A List for The New Year

 

 

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It has taken me a while to think this list through. It's not because the list is long. For the most part I am content and really have no need for grand plans for the new year. I don't believe in resolutions, because I don't believe in setting myself up for failure. I don't think you can predict what can be thrown your way during a year or what you will ultimately be able to accomplish. But, there is something about turning the calendar once again that makes the new twelve months a blank slate, ready to be filled with plans. Here are some of mine.

 

1. A little more travel

2. A lot more golf

3. Continue to exercise - more yoga on the days the weather is too bad for walking

4. Start and complete update of guest bathroom

5. Come up with a plan for a master bath renovation

6. Keep doing what I need to do to reduce stress

7. Complete another 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge during Lent

8. Plant more flowers for cutting in my garden - making bouquets makes me happy

9. Finally figure out Google +

10. Simplify wherever I can

 

Here's to a healty and happy 2015. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

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A Movie and a Book

 

 

 

Before Melissa headed back to college (for her last semester!) we finally went to see Mockingjay, the first part of the third installment of the Hunger Games series. I had heard so much about this movie before seeing it, mostly negative, that I wasn't really that excited. I had heard that without any hunger games involved, it wasn't that exciting and that the ending was strange. I have to admit, while I agree with both those reviews, I still liked the movie a lot and thought it was a very good representation of the book, which is much darker. And, the ending could have been so much better, just by stopping five minutes earlier, but it still made me want to go and see part two. Jennifer Lawrence, as Katniss, is great as always.

 

 

The book, Everything I Never Told You, was recommended by Katie at Preppy Empty Nester and I was excited to read it, since our taste in books is similar. It was a marvelous first novel by the author and reminded me very much of The Lovely Bones. As a family tries to make sense of the death of their daughter and are torn apart by grief, you will be haunted by the secrets this young girl kept and the pressure she was under from both her parents. It is a cautionary tale of parents living their life through a child.

Happy Thursday!

 

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Maple and Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal

 

 

 

Our mild winter is mild no more, with temperatures in the single digits, wind chills below zero and snow showers off and on during the week ahead. It makes me want to hibernate at home, wrapped up in a blanket in front of the fire. It also makes me crave a hearty, warm breakfast.

This recipe for Maple and Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal is full of simple and classic ingredients that go so well with oatmeal. It is a treat to make a batch of this to have on hand to eat all week, because it reheats very well. Instant oatmeal is fine and dandy, but the little effort it takes to make this delicious version, is well worth it.

 

Maple and Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal

4 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup maple syrup ( I used sugar free )

1/2 cup brown sugar ( I used Splenda Brown Sugar )

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 1/2 cup low fat milk

Combine all the ingredients and pour into a 9x9 baking dish, sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 45 minutes or until set. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of brown sugar or a splash of cream. Enjoy!

 

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