Cherry Juice

I picked Bella up from dance the other night.  As she was getting into the car, I told her that we had to stop at the grocery store on the way home to pick up cherry juice for RT.

Bella:  Cherry juice?  What?  Is he menstruating or something?  Does he have cravings now?  Why does he need cherry juice?

Cherry juice was recommended by (our neighbor) for RT's hip.  Why cherry juice?  Why not cranberry or apple juice?   Well, cherry juice is what was recommended and it works for him.  We thought it was one of those odd remedies that friends or family members throw at you that works for them.  In fact, I'm not sure RT was going to try it.  How can drinking cherry juice help his hip?

So, I had to do some research.  I looked up cherry juice to see what information I could find.  I was pretty surprised at what I found and thought I would share it with you.

Cherry juice is a great post work out drink.  It maintains blood pressure, hydration, muscle recovery, digestion, heart rate and ph balance.

Cherry juice fights inflammation and arthritis pain.  Just what RT needs.

Cherry juice reduces inflammation and swelling.

Cherry juice boosts immunity and fights infection.

Cherry juice regulates metabolism (and can fight fat).

Cherry juice helps you sleep.  A study suggests that tart cherry juice as insomnia medications on older adults. 

Cherry juice reduces growth of cancer cells.

I guess I shouldn't be that surprised.  It's natural, not man made or full of chemicals.

It was odd that our neighbor brought over a bottle of cherry juice for RT to try.  He highly recommended it and said he drinks it all of the time.  Like I said, it felt like another one of those crazy things someone asks you to try that works for them.  RT didn't seem to be crazy about trying it, so, I put the bottle in the basement refrigerator.

The sad part of the story is that I brought the bottle out after our neighbor passed away.  I thought RT should give the cherry juice a try.  I mean, it came highly recommended, why not try it?

The happy part is that the cherry juice is working for RT's hip.  I have now made sure that he does not run out of cherry juice.

Thank you, Sim, for helping RT and his hip with your cherry juice suggestion.
You were right.  It works.
Miss you, neighbor!

My Weird Dog

Pippen started out with just a paw on the pillow and eventually moved to two paws and then added his head. RT told me that I'm going to be the one excited about Pippen sleeping on the pillow.  I replied that I'm going to make a cake and have a big party.

Well, here we are, two weeks later and....

Thank you, Bella, for the picture

I'll whip up a cake and some apps.

Party is at our house.

Oh, and it's BYOP  (bring your own pillow).

Everything Bagel Seasoning

I like eating bagels, especially the everything bagel.  I love the garlic, onion and all the spices that are sprinkled on top.  I'm not too crazy, though about eating so much bread, but, I guess that kind of goes along with it.

I discovered the "Everything Bagel Seasoning" (can be found at most stores in the spice aisle)  and realized that I can have that same great taste on my own toast.  I love using it on avocado toast!  My only problem is that when you get down to the bottom of the jar, it's all salt and a few poppy seeds.

I searched online and found a recipe to make my own Everything Bagel seasoning.  I'm doing good for the environment  re-using my bagel seasoning jar and this recipe fits it perfectly.

Here's the recipe:

Everything Bagel Seasoning

ingredients:
2 TBSP poppy seeds
1 TBSP white sesame seeds
1 TBSP black sesame seeds*
1 TBSP and 1 tsp dried minced garlic
1 TBSP and 1 tsp dried minced onion
2 tsp flaked sea salt**

directions:
In a small bowl, mix together the poppy seeds, black sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion and sea salt.

Put mixture in a sealed jar or container.


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

* black sesames can be found at Penzey's, Amazon or in the international food section of your grocery store.

*You can try Kosher salt in this recipe.  I think it's a little thicker and it (hopefully) won't just fall to the bottom of the jar.  If you try it, let me know...

I opted to eliminate the salt in this recipe for my seasoning because of the salt always falls to the bottom of the jar and I'm pretty happy with it so far.  I can always add salt to it when it's on my toast, right?   If I do add salt next time, I will try the kosher salt.


Where can you sprinkle your Everything Bagel Seasoning?

