Finding Nemo, A Review
Finding Nemo, a Movie You Can Watch Over and Over I couldn’t resist watching this again once I chose it to review. Just finished, so I am writing this with a smile on my face. With the holidays here now, movies will be needed for some relax time for kids and adults both. This is still my first choice! Finding Nemo is a new classic in my opinion, and a movie every family should have for their own. A great gift for kids and...
The Cuisinart Hand Mixer, a Review of a Favorite
The Easy Hand Mixer My hand mixer is one small appliance I use several times a week. Personally I think they’re one of the best inventions out there and a necessity for every household. It’s so easy to use and light-weight to hold, I find myself using it for all sorts of things, mixing cookies, cake, frostings, purees, and even mashed (or whipped) potatoes. I like that I can take it from counter to counter too. I know the...
Book Review: Shades of Murder, by Lauren Carr
Shades of Murder, book three in the Mac Faraday series, is an exciting story of two murders. Strangely, both appear to be same victim! Intriguing it is. Mac Faraday We first met Mac Faraday in It’s Murder, My Son, when Mac inherits over two hundred million dollars from his birth mother. Retiring from his position as a homicide detective, he moves to her estate on Deep Creek Lake in Maryland. Though he may be retired, when a murder...
Learning Something New: What’s on Your List?
Do you have a list showing things you want to learn? A mental bucket list, perhaps? If you don’t, I hope you will consider starting one. By the time we finish school, at whatever level, we have usually had enough studying to last for a long time. Yet have you noticed that once we’ve been out of school for several years it starts to sound intriguing? What makes it fun at that point is that we can please ourselves rather than...
Noodles with Ground Turkey, a Stroganoff Substitute
Noodles with Ground Turkey, a Stroganoff Substitute Ever feel like a stroganoff dish without the rich sauce? That is why this dish was created. Calling it non-Stroganoff doesn’t quite cover it though. While I was having one of my marathon cooking days, I had a some ground turkey leftover. So I decided to saute it with veggies for an easy dinner. While stroganoff is always a hit, it’s often nice to have the pasta without a creamy,...
Book Review; Hounded, by David Rosenfelt
Book Review; Hounded, by David Rosenfelt Andy Carpenter is back in the twelfth book in David Rosenfelt’s series. As always, it is great to spend time with him. In Hounded Andy’s friend, police detective Pete Stanton, asks him to come to a murder scene. By the time he leaves the scene, he has a basset hound named Sebastian with him. Not so unusual for Andy to take in a dog, but this time along with the dog is the...
Foods that Fight Inflammation
Foods that Fight Inflammation More and more it interests me how the foods we eat not only provide nutrition to our body, but also can help to heal it. Not sure why it surprises me that foods can be anti-inflammatories. I suppose growing up with aspirin, tylenol or ibuprofen, it simply wasn’t a topic for discussion. So it feels like news to me, though it’s been effective for thousands of years. It is good to know that eating fruits...
Book Review: Kill Decision, by Daniel Suarez
How much do you think a drone is capable of doing? We see drones handling surveillance, cameras at work. We hear of drones being used for delivery of packages. You can see them filming ballgames. Isn’t that just the beginning? If you go with the premise that often in society inventions used for good are also used for bad, think how many more uses drones might have. That is the well demonstrated within the book Kill Decision, written...
Book Review: The Search, by Nora Roberts
Book Review: The Search, by Nora Roberts This romantic suspense novel was the first book I read by Nora Roberts. Sure, I had heard of her, but I think I expected her stories to be more romance and less mystery. I was delighted to find that was wrong. The Search was an exciting and suspenseful book, made even more interesting with the inclusion of the search and rescue dogs. It was great fun to read about dog training (something I...
How Many Movies can They Remake?
How Many Movies can They Remake? Recently I heard they were going to do a sequel of Mrs. Doubtfire. I’m still shaking my head over that one. Why would be the first question, especially with the death of the wonderful Robin Williams. It seems almost disrespectful to take the role he played and hand if off to someone else. How would be the next question. Where can you go from the ending in the first? Yet they are considering a...
Asian Beef Stew
Quick Asian Beef Stew Recipe An Asian stew stirs my taste buds. Doesn’t that sound like an interesting twist to traditional beef stew? Thoughts of soy sauce, teriyaki, hoisin or ponzu sauce, always inspire cravings. They have a unique and wonderful flavor. Of course, I had to try one. Many of the recipes I found were for the slow cooker. Normally that would sound perfect—toss the ingredients in and let it be. This time I...
Have You Attended a Virtual Book Tour?
Come along with Author Lauren Carr as her tour begins Tomorrow on March 2nd, Lauren Carr starts new virtual tour to promote her latest release Three Days to Forever. You can see her schedule through the link below and follow her as she ‘tours’ through guest blogs, book reviews, interviews, and question and answer sessions. When I first heard the term ‘virtual book tour,’ I had no idea what it was. My imagination went into...
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Today is National Peanut Butter Day. While many national days may seem unimportant or pointless, surely peanut butter deserves its day in the spotlight! What would be more appropriate than making cookies? Our favorite version of a peanut butter cookie is a delightful combination of oatmeal and peanut butter. That actually sounds healthy, doesn’t it? This recipe won’t claim that, since sugar, flour and...
