Healthy Super Bowl Party

 

 

With a Super Bowl party coming up on Sunday and my never ending quest to try to eat as healthy as possible, I spent some time making a Healthy Super Bowl board on Pinterest. There was not a lot to choose from - I guess it is an indulgence day, but I found a few fun and hopefully delicious options. It's one of those times were you end up snacking for hours and a semi healthy snack or two can round out the never ending dips made with cheese :-)

 

Baked Pickle Chips

 

Zucchini Pizza Bites

 

Baked Zucchini Sticks

 

Individual Veggie and Dip Cups

 

 

I am leaning towards the Veggie and Dip cups or the Zuchinni Pizza Bites, along with one more undecided appetizer. Perhaps something a little less healthy, but like I said, it is a day to indulge too. I think the individual cups of veggies and dip are so fun for a group and will also look so pretty. Someday soon I am going to try making those pickle chips - yum!

 

Have a wonderful weekend and if you are attending a Super Bowl party on Sunday - enjoy the game, the halftime show and the especially the commercials :-)

 

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Thoughts for Thursday...downton, diabetes, etc.

 

 

 

 

Reading all the stories of the rough go of it from our friends in the south has been so interesting. It is hard for those of us in the northern states to understand how a little snow can shut things down so quickly and completely. We rarely let snow stop us from getting where we need to go. However, I realize they do not have salt trucks and plows which, of course, make all the difference. I did live in Memphis and do remember a few terrifying drives in the snow and ice, including sliding down a hill praying there were no cars at the bottom. Here is a great blog post of neighbors helping each other in Birmingham, Alabama that will both touch you and make you laugh.

 

 

There is a lot of talk on some Downton Abbey sites expressing thoughts that Mary and Tom should get together. I have to disagree. I think it would be totally against Mary's nature, even though she likes Tom and has softened somewhat in her rigid social beliefs. She is still Lady Mary, the first daughter of a prominent family and it is her duty to marry well. What are your thoughts on Mary and Tom as a couple?

 

We have plans to go to a good old fashioned, neighborhood Irish bar tomorrow night and I am looking forward to it. Just a casual evening with a burger and a beer or two sounds perfect on a cold Winter's night. Sometimes the simple things are really the best :-)

 

This is a week of Doctor's appointments for me which is always a little stressful. I have a follow up today at the ophthalmologist for the eye issue I had in May and then early next week is an appointment to see how my Diabetes control is going. I have a feeling based on my daily blood sugar numbers we will be adjusting my medication. The one thing about Diabetes is that it never stays the same for long.

 

Have a great day!

 

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Pride and Prejudice - Downstairs

 

 

Pride and Prejudice still has the power to enthrall me, even after so many times read. Both the movie versions are excellent adaptations and I will always argue that Colin Firth is the better Mr. Darcy. In both the book and the movies, their home at Longbourn is mentioned and shown, but not necessarily a feature of the story.

The latest book I read, Longbourn, by Jo Baker is the story of the servants of Longbourn house and is a behind the scenes look at the story of Pride and Prejudice, as told from their point of view. It is so interesting to read this new story with the scenes from the novel as a backdrop. For example when Mr. Darcy first professes his love to Elizabeth and she turns him down, we are only shown Mr. Darcy storming out and Elizabeth crying behind a closed door. A central point in the novel, but a small occurrence from the servant's point of view.

This is the story of Mrs. Hill, the housekeeper (who is mentioned in the novel), Sarah, the housemaid and her love story with James Smith, the newly arrived footman. He has a backstory and a connection to the Bennets that changes the dull and everyday lives of all the servants.

I really enjoyed this book, more so for the fact that I loved a new look at the novel that I love so much.

Happy Wednesday!

 

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5 Simple Valentine's Projects

 

 

It has been long before Christmas since I have attempted any sort of DIY projects, but there is nothing like a holiday to put me in the mood to create. To get things started, as January winds down, I have a couple of new Valentine's Day projects in mind for later this week. If you are looking for some simple, but fun ideas, I put together, all in one place, my Valentine's projects from last year. I hope these put you in the mood for a little February love :-)

Yarn Wrapped Valentine's Tree

Button and Burlap Valentine's Bunting

Burlap Heart Plant Stake

Paper Cut Out Candle Holders

The Perfect Strawberry

 

Hopefully some of these can be made from supplies you have around the house, so you can avoid getting out in this frigid cold weather we are having. -28 wind chills make me want to snuggle in my bed today, but I have some places to go. Bundle up and stay warm - what a winter we are having!

