National Earth Hour Day

National Earth Hour Day came about to bring attention to climate change.  Earth Hour encourages participants to turn off all non-essential lights for one hour.

The event, which began in 2007 in Australia, is organized by World Wide Fund for Nature.  It has become quite popular over the years and has spread to over 4000 cities around the world.

This year, Earth Hour will take place today, March 30, from 8:30pm until 9:30pm.

White House Attire

For Spring Break, we decided to head to Washington D.C.  We scheduled a tour of the White House and the whole family decided to come along for the fun.  Along with the regular tour, we have a special tour, just for us.

For the "Special Tour" we must be dressed nice (no jeans, t-shirts, gym shoes, etc.).

You would think this would be easy, now that the kids are older.

One child is going to wear his suit.  We shall call him the angel child.

The next child asked if he could wear black jeans....  If they say, "No jeans," that includes black jeans.  He then went on to ask if he could wear his work boots.  I told him to find a pair of casual pants, button-down collared shirt and dress shoes and pack it.

The third child balked at having to wear a blouse.  She also wanted to wear her white gym shoes.  (she insists that they are just shoes)

RT said he didn't realize how difficult it would be for the kids to dress nicely.

To me?  This is all normal stuff I've been dealing with for many, many years.  I was just hoping that with time and an increase in their ages, this would have gone away.

Wishful thinking.

Purse

It's that  fun  time again.

Purse shopping!

Most people love purse shopping.  Most people probably have multiple purses and can happily and easily select a new purse to purchase in a matter of minutes.  Maybe they can do this in only one shopping trip, too.

I'm not one of those people.

I am very  picky  selective when purse shopping.  I believe I have purse commitment issues when it comes to buying a new purse.

I had to throw away two purses.  That might not seem like a lot, but, when you only have a few purses in your collection, it doesn't leave you with many choices (except a couple that are summer purses).

Bella told me to just go and buy one.  She doesn't realize that I have to be totally committed to the purse before the purchase.  You know, go out and have coffee, first.  Then, maybe a lunch here, a dinner there.  You know...go on dates with my potential future purse.  I can't just jump in full force and buy one.  That's a little too crazy for me.

I have been woo-ing a potential purse.  I think I'm at the next stage of our relationship.  I'm a little nervous, so, thoughts and prayers are welcome.

Can Opener

The never ending can opener saga.

You may remember the last post I wrote about this subject.  If not, I'll give you a little refresher.

When RT and I first got married, we got a nice can opener as a shower gift.  That one lasted until Nick was old enough to use a can opener and somehow it mysteriously broke.  This happened with each child breaking at least one can opener.  Our last can opener died in April of last year.

I usually have a back up can opener on hand, because I know the main one could be broken at any moment.  The last can opener (the one we used after the April "incident") is the latest can opener to kick the bucket.

I just want to add that my parents had a can opener (hand held) that they probably received as a wedding gift that lasted, well, probably into my childhood or teen years.

My brother did try to fix the can opener, but, then my child got a hold of it, and...well....

I did purchase a backup a few weeks ago and it's on its last few turns.

I have decided that I am going to purchase a can opener for myself and hide it.

By the way, how is my hot stock tip (buying stock in companies that make can openers) working for you?

National Puppy Day

Today is National Puppy Day.

I had to look up why this is a National Holiday.  I mean, we spoil our pets every day, do we need this special day set aside to give them more attention?

I found that National Puppy Day started to bring attention to orphaned puppies.  It was also brought about to get people to adopt puppies and not buy them from puppy mills.  Oh, and it's also a day to celebrate all the love that puppies bring to our lives.

Pippen isn't a puppy anymore.  Well, sometimes he acts like a puppy, and then there are times where he acts like an old man.  I still refer to him as my puppy.  So, I guess this is like every other day in our house.   I'll be giving Pippen an extra cookie and lots of love today.  He's so spoiled.

My Weird Dog

When Bella and I got up early for the dance competition, Pippen was a little confused.  He had his "sleep face" on and gave us a look that said, "Go back to sleep!"

When we got home, Pippen was happy to see us.  Well, I think he was happy just to see me.

RT told me that when he got up and came downstairs, Pippen was sitting in front of the window, looking for us.

I really think Pippen's clinginess is getting worse as he gets older.

