Friday Find - Inspire

Today's find is a excellent book I'm reading, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.  I can't put this book down and I think it could be one of the best books I've read in a long time.  Jeannette tells the story of her life growing up in unimaginable poverty with self-indulgent parents who chose to inflict their negative lifestyle on their children.  It's a sad story yet told incredibly well.  The four children show determination, courage and loyalty to each other in the most difficult of times.  A book you must read.  

I'm sharing today with Kim Klassen's Friday Finds, stop by and check out some amazing photos.  

This weekend we will be celebrating my husband's birthday with special dinner with family at a favorite restaurant on Saturday.  Sunday we will stay close to home, since the Superbowl is in NJ and the traffic will be crazy.  

Have a fun weekend.   

Margie


Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Texture Tuesday - Abandoned House

This picture was taken in North Carolina this weekend.  In northern NC where my in-laws live there are many abandoned homes like this one on people's properties.  They hold a family's history and are not torn down out of respect for the past.  Enjoyed photographing this old relic.

Today I'm sharing with Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday, stop by and see what it's all about.  I used Kim's kk_abstract and KK_aurora textures on the first image.

Enjoy your week.

Margie


Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Random 5 Friday

1.  My new health obsession is drinking warm water with lemon juice each morning.  Everyone including Dr. Oz raves about the health benefits from detoxing your system to helping prevent the common cold. Check out 16 Health Benefits of Drinking Warm Lemon Water and give it a try.

2.  Broccoli has become one my favorite vegetables again.  After overdosing on it when my kids were young, I have rediscovered it's deliciousness and eat it weekly.  Especially enjoy it with garlic and oil.

3.  This week I tried Chai tea and totally enjoyed the spicy brew, but thought Starbucks version was a little too sweet.  It turned me off when I heard they use a syrup to create their favors and knew I could do better.  My daughter sent me a link to Cup of Jo's Marsala Chai recipe.  Collected all the ingredients and have fell head over heels with this heart warming spicy beverage.

4.  Supermarket shopping is not one of my favorite tasks to do each week.  To challenge myself I try to do my complete food order in 30 minutes on my work break, that includes driving to and from supermarket and leaving groceries in the car until lunchtime.  I fly through the market at high speeds picking up everything on my mental list.  I have memorized the layout of the store, and knowing all the quick checkout people helps - one checkout lady said I'm her "idol." Only once did I knock a woman into the yogurt case by accident.

5.  My favorite part of working in a High School office is hanging around the Related Arts classes.  I'm always checking out what's going on the ceramics, drawing,  fashion design, photography, and music classes.  It's great for photo opts and the teachers always cooperate to help me with word prompts for my 365 Photography challenge.  This picture was for the prompt "In a Bowl."  

Today I'm sharing with  A Rural Journal's Random 5 Friday.  Stop by and enjoy the fun.

This weekend I'm in NC and was hoping for a break from the 4 degree temperatures in NJ, but woke up this morning to 15 degrees in NC.  Yikes!

Have a great weekend and stay warm my friends.

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Texture Tuesday - Hyacinth

Hi everyone!  Happy Tuesday.  Created this on Saturday morning when the lighting from the snow was perfect and the scent from the Hyacinth was intoxicating.   Used a few new tricks from the Beyond Layers class and had fun.  Since it was snowing and the roads weren't the best, stayed in and just  enjoyed the morning.  I think the quote sums it up.  

Sharing today with Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday.  Used Kim's kk_unexpected, kk_thewall, and kk_sienna, and of course her Love brush.  

Thanks for stopping by.

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Song-ography - The Lazy Song

The Lazy Song - Bruno Mars

Today I don't feel like doing anything

I just wanna lay in my bed

Don't feel like picking up my phone, so leave a message at the tone

'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything

I'm gonna kick my feet up then stare at the fan

Turn the TV on, throw my hand in my pants

Nobody's gon' tell me I can't

This song was perfect for this Saturday, didn't get dressed until 3 p.m.  Sometimes you don't feel like doing anything, no joke.  Glad I shaved my legs the day before.  

Sharing this weekend with Song-ography.  Stop by and check it out.  

Friday Rehashed

1.  For the holidays I received a bottle of Vermont Maple Syrup as a gift.  Not having much of a sweet tooth I thought I would try it on some pancakes.  OMG, they were absolutely delicious - now I'm obsessed with what to pour it over this weekend.  The bottle has a stick of cinnamon in it.

2.  Every morning my neighbor across the street and I leave for work at the same exact time.  Almost once a week our cars almost collide backing out of our driveways.  Unfortunately it's bound to happen someday.  

3.  My Tupperware cabinet explodes every time I open it.

4.  Love living near a small cemetery that has nine angel statues.  

5.  The other night we opened an expensive bottle of wine for no reason at all.

Sharing this Friday with Kim Klassen's Friday Finds and Random 5 Friday.

Just a few random thoughts from the week.

Wishing you a fantastic weekend.

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Texture Tuesday - Tulips

Created for Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday - using KK_aurora and one Kim's brushes for the quote -which I love.  

Been waiting for tulips to hit the market and today was the day….thought this still life would brighten any January day.  