Audiobooks: Listen While You Work
Audiobooks: Listen While You Work Audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular these days. With smart phones able to hold a large number of ebooks and audiobooks, it’s gotten easier and more desirable. It wasn’t that long ago that CD’s were the first choice for listening to books. How much easier downloads have made it. Right now I have around fifteen books on my phone. That isn’t said to impress, only to show you how...
An Interview with Bestselling Author, Lauren Carr
Meet Lauren Carr Lauren Carr is the bestselling author of an exciting, yet charming mystery series featuring Mac Faraday. That is how I first came to know her as an author. Since reading It’s Murder, My Son, I’m on a mission to read each of her many novels. As the author of the Mac Faraday series, the Joshua Thorton and Lovers in Crime series, there is a terrific variety ahead. Plus, a new spinoff begins soon. The Thorny Rose...
Water Floss Your Teeth
Love my Waterpik The Waterpik: Better than Flossing Do you floss every day like your dentist tells you to, or could you use a Waterpik water flosser to. I love mine, so much so that I don’t know why I didn’t get one years ago. Every six months at my dental cleaning appointment the dentist would tell me I need to floss more. Right. I knew that–you too? I’d be really good about it for the following week. He would...
Our Dog’s Favorite: Plush Hide-a-Squirrel Dog Toy
Three Paws Up Rating for This Toy Our dogs have given this toy a unanimous paws up! When we first brought this toy home, we were curious to see how they would play with it. Two dogs over 60 pounds and one more under 10 pounds, all with very distinct personalities. The toy kept them entertained for such a long time! After a lot of initial sniffing and biting, noses poked in each hole trying to see what was inside, two of the dogs laid...
The Cat’s Favorite: The Collapsible Cat Tunnel
A Favorite for Play and for Cat Naps Want your cat to be the life of the party? This has to be one of the most used toys I’ve seen for a cat. It makes one wonder about their imagination. Remember building forts when you were young? For us it was blankets covering tables, for the kids, I still see the boxes, with door and windows cut into them. The collapsible tunnel has to be a cat’s version of a fort. Recently visiting my...
Silicone Baking Pans and More
Let the Baking Begin! Are you ready to bake? With all the holidays to choose from, I am usually ready to bake all year round. Easter, definitely. I love decorating with pastel colors for the Easter season. Christmas means bright colors with plenty of red and green. For Independence Day, Labor Day and Memorial Day, red white and blue is appropriate. Whatever the season, I am so in the mood to bake. It’s a lovely way to relax...
399 Games, a Book Review for Your Brain Health
399 Games, a Book Review for Your Brain Health This week Julianne Moore won an Oscar for Best Actress in the movie, Still Alice. As most of you will know, her first and well deserved Oscar, was for playing the part of a successful Columbia university professor facing early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Hopefully her award will reach much further with the increased interest in the Alzheimer’s disease. Finding a cure or even an...
Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s, A Book Review
Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s, A Book Review One thing you learn quickly with Alzheimer’s disease is that telling your loved one, “You just said that,” is pointless. At least, I hope you learn it early on. It’s strange, but I miss those days now with Mom. Back then she was contributing to the conversation, being social as she always had been. That is just one of the reasons I recommend the book Learning to Speak...
Book Review: Taken, by Robert Crais
Book Review: Taken, by Robert Crais Taken is another Joe Pike novel in the wonderful, entertaining series that features Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. In the majority of the books, Elvis takes the lead, with Joe providing oh-so timely back up to help or rescue Elvis. This addition to the series, the author’s latest to date, involved both, enough so that I’m not sure why Mr. Crais calls it a Joe Pike novel. No matter what you call...
How Often do you Check Your Phone?
How Often do you Check Your Phone? Recently I read an article in PureWow, where the author said he/she checked her phone 106 times in a day on average. Apparently there is even an app to track it, which sounds beneficial to all of us. The number was striking to me. In a twelve hour time period, that is nearly nine times an hour or every 7 minutes! Unless you work in a setting where you turn off your phone and/or don’t use it, you...
Shrimp Burritos Anyone?
Shrimp Burritos Anyone? A shrimp burrito is one of the dishes I missed most when I moved from the San Diego area to southern Oregon. It was always a favorite to-go order from a local fish taco restaurant. Bite sized morsels of shrimp, combined with beans, cheese and spices… No wonder it was so popular! So I decided to make one myself. Turns out it wasn’t difficult to achieve. It isn’t an exact copy. The restaurant has its...
Book Review: Irreparable Harm, by Melissa F. Miller
First in the Series The book, Irreparable Harm, was a pleasant surprise for me! I’d never heard of this author or series until it was offered as a free Kindle book. Since I love a good mystery, I snapped it up. When I checked it today, September 18th, 2014, it was still showing free. Who can resist a free book? What a great way to try out a new author. Since a good mystery is a favorite, it was soon on my iPad, ready to read....
