Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Farmer's Market Foods Organic Canned Pumpkin

Good Eats on $40 A Week (Really)
Paring down your grocery budget can lead to a healthier diet-if you know how to shop smart. With many convenience foods, we're paying for packaging and processing that adds fat, sugar, sodium, and calories. Go International, Spices boost flavor without adding sodium or fat, and many have their own health benefits. You'll find them for less in the international asile. In my neighborhood grocery, Kroger, and ounce of cloves costs $3.79 in the spice aisle, but 99 cents in the international section.
Eating seasonally is cheaper, and it exposes you to a variety of fresh foods. Yes, you can buy fresh brussels sprouts for Easter dinner, but they cost three times what you'd pay at Thanksgiving. Eating seasonally also exposes you to new foods.
Eat meatless or meatlight. It's better for your bottom line and your health. People who eat a lot of red and processed meats have a higher risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.

 My $40 shopping cart

3 pounds frozen ground turkey 3.00
1 pound fresh tilapia 2.59
1 pound London broil 2.39
1 pound black beans .88
2 chickens 5.75
1 dozen eggs .99
4 pounds chicken thighs 3.56
1 pound bananas
1 pound pears or apples .99
3 pounds collard greens 1.00
3 pounds eggplant 1.58
2 pounds oranges 1.98
3 pounds yellow onions 1.19
1 head of lettuce 1.49
5 heads garlic 1.29
1 12-ounce jar peanut butter 1.50
1 42-ounce box oats 2.14
1 loaf bread 1.69
1 48- ounce bottle canola oil 1.97
1 pound brown rice .50
1/2 gallon milk 1.89
1/2 pound peppers .30
6 ounces cumin 1.00
Total 40.16
Now these items can be mixed. Just so the total comes out to $40. Having a whole chicken can serve 3 meals. Check it out and see if this grocery list fits your budget. 






Monday, November 28, 2011

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Runners Best Friend
Running on a treadmill can have its benifits, such as protection from the elements and unsafe running conditions. But when you take your run indoors, you need to make sure that you're running properly on the treadmill so you can avoid injuries and get the most out of your treadmill runs. Here are some of the most common treadmill running mistakes, starting with not warming up or cooling down:
It's tempting to jump on the treadmill, increase the incline or pace setting to your desired levels and get going. But, just like with outdoor running, it's important that you warm up before getting into the more challenging part of your run. I am having a problem with breathing on the treadmill. I seem to get soooo out of breath while my legs still want to run. Jennifer says its because I am not breathing right. I am having the same problem in yoga. Breathing comes automatic and I just don't pay attention.
If you've ever felt a little dizzy after you took that first step off the treadmill, it's most likely because you didn't cool down at the end of your run. You may feel like jumping off the treadmill as soon as the timer hits your goal time for your run. But stopping suddenly can cause light-headedness because your heart rate and blood pressure drop rapidly. Winding down slowly allows them to fall gradually. After you finish your run, make sure you cool down by walking or slowly jogging for 5 to 10 minutes before you step off the treadmill.
Good news, David joined the gym black Friday. I am so excited, because now we can workout together. It is so helpful when you know someone is there beside you or even in the gym trying to reach their goal too. David is working on strenghtening his legs to be able to run with our daughter. He is on the bike and working the machines. While I focus on the treadmill, sauna, yoga classes and the machines. I feel like we are accomplishing something that is good and will keep us in shape too. Have a great rainy day!


Wednesday, November 23, 2011



A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Lord, so often times, as any other day
When we sit down to our meal and pray

We hurry along and make fast the blessing
Thanks, amen. Now please pass the dressing

We're slaves to the olfactory overload
We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold

But Lord, I'd like to take a few minute more
To really give thanks to what I'm thankful for

For my family, my health, a nice soft bed
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head

I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those
Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know

Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure
Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure

That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place
And I'm ever so grateful for Your unending grace

So please, heavenly Father, bless this food You've provided
And bless each and every person invited

Amen!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011


dyk-thx09
Gobble Gobble!
It's almost Thanksgiving! It's only 2 days away and now is CRUNCH TIME for holiday preparations. Did you know that it has become tradition for US Presidents to issue a pardon to the White House Thanksgiving Turkey? This tradition has been going on since1947.
Thanksgiving Day in America is a time to offer thanks, a time for family gatherings and holiday meals. A time of turkeys, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. A time for Indian corn, holiday parades and giant ballons. Got to go. I am making cranberry salad with cream cheese and cool whip topping along with cornbread dressing. Will post some pictures of Thanksgiving at our house. Happy Turkey Day bloggers.  

