Anyone who has ever moved knows that meals get interesting as the big move day grows near. This is especially true if you are moving a greater distance versus just across town. Transferring groceries and frozen goods is a breeze when moving locally.
I am doing the greater distance move and thus trying to use up what groceries I have at the moment. Meals are getting creative, hence edible and ugly.
This recipe, while high in fiber, isn’t pretty but it’s quite yummy.
1 can of red Kidney Beans
1 onion chopped up
2 medium carrots, pealed and diced
2 small tomatoes, diced up
1/2 pound of ground turkey, browned
1 can of refried beans
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning
Dump everything into a pot together and simmer for about 15 minutes. Serve with Texas Pete and sour cream or whatever toppings you have left in your condiment stash or cupboard.
This recipe can easily be varied to don whatever you have in your kitchen–hence the Stone Soup theory.
I showed my mother my meal and she said “God Bless you, that looks like canned dog food.” In truth, it does resemble cheap, canned dog food but it’s actually quite yummy.
Edible “dog food” soup stewHigh Fiber Stone Soup meal
The feature image photo isn’t the most flattering of myself. Still, I thought it was adorable of Pixie (my wee doggy). It captured the waterfalls well in the background.A kind walker snapped the photo upon asking and one won’t complain or belittle a thoughtful act.
The drive there was about 45 minutes from Clemson. (I am using Clemson University as a marking point for distance reference.) The drive was beautiful. The last 5 or so miles were back country roads. Thankfully, my Google Maps still worked even though I was out of cell-phone range. Yes, I recommend you use a mapping app to get there. It’s “out there” and the last bit is dirt roads. The track is often very narrow, so slow down, take your time and enjoy!
The parking area at the trail head is very spacious and it’s a hidden gem. There were other locals there whom obviously never spilled this great kept secret. There isn’t an entrance fee and it’s family, pet friendly, which makes it even more spectacular! The rules do state, on the information board, that visitors please keep pets leashed.It also asks to leave no trace behind that you were there. What you bring in, please take out with you!
This trail and gorgeous site are pet friendly. Nevertheless, horse back riding, bicycles,scooters and ATV/dirt bikes are not allowed. It’s not wheelchair accessible (in my opinion). Although, I believe, it is easily managed for even people like me whom aren’t the fittest and have joint damage. I would gladly take my 90 year old grandfather here. I would also bring my nieces and nephews, all under age 10. It’s a joy for all.
Pixie thoroughly exasperated herself while she was hiking. She sniffed all the wonders of the trail. She was quite popular with the other walkers and seekers. I don’t know which she enjoyed more. She loved socializing. She bubbled over the water splashing. She also notified me of critters and other crawlies she spotted. She tells me all kinds of things. She communicates without chase or barking. She talks in her own huffs and squeaks, with ear tips wiggling with delight.
There are 3 deck platforms along the trail’s length. They allow viewing of each section of the waterfalls’ multiple parts. Along the paths an abundance of flora, fauna grow prolifically.
The site is definitely worth the effort. Pixie and I walked, I estimate, about 1.2 miles total (round trip) and we both made it easily. I gave her a treat or two along the way (and always provided water for both of us, when needed.)
To quote Siskel and Ebert, 2 thumbs (and 4 paws) way up!
The paths are well maintained and serviced for ease of use The 2nd Set of FallsThe Third set of Falls Pixie giving me smooches Pixie sighted the first waterfall and was super curiousEnjoying the view and laughing at Pixie’s excitementA rock overhang of the path, watch out for creepy crawler critters! The first water falls on the trailSplish Splash the water goes over!
Who doesn’t like an easy meal that is reminiscent of Sunday Supper at Grandma’s house?
My cousin brought me two semi-thick ribeye steaks this weekend,
I don’t own a grill. I am not a huge fan of skillet fried steak–so whats a girl to do? I grabbed a 9×13 glass baking dish and got to work.