Cauliflower, Spinach and Turkey Meatballs
Cauliflower, Spinach and Turkey Meatballs One of my favorite ways to play in the kitchen is finding ways to include vegetables like spinach and cauliflower in recipes. It still surprises me how easy it is to do. These meatballs are one of the most popular options. Perhaps the easiest method is to include both in ground meat of any kind. Since I rarely use beef, my choice for this recipe was ground turkey. Whether a meat loaf,...
Book Review: Hounded, by Kevin Hearne
Hounded, First in the Series of The Iron Druid Chronicles I just finished listening to the audio version of Hounded by Kevin Hearne. I was smiling through most of the book. It was quite enjoyable. I’m not a fan of science fiction, fantasy or paranormal. Vampires, werewolves, etc., have become so overdone. Still when this audiobook came on sale the huge number of reviews made me take a second look. Over 10,000 reviews on...
Book Review: The Killing Floor, by Lee Child
Book Review: The Killing Floor, by Lee Child After reviewing several of Lee Child’s novels featuring Jack Reacher, it seemed fitting to go back to the beginning. Especially since I personally recommend reading most series in order. In Jack’s case, it really isn’t necessary. A few of them may contain information that overlaps from the prior book, but not so much that it would affect your enjoyment. Still I do suggest you read at...
The Many Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
The Many Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Searching for anti-inflammatory food information, I was surprised to read how often Apple Cider vinegar is suggested for various health uses. It’s been in use as far back as 400 BC, by Hippocrates and others, to treat patients. He was known to use it to clean wounds. Past uses have included disinfecting, wart and lice removal, and even to help ear infections. Some use it as a food...
Are Flu Shots Worthwhile?
Are Flu Shots Worthwhile? It was a huge surprise to me when I read that the flu shot given this year was only 23% effective. Less than a quarter of those included in the study avoided the flu. After asking myself why we should bother, I decided to check into it further. When I did I learned that normally it has about fifty percent effectiveness. I had the impression it worked far better than that. Did you? The...
Book Review: Worth Dying For, by Lee Child
Book Review: Worth Dying For, by Lee Child Every time I read a new Lee Child novel featuring Jack Reacher it seems to be my favorite of the series. It makes me think I will have to re-listen to each of them to choose the all time favorite once I’m caught up with all nineteen books. Worth Dying For definitely fits in there. It was excellent! Apparently some of the Jack Reacher fan base had been disappointed in a few of the books,...
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe One of my favorite new recipes using the versatile cauliflower is Fried Rice made with cauliflower. I was so pleased how well it turned out that it is now a regular in our household. I love fried rice of any type. With its variety of ingredients, I can eat it for a main course. Because of its high carb and calorie count, I wouldn’t order it often. Another reason I’m delighted with this recipe. The...
Small Town, America: Can it survive?
Small Town, America: Can it survive? Traveling down the coast in the state of Oregon, I am always struck by the busy-ness of some towns over others. Some appear small, stifled, without activity. Some seem so busy and active. That made me consider several things. Is part of it by choice? Is a community able to choose to lessen tourism and growth? Can it survive that way? If tourism is what makes a town busy and active, is that...
Text or Talk, The Changing Way we Communicate
Text or Talk, The Changing Way we Communicate Texting is too easy, isn’t it? Especially with a smart phone. It’s also far less disruptive. You can receive a text anytime/anywhere without disturbing anyone around you, without anyone even knowing if you prefer. Think airplane and you will probably agree with the value in that. Doesn’t it make you crazy when one person thinks the plane is his office, and talks in a regular (loud)...
Waiting for “When”
Waiting for “When” You’ve heard the expression, “Say when…when you’ve had enough,” haven’t you? It’s a fond expression that I appreciate. It’s been around forever, though I couldn’t find how it started. When I say forever, I mean at least the 1880’s. We most commonly hear it when pouring drinks or being served food. The best time I remember hearing it was in the movie, “Regarding Henry.” Do you remember the scenes?...
Cell Phone, Landline or both? Where do You Stand?
Remember back in the late 80’s when a cell phone was the size of a big walkie-talkie? It used to look so funny to see someone with one back then. They looked like they were talking on a shoebox. Go forward a dozen years into the 90’s. Then a good portion of the population owned one, but they were frowned upon as rude when used in public. Fly forward to today—How things have changed now! Today we see more people using cell phones...
Book Review: Tears of the Jaguar, by A.J.Hartley
An Archeological Dig Leads to Murder After reading the book, The Dig, by Michael Siemsen, I was in the mood for another novel of archeological fiction. When I ran across Tears of the Jaguar, by A. J. Hartley, I knew I’d found it. It combines a bit of history with mystery and suspense, all while digging for ancient knowledge. Archeology is fascinating to me; the plotting of the site, the extreme care taken in uncovering any...
Fantastic Fruit Filled Green Salad
Fantastic Fruit Filled Green Salad Even in the midst of the winter chill I still often crave a crisp, cold salad. Fresh fruit all year long is a must. Between the soups and the hot comfort food, sometimes a super healthy combination of vegetables sounds so good. This time I decided to combine the two for a delicious, sweet taste. Many of us have had salads with strawberries tossed with spinach, or Mandarin oranges found in an Asian...
