Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Cut 160 Calories from Frozen Margarita's!
Food Flips for Weight Loss - Frozen Margarita
Flip out: Sugar-laden store-bought mix
Flip in: Zero-calorie mixers, fresh limes, agave nectar
Calorie savings: 160
Shake it!
Combine ½ c seltzer water with ½ shot each tequila and triple sec, ¼ c fresh lime juice, and a teaspoon of agave nectar. Add ice, shake, and garnish with lime slices.
How to cut calories
One frozen margarita made with store-bought mix can contain over 300 calories. Swapping out the neon green concoction for fresh lime juice and agave nectar saves 160 calories."
Flip out: Sugar-laden store-bought mix
Flip in: Zero-calorie mixers, fresh limes, agave nectar
Calorie savings: 160
Shake it!
Combine ½ c seltzer water with ½ shot each tequila and triple sec, ¼ c fresh lime juice, and a teaspoon of agave nectar. Add ice, shake, and garnish with lime slices.
How to cut calories
One frozen margarita made with store-bought mix can contain over 300 calories. Swapping out the neon green concoction for fresh lime juice and agave nectar saves 160 calories."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
2009 Meteor Showers and Viewing Tips
2009 Meteor Showers and Viewing Tips
The next meteor shower is the Perseids on August 12, 2009. The shower peaks early afternoon on the 12th, so the morning of the 12th (midnight to dawn) and late evening are the best times to watch from the U.S.
Name Date of Peak Moon Phase
Quadrantids January 3, morning First quarter
Lyrids night of April 21/22 near new Moon
Eta Aquarids May 5 Sets around 4 a.m.
Perseids August 12, morning/evening Rises around midnight
Orionids October 21, morning Near new Moon
Leonids night of November 17/18, morning New Moon
Geminids night of December 13/14 Near new Moon
The next meteor shower is the Perseids on August 12, 2009. The shower peaks early afternoon on the 12th, so the morning of the 12th (midnight to dawn) and late evening are the best times to watch from the U.S.
Name Date of Peak Moon Phase
Quadrantids January 3, morning First quarter
Lyrids night of April 21/22 near new Moon
Eta Aquarids May 5 Sets around 4 a.m.
Perseids August 12, morning/evening Rises around midnight
Orionids October 21, morning Near new Moon
Leonids night of November 17/18, morning New Moon
Geminids night of December 13/14 Near new Moon
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Gretchen Wilson, Sony Music Nashville go their separate ways at Tune In Music City
News came through Tuesday that country voice Gretchen Wilson has officially parted ways with her label Sony Music Nashville, in what was described in an Associated Press report as a “mutual decision.”
The AP recounts a statement from Sony noting that “while Wilson will no longer record for the label as a solo artist, both parties look forward to working together on catalog projects.”
The biz split likely comes as little surprise to fans who’ve been waiting for Wilson’s now-long-delayed fourth LP, I Got Your Country Right Here. After numerous delays, Wilson told fans at this June’s CMA Music Festival that the set would be out soon, though a specific release date still hadn’t been announced prior to the Sony/Wilson split news coming to light.
A single from that set, “If I Could Do It All Again,” however, is already available.
The AP recounts a statement from Sony noting that “while Wilson will no longer record for the label as a solo artist, both parties look forward to working together on catalog projects.”
The biz split likely comes as little surprise to fans who’ve been waiting for Wilson’s now-long-delayed fourth LP, I Got Your Country Right Here. After numerous delays, Wilson told fans at this June’s CMA Music Festival that the set would be out soon, though a specific release date still hadn’t been announced prior to the Sony/Wilson split news coming to light.
A single from that set, “If I Could Do It All Again,” however, is already available.
Fish Missing
Just noticed one of my fish is missing out of my pond. Yikes! Got it almost two years ago on my birthday :(
Now that I think about it I cannot exactly recall the last time I saw it there. Have my hand in there at least once a day and I am just noticing now?! What's up with that.
Going to check the bottom and make sure it is not dead somewhere but water is super clear and not looking like it.
That leaves gone as in physically not there. Pretty sure it didn't get out and walk away so that pretty much leaves a predator.
Red tailed hawk? Raccoon? Stray cat?? Hmmm...
Now that I think about it I cannot exactly recall the last time I saw it there. Have my hand in there at least once a day and I am just noticing now?! What's up with that.
Going to check the bottom and make sure it is not dead somewhere but water is super clear and not looking like it.
That leaves gone as in physically not there. Pretty sure it didn't get out and walk away so that pretty much leaves a predator.