The capture below is for day 13 of my 365 photography challenge on Flickr.  Been taking this project one day at a time, not stressing over what subject I'm going to photograph each day yet……..     

13/365

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Potato Leek Soup

Not being a huge fan of frozen vegetables there are a few that I always have on hand to make soup and frozen leeks is one of them.  Looking around the pantry this rainy Saturday morning, I found some left over potatoes from the week and vegetables always in the fridge (carrots, onions and celery).  Sometimes potato leek soup can be bland, but not this one. Wow, this soup is just packed with flavor! Using a whole 16 oz. bag Trader Joe's of frozen sliced leeks did the trick. If you find you make a lot of soup, an emulsion blender is a great investment. You don't have to spend a fortune on one either because mine was purchased for about $10 and works beautifully.

So if you are looking for a quick savory low-fat soup to make for the week this is the one. One downfall is that you can't freeze it, potatoes become grainy when frozen, so plan to eat it up or share it with friends. 

Potato Leek Soup - about six cups.

1 16 oz bag of frozen sliced leeks (Trader Joe's)
4 medium sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
1 small onion, chopped
1 stalk of celery chopped
1 peeled carrot cut into 1 inch pieces
4 cups chicken broth, low-fat and low salt
1 tablespoon salt
pepper to taste
1/2 cup milk (1% worked for me)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour

In a large pot, melt butter and add flour stirring until it comes together, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, leeks, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, salt and bring to a boil.  Lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes until potatoes are just tender. With an emulsion blender blend until smooth (do not over blend).  Stir in 1/2 cup of milk. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.


Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Friday Finds - Gerber Daisies

This Friday Find was a mandatory purchase from Trader Joe's.  I cannot deny myself flowers this time of year and made a special trip just for a bundle of instant happiness.  

This capture was used for Kim Klassen's "Day 17" Beyond Layers assignment "Whisper".  This class is blowing my mind with processing knowledge and enjoyment.

Well where did the week go?  Feel I'm finally back into the groove after the holidays and getting things done and working on "balance".    I'm so looking forward to the weekend and a special birthday dinner for my friend Susan.  Stay warm and enjoy!

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Texture Tuesday - Simple Pleasures

Burr it's cold in NJ - 7 degrees this morning (-16 with wind chill).  Hope this lovely purple spool can warm our spirits.  It was created using kk_shine texture for my Kim Klassen Beyond Layers online class and I'm sharing it on Kim's Texture Tuesday.  I'm including a picture of the original capture, which is the true color purple.  Think I like the softer muted tones best.

Part of my New Year's plan is to participate in a 365 Day Challenge Project - taking a photo every day and uploading it to Flickr.  So far I'm on day six…wish me luck.  Stop by and check out my progress.

Stay warm.

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Unwritten

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

Cool song this week for Song-ography.  Had it in my head all week and when my husband pulled out the log book for 2014 to start our financial journal -  snapped the shot.  

Stop by Kathy "Song-ography" and get a song in your head for next week.  

Margie

Random Five Friday

1.  Today it snowed 8 inches and we had a snow day off from work, have I told you how much I adore snow days.  It's a free day to do whatever moves you, and the fact that it's a Friday making it a long weekend is awesome.   Luckily for me I don't have to shovel snow.  Not my job. 

2.  Love going out for lunch on a snow day.  Maybe even had an afternoon Guinness.  Hey it's like a holiday. 

3.  The light in my house on a snow day is amazing.  Every time I walk into a room, something catches my eye and I grab my camera.  Needless to say it doesn't help my ADD.

4.  Snow days always make me want to cook large hunks of meat.  Maybe a venison stew tonight for dinner.  

5. This poem about a snow ball by Shel Silverstein always made me laugh when my kids were young and it still does.

I made myself a snow ball as perfect as could be.
I thought I'd keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas and a pillow for it's head.
Then, last night it ran away.
But first -- it wet the bed.

Enjoy your weekend!

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Carrot Artichoke Ginger Soup

When I went out to lunch last week I tried the "soup of the day" which was carrot, artichoke, ginger soup. Would never have put those two vegetables together and the ginger added a lovely touch of heat.  Couldn't wait to get home to experiment with these favors and recreate the soup. You will be pleasantly surprised how delicious this combination is and that it is also low-fat.  Could be my new favorite. If you don't have an emulsion blender, use a blender or food processor to puree the soup in small batches. Enjoy!

Today I'm sharing with Kim K Friday Finds - I have never used a texture on a food photo before, but by adding KK-Clarity at 30% soft light it gave the soup the brightness it needed.  

Carrot Artichoke Ginger Soup

1 lb carrots peeled and cut in 1 inch chunks
8 oz. (1/2 bag)  frozen Artichoke Hearts
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
1 medium onion chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
Garnish with 1 tablespoon sour cream and parsley

Saute chopped onions and celery in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for five minutes over medium heat.  Add carrots, frozen artichoke hearts, salt, pepper and ginger sautéing with onion and celery until carrots and artichokes begin to sweat, about 3-5 minutes.  Add stock, cover and simmer for 20 minutes until carrots are tender. Remove pot from burner and with a emulsion blender puree soup leaving some larger bits of vegetables. Garnish each bowl with parley and a tablespoon of sour cream.

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday