Saturday, July 23, 2011

STUMBLE!

Have you stumbled yet?  I stumbled across this amazing search engine of sorts/social board.  I think Stumble will beat out or tie with Facebook when word gets around about this amazing vehicle, which I am sure will be making news, if it already hasn't.  Stumble! personalizes your searches according to the interests you list.  It works!  Here are some of my favorite websites that I Stumbled! upon...


http://www.stumbleupon.com/ is, of course, Stumble!'s url and the place to begin a fun journey.

pinterest.com is a website dedicated to photography.  It has some gorgeous photographs.  I love art of all types, and these photos are artistically beautiful IMHO.  


onesentence.org is a website that I stumbled upon last night.  It is dedicated to one sentence stories.  I found it absolutely amazing!


nationalgeographic.com is incredible and is one of the first websites I was taken to by Stumble!  I've only be Stumbling! for a few days.  I was so wow'd by this website that the first photo I was taken to is now my desktop wallpaper!  A note to jigsaw puzzle fans.  You can find incredible online free jigsaw puzzles to solve in addition to finding the incredible photography that National Geographic Magazine is noted for.



http://mingmakescupcakes.yolasite.com/ is for those of us who love to make and eat cupcakes.  Ming's flavor combinations are great.  I have to go back to this site soon to see his cookie recipes!


kitchendaily.com  is a very good recipe site.  I can't believe I didn't come across this one through my Google searches and my Bling! searches.  This is a site that is not to missed!  I found a recipe for a sandwich that sounds like a real winner to me!  I can't wait to further explore this website.


littletinbird.co.uk has patterns and a great tutorial on how to make and how to join crocheted granny squares.  Just have to remember that these patterns and tutorials are done with the British terminology, not our American.


Let me know what you think of Stumble! And any of the sites I have listed!  I will be very interested to hear what you think.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

IT'S A HOT ONE OUT THERE

Rochester is not known for hot weather...it is better known for cold weather, snow & ice.  But today it is expected that we will reach 100 degrees F. with a heat index of 105, or at least that is what my step-son just called to tell me :)...he does worry about us!  So, I just looked up the temperature on the net and it says that it is already 92 degrees here, but feels like 103.  I find that pretty strange as when I looked out, it looked to be very windy.  So, I began thinking, how can Senior Citizens protect themselves from the heat if they have to go out.  This is what my research dug up:


  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.  Drink more than usual. Avoid beverages with caffeine and alcohol. 
  • Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours.
  • Spend time in air-conditioned areas as much as possible.
  • Monitor high-risk individuals by checking on elderly neighbors and children.
    1. Know the signs of heat stress, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.  Heat stress includes faintness, painful muscle spasms and cramps and prickly heat caused by a skin rash from clogged pores. Heat stress is caused by loss of fluids and minerals in the body needed for proper muscle function. 
    2. Heat exhaustion, which is more serious, includes headache, dizziness, clammy skin, muscle fatigue, chest pain, breathing problems and nausea. Medical attention is necessary if these conditions persist. 
    3. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that should be considered an emergency. Headache, hot and dry skin, temperature of 103 degrees or higher, rapid and shallow breathing, disorientation and changes in consciousness are all symptoms of heat stroke. The person should be cooled quickly with cold, wet sheets or a cool bath and taken to the nearest hospital.
  • Avoid strenuous activity and outdoor activities during the heat of the day.  Save errands or chores until dusk.  
  • If you have to go out, wear sunblock, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses & lip balm when you are in the sun.
  • Make trips out in the sun short in duration.
  • If you don't have air-conditioning in your home, go to your public library, the shopping mall, the movies or your local senior center, any place that is air-conditioned.  Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during an extreme heat even.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Take frequent breaks to cool off.
  • Eat light meals such as fruit and vegetables--salads.  Each apricots, bananas, cantaloupes, oranges, beans, broccoli, potatoes and tomatoes to increase potassium.
  • Don't use the stove or oven to cook as it will make you and your house hotter.
  • Check your local news for health and safety updates.
Here's a salad idea for you to keep in mind for these heat waves.  I am basing it on Wendy's new summer salad.

