Sizzling September

[Lavande]

Cyn, I made those breakfast bars & wasn't too thrilled with them. I hope you like them better than I did. Guess who ate the rest of my batch? Cluck, cluck
I'm going to run the recipe I've used & expanded on thru my nutrition calculator. Makes really tasty, no bake breakfast bars, GF, DF & no added refined sugar. I store them in the fridge & just grab one (or two) each morning. If the numbers look good I'll share the recipe with you.
Heavy rain here today with flash flood warnings - uh oh!
Can't wait to try out my new bed

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Lav, how do you like the new mattress? We bought new ones a week ago, and they are heaven. I mean it. What a difference. Enjoy! The thought of spraying the fields before harvesting is horrifying. Wow. No wonder cancer is so much more common. I think it is really worth the effort to buy organic at local places. I am going to make more of an effort to do so. I like the Dr. Ax website, most of the time. I just saved some recipes offered and may try them in the next week.

Cyn, although I always look forward to fall, there is a wistfulness as autumn arrives. The what could have been of summer. I feel it too, wishing I had done...something more with the warm days. Reality: glad I made it through again, the last two summers have been filled with drama and struggle. It is slowly getting cooler here, yesterday was warm, but less humid. Today, rain is expected and cooler temps. I am going to be mindful and enjoyy.

Dill, hope you are doing well.

Pauly, hello and have a good one.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends.

The new mattress is heavenly, just like you said Star
I have much less low back discomfort this morning & my hips aren't clicking when I move, LOL

We're looking at a high of 79 degrees today - yay! Looks like yesterday's big rain did the trick! I love fall, never minded seeing the end of summer.
When it comes to new recipes I am always in search of something that fits all of my requirements - dairy free, high quality mostly plant based nutrients, etc. A recipe has to agree with my gut & be good for my bones & BP. I'm not easy, ha ha!!! Artificial colors & preservatives are bad news so most processed stuff is out. Hence all the reading & research.
One thing I know for sure is the cleaner I eat, the better i feel

Greetings Dill, Cyn & Pauly!
I gave Papmom a nudge on Facebook yesterday, maybe she'll stop by at some point.
Wishing everyone a terrific AF Friday! I'm off to Curves.

Lav

[paulywogg]

Morning friends,glad the new mattress is good if anybody has any good recipes to share I'm all ears,in a weird mood today,kinda down,worn out and having"thoughts" this too shall pass,just 9/11 maybe I dunno

[treegirl]

Evening all!

Lav - congrats on the new mattress, that's great that you wake up feeling better! Well, next time I'll ask HERE before committing to a recipe. Don't worry about the numbers, just send me the recipe that works for you! We have the same issues I think. The weird thing about these coconut bars (and I've decided I'm not a big fan of coconut pieces in baked goods) is that I have trouble digesting it. I wonder if I should just try to stick with other GF flours. I bought some coconut flour, so am trying to use it, but maybe its just not for me. I should try a different recipe though first.

Star - you read Dr Axe too? I don't get the emails...I'm getting tired of trying to slog through all the great ideas and recipes of all these worthy sites! But at least I know these sites are there, and can go to them when I'm interested in something. Star, I think you are absolutely AMAZING - just think of all the life stressors that you've been through the past few years. And you have handled it all with great dedication and courage. I think you did all that you needed to do in the summer - you planted a few things, enjoyed the outdoors, grilled and got settled in. I congratulate you.

Dill - shout out to you - you OK?

Pauly - no more thoughts!!! Nothing is worth going back. The blahs will pass, allergies will pass, it all will go away and you'll end up stronger. Hang in there!

The big news here is that last night I got out my Mom's sewing machine. For years, I used her 1940's black and gold little table top machine. Then in the 90s I graduated to my grandmother's somewhat newer machine, but it stopped working. I finally sent this one to myself last September when I went to see family...but I never took it out of its case. Or maybe once, and then couldn't really figure it all out, and couldn't find the instruction book. Well, sheesh, finally thought to look in the zipper pocket of the case, and there were the instructions (thanks, Mom). It's newer than anything I've ever used, so some things are different, but it came back to me as I read how to do things. I ended up finally sewing a seam on some curtains. The thread is pink - that was what was already in the machine, and I don't have anywhere around here to get thread! I loved thinking that I was using the machine that my Mom had used, and the thread that she had put in the machine - she must have been sewing something for one of her 6 granddaughters. The pink thread doesn't really show, and when I got the hang of sewing again, I was so excited! I love the sound of a sewing machine at work! (Lav - you're laughing now, I know...) I used to sew most of my clothing, and did tons of special projects - it's been a loss not to have a machine. Now I've got the bug again! Watch out ---

Hope all have a great AF Friday night -

[Lavande]

Cyn, I have two sewing machines but they are both newer & computerized, haha! My embroidery machines are large, computerized & noisy ~ seriously!
I remember using my granny's 'New Home' sewing machine when I first started sewing at age 12

Now - about the food stuff:
I have found that coconut milk does not agree with me, coconut flour is difficult to work with but I am OK using regular flaked coconut in a recipe from time to time.
The no-bake breakfast bars work out to be about 192 calories with 5 grams of protein. Because of my dairy intolerance I have to use pea protein (Source Naturals) & non-dairy chocolate chips (Enjoy Life). I buy both of those products on Amazon. I use Smart Balance peanut butter or sunflower butter that I make at home. I buy bulk raw sunflower seeds on Amazon, toast them on the stovetop until they get a little brown then toss them in the food processor with a pinch of salt & honey for flavor.

