Food Friday: Turkey salad sandwiches

Turkey salad with dried cranberries

I love November, partly because it is my birthday month, but mostly because I love the tastes and smells of Thanksgiving, and I love leftover turkey and stuffing! All those leftovers can be dangerous. According to the USDA “Let's Talk Turkey” fact sheet, refrigerated leftover turkey, stuffing, and gravy should be consumed in three to four days.  Leftovers can be safely stored frozen for up to six months. Try this turkey salad recipe to add a twist to leftover turkey sandwiches.

Turkey Salad Sandwiches with Dried Cranberries

3 C chopped turkey (Light or dark meat, or both)

½ C diced celery
¼ C diced onion
¼ - ½ C dried cranberries
¼ C roasted nuts (Walnuts or almonds - chopped, or cashew halves)
½ C mayonnaise or salad dressing
Lemon pepper to taste
Dash of ground mustard
Splash of Lemon juice

Croissants, pita bread, or tortilla wraps.

Combine all ingredients and allow flavors to meld in refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.  Measurements can be adjusted to taste and moisture preference.

Serve cold on choice of bread with a lettuce leaf and a slice of cheddar or provolone cheese if desired. Variations might include red grapes, diced apple, or olives.

Did you miss last week's post about Homemade Turkey Stuffing? Visit my Recipe page to find all my Food Friday posts.

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

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

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Guest Blogger: Karli writes about knowledge

Meet Karli, this week's Guest Blogger.  Karli is a stay-at-home mom and Health Coach with Take Shape for Life.  Doesn't she look great? Read what she has to say about knowledge and how she is applying it to her life.

Have you ever experienced a period of discomfort when you realize something has to change in your life?  Maybe it’s your health, your finances, your attitude, a relationship, or a career move.  That’s been me for the past couple months.  I’m 75 pounds lighter than I was in high school and college and because I’ve been able to basically maintain that loss for a period of over 10 years, I find myself getting pretty comfortable-even arrogant-at times.  But lately I’ve had this nagging feeling.  Because I still recognize and know some areas that need changing, habits that need broken and created, and attitudes that need adjusting. 

I grew up believing that knowledge is power and ignorance is bliss.

I’ve learned over the past several years though, that having knowledge does not equate to having power.  If simply knowing things made us powerful, we would all be unstoppable and none of us would ever struggle with personal weakness.  We would identify a weakness, study up on it, acquire the necessary knowledge about that weakness, and it would suddenly and painlessly become a strength.

We do ourselves a disservice when we say that knowledge is power.  Knowledge is a commodity-we can access and gain it easily.  There is a plethora of information available at our fingertips and it’s easy to learn what we need to know. 

But knowledge isn’t power.  Applied knowledge is power.

Without application, knowledge is worthless.  In fact, I’d rather live in blissful ignorance than to know something that could be helpful to my personal growth and not apply it in my life.  {For instance-it was MUCH more fun to eat an entire pan of lemon bars before I knew what I know now about balanced healthy eating!}

Enter the discomfort I’ve been feeling the past couple months.  I KNOW what I need to do.  I KNOW what needs to change.  I have so much knowledge about all things regarding health that I even coach others on their journey every day….but that knowledge is really nothing to me personally if I’m not willing to actually apply it in my own life. 

So I’ve been making the hard choices.  I’ve been stopping to think about what I really want.  I’ve been challenging myself about why I do certain things or why I resist doing others.  I’ve been choosing activities, habits, and options that will take me toward what I want most instead of what I want now.

And it feels good!  And I’m empowered, because I don’t simply know things, I’m applying the things I know.  THAT is the sweet spot.  That is where the real power lies.

What knowledge are YOU going to apply today?

Karli (:

Follow Karli on her Health Confessions Blog, Facebook, and Instagram: @healthconfessions.

You can also read Karli's Top 3 Fitness Tips

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

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

Another sneak peek from my next book

Ouch!

 

Here is another sneak peek from my current writing project. This book has a different focus than my previous works. It’s coming together and on schedule to be released shortly after the beginning of 2015, just in time to get everyone excited about the racing season – OR NOT if that isn’t your thing.

This excerpt is from the "Runners' Knees Lesson."