David Rosenfelt’s Real Life Tara Foundation
David Rosenfelt’s Real Life Tara Foundation If you are a fan of David Rosenfelt’s wonderful mystery series, you will recognize the Tara Foundation. The series, featuring attorney Andy Carpenter, has a loyal and growing following. I sure wouldn’t miss one! In the first book of the series, Open and Shut, when Andy comes into a bit of money (about twenty-two million), he and a new friend set up the Tara Foundation, named after...
The Cuisinart 5 in 1 Griddler; Do Your Barbecuing Inside
The Cuisinart 5 in 1 Griddler; Do Your Barbecuing Inside How do you feel about the Cuisinart Griddler? I start with that question because a friend once told me that she seems grills like this at every garage sale. Then she asked, “Who really uses them?” Well, I do. I love mine! How about some chicken and vegetable skewers to start off? Since I no longer have a place to barbecue, I looked around for a grill that would be easy to...
Open and Shut, The First in David Rosenfelt’s Series
Open and Shut, The First in David Rosenfelt’s Series Open and Shut begins the Andy Carpenter series. It is one of my all time favorite series. It’s one I have already listened to more than once, because I am hooked on the narrator, Grover Gardner, and because of the pure entertainment found in David Rosenfelt’s characters. Click here to read the companion review. That isn’t enough. I’ve decided to review each individually because...
Destination: Oregon
Looking for a travel destination that offers a view of America’s most spectacular scenery? Your next stop is Oregon. The state, known for its lush natural beauty, offers something for everyone any time of year. The state offers a dramatic coastline with some of the most photographed sites along the west coast. Forested cliffs overlook rocky beaches. Over twenty rivers reach the ocean in Oregon, merging the hundreds of rivers that flow...
Travel essential: Digital luggage scale
When you travel, are you one of those people who fit everything into a carry-on or are you the one holding your breath while checking in, hoping you are under the maximum weight for your suitcase? Air travel today is more involved than ever. Airlines struggle to keep airfares as low with fluctuating fuel costs and less flights. Flyers struggle to keep trips affordable yet comfortable. We are always on the lookout for anything to a...
Hanging out with Alzheimer’s
Hanging out with Alzheimer’s Last week, one of the aides at Mom’s facility showed me a picture of one of the residents with her husband when they were young. It might have been their wedding photo, they looked so happy. They could have been taken right out of a scene from a Bing Crosby movie. He was dressed in a sailor uniform, she in a sweet dress. Both had big smiles on their very young faces. More often than not when...
Raspberry and Blueberry Muffins
WARM MUFFINS FOR BREAKFAST When you can’t decide what sounds good in a muffin, why not try using several? That certainly made these muffins one of my new favorites. These little guys are so delicious! A luscious combination of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and melting white chocolate, just out of the oven. I love these! You can frost them with powdered sugar/milk frosting, you can sprinkle the with powdered sugar, or simply eat them...
Book review: The Shadow of Betrayal
BOOK REVIEW: AN EXCITING THRILLER CALLED “THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL” I just finished listening to The Shadow of Betrayal by Brett Battles. It is the third book in the Jonathan Quinn “Cleaner” series. In you aren’t familiar with the series, you can read my review of the first book of this exciting series here. It’s a different twist on a thriller, with the main character being the one who cleans up after an operation. The...
Dutch Babies for Breakfast
Dutch Babies for Breakfast If you aren’t familiar with the name, that might sound a little alarming, but no worries, it’s the name for a wonderful and delicious pancake—sort of. A good comparison might be a cross between an omelet or crepe and a pancake. It is actually very similar to a German pancake. Whatever you call it, it is a wonderful hot breakfast that is fun and delicious. It’s pretty enough to serve company. Not long...
Memory Care for Alzheimer’s: A Necessary Decision?
Memory Care for Alzheimer’s: A Necessary Decision? If and when someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it helps to consider the future as soon as you can. I know it is often something you don’t want to face. You hope it won’t happen to you or your loved one. Denial is probably part of the process. The best scenario would be to discuss it now, in case it happens. It’s easier to share your wishes while you have all of...
Book Review: The Collector, By Nora Roberts
Book Review: The Collector, By Nora Roberts Nearly every year, Nora Roberts publishes a new stand alone romantic suspense novel. In 2014, the book was The Collector. It was an exciting story that I enjoyed so much. With Nora Roberts’ new stand alone novel due out in a couple of more months, it seems a good time to refresh my review of The Collector. It’s a book anyone would enjoy, male of female. Usually any romance included in Mr....
What Makes a Cozy Mystery?
What’s So Cozy About Murder? Recently reading a mystery I found in the reviews it was considered a “Cozy” mystery. I’ve read quite a few cozies. Often they are easy to spot. You’ll find a quilter’s club, bookstore owners, library cozies. They cover all types of topics that way. But the one I was reading didn’t seem to necessarily belong in that category. It roused my curiosity, so I decided to look into what constitutes a cozy....
The Marriage of Potatoes and Cauliflower
The Marriage of Potatoes and Cauliflower This time of year most of us are trying to shape up our eating habits. We want to stay on top of things, look at our diet with fresh focus and determination. It isn’t necessarily about dieting, but more about eating healthier food that is better for our bodies. There are countless books written on the subject, many of which are invaluable. But I’ve found if I can start small, find new ways to...
