Snippets

Random bits

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award and Post A Quote Challenge

A sincere thank you to Smiling Notes for your nomination of the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award! I have been overwhelmed with the amount of support and friendship in the blogging community. Smiling Notes, you have a great blog and I am honored by your recognition. I am also excited to participate in your 3 day Post A Quote Challenge!

Firstly, to answer the questions for your nominees:
1 How did you decide your blog name? Is there any story behind it?

When I decided to start a blog, I knew I was going to share about my daily life. I think my mom came up with the suggestion.
2 Comedy, horror or chick flick? Which type of movie do you generally prefer?

I like to laugh, so I would say comedy, except in reality I always pick chick flicks; Romantic comedies.
3 What is your best memory till date?

I can hardly remember yesterday!
4 Heels or Flats? Which is your go to style?

Definitely flats. I gave up heels during my first pregnancy, and never looked back.
5 Favorite Pizza Topping?

Can I pick two? Feta & onion… If just one, I guess onion.
6 What did you want to be when you were little? It could be any random/ funny thing.

In first grade I did a report on this… I was going to be a singer.
7 Is there any movie which you can watch over and over and not get bored with it?

You’ve Got Mail
8 Have you ever gone to a live concert? If yes, which was the last one that you attended?

Yes. Jack Johnson? That was a while ago!
9 Do you like applying make-up? If yes, what is your make-up must have?

I want to be good at doing make up, I really do, but I’m not. If I had to pick one thing… mascara
10 Favorite Dessert?

This is subject to change, but right now I could go for some chocolate layer cake!

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Recently, I was recommended by a friend to read the cookbook Momofuku. In it was this quote:

“Despite a lack of natural ability, I did have the one element necessary to all early creativity: naïveté, that fabulous quality that keeps you from knowing just how unsuited you are for what you are about to do.”

Steve Martin

That sentiment resonates with me, probably with most people. It’s easier to look back at what you’ve done and think “I didn’t know anything!” But not knowing and thinking you could is probably what allowed you to go through with it in the first place! I’m learning all of the time.

Thanks again Smiling Notes!

The Creative Blogger Award

I am so honored to be the recipient of two awards! I love the idea of bloggers supporting bloggers. As a busy mom my time to read is limited. When I do get the time, I am astounded at the amount of talent out there. These awards shed light on individuals I may have never found otherwise.

There are always going to be more talented people than me; people who captivate readers with a single sentence, and take on meaningful subjects I don’t want to touch. There are those whose photography blow my shots of dinner out of the water! I never am going to have the life of an adventurer sharing some trek in the Congo. I don’t want to be a 5 star chef, I just want to feed my family good food. I am content in life; I am raising four beautiful children; I am a dedicated wife; I am a follower of Christ. I’m not trying to be something I’m not, and sharing that with you has been unexpectedly fulfilling.

Thank you stephysweetbakes for appreciating what I do. Your creativity is astounding, I aspire to make my pies look like yours!

Rules of the Award

1.  Nominate 15-20 blogs and notify the nominees.
2.  Post the link of the blog that nominated you.
3.  Share five random facts about yourself.

My Five Random Facts:

1. I prefer my deodorant and baking powder aluminum free

2. I have no business having a hobby that requires knowledge of social media

3. I don’t have a natural love of fish or seafood, I coerce myself

4. I love thunderstorms

5. I loathe sharing french fries, I’d much rather buy you your own

My Nominees (in no particular order):

1. Emerging Adult Eats

2. Savory Stalks

3. Beauty & Living

4. The Travelling Pantry

5. Fueled By Vegetables

6. Farm Raised Cooking

7. Italian Home Kitchen Blog

8. What Mary Made Next

9. My Pinch of Yum

10. Food Fellowship & Wine

11. Take Two Tapas

12. Big Girls Small Kitchen

13. Bright, Shiny Objects

The Starlight Blogger Award

Thank you to Natascha’s Palace for nominating me for the Starlight Blogger Award. Your creativity in the kitchen is a lot of fun to read and your dedication to be a positive influence in your students lives is refreshing. I am flattered you find my posts inspiring!

For the readers who may not know, the Starlight Blogger Award is the nomination and award in itself, it is the recognition of bloggers by bloggers. I enjoy sharing my life with you and am honored to be named for this award!

The rules of this award are:
▪ Thank the giver and link their blog to your post.
▪ Answer the 3 questions given to you.
▪ Please pass the award on to 6 or more other bloggers of your choice and let them know that they have been nominated by you.
▪ Include the logo of the award in a post or on your blog please never alter the logo and never change the rules.
▪ This Award is created to highlight and promote Inspiring Bloggers
▪ Nominate your 6 favorite bloggers and pass on the award! This is hard to do. There are so many more than 6 that I enjoy reading, but all of these 6 are the ones that inspire me more than others.
▪ You are not required to participate. If you choose not to participate, no worries.

