Showing posts with label healthy living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy living. Show all posts

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Fresh Country Air...

What a beautiful day we had in Upstate NY !It started with a hint of autumn in the air and a phone call from a friend inviting me to go to a craft show.

I have not been to a craft show for close to a year (and that one was the first I had been to in at least three years).

I hate to admit this, but I generally do not find them so much fun any more. Maybe it was actually being behind the scenes selling at them for a few years (fun in some ways but so much work!).
Maybe it's the glut of imports you generally (and unfortunately) see at larger shows. Maybe I'm just feeling like maybe I should be doing some local shows. But then I think how busy all of my online friends keep me- that's enough for now...
Fresh, crisp air and good company are soothing to the soul (and I had been holed up in my studio all week working- probably would have spent today the same way if my friend hadn't called). Add that the drive there was scenic and the actual grounds were part of the historical society that was hosting the fundraiser. I like these kinds of craft shows- they are generally smaller, quainter and the host puts the profits back into something good (not their own pockets).

One thing I love about living up here is the history. Old buildings are everywhere and they are oh so charming! This truly is one of the most beautiful areas that the Army has sent us to (a close second to Germany, I think). It's very rural, but lovely. Unfortunately, I didn't learn too much about this historical society, but I enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere and snapping some shots (not sure why but the view through this window- through to the other side of the building caught my eye)...I took these with my smaller, pocket sized Canon, so they aren't quite on par with shots taken with my main camera. I didn't want to haul the big guy around though, so cute little turquoise point-n-shoot it was...

What's a Fair without food?
NO, not goat food....although I think she got all the attention and grass she could handle...


And fresh-squeezed Lemonade?
I was good though, saving myself for the fudge...mmm..chocolate, all gone before I could take pics!


There was plenty of personality served up too! How charmingly nostalgic is this
snow cone /popcorn stand? I could almost see Richie Cunningham making snow cones in this baby (wearing a white paper hat, and a red bow tie, of course)...

I think they must have left the door open just so I could take a shot....right? "Time to Lean Is Time To Clean". I need one of these signs for my kids...they'd abide by it, right?



Just one more shot because seriously, this stand was the highlight of my morning...
I didn't buy too much...got some home made fudge, of course, a couple of very nifty beaded hair clippie, pony holder type things that are much prettier and less painful than the dreaded plastic butterfly clips (which always give me a headache- so far almost 10 hours later, no headache and it's holding my thick but fine hair perfectly), and some goat's milk lotion- three different scents because I just couldn't choose.

This gal did not contribute to my goat's milk lotion but she was in attendance...she had a date but all he seemed to want to show me was his hind end....typical man...


And so I will sign off for now where I started- with a flower shot. Don't know what it is about flowers, but I could literally take pictures of almost nothing else and still be happy...

Until Next Time,

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Summer in a Bowl....


I don't know about everywhere else, but we have a had a hot and muggy week so far...

And as I shared awhile back, I have taken on a new, healthier lifestyle (these two things will connect to the post title in just a sec, hang with me)...think I will talk about it occasionally just to keep myself honest. So far, though, it has been a pleasure to eat a little healthier and treat myself a little better.

It's just too hot and muggy (and stormy) to turn the stove on today, so I decided to try a new, no stove needed recipe from YOU on a Diet (the book I have been following the past several weeks): Lisa's Great Gazpacho.

Don't know who this particular Lisa is but her gazpacho really hit the spot on a hot afternoon....added bonus: this recipe uses canned tomatoes, not fresh, and given the recent salmonella scare across the country, that's a good thing...

SO here goes...

Lisa's Great Gazpacho

4 servings (about 1 cup each) * 120 calories per serving

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1 Can (28 oz)crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup tomatoe juice (I had V8 so that's what I used)

1 cup each: diced (1/4 inch) red or orange bell pepper, unpeeled cucumber

1/4 finely chopped red onion

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped

3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 dashes (or to taste- I like it spicy, used more) hot red pepper sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, diced avocado

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Place all ingredients except salt, pepper, and garnishes in large bowl and combine. Coarsely puree about half the mixture in blender or food processor (I like it a little smoother so I put it all in a food processor) and return it to the bowl; stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours before serving. Garnish as desired.


There you have it! Easy-peasy, no cooking summer goodness that's good for you too....Enjoy!

Happy Tuesday, everyone!