Food Friday: Gingersnaps

This recipe for homemade Gingersnaps has been around for a few years.  It belongs to my friend, Gloria, and she has shared it in various church cookbooks.  I had forgotten about it until a friend was reminiscing recently.  It makes a big, yummy batch of cookies!

Gingersnaps

1 1/2 C Shortening
2 C White Sugar
2 Eggs
1/2 C Molasses
4 C Flour
4 tsp Baking Soda
2 tsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Cloves
2 tsp Ginger
1 tsp Salt

Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and molasses. Stir in flour and other dry ingredients. Form into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

And did you know ... ginger can be effective in treating nausea, dizziness, inflammation, allergies and even flatulence, so nosh away!

Find more of my favorite recipes HERE.

Do you have a recipe you've forgotten about?  Share it in the comments below!

Happy Running!
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Things I am Grateful for ...

Here is a photo essay of things I am grateful for.  If you find yourself surfing the net today and run across this blog post, I hope these pictures trigger thankful thoughts of your own.



Love of my life!

These guys

All of these!

Temples

The Gospel

Snow!

Palm Trees!

Sunsets



Baby toes!



Gardens

Ice Cream!

Airplanes



Irrigation water and my boat

And cookies!

These are just a few of my favorite things!  What are some of yours?

Happy Thanksgiving and ...

Happy Running!

Cranberry Salad Dressing

I can’t stand it.  I know it isn’t Food Friday and Thanksgiving is almost here, but this recipe for Cranberry Salad Dressing is to die for!  You might need to run out and snatch another bag of cranberries so you can add this pretty item to your Thanksgiving Dinner table!

Cranberry Salad Dressing

1 C Cranberries

½ C Sugar
½ C Cider Vinegar
¼ C Apple Juice Concentrate
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Ground Mustard
1 tsp Grated Onion
1 C Vegetable Oil

In a blender combine everything but the oil.  Process until smooth.  Gradually add oil while blending.

Easy!

If you don't have fresh cranberries, you can reconstitute dried cranberries in a little boiling water.  The color isn't as nice, but the flavor is good. Or ... buy extra during the holiday season and freeze them to use next spring!

This recipe is a favorite of this Guest Blogger! ?She likes it because it is pink!

Visit my Recipes page to find more of my favorites!

Do you have a favorite recipe that my readers need to hear about? Comment below or message me so we can share it here.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

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Guest Blogger: Marie writes about gratitude

I’m Marie Olson, wife, mother-of-three, and owner of a little Etsy shop called Not Very Domestic. I also happen to be Granny Green’s favorite daughter! (Yes, she is my favorite daughter!) You can follow me on Instagram @notverydomestic to see what crafty stuff I’m up to.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, stuffing… uh, I mean, Gratitude, has been on my mind.  I think gratitude is a lot more than going around the table and listing off your blessings once a year.  The virtue of gratitude is an action. True gratitude is a way of living.

As the wife of a med student and mother of three living 2000 miles from home and subsisting on student loans, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to count my blessings, and a lot of practice developing the virtue of gratitude in my life. I’ve been pondering the subject recently, I have come up with a few practical things we can all do to live more gratefully.

Take Care of Your Stuff

When we don’t take care of our things, it suggests that we don’t care about our things. Whether it be our home, our car, our clothes, or our toys, it is important to take the time to maintain and care for our possessions. Failing to do so is, quite frankly, an act of ingratitude. This is something I am constantly trying to teach my children.  So often, I find myself saying “If you can’t take care of the stuff you have now, I’m going to stop buying you new things.” Pretty sure I need to follow through a little better.

Be Content

Live within your means. Waste not, want not. Make do or do without. Don’t worry about what the Joneses are up to. It is very easy to spend time dreaming of the day I can fill a closet full of new clothes, or own a brand new piece of furniture, or even just do the dishes in a dishwasher. Doing so causes me to overlook all of my blessings. I have a happy, healthy family, a warm house, and food on the table.  We do not do without any necessity.  Which leads me to my next suggestion….

Turn Off the TV

And while you’re at it, log off Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.  Ok, ok, so that may be a little extreme, but I hope you catch my drift.  When one is constantly bombarded with advertisements and the social-media-filtered lives of your “friends” it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. You’re not. I promise.