What do you think is your best quality?
I don’t know if it’s my best quality, but something I like about myself is that I don’t take myself very seriously. Life’s too short. You’ve got to be able to laugh at yourself.

What is your dream destination?
Easy! My dream is to go to New Zealand. It’s been my dream for years. I want to see the mountains and lush landscape. I just need my little travelers to get a little bigger.

Who or what inspires you?
God and all of His creation. Look outside!

The questions for my nominees:
1. What is your favorite dessert?

2. What’s one thing you now would tell your teenage self if you could?

3. What was the message in the last good book you read?
I understand that truly some of my nominees will most likely will never know of their designation, but I’m keeping it inspirationally real because they are what I read.
My nominees:

The Pioneer Woman, I would love to be as comfortable as you portray making meals.

How Sweet Eats, do you have a photo studio in your kitchen?

My French Heaven, your life in France is a dream.

Hello Emilie, my first travel destination choice is New Zealand but you make Australia a close second.

The Unusual Cookbook, your blog is newer to me, but I’m enjoying your recipes.

Cooking Without Limits, thank you for your writing on parsley!

Please don’t delete this note: The design for the STARLIGHT Bloggers Award has been created from Yesterday After is a Copyright image you cannot alter or change it in any way just pass it to others that deserve this award.

Turmeric: For Body and Mind

Turmeric has a warm bitter taste and enhances the flavor in mustards, butters and cheeses. It’s known for its deep yellow color and is also used in dyes. It comes from the root of the Curcumalonga plant and the main spice in curry. Turmeric is used in many cuisines world wide, most commonly known in Indian food.

Turmeric has been used in Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Also called “Indian saffron,” Turmeric is high in Manganese, Iron, vitamin B6, fiber, copper and potassium. Medicinally it is used for arthritis, colds, headaches, heartburn, stomach pain, intestinal gas, diarrhea, menstrual problems, jaundice, liver problems and gall bladder disorders. Even more impressive is that turmeric is also used for lung infections, fibromyalgia, leprosy, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It contains curcumin, believed to be more potent in its concentration. The volatile oil fraction, curcumin, is thought to be the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric that has proved in many clinical experiments to be as potent as the drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory Motrin, without the side effects! Unlike drugs linked with major toxic effects (intestinal bleeding, ulcer formation, decreased white blood cell count, etc.), curcumin produces no toxicity.

The curcumin in turmeric has powerful antioxidant properties that are able to neutralize free radicals (chemicals that cause a great amount of damage to healthy cells and membranes as they travel through the body). These free radicals are responsible for joint pain and inflammations that eventually cause damage to the joints. Pure turmeric (containing the highest rate of curcumin) is used to treat bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis. And may also block the progression of multiple sclerosis. Combatant against free radicals, it is linked to those with higher frequent use of turmeric having lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer.

Growing evidence shows that turmeric provides protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that in elderly Indian populations where turmeric is consumed commonly and frequently, neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s is very low. A major factor thought to be responsible for neurodegenerative disorders including dementias like Alzheimer’s is free radical injury. It is believed that curcumin plays a role in triggering the protective system that produces bilirubin, which protects the brain from such injuries. With significant studies done, long time use at hand and no side effects it’s all win as far as I can see.

Food for thought (pun intended)… eat your turmeric!

Some suggestions for incorporating tumeric into your diet: Add to egg salad, lentils and salad dressings; Mix brown rice, raisins, cashews, turmeric, cumin and coriander; Grams’ Curry Dip; Curry BLT

And if those aren’t your thing they sell turmeric capsules at health food stores, on-line and at Whole Foods; ranging in price from $14.99 – $49.99. Just make sure you look for pure turmeric, it has the most curcumin.

Sources for this essay include WebMd, whfoods.org, and Whole Foods.

Another Family #Dudeperfect Video

Hey #dudeperfect, if you’re listening… this #dad of the year would love to meet you!

The Perfect Weekend

I imagined it all going very differently. It was going to be an outdoor wedding. My husband was the best man for his long time dear friend. We rented a house on a lake with my husband’s sister and her family for the weekend. The kids were all packed, from swimsuits to wedding guest attire. I could just envision myself writing stories while the kids played on the beach. At its peak, we would dance on a floor under a grand white tent in the woods. My sister-in-law was stopping at the grocery store to have the house stocked with muffins, pizzas, fruits, veggies, sodas, etc. upon our arrival. It was going to be perfect.