Ingredients
2 ribeye steaks (or roast or whatever beef you got)
1 medium onion, chopped into big chunks
4 medium to large carrots, peeled and course cut into chunks
4 medium/large red potatoes, washed and quartered (no need to peel)
Seasoning to preference (I used salt pepper and Montreal steak seasoning)
1/3 cup of water.
Put the meat on the bottom of the baking dish, layer the veggies on top, sprinking the seasoning in between stuff, pour water into the dish.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. pop in oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 70-80 minutes until meat is cooked and veggies are tender. I set the timer and just “forget about it” and go get other things done in the meantime.
There are many paintings, all crafted and painted by me, Anna Potthoff. I am selling 21 of them as an assorted lot–make me an offer! I am Spring Cleaning my Studio and need to make some room! Free shipping to the United States but can ship them world wide for a small additional shipping fee. Here are the 21 original, one of a kind paintings included in the lot–various sizes from 8″x10″ to 24×30″—some are framed, other are not but all are ready to hang and be on display in a gallery, library, office, home or given as gifts!
I am an American Artist currently living in upstate South Carolina and am seeking to create more beauty in the world and help clear out some of my studio. The dream is help promote my small business and other small business–neighbors supporting neighbors.
I admit, there are days when heating up the kitchen just isn’t in the cards; a quick but healthier choice is what I desire.
Ingredients (for 2 people)
4 slices of your favorite bread
Mayo or Miracle Whip (generic of either is fine)
1 Roma Tomato, sliced up
Yellow Mustard (or brown or spicy, whatever you have on hand)
Celery Stalk and a hand full of baby carrots (or a regular carrot, peeled and cut)
2 slices of Cheddar Cheese (or whatever real cheese you have on hand, sliced)
Layer the bread with mayo, mustard, one slice of cheese and half the tomato slices. Cut Sandwhich in half.
Plate the sandwich with half the celery stalk and carrots, garnish with a piece of dill pickle. All said and done in less than 8 minutes. Voila! A fiber rich meal with veggies and protein.
Don’t forget to shop on my eBay! Every purchase benefits the Wild Life Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado.
Cheap Homemade LunchDiabetic friendly mealQuick meals that are cheap and healthyMaking food for one person
Each dress has it’s own link where it can be purchased, free shipping to the USA for Free, world wide shipping available for a nominal fee. The dresses are $499 or best offer!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/226050395404 $499 OBO with free shipping Snow White Bridal Wedding Gown Tear Drop Back Long Train New . Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. Photos show that it looks a little off-white. It is truly snow white in color. It is full length with lots of tooling and layers underneath for a very full skirt and a long train. This item will need to be a little steamed before wearing to remove some slight wrinkling it is a beautiful brand new dress with a teardrop opening in the back and very classic modest front with roses and vines embroidered on the front and back along the skirt and bodice.
It is a full length gown they were truly make any bride feel like a princess and will be beautiful.The perfect dress to wear to the wedding as well as the reception. Size 4 but I believe it can be altered some to custom fit this
A full length size for her wedding dress with Crystal and pearl like beating and black embroidery on the bodice and some of bosom area, brand new and exclusively made and pretty heavy. It has multiple layers of Tull And petticoat, like slipped underneath for exquisite, bounce and volume in the skirt area. The top by this part looks like it’s to be fitted and includes an extra set of corset strings with the dress. There is a medium length train that comes off the back of the dress, and it’s not detachable While the images show that it may be off-white that you dress is truly a classic white and ivory color This item has free shipping and benefits A wildlife sanctuary in Colorado
The bodice also contains some boning to help support and lift and fit
Brand new with tags ivory ecru egg shell hued wedding dress w short train and removable sash accessory, perfect condition and zipper covered by embellished buttons Upper bodice embellished with small crystal like and pearl like beads and beautifully sewn Size 16 It seems like it could be tailored to fit a little bit better, but I am not seamstress and buyer would need to do alterations if desired Full length princess styles, sleeveless Make me an offer!
Okay, so the holiday feasting and goodies have come to pass. We all have packed on the fudge, inhaled the cookies and overstuffed ourselves with turkey-and we hope now for easy meals that don’t give the kids the sugar zoomies or the adults a case of indigestion or overindulgence.
