Weighed Down

The burden of the scales, originally uploaded by Koen Cobbaert.

Wow, the universe is really encouraging (pushing) me to continue with this decluttering! I have already put up a bunch of books on e-bay along with some collectible pottery that's been sitting in Beren's garage for years...grin...hoping to earn some holiday money.

I feel weighted down, honestly, by "stuff" as well as actual pounds on my body. I know from reading Peter Walsh's book that the two things are related, makes perfect sense to me.

The process is daunting, though, because there seems to be just so much stuff everywhere! I get started on a particular area of my house and halfway through I get frustrated and bored and want to quit. Same goes for dieting, I do well for several days and then I get tired of the counting, thinking, obsessing over each & every morsel that goes into my mouth! Why can't I just eat like "normal" people and be a "normal" size?

Are any of you going through this process right now? If so, how do you stay motivated? I could sure use some help right about you!

November 16, 2009
Making Room for Harmony
Leo Daily Horoscope
You may feel restless today, with a need to be productive in cleaning, organizing, or making home improvements. These feelings may be caused by a sense of oppression in your surroundings or simply boredom with the same old scenery. A good way to enhance this mood is by focusing on clearing away objects that no longer inspire you. While you may have sentimental feelings about some of the objects in your home, you can still clear away clutter without feeling guilty. You might consider passing along family heirlooms to other family members, giving sentimental objects to cherished friends, and donating other items to a local charity. If you simply can’t bear the thought of releasing these objects permanently, consider packing them carefully and storing them out of sight to see how your mood improves today.

By clearing our surroundings of objects that no longer inspire us, we create space for harmony and peace to enter. While sentimental objects can trigger happy memories, they can also make our surroundings seem cluttered and oppressive. If we choose to store these items away, or give them away to others who will appreciate them, we clear our environment of stagnant energy. Not only does this make room for harmony and peace to enter our lives, it also creates a space for greater abundance to manifest. Since a calm atmosphere can improve our moods, we will usually find ourselves feeling light, peaceful, and energetic again. By removing unnecessary clutter today, you will call in more harmonious energy to refresh your environment.

Party Time!

There's a busy day ahead for Beren & myself as we are invited to not one but two birthday parties! First, my dear friend R is having her annual bash at our favorite biker bar, always a good time. Afterward we are heading to a fancier soiree where my friend N is celebrating her 30th birthday. Both parties include live music and everflowing liquor but not a whole lot of food. I learned my lesson long ago about having something in my tummy if I'm going to indulge in a couple of cocktails and greasy bar food is not the best choice!

So, I'll be using my crockpot once again today, preparing this tasty chicken dish alongside steamed veggies and potatoes for the other folks. Oh, and since my girls don't eat meat, they'll have a chicken substitute, have you all tried these Quorn products? They are surprisingly good! The consistency is very poultry-like, am quite impressed with them!

Before I don my party hat, however, I have a bit of work to do here at the castle so I'll leave you with this scrumptious recipe. Have a fabulous day!

Crockpot Roast Sticky Chicken

4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. white pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 large roasting chicken
(NOTE: I didn't have any white pepper so i used a total of 1 tsp. black pepper instead)

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine all the spices. Remove giblets from chicken, clean the cavity well and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture into the chicken, both inside and out, making sure it is evenly distributed and down deep into the skin. Place in a resealable plastic bag, seal and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, put the bird into the crockpot and do not add any liquid. As the cooking process goes on it will produce it's own juices. Cook on low 8 - 10 hours and it will be falling off the bone tender.

P.S. Yes, take the chicken out of the bag before putting into the crockpot *smile*

Enjoy!

Proud as Peacock

Peacock, originally uploaded by Rapunzel*.

I just received this lovely e-mail in my box, am so excited I just have to share!

Schmap: Fort Lauderdale Photo Short-list

Hi Rapunzel*,

I am writing to let you know that one of your photos has been short-listed for inclusion in the ninth edition of our Schmap Fort Lauderdale Guide, to be published early December 2009.

http://www.schmap.com/shortlist/p=51923102N00/c=SM20464038

Oh, my goodness! Even if my photo isn't included I'm so honored to have been considered, never thought this little snapshot was anything special but apparently to someone it is. *big smile*

What a fabulous way to start my Thursday!


Brightest Blessings,

Making a Home

Today's Daily Om is quite timely for me as I am still slowly setting up our other house, making it into a home. I'm enjoying taking my time, carefully choosing each item that I bring in, making sure everything is what I love and really desire to live with. It's exciting for me to start new & fresh with Beren, almost as if we are newlyweds! *smile*

I'll share a few pics of the humble abode but understand that we are still living "bare bones," and honestly I love it this way! No clutter, no mess, just the essentials. I'm hoping I can keep it this way.

