Yogi Wisdom of the Day

   A good lesson from my Yogi tea this morning.. when all other sources poop out on you, and you are unable to find inspiration elsewhere, try a mug of Revitalizing Peppermint tea.

   I woke up this morning feeling rather sick, a flu-like bug. I didn't feel like doing anything, whether it's cleaning the bathrooms, mopping the floor, making my bed, or even something simple like doing the dishes. Laying on the couch doesn't make it any better, so the logic would say, why not just get something done, then? It's going to feel as sick and nasty no matter what you do, so why not focus your mind on something else rather than having a pity party? Still, I didn't want to do anything. I need to grocery shop for the week, do a couple loads of laundry, mop, sweep, vacuum, do dishes, clean the kitchen, prepare dinner.. etc. The very thought of all that - UGH.
 ~

   Well, I decided to do something, so I heated up a mug of water and got out a bag of Peppermint tea. Something I've always liked about Yogi, besides being Organic and delicious, is the little sayings I'll find on the paper attached to my tea bag. This morning's was perfect, and after drinking half the mug, I got to work on the kitchen. I still feel yucky and ill, but with this quote floating through my head, I think I'll make better of it than before. <3

Monday Gratefulness

I had a sickening convo with my husband last night about religion and politics and definitely decided I get a lot of negative vibes from both, and I don't care what it's about. It's yucky, indescribable, unbearable.. et cetera.

Growing up I heard so many people quote bible verses at me, but their lives showed nothing of love or kindness. They had no humility, gratitude, or willingness to serve. Only if it merited being seen by important people, so then it was about showing off, not the community work after all. 

So I am working on my self. My personal relationships.. with people and things. I want to do MY best.. not because anyone told me to, or wants me to, or expects me to, or has shoved religion down my throat, or is guilt tripping me. I want to do it, because it brings me joy, happiness, and makes me content. So here goes.

I am grateful for:

1. The ability to choose life for myself
2. Free will
3. My amazing husband
4. Books
5. Energy and vibes
6. Zumba
7. Our beautiful home
8. My ability with cooking
9. Walking trails for my enjoyment
10. A Curves membership to stay in shape
11. A sweet Siberian husky who I love with all my heart
12. A little bit of spending money :)
13. New friends
14. A peaceful atmosphere within my home
15. Joy
16. Free wifi
17. Nutritious food in my fridge :)

(just to name a few)

Sleepy Heads

One blog a day is good, two is preferred. Well, that's till I am in college or have a job, anyways ;).

I didn't get a chance to take wood-hauling pictures as hoped, but I certainly got food pictures of quiche, steamed broccoli molasses cookies, and Arizona iced tea. That's enough to be proud of for one day, right?

No pictures for tonight though. I am entirely exhausted and ready for bed. The only thing still keeping me up is my husband. Not intentionally on his part, this is voluntary on mine. He is brushing his teeth, and I'm waiting so I can "tuck him in". No, I don't baby him.. it's more like hugging him good and tight, massaging or scratching his back, and saying goodnight. Then I go to the kitchen, make his lunch for the following work day, and then return to the bedroom, and snuggle down between the nice, cool sheets.

In two minutes it will be Monday, so I will end here.
Good night!

Sunshine and Adventure

   At least I know how to start the day right; with 3 freshly baked molasses cookies in me! :) Yes, I have decided to blog once every day, even if it contains reeeally boring information. It's likely to happen. 

   At 2 o'clock my husband and I are going to his mother's house to load up chopped up trees in his trailer so she can burn them in her stove. I am taking caramel pudding, and she is making a quiche. Even the wood part isn't the most fun in the world, I can definitely take pictures of the meal --and maybe a few of us slaving away in the brutally cold world. ha. ;)

   My dude still owes me a walk this morning, before we go, so that means I should *probably* get off my blog and find some boots to wear when we go trudging through the snow. Hope you're having a fun weekend!!

Fried Potato Pancakes

   Saturday is typically leftover night, and I wasn't too thrilled about what was in the fridge. John came across a bowl of mashed potatoes, I tasted them, and they were still perfectly fresh. There wasn't enough for both of us to make a meal from, but neither were there other leftovers that would go well with mashed potatoes. 