Dance Mom

I had my big opportunity to be a Dance Mom last weekend.  Bella had her first dance competition and, let me tell you, it's pretty crazy!

I first had to apologize to Bella for not wearing  an obnoxious  a glittery, sequiny (definitely a word) "Dance" or "Dance Mom" shirt.  I also forgot my sweatshirt with a HUGE picture of her on the front. You know, so they know who I belong to in case I get lost.

We also didn't have the large piece of furniture  luggage bag for her costumes and makeup.  Instead, we used an old dance costume bag.

The killer was getting up at 5AM to get ready and drive to the competition.  We had to be there 2 hours early, which is great, because then you get to sit around and wait until your dance time.  While you are waiting, you can sit in the auditorium and watch other dancers perform.   After your dance performance(s), you wait around until award time.  So, basically, you are sitting around for 7-8 hours.

If you know me, you know I have a hard time sitting for long periods of time.

Bella has one more Dance Competition in a month.  I told her that gives me enough time to get my "Dance Mom" act together.  (She's hoping that I don't)

I don't know if I will survive many more of these competitions (if she decides to do this next year).  I might have to make RT a "Dance Dad" glittery shirt so he can take my place.

Vegan Diaries - Spanakopita

I tried this Vegan Spanakopita from Veggies Don't Bite and was blown away by the taste.  I couldn't believe how the "feta filling" was so similar to the real feta filling that is used to make this dish.  Oh, and cutting the spanakopita prior to cooking?  GENIUS!    Check out Veggies Don't Bite's site for more tips and some beautiful pictures.

Oh...I didn't tell the family that it was vegan.  I told them it was a new recipe.  Somehow adding vegan or vegetarian to the name of a meal gives it some type of negative vibe to my family.  By not telling them, they actually enjoyed this spanakopita.  It disappeared pretty quickly!  And, no, I didn't tell them and I don't plan on it, so...keep quiet!

Here's the recipe:


Vegan Spanakopita
taken from Veggies Don't Bite

ingredients:
12oz chopped, fresh spinach
8 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup dill
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 tsp black pepper
Olive oil
phyllo dough  (sold in box in freezer section in sheets)
1/3 cup olive oil


"Feta filling":
1 cup cashews, soak overnight or boil for 25 minutes to soften.  rinse and set aside.
2 TBSP white vinegar
1 TBSP water
3/4 tsp sea salt, may need more...taste and add more if needed

directions:
Oven 350F
Saute green onions in oil until soft.
Add spinach and pepper and sauce until wilted.  Turn off heat
Add dill, parsley and mix well.  Set aside.
In food processor, add cashews, vinegar, water and salt.  Pulse until you reach a chunky texture.
Pour cashew mix over spinach and mix well.
Using a 9x13 baking dish, brush bottom and sides with oil.  Line pan with half of phyllo sheet.  Brush with oil and then flip the half on top of the sheet.  (The sheets are much larger than the dish, so this is the easiest way to utilize the phyllo sheets).  Brush top of sheet with oil.  Keep this up until half of the sheets have been used.
Once half of sheets have been used, add the spinach/feta mixture and spread across baking dish.  Making sure that you get into the corners.
Top with the remaining phyllo, using the method above.
Cut into squares before putting into the oven.
Bake for 60-70 minutes.  Check at around 50 minutes, to see how things are going.  Ovens do vary with cooking time.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Having the spanakopita pre-cut is wonderful.  No more struggling with the knife sending phyllo dough everywhere.

Add as much or as little salt as you want.  This should be to your taste.

If you try it, let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

My Weird Dog

If you are new here, just search, "My Weird Dog" on this blog and you will find numerous posts describing my dogs weirdness  antics.

I read somewhere about a study that was done that confirmed that dogs take on personality traits of their owners.

According to my family, Pippen is my dog.

I don't think I'm THAT weird.  I may be a little odd at times, but, there's no way I'm that weird.

I don't refuse to drink water that's given to me because I think it is poisoned.

I don't need someone to be in the room (and where I can see them) when I'm eating.

I don't hide under the dining room table when it rains.

I don't barge into peoples bedrooms at 3AM.

I don't run and hide when someone picks up the nail clippers.

I think you get the picture.

As weird as Pippen is, he's my dog.  At least that's what everyone in my family keeps telling me.

Today we are celebrating his weirdness.  Pippen is 7 years old today.

Go ahead.  Have a piece of cake.