"Things were going well until I decided to dodge an oncoming car. I was certain it was headed straight for me. That is when I located a chunk of missing pavement with my left foot. I rolled my ankle and went down fast, landing hard on my right knee.  I did a quick assessment for possible injuries.  The ankle was sore, but strong. My knee, however, didn’t fare as well.  I left a bit of it on the road along with a part of my running tights. 

Three days later I was running the same route in the daylight with some middle school cross country runners.  Things were going well until one little guy decided to trip on the edge of the pavement.  He went down fast, landing hard on his right knee. He also left a bit of flesh on the road! I convinced him to walk for a bit.  He eventually began a slow jog and then finished the run!  We took a photo of our matching runners’ knees and developed mutual respect for one another.  It was a bonding experience!

What did I learn from the Runners’ Knees Lesson?

Shared trials can create and strengthen lasting relationships.  Think about an old roommate from college.  You studied, starved, and stayed up too late together.  Prior to those experiences you may never have sought her out in a crowd. However, the time spent together as struggling young adults cemented your friendship and you still send Christmas cards to one another. 

Some friends have been made by experiencing the same trials, although not at the same times, such as those who reached out to me in friendship and understanding after the sorrow of miscarriage. Their ability to empathize came from a difficulty of their own.  Although they were no longer in the middle of the same trial, their ability to express understanding at a time when it was greatly needed left a lasting impression on me.  For some, I can remember the very instant they reached out to me, where we were, and especially how it made me feel.  It gave me hope."


Do you have a friendship that was forged through a shared experience? I would love to hear about it.

Happy Running!

Watch for The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny due for release in January 2015.

 
   

Tuesday's Training Tip: Get over yourself

Runners come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. 

So you think you want to be a runner?  Well, all runners know this little secret. You are going to have to get over yourself! Before you get offended, please read on …

I was once a non-runner. At the tender age of 47 (you read that right) I became a runner.  Runners run.  That’s all there is to it.  Non-runners who wish they were runners tend to come up with all kinds of excuses why they can’t, shouldn’t, or won’t run. I know.  I found several.

“I’m too old to start.”  Yep, I said that.

“I don’t like to run.”  I said that one a lot!

“It hurts to run.”  Uh-huh.

And then there is this one …

“I don’t want anybody to see me trying to run.”

Well, for those of you who are hanging onto this excuse, I have some news for you. NOBODY is looking at a runner and thinking this …

“Boy, that runner sure does look stupid.”

Nor this …

“That runner shouldn’t be running. She’s too big, old, fat, short, weak …”

In fact, those non-runners driving by in their cars with their car snacks by their side are most surely thinking something like this …

“I wish I were a runner. I wish I was strong enough, brave enough, in shape enough … to run.”

I know. I was once one of them.  And the runners that happen to be in a car while you are running are thinking …

“Look! There is a runner!  Maybe we could be running buddies!”

“I’m jealous. I wish I was running right now.”

“Wow. I hope I can still run when I’m as old as that guy!”

“I am so proud of that runner out there getting in shape!  Way to go, Runner!”

When I first began running my running buddy and I would search for the most hidden routes we could find to avoid being seen, but I got over that. I have learned that if I admire other runners when I am inside a car, then surely others are not judging me while I am on the run. 

It doesn’t matter if you have great running form or a cute outfit. The car riders cannot tell what your pace is and they don’t care.  They only know that you are out there putting one foot in front of the other.They respect that, especially if they, too, are a runner. So get over yourself and just run!

Tell me what is keeping you from switching from a non-runner to a runner?

Tune in every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed or find them all in my book, Run at Any Age: A Beginners Guide for Adults. Available on Amazon and Kindle.

Happy Running!
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What's up this week?

Eagle Island State Park.
I went for a little run here!

I’m sure you are all dying to hear about my Sciatica Saga.  Well, maybe not, but I am dying to update you!  Things are really good.  The massage I was so skeptical about has worked wonders.  I am not back up to speed just yet, but I am running a little bit and walking without pain.  For that I am grateful!  I hope to be able to introduce my massage therapist to you as a Guest Blogger in the near future.  Until then, contact me if you need a referral.

In other news …

Here is what you can expect from the blog this week.

Tuesday – I’m adding another new feature!  This IS a running blog of sorts, so watch for the kickoff of Tuesday’s Training Tips tomorrow. This weekly post will have info about running tips, nutrition, recovery, motivation, and relaxation.  You don’t have to run, but you might want to give it a try.

