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

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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!
Follow me on Twitter and Facebook!

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.

 

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.

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.

Talking Turkey

 

It is Thanksgiving week.  Last week got away from me and I found myself taking a seven day break. I didn’t plan to take the time off, it just kind of happened.  As with anything that takes effort, beginning again can be challenging. It was only seven days, but I had to do a bit of self-talk before I headed out the door.  I decided to take a new approach.  I have mentioned how I enjoy my new iPhone and the use of the MapMyRun app that gives me pace and distance updates. It is a very good tool, especially when training for a race, but this week I turned on some tunes and turned off the app.  I didn’t pay attention to my speed or distance.  I just ran.  I had a really great time!  I think it was a good week to run for fun.  After all, it’s Thanksgiving!  I am thankful that running can be fun, because just like life, sometimes it can be really hard.  Just like life, it’s worth it.  Have a happy Turkey Day and remember why we celebrate – because we can!