familiar place, new sights (part 2).

This past weekend was spent in my
favorite city: Flagstaff, Arizona.


Not only is this city beautiful it makes me feel alive.

I loved living there, going to school there, meeting new people there, and above all else having fun there.

I was spending two days in a city that I lived in for two years and was going to try all new things (with ONE exception).

second adventure.

Hike through the Lava River Cave. Located nine miles north of Flagstaff on Hwy 180, turn west on FR 254 (at milepost 230). Continue three miles to FR 171, turn south one mile to where FR 171B turns left a short distance to the Lava River Cave.

This mile long cave is a bit intimidating from the start, but don't be discouraged it becomes a bit more flat and manageable. It can range from 32-45 degrees inside the cave during any season. Dressing warm in definitely recommended, also bring a flashlight because it is pitch black inside the cave.

The US Forest Service describes it as a "Lava tube cave formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. The top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river continued to flow emptying out the present cave".

This was the most unique hiking experience I have ever had, it should not be missed. Don't forget extra batteries for your flashlight.

familiar place, new sights (part 1).

This past weekend was spent in my
favorite city: Flagstaff, Arizona.


Not only is this city beautiful it makes me feel alive.

I loved living there, going to school there, meeting new people there, and above all else having fun there.

I was spending two days in a city that I lived in for two years and was going to try all new things (with ONE exception).

first adventure.

Hike at Red Mountain Trail. This is located along the Hwy 180 approximately 30 miles north of Flagstaff. West of the highway there is a sign for the Red Mountain Trail and about a 1/4 mile back there is a parking lot and well marked trail head.

The hike is easy and only about 2.5 miles round trip.

The US Forest Service describes it as, "A volcanic cinder cone that rises 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. In addition, a large natural amphitheater cuts into the cone's northeast flank. Erosional pillars called "hoodoos" decorate the amphitheater, and many dark mineral crystals erode out of its walls. Studies by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Northern Arizona University scientists suggest that Red Mountain formed in eruptions about 740,000 years ago".

A beautiful hiked not to be missed, don't forget to bring a camera.

snickerdoodle cookies. yum.

This is one of my favorite cookie recipes, my mom would make these all the time for the family when I was a kid. I loved them so much I even named my first dog after them. They are a very easy to make holiday cookie! Give them a try, you will not be disappointed.

Prep Time: 20 Min
Cook Time: 10 Min
Ready In: 1 Hr

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2.Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
3. Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets.

Yield: 4 dozen

adopt please.

If there is one thing in my life that I am passionate about it is animals. I have always had an affinity for dogs, whether it is my own, other peoples, strays...anything.

I love them all, I want nothing but the best life for them.

Let me tell you a background story, when I was ten years old my Mom and Dad took me to pick out a puppy on Mother's Day. I chose the runt of the pack, a cute little Cocker Spaniel I would name Snickers (after my favorite cookies, recipe to follow). She was the love of my life, she went everywhere with me and did everything with me. I considered her my "child", she was my Mother's Day gift after all. We had so much fun together and after 11 years I had to say goodbye to my beloved. Thus far that has been the hardest thing I have ever experienced.

From that point forward I made a promise to myself that I would never go through life without the most reliable and compassionate companion.

I was an a mission to find a dog that could be just that. I went to the Arizona Humane Society, I saw Riley cuddled up in the corner of his cage, terrified of everyone passing by him. I immediately asked to spend some time alone with him. I don't know why or how but I knew I had to take him home with me. I paid the small fee to adopt him and was beaming with happiness walking him to my car.

Riley had fallen victim to mean humans, he had been abused and hit by a car. He had road rash when I got him. It made my heart melt. I knew I wanted to give him a better life. This has been my goal for the past five years he has been a part of my family. He has come a long way, in no way is he perfect for everybody but he is perfect for me. He gives me such joy in life, for that I will forever grateful.

So if you want a new addition to your family...adopt please.


Top Five Reasons to Adopt

The Humane Society of the United States

Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Here are five reasons to adopt your new best friend.

1. You'll save a life
Sadly, between 3 and 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States simply because too many people give up their pets and too few people adopt from shelters. Because there is limited space at shelters, staff members sometimes need to make very hard decisions to euthanize animals who haven't been adopted.

The number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. By adopting from a private humane society or animal shelter, breed rescue group, or the local animal control agency, you'll help save the lives of two animals—the pet you adopt and a homeless animal somewhere who can be rescued because of space you helped free up.

2. You'll get a healthy pet
Animal shelters are brimming with happy, healthy animals just waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelters examine and give vaccinations to animals when they arrive, and many spay or neuter them before being adopted. In addition to medical care, more and more shelters also screen animals for specific temperaments and behaviors to make sure each family finds the right pet for its lifestyle.