Guest Blogger Thursday – This week’s guest is my friend, Karli.  She is a stay-at-home mom and health coach.  I am excited for you to get to know her.

Food Friday – Its Turkey Time and I have discovered many ways to use up that big bird. In November I will be sharing some unconventional recipe ideas for using turkey leftovers.

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!

Homemade Turkey Stuffing

Only a few simply ingredients!

It’s Food Friday and since November is upon us I thought I would share my recipe and instructions for making Homemade Turkey Stuffing. This stuffing recipe has evolved from an old version in Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.  Using dried French or Italian bread adds weight to the stuffing.  There are no fancy ingredients in this recipe. This NOT a diet dish!  It is classic comfort food at its best!

Homemade Turkey Stuffing

3 – 4 loaves French or Italian bread (Cut into cubes and dried)

One Medium Onion

Several stalks celery

One stick butter or margarine

1 tsp Salt

½ tsp Pepper

2 – 4 tsp sage (To taste)

2 cups Chicken Broth (This varies according to bread dryness and volume.)

Dried French or Italian bread cubes

A couple days prior to making this recipe, cut bread into one inch cubes.  Place on cookie sheet and dry in oven on low heat, or cover and set out to dry on counter.

When ready to assemble stuffing, dice onion and celery.  (This can be done ahead and stored in food storage bag overnight.)  Cook vegetables in butter until tender.  Add salt, pepper, and sage.

Place bread in large bowl.  Sprinkle additional sage over bread, if desired.

Drizzle vegetable mixture over bread and toss to combine.  Pour chicken broth over bread mixture.  Work with hands to ensure bread is moistened throughout.  Dressing should stick together when squeezed into a ball.  Water can be added if more liquid is needed.

Stuff turkey and roast until interior temperature reaches 165°.  This is a large recipe.  Excess dressing can be baked in a casserole or crock pot.  The crock pot method will maintain moisture and allow for pre-dinner sampling!

Stuffing will have a dense texture.  It really might stick to your ribs! (You better plan to participate in a Turkey Trot to burn a few extra calories before dinner!)

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

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Guest Blogger: Jane Freund writes about friendship

Meet Jane, this week's Guest Blogger!  Jane Freund is an author, speaker and book coach based in Boise, Idaho - and she is my friend. See what Jane has to say about friendship.

 

A Freundly Investment

Here's a fascinating fact: You have 168 hours in your week (no more and no less). What you do with those hours is based upon the priorities you set. For me, with all of the possible activities I CAN do, one of the activities I know I NEED to do is make a Freundly investment with some of my precious 168. Let me explain more.

Since I was a child, I have had a fascination with friendship. This passion began with the realization that my last name "Freund" means "friend" in German. Although painfully shy as a child, I began a deliberate effort when I was in junior high to become more outgoing and make more friends. The further I delved into friendship, the more interest I developed in the topic. In fact, my first book, "The Fine Art of Female Friendships"  is on the subject of friendships and I continue to write about and speak on the topic.

I define a friend as somebody who strives to put my best interest first and for whom I strive to do the same. Notice that I say "strive" because I don't expect perfection from my friends and I don't want them to expect it from me. Besides, perfection would be boring.

Speaking of boring, the benefits of friendships include getting to know people who are different than yourself. I would be bored if all of my friends were like me. I learn so much by connecting with people who challenge my thinking and teach me things I did not previously know.

Another benefit to friendships is to build a support team. Some of the most functional people I know have built a network of friends to be an integral part of their lives. By doing so, they have a support team of people to help them through illness, grief, family dysfunction and other struggles. When I had thyroid cancer, my friends were an incredible support as I recovered from the surgery and worked to get my synthetic thyroid balanced. (NOTE: You can read more about my cancer journey in my book: "Eggshells and Elephants")

However, the benefits of friendships are not limited struggles. Friends are terrific for sharing our victories and triumphs. My friends have cheered me along through each book I have written and the other personal and professional successes I have achieved.

OK yeah friends are important and all that's good stuff, but how are you supposed to make and to keep friends when you have your precious 168 hours in a week? Books have been written and more are yet to be done on this topic. For now, let me share some tips that have helped me be successful and effective in the friendship department.

-          The seemingly little touches can have the biggest impact - I use texting to share quotes with friends, check in for a quick chat, or otherwise communicate that I am thinking of them.