The basic recipe:
3 cups of brown rice crispy cereal (Erewhon or brown Rice Krispies if you can find them)
1/4 cup protein powder
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut or sunflower butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips (frozen)

Line a 8"X8" pan with parchment paper.
Mix cereal & protein powder in a large bowl. Heat the honey & peanut butter together until melted. (I do this in the microwave for 1 min.) & pour over the cereal mixture. Add the frozen chocolate chip last so they don't melt too much & scrape mixture into prepared pan. I cover it & let it firm up overnight in the fridge. Next morning slice into 12 bars & store in a container in the fridge. I love these with coffee or tea in the morning.

You can pump up the protein content by increasing the amount of protein powder if you like.
Using sunflower butter decreases the saturated fat which is good for our cardiovascular systems, lowers our cholesterol & gives us a boost of vitamin E which is a good anti-inflammatory. Sometimes I use 1/4 cup chocolate chips & 1/4 cup coconut flakes for a different flavor. I imagine you could add any dried fruit of your choice.
I was just thinking today that the next batch I make will have some gluten free oats in place of the brown rice cereal to boost up the fiber a bit

And for the other exciting news - I gave my stinky younger dog a bath tonight, LOL

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Feeling really down for some reason. Lonely, bored.

Pauly, shout out to you, I am struggling too.

Lav, sunflower butter sounds like something I could make, I am looking into it.

Cyn, sewing sounds fun. I used to have my grandmother's machine, it was fun creating things.

Dill,hope you are well, have a good Saturday.

[dill]

Hello friends, I guess you all were beginning to think I had fallen of the edge of the world! Nope! I just had a couple of things come up that upset my routine. I'm back now.

Lav and Cyn, Since we are talking about sewing machines, I'll tell about mine. I bought one 15 years ago that I love. It has its own little sewing cabinet. Gave my old one to my daughter. I have had a sewing machine ever since I was a teen. I used to make a lot of my own clothes and then the kids came along and I made a lot of their things. But then fabric prices went up and it became less cost effective so I drifted away from sewing. I still do ocassional projects tho. Cyn that is nice that you felt that connection with your mom thru the pink thread.:love:

I don't believe that farmers drench their fields in Roundup just before harvest. That makes no economic sense for one thing and for another, farmers like to eat safe foods too. I checked it out on snopes and they pretty much debunked it.

Star and Pauly, I too have been feeling down. Could be the change in seasons. I love fall but it does make one focus on endings and that can make for sadness. All the crazy stuff happening in the world today is weighing on me too

I shall have to snap out of it today tho bc the grandkids will be here later! Have a good and af Saturday.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends!

I hope everyone has a good Saturday.
I woke up to a request to watch my grandsons today while my DIL goes toa baby shower & just now my daughter is asking to come for a visit with her crew today. So, I will be busy.
Dill, I will get back to you later wth info from the Organic Consumers Association

Lav

[dill]

Hello Friends,

It's going to be a busy day here so I'm getting on here early. The grandkids stayed over last night and today we go to gson's football game. Afterwards we hurry home to watch the Bengal's season openner. Mr. D is a fan. We'll have a barbecue going on, too.

Cyn, did you mention once time a book you read that Game of Thrones was based on? I have started watching Game of Thrones, Season 1 borrowing it from the library. If there is a book I'd like to see it.

Star, I finished the Tulip Fever book. It got better as I got into it and in the end I decided it is one I could recommend. It is interesting because it is set during a time in history that was crazy in way because the tulip industry came along and turned the whole country upside down! Tulip bulbs were being grown and different varieties were being made. People were making a fortune selling just one prize bulb! It was like the tech bubble we had here in the '90's I guess because like the tech bubble, eventually the tulip bubble burst. History does repeat, doesn't it.

Lav, you had a housefull yesterday! How did it all go? Were you worn out in the end? You sound like you can handle the activity tho. I guess I can too but in limited amounts! I was wondering if you have a website for your embroidered items?

Pauly, I saw on the news earlier this week about a plane catching fire on a runway in Las Vegas. That must have been big news for you locally. Hope you are feeling better these days.

Have a nice AF Sunday!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Up early for a Sunday, as we are going to have brunch with daughter, SIL, and grandson. It is cooler, 47 degrees, and I love it! I went shopping yesterday, and bought something to wear to my Dad's funeral, plus some work stuff, so it was a good day. I found a great store, expensive, but with nice stuff, so still trying to find my way around for different things.