 

{Linking with these friends}

Lil Luna

A Stroll Thru Life

House of Rose

Diana Rambles

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Serenity Now

Between Naps on the Porch

The Dedicated House

Cozy Little House

Kathe with an E

Life on Lakeshore Drive

Craftberry Bush

Live Laugh Rowe

A Delightsome Life

Cedar Hill Ranch

Skip To My Lou

Rooted in Thyme

The Tablescaper

Jennifer Rizzo

DIY by Design

Common Ground

Coastal Charm

No Minimalist Here

Stonegable

 

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A Snowy Brunch

 

 

Sunday, we were invited to attend mass at a nearly 100 year old church in downtown Detroit and then go to brunch at a lovely restaurant called La Dolce Vita, a true gem in an an older, run down area of the city. It was a snowy cold morning, but we braved the winter weather, bundled up in our warm coats and boots and had a wonderful experience.

The church is located in a still vibrant part of the city, near the University of Detroit-Mercy, and looked peaceful and welcoming on this Winter's morning. Aren't those heavy doors beautiful and let you know you are about to enter a special place?

The courtyard at the restaurant was covered in snow, but in the warmer months, you are able to sit outside next to the ivy covered brick wall and enjoy brunch in the sunshine. We were happy to be warm and snug inside on this cold day :-)

With my two favorite things on the brunch menu - bottomless Bloody Mary's and Classic Eggs Benedict, I was very happy. There was also an Eggs Benedict offered with smoked salmon and artichokes. It sounded interesting, but I can't resist the classic.

We had a wonderful morning and early afternoon and it was the perfect way to spend a snowy day in Michigan. A snowy brunch on a Sunday in January is a great recipe for chasing the winter blues away.

Happy Monday!

 

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Chewy Strawberry Cookies

 

 

With Valentine's Day approaching, I did a little search on Pinterest for some recipes that are pretty and pink. This recipe for Chewy Strawberry Cookies really intrigued me because the ingredients were so odd. Could a strawberry cake mix, eggs and whipped topping make a chewy and delicious cookie?

They definitely went together as easy as can be. Please be aware that this dough needs to chill for 2 hours in the fridge - I would have started sooner if I had realized that. However, this stage is important for getting the cookie dough to the right consistency for rolling into balls.

Soon, a luscious strawberry scent was filling my kitchen and I could hardly wait to give one of these pretty, pink cookies a try. The ingredients may be strange, but they came together to create a delicious cookie. I can think of many occasions, besides Valentine's Day, where a pink cookie would be the perfect sweet treat to serve - like a baby or bridal shower, a little girl's party or an afternoon tea. Enjoy!

 

Chewy Strawberry Cookies

1 box strawberry cake mix plus 1 cup of flour

2 eggs

2 cups whipped topping

Powdered sugar

Mix together cake mix, flour, eggs and whipped topping with mixer.

Chill dough for 2 hours.

Roll into 1 inch balls, coat with powdered sugar and place on a lined baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 9 - 11 minutes until golden brown on the edges.

Store cookies in fridge, when cooled.

Have a wonderful weekend - and stay warm :-)

 

{Linking with these friends}

Savvy Southern Style

Jennifer Rizzo

Stonegable

Between Naps on the Porch

Gooseberry Patch

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Rattlebridge Farm

This Gal Cooks

Mom's Test Kitchen

Semi Homemade Mom

Made From Pinterest

Coffee With Us Three

 

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Thoughts for Thursday...breakfast, books, etc.

 

 

I remember when I used to skip breakfast, or even worse when I was younger, start my morning with a coke and a candy bar from the vending machine at work. It makes me cringe to think of it now. Especially since my diabetes diagnosis, I love a healthy, filling breakfast and that first cup of coffee. The perfect breakfast for me is 1 protein serving and 3 carb servings - 1 egg, 1 piece of toast, 1 serving of fruit and coffee with cream. Sometimes I need to change things up with a bowl of oatmeal or my favorite baked oatmeal with fruit. Especially on a cold winter's morning - there is nothing like a hot bowl of oatmeal with a touch of milk.

Sunday nights are television perfection with the return of Sherlock, now on PBS's schedule, immediately following Downton Abbey. I am riveted to my television for 2 1/2 hours with no commercial breaks. My daughter, Megan recommended that i watch Sherlock and I am so glad she did - what an amazing and intelligent show. I loved the season premiere and that the writer's still kept us guessing about Sherlock's fall from the rooftop.

Sue Monk Kidd, author of The Secret Life of Bees, which my book club loved, has a new book, The Invention of Wings. I wish I could highly recommend it, but for me it was a little tedious. I really didn't fall in love with the characters and found it a bit drawn out. The writing style is effective in that it switches from the point of view of a slave Handful and her master Sarah. If you liked The Kitchen House (which I didn't love) you would like this book - very similar.