Avocado Toast
Mashed potatoes
baked potato
eggs
salad
soup

If you try making the Everything Bagel Seasoning let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

"You look very pretty."

One day at work, I stepped into the restroom to wash my hands.  A little girl came to the sink to do the same.  Then, before she starts to wash her hands she says, "You look very pretty."

Now, how can you not smile when someone compliments you?

It doesn't matter that I was at work.
I was wearing my work clothes and store apron.
I was tired and in need of a break.
I'm pretty sure I wasn't looking my best.

But, hearing that tiny little voice telling me that I look pretty and even smiling during and after the compliment...well, that just made my day!

Once you receive a compliment, the day seems to look a whole lot brighter!

I read somewhere that an act of kindness matters and can make a change for the better for someone who is having a stressful day.   Kindness can change lives.  A smile releases endorphins (a natural pain reliever).  It also releases serotonin, which boosts your mood.

I know that I'm always talking about random acts of kindness.  And, I always mention to say hello to someone.  But, what about adding a little compliment after your greeting?

 Why is it so easy for a child to give out compliments like,

"You're pretty."
"I like your dress."
"I like your shoes."

And, we, as adults, seem to find this difficult?  Why can't we give someone a compliment?

I know everyone has a hectic schedule.  I'm just asking you to take a moment and truly look at someone.  Say hello.  And, if it's not too creepy (I don't want you to become a creeper!), give them a compliment.  You can start with your loved ones.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out.  I bet you make their day!

My Weird Dog

Pippen's new bed saga continues....

During my last "weird dog" post, I described the lovely new dog bed that I purchased for Pippen.  A nice, huge, fluffy pillow that he can sprawl out on when he is taking his nice long naps.  Something that looks a lot nicer than the old sleeping bag he has that is bunched up in the corner of our family room.

I believe I can now say, that after a week, Pippen has successfully put an elbow, paw and head on the pillow (all at the same time).  Well, it's a start, right?

One night, while RT was trying to lure Pippen over to the pillow he says to me, "He's just like you!"

Me:  What do you mean?  I'm offended by that comment!

RT:  He's like you because he has something new (his pillow) and he's afraid to use it.

For those of you who know me, you know that statement is true.

When I get something new, I'm afraid to use the item.  I get new clothes and I won't wear them.  New shoes?  They will sit in my closet for awhile.  It's like the item has to age a little or grow old  on me before I can start using or wearing it.

And, of course, there's a backstory.

When I was little, whenever I got something new, especially clothing, my Mom would tell me that I should "Save it for a special occasion." I remember a white top that I had hanging in my closet.  I would take it out and look at it, waiting for that "special occasion" where I could finally put it on and wear it.  Finally, an occasion came and I asked to wear it.  My Mom told me that it won't fit me (I grew).  I said, "But, I never got to wear it!"  My Mom told me I should have worn it while it fit me.

When I started writing this post, I was using an old blue pen.  Half way through this post, and I switched to one of my new pens that I got for Christmas.

So, you see, Pippen, it's OK to get new things and use them.  That's what they are there for...to be used/worn/slept on.  Give your pillow a try.  I bet you will love taking little naps on it and enjoy it's fluffiness.  You won't miss the ol' sleeping bag!

P.S.  I'm still offended.

My Weird Dog - A New Dog Bed

I have been eying the dog beds at work for a long time now.  OK.  Since I started working there.  RT kept telling me to just pick one out and buy it.  I decided to hold out and wait until they were marked down.  There was a HUGE pile of dog beds in the back room (piled up to the ceiling) that didn't fit out onto the floor.  I figured that eventually, they would mark them down.

Finally, the big day came.  Pippen's Lucky Day.  Some of the dog beds were marked down.  I snagged one (yes, I paid for it)  and brought it home.

I was so excited about the new dog bed.  I brought it into the house and put it where Pippen's blanket usually hangs in the family room.  I called Pippen over but he wouldn't sit on or by the bed.  Next to the bed but not on the bed.

RT came home and tried his best to get Pippen excited about the bed.  He (RT) even tried the bed by laying down on it.  When I walked in to the room, Pippen got up and went down into the basement.

