Be The Change | Till Then Smile Often

October 31, 2014

Friday Favorites | Halloweenie

It’s Halloween! It’s Halloween! My favorite holiday. Finally! It will be a half day for me so I can head down to my Dad’s and prep the house for the night and to pass out the candy. The kids from the neighborhood request it. Who am I kidding I love it. It does make for a long night though so I am glad it’s on a Friday. Hope you all have a great day and get lots of candy! Till then I’ll catch you on the flip side. If you want to see what costume I am wearing be sure and follow me on Instagram.

Let’s get to some favorites!

Favorite Quote: Believe in the magic.

Favorite Recipe: This is Paleo friendly but looks good even if you aren’t doing Paleo. Chicken Fingers with Garlic Honey Dijon dipping sauce. Yum.

Paleo Chicken Fingers and Garlic Dijon Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce

Favorite Read:

Eve is the owner of a local B and B, who just turned another year older and finds herself without a husband or child. She also finds herself staring into a strangers face when she wakes up after celebrating the night away. The stranger is hesitant to give her any information, and quickly leaves. They are drawn to each other and try to just enjoy the time he will be staying in town. Brent, or is it Rex. He is hiding something and it seems someone is chasing him.

You feel for Rex and the life he led, you root for Eve and her Happily Ever After. There are some bumps along the road, but the end is totally worth it.

You can get it here on Amazon.

Favorite Funnies:

A little crass but at least he is resourceful.

Dump A Day Funny Pictures Of The Day - 50 Pics

Don’t lie you totally pronounced both out in your head. 😉

Just don’t people.

ALL THE TIME.I know quite a few people who do this. Attention whore immature is what I call it.

Now that is love!

This person who just gets it. | 21 People Who Are Definitely Marriage Material

It’s Bat Cat look out!

Meowsers! A Dozen Halloween Costumes for Your Favorite Feline via Brit + Co.

That is all for me. Now give me some candy!!!

Linking up with Amanda

Also linking up with Natasha for 5 on Friday.

October 30, 2014

Winter Book Challenge

My perfect Winter day would be curled up on the couch with some coffee and a really good book. So it is no surprise that when I saw Kristen’s post on Instagram for a Winter Book Challenge I knew I wanted to do one too. So here are my picks. A few I still need to figure out but since this starts this weekend I wanted to get the majority of them flushed out so I can get started.

Is this not the most perfect reading place?!

The challenge runs from November 1st thru February 28th. It is a great way to find some new books and motivate those who may struggle to find books a chance to find their reading mojo. The books must be at minimum 200 pages. For the rest of the rules you can go here.

5 points: Freebie! Read any book that fits the general rules.

Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner – This has been in my iBooks for months. Time to finally make time for it. – 400 pages

10 points: Read a book written by an author who has published at least 10 books.

Die Again from Tess Gerritsen – This is a new book from the Rizzoli and Isles series that is coming out in December. She is living in New England but not my state otherwise I would have used her in the local category. So cool she is a retired Physician, it really adds to the authenticity of her books. – 352 pages

10 points: Read a book of short stories.

Miss Marple – The Complete Short Stories by Agatha Christie – 359 pages

10 points: Read a book with a food (not a drink!) in the title.

The Icing on the Cupcake – This book also contains recipes so double win. After a broken engagement a Southern belle moving to NYC with her widowed grandmother to start over. – 336 pages

15 points: Read the first book in a series that is new to you

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club After a tragedy she moved to a little villa and takes over her Grandmother’s shop – 246 pages

15 points: Read a book that was originally written in a language that is not your native language.

This will be a TBD

15 points: Read a book written by a local author (either an author from your state if you live in the United States, or in your country if you live somewhere else—note: author must be from where you currently live). —

Forbidden – Suzanne Brockmann – I really liked her Troubleshooters books and this will be a new read for me even though it was published in 1997 – 245 pages

20 points: Read a “bookish book” (in which books play an important role, e.g. the setting involves a bookstore or library, a major character is an author, or a book that celebrates reading and books.

Books, Cooks, and Crooks by Lucy Arlington I have read the first two so this one should be good too – 304 pages

20 points: Read a book with a direction in the title (e.g. north, south, east, west or any combination of those).

This will be a TBD

25 points: Read a book from a genre you don’t usually read.