Give Thoughtfully and Sparingly

Black Friday is coming. I’m pretty sure it starts on Thanksgiving these days. Kind of ironic. I think I’ll be staying home. I’m a little afraid of being trampled by crazed shoppers.  It is wise and prudent to buy things on sale and to stretch your money.  Just be careful not to stretch it so far that the boxes under your tree are full of meaningless junk.  It really is that thought that counts.  Your loved ones will appreciate a thoughtful gift far more than a bunch of stuff you bought because it was on sale.  And remember, Christmas really isn’t about the presents. Neither is Thanksgiving for that matter. And grateful people don’t trample others in pursuit of a cheap iPhone.

Nurture Relationships

If we value something, we make an effort to care for it. The people in our life are our greatest blessings. Be kind, spend quality time together, and serve those you love. 

I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving filled with good food and people you love!

-Marie

 

You can follow Marie on Instagram @notverydomestic or check out her Etsy Shop!

 

Visit my Guest Blogger Page to get to know all my blogging friends!

 

 

Happy Running!

 

 

Tuesday's Training Tip: Time to Trot!

 

Oh, it’s Thanksgiving week!  Can you almost smell it?  Turkey and stuffing roasting in the oven, pumpkin pies cooling on the counter, and cranberries, rolls, and …

You can find all kinds of tips on how to survive the holidays and stay on your diet, such as, use a smaller plate, eat a snack before you go to the social event, wire your jaws shut, etc.  Let’s be honest.  Do you really want to diet during the holidays?  If you can do that, you are awesome!  The rest of us just need to do the best we can to maintain and not gain.

Thanksgiving Day is filled with opportunities to intake calories and we all know it’s going to be a challenge, but there is something you can do that will offset some of that caloric intake. Forgo the Thanksgiving Day Parade and go for a little trot while the bird is roasting.  If you‘ve seen one Thanksgiving Day Parade, you’ve seen them all. Consider the benefits of this trade.

1.       You will be moving and burning calories instead of lounging and conserving calories.

2.       While you are trotting (or strolling) you will not be snacking.

3.       The fresh air may ward off a holiday cold or flu.

4.       You will assuage some of the guilt associated with Thanksgiving dinner.

5.       If you invite friends to join you, they will also enjoy the benefits of a trot.

6.       It’s fun!

 

If you need a little motivation to commit, do as I did and create a Facebook event.  Your friends will be counting on you!

Visit this page every Tuesday for more training tips! I would love to hear from you. Comment below or message me on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving and …

Happy Running!

My Favorite Black Friday Deals

I am a terrible shopper.  It is simply not my favorite thing to do.  I am, however, a good sleeper.  Those two traits combined make me a lousy Black Friday participant!  I can count on half of one hand the times I have physically participated in Black Friday shopping.  I do love a good deal and I love shopping online, so I thought I would share some online Black Friday Deals with you!

For the Reader on your list –

I am offering FREE SHIPPING in my Etsy shop and because I am lazy I will activate the coupon sometime Thursday evening before I go to sleep and it is good through Cyber Monday.   You won't have to wait until midnight to get a deal. It is good on anything in the shop, including pre-ordered copies of TheHard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny.

Use Coupon Code Ship4Free

For the Homemaker on your list –

Bedhead Designs is offering 30% off everything In Stock with a FREE ruffle pillow going to the first five (5) customers!

 

Use Coupon Code BLACKFRIDAY30

For the Pack Rat on your list -

Notverydomestic is offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $30. Good midnight Thursday through midnight Monday. These bags come in three sizes and fit comfortably over the shoulders. Great for stowing snacks and toys for the little ones on road trips, or for keeping shoes, makeup and hair items, or lingerie packed neatly inside luggage. Kids love having their own back pack and it helps lighten the load for mom!

Use Coupon Code THANKS14

More reading deals-

Donetta Loya is offering great deals on her books.  Visit her blog, Welcome to Donetta's World, to find all her Black Friday offers and reduced shipping costs!

While you are browsing stop by Mike Watson Designs. Mike offers FREE SHIPPING on every item every day! Find unique jewelry items for the rock hound on your list!

 

Enjoy your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping from the comfort of your own home!  That's my favorite way to shop!

 

Have a great Thanksgiving week and, as always ...

 

Happy Running!

Food Friday: Enchilada Suizas con Turquia

 

Here is another way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers. Spice them up with this enchilada recipe!

 



Enchilada Suizas con Turquia

Chopped turkey meat

Green (Verde) Enchilada Sauce
Diced onion
Corn or flour tortillas
Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese - grated
Sour cream
Refried beans
Slice of green pepper for garnish

This is a leftovers recipe. Ingredient quantities need not be measured.  Adjust them to personal preference.

Combine chopped turkey and onion with enough green enchilada sauce to allow extra sauce for smothering rolled enchilada.  Simmer until meat is warm and onions are tender.