It is a common misconception that animals end up in shelters because they've been abused or done something "wrong". In fact, most animals are given to shelters because of "people reasons," not because of anything they've done. Things like a divorce, a move, lack of time or financial constraints are among the most common reasons why pets lose their homes.

3. You'll save money
Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is much less expensive than buying a pet at a pet store or through other sources. In addition, animals from many shelters are already spayed or neutered and vaccinated, which makes the shelter's fee a real bargain.

4. You'll feel better
Pets have a way of putting a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally, and physically beneficial. Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups.

Pets can help your physical health as well—just spending time with an animal can help lower a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and dog walking, pet grooming, and even petting provide increased physical activity that can help strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and slow the loss of bone tissue. Put simply, pets aren't just good friends, they're also good medicine and can improve a person's well-being in many ways.

5. You won't be supporting puppy mills and pet stores
Puppy mills are "factory style" dog-breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Most dogs raised in puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with improper medical care, and the parents of the puppies are kept in cages to be bred over and over for years, without human companionship and with little hope of ever joining a family. And after they're no longer profitable, breeding dogs are simply discarded—either killed, abandoned or sold at auction.
Puppy mill puppies are sold to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the Internet and through newspaper classified advertisements to whoever is willing to pay for them.

Marketed as coming from great breeders, well-rehearsed sales tactics keep money flowing to the puppy mill by ensuring that buyers never get to see where the pups actually come from (a vital step in puppy buying). Many of the puppies have serious behavioral and health problems that might not be apparent for months, including medical problems that can cost thousands of dollars to treat, if they are treatable at all. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not even aware that puppy mills exist, so when they buy a pet from a pet store, online or other retail outlet, they are unwittingly supporting this cruel industry.

By adopting instead of buying a pet, you can be certain you aren't supporting cruel puppy mills with your money. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop purchasing their dogs. Instead of buying a dog, visit your local shelter where you will likely to find dozens of healthy, well-socialized puppies and adult dogs—including purebreds—just waiting for that special home—yours.

homemade chicken pot pie.

Courtesy of Betty Crocker.

Certainly a comfort food, this is a meal everyone will enjoy. I remember my mom making this when I was a kid, one of my favorites. I now make it for my niece and nephews and they love it! It is very easy and delicious!



chicken pot pie

prep: 20 min. bake: 30 min *6 servings

1 pkg (10oz) frozen peas and carrots
1/3 C. butter or stick margarine
1/3 C. flour
1/3 C. chopped onion
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 3/4 C. chicken broth
2/3 C. milk
1 1/2-3 cups cut-up cooked chicken or turkey
two 9" refrigerated pie crusts.

********
1. Rinse peas and carrots in cold water to separate; drain.
2. Melt butter in 2-qt saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, onion, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in broth and milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 min. Stir in chicken and peas and carrots; remove from heat.
3. Heat oven to 425*.
4. Roll one pastry out and place into 9" baking dish. Pour chicken mixture into pastry lined pan. Roll out remaining crust and make cut-outs in the center. Place crust over chicken filling; arrange cut-outs on top. Turn edges of pastry under and flute...(pinch edges together Ü)
5. Bake about 30 min or until golden brown.

enjoy.

download it.

If you haven't heard of Mumford and Sons, I strongly recommend that you get a listen. I love finding new music and these four London guys (Marcus Mumford, Country Winston, Ben Lovett, and Ted Dwane) have a unique sound. The band formed in 2007, create a gutsy, old-time sound reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the might of Kings Of Leon.

The title track Sigh No More is extraordinary, a statement of intent that references the romantic language of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, as they sing: "Love it will not betray you, dismay or enslave you / It will set you free / Be more like the man you were made to be."

Little Lion Man a track that was named the "Hottest Record In The World Today" on a recent Radio 1 show. It is a rampage about regret and unresolved heartbreak: "Tremble, little lion man / You’ll never settle any of your scores / Your grace is wasted in your face / Your boldness stands alone among the wreck".

"What we write about is real, and we sing and play our instruments more passionately cos we feel like we need to. We love honest music," says Winston.

These are songwriters with lyrics to match their talent.


Do yourself a favor and download it.

it's chili time

FINALLY, cold(ish) weather has arrived. So OF COURSE I am making Chili for dinner!! Found a great recipe on Whole Foods website!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon expeller pressed canola oil
1 pound lean ground all-natural turkey breast or thigh
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 (28-ounce)can diced tomatoes
1 cup (8 ounces) jarred mushroom tomato sauce or mushroom marinara sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste
1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne red pepper, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
1 (15-ounce)can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Method
In a large saucepan, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, onion and pepper, stirring often until meat is browned and onion is tender, 7 to 10 minutes.