Yea.  We clipped his nails this past weekend and if we both are with him in the family room and giving him attention, he gets nervous and thinks we are going to clip his nails.

Yea.  Weird.

I put the pillow on the floor by my side of the bed.  Pippen wedged himself between the pillow and the nightstand.  I'm pretty sure he was uncomfortable all night because he kept getting up and changing positions.

The next day I washed the cover of the dog bed.  I thought maybe Pippen was picking up another dog's smell.  I put it in the family room and, again, Pippen ignored it.

When RT came home, he got Pippen to put an elbow on the pillow.  When I came over, Pippen got up and went down to the basement.

I'm hoping once all of the excitement about the new bed wears off Pippen will be able to finally enjoy it.

Stay tuned.

An Overdue Apology

I probably should have said this to my parents a long time ago.  I did apologize to my Mom when Nick was a teen after an incident (teen episode) involving a trip to the library.

I started to notice the pattern.  I (or sometimes RT) would tell one of our children something and it would fall on deaf ears.  I would repeat the advice/suggestion/self experience and again, nothing.  This would happen numerous times, sometimes extending into years and years of me saying the same thing with absolutely no response from the child.  And then, one day, the child does what I suggested and tells me that their friend (or a random stranger the met on the street) told them about this change to make and they listened and did it.  I'm happy they made the change but wonder why my same suggestion went unnoticed and had to be given by a complete stranger for any action to take place?

After talking to other parents, I realize that my children are in the norm.  Everyone seems to have some difficulty in having valuable advice stick in their children's heads.

I had to look back and think about my time as a child and teen.  Did I listen to my parents advice and act accordingly?  Did I make them tell me over and over again?  Did I refuse to do it and pay the consequences for not listening?

It's probably a little late because my parents will not get to hear and appreciate my apology, but, here it goes....

Mom.  Dad.

I'm sorry for not always listening to your advice, especially when you had the same experience and you were only trying to help and I ended up (in the end) doing what you suggested.  There may have been a time or a few hundred times where I did the opposite of what you said (I'm sure I was expressing my individuality or independence).  Now that I am older, I realize that you were only trying to help me make my life easier by sharing your knowledge and or experience so I don't make the same mistake.  I'm also sorry for the timing of this apology.  I should have made this happen a long time ago.

Time to come clean......Corn Nuts

Hello.  My name is Fontaine and I'm addicted to Corn Nuts.

I find I can not buy a bag of corn nuts with out eating the entire bag.  I do try to have some self control and have been able to stop only if I hide the bag from myself.  

I'm not sure when this addiction started.  Probably with my very first purchase many, many years ago at some random gas station.  They tasted so good that I ate the entire bag.  I rarely purchase them.  Maybe on a long car trip.  Now, I have located a couple of grocery stores and a convenience store that sell them.  And, sadly, they sell them (in bulk) at my current job (I have yet to purchase these at work.)

I went on vacation and bought a small bag at the store.  I had very strong will power and only ate a few at a time.  I did, however, (eventually) finish the bag.  When I was left to myself for a half hour, the first thing I did was go to the store and buy a bag of corn nuts.  My family did not find out for a couple of days.  They caught on when they saw me munching on them at the airport.  At that point, I had to confess.  That's when I realized that I might have a problem.

I do like a healthier version of the corn nut and have tried my hand at making them myself with great success.  Here is the link, incase you want to make them on your own.  The home made version won over some of the family members.  (The ones that were allowed to tried them)

I don't think I will quit my addiction.  I will try to make more of my own corn nuts from scratch.  And, probably continue to hide it from the rest of the family as best as I can....

Country Music

I mentioned that at work they play a lot of Country Music.  In fact, it's the same music set every day.  I've listened to it for the last few months and know which song will play next.  I found out that there are other approved music sets/stations the store can listen to, but, never get played because the store manager likes country music.

I've learned a lot about country music these last few months and thought I would share that with you so you can write a successful country music song.  I have nothing against country music.  I guess over the years I haven't listened that closely to the words of these songs.  Now that I have nothing to do  am forced to listen to  I'm listening to the same songs at work, I now have time to hear and meditate on each word.

