Make it in Five Minutes Clothespin Bag

I've been in the market for a new clothespin bag ever since I left mine on the line back when it was actually raining in East Texas. That was when I first realized that my "bought at WalMart" clothespin bag wasn't actually made of cloth, but some sort of paper very deceitfully designed to look and feel like cloth. At first look at the disaster that was hanging by threads and clothespins on the line, I was sure that our new dog had tried to snatch it off the line and tore it to shreds(my sincere apologies, Tank.) However, on closer inspection, the deception was finally realized.

So, I've been needing a new one and I've browsed around online, but I just haven't taken the plunge and actually ordered one. I don't know why it's such a difficult choice...it's just a clothespin bag, right?

I've also been needing a new set of sheets for our bed(and you're wondering what on earth this has to do with clothespin bags...hang in there), so I ran across some Shabby Chic sheets that were almost a match to the Shabby Chic comforter set I'd bought a couple of months ago. I just love Shabby Chic stuff, but it's rawther pricey, so when I find a sale, I'm a happy camper!

Anyhoo, the sheets came in one of those sweet little bags with actual buttons and buttonholes, so dreamy! There's no way I'm going to trash that little bag...I am not a packrat, but I know when something can surely be used for another purpose and I was sure that something could!

I've been looking at that little bag for a couple of days now, trying to figure out just what I could do with it when.....BAM! Brainstorm(minimal damage!) What a perfect clothespin bag. All I would need to do was somehow stick a hanger in it. I looked for a child size hanger left over from grandkids, but I guess for once they took their stuff with them when they left. There wasn't one to be found.

Another brainstorm....a pants hanger would work great. I had to find a narrow one to fit the bag. I assembled my "kit"....the bag, the hanger and a pair of scissors!

I suppose I should have taken pictures somewhere besides on the comforter that almost matches the sheet bag, it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.

All there was left to do was to cut a slit in the flap for the hanger part to fit through.This will need to be stitched, I don't have a machine, I'll do it by hand, but those of you with a machine can do it in a jiffy I'm sure. You'll want to clip the clips in place for a minute to see where the slit needs to be. 

I fit the hanger through the hole. 

I then clipped the hanger clips onto the back part of the bag, you can clip back and front also if you like.

 I have to tell you, it's a mighty cute little Shabby Chic clothespin bag!

Then I filled it with clothespins to make sure it would actually work. It did!

If you have a lot of clothespins and it makes for a heavy weight on the bag, you may have to figure out a way to secure the clips on the bag. I haven't figured that one out yet. I don't know how durable this little bag will be, but if I actually bring it in the house instead of leaving it on the line, it may last a good while.

I have to say, I'm feeling pretty good about my creativity here....

I did this one all by myself!

This blog has been listed in the Blog Hop

Cory's Paleo Shrimp Bisque

This is sort of a guest blog....sort of because the pictures and comments belong to the cook, my son Cory, but I'm doing the blog work.

So...I guess it's a joint effort.

Cory has become quite the Paleo chef. He's very creative....I wish I could hire him to cook for me every day.

Come to think of it....I cooked for him for years and years....he sort of owes me.

Anyhoo, here's his great looking shrimp bisque dish he came up with and I've named it.....(not very original, I'm afraid)....Cory's Paleo Shrimp Bisque.

The ingredient list and full recipe with instructions are listed below the pictures!

Cory's Paleo Shrimp Bisque

A gathering of the ingredients

Patti's note: Cory likes to cook with LouAna Coconut Oil because there is no coconut flavor in it and some things don't need to taste like coconut....I agree.

Sauteing the peppers & onions

I sautéed the diced onion (yellow), bell pepper (yellow), hatch pepper and poblano pepper in a little olive oil (very little oil, just enough to aid with not sticking).

Adding the peeled tomato

Cooking one large tomato (peeled) over the sautéed onions/peppers to start the sauce...

Patti's second note: Somewhere between these two pictures, you add the water and coconut oil(see recipe below)

Adding the organic heavy cream

Of course, this is my favorite part!! After adding the heavy whipping cream (organic), a good cook has to taste the sauce for QUALITY purposes.

Add the shrimp, green onions and cilantro

Now, I put the shrimp in and then covered it all with chopped green onions and cilantro to cook down together... MAN, it smells good!