Hunger Games — Am I the only one who hasn’t read the book or seen the movie? Well now is the time. This is so not my genre but I am going to give it a try – 374 pages

25 points: Read a book with a song lyric in the title. Be sure to tell us the song name and artist as well! — Submitted by Daire, who was kind enough to provide several example books, as this challenge is quite tricky! A few possibilities include: Pop Goes the Weasel by James Patterson (English nursery rhyme of the same name), The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes (“Girl You Left Behind,” Pixie Lott), or Somewhere Only We Know by Cheyanne Young (“Somewhere Only We Know,” Keane).

This will be a TBD

30 points: Read two books with a differentmeal in each title –

Jeneration X: One Reluctant Adult’s Attempt to Unarrest Her Arrested Development; Or, Why It’s Never Too Late for Her Dumb Ass to Learn Why Froot Loops Are Not for Dinner – 352 pages

The English Breakfast Murder (A Tea Shop Mystery #4) – A fun murder mystery – 288 pages

What are you currently reading?

Are you doing the challenge?

October 28, 2014

Rutabaga Steak Fries

A classic of a burger and fries can become healthy with just a few changes. You can use bison or lean ground beef and for the fries …. Rutabaga fries. Never heard of a Rutabaga. No worries I didn’t either when I first tried them. It can also be sometimes labeled as a yellow turnip. It has a waxy outer layer than can be a yellowish color that blends to a purple color at the stem.

Compared to a sweet potato it is an even better choice.

As provided by Cross-fit uncommon
Nutritional value for 100 g of Rutabagas vs. 100 g of sweet potatoes.

Calories – Rutabagas = 36 cals vs. Sweet Pot = 90 cals
Carbs – Rutabagas = 8 g vs Sweet Pot = 21 g
Protein – Rutabagas = 1 g vs Sweet Pot = 2 g
Fat – Rutabagas – 0 g vs Sweet Pot = 0 g

Ingredients: 2-3 slices of Rutabaga ~ 1/2 tsp garlic salt ~ 1/2 tsp onion powder ~ 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning ~ 1 tbsp EVOO

Directions: Cut 2-3 slices about 1″ thick of the Rutabaga. Using a peeler remove the outside skin.

Cut the slices into about 1/2″ fry slices.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until evenly coated.

Place on a cookie sheet leaving enough room so they don’t touch. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, turning halfway through to prevent burning.

That is it, you are done. I served with organic ketchup. These are a little crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle just like steak fries. I like these better than regular potatoes. If you are no a fan of any of the spices feel free to add or remove as you desire. I used a Bacon salt that I got from World Market the second time I made these and they were just as good, if not better.

Have you ever made fries using a veggie?

5.0 from 3 reviews

Rutabaga Steak Fries

Ingredients

2-3 slices of Rutabaga ~ ½ tsp garlic salt ~ ½ tsp onion powder ~ ½ tsp cajun seasoning ~ 1 tbsp EVOO

Instructions

Directions: Cut 2-3 slices about 1" thick of the Rutabaga. Using a peeler remove the outside skin. Cut the slices into about ½" fry slices. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until evenly coated. Place on a cookie sheet leaving enough room so they don't touch. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, turning halfway through to prevent burning.
That is it, you are done. I served with organic ketchup.

October 27, 2014

Nature is My Happy

This weekend was a good one!! When I am in nature I tend to come up with lots of ideas (blog and DIY projects), I look around more, and I just simple breathe it all in. I couldn’t have asked for a more full weekend, aside for more time to read and a nap, but beggers can’t be choosers right?!

Friday night I went down to my Dad’s since he was worried about the tablet that I got him and the amount of data he was using. So I grabbed Seamus and put on my IT hat to help out. I didn’t end up getting home till about 10 p.m. so I read a little bit before bed, but not much else. It was a long day.

Saturday morning was full of coffee and eggs while reading. I ended up leaving the house by 9 a.m. in order to get some shopping done for my costume after a quick stop at the library. I ended up at 5 below, Christmas Tree Shop, Old Navy, and Target. Two hours, half my soul and it was over. Oh did I mention I love buying things but hate shopping? Yeah, it’s true. It was time to restore my soul so I headed to my heaven on earth….hiking.

On the way home I stopped at the grocery store and then for gas and saw Spiderman.

After getting home I made a quick lunch, took Seamus for a walk and then did some reading and some catching up on blog things.

Sunday started by getting in some fuel while reading. I finished up the DIY lanterns I have been meaning to for weeks now I just have to figure out the art to go between them. Seamus also tried on his Halloween outfit.

I wanted to leave early again to get in some exercise. My friend told me about the Rail Trail that is by us so I decided to check it out. It was so gorgeous with lots of wetlands, and even some horses in one of the houses that bordered the trail.

They have no love for Bon Jovi!!

After the trails I headed to the grocery store to get some veggies including some Rutabaga to make some fries (recipe coming tomorrow) for lunch. I also made Pistachio Energy Bites, thanks to Ashley for sharing the recipe. It is Paleo friendly but it really is just a better alternative to store bought granola bars. Make them, you won’t regret it.

The rest of the night was more food prep, installing this new blog design. Shout out to 17th Avenue Designs for this awesome WordPress design, blogger templates are available too. *Note: I bought this theme with my own money, not a paid link.

How was your Weekend?

Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip and Biana from B Loved Boston.

October 24, 2014

Friday Favorites | DIY Fever

It is totally cliche to say this but I am sure glad it’s Friday. The rain and wind has made it very dreary and cold here this week. I have a lot to get done if the rain will hold off. Hoping to try and hit the Mass Rail Trail, and my to-do list is already a mile long. It will at least be productive and hopefully I’ll get some DIY projects done too. Well, let’s not drag this out, on to the real show.

Favorite Mug: This is really my goal in life. Side Notes: A lot of people are getting mugs for Xmas, you have been warned. 😉

I Just Want to Drink Coffee Mug, Funny Coffee Mug, Unique Gift Idea, Typography Coffee Mug, Gift for Her, Gift for Him, Coffee Lover Gift

Favorite DIY: I think I am addicted to wood projects now. I am seeing so much inspiration everywhere and I want to make it all. My wallet is telling me to slow my roll but this one looks cheap enough to shut my wallet up.

DIY Blanket Ladder {a Pottery Barn Knock Off}

Favorite Recipe: Doesn’t this look very festive! Click on the picture for link to recipe.

Favorite Quote: Share your gifts with the world.

Favorite Funnies:

Best Dog Name Ever!!

I can’t lie, I totally do this to Seamus!

"Oh you're sick and really weak? Here, tear open this steel package for medicine. "

Fortune Cookie makers got jokes.

Linking up with Amanda

Also linking up with Natasha for 5 on Friday.

October 23, 2014

Throw Back Thursday – Halloween Edition

I am a huge fan of Halloween always have been even though I don’t have a lot of pictures to prove it. I have been decorating my Dad’s house even when I haven’t lived there in about a dozen years. The kids get so excited when I open the door and I am dressed up, so who am I to tell them no. Some have even asked to take pictures. I always try and DIY my own costumes and this year will be no different.

When Heather posted about doing a Throw Back Thursday Holiday edition I knew I had to join in. It is my favorite holiday after all. So here are a few of me back in the day.

What the heck was with the plastic costumes.

Clearly we like to reuse costumes.

Really dude, batman again! Bugs Bunny was too cool. Obviously. Hehe!

Then I stole my sisters costume. Man we were so original. Can we check out those stylin’ cabinets. Woah baby.

This was 2011 and 2012 as Day of the Day – Sugar Skull.

Last year queen of hearts

I have everything I need for this year, so I am excited to see how it comes together.

Are you dressing up this year?

Are you making your costume or buying it?

October 21, 2014

One Pan Apple Chops over Zoodles

One Pan Apple Chops over Zoodles | Till Then Smile Often

As I mentioned on Friday I am trying to go Paleo as a way to be healthier and detox my body. It is also a great way to lose weight if you follow it pretty closely. I am down 7 pounds in the first week which is mostly bloat and water weight so I will be interested to see how this week goes.

The basic premise of Paleo is to eat as close to the caveman did back in the day. Basically anything unprocessed, think fruits veggies and proteins. The hardest part for me will be cheese, diet coke and the stevia/truvia for my coffee. I have switched to tea and just water for now. In the book I was reading they do allow for a 85/15 ratio of eating on plan and off after the initial 30 day detox. Most gauge how they feel after eating certain foods. Most likely I will be incorporating Truvia or stevia back in for just coffee. It is not too far off how I’ve eaten before minus the cheese, but I wanted to try a few new meals. This one popped into my head during my hike so I stopped at the grocery stores for ingredients.

Ingredients: Roughly a Pound of Boneless Pock Chops ~ ~ 1 Apple ~ 1/4 Apple Cider Vinegar ~ 1-1/2 cups of Stock ( I used Organic Veggie Stock) ~ 1/2 Tomato ~ 1-2 Medium Zuchini ~ EVOO ~ Garlic Powder ~ Onion Powder ~ Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions: Trim the pork chops if that is your preference. Pat the seasonings into the pork chops with the garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Heat the EVOO for a minute in a saute pan, then add the pork chops. Sear for about 2-4 per side. Add the apple cider vinegar and the stock to the pan, the stock should be a little more than up half the sides of the chops.

Chop up the apple and add to the pan. Reduce to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes per side. Dice up the tomato and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chops, apples and tomato from the pan with a slotted spoon. Leave the stock in the pan and add in the zucchini noodles, increasing to a boil.

Allow to cook for about 4-6 minutes, the noodles come out soft like a spaghetti. Plate the zoodles, top with a chop and a little of the apple and tomato and serve. I did add a fig balsamic vinegar drizzle but that is totally optional.

Have you ever made zoodles?

Could you go without coffee for 30 days?

5.0 from 1 reviews

One pan Apple Chops with Zoodles

Ingredients

Roughly a Pound of Boneless Pock Chops ~ ~ 1 Apple ~ ¼ Apple Cider Vinegar ~ 1-1/2 cups of Stock ( I used Organic Veggie Stock) ~ ½ Tomato ~ 1-2 Medium Zuchini ~ EVOO ~ Garlic Powder ~ Onion Powder ~ Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Instructions: Trim the pork chops if that is your preference.
Pat the seasonings into the pork chops with the garlic, onion, salt and pepper.
Heat the EVOO for a minute in a saute pan, then add the pork chops.
Sear for about 2-4 per side.
Add the apple cider vinegar and the stock to the pan, the stock should be a little more than up half the sides of the chops.
Chop up the apple and add to the pan. Reduce to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes per side.
Dice up the tomato and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chops, apples and tomato from the pan with a slotted spoon.
Leave the stock in the pan and add in the zucchini noodles, increasing to a boil.
Allow to cook for about 4-6 minutes. Plate and serve.

October 20, 2014

Relaxing is Hiking

Relaxing is Hiking | Till Then Smile Often

I am struggling to even begin to recap this weekend because it really all melded together. I may have relaxad less than I wanted to but I also feel like I got a lot done and still had time to really just sit on the couch and reach, watch TV and multi-task because this is me we are talking about, right?! So let’s just get to it.

Friday: I finished up the book I was reading which was pretty good. It was a YA/College age book. Brinley is the girl who never does anything wrong but struggles with her past due in part to her alcoholic mother, Ryder is the boy who kissed her during a game of truth or dare. It ended with Brinley in the pool and her hating him.

A few years later they meet up again in college and they can’t stay away from each other. Brinley’s best friend has been keeping an eye out for her and one drunken night makes a play for her. Her roomate also helps to shake her life up a little. This was an advanced readers copy but the book is due out tomorrow the 21st, so click on the picture to add it to your Goodreads list or pre-order on Amazon, it’s currently listed at $2.99 for the kindle version.

Saturday: I tried to remember to relax and enjoy the day. Considering I woke up early I needed this mug to remind me. I did get to start a new book though and watching Seamus make faces at me helped.

I did a little bit of laundry, and other chores before heading out to get some cardio. My favorite form of cardio is obviously hiking. It is just so peaceful.

It was perfect timing though because it started to drizzle just as I wwas finishing up. On the way home I headed to the grocery store to pick up some supplies for lunch. I also grabbed The Fault In Our Stars from Redbox. I made Bacon Wrapped Steak, smashed Cauliflower with Chives and Almond milk, and Pan Seared Asparagus. I noticed when putting the movie in that I still haven’t taken the sticker off my t.v., that I’ve had for almost 5 years, and I still haven’t taken it off either! Haha!