Monday, November 21, 2011

spring ahead for daylight savings timeI abhor daylight savings time. The whole idea of it is absolutely maddening. I can't quite get used to my sunset ride at 4:30. My formerly cherry kitchen windows used to soak up the blazing afternoon sun are eclipsed with inky black sky by 5:30pm. The days are shorter and I'm in vitamin D withdrawal. It's no wonder people get sad...

To treat yourself, medicate with a healthy portion of Peanut Butter Cream Pie. This is going to be one of three desserts that I am making for Thanksgiving.
With a chocolate cookie crumb crust and filling of cream cheese, peanut butter and whipped cream, who could be in a bad mood with all of these comfort foods?

Sunday, November 20, 2011



He's Mine
I have a friend at church that goes deer hunting. So today at the eight o'clock  service,  I ask Terry where is David today? Terry informs me that David is deer hunting. I am thinking to myself, what are my chances of getting a deer today? My phone is ringing. Could it be David telling me he has a deer for me? Not only does he have a deer, but a 10 point buck. I am estatic! How can this be happening? Now I have to find a processing plant that is open on a Sunday at 11am. With several calls, and help from Jennifer's mother in law I find Barnes Deer Processing in Beaver Dam. How great is this? My husband David is not very excited about the pickup of the deer and taking him to Beaver Dam, but he loves me and will do it. I am having summer sausage, steaks, roasts, tenderloin and ground deer meat. David is now my new best friend.  Jake too(the deer) How wonderful it will be to put that fresh sweet meat in our mouths, and thanking God for it.  

Thursday, November 17, 2011



Thanksgiving Luncheon


Today is lunch with the boys at school. David is filling in for me so that I can get some things ready for turkey day. They all enjoyed turkey or ham and the trimmings at McNeil Elementary. Above are some pictures. Landen has cleanup duty. Looks like he is doing a good job. 
With that, Have a great weekend bloggers.  
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Nothing Else Is Close
"As a consumer, you face the challenge of making smart food choices for your family. I know I have been on this food kick, but with all my workouts and yoga lately, I have been thinking about food. I want to eat the right foods so all of my efforts aren't wasted. Did you know that you have to walk 3 miles to compensate for that cookie you just ate. Is it worth it? I say no.
Did you know the average meal travels 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate losing nutritional value and taste every mile of the way? Buying local products strengthens our local economy while we are eating fresh and nutritious foods.
I want to see some results of this workout. And feel like I am healthier for the fact that I am doing the right things to stay healthy.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Fork Knife Clip Art

Forks Over Knives

Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure.
Two out of every three of us are overweight. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug. Major medical operations have become routine, helping to drive health care costs to astronomical levels. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country's three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to "battle" these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases. You get the picture by now. 
Could it be there's a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive but so straightforward, that it's mind-boggling that more of us haven't taken it seriously? 
The answer is animal-based foods. Having a meat based dinner is not good for us. We need to grow our own food and adopt a whole foods, plant-based diet. We are slowly going to that. The problem is we don't know where our food comes from, and just how much of it is sprayed, shot with antibiotics and the like. Let's all decide to go healthy by eating whole foods. I know these foods can be expensive in health food stores, but just how much is " nature's perfect food," worth?   

Monday, November 14, 2011

 Learn to tackle the tasks and obstacles of a busy home. Laundry, food, clutter and cleaning, shopping, pay bills, and most importantly your spiritual health and building relationships with your children, grandchildren and your husband.
Almost overwelming, isn't it? Are you focusing on making God the center of your family life? Is He the center of your work, of your play, of your worship ? Or is some other idol being worshipped. Sometimes I have to sit and think; what is my current idol? I'm not worshipping God so what is my idol? Where is my focus? What do I think about? What are my actions? I'm not perfect. I'm right there with you.  
I am two months into yoga and I love it. Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement or perfect the alignment of the pose. In addition to the poses, yoga classes include instruction on breathing. Now that has been a problem for me. Inhaling and counting to four, and exhaling and counting to four. There are so many benifits to yoga starting with fertility yoga classes to yoga for Parkinson's patients. Try it out. I know you will love it just as I do.

Friday, November 11, 2011

A picture of an Honey Bee (click to enlarge)
Don't waste your money and risk your health with "funny honey" illegally imported from China 

Part ll

Raw, unfiltered honey is your healthie choice for health benefits. Your couldn't ask for a healthier sweetener, unless you pay more for New Zealand Manuka honey. However, there are several honey scams that deprive you of honey's health benefits. Some of the honey posers are absolutely unhealthy.

The best is pure raw honey. Adulterated honey is mostly real honey with additives, which should be listed on the label. Then there is imitation or fake honey. It is usually a syrupy concoction of cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup in water with coloring and additives and maybe a small amount of honey.

Pure honey has identification markings, POLLEN. Fake honey has no pollen.