Trust your Eyes, Another Hit for Linwood Barclay
Trust your Eyes, Another Hit for Linwood Barclay Recently Linwood Barclay has become one of my favorite new authors. New to me, that is. The book, Trust your Eyes, is the one that started it all. The description of the book caught my eye. “a map obsessed schizophrenic” who rarely leaves his bedroom witnesses what he thinks is a murder. Naturally, with that twist, I had to read it. I enjoyed it so much! Part of the fun of Mr. Barclay’s...
Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars
Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars I’m in the mood for something rich, crunchy and chocolatey. Look what I picked. These delicious bars are one of my Mom’s recipes. Of course hers were always better, but mine came out quite tasty too. The recipe makes a 9×13 pan fun of delicious! There might be a lot of ingredients, but it is really an easy recipe to prepare. Once they are finished cooking, be sure to try one while they are still warm....
It’s Murder, My Son, by Lauren Carr
It’s Murder, My Son, by Lauren Carr It’s always a pleasure to find a new author you enjoy, and that is exactly what I have done with Lauren Carr. She has a series, considered by some to be ‘cozy’ mysteries. I think I would agree they are cozies. The word that comes to mind is “gentle.” This book was easy to read, light, with likable characters. Mr. Carr has managed to write an exciting mystery without explicit violence, sex, or bad...
Book Review: The Accident, by Linwood Barclay
BOOK REVIEW: THE ACCIDENT, BY LINWOOD BARCLAY Linwood Barclay is another new author to me, and a very pleasant surprise. Since mysteries and suspense/thrillers are my favorites, I get to read of lot of detective or police procedural novels. It’s perfect. I do love the genre. Because of that, it’s fun to happen on an author who has a different twist to begin with. Linwood Barclay does. This was the second book I’d read by him. I’ve now...
Book Review: The Cleaner, by Brett Battles
Book Review: The Cleaner, by Brett Battles What a great start to a series. The book, The Cleaner, by Brett Battles, is another exciting suspense thriller with a unique twist. The main character, Quinn, is an independent contractor who will step in after a ‘situation’ and clean up the scene. Do you want the bodies to disappear? Should there be an accident? Or perhaps simply nothing that shows anything happened at all. Mind you, he...
Book review: Eye for an Eye, by Ben Coes
Book review: Eye for an Eye, by Ben Coes Ben Coes has become another of my favorite new authors. When I say new, I mean in the last five years or so. His first novel was a wonderful find. Power Down was an amazing book, and will soon be the subject of another review. Eye for an Eye continues the tradition or suspense and excitement. Featuring recurring character, Dewey Andreas, in all his talented glory, the novel is a roller...
Chicken with Toasted Barley
Chicken with Toasted Barley Toasted barley has become a comfort food. Put it with chicken and you have double comfort in a satisfying, tasty dinner. I put this together one day recently trying to use up odds and ends I had. I had a little barley left, and two frozen chicken thighs, and the last of some veggies. Fortunately the ingredients were some of my favorites. It takes a bit of time for the cooking, but it’s really a simple and...
The Single Item that Simplified Camping for Me
The Single Item that Simplified Camping for Me What is it? A Food Saver Vacuum Sealing Kit If your family camps, I highly recommend you get one of these invaluable tools. If you only use it for your trips, it would be worth it, but I bet you will like how well it works and use it all the time. Mine was called a Seal-a-Meal. The updated name, The Food Saver Vacuum Sealing Kit. One year we decided to go to Yosemite for the Thanksgiving...
Want an Easy Way to Shampoo Your Own Carpet?
Want an Easy Way to Shampoo Your Own Carpet? This time of year, between the rain and dirt, the floors and the carpet tend to need more attention. Actually post holidays they usually do anyway. For me that usually meant paying someone $100 plus to come out and shampoo it for me several times a year, or renting a big unruly machine myself, hauling it to and from the store, and doing it myself. That didn’t sound so overwhelming when I...
D-I-Y Essential: The Magnetic Wristband
D-I-Y Essential: The Magnetic Wristband I love this magnetic wristband. So much so that I have to tell everyone about it. Isn’t it funny how some of the littlest inventions can be the most used, handiest gadgets around? Everyone in my family old enough to use a hammer or a screwdriver will be getting one of these sometime this year. Do you often find yourself on a ladder working on one project or another? It must be one of Murphy’s...
6 Essentials for Your Trip to the Pacific Northwest
6 Essentials for Your Trip to the Pacific Northwest Have you decided when you are coming to the Pacific Northwest? There is so much to do here anytime of year. The entire Pacific Northwest is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and that holds true no matter what the season. Boating–anytime. Fishing—anytime, though you will definitely want to fit salmon season into your schedule. Imagine hauling in your own! Camping—year round. Hiking...
