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!

Food Friday: Sour cream lemon pie

Finishing up this layered sour cream lemon pie.  Yum!

I love everything about Thanksgiving food, except candied yams.  I don't love candied yams. I don't like my stuffing jazzed up.  Traditional stuffing is best for me!  I prefer my pumpkin in pie rather than cheesecake or soufflé and I want it served cold without whipped cream.  I do, however, welcome additional recipes and desserts - especially desserts! Here is my own recipe for a lemon pie that is a hit around the Green Household.  Enjoy!

Sour Cream Lemon Pie

1 ½ C sugar

3 Tbs cornstarch
3 Tbs flour
Dash of salt
1 ½ C water
3 egg yolks – slightly beaten
2 Tbs butter or margarine
1/3 C lemon juice
1 C sour cream
1 baked pastry shell

Combine sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt.  Gradually stir in water.  Cook in medium saucepan over medium heat until thick and bubbly.  Reduce heat and cook two more minutes – stirring constantly. Remove from heat.  Stir about one cup of hot mixture into beaten yolks.  Combine this with mixture in saucepan and return to a gentle boil.  Cook and stir for two more minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in butter.  Gradually stir in lemon juice.  Divide filling and pour one half into pastry shell.  Allow remaining filling to cool a bit.  Then add the sour cream and beat until combined and smooth.  Spread sour cream mixture over bottom layer of filling.  Allow to cool and then chill in refrigerator prior to serving.

To make things easier still, a graham cracker crust can be used. If desired, do not separate the mixture. Add more sour cream for a completely creamy lemon pie dessert!

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

Do you have a Go To recipe for Thanksgiving?  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: Donetta writes about courage

Donetta Loya was born and raised in Arizona. She moved to Parma, Idaho eleven years ago with her family. She is a wife of 31 years, a mother of 6 children and a grandmother of 8.

     Donetta attended Eastern Arizona College. She has been a home-schooling mom for 17 years, a piano and voice teacher for 28 years. Her most recent accomplishment is fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming an author. Her first book was published May 2013. Since then she has

published 10 different books—3 fiction novels and 2 novellas,  a woman’s inspirational, 2 journals, an organizer and a children’s cookbook with her 12 year old daughter, Gretchen.

     Donetta also loves to read, garden, sew, and watch classic movies.

 

Thanks Carol for asking me to be one of your guest bloggers. Hmmm….

Where to start?

     I recently added a section to my blog called “A Happy Homemaker.” I love being a wife and mother! I have been lucky enough to be a stay-home mom for many years.  I thought of my homeschooling experiences, my years of teaching music. I thought of my recent bout with cancer that lead to my leap into becoming an author. I thought of my spiritual experiences and the blessing my life has been filled with over the past few years. I thought of how great it is to just be alive!

     I realized then that the message I want to share was to tell you that you can be anything you set your mind to! There is no limit to what we are capable of accomplishing. The trouble is beginning and making that change.

    I have a cross stitch saying on my wall that I found the first year I was married. “Each Moment is a New Beginning.” These words have influenced me for years. I see them every morning when I wake up.

This phrase can be applied to life in so many ways.

     Begin again if you find yourself heading in a direction you know doesn’t feel right. Start over when you have offended someone, apologize and go forward. Stop and start again if the project you have been working on just isn’t working out. Sometimes these things are hard to do, but you can!

     So many times we find ourselves in a rut, but you are afraid to stop and change the direction you have been going. We keep plowing ahead because we have always gone in that direction. It is like Dr. Seuss’ Zaks. A north going Zak and a south going Zak meet up. Each standing in the path of the other. Well, these obstinate beings would not budge—not to the east, not to the west. So they stood there not advancing, not progressing, because they were so stubborn about changing their course.

    Sometimes we are just like those Zaks. We tell ourselves that we have to keep on the same path, keep doing the same things because that is just how it is! Our family did it, the community expects it … excuses. So many excuses stand in our way of taking that leap of faith in ourselves to be able to stop the nowhere direction we are going and take the steps to begin accomplishing our dreams.

     I have always dreamed of writing a book. But it wasn’t until I found out I had cancer to realize that I hadn’t done everything I wanted to do yet! I still had goals that I had not achieved. Of course, truth be told. If I had not had those months of healing and being forced to change my course, I would not have started writing again. I would not have published my book, “Darla’s Decision.”

     So I say to you--Be brave and make the change!  If there is something you have always wanted to do—then just do it! Make your plan and go for it! Don’t wait until it’s almost too late to even have your new beginning.

You can also find Donetta on Facebook and Google+. Her books can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Some books are available on kindle and nook. Or finds more info on A Happy Homemaker.