MARILYN'S HOT WEATHER DELIGHT

1 bag Mixed Greens
1/2 pound Fresh Green Beans; washed and stems cut off; cut into thirds
1 can Mandarin Oranges; drained
1 pint Fresh Strawberries; washed, hulled and cut into slices
1 pint Fresh Blueberries; washed with stems taken off
1 cup Shredded Cheese; use your favorite or try a new flavor of cheese
1/2 cup Nuts; use your favorite nut or sunflower seeds or pine-nuts
Your favorite light dressing, if you must (I don't use salad dressings)

Just mix this all up and put into a gorgeous bowl.  Serve it up with some ice cold lemonade and a nice roll.  Now, that is my idea of healthy summer eating!

This recipe is copyrighted by Marilyn Sultar 7/21/2011.  Please ask permission to reprint it.  You can contact me at 1spartica@gmail.com.  Thank you for this courtesy!







Tuesday, July 12, 2011

A TRIP INTO DREAMLAND

Today I took my first foray into the land of Etsy.  It’s a shoppers’ paradise!  I don’t know what took me so long to stumble upon Etsy.  Guess I’m just a slow learner, but I figure there may be others in web-land  that are not familiar with this remarkable piece of cyber real estate, so here is a brief synopsis on what Etsy is and three unique shops that won me over!

What is Etsy?

Etsy is the world's most vibrant handmade marketplace. Etsy celebrates individual creativity in design and craftsmanship by connecting unique people, stories and items in a playful and meaningful way. Etsy provides a world-wide marketplace for crafters, artists and collectors to sell their handmade creations, vintage goods and crafting supplies.  Etsy is a website-social network-e-marketplace.  There are currently 289513 sellers with items in their shops.  It is a place to find very unique items  that can be bought.  Prices run the full gamut for price ranges.  It has been in existence since  launched on June 18 th, 2005 and is a Brooklyn-based company. You can find Etsy at   http://www.etsy.com


Elizabeth Badger's - Proprietor
Is an artisan who loves the environment and the other beings we share it with. She use symbolic illustration with watercolors to create landscapes as well as cards and other smaller items. She is very interested in evolution, origin of man and considers the future in terms of our current consumption of 'disposable' goods.  Elizabeth has a BA in creative expressive arts with psychology minor.  She likes to work in watercolor, paper, card, ink, glue.




I chose this Etsy Shop to feature because of Elizabeth’s gorgeous original bookmarks.  I also chose it because I felt that her creations are first rate and she offers them at reasonable prices.


Tracy Robertson's - Proprietor
Tracy, aka Batty, began Azrael’s Accomplice Designs as a small home based custom alternative clothing company in 1996. A creative and skilled designer, she has had college training in both costume and fashion design and has studied the art of corsetry and historical fashion since the age of 12.

In 2004 Azrael’s Accomplice Designs expanded to have a sister line called AZAC which offers more mainstream designs but is still inspired by history and the underground subcultures.
 

Their mission with both lines to have a high quality, high end, high fashion take on the strange and beautiful world of subcultural fashions. We believe that clothing is not just a necessity of life. Clothing should be inspiring, moving, it can even tell a story. Clothing
can be wearable art. Our cocktail, evening, and bridal wear is driven by these beliefs. We want to make clothing with allure and mystery, inspired by the past, the present, the future, fantastical realms that never were, other cultures, distant memories, and even the dark corners of the imagination.

Tracy enjoys working with Silks, Beading, Laces, Velvets.
Are you getting married?  Are you into going to Rennaisance Faires in period costume?  Are you going to a ball?  This is a must see Etsy Shop!  The prices are very reasonable and the designs are to die for!  I wish I had this gown for my wedding!!!!!  Of course, I wish I had this models figure too!  LOL.  The cost of the gorgeous gown pictured  below is only $699.00 US!  You will love seeing these creations as much as I did!

Fairytale Princess Silk Wedding Gown Fantasy Rococo Custom Sized and 

You choose color



“This gown was once featured on the cover of Renaissance Magazine! This gorgeous wedding (or special occasion) gown is a fairytale come to life! “

Barbara L Gibb's - Proprietor
Barb loves to crochet and has been crocheting for over 35 years.  Each of her hats are designed and crocheted by her and she rarely make two alike. Barb will do special orders and they usually takes 10 days to complete.  Barb enjoys working with yarn.


