

The best is a full, honest laugh that one can't control.....I love em!

Life's short, people.....

We have ridiculous names for things that I swear were invented just to make you laugh. Passing gas is 'tooting', 'sketching has been nicknamed 'doodling,' and our candies are called Smarties, Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Nerds.

We also have the Canadian Toonie. If you haven't given any of these names serious thought and caught yourself laughing, you may not be human after all.

The world needs more silly! I love going to garage sales to try on the strange hats and funky glasses they sell - or grab the camera one afternoon and go hunting for the perfect place to take photos. It is spending time together doing creative and fun things that might just make us feel youthful (because we are).

Once I had a child of my own (when I was 33 years old), I had the perfect excuse to act silly in public without (many) strange looks - super bonus! She is just as silly as her dad and I (wonder why) - so the three of us make a great trifecta.

When we go anywhere - to a museum, park or on some outdoor adventure around our home, we are always finding the silly in the situation. Laughing is what we all love to do and if we ever need a great way to de-stress, we only have to spend time together and mix up some fun.


If you see us at a grocery store and we can hear the music over the PA - you might catch us dancing in the aisle. We've considered a routine. The shopping cart is really a pirate ship so you best get out of the way or Captain Our Daughter might take your stuff!

We've hit costume shops and spend time being goofy and letting out our inner whoever for a good giggle. Halloween is always a riot and I get to go out on the candy circuit again - it's the experience!

We also surround ourselves with friends who share the same love of laughing and living. If you want to feel young - hang out with a terrific bunch of people who are supportive, encouraging.....and silly!

Growing old is mandatory - our bodies are going to break down over time and the rest is....well....up to someone else, I guess....we don't know how much time we have - and sitting around wondering gets us nowhere. I wasn't handed a booklet when I showed up in the maternity ward so I don't have all of the answers. I just know I feel my best when I am laughing and feeling good.

I lived a portion of my life being very serious. Laughter wasn't a real part of it - and if I did laugh, it was probably a phony one. I wasn't a happy camper and it showed in my actions and words. Silly had long left the building.....

One day years later, silly returned! Thanks to what we'll call 'divorce' I found the real me again and returned to my life-loving silly self! It's amazing how we can completely lose ourselves living a busy mismatched life.

Silly is back and it reigns supreme! If I wrote down all of the wacky thoughts I had in a day, people would stop showing up here........or readership would skyrocket.


Life is funny - and no matter how it goes, we should always look for the silly because without it, we seem to miss the complete balance.

Let loose - be silly sometimes! Remember to use common sense - silly is probably frowned upon at the presidential debates, any cross country border stops, memorial services or.......let's just say there are times and places. Balance.
Hubby and I take our responsibility as parents very seriously - and as teachers (and learners) of the next generations we believe that balancing real life responsibility with surreal life magic, fun and a case of the sillies is a terrific thing.

We've put our irresponsible, pre-adult random of acts of stupid behind us and will use them as lessons.....so far so good. Life happens and we'll do the best we can with what we have where we are - and we'll laugh too!

Laughing is a natural stress reducer - and remember;  if you can't laugh at yourself.......you shouldn't be laughing at anyone else either.

What makes you laugh?

Chocolate Covered Katie - The Healthy Dessert Blog

I am always looking for healthy snack recipes - I stumble across many wellness recipe sites that post what looks to be delicious morsels of healthy yumminess, but when I create them in my own kitchen following the recipe to the exact.....it falls flat. I'm all about flavor when It comes to delicious goodies - and the healthier the better.

So when I found 'Chocolate Covered Katie' - a blog dedicated to recipes of the chocolate kind, my ears perked up and I became curiouser and curiouser.....

I explored a bit and discovered;

This isn’t just any dessert blog: it’s the healthy-dessert blog! The recipes featured are healthier versions of your favorite naughty treats: Cookie Dough Milkshakes, Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Brownie Batter Pancakes…..

Katie (the Chocolate Covered) says;

This healthy dessert blog is for anyone who wants to be healthy but refuses to give up eating delicious desserts in the name of health.

Happiness and health go hand-in-hand, and how can you be happy if you’re not eating what you truly desire? My favorite food is chocolate, and I eat it at least once a day. I’ve never been happier. Or healthier.


I scoured the blog - recipe after delectable looking recipe unfolded before me...until my eyes rested on one I have to try!

I'm sharing it here in the hopes Katie encourages sharing - and because the world needs to know about her! I have every intention of creating many of her scrumptious looking treats!

Gluten free brownies.....go!

Gluten Free Black Bean Brownies

 

1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) (250g after draining)

2 tbsp cocoa powder- dutch or regular (10g) (add a little extra if desired)

1/2 cup quick oats (40g) (See nutrition facts link below for all substitution notes.)

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (Honey will work, but not for strict vegans.) (75g)

2 nunaturals stevia packs or 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup)

1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil (40g) (See “nutrition facts” link for all substitution notes.)

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (115-140g) (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.)

 

Optional: more chips, for presentation.

 

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth.

Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor.)

Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan.

Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top.

Cook the black bean brownies 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut.

Makes 9-12 brownies.

We'll be creating these this weekend (thanks, Katie!). Happy exploring - and please let me know what you create from her recipes. Reviews are always welcome.

If you're looking for Katie now too, here are all of her links.

Chocolate Covered Katie's Blog

Find Katie on Facebook

Katie's Chocolate Covered Pinterest Link

A Whole Newer World

Have you ever had that feeling like you wanted to accomplish something - like a big project - but you didn't know how to find the motivation to start? I'm the type of person who likes organization. Clutter is fine with me as long as it is organized chaos (some of you know exactly what I mean) - but even then there will be a time when enough is enough - a major cleaning is in order!

Just like our bodies, our spaces need cleaning too. It's amazing for the mind, body and spirit! If you don't believe me, ask any woman who has had her significant other (or anyone, let's be honest) clean their home. Heck, clean my kitchen and I'm swooning!

I found it very deflating when I would have a list of things to do a million miles long, and I go into that one room that should be fine, but I see a mess and voila - the entire 'Empire' collapses because I can't handle one more thing on my list.

These days, I never let the list get that.....out of control.

So when our daughter voiced her excitement about attending summer camp, the thought processes started spinning and the gears started to turn. Her bedroom had not been renovated since she first moved into it six years ago. It is need of fresh paint and a huge dash of her sprite-like personality. The room just didn't 'fit' her anymore.

It was getting bad. The rug was beyond explanation and the walls.....well.....you might not believe me if I told you. We sort of decided to just close the door.

I'm serious. Here's proof:

We gave her full creative control of the walls for a very long time. There is history here. Our daughter took paint, her hands - and decorated her room in random places......a lot. Her giggles as her eyes lit up at the realization of what she was doing....priceless. She doused the walls in colors, neon ones sometimes and her door was splattered with markers and pen stick people.

She glued (yes, glued) glittery stars all over the place and designed a world she understood and we could really only observe. We bought 'secret pens' that write with invisible ink. The ink only shows up with a special 'magic' light at the end of the pen itself.

We spent hours creating messages and drawing our daydreams on these walls.......

These memories will remain forever - but it was definitely time for a change! She is growing up so fast - and she needs a spiffy new room.

Five days. $160 budget and two amazingly creative minds. We literally made magic!

While we removed all of her things from her room, we were very careful about what we tossed. OK, not really - but she may read this one day and I had to say it.

No, really.....we were careful.

The thing about children and their toys - they can't seem to throw anything away. They become emotionally attached to 'things.' I waded through each little thing she owned and tossed out the broken items and things she no longer uses.

She wants to be an archeologist - so her room is filled with rocks. I half expect the house to fall over onto that side any day now, but we created shelving for her collection of fossils and displayed them for her. Her eyes light up the same way when she discovers a 'new fossil.'

So - after five long days and five even longer evenings, our vision for her new space came to be.

Her bunk bed will be like sleeping on a cloud!

A kid can think in this room!

We added little personal touches - like three framed photos of her dad and I being silly.
The three photos have us spell out "We Love You." We do things like this to make each other feel special!  It brightens moods, fills us with joy and puts smiles on faces that refuses to be removed.




The colors we chose were ones she has hinted at awhile. We observe things she says, pay attention to her 'daydreaming and wish making" and then surprise her when the time is right. We loved these colors - something that seemed to emerge straight from a Tinkerbell movie.

We added accents, framed her photos and dusted the room with sparkles. Every fairy on each wall has a sparkle trail behind them! I chose so many little details to add that it will be awhile before she actually sees them all. There are surprises all over the room!

Her closet was one open space - so we created shelves for both her huge book collection and her fossils. We managed to keep the bulky furniture out of her room with shelves too - so double bonus!

Lining the inside of her closet with decorative blue lights, she can have them on whenever she likes.

A pink curtain covers the closet perfectly - and all of the other details really bring this room together!

She also collects seashells - she has some beautiful ones friends gave her! They are all displayed on her windowsill - to keep them safe.

Having our space fit who we are is a huge part of how we feel. When our room is messy, it creates a feeling in us. When it is clean, sorted and put together - another feeling is there. We have a wavelength....an energy - and if 'stuff' keeps getting in the way of that flow, things get negative very quickly. We can't think.

Usually, we wouldn't take on a project like this in such a short amount of time - but it really got us moving, thinking and doing. What we accomplished in 5 days was outstanding to us! We worked our tails off, but it is amazing what you can accomplish when you set yourself to task. Mind over matter!

Hubby and I were talking about how great it was that we were so efficient - so 'work together' and dedicated to task. We had exhausted ourselves and had a blast together the entire time.

We planned and executed the greatest surprise on our daughter to date (we will top this, no doubts)........and then it happened.

My parents came over to see the new room. We had tea. We chatted.

They told us that 'back when we (as in my 3 siblings and I) went to camp' - they renovated four rooms and painted all of our furniture before we arrived home only five days later. I was floored......so proud of them.....and learned something new about my life yet again. Perspective is still everything. Hubby and I looked at each other and took it as a challenge for next time.

Our daughter arrives home this afternoon and we'll be unveiling her new room to her later today! My intention is to get her reaction on video. It should be priceless!

Rock your day!

 

 

 

 

Moody Manitoba Morning

I have lived in Manitoba for most of my life. As a kid (like most kids) living in a small town was excruciating - I had to explore! I had to get out and see things - experience life.

After doing that (and hating it most of it) I returned to Manitoba. I feel comfortable here - it's home and always will be. I can handle the winter - I don't mind the cold as long as I don't have to be in it (outdoors) long term. When summer hits, I'm all about the yard party.

Others feel that way about where they are, and will defend their choices about where they live too. Feel free to inhabit any part of the earth you wish, people - as long as you're happy there!

The point I'm trying to make here is the bus driver.......

I had to, I'm sorry. The look on your face was priceless.....

So our bus driver was telling me (during a rain shower I'm certain) about a song that someone had written years ago called, 'Moody Manitoba Morning.' I giggled and asked if he was serious - he was.

It turns out my province is quite famous for this song - and I have never heard of it.

He couldn't remember the name of the singer and I promised I would look into it and get back to him. In the meantime, I have fallen victim to that 'end of school don't really make much effort' mom syndrome and I never bothered to Google it.....until today.

Now I am really giggling!

So, Mr. Bus Driver Extraordinaire - here is 'Moody Manitoba Morning' - my focus was on the song, but someone added some Manitoba photos to it and now it is a video. the singers?

THE BELLS! Phew! I managed to pull it all off before the end of the school year too.

 

 

The singer reminds me of the old Woolworth's commercials where they used that Carpenter's song.....'every sha-la-la-la....every woooaaahhhhh'....you get the idea.

The video has some interesting Manitoba sites on it too - enjoy!

Rock your day!



Popcorn & The Deliciousness in Disguise

I love going to the theatre to watch a good movie.

 

Correction - I used to love going to the theatre to eat as much popcorn, candy and soda as I could stuff down my body before the 2 hour time limit 'however long the movie is' was up. I was probably not great dating material at the time but a theatre is always dark and no one could see how much I didn't care - or how much I loved popcorn. Really loved it.

