Sitting and flitting

I rarely have an unscheduled day but today, I did.

A day to do whatever I feel like doing whenever I feel like doing it.

Started it off well as usual with #CeleryJuice (there is actually a new book coming out devoted entirely to the benefits of this: Medical Medium Celery Juice by Anthony William) and #HeavyMetalDetoxSmoothie (thank you for these, #MedicalMedium).

After that, it turned out to be a day of sitting and flitting from couch to computer to kitchen (#ilovealliteration) … I took periodic forays off the couch to do whatever popped into my head to do. I flitted from one thing to the next to the next without censoring my thoughts or impulses. Keep reading

BOOK REVIEW: Molly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from An Unlikely Life on a Farm by Molly Yeh

Molly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from An Unlikely Life on a FarmMolly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from An Unlikely Life on a Farm by Molly Yeh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I got this book for both my daughter and I to read. We watch and enjoy Molly’s show on the FoodNetwork, Girl Meets Farm. This book is quirky and appealing. I was thrilled to find a recipe for Italian Rainbow Cookies! Worth reading, even if you don’t cook from it.

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BOOK REVIEW: Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and Food by Ann Hood

Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and FoodKitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and Food by Ann Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. The only thing that prevents me from giving it 5 stars is this: There is some repetition among the chapters/stories. I believe it’s because they were originally essays published elsewhere and then brought together into this one book. That’s fine, but I kept having to stop and think, “Didn’t I read this already…?” before I made that connection. Anyway, a lovely book. Great recipes, some of which reminded me of my own Italian Nana’s. Keep reading

Back to (bread) basics

Back to (bread) basics

I love bread.

Not just eating it! I love making it, too.

I started making bread over twenty years ago. I made all kinds of bread. For years I believed that there was only one way to make a yeast bread, and that way included quite a bit of kneading. Not my favorite thing. During one of those lengthy kneading sessions, I even made up a new word to describe it: tediosity

And then, around 2007 or so, I discovered Zoe Francois (with coauthor Jeff Hertzberg) and her new approach to making bread. I bought the book, Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day (note: there is now a newer version of this). All you need is yeast, water, flour, and salt. Keep reading

Create Clarity, Comfort, Connection … and Simplicity in your home

Who thought Carmen Shenk’s book about kitchen simplicity could change your thoughts about your own home?

I love how this book helped me see my home through the author’s lens of simplicity and how it jump-started new ideas for me about how to better organize my kitchen. Even now, weeks after I finished the book, I am still evaluating how I set up my kitchen, what’s necessary and loved, and what is just taking up space. I have a renewed energy for my de-cluttering efforts. I also loved Carmen’s approach of keeping her home a haven, and actively keeping out the negative energy that abounds in the world. Keep reading

The BRAVE Interview #3 October 2016: Sheila Brownlow

Here is #3 in The BRAVE Interview series! It’s the Who, What, When, Where, How,  (and sometimes Why) of YOUR ‘one brave thing’! November’s interview is with Sheila Brownlow!

scale

WHO AM I?  Sheila Brownlow

MY ONE BRAVE THING—when, where, with whom:  I have stopped discussing eating, how upset I am at my eating, how much I weigh, whether I am peeved at myself for overeating, how awful I am for not weighing 110 lbs., whined about how I can’t eat like a normal person anymore at age 55, or otherwise wasting time – precious time – talking with my friends, so many good friends….about eating and weight.  Not in person, not online.  For one month.  Keep reading