Red tailed hawk? Raccoon? Stray cat?? Hmmm...
Monday, July 6, 2009
White Tea: A Flat Tummy’s Best Friend
For the longest time Green Tea took center stage boasting its appetite suppressing properties, but now White Tea is stealing some of the limelight. While tea has always stolen our hearts, with its promise of potent calorie-free, health-boosting antioxidants, not all tea is created equal. So what’s the difference? Unlike green and black teas, White Tea is minimally processed and contains the highest concentration of antioxidants. Let’s face it; we could all use a little extra oomph when it comes to our well being. And if fighting the little evil-doers inside our bodies wasn’t enough, White Tea has recently made a name for itself with its ability to zap fat cells.
If you’re itching to add White Tea to your daily regimen, you’ll be happy to know brewing a cup is easy as pie. Simply place two grams of Tea in water that’s about 185°F and allow it to steep for 4 minutes. Avoid boiling water, which destroys antioxidants, but if the water is too cool, it will extract the bitter flavors overpowering the natural goodness of White Tea.
If you’re itching to add White Tea to your daily regimen, you’ll be happy to know brewing a cup is easy as pie. Simply place two grams of Tea in water that’s about 185°F and allow it to steep for 4 minutes. Avoid boiling water, which destroys antioxidants, but if the water is too cool, it will extract the bitter flavors overpowering the natural goodness of White Tea.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Weekend Project: Make Granita!
Weekend Project: Make Granita!
No ice cream maker? No problem. Make granita instead! All you need is a little freezer space and a mound of the freshest fruit you can find. Here's how!
No ice cream maker? No problem. Make granita instead! All you need is a little freezer space and a mound of the freshest fruit you can find. Here's how!
What is Granita?
Granita is an Italian frozen dessert very similar to sorbet, except that it's made by hand instead of in a machine. Because of this, the texture of granita is coarser and flakier - like eating snow! It's briefly crunchy at the first spoonful and then melts deliciously in your mouth.
You can make granita in a whole range of flavors from coffee to traditional Italian bitter almond, but during the summer, we go for whatever fruit is in season. Rhubarb, peach, strawberry, blackberry - whatever looks the best!
Making the Base
The exact recipe for the granita base can vary depending on how ripe your fruit is, how sweet or sour it is, and how much liquid it holds. Here's the basic formula we follow:
1 lb fresh fruit, peeled and sliced into chunks
1/4 - 1 cup water
1/4 - 3/4 cup granular sugar
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the fruit has broken down into mush (15-20 minutes).
Alternatively, you run the fruit in a food processor until it is pureed. Cook the sugar and water on the stove until the sugar is dissolved and then stir it into the fruit puree.
Either way, the end goal is a slightly thickened liquid with a consistency somewhere between orange juice and applesauce. The water helps to break the fruit down and thin it out. Start with 1/4 cup of water and add more if the pot looks like it's too dry or to thin it out a little at the end. Ditto with the sugar - start with 1/4 cup, taste the mash toward the end of cooking, and add more to taste.
Off the heat, add in any extra flavorings. We like to add a squeeze of lemon, a teaspoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. You can also add wine or other liquor, spices, or fresh herbs.
Making the Granita
Let the base cool to room temperature. If the fruit had a lot of seeds or was particularly pulpy, you can press the mixture through a strainer. We actually like the extra texture, so unless the seeds are inedible, we often leave it as is!
Pour the base into a shallow baking dish. The more thinly spread the base is, the quicker it will freeze. Put the pan into the freezer.
After 1/2 hour, take the pan out of the freezer and rake or stir the granita with a fork. Put it back in the freezer. Continue doing this every half hour or so until the granita is completely frozen and resembles fresh snow. Depending on how often and how vigorously you stir the granita, the texture can be flakier (less stirring) or finer (more stirring).
At this stage, you can either serve it up in individual bowls or lightly pack it into an air-tight container for later.
Enjoy Your Granita!
That's really all there is to it. We like to serve granita with a little cookie or thin tuile. In Italy, granita is often served with a brioche and eaten for breakfast!
Instructables - Make, How To, and DIY
The most varied, awesome website I've found on the web.. Where else could you learn to make your own fireworks or bowling ball fountain??
Instructables - Make, How To, and DIY
Instructables - Make, How To, and DIY
Friday, July 3, 2009
Five Eyeshadows To Compliment Your Summer Tan |Musings of a Muse
Great list of :
Five Eyeshadows To Compliment Your Summer Tan |Musings of a Muse
I also think you can't go wrong with a pop of color, such as turquoise!