Paleo Shrimp Bisque

 Mmmmm,mmmmm good (but its not Campbell's)

Cory's Paleo Shrimp Bisque

Ingredients:

1 Large Yellow, Red or Orange Bell Pepper (Diced)

1 Medium to Large Yellow Onion (Diced)

1 Large Poblano Pepper (Diced) 1 Large Hatch Pepper (Diced)

1 Large Tomato (Peeled and Cubed)

½ Bunch of Cilantro (Chopped)

½ Cup of Green Onions (Chopped)

12 to 14 oz. of Organic Heavy Whipping Cream

2 lbs. of Shrimp

1 to 2 Cups of Water

¾ Cup of Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Seasonings Used: Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Olde Thompson’s Orange & Lemon Pepper (Grinder), & Cayenne Pepper

Sauté the diced onions and peppers together with a little olive oil (not much) just enough to keep them from sticking to the pan at first. After they start to soften, add the tomatoes. Stir them in, cover to keep the moisture in, and allow the tomato to break down. Add ¾ cup of Coconut Oil and stir in well, allow to return to previous heat or temperature. Add water (the amount of water depends on how much moisture was retained from the vegetables). You should have enough sauce or juice in the pan to fill the vegetables at least half way, preferably ¾ covered. Remember to keep the lid on as much as possible to retain the moisture. When the ‘juice’ returns to a good boil, add the cream and stir until you have an even color throughout. Allow the flavors and ingredients to blend well then season to taste (keep the dish covered as much as possible). I prefer a peppery citrus flavor with a garlic undertone. Remember to allow for the shrimp because it will also influence the flavor when added. Once you are satisfied with the flavor, and the sauce has returned to a slow boil, add the raw shrimp (stir the shrimp in). Now spread the chopped green onions and cilantro over the entire dish but do not stir. Keep the dish covered. This will allow the cilantro to break down separately without the hindrance of being in the liquid. When the shrimp are almost done, go ahead and stir the cilantro and the onions into the sauce. Once the shrimp is done, you can serve!

With a side of sweet potatoes

......aaaannddd here's the end result! Delicious! A creamy shrimp bisque that's all paleo...

(Charisma wants the world to know that she did the sweet potatoes!)

I think it looks totally awesome!

patti

Raving About Rosemary!

If you asked me to name my top ten Essential Oils, in terms of usage, Rosemary would be in the top five for sure. It is one of my most frequently used oils and one that I never let myself run out of.

“There's rosemary, that's for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember.” 

William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Rosemary

Rosemary...

how do I love thee?

In the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning....

Let me count the ways....

1. I love a drop in my shampoo(homemade recipe) You can also just add a drop to your bought shampoo.
2. I love it in my after shampoo rinse. (Camp Wander's recipe for Lavender Rosemary Rinse)
3. I love it in my nasal rinse recipe.(recipe here) 
4. I love it in a Lavender & Rosemary Calming Spray.(20 drops each EO in 2 oz spritz bottle topped with water)
5. I love it in my Invigorating Body Spray.(recipe here)
6. I love it in my Saline Nasal Spray.(recipe here)
7. I love it in my thicker hair blend.(Camp Wander's Recipe)I forgot this one....this is an update!

There's more, those are just the ways I love it best!

About Rosemary:

Spark Naturals Rosemary is from the botanical family rosmarinus officinalis and grown in Italy.

Description: Most popular for its culinary uses, Rosemary also has the ability to stimulate hair growth, boost mental activity, relieve respiratory problems and reduce pain.

Properties: Analgesic, Antidepressant, Anti-Stringent, Carminative, Cephalic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Hypertensive

Historical Uses: Rosemary has been used to clear the mind and nervous system & stimulate memories; the diuretic properties have been useful in reducing water retention during menstruation, obesity and cellulite..

Use compresses and baths when trying to sooth stiff joints, arthritis, or rheumatism.  Use diffusion or other methods of inhalation when treating colds, flu, and as a mind stimulant.  Rosemary is certified as GRAS by the FDA and can be taken internally.  Rosemary has had positive effects being applied neat or with a carrier to the scalp, face, or neck for skin or hair/scalp disorders.  

More uses for Rosemary Essential Oil:

Add a few drops to mouthwash to help with halitosis.

Apply topically in areas of sore muscles, headaches or arthritis.

Inhale or use aromatically to aid with congestion, allergies, cold sores, sore throats or flu.