I am a newbie to the world of crocheting.  I drooled when I saw Barbara’s crocheted fingerless gloves.  They are crocheted with cotton yarn.  These are definitely a must have for Red Hatters!!!!  Again, her prices are great!




Fabulous Fae Furnishings's
Fabulous Fae is a full-time artisan from New England who has been creating original artwork since 1999.
She enjoys one of a kind art in mixed media,altered art and dollhouse miniature.

Many of her creations feature faery, witch and mermaid furniture in dollhouse miniature 1:12th scale as well as lifesize. She also enjoys creating unique miniature houses and cottages, incorporating realistic water features and natural elements. Fae’s latest passion is miniature musical instruments from the medieval renaissance era.  Fae likes to work in natural elements and found objects from local forests and beach shores including wood, twigs, bark, acorns, stone,sea shells, flowers, moss, polymer clay and beads.




Use this gorgeous creation as a cake topper for a nautical or faery themed cake, or use as a decoration.  I think this would be a great gift for a good friend!
Cake decorators, brides-to-be, faery lovers,  music lovers and Renaissance era enthusiasts,  this is a must Etsy store for you to see!  A little pricey, but unique and gorgeous!





Saturday, July 9, 2011

RECIPES FOR THE POOR

To go along with today's previous post, I thought I would  offer up these recipes:


  1. New England Corn Chowder (or Chowdah- for those who can afford neither clams nor fish.)
    In a large pot, sautee 1/4 pound of bacon. Drain and reserve fat, set aside bacon.
    Using 2 tablespoons of the reserved fat, saute one large onion, diced. When onion is translucent, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pot to make the roux. Cook approx 2 minutes.
    Add two cans of condensed milk and an equal amount of water. Add two cans kernel corn (use the liquid too- the nutrients are all in it.) Simmer until the corn is heated through and the chowder is thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with the crumbled bacon. Serve with bread (if you can afford that!)
    Save the remaining bacon grease for use in other recipes!
    Those who can still afford such things can add whatever spices or herbs they like!

    Depression Era Hot Dogs with Sherry
    First, rob a liquor store, and get yourself some sherry. Then you can "afford" to make this. People ate this type of stuff during the 20s and 30s, so don't think you are too special to eat it too.
    some butter
    1 chopped onion
    1 chopped green pepper
    1 chopped stalk of celery
    1 chopped tomato
    2 hot dogs
    4 tablespoons of sherry
    salt & pepper
    First, in a frying pan, fry up the onions, green pepper and celery. After a few minutes, add the hot dogs and fry up some more. Then add the paprika, tomato and wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
    Serves 2.


    Years ago, when I ran a single's group (where I met my DH, Paul), I organized a summer picnic and the menu was a Garbage Can Dinner.  I have since lost my original recipe, but not the taste and wonderful memories of that event, so, in keeping with today's theme, I looked up Garbage Can recipes and I came across this one which is similar to the one I used.  However, if you are really poor, can you afford to put beer in a recipe?  Hmmm...not being a beer lover myself, I don't know the answer.  However, you want to invite your friends over for this meal and ask everyone to bring one of the ingredients (maybe your richer friends can provide the beer!).  This is a fun party idea!  It is also very versatile, you can forego the bacon, you can substitute chicken soup for beer, you can make with chicken instead of sausage, although sausage tastes great in this recipe and cooks in less time.  If you make with chicken, I would parboil it first.  So, thx to Cooks.com and without further ado here is the recipe:

GARBAGE CAN DINNER 
20 sweet corn in husk
20 potatoes
20 carrots
20 onions
Cabbage, one wedge per person
Smoked sausage, 10 to 12 lbs.
2 cans beer
1 can water


Purchase a new garbage can and wash out with a bleach and water mixture. Pull husk down and remove the silk from the corn, then wrap husk around corn and stand on end in garbage can. Scrub potatoes and carrots and put on top of the corn. Next onions, cabbage and smoked sausage.Pour 2 cans of beer and one can water over the top. Secure garbage can lid. Build a charcoal fire and place can on coals. Do not remove lid. After you notice steam coming out from under lid, cook about two hours.