 

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

 

Happy Running!

 

 

My next book cover reveal!

Here you go! Check out the cover of my next book, The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny. It is on track to be released in January 2015. 

 

Can you see that little runner on the front cover?  That’s me running my first half marathon, the High Desert Trail Run! It was truly painful!

Read excerpts from the book HERE and HERE. 

You can be one of the first to get a signed copy by visiting my Etsyshop.

Happy Running!

 

Tuesday’s Training Tip: Get over your fear

My first 5K Race. (I'm on the far right.) I was scared!

Beginning running can be scary, I will admit.  There are so many unknowns.  You might wonder if running is something you should even try.  What if it hurts? What if I’m not very good at it?  What if I don’t love it? Having questions is no reason to avoid trying.  My mother used to tell me, “You’ll never know unless you try.”  Well, I tried and now I know.

I guarantee it is going to hurt.  There are a lot of things in life that hurt, many of them should be avoided.  However, there are many things that cause us pain that actually improve our lives.  Running is one of those things. I expound upon this subject in depth in my soon to be released book, The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny.

You very likely will not be good at running – at least not at first.  That’s okay.  You weren’t good at walking or crawling when you first tried those things, but you didn’t quit.  Give it some time.  You may never be a fast runner, but you can be a stronger runner and stronger person if you stick with it.

You may never love running. Even if that love does happen running often takes a little time to grow on you.  While you are waiting for that fondness to develop you might as well keep running, because it is good for you. I often say, “I don’t love running.  Running loves me!”

I am certain there are more questions that soon to be runners may be pondering.  Anticipating what could go wrong is often more terrible than the actual activity.  So give it a go.  “You’ll never know unless you try.”

If you are still afraid, you can contact me and I will see what we can do to chase that fear away! 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!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

What's up this week? Nov 10

It's been a busy week for this blog, thanks to my Guest Bloggers. I'm so glad I added this feature to the site.  Thank you for giving them some love.  If you missed anything, their posts are all archived on the Guest Blogger page.

It's been a beautiful week and I am loving the autumn sunsets.  Here is one of my favorites, just for you!

From my front door!

In other news …

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

Tuesday – Tuesday's Training Tip will address conquering your fear of running.

Wednesday  - Drum roll, please!  I will be revealing the cover of my next book for this week's sneak peek of The Hard Run: Painful Lessons from a Running Granny. Don't miss it!

Guest Blogger Thursday – This week’s guest is my friend, Donetta.  She is a stay-at-home mom, home schooler, cancer survivor, and fellow writer.  I am excited for you to get to know her.

Food Friday – Another recipe for using up Thanksgiving leftovers is on its way.  Watch for my directions for Enchilada Suizas con Turquia!

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!

More shoes, please!

It’s my birthday week and guess what I want for a gift?  That’s right, running shoes.  My hubby doesn’t think that new running shoes sounds very exciting, but he doesn’t understand. Nor do I understand why he needs so many ski jackets.  I have two – an old one and a not so old one.  They work great for me. He has many more.

My running shoe collection is something like this …

One pair of neutral (no stability) road shoes that are light and fast and feel very slick in the rain.  They are about ready for an upgrade.

One pair of stability shoes that have a tendency to jam a couple toes.  These are bright and pretty and also about ready for an upgrade.

One pair with lots of cushioning and better tread for dirt roads and trails.  Also on the “needs replaced” list.

Three more pairs that have been retired to yard work, camping, and hiking duty.

Okay, so maybe I can have more empathy for his ski jacket fetish.  He has one for blizzards, one for warm days, one for windy days, another for super cold days … If I get a new pair of shoes, I may need to get him a new coat – just to keep it even.

I am hoping to make a trip to The Pulse or Shu’s Idaho Running Company in the next few days.  They are my favorite running stores.  They both give great service and can help you find the right show for you. I promise to post pictures of my fancy new shoes once I have obtained them!

Do you have a fitness item you love? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Happy Running!
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My most popular post about a tattoo

I think it looks like a tribal tattoo.  No?

It's the weekend and I am busy with family stuff, so I thought it would be fun to share my all time most popular post.  It happens to be from my other blog, but I think it fits here.  Please give it some love as my Guest Bloggers have been very popular and I'm feeling a little competitive about it all!  Actually, I am loving the input from my guests and my readers seem to be loving them.

Click on over and read my most popular post ...
How to Make Your Own Tribal Tattoo 

While you are there check out the new look and let me know what you think. (Orange isn't really my color, but I kind of like it on the blog.)

Have a great weekend and as always,

Happy Running!