Rosemary Essential Oil Blends well with: 

Frankincense, Lavender, Sage, Peppermint, Geranium, Lemongrass

Rosemary Essential Oil Application:

Can be use aromatically

Can be consumed

Can be used topically (Apply NEAT)

Precautions:  Consult professional advice before use by those who are pregnant or nursing mothers.

You can find Pure Pharma Grade Rosemary Essential Oil at Spark Naturals.

Remember to use the coupon code PATTI at checkout for 10% off your order. Shipping is always $6.49 per order.

‘As Rosemary is to the Spirit, so Lavender is to the Soul.‘

-  Anonymous

patti

Paleo Wheat, Gluten & Dairy Free Zucchini Bread

I ran across this fabulous blog called Elana's Pantry She has recipes for all sorts of special diets. If you are restricted in any way, you should pay her a visit. I found a Paleo Bread recipe on her site that I have adapted to accommodate my special diet. I would never have known where to even start however without first finding a recipe that someone else had already proven, so I am very thankful for blogs like Elana's. 

This recipe is wheat, gluten and dairy free!

Paleo Zucchini Bread

I especially like this recipe because you just dump it in the food processor a few ingredients at a time, pulse, pour into your pans and bake. How easy is that? 

I wanted a little more volume to my bread because of the loaf pans that I had, the original recipe made a low loaf, very delicious, but not a large slice. So, I added two grated zucchini, they add volume without changing the taste much at all. If you want a banana bread, use one small zucchini and one banana per recipe, it's delicious! Remember I doubled my recipe so I used two medium sized zucchini this time.

I'll try to make this as simple as I can, but I made several substitutions to her original recipe because of my food allergies and sensitivities. I am allergic to egg whites, so I try to limit my egg intake. I used ground flax seed in water in place of half the eggs.(I doubled Elana's recipe). 

One TBS ground flax seed & three TBS water = one egg

I am sensitive to coconut, so I used Tapioca flour and Extra Light Olive Oil in place of the coconut flour and oil. I also have to limit my vinegar because of being extremely sensitive to yeast. Anything fermented is not a good thing. I used balsamic vinegar, it's aged instead of fermented. I'm not really supposed to have honey either, but hey...I gotta cheat a little sometimes. I love honey!

A gathering of everything.

All the ingredients

Remember I have adapted Elana's recipe to fit my diet, if you want to follow hers you'll need to follow the link at the beginning of this blog.

One more thing before I get into the recipe. I ground my own almond flour from plain almonds. If you do this you'll want to sift the flour before you blend it with the other ingredients. There will always be a few contrary chunks of almonds in there. I don't mind a little nuttiness in my bread, but I don't want big chunks. If there are some small pieces, I just throw them in there anyway. This bread will also be a dark bread because the almonds are ground with the brown coating still on the almonds, blanched almond flour is ground from the inside of the almond without the brown coating.

Paleo Zucchini Bread

This recipe makes two small loaves or one large

3 cups almond flour
4 TBS Tapioca or Coconut flour
1/2 cup flax meal
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
5 eggs 
5 TBS ground flax seed/meal in 15 TBS water( this takes the place of 5 eggs) If you can have the eggs, just use ten eggs if desired.
2 TBS Extra Light Olive Oil or Coconut Ol
2 TBS Balsamic or Apple Cider Vinegar
2 TBS Honey

Dry Ingredients

1. Place almond flour, tapioca/coconut flour, flax, salt and baking soda in a food processor
2. Pulse ingredients together
3. To substitute flax seed for half the eggs, mix 5 TBS ground flax seeds with 15 TBS water in measuring cup or bowl
4. Pulse in eggs, flax & water mixture, oil, honey and vinegar
5. Pulse in grated zucchini and banana if desired*(see special note below before doing this step)
6. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. You can make two small loafs or one large with this recipe.
7. Bake at 350° for 45/55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. This will have a moist center unless you cook it longer. You'll have to be careful and not let it brown too much on the bottom and sides. If you cook this as one large loaf, it may take longer to cook.

No room for zucchini

*SPECIAL NOTE: Depending on the size of your processor, you may not be able to fit this double recipe in. I couldn't. I had to remove half the mixture after step 4 in order to add the zucchini. I poured half in a mixing bowl, pulsed the zucchini in the processor, then mixed it all in the bowl before pouring into the pans.

Batter ready to pour into pans

Nothing left to do but eat it!