Five Eyeshadows To Compliment Your Summer Tan |Musings of a Muse
I also think you can't go wrong with a pop of color, such as turquoise!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Misaken Identity: Local Berry
Apartment Therapy The Kitchn | Urban Foraging: Can You Identify This Berry?
Just found out that the berries that we pick every year are not what we thought they were! Click the link above to see if you know what they are!
Just found out that the berries that we pick every year are not what we thought they were! Click the link above to see if you know what they are!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Happenings in the sky for July 2009
7th - Penumbral Lunar eclipse - The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Americas.
22nd - Total Solar eclipse - The path of totality will begin in central India and move east through Nepal and China where it will end in the central Pacific Ocean. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout most of eastern Asia and Hawaii.
28th-29th Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower - The Delta Aquarids usually produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower will peak this year on July 28 & 29, but meteors can usually be seen from July 18 - August 18. The near first quarter moon will set early, providing an excellent viewing experience after midnight. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight.
7th - Penumbral Lunar eclipse - The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Americas.
22nd - Total Solar eclipse - The path of totality will begin in central India and move east through Nepal and China where it will end in the central Pacific Ocean. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout most of eastern Asia and Hawaii.
28th-29th Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower - The Delta Aquarids usually produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower will peak this year on July 28 & 29, but meteors can usually be seen from July 18 - August 18. The near first quarter moon will set early, providing an excellent viewing experience after midnight. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Aquarius. Best viewing is usually to the east after midnight.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Flowers for attracting birds & butterflies
Perennials
Bee balm
Autumn joy sedum
Butterfly weed
Hollyhock
Phlox
Annuals
Cosmos
Nasturtium
Pansy
Verena
Zinnia
Bee balm
Autumn joy sedum
Butterfly weed
Hollyhock
Phlox
Annuals
Cosmos
Nasturtium
Pansy
Verena
Zinnia
Top 10 foolproof garden plants
Bugleweed
California Poppy
Cosmos
Daylily
Hosta
Impatiens
Morning glory
Nasturtium
Pansy
Sunflower
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
What’s Up This Month - May 2009
Galaxies and planets are on the menu this month. All planets are visible (even Pluto), though not at the same time. Saturn presents the finest view for small telescopes as it hovers under Leo. And those of you with a good-sized telescope and dark sky can hop the galaxy fields of Virgo, between the stars Denebola in Leo and Vindemiatrix in Virgo to see the nearest major cluster of galaxies to the Milky Way (more on that in the next issue). Also, in mid-month, if you get up early you can see a double transit of Jupiter…
Learning how to see faint objects thru a telescope
The Basics
• The first step is to find what you’re looking for. Whether you star hop or use a go-to mount, find the object with a low-power eyepiece to get a wide field of view. Congratulate yourself, step back, take a sip of coffee or water and a few deep breaths. Oxygenate your brain… this will help you see better.
• Step back up to the eyepiece. Inspect the object and the stars around it. Is the field of view around the object rich with stars, or is it relatively sparse? What are the colors of the brightest stars in the field of view?
• Now look at the object itself. What is its shape? If it’s a galaxy, is it round, or elongated? Does the shape change when you use averted vision? Do you see any structure, dark patches or dust lanes? As you look through the eyepiece, tap gently on the side of your telescope to stimulate your eye’s innate ability to detect motion.
• If you’re looking at a globular cluster, can you resolve individual stars around the edge, or all the way to the core? Again, averted vision will help enormously. Move your eyes right and left, up and down to see which view is best. Does the density of stars dwindle suddenly at the edge, or more gradually? Any color?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Cool planet(s) sighting ALERT!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
14 Surprising Signs You’ll Live Longer Than You Think
Leaps in Longevity
- 1. Your Mom Had You Young
- 2. You're a Tea Lover
- 3. You'd Rather Walk
- 4. You Skip Soda (Even Diet)
- 5. You Have Strong Legs
- 6. You Eat Purple Food
- 7. You Were a Healthy-Weight Teen
- 8. You Don't Like Burgers
- 9. You've Been a College Freshman
- 10. You Really Like Your Friends...