First of all, in every song, the singer is a no good, down on his luck individual.  He is trying to win the heart of a woman who is perfect in every way (in other words, an angel).  This angel has been sent to him to save him and his soul and do everything for him.  Oh, and the singer also drives a pick up truck.

And, you definitely have to mention whiskey in your song.  If you do not mention it, the song will go no where and no one will listen.

And, somebody's lips need to taste like whiskey or sangria (<there's a song with that line, "Your lips taste like sangria").

Hopefully I have motivated you to do a little research and listen to some country music.  Who knows, after a few shots of whiskey  downing a big jug of sangria  crashing your pick up truck  maybe you will be inspired to write your own country song.

My Weird Dog

I ran a quick errand, returned home and decided to park the car on the driveway.  As I was getting out of the car, I could hear two dogs going at each other.  A real good dog fight.  Something we don't usually hear in our neighborhood.  I entered the house and wondered what dogs were fighting?  As I walked into the house, I realized that I left Pippen in the yard.  That's when it hit me.  

One of those dogs fighting is probably my dog.

He was in the yard.  Our yard is fenced in.  How did he escape?  

How am I going to get out of this one and smooth things over with the other dog's owner?  I dreaded walking over to the back door.  If it is my dog, I really don't want the other dog owner to see me and swear at me  yell at me (can you tell we have had previous issues?).

As I was peeking  looking out the window, I could see Pippen running back and forth going crazy  barking along our fence.  On the other side of the fence, a dog was running back and forth barking and acting psycho just like my weird  psycho  dog.   The owner was smiling and laughing (a good sign).  One glance at psycho  Pippen and I realize his mouth is bleeding and blood is spattered on him.  Did he bite the other dog?   I notice some wood missing from the fence with a tiny bit of blood on it.  

I stepped outside and the owner said, "I hope you don't mind them playing together.  They are having so much fun together."  

He thinks they are playing when clearly my dog is bleeding and tried to bite through the fence to eat attack his dog.

I smile and mention that Pippen doesn't usually get along with other dogs.  The owner said his dog doesn't either, but they seem to like each other.  

I don't have the heart to tell him that Pippen was really just trying to attack his dog.  

He said he will probably bring his dog by so they can play again sometime.    

Again.  I didn't have a response to this one.  What does one say in a situation like this?  

"My dog is bleeding because he was trying to chew through the fence to get to your dog."  

"All he wants to do is bite and attack your dog"  

"I don't think this is play for him."

Well, maybe the guy is right and Pippen has finally made a friend.   He was biting through the fence because he wanted to get on the other side so he could play with him.  I guess we will have to wait and find out what happens next time they "play" together.

Stay tuned.

Happy New Beginnings

How do you start off your New Year?

Do you make a New Year's Resolution?

Do you go on a diet or start a new exercise plan?

Are you planning on decluttering your house/life?

Do you choose a word for the year?

Maybe you can start a daily journal?  Or a gratitude journal.

Maybe it's time to kick the toxic people out of your life

Maybe you can try a new craft, learn how to crochet or quilt?

Maybe it's time for a new job?

Of course, you don't always have to do these things at the beginning of the year.  You can start a new thing at any time.

A great way to start off the year is with food!

Hoppin John is a dish they serve in the South that has Black Eyed Peas and rice.  The meal is to bring good luck to you when eaten on New Years Day.  You can find a link to my Vegetarian Hoppin John HERE.

Another treat is to make Vasilopita or Greek New Year's Bread.  This bread is made once a year to honor St. Basil on his name day, which happens to be on New Year's Day (today!).   The Vasilopita is cut on New Year's Eve.  The story goes when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, the lights are turned off and then turned on again to mark the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year.  The Vasilopita is cut into slices.  There is a gold coin hidden inside the bread.  The custom is that whoever finds the coin will have good luck for the entire year.  That recipe can be found HERE.

I have some other fun food ideas.  Click on the recipes tab and find something new to try.

Cheers to 2020!