Hope this give you some ideas on how easy it is to make your own bread even if you can't have wheat! This recipe is especially good with a banana included too. You can even add a few chopped walnuts and you have banana nut bread!

patti

Accidental Almond Nut Butter

A few weeks ago I posted a  blog on "milking almonds", dehydrating the pulp and making my own almond flour. You can read it here:

How Do You Milk An Almond?

I'm not making as much almond milk these days but I am making more bread using almond flour, or meal as some refer to it. I decided that I would just try milling the dry almonds to see if I could make my own flour. I had a jar full of roasted, salted(sea salt) almonds that weren't being used so I thought, "why not?" 


I'll give it a try and see what happens. I fully expected to turn out some great, yet a bit salty, almond flour.

Famous last words as they say...... 

What I got was an unexpected treat. I accidentally made almond nut butter. It was a bit dry so I added some Extra Light Olive Oil and it was pretty tasty. I even managed to make me a substitute peanut butter and banana sandwich. That was a treat!

I am allergic to wheat and very sensitive to yeast, so I cut out all bread a few years ago. I've not eaten a sandwich in about three years now.

I miss them....

I never realized how easy it is to make bread from other sources than wheat. However, that is for another blog that's coming up soon, pinky promise! This one is about my accidental discovery of a super delicious substitute for peanut butter. I'm also not eating peanut butter right now because of another eating lifestyle that I am undertaking, the Paleo diet. Peanuts aren't nuts, they are legumes, and not an accepted food on the Paleo Diet. I am far from educated on the Paleo diet, I'm just beginning to learn, hopefully I will be posting more on this later also

Meanwhile, back to the experiment!

I decided to try this again and take pictures this time, in case you've never tried to make almond nut butter. It's super easy, a little messy, but then most things in my kitchen are when I'm the one doing the cooking.

What you'll need:

This makes about 4 ounces of almond nut butter, if you want to make more, simply double the amounts.

One cup roasted, salted(sea salt) almonds
1/2 to 1 tablespoon oil of your choice(I used Extra Light Olive Oil)
A Magic Bullet or food processor or something similar with a good grinding or milling blade that will grind nuts
One cup measuring cup
1/2 or 1 TBS measuring spoon

What you'll need

You will need a Magic Bullet or something similar. I have not tried this in a food processor or blender, but you could give it a try. I made a very small amount. If you're making more, your food processor would likely work.

One note here before you try what I did thinking it would work better. I tried adding the oil to the nuts before milling. This did not work well at all. I've found that it works best if you mill the almonds first by themselves.

Process:

Place one cup of roasted, salted almonds in Magic Bullet or processor, mill as well as possible. 

Almonds in Magic Bullet

You will  find that the butter tends to cake up around the blades and the top of the container if you're using a Magic Bullet. Simply stir it back down and grind again.

Ground almonds cake up around the top

I also found that some of the nuts just refuse to grind, so I take out the butter that is smooth, place into a small bowl.....

First run

and put the chunks back into the grinder.  After grinding as well as possible, I remove the rest of the butter to the bowl, add the oil and mix. I actually put the mixture back in the Magic Bullet, changed to the blending blade and let it blend it really well for me. 


I used one tablespoon of oil for one cup of almonds, because you have to keep this in the fridge, and it will get thick. You may want yours thicker, if so, then cut back a bit on the oil. 

One Tablespoon Olive Oil

Then I placed it in a jar(or course I did)!

4 ounces of Almond Nut Butter

 And there you have your yummy almond nut butter. 

It's very tasty with just the right amount of saltiness for me. 

Now I have to go make more bread....I need a sandwich!



patti

Wondrous White Fir Essential Oil

If I had to list my top five favorite Essential Oils and Blends, I'm not sure just where White Fir would rank, but I'm sure it would be pretty high up on the list. 

If you can be in love with an Essential Oil, I am in love with White Fir! 

It had me at hello....well, at first sniff anyway! 

White Fir Essential Oil

I use it in my deodorant, several of my diffuser blends, my arthritis blend and anything else I can get away with using it in. I especially love to diffuse it with other woodsy oils, such as Cypress, Frankincense and Birch. I know that Birch's main scent is a mint smell, but if you give it a chance, you'll catch the wood smell in there too...it is from a tree after all, you know!

Now that we've cleared that up, however, on to White Fir! 