- 11. ...and They're Healthy
- 12. You Embrace New Challenges
- 13. You Don't Have a Housekeeper
- 14. You're a Flourisher
- Will You Live to 100?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Gemini – The Twins
Gemini - The Twins
Zeus became infatuated with beautiful Leda, who loved her husband truly. So Zeus changed himself into a swan and visited her. Leda, who suspected nothing, made love with her husband that sme nightand thus she came to bear male twins who had different fathers. Pollux was the son of Zeus and therefore immortal, whereas his brother, Castor, was an ordinary mortal. The brothers loved each other dearly and performed many heroic deeds together. Eventually, Castor died, and Pollux asked Zeus to make him mortal, too. Zeus refused to grant his wish and Pollux decided to follow his brother to the underworld. Deeply impressed by such brotherly love, Zeus decided to send them both into the heavens.
Modern astronomers view them very differently. Pollux is 35 light years away from us while Castor is 50. Pollux is a single star while Castor is made up by 6 different stars that form one of the most unusual multiple start systems in the sky.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Irish blessings
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
May those who love us love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you
May the luck of the Irish enfold you
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
May those who love us love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you
May the luck of the Irish enfold you
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
Irish oaths and curses
Six eggs to him and half of dozen of them rotten.
Sweet bad luck to her!
Good luck to him then but may neither of them ever happen.
May she melt off the earth like snow off the ditch!
May he melt like butter before a summer sun!
May the devil swallow him sideways!
May she be afflicted with the itch and have no nails to scratch with!
Here's good health to your enemies' enemies!"
May the grass grow before your door!
Sweet bad luck to her!
Good luck to him then but may neither of them ever happen.
May she melt off the earth like snow off the ditch!
May he melt like butter before a summer sun!
May the devil swallow him sideways!
May she be afflicted with the itch and have no nails to scratch with!
Here's good health to your enemies' enemies!"
May the grass grow before your door!
Another Irish folk cure - How to go invisible
Get a raven's heart. Using a knoif with a black handle, make three cuts in it and place a black bean in each cut. Then plant it, and when the beans sprout put one in your mouth and say, "I desire to be invisible," and so it will be as long as the bean is kept in the mouth.
Ancent Irish folk cures
For chills and fever: Roll up a small live spider in a cobweb, put it into a lump of butter, and eat.
Another cure for fever: Lie down on the sandy shore as the tide is coming in. The retreating waves will carry away the fever.
For a fever that lasts nine days: Write the name of Jesus nine times on a slip of paper, cut the paper into small bits, mix the pieces with some soft food, and swallow it.
For stomachache: Tie a bunch of mint around your wrist.
For simple earache: Take some wool from a black sheep and wear it constantly in the ear.
For deafness: Fold up two eels in a cabbage leaf, place them on the fire until they're soft, press out the juice and drop it ino the ears.
For freckles: Anoint the freckled face with the blood of a bull or a rabbit.
For diseases of the eyes: Pierce the shell of a living snail with a pin, take the fluid that comes out of it and put it in the eyes.
Another cure for fever: Lie down on the sandy shore as the tide is coming in. The retreating waves will carry away the fever.
For a fever that lasts nine days: Write the name of Jesus nine times on a slip of paper, cut the paper into small bits, mix the pieces with some soft food, and swallow it.
For stomachache: Tie a bunch of mint around your wrist.
For simple earache: Take some wool from a black sheep and wear it constantly in the ear.
For deafness: Fold up two eels in a cabbage leaf, place them on the fire until they're soft, press out the juice and drop it ino the ears.
For freckles: Anoint the freckled face with the blood of a bull or a rabbit.
For diseases of the eyes: Pierce the shell of a living snail with a pin, take the fluid that comes out of it and put it in the eyes.
Monday, March 9, 2009
February yard and garden checklist - northeast
Now is the time to:
1. Sharpen your pruners, clippers, loppers, shovels and hoes. Use a file to restore the original bevels.
2. Tidy up your lawn mover. Scrub it off, drain the gas (if you haven't done this earlier), change the oil and sharpen the blades.
3. Are the seeds you started indoors beginning to poke up their heads? Thin out smaller or weaker seedlings right at soil level.
1. Sharpen your pruners, clippers, loppers, shovels and hoes. Use a file to restore the original bevels.
2. Tidy up your lawn mover. Scrub it off, drain the gas (if you haven't done this earlier), change the oil and sharpen the blades.
3. Are the seeds you started indoors beginning to poke up their heads? Thin out smaller or weaker seedlings right at soil level.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
re: forcing forsythia
Now is a great time to force forsythia.
Go outside and cut a few branches off your forsythia bush.
Bring them inside and place in a vase with water and in 3 - 4 days your branches will bloom into sunny yellow flowers!
A little sneak preview of spring indoors!
Go outside and cut a few branches off your forsythia bush.