Fettuccine Gorgonzola
Fettuccine Gorgonzola If you are looking for a distinctive dish featuring fettuccine, but don’t want the standard Alfredo sauce, you will be impressed with this recipe. Fresh gorgonzola cheese, is mixed with mascarpone for a rich delicious sauce. It is perfect over spinach or tricolor fettuccine. It’s special enough to serve your discerning guests yet easy enough to prepare for a family dinner. It goes together very fast considering...
Glamping: Back to Nature in Comfort and Style
Glamping: Back to Nature in Comfort and Style What is it about this photograph that calls to me? The outdoors? The beautiful setting that makes me feel like I’m alone in the wilderness? Staying in a tent, as I did when my family would camp? Or perhaps it is simply how comfortable the bed looks. If I were to choose a romantic getaway, it would be to a spot like one of these. I’d find one set apart, sweetly isolated, and enjoy the sound...
What on earth is Kohlrabi?
What on earth is Kohlrabi? Are you a kohlrabi fan? Have you ever heard of it? I’ve been wondering about it for a few months now. It’s one I have never tried. It’s a strange looking vegetable. Some say it looks like a hot air balloon. The way it grows even seems unusual. It looks like a root vegetable that you would have to pull out of the ground, but no, it grown right up, with only the root at the bottom still under the soil. It’s...
Healthy Snacks: Vegetarian Spinach Balls
Healthy Snacks: Vegetarian Spinach Balls Instead of chips or sweets after school, why not have a dish of these ready for your children after school. Little bites of goodness, ready to dip in spicy mustard, as pictured here, or perhaps with ranch dip or salsa. Kids enjoy bite sized snacks, much more than they might like spinach on its own. I love to sneak in more vegetables in snacks like this. They won’t even taste the vegetables....
Vegetarian Soft Tacos – Spinach and White Beans
Vegetarian Soft Tacos – Spinach and White Beans These quick and easy vegetarian tacos are one of my most popular recipes. They are also very versatile. I love them with white beans, but any beans would work. While all beans are nutritious, good for brain and heart health, and a good source of protein, black beans are considered one of the best. It tastes great with either. I left the cheese off this batch so it is strictly...
3 Delicious Lettuce Wraps You’ll Want to Taste
3 Delicious Lettuce Wraps You’ll Want to Taste Some days it sounds good to have something quick and light for a meal. Whether lunch or dinner, these three recipes are sure to satisfy. Bacon, chicken, and shrimp are featured, each with a distinctive flavor. It’s easy to have the ingredients on hand, ready to mix up and spoon into a lettuce wrap. Next time you are cooking up some bacon, slice up a few pieces and cook up the bite...
What’s Pie Without Cream Cheese?
What’s Pie Without Cream Cheese? If you are a fan of cream cheese as I am, chances are excellent that you will enjoy either of the two pies featured here. It just happens that these are two of my favorites. When we were growing up, our mom made strawberry pie for us every so often. Her homemade crusts were perfect, of course. A knack I have still not yet mastered. What I loved was the cream cheese layer. It tastes delicious with the...
Planning a Trip to the Pacific Northwest
Planning a Trip to the Pacific Northwest If you are planning a trip to the Pacific northwest, you may already have a purpose—and destination–in mind. You might be bringing the snowboards, downhill or cross country skis along with your winter weather clothing. You might be towing a boat, carrying bikes or packing light with just your fishing gear. A kayak perhaps? Hiking shoes? Climbing gear, surfboard (wetsuit highly suggested)?...
Jack Reacher is Back Again in “Gone Tomorrow”
Jack Reacher is Back Again in “Gone Tomorrow” Gone Tomorrow is the thirteenth in the very popular Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. It’s very well done, and one of my favorites…so far… Jack Reacher is riding on a NY Subway at two in the morning. If you are familiar with Reacher, you will know it is natural for him, with his skills, to analyze his surroundings wherever he happens to be. You come to expect that. His...
Edamame In Ponzu Sauce Wins!
Edamame In Ponzu Sauce Wins! Always a popular dish in a sushi restaurant, edamame has become more and more popular in the last few years. It can be added to so many dishes from salads to rice. It’s yummy roasted with seasoning for a nibble you can snack on. One of my favorite ways to eat edamame is cooked in the shell in a tasty marinade or sauce. While I was experimenting to see which sauce would work best, I make notes. Once I...
What Does Your Inbox Look Like?
What Does Your Inbox Look Like? Do you save your emails in your inbox or get them out of there as fast as possible? Perhaps the first question should be how often you check your inbox. Since so much of my life involves my computer these days I check mine often. What I struggle with it the sense of unease when it grows. The last month or so, time was especially limited, I would open an email, see if I could just delete it, then either...
White Bean Chili, Vegetarian with Soy Crumbles
White Bean Chili, Vegetarian with Soy Crumbles My favorite chili used to be one served with ground beef crumbled throughout. I loved the texture and taste with the beans. Since I try not to eat beef often anymore, our family needed a recipe that did not have meat. That is how this yummy recipe came about. It’s totally vegetarian, yet filled with the same taste of ground meat. Soy crumbles make it possible, and make it delicious. The...
The Frightening Future of Alzheimer’s Disease
The Frightening Future of Alzheimer’s Disease While writing Are You Afraid of Alzheimer’s Disease , I grew more interested in where we are headed with this horrendous disease. So I thought I’d research further and share some statistics. As you may have read in some of my earlier articles, Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked #6 in leading causes of death. The number is skewed though because often rather than showing...