Another way is to simply lie about the contents of 50 gallon drums, using fake labels of other items that match the funny honey prices. Since either method involves food brokers in the middle, retailers who purchase a good price don't ask questions. Again, your best bet is raw, unfiltered honey from a reliable source. It's worth the extra cost for its nutritional and healing properties. 

Happy Veteran's Day! Give someone you know a thank you for serving our country. Have a blessed weekend. 


Thursday, November 10, 2011

It's Cold, It's Chilly, It's November

It's a wonderful time of the year to celebrate, and be with the people we love. I love having breakfast with my friend at Panara. We were talking yesterday and discovered we have been friends for 29 years. There aren't a lot of people who can say that. You know, you have friends, and then you have friends.We have laughed, cried and loved. I am truly thankful for my friend.
 
I also like driving around on the back roads of Kentucky. It is like therapy to me. It calms me and makes me slow down and really breathe in the beauty.
 
I love ... the happy mood that seems to be prevalent in November. People are all smiles. They are trying anyway. Christmas is around the corner, but lets not forget to be thankful!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

 Natural News
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Shock finding: More than 75 percent of all 'honey' sold in grocery stores contains no honey at all!
My husband's daughter sent this site to me and thought you honey lovers out there might be interested in taking a look. It certainly is an eye opener.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

 
Burnt Biscuits
 
Burned Biscuits
When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and ate every bite! My dad was like that. A wonderful man with such a good heart. I miss him so much.
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss my dad good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, Your mom put in a hard day today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!
Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. But what I have learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults-and choosing to celebrate each others differences-is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, November 7, 2011










 Landen's Back Again
No school today and tomorrow. Of course tomorrow is Election Day. Please go out and vote. Today, beats me why the city schools are off, but Landen is taking advantage of his time off, and spending it with us. The two of us decided to take a walk this afternoon and ventured to the playground and local cemetery. This weather is beautiful. Highs in the low 70's. We are going to pay for this, but lets enjoy it now.   
Egg clipart picture

Eggs Belong

In my opinion, eggs are one of your best resources in the morning. Full of quality protein, virtually carb-free, and packed with vitamins and minerals, they make the ultimate breakfast food. Don't be too swayed by the cholesterol scares of the 1980s; eating the whole egg-not just the whites-has actually been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and to improve good cholesterol levels. Eggs are a fantastic food for men who are looking to get in shape; and aren't we all. They help build your muscles, and they keep you satisfied for a long time. And besides their great nutritional profile, eggs are easy to prepare, taste great, but always buy the free range eggs or get them from your local menonite.

What are your favorite ways to make eggs? Got any tips for cooking eggs well? Share your comments with us!


Saturday, November 5, 2011

 Lamping Out On The Couch

We had planned on a restful weekend with Brad and Meagan in Cincinnati, but plans changed. I got some kind of bug. David got "the bug" at the beginning of the week and I started with it Thursday night. Today is Saturday and I am feeling better, just not 100%.

I can't believe October is gone and November is here!! ummm this is one of my favorite months. All that  dressing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin crunch. With November under way it is time to start thinking about upcoming Holiday menu's. I already have my menu planned.
I love fall and all the fall foods that go along with the territory, but I am dreading those ice cold days with loads of snow.    

Thursday, November 3, 2011

 No Bee Left Behind
 So, we get home from our Beekeepers meeting. I am anxious to tell David what I have observed. I say, "you know something, you were the handsomest man there". He says in reply "with that motley crew I guess so". We both look at each other and laugh.
In regard to my bees; I hope I have a colony that goes through the winter, which is a minimum of about 25,000 bees per hive and I have 3 hives. This colony strength allows plenty of bees for efficient clustering during cold weather and movement of the cluster to honey stores. Even in the best of circumstances colonies will lose bees during the winter. A cluster that is too small at the beginning of the winter can lead to the loss of the colony. 
Keep your fingers crossed. 
Try to stay warm and dry today. It is raining and only a high of 55. I am going to the gym to warm up.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011



Whole Grain Apple Crisp
My money's on the hypothesis that Eve would have tempted Adam a little quicker had she served up some of this warm apple crisp with a healthy dollop of vanilla ice cream... I served this dish Saturday and it was a complete hit. There's something about this rustic fall dessert that makes you feel like everything's going to be okay. It's a warm embrace on a crisp fall day and, as far as I'm concerned, the epitome of dessert comfort food.
Serves a crowd
12 apples peeled and sliced
1 cup cranberries
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
4 packets of Stevia
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 stick of butter, melted
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Butter a 9x12 baking dish. Layer sliced apples and cranberries, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and walnuts.Beat the egg and vanilla just until combined in a small bowl. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix well until crumbly. Sprinkle crumbled mixture over apples. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over top. Bake for 35-45 minutes until crust is golden and apples are bubbly. 
Enjoy!