Things That Are Good, Neither or Really Shitty

Ladies and gentlemen (there are a select few of you, I hope).  This is it.  The introduction of my 

WEEKLY FEATURE.  

Once a week (on Fridays) I am going to be here, dishing the dish, full of links and critiques and my opinions – which Salt'n'Pepa taught me "...are like assholes and everybody's got one." (Side note, if you haven't listened to this this year, you should.)

So, THIS week's roundup:

• This wall color.  I sweat the bravery, I sweat the color, I do not envy hanging art on it.  Ps. No one looks that good while painting (new thing to live up to.)

• So since we are already talking about people looking awesome...I want to tell you how stinking awesome I look in this sweater.  Seriously.  I bought it in all three colors.  I am old.  It is official.  But I am happy.  So suck it. 

• More on pretties:  Rings cast from sand. Stackable.  Unique.  Going on my MUST have list.

• On the SHITTY list.  This terrible article about the grossest stuff you'll ever hear about. Seriously, if you want to quit, just quit.  If you want to smoke, just smoke.  Yuck to chemical poison.

• If you do care about your body and you are ready for a spring (god, I hope) cleanse. The click here because this is the one you want.  The recipes OMG they make me want to cook!  

• Loving THIS song.  Rosie Thomas. There is a reason it is on the "Sad Songs Channel" but seriously, major prettiness. 

That is, officially, all that is important in the world today.  Well, except for THIS granola I make weekly to feed my family.  Oh, and THIS calzone.  And THESE pork chops.

Happy Weekend.  I'm out

A Little Bird Told Me to Blog About Granola

Granola is food.  As far as I am concerned anything with proteins and carbs that is EASY to eat in many different ways is PERFECT. 

It also makes me feel all glowey inside when I make a big batch of ANYTHING.  Like I've turned into some kind of survivalist.

So here is what you can do to feel like a glowing bass-ass survivalist:

In one bowl :

• Three cups of grains (I use mostly rolled oats and a bit of uncooked quinoa).
• One to one and a half cups of nuts. I find a combo of pecans and almonds pretty dope as long as I chop them up super fine.  
• One teaspoon of salt - I like bigger crystals so it crunches.
• One to two cups of seeds (I favor raw pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds).
• One cup of shredded coconut.  Yum.
• Two teaspoons of spices.  I am currently using cinnamon and ginger and nutmeg.  Explore!  

Mix these all up together.  Then add,

• 1/4 - 1/2 cup of oil (olive or canola works well)
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup of sweetener (I use maple syrup)
• Optional - One egg white, whisked until foamy before adding. This makes those clusters that I love.

Mix it all up – spread on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet (for easy clean up) – bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes (stir mid way if you don't want clumps).  

It will NOT be hard when you pull it out of the oven.  It hardens as it cools.  Let it cool all the way.  Then add some chopped up dried fruits.  About of cup of cranberries, chopped figs and raisins does the trick quite well.

I double the batch and share some with this chick.

Do The Same Things Everywhere

When my mom and I drive through towns we always wonder:

"What do the people DO here?"

I am starting to wonder that about myself.  What is life really made of?  Do my quote-unquote accomplishments matter? Does anyone notice if I wash the dishes? 

I know I think too much.

I've noticed, thanks.  But seriously, moment after moment after moment.  This is life.  Just stringing the bits together. 

Here I am, now on the East Side of Providence, still asking the same questions.  Still trying to figure out what the heck I am doing.

This morning's answer sponsored by Emerging Energy Acupuncture: I am off to make banana bread.