My favorite part of the whole house, the back yard! We have about 1/3 acre which is huge by Florida suburban standards, lol! I love that Beren didn't clear the whole thing and install palm trees like so many others did, he left a nice big natural grotto. You can't see it in the pics, but there's a pond running alongside and a creek down the back!




The most important room in the house...wink....this bed is so tall I can barely climb up onto it!



The second most important room..please note that I do not share the former tenant's appreciation for pea green/aqua blue walls...shudder...we will be painting very soon!



November 9, 2009
A Living Dwelling ~ Creating a Beautiful Home

The homes we occupy are seldom ideal. A space that satisfies our basic needs may nonetheless leave us wanting where location, décor, or style are concerned. Yet every home has the potential to be beautiful. When we fill our homes with love, we transcend worldly factors such as market value and design. Our conscious, loving intentions can literally transform the spaces in which we live, dispelling any lingering unharmonious energy and replacing it with an ethereal beauty that is felt rather than seen. Our homes become spiritual dwellings that feel soulful and alive. Regardless of their outward appearances, they radiate love, making all who enter, including ourselves, feel instantly welcome.

Turning a space into the beautiful outward expression of your inner warmth is as easy as projecting love into it. When your intentions are sincere, you can infuse the walls of your home with your energy, your emotional sensitivity, and your generosity of spirit, turning it into a haven of affection, joy, laughter, and togetherness. It is up to you, whether you want your personal spaces to be peaceful and quiet or lively and inspiring. Begin by cultivating awareness within yourself. This will allow you to see your home as an integral part of your existence rather than somewhere you simply return to at the end of each day. Consider how you relate to each element of your space, and remind yourself that every room in your home can serve a purpose in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Finally, lovingly thank each room for providing for your needs. As you become more mindful of the manner in which your home contributes to your well-being, you will discover that, more and ! more, you want to love and be loved by it.

Appearance and other superficial qualities can be deceiving. An aesthetically beautiful home can prove unwelcoming. And a home that seems mundane in every characteristic can be as comforting and cozy as a beloved relative or friend. When you nurture and care for your home as if it were a loved one, it will absorb your tender intentions and project a love so touching you will soon come to feel a great affection for it.

On My Hearth: Tuscan Vegetable Soup

Beren & I are alone here at the Ormond house, having a wonderful relaxing time so far! The temperature has dropped just a tiny bit and there's a nice breeze blowing through so I thought I'd take advantage of it and make a big pot of soup. This one from More magazine is simmering on the stove right now, smells fabulous! I can't wait to dig in!


Tuscan Vegetable Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

1 15.5-ounce can cannellini or other
small white beans, preferably
low-sodium, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 medium carrot, diced
(about ½ cup)
2 stalks celery, diced (about ½ cup)
1 small zucchini (about ½ pound)
diced (about 1½ cups)
1 garlic clove, minced (about
1 teaspoon)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
or ½ teaspoon dried
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black
pepper, plus more to taste
4 cups low-sodium chicken or
vegetable broth
1 14.5-ounce can no-salt added
diced tomatoes, with their juices
2 ounces baby spinach leaves (2 cups
lightly packed), chopped
1⁄3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a small bowl, mash half the beans. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, zucchini, garlic, thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Add the mashed and whole beans and the spinach; cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. Serve topped with the Parmesan.

Serves 6

On My Hearth: Savory Lentil Casserole

I'm working my way through the Good Carb, Better Carb Cookbook, finding a lot of great recipes to try! Tonight it's going to be a modified version of this yummy lentil dish, will substitute meat for veggie-friendly options.

Savory Lentil Casserole

1-1/4 cups dried brown or green lentils, sorted, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces fresh Shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 ounces Canadian bacon, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 to 3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place lentils ina medium saucepan; cover with enough water to come 1 inch over lentils. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, 20 to 25 minutes untl lentils are barely tender; drain.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 10 minutes or until liquid is evaporated and mushrooms are tender. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture; stir well. Cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, Canadian bacon, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until mixture is thick and bubbly.

3. Grease 1-1/2-quart casserole. Stir lentils into mushroom mixture. Spread evenly in prepared casserole. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes.

4. Sprinkle tomatoes over casserole just before serving.

Enjoy!

Day of the Dead

For some time now my daughter Kali has encouraged us to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, Day of the Dead. Being a multi-cultural family who heartedly embraces other beliefs & customs, we figured, why not? With such a devastating loss this year, it seemed the perfect time to do so.

We always make an altar for Samhain honoring those who have moved on....