Bring them inside and place in a vase with water and in 3 - 4 days your branches will bloom into sunny yellow flowers!
A little sneak preview of spring indoors!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
re: twitter
At first I didn't get Twitter. Now I think I am getting it. There is something comforting about posting what you are doing. It doesn't matter if anyone reads it or not, it is more about being heard. It's almost as good as getting out there but much easier. It counts.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Visualizing characters
Having a mental picture of my favorite characters from my favorite book series is what I am thinking about. It is one of those things that are better left to the imagination I think. When a popular book gets turned into a movie it only can portray the mental picture of the thinker.
One of the best examples, imho, are stephen king books. they can be so scary in your mind because the object of fear is customized by your own individual fears and experiences. I remember, specifically, the anticlimatic revealing of the clown in "it". In no possible way did it convey the horrorific image in my mind. I think that is why his books do not carry over well into film.
On the other hand, sometimes there is just a perfect fit for a character. A sublime example, to me, would be in the Diane Mott Davidson's series, Goldy's best friend. No one other than Bette Midler could play her, imho.
For Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich) I could see the girl who played Stephanie in Remington Steel.
Any sure fits for any of you out there? Let me know and meanwhile, I'll be thinking of some more!
One of the best examples, imho, are stephen king books. they can be so scary in your mind because the object of fear is customized by your own individual fears and experiences. I remember, specifically, the anticlimatic revealing of the clown in "it". In no possible way did it convey the horrorific image in my mind. I think that is why his books do not carry over well into film.
On the other hand, sometimes there is just a perfect fit for a character. A sublime example, to me, would be in the Diane Mott Davidson's series, Goldy's best friend. No one other than Bette Midler could play her, imho.
For Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich) I could see the girl who played Stephanie in Remington Steel.
Any sure fits for any of you out there? Let me know and meanwhile, I'll be thinking of some more!
The pleasure of immersing oneself in a good cozy mystery
I am reading Carolyn Hart's newest Henrie O mystery and am aware of the luxury of enjoyment that comes from immersing oneself in a good book. I have been an avid reader since I was able to read. Having grown up in a less than desirable situation/environment I learned early that I could escape and live vicarously through a book that was free to all with a library card. To me, a library card has always been a golden ticket.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Toby Keith going all Tim McGraw!
http://www.tmz.com/2009/02/12/toby-keith-opens-can-of-whoopass-on-tape
Nice, first Tim, now Toby. These country boys don't take any shit!
Nice, first Tim, now Toby. These country boys don't take any shit!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Robert Plant wins big at the Grammys
Was dumbfounded to see Robert Plant accepting a Grammy last night. Absolutely pleased as could be but very suprised as I didnt think anyone else was listening to Raising Sand. Although I feel the music he was up against was probably more relevant to the mass market I was wow'd to see him win.
One thing I must note is that I would like to smack the confused/dumbfounded look Ms. Krause repeatedly has on her face while she watches Robert speak. First of all he speaks with the utmost clarity and is very easy to follow. Secondly it makes her look like a dumb ass and is quite disrespectful. I hope she realizes she is there because of him, not the other way around.
I am so happy to see that he has allowed himself to age gracefully and carry himself with such deignity. I think it is amazing that he is alive at all with his gray cells intact after the 60's and 70's.
Each line on his gorgeous face has surely been earned!
I, for one, do not miss his trademark voice of his youth. We have that in all of his recordings then. I have come to love his warm, rich voice that he has grown into.
Kuddo's to the one and only Robert Plant!!
One thing I must note is that I would like to smack the confused/dumbfounded look Ms. Krause repeatedly has on her face while she watches Robert speak. First of all he speaks with the utmost clarity and is very easy to follow. Secondly it makes her look like a dumb ass and is quite disrespectful. I hope she realizes she is there because of him, not the other way around.
I am so happy to see that he has allowed himself to age gracefully and carry himself with such deignity. I think it is amazing that he is alive at all with his gray cells intact after the 60's and 70's.
Each line on his gorgeous face has surely been earned!
I, for one, do not miss his trademark voice of his youth. We have that in all of his recordings then. I have come to love his warm, rich voice that he has grown into.
Kuddo's to the one and only Robert Plant!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Lie to Me
What a great show. Love to watch something where I actually learn something of value and interest to boot. Characters are inviting and intersting, concept is ideal. I mean, who has not been lied to?? I am such a sucker. I always believe the best in people but now, thanks to this show, I'm on to y'all. Gonna be watching for the signs...
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