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There was a minor set back the night before we were leaving my 9 year old came down with a 104.3˚ fever. Alternating Tylenol and Motrin, we had the fever was in control, and by morning at medicine time he was a steady 98.7˚. Hoping for a fluke, some kind of fast and furious 24 hour bug, we decided to take our chances and head out for the 4 hour journey north. The car ride was as expected; hungry kids, potty breaks, diaper changes, music and movies. I forgot my laptop! Oh well, no work this weekend, all play. Pulling up to the rental was exciting, choosing our beds, checking out the scenery and the kids greeting their older cousin.

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We opted out of attending the rehearsal dinner with my husband. We’re kind of a distraction, a traveling circus if you will. Besides, since the fever, Isaiah could use another night of recovery. Everything was under control as my husband left to fulfill his Best Man obligations. Pizza was in the oven, the kids just started a movie and my sister-in-law had gotten the baby to sleep. I got this.

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I’m not sure what went wrong first. I guess it started with the baby waking up as soon as everyone left the house. He was starting to have some sort of reaction, and the preexisting rash on his face was getting inflamed and starting to ooze. All of the sudden the house felt cold and damp. I started coming down with an upper respiratory thing. Isaiah’s fever was back and his nose was bleeding. Elijah began a cough. By the time Owen got home I was spent. Things seemed to go downhill from there. Needless to say, there wasn’t much sleeping. By breakfast Naomi had an upset stomach so badly that she had two clothing changes. I was completely overwhelmed, and missing the wedding was inevitable. Owen of course had a commitment, but I would have to take one for the team.

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Maybe it was because Elijah was licking up his spilled water off of the basement carpet? Maybe it was because Noah was in a constant state of scratching and my arm was exhausted before we even had lunch? Perhaps it was because Naomi was out of clean clothes? I felt like the walls were caving in. (Although that could have been the sinus pressure in my head.) I needed to get some fresh air and a moment to myself. I decided to walk down to the lake and take in some of the calm. Naturally as soon as I got to the dock, the next door neighbor needed to cut his grass with a jet powered lawn mower.

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My precious niece opted to stay with me and the kids in lieu of attending the wedding. And I am forever grateful, because it was her optimism and suggestion of duct tape and one of her shirts that kept me going when I realized Owen had taken the diapers to the ceremony. At this point things were so ridiculous; all I could do was laugh. So much for the perfect weekend! Hey man, sometimes that’s how the cookie crumbles. Of course, I’m home and reasonable now, so I can say that.


Congratulations Lee & Amy! Wish I could have seen it in person!

Sunshine Blogger Award Nomination

Thank you to stephysweetbakes for nominating me for the Sunshine Bloggers Award! I am honored. Your supportive comments are always appreciated and your extensive list of recipes is amazing!

THE RULES OF THE AWARD:
•Thank the person who nominated you.
• Answer the questions from the person who nominated you.
• Nominate a few other bloggers.
• Write the same amount of questions for the bloggers you nominated.
• Notify the bloggers on their blog.
• Put the award button on your blog.

1.  What is it you love about blogging?

Initially I loved the self expression. It gave me an outlet that didn’t require baby talk. But I am quickly learning to appreciate a community of extremely supportive men and women who are invested in sharing their lives and know-how; and lack of for that matter!

2.  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hmm, my youngest would be in kindergarten… It’s kind of a bittersweet thought. What would I do with all of that free time?? I’m so engaged in my daily life that it’s hard to imagine! Have a garden maybe? Taking care of chickens and a goat probably. Still cooking. I’d have to get back to you after a good night’s sleep.

3.  Name one blog that you love that inspires you?

The Pioneer Woman! Her story about grabbing a donut and the glass case breaking made me laugh out loud. And her recipes are easy to follow and good.

4.  Do you blog as a hobby or as a job?

It’s a hobby, but I pretend it’s my job.

5.  Thinking back, where would you say you seen potential in yourself enough to actually start blogging?

Yesterday.

Now for my nominees…
1. The annalist; your postings are uplifting and kind
2. rachelmankowitz; i see your heart in your daily life, even if I don’y have a dog
3. Natascha’s Palace; I love your creativity in the kitchen

Questions for the nominees:

1. What do you think is essential to bring on a road trip?

2. What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten?

3. As a blogger, do you prefer screen or texts in print?

A Grad Party for Claire

Do you think that when you have graduated high school, you would no longer want to be called Clair Bear? Well that’s the prerogative, of an older cousin, to think of her always as a little girl. However, I did just attend her graduation party and it was lovely. So lovely in fact, that I had to take a billion pictures to share for entertainment ideas!

I really have talented family members. I mean, really talented. And although I will spare you the long details of the name of every dish and the respective member of my family who created it; you can rest assured I tasted it.

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The desserts were ridiculous!!! In the best way of course.