-          Reach out on social media to give a personal touch - I have a friend who is a math professor. On Facebook, when I find a funny quote or picture related to math, I post it to her Facebook wall. That's one way I show her that I am thinking of her and let her know I am glad she's part of my life.

-          Pray for each other – Part of my precious 168 is taking time to pray and including the requests of those who are near and dear to me only make that blessing even more precious.

-          Make a regular appointment - I have a friend I meet with once a month for coffee. We meet the same day of the month at the same time but change the place every once in a while. By having a consistent meeting set, we increase the likelihood that we're able to get together. Sometimes life happens and we can't meet but that's where daily forgiveness kicks in and we move on.

-          Take personal responsibility – Saying "I am sorry" or "Please forgive me" are two ways to strengthen existing friendships or repair ones that are damaged. In a "just saying" society, taking personal responsibility can be very refreshing.

Certainly, friendships (AKA "Freundships") can be time consuming and take away from your precious 168. However, doing so can produce results that make the efforts very worthwhile. I challenge you to learn more about how to make friends and the benefits of such friendships. Better yet, make a Freundly investment in your current and future friendships. What are you waiting for?

Jane Freund is an author, speaker and book coach based in Boise, Idaho. She has written or co-written 16 print, audio and electronic books including "Best Friend Worst Enemy – Overcoming Self-Sabotage in YOUR Life" and "Wily Riley the Coyote Conqueror". Her latest book, "One Breath Closer to Heaven" will be available in November. Previously, Jane taught Communication for ten years at Boise State University. Her books can be found at http://bit.ly/visitjanefreundsonlinebookstore (if you want to support local business) and Amazon.You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/janefreundauthorspeakerandbookcoach

Last week's Guest Blogger, Jennifer, wrote about "ME" time.  Read it here.

Happy Running!

 

 

Sciatica: The treatment continues

My Happy Place

I have been diligently doing my best to treat a nagging case of Sciatica (mine) with stretching, Ibuprofen, ointments, rest, and clam shell exercises.  It wasn’t improving so I decided to call in the big guns! I had my first legitimate therapeutic massage today. 

I have long been leery of massage, mostly because I am ticklish. I even bypassed the free foot massages at the finish line of some of my favorite races – until the GrandTeton Relay. My teammate coerced me and I succumbed. I was immediately fond of the lady working on my ankles and feet. I would have brought her home if I could.

So … I messaged my friend, Raquel, and asked for more info yesterday. Today I had my first therapeutic massage. There was not any giggling going on!  Her elbow jammed into my left hip.  My heel touched my derriere. The massage oil smelled like a medicine cabinet belonging to a geriatric. I had to go to my happy place a time or two. It hurt so good!

Thus far, my left hip is not hurting. I can walk across the room or all around Costco without stopping to do a standing figure four stretch. I believe there is hope of recovery. That is important because I am writing a book about running and I think it would be a good selling point if I were still actually a runner! I am looking forward to an evening stroll to test the waters a bit. She told me she could fix it. I think I am a believer.

My take on therapeutic massage? Go for it!

Meet Raquel, my massage therapist.

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

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Food Friday: Carol's Cinnamon Rolls

 It’s Food Friday and I am sharing another of my Go To Recipes.  Baking is one of my coping mechanisms (You can read about it in this book) as well as an expression of love. These Cinnamon Rolls never fail to please! This is an easy and inexpensive way to express love or concern to friends and neighbors.  Place them in a disposable baking pan and offer them up for any occasion when a gift of food is appropriate, such as birthdays, holidays, or when friends have cause to mourn.
 

Carol's Cinnamon Rolls

 Classic White Bread (Bread Machine Recipe)

 12 Ounces warm water

1 ¾ tsp Salt
2 Tbs butter or margarine
4 Cups Flour
2 Tbs Dry Milk
2 Tbs Sugar
2 ¼ tsp Active Dry Yeast

 Select dough setting on bread machine.  When dough is ready, roll out to 12 x 18 inches.  Cover with filling as directed below.

Cinnamon Roll Filling

Butter

Brown Sugar
Cinnamon

(Use more than you might think you  need.  Remember, as the dough raises the cinnamon and brown sugar will spread out, too.)