Assemble enchiladas by placing about 1/3 to 1/2 cup filling in center of tortilla.  If using corn tortillas, fry them briefly in vegetable oil to avoid tearing. Add grated cheese and roll tortilla.  Place on oven safe dinner plate.  Drizzle generous portion (about 1/3 cup) of green sauce over enchilada.  Add a serving of refried beans to the plate and sprinkle with more cheese.  Place in 350° oven until cheese is melted.

Garnish with sour cream and pepper slices. 

Serve with green salad, chips, and salsa!

This recipe just might help you finish off that leftover Thanksgiving turkey.  Visit my Food Friday Page for more ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers.

Do you have a Go To recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers?  Please tell us about it in the comments below!

Happy Running!
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Guest Blogger: Nikki writes about following your dreams

I'm Nikki Dale, owner of Bedhead Designs. I make custom upholstered headboards and ruffle pillows. I sell them in my Etsy shop, Bedhead Designs and locally. I have a husband, 4 children, and a small farmstead in a rural farming community in Western Idaho.I home school my kids and am active in my church and community.

Recently, my Lavender Ruffle Pillow was featured in Redbook Magazine. That was a real thrill!! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Check out my little blog,www.bedheaddesigns.blogspot.com , where I share recipes, simple DIY projects, and my passion of helping our children become responsible, moral, patriotic citizens of our great country!

Follow your dreams. 
This is a nice saying, but it has been my experience that there really isn’t much success in the ‘following’ of dreams.  It is more of a ‘chase them down and wrangle them into what I want them to be’ kind of scenario!  Haha!  Today, I will give you some tips to help you stay focused on making your dream come true.

Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it.  I love this saying.  Once you dream a dream (and you know it’s a viable dream), how do you start to make it a reality? The first thing you do is JUST JUMP!!  And you must jump in with both feet!  Put your whole heart into it. If YOU don’t believe in it, then who else will? This goes for anything new you try in life—it takes a massive leap of faith.
 

Speak it into existence.  I am really into affirmations.  Write down your goals in a place you can see them and then say them out loud daily to help you keep your focus.  (any Stuart Smalley fans out there?!)  If you can keep your head in the right space, you will be more successful.  Share your dream with your family and close friends.  They will be excited to hear about the progress you are making.  Sharing with them gets you talking, and excitement will flow.  This will keep you going in the rough or slow times.  It also makes you accountable!  People will start asking you how it’s going when they call or see you.  If you are doing nothing to make your dream a reality, that will be a very boring report.  Tell them the nitty gritty. Maybe things are hard, share that.  Tell them your successes, too.  Your loved ones are your biggest fans and best cheerleaders. 

I’m going to succeed because I’m crazy enough to think I can.  You will need to keep a positive attitude while you are building your dream.  It can get really frustrating doing something new!  There will be days you want to quit. There will be days you know you must quit!! But, hold on.  It seems that just when you think it’s time to throw in the towel, that’s when there is a breakthrough.  Keep thinking good thoughts.  If you think you can do it, then you can!
  
Lastly, please remember that the end result will most likely be great from all the hard work you put into your dream.  But, the journey getting to your goal is just as important. You learn so much from the struggle of making your dreams happen.  Success shouldn’t be an end result.  I think it should be the theme of your life, in general.  You succeed when you stretch yourself and get out of your comfort zone and learn a little something (or a ton!) along the way.  I know in my endeavors, I am learning all the time.  Life is all about trying new things.  It’s about getting messy and wondering if you are going to make it. It’s about the heartache and the lessons learned when you don’t.  And it’s all about the joy and satisfaction of accomplishment, even if what you accomplished doesn’t look anything like what you originally set out to do.  In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. 

You can follow Nikki on Facebook or check out her Bedhead Designs on Etsy!



Visit my Guest Blogger Page to get to know all my blogging friends!

Happy Running!

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The Hard Run: A sneak peek

Here is another sneak peek from my next book, The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny.  This excerpt is taken from "The Rolling Hills Lesson."

Rural Running

My rural running routes present a lot of variety.  At first glance one might think I only have farmers’ fields to view while logging miles.  However, within a four mile grid I can encounter a number of crops, both low growing and taller than an elephant, paved roads and dirt ditch banks, winding canals and a rushing river, steep inclines and rolling hills, and livestock and wildlife including horses, pigs, egrets, snakes, blue herons, and the occasional white pelican.  I could go on about the draft horses, cattle, geese, and skunks, but that is a discussion for another time.  It is the hills that I wish to expound upon here. 