Stir in whole can of diced tomatoes. Add mushroom tomato or marinara sauce, chili powder, salt, cayenne, paprika and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Stir in the beans and cook another five minutes to heat thoroughly.

Nutrition
Per serving (15 oz/422g-wt.): 370 calories (90 from fat), 12g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 26g protein, 46g total carbohydrate (8g dietary fiber, 7g sugar), 60mg cholesterol, 820mg sodium

my new mantra

By Jane Powell - www.MeditationsForWomen.com

"You deserve to feel like Number One!"

It’s time to clean house and surrender any destructive thoughts in your head. No more will you allow negative people to scramble your brain. No more will you dwell on painful uncomfortable times.

Let go means - let go!

Make it a priority to keep investing in yourself and your well being. Make room in your life for happiness, success, healing and fulfilling relationships.

Before you know it, you will start feeling entitled to abundance. And, that is as it should be, because you are Number One!

©Meditations for Women

this is worth sharing

Quite possibly one of my favorite things to clean with is vinegar; it is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and very economical. It also kills most mold, bacteria and germs. Which makes me very happy. So when I stumbled upon this article I figured it is worth sharing...another non-toxic, economical, and versatile cleaning agent!


40 Ways to Clean Using Baking Soda

1. Clean baby toys safely: dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart water and use the solution to wipe down toys with a sponge, rinse, and dry.

2. Get bathroom floors sparkling: mix ½ cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water, mop, and rinse.

3. Deodorize trash cans: dust a bit of baking soda over the can every now and then, and then when you empty it, rinse the canister with 1 cup baking soda to 1 gallon water.

4. Deodorize drains: sprinkle ½ cup baking soda down the drain while running warm water.

5. Refresh carpets: shake a bit of baking soda over the carpet before you vacuum to get out any lingering stinkiness.

6. Clean tile floors: add ½ cup baking soda to a bucket of warm water, mop, rinse.

7. Clean walls and furniture: sprinkle a bit of baking soda onto a damp sponge and apply directly to walls and furniture—it even works to get out crayon stains!

8. Refresh sheets and towels: add ½ cup baking soda to the rinse cycle to help get linens extra clean and fluffy.

9. To deodorize post-spill: after you’ve cleaned a spill off your upholstery and the area is completely dry, sprinkle the spot with baking soda, let sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum to neutralize any odors.

10. Clean ashtrays: sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of an ashtray to get out the smoky smell.

11. Clean camping and fishing gear: wipe gear down with a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart water.

12. Freshen up gym bags: just dust some baking soda directly on the bag to deodorize it.

13. Keep closets smelling good: leave a box open in a corner of your closet to mitigate lingering smells.

14. Make sure the recycling bin is fresh: sprinkle baking soda periodically over both the bin and its contents to drive away the stink.

15. Stave off refrigerator grossness: leave an open box in the fridge and swap it out monthly.

16. Clean countertops: apply baking soda to a clean damp sponge or cloth for wiping down food prep areas.

17. Clean produce: dust baking soda directly onto fresh fruits and veggies to get off lingering dirt. Scrub with a vegetable brush or clean sponge before rinsing.

18. Get silver sparkling: make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto sterling or silver-plated flatware and dishes with a clean cloth, then rinse.

19. Get your microwave spic and span: apply baking soda to a clean damp sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of your microwave.

20. Clean Tupperware: scrub down plastic containers with baking soda, and for stubborn stains, let them soak in a mixture of 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 part water.

21. Clean the coffeemaker: give coffeemakers (and mugs) a thorough scrub with ¼ baking soda to 1 quart water.

22. Deodorize the dishwasher: sprinkle a handful of baking soda on the bottom of the machine to absorb food odors before your next load.

23. Clean sponges: to get out the musty smell, soak sponges in 4 tablespoons baking soda with 1 quart warm water.

24. Clean pots and pans: to help lift stubborn baked-on foods, shake on a hearty amount of baking soda, add dish detergent and hot water and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing.

25. Get dishes sparkling: add 2 big tablespoons of baking soda to your regular dish detergent to cut the grease and foods left on your tableware.

26. Remove tea stains on teapots: soak stained teapot in ¼ cup baking soda and 1 quart warm water overnight before washing.

27. Laundry booster: add a cup of baking soda to your laundry load to help brighten clothes.

28. Clean grills: for tough, greasy stains, scrubs grills with a wire brush and a paste made of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water, then rinse well.

29. Get gunk and mildew off pool toys: use ¼ cup baking soda with 1 quart warm water and wipe down plastic and vinyl pool toys.