 Spread 2 - 4 Tbs of butter over surface of rolled dough.  Cover with a generous layer of brown sugar.  White sugar can be substituted in a pinch or if preferred.  Sprinkle with cinnamon until surface is dark.  Roll.  Use thread or floss to slice into fifteen 1 – 1 ½ inch pieces.  Place in greased 9x13 inch baking pan.  Let rise one hour.  Bake for 25 minutes at 350°.  Cool and frost with your favorite white frosting.

Raisins, nuts, or dried cranberries can be added for variety. However, the simplicity of the cinnamon rolls without extra goodies pleases even the pickiest of eaters.  Bake up a batch of Carol's Cinnamon Rolls to share with your Valentine, a friend, or a neighbor today!

Enjoy!
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

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Guest Blogger: Jennifer writes about "ME" time

Meet Jennifer, my first Guest Blogger! Jennifer hails from Utah, but began her journey in Parma, Idaho.  Her work at Franklin Covey has provided some insight that she wants to share.  She has a few words to say about taking care of your mental and emotional health.  Thank you, Jennifer, for contributing this week!

 

Jennifer writes about "ME" time.

 

When Carol asked me to guest post on her blog I had a couple of things run through my mind.  See what I did there?  "Run?" Get it?...  

Basically that's about all the running I do these days.  I feel like my mind is constantly running as I've entered into a new promotion at work and as I've been helping my parents get their Etsy shop, "Craftcoop" (wink wink) up and running.

Exercise for me these days consists of occasional walks by myself around my block before the sun sets, because living in the city will never be the same as country life, and daily rides on my stationary bike in my room.  I enjoy the 30 minutes or so that I can dedicate to that each day but that's about as far as it goes.  I have a lot of respect for people who have the dedication and the endurance to run 10 or more miles at once.  I know I could do it if I trained for it (for years) but I will save you the eye rolls and just admit right now that it's just never been my strong suit.

Since I'm not great at running I knew that another thing Carol likes to post are delicious recipes. I love food.  And when I say food, I really mean treats.  I could tell you all about how to make the Salted Caramel Snicker's Cupcakes I made this weekend and sold at my cousin's craft show but I won't.  They are the devil.  Literally though, they are made with Devil's food cake and they are the best.  

Since I clearly can't inspire you when it comes to healthy eating and exercising I want to talk about your minds and spirit for a minute.  Working at FranklinCovey we teach about Steven R. Covey's, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" quite a bit.  I've read the book a few times and learn more every time I read it.  If you haven't read it before then you should seriously consider putting it on your list next.  If you read it way back in college then it's probably time for a refresh.  

One of my favorite habits is "Sharpen the Saw."  It talks about how we need to focus on being more balanced when it comes to the physical, social/emotional, mental and spiritual sides of us.  Being a more rounded person.  It's that much needed "me" time that we always find ourselves talking about after a long week of work or after finishing a large project.  Think about it.  What are those things that you enjoy doing for you and that you wish you had more time for?   Why aren't you making more time for it?

I really believe that the most effective people are those who make time for themselves in the midst of their jobs, children, errands, and craziness of life.  For some people that might be a long run, cooking, or sharing their talents with other people.  For me it's going to the movies, crafting, blogging, and (yes, I'm a 70-year-old grandma trapped in a 26-year-old body) cross-stitching.   These things help me escape my running mind after a busy day/week and really help me find joy in life.

We all get busy.  Believe me, I know.  I'm busy with my single/child-less life so I can't even begin to imagine how busy the rest of you are. #respect.  But I also know that there is always time for YOU.  Life is inevitably busy and occasionally dramatic; Don't let it get you down.  If you can only manage to get 20 minutes of "me" time right before bed, do it!  Shut down your social media apps, shut off your computer and TV and make it happen. 

Make sure that you are keeping yourself balanced.  If you catch yourself thinking, "I wish I had time to  _______" then focus the next day to fit it in whether it be physical, social, spiritual, mental or emotional.  You might not be able to make time every day but there is time at least once a week if your "_____" is reasonable. I mean, I could say "I wish I had more time to surf in Hawaii" but that's just not practical.  Besides, I'm terrified of sea creatures and all activities that could result in falling.  Anyways, you get what I'm saying.

Celebrate you.
Set goals.
Sharpen the saw.
Eat a cupcake.

--
Jennifer Hansen :)

You can read more and follow Jennifer at Anything But Ordinary !

Happy Running!