A book I did love, Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes, and the book I picked for my book club to read will be discussed at our meeting tonight. I have my questions ready and look forward to seeing where our discussion leads us.

 

Happy Thursday!

 

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Wicked and Frozen

 

 

Ever since I first heard Idina Menzel sing Defying Gravity, I have been slightly obsessed with her voice. I could listen to her sing anything, anytime. Her voice is so unique and powerful and she was meant to play that role in Wicked and sing that song. I have seen Wicked stage three times and will most likely see it again when it plays at a theatre close to me.

Which leads me to the Disney movie Frozen. I didn't pay too much attention to it when it came out, because while it looked cute, my girls are grown and my days of princess movies are over for now. Or so I thought :-)

When I discovered that Idina Menzel was the voice of Elsa in Frozen, I was curious. But, curious enough to see a animated princess movie? My daughter Melissa was home for the long weekend and we decided to go and see if it was as good as the reviews were saying.

As I said, I haven't watched a Disney princess movie in years, though I definitely had my fill of Ariel, Belle, Pocahontas and all the others over the years. I thought it would be entertaining and a fun way to spend time with Melissa.

It was a really good movie and the voice performances were great. I loved the spunky characters and the story of sisterly love. And, the song Let It Go, is sung beautifully by Idina Menzel and very deserving of its Oscar nomination. I was very struck with its similar theme to Defying Gravity and the emotional impact of a girl finally being able to accept who she is.

Melissa may have been the oldest daughter with her mother in the movie theater, but we were perfectly happy reliving our Disney princess days - and enjoying the voice I love so much.

 

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Pinterest Success {26} Caprese Dip

 

 

The flavors of tomato, mozerella cheese and basil are a delicious combination, whether in a salad or in this amazing dip I found on Pinterest. And one of the best things about this dip is the simplicity. There are just three ingredients - chopped tomato, chopped fresh basil and chopped fresh mozerella cheese. The fresh mozerella melts into yummy goodness and the scent of basil is so wonderful as it bakes.

I served this with sliced, crusty french bread and it was a big hit with my Bunco group on Friday night. I would recommend serving this right away when the cheese is hot and bubbly and easily spreads on the soft bread. The recipe can be found here - enjoy!

Have a great day - I am off to breakfast with my daughters before our week gets busy. It is a cold, snowy morning, so my coffee will taste especially good :-)

 

{Linking with these friends}

Lil Luna

A Stroll Thru Life

House of Rose

Diana Rambles

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The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Serenity Now

Funky Junk Interiors

Between Naps on the Porch

The Dedicated House

Cozy Little House

Kathe with an E

Life on Lakeshore Drive

Craftberry Bush

Live Laugh Rowe

A Delightsome Life

Cedar Hill Ranch

Skip To My Lou

Rooted in Thyme

The Tablescaper

Jennifer Rizzo

DIY by Design

Common Ground

Coastal Charm

No Minimalist Here

Stonegable

Sunny Simple Life (From The Farm)

Rattlebridge Farm

This Gal Cooks

Mom's Test Kitchen

Semi Homemade Mom

Made From Pinterest

Coffee With Us Three

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January Bunco

 

 

 

Friday night was a night spent in my neighborhood playing Bunco.

When we arrive, our hostess has everything set up.

The scorecards and pencils are on every table.

The towels we will win when we roll a bunco, await the competition.

My luck is holding this night and by the time the night is through, I will become the big winner with 10 wins and 2 buncos.

I come home with both a little spending money and a towel.

And, the fun memories of laughter and conversation with friends.

 

Our hostess prepared a special cocktail for us - always guaranteed to make the party that much more fun.

Michigan Cherry Margarita

1 part Cherry Liquor

1 part Tequila

Generous splash of Rose's Lime Juice

Mix all ingredients in a pitcher, stir and serve in a glass with a salted rim.

Salty, sweet and tart - delicious!

 

Happy Monday!

 

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Fashion Friday

 

 

While I don't often post about fashion or clothes, I wanted to share my new favorite coat that I am getting so much use out of this winter. It is the perfect weight - not bulky, yet it keeps me so warm. One of my favorite features is the snap adjustment on each side. I was able to nip in the waist and slim the lines of the coat perfectly. I love the longer length too - it looks so cute with my rain boots.

This coat comes in many fun colors, but I chose the maroon to try and get away from my usual tendency to pick black. With the cute and colorful herringbone scarf my daughter Megan got me for Christmas, I am both warm and stylish when I am out running errands.