SELLING OUT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS

Last night my husband informed me that President Obama has decided  to reduce  Social Security and Medicare benefits part of the ongoing negotiations over the national deficit.  Doesn't he realize that he's going to either kill off our Senior Citizens or put us all on Welfare, which will prove more expensive in the end, I would assume?


I am one of those Senior Citizens.  If my benefits were cut, I definitely would have to go on the welfare rolls.  My husband and I have worked all our lives to prevent this from happening.  But, through, admittedly, our own fault, we find ourselves in dire financial straights.  For example, we have only $6 until our next Social Security check comes on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Meanwhile, we need bread and refills on some of our meds, and I would like some pop.  We will lose our home if we can't get ahead in the next 3 years, which is a daunting task.  That too I just found out.  Why?  Because of the economy.  Because  we have not had a President in years that knows finances.  I, myself, voted for Obama.  Would I vote for him again?  I really don't know.  If the Republicans are smart enough to find the right candidate to oppose Obama, I may just have to vote Republican in the next presidential elections.  I long for Bill Clinton to be back in office!  At least we were in better financial shape under his leadership.


The following is an excerpt from an article I found at http://www.golocalprov.com/ that was written by Dan McGowan, GoLocalProv News Contributor.



        Whitehouse: Attacks Are Really Wrong

In a telephone press conference Friday, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said now is not the time to cut programs that are so vital to millions of Americans.
“It’s pretty clear that, particularly now in this time of economic distress, attacks on Social Security and Medicare are really wrong for the country,” Whitehouse said.
The Senator’s comments came a day after he delivered a speech on the Senate floor expressing his concern over talks about entitlement programs emerging as part of the national debt debate. Whitehouse said he is firmly opposed to any cuts to these programs.
"It is my strong belief, however, that any agreement must be based on real savings and must not be made at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens,” he said. “That is why I am concerned that Social Security and Medicare have been raised as possible sources of deficit reduction. Cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits should not be on the table.”
I totally agree with Sen Whitehouse.  Senior Citizens are important...maybe not the most important, but we are important in so many ways.  Just think of all the Seniors who do volunteer work.  We also impart our knowledge gained through our many years of experience.  These factors must help the economy, IMHO.

Instead of launching rockets (which I am in favor of in good economic times) for sentimental reasons, put that money into Social Security and Medicare.  Stop spending the poor taxpayers' money on selfish, personal projects and items.  Put a cap on expense accounts.  Giving yourselves raises is well and good, however, minimize those raises and put that money into Social Security and Medicare. Republicans should agree to change the tax structure so that everyone pays their fair share of taxes.  Would it really hurt their rich friends so much?  Think of the good it would do for most of our population.

Well, so much for my spouting off on the proverbial soap box!  Please comment and let me know your opinions on this matter.  I will listen!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

I'M JEALOUS!

All weekend I've been reading about my eldest grandson's activities in Israel.  Marc is 17 years old and is having the time of his life, talking with young adults of all nationalities and religions while learning about his own.  The educational value of this experience seems wonderful, but it's the social aspect that makes me jealous...so far in just a weeks time, Marc has gone hiking and kayaking.  He has gone to a bonfire and a community song fest, and has been on a disco dinner cruise.  The kids have only had one day of semi-rest.  They didn't even give the kids a chance to recuperate from jet lag.

Having a cell phone to call home from is a wonderful thing.  So far Marc has called his parents to let them know his mother didn't pack the right water bottle and that his backpack is giving him problems.  His dad asked him what he wanted them to do about these problems from thousands of miles away.  Ah, kids!  They think they are so grown up.  Marc is a very smart young man, book and knowledge-wise, but when it comes to broken things, well, there is just nothing like mom and dad to do your thinking for you!  LOL

Ok, now that I've said that about Marc, I must tell you that I still go to my mom when things are broken.  I don't know how many times I called home with problems about things that were wrong.  So, brains and age really don't have anything to do with true independence.  Never having achieved that state, I cannot give any advice on obtaining it and helping your children to obtain it.  Oh well...