30. Clean patio furniture: before you store it for the season, scrub lawn chairs with baking soda and a wet sponge. You can also sprinkle baking soda underneath cushions every so often to keep them fresh.

31. Deodorize your dog: to keep Fido smelling fresh between baths, sprinkle fur with a bit of baking soda before brushing it through.

32. Remove grease and oil stains in the garage: dump some baking soda directly onto the spot and scrub with a wet brush.

33. Wash your car: mix ¼ cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water and use the solution to clean chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats and floor mats without scratches.

34. Clean hairbrushes and combs: remove oil and produce buildup by letting brushes and combs soak in a sink full of warm water and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Rinse and let dry.

35. Refresh stinky sneakers: sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes to soak up sweat and odors.

36. Clean retainers and dentures: let them soak in a glass full of warm water and 2 teaspoons baking soda.

37. Clean stuffed animals: dust baking soda onto stuffed animals, let it sit for 15 minutes, then dust off.

38. As a shampoo booster: sprinkle a little baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo to help get out residue from styling products.

39. Deodorize baby bottles: fill bottle with warm water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Shake, rinse, and clean thoroughly.

40. Clean pet toys: scrub down plastic chew toys with 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart warm water.


Sources: armandhammer.com; thefarm.org; thenewhomemaker.com

it is almost that time.

I have been waiting very patiently all summer for fall to arrive. There is something so refreshing about waking up to crisp cool air. However, my most favorite thing about the arrival of fall is that I can pull out all my winter clothes. Especially my most adored scarves. They go with everything, they are the perfect addition to any outfit, so versatile. If you don't already have one please, please don't forget the MUST HAVE accessory this fall, THE INFINITY SCARF. So as the temperatures drop (slowly, might I add), I will pull one scarf out at a time and bask in the fact that soon I will be able to throw one on and run out the door. Please fall get here quickly.

my little piece of heaven

I don't think a day goes by that I do not stop in at Starbucks and grab my daily (sometimes 3x a day) Iced Venti Unsweetened Green Tea. It has gotten to the point where any one of the three Starbucks in my neighborhood know what I am going to order, and if I order anything different they look at my funny. Not only does this lovely little beverage taste good but thankfully it is good for me too! Green tea is full of anti-oxidants. I am doing my body a favor by drinking two or three of these a day! Not to mention the favor I am doing Starbucks.

so to die for...

Lemon Poppy-Seed Layer Cake- Found in Traditional Home magazine...

Prepare Lemon Curd filling the day before you bake the cake. Chill overnight.

Lemon Curd (see recipe)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1-3/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons finely shredded lemon peel (from 3 large lemons)
4 large eggs
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon extract
3 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
Coconut Buttercream Frosting (see recipe)
4 cups natural raw chip coconut (about 5 to 6 ounces), toasted*
Fresh strawberries

Prepare Lemon Curd. Cover; chill at least 8 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two (9x1-1/2 inch) round baking pans. Set aside.

In very large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and lemon peel on medium speed until light and fluffy, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in lemon juice and lemon extract. (Mixture may look curdled.)

In another large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Fold in poppy seeds.

Divide cake batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans; cool completely. When cakes are cool, trim tops of cakes if necessary to make them flat. Split cakes in half horizontally to create four cake rounds.

To assemble, place one cake round on cake plate. Spread with 1 scant cup Lemon Curd. Top curd with another cake round and another scant cup of curd. Repeat with third cake round and the remaining curd. Top curd with last cake round.

Frost top and sides of cake with Coconut Buttercream Frosting. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of cake and press into sides of cake. Serve immediately with fresh strawberries, or store cake in refrigerator. Let chilled cake stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving. Makes 12 to 16 servings,

Lemon Curd:
In large saucepan stir together 1-1/3 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir in 1 tablespoon finely shredded lemon peel, 3/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/2 cup water. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly.

In large bowl lightly beat 7 egg yolks. Slowly stir about half of hot lemon juice mixture into eggs. Return lemon-egg mixture to saucepan. Cook, stirring continuously over medium heat until mixture comes to gentle boil. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until melted and well combined. Cover surface of curd with waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill curd at least 8 hours or until firm. Makes a scant 3 cups lemon curd.

Coconut Butter Cream Frosting:
In large mixing bowl beat 1 cup softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Gradually beat in 2 cups powdered sugar. Beat in 3 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon coconut extract. Gradually beat in 4 cups additional powdered sugar until smooth, with spreading consistency. If necessary, beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make spreading possible. Makes about 3-1/4 cups frosting.

*To toast coconut: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread coconut in shallow baking pan. Heat about 5 minutes or until coconut is fragrant and just barely toasted, stirring once. Cool completely.