When I encounter a short steep hill, I remind myself that it will be difficult, but only for a short time.  Most often, a short steep uphill is followed by an immediate and equal downhill. This knowledge helps me tackle the challenge.  Not only do I know that the incline will not last for long, but that my lungs will be rewarded with a rest as I allow gravity to work in my favor on the approaching downhill length.  That short reprieve is often enough to strengthen my resolve to tackle the next rolling hill.  It is definitely helpful to my physical ability to take on another hill.

What did I learn from the Rolling Hills Lesson?

During times of adversity, it is important to observe the joyful moments for they will help us through our trials. If we look for them we can find those moments.

My home in the Treasure Valley of Southwest Idaho is a beautiful place.  We have some of the most colorful sunsets ever witnessed and they occur regularly.  Unfortunately, we have another phenomenon that also happens regularly.  Many winters the valley experiences a weather inversion. These inversions occur when cold air is trapped below warmer air.  They can last for weeks on end.  No matter how blue the skies or how warm the temperatures are above the inversion the cold air remains in the valley creating a smog-like atmosphere that the sun does not burn through.  For many, the weeks on end of cold gloomy weather wreak havoc on emotional health and even present physical challenges for those with respiratory concerns.  There are, however, some moments of reprieve if one takes notice. 

Hoar frost during a cold weather inversion.

Hoar frost is a heavy buildup of ice or frost crystals that seem to grow daily upon trees, shrubs, fences, and grass during a weather inversion.  Although this hoar frost is a result of adverse conditions in the atmosphere, it paints a beautiful white landscape.  The lack of air movement during the inversion allows these frost crystals to stay in place until they become so heavy they begin to fall to the ground in a mock snowstorm.

A change in the weather is the only hope of moving an inversion out of the valley.  Thus, the wind that is so often a springtime nemesis becomes a welcome guest.  Snow and rain in all their wetness and inconvenience are also gratefully received as they clear the air and promise blue skies upon their departure.

A drive upward and outward of the valley can give the sufferer hope as she reacquaints herself with sunshine and blue skies.  When viewing an inversion from above, it appears fluffy and bright white, inviting enough for the onlooker to imagine diving into a sea of fresh cloudy foam. Winter inversions are one reason I snow ski.

Do not suppose that a mournful heart and a downtrodden disposition is the only way to get through life’s trials.  Look for happiness and humor along the way. Those things will bring a reprieve from the physical and mental exertion and will help bring you through challenge.

Have you found joy or humor in a difficult situation?  I would love to hear about it.

You can pre-order The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny for a discount now in my Etsy shop.  It will be released in January 2015.

 

 

Happy Running!

 

 

Tuesday's Training Tip: What to wear?

Running in an inversion!

You’ve made the mental commitment and worked to conquer your fear – now what? It is time to don some gear and hit the road.  What will you wear?

Feet – It’s all about the shoes. Shoes are the most important piece of equipment for any runner.  You will find that runners spend more time talking about their shoes than their running playlists, favorite smoothie recipes, or even the weather.  You can begin without a fancy new pair, but if you plan to continue running it would be wise to visit a running store and get a good fit.  The right shoes may cost a little more than clearance gym shoes at an all-purpose shoe store, but they will be worth it and your feet will thank you! Socks will take some experimentation.  Some runners don’t wear any.  Others like them thick. For some, it’s all about the look!

The rest of your attire is up to you. There is no need to purchase a new wardrobe before beginning. Runners can wear anything that keeps them comfortable.  Here are a few ideas …

Legs - I prefer spandex on my legs in hot or cold weather because it keeps me covered and prevents chafing! (Yes, we runners talk about things like that.) However, a pair of sweatpants or gym shorts will do just fine. Pockets come in handy for carrying car keys, phones, and Chapstick. I have found that my legs can weather the cold or hot better than the rest of me.

Torso - Winter running can be deceiving.  Layer up and be prepared to shed some clothing.  The first few minutes may be frigid, but it’s called a “warm up” for a reason. Once you get your heart pumping the cold won’t be so bothersome. Wear a sweatshirt or other outer layer that can be easily removed and tied around your waist or tossed aside for later retrieval.  Ladies, you’re going to want a sports bra.

Head – I prefer a headband over a cap for this one reason.  When I get warm, I can remove the headband, twist it in two and wear it on my wrist.  It doesn’t get lost and I don’t worry if it was tucked safely in a pocket. The hood of your sweatshirt can be pulled over the headband if the weather gets really nasty. Sunglasses are also a bonus and they will help you get over yourself.