Bean Burritos with Cauliflower: You won’t know it’s there
Bean Burritos with Cauliflower: You won’t know it’s there If you are trying to lighten up the meal you serve now that the holidays are over, here is a recipe you will enjoy. These delicious, rich burritos are much lower in calorie and fat than you would expect. Yet they taste even better. Burritos are a favorite of mine. I like that are easily made at home, any size you want, and that you know exactly what ingredients are going...
Spaghetti With Bacon: You Call That Soup?
Spaghetti and Bacon: You Call that Soup? Warning! This recipe may be frowned upon by Italians. In my family with my Italian husband, a snicker could be heard anytime I had the nerve to call this dish spaghetti. Nevertheless, what you will find here will be a Norwegian version of the pasta dish. We’ve always called it Bacon Spaghetti. My cousins call it Spaghetti Soup. Both are fitting titles for this delicious—if not Italian—spaghetti...
Gluten Free, More than a Trend
Gluten Free, More than a Trend Recently in an article I read, it was reported that one third of all adults here in the US want to eliminate gluten from their diet. Yet only one percent of the population has an actual diagnosis of celiac disease. If the trend holds—and it is expected to– it will be interesting to see the impact on our shopping experience in the near future. At the moment, nearly one third of the products in our...
Mind Mapping: An Easy, Fun Way to Organize your Goals and Ideas
Mind Mapping: An Easy, Fun Way to Organize your Goals and Ideas Mind mapping is one of the most fun ways I’ve found to organize my thoughts. It allows you to take an idea and run wild with it. If you are like me, It will take you places you never expected to go. Basically it is taking one subject and building on it, flowing with it all on a ‘map’ or chart. You can do one by hand, though you might want a very large piece of...
Spinach and White Bean Soup
Spinach and White Bean Soup If you are looking for a meatless comfort soup, this recipe is for you. A favorite recipe of mine from my Spinach Collection, this is a delicious, mild soup that you can prepare in minutes. While I use chicken broth, if you want to make the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth as a substitute. The combination of broth, beans and spinach is delicious on a cold night. You know they say chicken soup is good...
Do You Feel Out of Focus? Try These Tips
Do You Feel Out of Focus? Try These Tips This time of year over all others seems to draw us off our path as we wander off on various rabbit trails. Do you feel that way too? All the activity preparing for and celebrating Christmas can leave you feeling exhausted and confused, asking yourself, “Now Where was I?” If New’s Year’s celebrations and champagne are included, you may not be able to focus on this print yet, let alone any tasks....
Time to own up to an issue that nearly all of us contribute to…using bottled water
Time to own up to an issue that nearly all of us contribute to….using bottled water. Are you one of us? Are you willing to stop? Bottled water is fast becoming more than a pet peeve to me. When I see a celebrity talking about how we are destroying the environment, then taking a sip from a plastic bottle of water, it severely lessens the impact of their message. Don’t they realize the damage water bottles are doing as well?...
A Delicious Spinach Salad for a Healthy Brain
A Delicious Spinach Salad for a Healthy Brain If you are going to get back to healthy eating with the new year, here is a salad that will work in more ways than one. Most salads are good for you, as long as you control the dressing and some of the ingredients. But many salad veggies can be eaten in big quantities to fill you up without high calorie or fat content. This particular salad was first created for brain health. It contains...
Alzheimer’s: Would you want to know you were going to get this disease?
Alzheimer’s: Would you want to know you were going to get this disease? At first that sounds like an easy question, doesn’t? When I first read an article that asked the question, my answer was yes. I would want to know. That was several days ago now. Every day that goes by finds me questioning whether it would be a good thing. Apparently there is a moral dilemma about the question, and so there should be. On the ‘pro’ side, a...
Get Organized with Evernote
Get Organized with Evernote Are you using Evernote yet? If not, I suggest you give it a try. It’s a time saver for me. I first started using it years ago, and every year since then I’ve found more and more uses for it. Evernote is a free app for your cell phone, your tablet and your computer. Since it syncs them easily, the app enables you to use it wherever you are working. It enables you to carry around everything you need,...
Are You Satisfied Yet?
Are You Satisfied Yet? Jackie Jackson wrote an article, titled What is Happiness? It was an excellent article that I found included valid and valuable suggestions. Long after finishing her article, the idea of happiness stayed with me. It got me thinking about how much of our lives we spend seeking that sense of satisfaction. Happiness is so often tied to satisfaction. Year after year we accumulate material things yet still want more....
Essential Books for Travel Photography in Oregon
Essential Books for Travel Photography in Oregon Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is one of the most popular travel destinations for photographers. The entire Pacific Northwest is known for it’s variety of incredible scenery. Between the rocky, forested coast and the snow covered mountain ranges you’ll find farmland like the Palouse, wine country, rivers nearly everywhere, small towns and the wonderful...