Description: 

White Fir is distilled from white fir needles, this oil has a crisp scent and comes from Austria. White Fir is a powerful anti-oxidant with a high ORAC score. It has been use for deodorants, disinfectants, rubefacients and stimulants. 

If you're wondering what on earth ORAC is, it is the "oxygen radical absorbance capacity", which measures the free radical destroying potential of a particular food. 

Properties:

Analgesic, Anticatarrhal, Antiseptic, Anti arthritic, Stimulant

Historical Uses:

White Fir essential oils have been used for tense muscles, fever, chills, coughs, and help with the body's natural defense system.

Possible Uses:

Diffuse to fight airborne bacteria, germs and to stimulate the mind while allowing the body to relax. Apply topically to reduce aches from cold and flu and exercised muscles.

Application:

Can be used aromatically and topically(apply NEAT)

White Fir is very reasonably priced with Spark Naturals at the following prices:

 5 ml bottle - $6.99

15 ml bottle - $18.00

Also, with coupon code PATTI, you get an additional 10% off at checkout! 

Fabulous deal for a fabulous oil!

White Fir can be substituted for Frankincense in most cases, and it has been referred to as the Poor Man's Frankincense.

Here are three of my favorite ways to use White Fir, my Arthritis Blend, My Walk in the Woods Diffuser Blend and my Woodsy Winter Day Diffuser Blend.

Arthritis Blend

A Walk In The Woods Diffuser Blend

Woodsy Winter Day Diffuser Blend

If you don't have this oil, give it a try! You'll find it will quickly become a very often used oil I bet! If you do use this oil, I'd like to hear your favorite way to use it.

patti

Birch is Back!

Breaking News on Birch!

Betula Lenta~Sweet Birch

BIRCH IS BACK!

Birch Essential Oil will be available on the Spark Naturals website as of 8 a.m. MDT Wednesday, July 24.

The supply is again limited, remember this is a very hard to find oil. Don't miss out on this opportunity to buy the best pain relieving Essential Oil available!

BIRCH ESSENTIAL OIL

Betula Lenta

How exciting! Birch Essential Oil is very hard to find these days but Spark Naturals has found a source and is making it available for purchase.

This is NOT A LIMITED TIME OFFER, however, supplies are limited, so from time to time, inventory may run low and the oil may have to be backordered. Don't take any chances, get yours now!

This species of Birch is Betula Lenta(Sweet Birch).  It's aroma is similar to Wintergreen. It blends well with citrus and woodsy oils.

Click on price link below to order your Birch today!

  Retail prices: 
   5ml $14.50 
15ml $25.50 

Be sure and use coupon code PATTI at checkout for an additional 10% off your order.

USES:

BODY - Sweet Birch is mainly used to treat joint and muscle pain. It has powerful pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that are beneficial for conditions such as lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, gout and fibromyalgia, etc. It can be used in massage blends and is also often added to liniments and ointments to help ease aches and pains. It can also be used in inhalations for respiratory conditions to open the airways, clear the sinuses and stimulate the mind (blend with Eucalyptus for this). It has detoxifying and diuretic properties, helps to stimulate the circulation, improves digestion, and can reduce fever by promoting perspiration.

MIND - Sweet Birch can be help to stimulate the nervous system and lift feelings of depression. It can be invigorating and uplifting.

SKIN - Often used in preparations for problem skin conditions and as a skin softener. It has an astringent action and can be used as a skin toner to tighten the pores and to reduce wrinkles and saggy skin. It also has antiseptic, disinfectant properties that can protect the skin from bacterial and fungal infections. 

Properties

Analgesic
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Disinfectant
Diuretic
Stimulant

Good For

Arthritis
Bone spurs
Cramps
Diuretic
Eczema
Gout
Hypertension
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Psoriasis
Skin toner
Tendonitis

Sweet Birch should be applied only topically and aromatically. It should never be taken internally. 

Precautions - Sweet Birch Oil may cause skin irritation. It should always be used with caution and in the correct dilution. Its main constituent is methyl salicylate (the active ingredient in aspirin) so it should not be used on anybody who is sensitive/allergic to aspirin, has liver problems, is on blood thinning medication, has epilepsy or is subject to seizures. It should also be avoided with children or the elderly and while pregnant or breast feeding. 

A summary of information is gathered from several sources and articles by various authors and it is not intended to replace advice or attention from competent healthcare professionals.