 

The food was always my favorite thing about movie going, but once the food aspect of my life changed, everything had to adjust accordingly. It wasn't a struggle. I didn't stand outside theatres and beg for them to open the doors so I could buy some of that hot, delicious popcorn. I don't think that's what the police report said.....

 

Things adjusted in my life because it was necessary. It happened without much thought, and it happened  to include phasing out of movie theatre food.

 

A large buttered popcorn at the movie theater has 126 grams of fat and 1,640 calories. I am not a counter of calories, but the heart stopping action of this 'treat' is enough to make one stop and think before shovelling handfuls into our mouths.....and why does theatre popcorn and butter end up leaving us with that burny lip feeling? I never understood that....

 

The nutritional information listed for movie theater popcorn represents the entire container as one serving. Interesting....
 

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 The carbohydrate value for movie theater popcorn varies depending on the container size.

The child's popcorn has approximately 25 g carbohydrates while the large bucket has approximately 90 g.

Child-sized movie theater popcorn without butter has approximately 14 g saturated fat and 20 g total fat. With butter, it has 22 g saturated fat and 37 g total fat.

 

A large-sized bucket of popcorn without butter has approximately 55 g saturated fat and 77 g total fat. The large bucket with butter has 73 g saturated fat and 126 g total fat.

 A few movie theaters use canola oil instead of coconut oil to make their popcorn. Yuck.

Small-size movie theater popcorn has about 8 g of protein while a large has 16 g. The total fat and protein values may vary with each movie theater chain.

Movie theater popcorn does not contain significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. When I was going to the movies, vitamins and minerals were the last thing on my list.

 

Small-sized popcorn has 2 percent of the recommended daily value for iron based on a 2,000-calorie diet. The iron value increases slightly with larger popcorn sizes. Movie theater popcorn is high in sodium.

A small-sized container has approximately 150 mg of sodium. That is insanity!

 

This value increases with larger popcorn sizes. The sodium value does not account for consumer added salt before eating. Let's not forget that salt is also a major ingredient to the flavored shakers they offer at theatres - so double the salt right there. Wow.

 

OK, so now that we have covered all of that - is there anything else you should know about movie theatre popcorn? Of course!

 

Here is a list of ingredients that are currently in your movie theatre popcorn. I know, I'm sorry.

 

GMO corn.

90% of the earth's corn is GMO now. Act accordingly.

 

Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil.

Trans fat linked to inflammation, free radical damage and cancer.

Any processed soy is not good for us.

 

Artificial Butter Flavor - Diacetyl & Acetoin.

Linked to asthma and respiratory problems. Read one story here.

 

People who work with this stuff have to wear protective gear or they end up with 'butter lung.'

 

One woman's story about her popcorn lung illness made the paper here.

 

Other ingredients in movie theatre popcorn include;

 

Beta Carotene.

For color.

 

TBHQ.

Anti-foaming agent

Citric Acid.

 

 

One final thought - the chemical diacetyl is not simply found in your theatre treat. It is also found in the at home, microwaveable version (please throw out your microwave - you don't need it....read why here).

 

Ok, Ok...one more piece of information I found; (thanks, How Stuff Works)

 

­In 2003 and 2004, federal health officials looked into the cases of several hundred sick workers at popcorn manufacturing plants. Those workers were diagnosed with popcorn lung, likely caused by inhalation of diacetyl fumes. The owner of a popcorn company in Montana died from complications believed to be related to ingredients in popcorn flavoring [source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer].

It's not only hundreds of popcorn factory workers -- workers in candy and potato chip factories have gotten sick as well, as have at least 20 more workers who manufactured products with diacetyl [source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer]. More than $20 million in damages have been paid out as a result of lawsuits filed by factory workers harmed by diacetyl, and as previously mentioned, some workers have died [source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer].

The sick workers in popcorn and candy factories were exposed to large quantities of diacetyl fumes on a daily basis, but could consumers be at risk? On the next page, we'll look at what's believed to be the first case of a popcorn lover suffering from bronchiolitis obliterans.