   Then John remembered a childhood favorite, of potato pancakes his mom made. Of course, he didn't remember how to do them, so I called her up. She told me the recipe wasn't an actual recipe, and she just guessed at amounts, each time. (I love that kind of recipe!) She told me as best she could, what to add and how much, and I returned to the stove, ready to make something delicious.

So here goes, and have fun! -Because I didn't measure either ;)

3 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese
1 egg
salt & pepper to taste
butter for the griddle, about 2 tablespoons

   With a firm spatula or using your hands, mash egg, cheese and spices into the potatoes.
   Heat the griddle til hot. Apply two 0.5-tablespoon slabs of butter to either end of the griddle. Push around until melted with metal spatula.   Once butter starts to bubble and you know the surface is hot, splat a scoop of potato pancake onto the hot griddle. (I use a small gravy ladle, for size. About 1/4 cup) Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip over. If pancake holds together and is browned, you're good to do the other side. When both sides are done, transfer to a plate, re-butter the griddle and do the next round. 

Makes 6 medium pancakes. Goes great with sausage links/patties or bacon, fried/scrambled eggs, buttered toast.


Enjoy!

Yawning, Sleepy, with Tummies full of Pudding

   Well, it's officially the 15th, so I can blog again. (I have a limit as to how many I *should* post in one day, and I think there were three yesterday?) It all feels like the same day to me. 

   Anyway, I've spent the last half hour feeling sorry for myself, being tired, and so on. What a waste of time! Today was very much a success, and a joy.. so I'm going to share THAT with you and ignore my past-bedtime pouties. ;)

THE CARAMEL PUDDING TURNED OUT FABULOUSLY! 

   I am slightly embarrassed to say that I have never actually eaten real, homemade pudding prior to today. But I've been lucky, my first batch was amazing and proved to be worth doing again. I love it when first experiences of something are fantastic. Especially when it's new to me. 

   My ingredients were simple; things I had on hand, besides having to run to the store for heavy cream and caramel syrup. A candy thermometer is on my list, soon I will be making my own caramel! Til then, I guess I won't call it truly homemade. Although 'tis definitely better than Jell-o's brand! 

   Even John tried his hand at the stirring. Turned out a bit lumpy, but we worked those out after adding the caramel. I discovered that my recipe, before adding the caramel could easily be used as a base for any kind of flavored pudding, and I am excited to try others, such as chocolate, banana, or hazelnut.

   As a general rule, I follow the recipe the first time, after that, I'll play around with it. Next time I would skip the sugar if I am adding a sweet sauce. Variations can be awesome if you know what you're working with.


I will definitely be making this again!!
(Original Recipe)


To Pudding, with LOVE.
~Hannah

From a Glass, Mug or Cup..

   Sometimes I wonder, if I just stopped eating, would all my problems be solved? Food makes me tired, cranky, moody.. and sick. Yes, sick. The last four days that I have eaten food, I've felt awful. The previous week, when I went all day without food and just drank smoothies, veggie and fruit juices, water, coffee & tea - I felt great. I'm still doing that for most of the day, but if I have a snack, or even dinner, I feel terrible. 

   This, strangely, does not change my passion for *preparing* food. (Which is lucky for the people who live off my cooking, hehe.)


   I think if I had more beverages, more exercise, and less junk in my life - I'd be a happier girl. I also need to "ween" myself off of friendships that pull me down. Doesn't seen like that would be much of a problem, does it? Well it's harder to do than to say. I need to start challenging myself with a new thing each week, til I am exactly where I want, and need, to be.

Fruit Juices - YUMMY.

Definitely more water. Flavored, or just from the tap. 

Yogi Tea has an amazing Revitalizing Peppermint - I should be drinking more of it.

If I go to my local bookstore often enough, I can have a delicious Alterra coffee, once in a while..

Finally, fruit smoothies. (Or veggie. I put flax in mine.) This is something where the entire fruit can be used, and therefore more nutritious. For me anyway. :)

A variety of glasses sure does make a difference. And I love straws. Especially the ones that are all knotted up and you really have to suck to get the beverage up. I can be such a kid.. C =