Ingredients:
4 pieces of chicken
1 pound bag of frozen Brussel Sprouts
a bit of olive oil
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
1 pint of fresh blackberries (or whatever is on special)
Simmer up the chicken until 90% cooked, toss in the frozen Brussels sprouts, season all with lemon pepper seasoning, simmer until chicken is 100% done and sprouts are al dente. Serve it up on a plate and put some fresh fruit with it and Voila! Quick healthy meal.
Serve it up, serves 2 adults (or 4 if you are using large chicken breasts)
Treats, Goodies, little gifts, Souvenirs–whatever you like to call them-trinkets you get for yourself or loved ones–can be a little tough to choose and/or get home-to the person–here are a few tricks I have learned a long the way–
Know your person–while there are a select few whom really love those Snow Globes-choose something they will really enjoy, like or use. I’d a grandmother whom wanted odd-ball location magnets–sometimes the simple little things mean the most to the recipient.
Find the unique item on street bizarre or jumble sales–it will be always a fun memory–I bought a bone china vintage tea cup and saucer on Portabello Row in London for pence on the pound and I used it for years (until an ill fated moment and a visitor broke it!) My friend’s mom loves puzzles–he was always on the hunt for local puzzles while we were recently in Scotland.
3. Postcards and T-Shirts/Hoodies– are your best friend. They are everywhere and relatively inexpensive–if you are sending more than one or two from a foreign country you “might” want to wait to send them from home as the postage can get excessive–me? I am a postcard junkie-just ask my family. I do send out some postcards but for me, I chose postcards for myself to add to my cork board (sometimes I even send myself one so I get the foreign stamp and postmark!) I am an average photographer but postcards nail it every time! Plus, postcards are super easy to pack!
4. Local goodies–things you can’t find at home–for example, my Sweetness loves soup so I brought him a regional T-Shirt, which I wrapped around a larger can of Scotch Broth Soup–I know I can’t make it as well from scratch as the Scottish do but from the can will be a close second. He loved getting to sample the local fare.
5. Keep a travel journal/diary. I like doing it with paper and pen but my friend does his digitally on his phone and attaches photos–I also put postcards and other tidbits in my travel journal.
6. Little things can be a souvenir, too. I picked up a fun scarf one day for less than $3 as I had left my scarf back at the guest house and I was chilled–a simple but pretty scarf not only kept me warm but it was fun to wear abroad and now at home, with smiles of all the places I have worn it.
7. Have any tidbits that help? Please leave the info in the comment section below!
Postcards are easy to find and easy to packCaptures those hard to get momentsFind locally made items–A wool sweater from Scotland for my DadKeep a travel journal/diary (snacks are handy!)Drink coffee or beverage while journaling–mark what you did that day and what you sawtake lots of photos–make a travel blog or create a “shared album” or profile to share with family and friends all at once Write your postcards for yourself or others on location (even if you mail later) as it helps to capture the “essence”Use something while traveling? Include it in your travel journal, like a bus pass or theatre ticketStubs and postcards, bits of brush or anythign can go as a souvenirPostcards, need I say more?Mailing yourself or other postcards–sending a bit of love when your feet can’t go the distance yet–everyone needs a bit of loveI chose a 2nd hand apple bearing tea pot (jumble sale) and a chubby mug and some local fare for myself, which i wrapped up in my cardigan and clothes to get home–the soil samples were a request and the Christmas ornaments were for my mom–Non traditional souvenirs but was thinking of the people I love
I recently quit smoking and thus my handknitted scarf collection has greatly increased–all handmade and hand knitted by myself, each are for sale–with free shipping to the USA! A percentage of each sale goes directly to the Wildlife Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado, which hosts rescued and adopted carnivores of all sorts!
It’s harvest time in Colorado but the flowers are still blooming! My parents house is abundant with color and beauty–and their dog, Gluwhein, is pretty darn cute too!