Sure, diacetyl is the reason our popcorn has the flavor it does (and why we can't seem to replicate it at home - darn it!)....but if that's why my popcorn tastes so good to me, I'll go without.

Instead of eating the popcorn with the diacetyl poured all over top of it (and if you were like me, you started the butter when the tub was only half full, ensuring proper coverage) - try these interesting and delicious twists on our old favorites. If I can love them, so can you.

*Hot air popcorn with olive oil drizzled on it and parmesan sprinkled over top. Toss and enjoy!

*Hot air popcorn with coconut oil (way yummier than butter) - add your favorite true spices like cayenne, chili spice, garlic powder.....you decide!

Do you have a great diacetyl-free popcorn recipe? I'd love to hear it! Leave it in the comments below - thanks!

Rock your day!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,776 Casserole Meal Ideas In One Blog Post.

Looking for meal ideas that are healthy and not just saying they are? Look no further! I was toodling about one day and came across a piece of paper my mom had given me awhile ago. She, like a few other ladies I know, is always looking out for me when it comes to new recipes and ideas. I store them in one area until I can get to them, explore or create them and then review them.

The title caught my eye first; "In Case You're Stuck." I can't tell if mom typed this out or it came from a book. Either way, she knows me well.

You wanna talk protein combinations? Wow!

Here's what the paper says;

"The work of Anna Gordon, dietician at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, makes casseroles particularly worthy of mention. Eating better for less (Rodale Press) called it, 'an amazing piece of work' (and I agree), and reports, 'Anyone who says meatless eating is boring should take a look at this chart. Using only thirty ingredients, it has an unbelievable 7,776 possible meals.

As always, I was intrigued!

How It Works

 

1.> Choose an item from each category. There are 5 categories.

2.> Take the first 4 ingredients and combine them.
3.> Bake for thirty minutes at 375 celcius.
4.> Select 1 ingredient from column 5 for topping, bake for 15 more minutes at 325 celcius.
5.> Season to taste at the table and serve with whole grain bread.




MILLET

CATEGORY #1: (2 cups cooked of either):
Brown Rice
Whole Wheat Macaroni
Millet
Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Bulgar Wheat
Whole Wheat Noodles

 

 

 

 

 

 

CATEGORY #2: (1 cup cooked of either):

 

KIDNEY BEANS

Pinto Beans

Lima Beans

Peas

Kidney Beans

Black Beans

Garbonzo Beans (Chick Peas)

  

CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP

CATEGORY #3: (Sauce):

Cream of Tomato

Cream of Potato

Cream of Mushroom

Cream of Celery

Cream of Leek/Onion

Cream of Pea

 

 

 

 

 

 

CATEGORY #4: (Veggies to make 1 1/2 cups):

Sautéed Celery and Green Onion

Mushroom & Bamboo Shoots

Sautéed Green Pepper & Garlic

Cooked Green Beans

Cooked Carrots

Sautéed Onion & Pimento

CATEGORY #5: (Topping):
Wheat Germ
Slivered Almonds
Soy Grits
Grated Cheese
Nutritional Yeast
Sunflower Seeds







There are certain things I would choose to do differently with these recipes. I wouldn't select the grated cheese one, but I may substitute feta. I wouldn't use nutritional yeast, but I would enhance one topping with a ground flax mixture. I would also make my own home made soups for sauces before using canned soups. The sodium alone.....yikes.....

The world is our oyster - and these 7,776 recipe combinations just made life a whole lot simpler!

Enjoy - and share what you make. ;)

Dancing Queen at the Bus Stop Made My Day!



A friend of mine posted this incredible video on his Facebook page and I instantly fell in love with this woman!

 

The video is a simple one - a woman standing, waiting at a bus stop. I imagine her day is just beginning and she is on her way to work somewhere.....

 

....and then, she creates magic - right there on the street. It's subtle, and those in vehicles passing by her may not even have noticed - but there she was, creating magic.

 

All you have to do is watch the video to fall in love with her too. She will make you smile, giggle and root for a total stranger - a free spirit who still creates magic.

 

Thank you to whoever introduced the world to this peppy gal - her lust for life and love of tunes made my day!