After the movie was over I watched a few episode of Friday Night Lights while working on some blogging stuff, like that new Facebook like box in the sidebar. You’re following me there right? 😉

Sunday: I read for a few hours before getting going making a to-do list and getting some stuff done. My spare bedroom took a huge hit when I re-decorated my bedroom, excess furniture, bedding and spare items got tossed in there. So my biggest to-do was cleaning it up and moving items to the basement for storage. Also the big bag on the bed is stuff I am donating, so it was off to Goodwill. I saw the copy of my brothers published stories/poems that he did back in college. So proud. Seamus also always feels the need to rub his face all over the bed which is why I keep the door closed a lot.

After that I headed out for another hike, it really is so beautiful at this course and I try to take new paths every so often to switch it up. My post-workout meal was some Apple pork chops over zoodles, recipe coming tomorrow. The rest of the night was catching up on my DVR, blogging and the Walking Dead!!

Overall it was perfect and though I would have liked to have less on my to-do list and just veg out I think this weekend was a good compromise.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip and Biana from B Loved Boston.

October 17, 2014

Friday Favorites | Relaxing is Possible

Friday Favorites | Relaxing is Possible | Till Then Smile Often

I am looking forward to this weekend. I am really going to try and not doing anything other than relax, and maybe organize my spare room. Okay and go hiking, and clean, and read, and watch Friday Night Lights on Netflix but that is it. At least that is the plan anyways. Anyone want to come over and sit on me so I don’t move? Any one? Please!

Well let’s get to it then so I can get to that relaxing. My favorites from this week.

Favorite Quote: Help yourself while helping others.

Favorite DIY: This looks like a good project to try.

Watercolor Mug DIY - this is incredible! What a great holiday gift idea.

Favorite Mug: OMG! I want, I want, I want. My most favorite of the Friday Night Light quotes. Tim Riggins!!

Favorite Recipe: Now this sounds tasty. Champagne Margaritas w/ white tequila, triple sec, sweetened lime juice, sparkling wine/champagne.

Favorite Funnies:

They always search out the sun spot.

I am trying to go Paleo and cut out sugar, this is how I feel about it.

Seriously! You are not cool for saying it so just stop.

The only time anyone should ever use phrase 'ride or die' is if you're a paramedic and your patient won't get in the ambulance.

Sure you love someone but do you love them this much?

What are you up to this weekend? Linking up with Amanda

Also linking up with Natasha for 5 on Friday.

October 15, 2014

Get Down, It’s Your Birthday

Get Down, It’s Your Birthday | Dog Birthday | Till Then Smile Often
If you are not a dog person I can totally understand if you want to skip this post because it may get mushy and contains lots of pictures of Seamus.

Today is Seamus’ birthday, he turns 9 years old. I can’t believe that Seamus has been in my life for eight years, he was one when I adopted him. When I decided to volunteer at the Quincy Animal Shelter I was searching for purpose, a way to matter. It may just have been walking dogs, cleaning up poop, doing laundry, and helping with temperament tests but it was so much more. I got to cuddle the dogs, and show even if it was just a few hours out of my week, that they mattered, someone cared. To me that helped make me feel important even if just to them.

Just a few weeks after I started I came across this little hellion who wasn’t very nice to strangers, lunging and barking, trying to escape but he had the look of a lost soul. I could relate. He escaped once or twice and would even try to bite the volunteers as they got out of his cage. That didn’t deter me though. He was so adorable and I knew he wouldn’t hurt me he was just scared and misunderstood. Maybe I just read into that part but I believed it.

At the shelter – 2006

So when I went into his cage and sat down he ran around in circles and barked but I just sat down.

Me in his cage, even then he smiled

After a few minutes he butted his nose against my hand and laid down, exposing his belly for me to rub. I was a goner. Every time I volunteered I would take him to this little grassy area by the police station and sat with him, and gave him extra belly rubs.

One night I was scheduled to volunteer and he was set to be adopted. I lost my cool, the only adoption to affect me. As a no-kill shelter I knew all dogs were going to the right home not just any home. This one though, hurt. I bawled so hard and vowed to take him if it didn’t work out. Just a day and a half later he came back and as they say, the rest is history.

He has given me so many happy moments, I just hope I give him just as many back in return.

Here is the part where I say Sorry Not Sorry for all the photos of Seamus. His smile gets me every time. *Disclaimer: I only cried 3 times writing this post so I feel like that is a win.