This afternoon each of us will visit Mom's grave, decorating it with flowers and pumpkins, lighting a candle and visiting with her.

Then tonight we will set an extra place at the table, inviting the spirits to join us in a feast. I'll be making Pan de Muerto alongside Mom's Vegetable-Beef Stew, not really a recipe per se but if anyone wants it I'll be happy to share.



Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)

Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup (half a stick) margarine or butter, cut into 8 pieces
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup very warm water
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, unsifted
• 1/2 teaspoon anise seed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Instructions: Bring milk to boil and remove from heat. Stir in margarine or butter, 1/4 cup sugar and salt.

In large bowl, mix yeast with warm water until dissolved and let stand 5 minutes. Add the milk mixture.

Separate the yolk and white of one egg. Add the yolk to the yeast mixture, but save the white for later. Now add flour to the yeast and egg. Blend well until dough ball is formed.

Flour a pastry board or work surface very well and place the dough in center. Knead until smooth. Return to large bowl and cover with dish towel. Let rise in warm place for 90 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Knead dough again on floured surface. Now divide the dough into fourths and set one fourth aside. Roll the remaining 3 pieces into "ropes."

On greased baking sheet, pinch 3 rope ends together and braid. Finish by pinching ends together on opposite side. Divide the remaining dough in half and form 2 "bones." Cross and lay them atop braided loaf.

Cover bread with dish towel and let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix anise seed, cinnamon and 2 teaspoons sugar together. In another bowl, beat egg white lightly.

When 30 minutes are up, brush top of bread with egg white and sprinkle with sugar mixture, except on cross bones. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Happy Halloween

It's a quiet day for us here, honoring those who have passed, thinking especially of Mom, would do anything to have her here for one more holiday.

Samhain Blessings,

If Mama Ain't Happy....

Beren and I are here at our "weekend/vacation house" where I am presented with different challenges than at home. First off, I am just building up my freezer/pantry so my recipe ingredients are limited. I also don't have the same cooking equipment I'm used to (no slowcooker, etc) and since we're only here on weekends I've got to be conscious of the spoilage-factor so I'm required to shop for fresh produce more often and watch my portion sizes, can't stand to throw away veggies! Lastly, Beren's girls are here and they are very picky eaters..groan...and my own children (not-so-picky but mostly vegetarian) are visiting as well so cooking a family meal is quite a feat! Add all of these issues to my new low-carb diet and you have a recipe for disaster, or at the very least a very frustrated mama!

Since I am determined not to compromise my weight loss for anybody else's convenience (call me selfish, I don't care), I'm making a shopping list and a menu plan which the Other People will just have to deal with. Now & then the Cook has to be accommodated, right? Harrumph.

I did a bit of searching and found this tasty, easy recipe for stuffed peppers which, if I substitute veggie crumbles for half the recipe, should appease the carnivores and vegetarians alike. Hope they like it, otherwise there's always PB&J. *wink*

MAKE ME STUFFED PEPPERS

2 large green peppers, halved lengthwise, 6 ounces each
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup onion, chopped, 1 1/4 ounces
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup tomato, chopped, about 2 ounces
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (pre-shredded not recommended)
2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded, for topping

In a large pot, bring about half potful of water to boil. Add the peppers and boil for 3 minutes. Drain. In same pot, brown the hamburger, onion and garlic. Drain fat and stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Cook until tomatoes are hot; remove from heat and stir in the 4 ounces cheese. Put the pepper halves in a greased 8x8" baking pan and fill with meat mixture. Sprinkle the extra cheese on top, if using. Bake at 350º for 20-25 minutes.

Makes 4 servings

Per Serving: 388 Calories; 27g Fat; 30g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs

Need a Boost!

Your mileage may vary, originally uploaded by wackystuff.

So sorry that I've been remiss in posting lately, dear friends, I have been totally overwhelmed and stressed out to the max! As much as I love our Ormond home and the time we've been spending up there, being away every weekend is taking it's toll. The Castle is a mess, frankly, not having me, the primary caretaker, there as often to care for it 3 days a week! It's a busy time at the office so I'm putting in more than my normal hours & I'm just plain exhausted both physically and emotionally, still deaing with some personal issues that are ever-so-slowly being put to rest. In addition, my weight is not good and I'm starting to get a cold. *sigh* All of this makes for a very weary witch, indeed! I have had little time to honor or plan for Samhain, a very important holiday to me.

So, this weekend I'm going to enlist the help of my willing volunteers (victims) in the homemaking department, am hoping to come home to find the Castle spic & span!

Crossing fingers and twinkling my nose..perhaps a little magick is in order?

Blessings,

Rapunzel