In honor of Marc's trip, here is a link for a recipe for Israeli Dates which sounds wonderful!  All Recipes is one of my favorite recipe websites.  Let me know what you think!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

HAPPY JULY 4TH

It's Independence Day here in the good ole USA!  In honor of this wonderful holiday, I'd like to share some thoughts on what it means to be independent...here is what some famous people have to say...

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.  ~Dwight D. Eisenhower
Liberty is the possibility of doubting, of making a mistake,... of searching and experimenting,... of saying No to any authority - literary, artistic, philosophical, religious, social, and even political.  ~Ignazio Silone,The God That Failed, 1950
 Liberty: One of Imagination's most precious possessions.  ~Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
(The above quotes were found online at Quotegarden.com)

To me liberty is having the ability to have the freedom to live a safe, secure, happy life.  It means that no one can tell me what I can and can't do to my body.  It means that I am entitled to the same responsibilities as all people in my community.  It means having the freedom of living the faith I choose, as long as that does not hurt anyone else.  Freedom means I can have a say in my government and have choices  in how I live.  It means I can live with whom I want and love whomever I fall in love with.  Freedom means that I can have the choice of when to have children and how many children to have.  It means I have the responsibility of bringing that child/children up to the best of my ability in a loving, safe environment.  It also means I can think for myself and I have to respect the thoughts of others.

I am glad that there is a day in my country that allows me to celebrate having all of these things.  And in honor of The 4th of July, here is a recipe for apple pie! I have not tried this recipe yet, but hope to soon, so if you make it, please share your thoughts with the rest of us! I hope you enjoy it!



Honey Apple Pie With Orange Lattice Crust
=========================================
Bon Appétit | March 1998

Main ingredients
Honey, Cherry, Orange, Peach, Apricot, Apple

Cuisine
American

Type
Pie/Tart

Yield: Makes 8 servings

"Using orange juice instead of water in the crust enhances the fruit flavors in the filling. To prevent the dough from sticking, lightly flour the work surface and the dough, sprinkling with more flour as needed; also, roll just to the edges of the dough, not over them, rotating the dough often."

Ingredients:

For crust:

2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chilled vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6 to 7 tablespoons chilled orange juice

For filling:

2 generous tablespoons coarsely chopped dried tart cherries
2 generous tablespoons finely chopped dried apricots
2 generous tablespoons finely chopped dried peaches
2 tablespoons orange juice
2-1/2 pounds Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
3-1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Preparation:

Make crust:

{Step One} Combine flour, sugar and salt in large bowl; add butter.
Using fingertips, rub in butter until pieces range in size from rice
grains to peas. Add shortening; rub in until pieces are size of small
peas. Sprinkle 5 tablespoons juice over, tossing gently with fork to
blend. Continue adding enough juice 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing
with a fork, to form moist clumps. Gather dough into ball; divide into
2 parts, 1 slightly larger than the other. Flatten dough onto disks.
Wrap in plastic; chill 1 1/2 hours or up to 1 day.

Make filling: Mix cherries, apricots, peaches and orange juice in large
bowl. Let stand 30 minutes. Mix in apples, flour, cinnamon and
cardamom; then mix in honey, butter and orange peel.

Position rack in bottom third of oven, and preheat to 425°F.

Roll out larger dough disk on lightly floured surface to 13-inch round.
Transfer dough to 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish. Trim overhand to 1/2
inch. Roll out second dough disk on lightly floured surface to 12-inch
round. Using fluted pastry wheel or knife, cut dough into 1/2-inch-wide
strips. Spoon filling into bottom crust.
{Step Two} Arrange 6 pastry strips evenly atop filling. Arrange 6 more
strips at right angles, forming lattice. Fold under ends of strips with
overhanging dough.

{Step Three} Crimp crust edge decoratively.

Bake pie 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Bake until
apples are tender and juices bubble thickly around edge, about 1 hour
10 minutes longer. Transfer pie to rack. Cool 1 hour.