Hands - I know one runner that wears socks on his hands during cold weather rather than gloves because he likes to keep his fingers snuggled up together.  I like cheap knitted gloves, the kind you find at the checkout counter in groceries stores during the winter for about a dollar.  They can be stashed in a pocket when my hands get warm and if I lose one I am not out much except for the guilt I have about littering.

Warm weather presents its own problems. How will you keep covered and prevent heatstroke?  We will address that in another post.  It is currently 7◦ at my house.  Hot weather tips can wait!

So what are you waiting for?  Put on a few layers and get moving!

Find all my training tips and other encouragement in my book, Run at Any Age: A Beginner's Guide for Adults. Available on Amazon and Kindle.

Visit this page every Tuesday for more training tips! I would love to hear from you. Comment below or message me on Facebook.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

What's up this week? Nov 17

What a difference a week can make!  We went from beautiful fall sunsets to sparkling white snow and single digit temps almost overnight! That's early for the Treasure Valley, but there is no complaining going on here.  We need the snowpack!

Here is a reminder that there is beauty to be found even in adversity.

My frozen pond.

In other news …
Here is what you can expect from the blog this week.

Tuesday – Tuesday's Training Tip will address what to wear.

Wednesday  - I will post another excerpt from my next book, The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny. You can pre-order it now on Etsy!

Guest Blogger Thursday – This week’s guest is my friend, Nikki.  She is a stay-at-home mom, home schooler, and successful entrepreneur. Her work was recently featured in a national publication! Nikki writes about following your dreams.

Food Friday – Another festive recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers is on its way.  Watch for my directions for Enchilada Suizas con Turquia! Who knows? I may throw in a dessert recipe just for fun.

What information would you like to see included on this blog site? Please comment with questions or ideas for future posts and as always …

Happy Running!

Review: The Pulse Running & Fitness Shop

Doesn't everybody shop for running shoes on snowy days?

Seven inches of new snow on the ground and biting temperatures in the middle of November means it’s time to go buy new running shoes, right? That’s what I did yesterday and I’m here to report on my experience.  I have taken my son and a couple friends to get fitted for the right shoe and I refer anyone who asks and many that don’t to The Pulse, Shu’s IdahoRunning Co, or Bandanna Running and Walking.  They always have positive experiences.

Here are some explanations of the three most important running shoe features.

Neutral – No built in features to correct behavior of the foot and ankle on impact.

Cushioning – Soft stuff in the sole.  Ah, yes!

Stability – This feature prevents the foot from rolling too much on impact. There are various degrees of stability available.

Confession: I have never been fitted for shoes! In fact, I stumbled upon some Asics with a little stability in them once and I have continued to use a stability shoe (except for these) ever since. I discovered something yesterday.  I don’t need a stability shoe!  This is how I know.

I chose to visit The Pulse for two reasons.  First – They use a treadmill and a video camera.  Second – Location. The owner (I apologize that I didn't catch her name) first checked my arches and had me walk across the floor in my stocking feet so she could see what my ankles, especially my Achilles tendon, did when I walked.  It was neutral – it stayed mostly straight while I walked. (This is important as I have been struggling with some tendonitis and sciatica.) She began bringing several pairs of brightly colored shoes for me to try.  I donned a pair and hopped on the treadmill to look for a couple of things.  First – how did the shoe feel? Second – what happened with my Achilles as I ran?  The second purpose was aided by a video camera aimed at the back of my feet that could be slowed and stopped to evaluate how my feet, ankles, and the shoes behaved together. She was very patient and allowed me to take as much time as I needed to make the best choice possible.  There was no hard sell!

After trying out five or six pair – I ran in each pair and even ran in two different shoes for comparison – I chose the Asics Gel-Cumulus. They have some nice cushioning and I am excited to see how they perform for me.  I tried other brands – Saucony, Brooks, and Mizuno – but I went back to Asics.  Now, if the weather would just warm up so I could take them for a ride!

My new shoes!

Reasons to visit a running store:

• The owners are runners.
• Treadmills and video cameras.
• A better fit means more success on the run.
• Performance shoes are more comfortable and less likely to promote injury than cheaper models, saving money in the long run.
• Performance shoes wear longer than lesser models.
• Your feet and ankles will thank you!

If you have never visited a running shoe store it might be time.  Whether you are a walker or a beginning runner, there is no need to be intimidated. They are there to help. Visit ThePulse and tell them Running Granny Green sent you!

Do you have a product or service you would like to know more about?  Comment below or message me on Facebook and we will see what information we can find.

Happy Running!