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Claire was able to travel to Europe, and Paris was woven throughout the decor…

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Clearly you see a pink theme here. Totes adorbs (that’s the Barbie’s Life in the Dream House talking). Pink was everywhere; Balloons poolside, college-to-be-attending letters, picture ribbons…

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The fence was lined with bottles and flowers and pictures of the graduate.

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The tree house was adorned with pics and memorabilia…

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There were tents with refreshments outside.

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Dinner included a lovely salad and pasta bar. And yes dessert was outstanding, but I just have to let you know that my Aunt Leann’s pesto was too, and I will be getting you that recipe… But look at these pink marshmallows and more fun things to dip in the chocolate fondue!

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Claire, our newest graduate…

Yes, I took a bad picture of a good picture... but it was so cute! (And sorry, I don't know who to credit for the original!)

Yes, I took a bad picture of a good picture… but it was so cute! (And sorry, I don’t know who to credit for the original!)

Consider this a standing ovation:

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Congratulations Claire!

i want

i want a calgon take me away bath moment. except I don’t want artificial bubbles. and i want it in a porcelain tub with iron clawed feet. i’d like it to be on a carrera marble floor bathroom, the kind i pinterest. i want freshly cut hydrangeas of purple pink and blue around the room and a large picture window overlooking a sand and grass landscape that fades into the ocean. i want to live the instagram life of @helloemilie for a day, maybe three, because it looks like the best beach version of an anthropology catalog. i want david chang to make me noodles for dinner. and then i want a chocolat chaud from le notre in paris. when i come home i want my freshly bathed kids to give me a hug and a kiss before they go to bed on a night that they sleep through ’til morning. when i wake up i want a leprechaun sized barista living in my kitchen cupboard. thank you

North Star Brick Oven Bakery

Driving across the country in the Upper Peninsula, it’s easy to get lost in paved (and not paved) roads lined with pine trees and over-grown greenery. It’s far from urban living. The occasional home or building you pass by is noticed, but doesn’t necessarily jump out at you or scream “look at me, stop here!” Such is the case with North Star Brick Oven Bakery. It sits humbly about 13 miles north of Newberry, and may easily get overlooked to the common passer-by. But those who know it’s there and are familiar with the local treasure are certainly pleased with its location.

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The owners, Joanne and Paul Behm, have been perfecting their sourdough hearth bread recipe for years. In fact, all they bake is sourdough bread; in several varieties derived of an ‘Alaskan Mother’ from 1956. The selections are subject to change; such as the “red and white” made of unbleached flour, cranberries, ‘St. Joe’s maple syrup,’ well water and sea salt, aptly crafted for the fourth of July. They are quick to explain the health benefits of sourdough and share any information they know about the process and method about baking it into loaves.

Some of the spices and herbs used in the loaves

Some of the spices and herbs used in the loaves

Most bread these days is made with baker’s yeast. North Star Brick Oven Bakery makes their bread the traditional way. That means their sourdough contains microflora, a probiotic which aids in digestion and inhibits bad bacterial growth. And sourdough microflora contains all of the amino acids of most plant proteins without the protein that forms gluten; so even those with gluten intolerances can often eat traditional sourdough bread (not those found at most supermarkets). There are many other health benefits from eating naturally fermented bread too, such as providing vitamins B1 through B6 from lactobacillus and B12 vitamins from wild yeast.

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Joanne was in the middle of the “Rock and Roll” stage of the process when I arrived. She was cutting into portions, a large dough of her 12 grain variety into round “rocks” before she “rolled” them into more oblong loaf shapes to proof.

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She had her regular white sourdough loaves already proofing; a technique that depends on the temperature of the bakery and the moisture in the air. It’s a science really that Joann has perfected from years of practice. This day for instance she did not need to cover the loaves with a sheet of plastic. There was enough heat in the bakery, and she didn’t want it to proof too fast. In fact, this stage of the process should take about 3 hours.

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The loaves are baked in a wood-fired brick oven; which Paul had just cleaned. It’s a nostalgic and hands-on approach avoided by mass producers. And a personal touch appreciated by their customers. The result is an artisan, hand-crafted edible art. And Joanne and Paul are eager to share. In fact, they have dried “starters’ available for anyone wanting to start their own sour dough bread, and a wealth of information for a novice like me to get started.

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The North Star Brick Oven Bakery is located at 19639 M-123, Newberry, MI and worth the visit! (They also have the cutest little bags to take your bread home!)

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But if you can’t make it there, do yourself a favor and find a local sourdough bakery so you can start reaping the benefits, Joanne and Paul would want you to. Or if your feeling spunky… make your own!

Sliced, toasted and buttered... yum!

Sliced, toasted and buttered… yum!