 

***DANCING QUEEN AT THE BUS STOP ***

SHE WILL MAKE YOUR DAY!

 

A Wonderful Moment in Time.

A few years ago, for her birthday, I took my Gramma to see Rita McNeil in Winnipeg. She was in awe of her voice - had all her videos and television shows recorded to watch and enjoy over and over. Her dream was to meet her in person, but I figured seeing her live on stage would be the next best thing.

The excitement leading up to the show was incredible!

As Rita hit the stage, I watched as the entire audience lit up. I knew some of the songs, but never have I been to a concert where everyone is singing. I was in awe.

After the show, my 'Nan' was in tears, touched by Rita's beautiful voice and harmonies. She raved about Rita McNeil as if she knew her, and I listened as she excitedly explained every show, every song and how they made her feel. It was amazing......

For one last surprise, I wanted to buy Nan some of Rita's souvenirs. We filled a bag with Rita's famous teas, books, a video and some other small items. My Nan was over the moon!

As she was looking over the tables of items, I turned around and caught sight of Rita McNeil herself! I reached over and took my Nan's hand, turned her around and started moving her toward Rita. As Nan saw her too, I could hear her breath catch in her throat. She walked up with confidence and had Rita sign a few of her items. They talked like old friends, and Nan looked like a child meeting her idol.

I was in awe of it all.

As we walked out with the show in our memories, a bagful of souvenirs and a chance meeting with Rita McNeil herself, I asked Nan if it had been a happy birthday. She turned to me and said, 'Kid, after all of that - ask - you can have whatever you want.'

I took her by the hand as we left the venue and said, 'Let's go home - I have everything I want.'

Thanks, Rita. ♥

My Inevitable Return To The Blog

I realize how long it has been since I have posted. Life happens and my old, now disconnected computer that ran XP has been retired. Equipped with a brand new spankin' Windows 8 system, I have returned! I do like the new windows operating system - it took a day or two to get used to it, but it sure beat Vista!

Get ready.....

The blog is going to be developing quickly from now on. This is my intention. I have projects flying around in my head I have been waiting to get to that can no longer wait.

Do it or don't do it. It's time for me.

A daily post is what you are all in store for and that's just for starters! I have been offline awhile.....but that's all about to change. I have so many articles, ideas, projects I have done, recipes I have tried and folks I have learned from - and I want to share them all with you.

I'm also toying with the idea of establishing a magazine. I have wanted to do this for years. I'm not sure what held me back, but these days I think differently. I have watched a very inspirational friend of mine develop her own pinup magazine (Lush Kittens) and I'd love to get involved in my own venture. You never know what I come up with.

Between the forum, the website, the blog, my Facebook Fan Page and my soon to be online Etsy shop, I have been a determined gal!

All good things in time......I'm workin' on it......stay tuned!

Your Wellness 2013: Discover, Develop, Define

There's a Facebook Group that I have been a part of for some time now. I can't tell you exactly how many years because we change our name each January 1st, but it's been a few for sure.


It focuses on wellness, not illness; health, not hurt. Sounds all shamanic and guru doesn't it? We try.....

I love having a place where the information we are all working with is right there for everyone. If I need a recipe, I can look online - and then I might as well share it with my group! Information sharing is how we learn - there is no other way to go about it.

The new name, 'Your Wellness 2013: Discover, Develop, Define was chosen by a group member and voted on by the rest of us. It works that way - everyone is more than capable of sharing information, voicing opinions and learning without the need for competition.

Remember our mothers always saying that? "It's not a competition." She was right - it isn't.

Facebook is great for bringing people closer together.

I am a part of something bigger. That is true even if I choose to not be a part of this group - but there is an inspiration that comes with hearing the voices of others. The sound like mine, they are dealing with similar things at times - but we are also each unique individuals figuring out what is right for each of us.

We can share, learn, adapt, change, feel better, and work toward any goal in any area of our lives - the choice is ours.

Real change happens through awareness first. After that, it's all up to us.

Feel free to join us! Your Wellness 2013: Discover, Develop, Define Group