But, don't eat it unless someone is right there with you.

Coffee

A few posts back, I was discussing how our coffeemaker died and the affects it had on RT (and, most importantly, myself).  I also posted an update with the purchase of a new coffeemaker.  What I forgot to mention was the espresso / cappuccino maker that we purchased..  RT expressed an interest in getting an espresso maker.  One of the models happened to be on sale.  I told him it would be his birthday present.

When we got home, it was a little too late for him to make an espresso.  He did, however, watch a million  several You Tube videos on how to make espresso and cappuccino.

When RT is home on the weekends, he will make an espresso or a cappuccino for himself.

I had to work last weekend.  I texted RT on Saturday to see how he was doing.  I got a text back telling me that he was on his 3rd cappuccino already (this was around noon).  When I got home, I found out that the had 4 cappuccinos and 1 espresso.

Apparently, he went to make a cappuccino and had some grounds left, so he decided to have another. Of course, there wasn't enough for a second, so, he had to grind some more beans.  This went on until he had a total of 4 cappuccinos and one espresso.  I believe he was quite jittery from all of the caffeine.

On Sunday, before I left the house, I asked if I could trust him or should I just take the espresso machine with me.

40 Bags in 40 Days - The Clutter Challenge

Have you heard about the  "40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge?"  It's where you declutter and get rid of 40 bags of items in the 40 days of Lent.  If you have lots of items, i.e. clutter, then, this is the challenge for you!

I realize that this post is a little late, but, you can start the challenge at any time.  You can sign yup for the free emails through White House Black Shutters.  She also has a Facebook page.  Just search 40 Bags in 40 Days and it should pop up.

Here are some areas to consider:

Master Bath Cabinets
Master Closet
Master Bedroom
Night Stand(s)
Medicine Cabinet
Hall Linen Closet
Pantry
Kitchen Cabinets
Front Hall Closet
Basement Closet
Family Room
Craft Cabinet/Area
Office
File Cabinet
Desk
Laundry Room
Garage
Car
Attic
Papers to shred / file
Email
Purse
Work bag, back pack, gym bag, diaper bag
Kid's Closet(s)
Kid's Dresser(s)
Toys
Play Room
Living Room
Dining Room
Yard
Shed

Before you start, it's best to make a plan of attack.  List out the 40 areas that you plan on decluttering.    Then, it's time to start.  Start going through the room (area).  The point is to touch it once and make quick decisions.

Think about it.  Do you really need to keep this item?  Will you lose sleep over it if you get rid of it?  Have you used the item in the last year/5 years/ 10 years?  Do you think you will have a need in the future?

You can always go out and buy another one....chances are if you haven't used it in years, you probably won't need it in the future.

Keep a box and garbage bag by you.  Toss what you don't need or want to donate.  When you are done with that area, toss the bag of garbage (recycle if there are items to be recycled) and put your donations in the trunk to be dropped off the next time you are running errands.

Again, I know this is a little late for Lent (unless you are Greek Orthodox, like me).  It's still a great time to start.

If you miss a day, it's okay.  Just jump right back in and pick up where you left off.  This isn't a race.  There are no winners.  Just do your best and keep going.

This challenge is something that you can do a few times a week, once a week or, if your house is really cluttered, then every day for 40 days.

If you reach 40 bags, Great!  If you have less than 40 bags, That's great too!  The key is to keep going!

It's almost Spring!  What a way to start off your Spring cleaning!  If you bring along your cleaning supplies, you can clean the room right after you declutter!

No one should have to live with clutter.  This is just one of many free ideas to help you get a handle on your clutter.

Give it a try!  I would love to hear what you plan on tackling.

International Women's Day

I'm glad women persisted.  We now have the right to vote.  We can hold any job we want, we can get an education and work in any field we choose.  We have property rights, reproductive rights and the right to work for equal pay.

Unfortunately, there are some countries where women do not have all of these rights.  They are not able to get an education,  married before they turn 18, some are killed because they are perceived to bring shame to their family.  The list goes on and on.

We have come so far as women.  It's hard to believe what we have done.  It's also hard to believe how much more work has to be done.

The theme this year is #balanceforbetter .


"Collective action and shared responsibility for driving a gender-balanced world is key. International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women - while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender balance."

"Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."


How can you forge a more gender balanced world?  Balance drives a better working world.  Lets' all create a #balanceforbetter .