Year Round Car Coat from Eddie Bauer

This fabulous and comfortable coat is on sale now - it really is the perfect coat to get you through the winter.

Have a great weekend!

 

Linking with The Life of the Party

 

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Thoughts for Thursday...downton, gifts, etc.

 

 

I don't know if you have ever noticed, but at the top of my blog in the header, there are the words empty nest...full heart...full life. When starting my blog, those words just seemed to fit the theme I was going for and describe my life. Imagine my surprise, when my daughter Melissa had this pretty plaque made for me as a Christmas gift. She took the words from my blog and found a site on Etsy. These kinds of gifts, that show how much you are noticing the little things about someone, are so special.

While I have been reading, I couldn't really recall any really good books that I have read lately. Then I remembered that right before Christmas I read Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. This is the story of the trains that would travel from New York to the Midwest in the early 1900's. These trains would be filled with orphans looking for hard working Midwestern familes that would be willing to adopt a child. It is the story of one girl and the hardship she endured before finding a family of her own. Of course, being the book nerd that I am, I did some research after reading the novel and found this to be based on true events. There were no background checks and many of the children were placed in deplorable conditions. Many became little more than servants or farm workers. Do you do that too - delve into the actual history of the books you read?

Downton Abbey was definately a shock this week. I have been reading a lot of reviews and recaps of the episode and while I understand the anger towards the writers, I don't think this is out of the norm for the show. There have been other shocking events throughout the series, including the act that made Cora suffer a miscarriage. And, if you look at this in strictly historical context, this would have played out exactly as portrayed. This was not an unknown occurrence in a house of that size and the shame and judgement a women of Anna's class would have felt, caused her to keep it a secret. She most likely would have been blamed.

 

Happy Thursday!

 

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Walking in the Winter

 

 

Walking in the winter months can be a challenge, but it is definitely worth the effort it takes. I can't grab the leash and go, but need to bundle up against the cold. I have learned that layers and my favorite ear muffs keep me warm. The cold rarely stops me - sometimes I shorten my walk if it is absolutely freezing, but there is something exhilarating about the cold air on your face, after being inside.

This winter has been keeping me from my regular paths through the woods, because the snow is just too deep. But that is okay. New walking routes can be found on the streets and a new view is always more interesting. I usually walk at dusk this time of year and there are lights just going on throughout the neighborhood. It is a peaceful time - it helps to quiet my mind of any things that worry me.

The snow is so clean and white, especially after a new snowfall. It muffles the sound all around the streets. Even the passing cars seem quieter. Walking in the winter makes you notice the elements, your surroundings and the quietness all around you. You feel an accomplishment when you come back inside to the warmth of your home. You have earned that cup of tea :-)

 

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Hot Creamy Sausage Dip

 

 

When asked to bring an appetizer to a couple's dinner over the weekend, I thought of this hearty and creamy sausage dip that I used to make quite often, but for whatever reason, have not made in several years. I tend to get in an appetizer rut of sorts, but need to remember to pull out those trusty old favorite recipes - after making, you remember how good they were and why they became a favorite!

This is a slightly spicy dish, made with zesty hot sausage, but I think it has just the right amount of kick. It is always a big hit with the men in the crowd and a great winter appetizer. My dish was empty when I brought it home - the sign of a successful recipe :-)

Hot Creamy Sausage Dip

1 lb Bob Evans Zesty Hot Roll Sausage
5 green onions -- chopped, divided
1 c sour cream
1/2 c mayonnaise
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
1 2 oz jar chopped pimientos -- drained

Preheat oven to 350ƒ. In large skillet over medium heat, brown and
crumble sausage until no longer pink. Remove from heat, drain off
drippings and add all remaining ingredients except one green onion.
Pour into one quart baking dish. Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish with remaining green onion. Keep warm, and serve with Melba
toast, sesame or wheat crackers. Refrigerate leftovers. Can be
reheated for later serving.

{Linking with these friends}

Lil Luna

A Stroll Thru Life

House of Rose

Diana Rambles

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Serenity Now

Funky Junk Interiors

Between Naps on the Porch

The Dedicated House

Cozy Little House

a bowl full of lemons

Kathe with an E

Life on Lakeshore Drive

Craftberry Bush

Live Laugh Rowe

A Delightsome Life

Cedar Hill Ranch

Skip To My Lou

Rooted in Thyme

The Tablescaper

Jennifer Rizzo

DIY by Design

Common Ground

Coastal Charm

No Minimalist Here

Stonegable

Sunny Simple Life (From The Farm)

Rattlebridge Farm

This Gal Cooks

Mom's Test Kitchen

Semi Homemade Mom

Made From Pinterest

Coffee With Us Three

 

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