A Photographer’s Favorite: Bandon, Oregon
A Photographer’s Favorite: Bandon, Oregon The Oregon coast is dotted with small towns, each offering their own charm. For many all they see is what is right on Highway 101, as they pass by traveling up or down the coast. You miss out of a lot if you don’t wander around a bit off the highway. Bandon is the perfect example of that. It’s a small town. On the highway you see shops here and there, a grocery store, maybe a hotel or...
Book Review: The Dig
Book Review: The Dig. A good book can take you anywhere it wants, which is only one of the reasons I so enjoyed The Dig by Michael Siemsen. In this book that begins a new series, we escape into far the past. One hundred and fifty million years into the past, give or take a few centuries. The story is intriguing to begin with when a small piece of metallic fabric is discovered during an archeological dig. The dating process takes it...
Making Homemade Bread the Easy Way: Using a Bread Machine
Easily make bread at home Since I suggested you try these cinnamon rolls for a Christmas morning treat, it seems only fair that I give you a little more information on my own favorite bread machine. Mine is the The Panasonic SD-YD250 Automatic YeastPro Bread Maker. It is fantastic! I received this long lasting machine as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago. I think I held out a long time. It was one of those appliances that I felt...
The Extremes of Humanity
The Extremes of Humanity I read the book Alaska by James Michener soon after it was first published back in 1988. It was a wonderful, historical novel that has the same impact today as it did when it was first released. One day soon I will read it again. That says a lot about the novel, since it is over a thousand pages in length. While many fond memories of the book have faded, there is one scene regarding salmon fishing that has...
Brunswick Stew, the Recipe and the Controversy
Brunswick Stew, the Recipe and the Controversy Who would expect a simple stew to have a debate over its origination? If you know anything about Brunswick Stew, you are probably aware that it does. Virginia and Georgia each claim it was first prepared in their fine state in the 1800’s, but some think it began in the first Brunswick city of Braunschweig, Germany. It was also said to be a favorite of Queen Victoria which would also mean...
A Quick and Tasty Appetizer to Delight Your Guests
A Quick and Tasty Appetizer to Delight Your Guests Need another appetizer for your holiday event? Try this simple recipe for Marinated Mushrooms and Olives. It only takes minutes to prepare these bite sized taste treats. Whip them up at the last minute, or make them a day or two ahead for convenience. Warm or cold they have a wonderful flavor your family and guests will love. Since I first tasted them at a party more than thirty years...
Where Did That Soda Come From?
Where Did That Soda Come From? Do you ever stop to think how your food or drink came to be on your plate or in your hand? That is something that has been on my mind for awhile now. Actually, since reading Demon Under the Microscope, my curiosity has been sparked in many different areas. In that excellent book, life before and after antibiotics is examined. It amazed me. It made me realize I take for granted so many things in my life...
The Slippery Slope of Obesity
The Slippery Slope of Obesity First, this is not about racial or gender discrimination. Discrimination probably happens every day in all of our lives one way or another. Anyone can be discriminated against for any number of reasons from hair color to age to size to apparel. Discrimination is never a good thing. That’s a given. But once we start giving people special treatment–or making exceptions–isn’t that...
Ideas for this Year’s Family Dinner Conversation
Ideas for this Year’s Family Dinner Conversation Will you be getting together with your family for Christmas dinner this year? I remember growing up celebrating with grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings and cousins. Plenty of noise, plenty of fun, and plenty of conversation. I have an important suggestion for you this year for your dinner conversation. Ask them about their family history, and either record or write it down....
A Dinner to Impress Your Guests
A Dinner to Impress Your Guests Whether you are looking for a recipe for your family dinner tonight, or want an easy dish that presents beautifully to guests, Chicken Dijon with Snap Peas will be an excellent choice. Thinly slicked chicken breast, are sautéed quickly, served in a light sauce with fresh sugar snap peas and a tasty blend of mashed cauliflower and potatoes. It tastes wonderful. The recipe is easy. The chicken cooks...
Book Review: Deceived, by Brett Battles
Book Review: Deceived, by Brett Battles Have you read The Cleaner, by Brett Battles? The very successful first novel written by Mr. Battles introduced Jonathan Quinn as the “cleaner.” He isn’t into violence. He simply comes in afterward to clean the scene of the body and other evidence. You can read a review of that first novel here. In the second book of this fast moving series, Quinn is once again hired to make a body...
Three Easy Spinach Sautes
Three Easy Spinach Sautes You may have seen my recipe for Spinach Pita Pizzas and my other favorite, Spinach Mushroom Pasta. Like I said, I am crazy about spinach. It adds to anything, so I have found, though I still haven’t tried it in a dessert. Sometimes I am just hungry for the spinach itself. In winter especially, something hot tastes good for lunch and dinner. I tend to eat less salads then because I’m craving warmth. That’s...
Spinach Mushroom Pasta
Spinach Mushroom Pasta You can’t go wrong with this dish or these ingredients. Three of my favorites tastes, combined in with garlic, onion and olive oil for a tasty and filling dish. Spinach has become a passion of mine. I enjoy seeing how many ways I can prepare it or add it to various meals I cook. Happily, it goes in nearly anything from pasta, to burgers. This recipe makes a low calories meal considering the pasta. An entire...