So, put your hands out and strike a pose.  The #balanceforbetter pose.  Post it on social media with the hashtag.   And, do what you can to make a positive difference for women everywhere.

taken from Internationalwomensday.com *

 Let's see what we can do this year to improve women's rights throughout the world.

*need some more info?  check out this link

National Middle Name Day

Happy National Middle Name Day!

I think most people have a middle name.  And, I think most people believe that you have a middle name so your Mom or Dad can use it when you do something wrong...

"(first name) (middle name) (last name) GET OVER HERE RIGHT NOW!"

That's when you knew you were in trouble.

I thought I would do a little research on why people are given three names and this is what I've come up with so far.

For a time, middle names were given to important people (royalty).  This tradition picked up in the 1700's.  A middle name indicated your (higher) place in society.  In some countries, your middle name was a family name.  Sometimes this led to quite lengthy names, but it made it easier to trace your family history.

The middle name tradition continued when people moved to America.  The three names were a way to show your (high) rank in society.  A mother's maiden name was a common middle name.  After the Civil War, people started using names that they liked as a middle name.

So, what's your middle name?

Does your middle name have a special meaning?

Vegetarian Diaries - Quinoa Chocolate Cake

Found this recipe online and thought I would try making it.  No flour so it's gluten free!

Of course, I couldn't tell the family what was so different about this cake.  The cake itself did not rise very much.  Almost looked like a brownie, but, it tasted cake-like.  I would definitely make this again.

This recipe makes a tasty cake and you are using Quinoa!  Give it a try and let me know what you think!


Quinoa Chocolate Cake

ingredients:
1 cup cooked quinoa
3 TBSP almond milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup grapeseed oil
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

directions:
Cook Quinoa.
Blend milk, eggs, and vanilla.  Add Quinoa and oil and blend until smooth.
Whisk dry ingredients together.  Addthe wet ingredients and stir until combined.
Bake in 8x8 pan* for 25 minutes at 350.  Dust with powdered sugar (optional)

*line pan with parchment paper

**I might try using a flax egg next time.  I will update the recipe once I try it out.

***And, no.  I haven't told the family that there's quinoa in the cake.  Maybe next time??

Enjoy!

Birthday

Since I'm the famous person that we all know that is born today,  I think we all need to have a huge party!

Dance!

Drink!

Eat lots of cake!

It's my birthday today!

So I was doing a crossword the other day (yea, one of my many addictions) and came across this:

16 across:  Plymouth muscle car

Which I knew to be

Road Runner

All these years listening to my brother talk about cars has really paid off.

Now, if I could just get this question and use my useless information and make money from it....

Happy Birthday, Steve!

Walking

I've mentioned many times about my daily walks.  I've posted about my adventures, my finds and my fun.

We had a dip in the weather a few weeks ago.  The temps dipped below 0F.  I opted to skip my daily walk on those days.  I started back up that weekend.  I wanted to get a really good walk in to make up for my missed walking fun.

I started out on the path.  With the snow on the path, it makes me feel like I'm walking somewhere in the Rocky Mountains (Hey!  It makes my walks more interesting).  Unfortunately on this day, the paths were very slushy because of the warmer weather.  I decided to stick it out until I got to the next path that leads to the street, which happens to be the icy path.  I ran through the slushy snow on the grass to get to the street.  I could have just gone back home, but, decided to keep going.

When I walk, I get in a zone and am looking down at the path or straight ahead.  Luckily, I happened to turn my head this time.  I was glad I had my cell phone on me (thanks, Steve for urging me to carry it at all times, just in case).  I found a neighbor laying in the snow.  I didn't know if she had been there for awhile, but once I got up close, I could tell something wasn't right.

I felt like I was on a movie set.  No one around.  Cold outside.  A woman in her pajamas laying in the snow.  She was pretty beat up and was not responsive.  I ended up calling 911.

I found out that she was taking her garbage out the night before, slipped and fell on the ice (she had quite a few bruises on her elbows and knees).  Thankfully, she was able to go home and heal up.

I always say that things happen for a reason.  I was supposed to be bothered by the slushy path so I could walk on the street and help this neighbor.  I was also supposed to look around.

Since that day, I now feel I have to save someone on my walk prior to coming home.  So, I might not be home for awhile.

Or....I'm going to have to knock someone down, just so I can go home.