I was down yesterday due to ongoing grief, one of y kids had some stuff happen that was upsetting, and being alone all day Saturday just does not help. However, getting active, getting out and doing needed tasks, a little retail, and I started to feel better. So, today I will be busy and with family, love the weather, and can wear something new.

Dill, glad you are busy and doing well. Tulip Fever sounds good, I will look itup today. I am reading Orange Mint and Honey, a story about an ACOA, and it is a good book. How fun to go to your grandson's football game, then watch the Bengals. We saw the end of the Notre Dame game and it was exciting, they always pull it out of their hat at the end. Fun.

Lav, you have been busy yourself, and I am sure enjoying this cooler weather.

Cyn, know you are busy and productive. Reading anything good lately?

Pauly, hope you are getting out of your low mood. I know when I suffer from allergy symptoms, depression goes along with it for me. It just stinks to feel like you have a cold for weeks. Do something good for yourself today if you can.

Off for more coffee.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends,

Sunny with a high of just 73 degrees today - YES!!!!!
I don't know how much rain we had yesterday but it certainly was a lot.
I did have the house full yesterday, even my son stopped in for food after work. Lots of noise & fun, for sure

Star, glad you managed to find balance yesterday. Some days it's easy, some days not so much. We owe it to ourselves to keep the momentum going, no matter what :hug:

Dill, you've had an active weekend too. I was worn out after everyone left last evening. It almost felt like the aftermath of a holiday gathering, ha ha. I couldn't send the kids outside to play because of the torrential rain so we had to deal with them running around inside, ha ha.
I used to have a small website for my embroidery biz but it's no longer online. Long story but I paid someone to do some work on it, he took my money then disappeared after taking the site offline. I can't get it back & refuse to pay for a new one. So, I've just been limping around ever since. I am thinking about making a Facebook page for it, one of these days, LOL
Hi there Cyn & Pauly! I hope you are both well, please check in with us.

OK, I'm going to play catch up today, work waiting inside & out for me.
Have a great AF day everyone!

Lav

[treegirl]

Good evening all -

sorry I didn't drop in yesterday - long day and lots of pain left me just getting done with what I had to accomplish. Mr T got to the house around 8:30 PM, and I finished up all the pots and pans around 9:30 PM...I did a lot of cooking for the dogs, and a Honey Cake for today's Jewish New Year celebration; Rosh Hashana. It starts this evening, but since Mr T had to head back to the city, we planned to have an early celebration dinner this afternoon. SD was supposed to come, but she is busy with work, so she didn't come, and frankly that was OK. The relationship between her and her Dad is complicated, and when he is home for such a short amount of time, it was nice for it to be just the 2 of us.

Lav - thanks so much for the recipe - I will definitely try it. I buy oat-based, brown rice syrup breakfast bars from Heart Thrive, but they are expensive, and the protein is soy which I don't do so well with. So I will give yours a try. I may even start making my own nut butters! BTW, I made a dynamite honey cake recipe yesterday - GF, high protein from the almond meals, and TASTY. Here's the link: http://cookieandkate.com/2014/gluten...y-almond-cake/

Dill and Lav - congrats on taking care of your families with such skill and love. You guys are amazing.

Star - I'm so glad that you know just what to do to help yourself. So glad you found a nice clothing store. The grief comes in waves, I get it, big hugs to you.

Pauly - I hope you are feeling better. The goldenrod is out now, and we are all having a hard time with it - you're right it does feel just like a cold. Take care.

I think I was dragging yesterday because I was up most of the night with girl dog on Thursday night. She had another 'episode', and this one was tougher and longer than any for a long time. I think that I might have set her off - I forgot to watch her fat content, and gave her some coconut oil (her coat is dull and she's such a skinny little thing these days) so between that and her snarfing up part of an avocado that fell on the floor, she OD'd on fat, and I think her pancreas wasn't happy. Poor little thing, she was really in a lot of pain for a long time. But we got through it, and slowly she came around yesterday. So last night's cooking was back to making boiled fat-free chicken, fat-free broth, congee rice, etc. etc. I thought those days were over! Oh well, it's worth it if it keeps her from any more attacks.

After making a little holiday feast just for the 2 of us, I am wiped out, so this will be an early night. Hope everyone takes good care of themselves, and I'll check in with you tomorrow.

[Lavande]

Cyn, I sure hope you are getting some much needed rest :hug:
That honey cake recipe looks great. I will put it on my 'to do soon' list
I think I know how your doggie feels. I can't handle too much fat either, kicks up the gall bladder, ouch.

Had a quiet day, just putzing around, nice!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Busy day today, I need more coffee. Had a good one yesterday, perfect weather, may it continue. It will for a few days.

Lav, nice to have a day to yourself.

Cyn, hope you can rest a bit, have a little more balance.

Dill and Pauly, hello, happy Monday to your too.