How To Make A Simple Omelette

Omelette

1 tablespoon butter

2 eggs

2 teaspoons water

salt / pepper

~beat eggs and water in a bowl, just until mixed, not too frothy.

~add a bit of salt and pepper, to taste

~heat butter in pan over medium heat.  Add eggs.

~gently push eggs from edge of pan towards middle while still runny

~tilt pan to fill in gaps 

~cook until set on bottom and slightly shiny on top.

~fold over, slide onto plate.

~enjoy!

{see below if you would like to add fillings}

After watching the 2 videos below, I made myself an omelette and it was sooo good!  I used Jamie Oliver's Technique, although Julia Child, in the second video, sure makes it look one could make an omelette in their sleep!

Even though it is early November, my tomato plant is still producing tomatoes, and I have a pepper plant that is still going, too.  I chopped 1/4 of a tomato and 1 small orange sweet pepper, briefly sauteed them in some olive oil, and set them aside to use as filling for my omelet.  I also shredded some cheddar cheese.  It was by far the yummiest omelette I have ever eaten! 

Omelette Fillings

cheese, {swiss, cheddar, feta, etc}

onions or green onions

bell peppers

mushrooms

meat {ham, bacon, sausage, chicken, turkey}

asparagus

tomato

fresh herbs

feta cheese

peas

carrots

broccoli

avocados

salsa

{make sure your toppings are prepared ahead of time, as omelettes cook quickly}

       

     

Chemo Side Effects

{From My Caring Bridge Journal-For Daily Posts, Click Here}

I am so grateful it is the Friday after chemo!  This is always the day where I breath a sigh of relief, knowing I am going to start feeling normal again.
Yesterday was actually a nice surprise for me.  I woke up expecting it to be the typical, hardest day of my week (4th day after chemo) but, by golly, it wasn't! (I never say "by golly" but it was kinda fun to type.)

Wednesday evening I was about to take my anti-nausea meds, and the label on the bottle caught my eye.  It said "may cause extreme drowsiness and blurred vision."  I knew right away I would rather have nausea (as long as I could still eat) than to not be able to see or focus because of fog/fatigue.  I skipped the meds, and it made for a much more "clear" Thursday.  I felt somewhat productive since I didn't have to lay in bed all day, although my stomach paid for it.

I have to pause and chuckle for a moment.  It is funny what one considers a "good" day when going through chemo... here are some examples of what I mean...

~~I  lost 2 toenails from chemo, but I still got 8 plus my fingernails, so its all good...

~~This film that forms on my tongue 2-4 days after chemo makes all food taste sicking-ly sweet, but I've learned if I scrape the heck out of my tongue, and gargle with a mouthwash that tastes like the deliciousness of Vicks Vapo Rub, my taste is normal again.  Tasting food=great day.

~~I'm tired, achey and I feel like I have the stomach flu, but I'm vertical, so its a good day.

~~My skull, jaw bone and sternum are doing their deep ache dance, but that means the meds are working and my bones are producing lots of red/white cells-- oh happy day!

~~My lips peel for at least 3 days after treatment, but they are so soft and pretty by day 6.  Free lip peel? Makes for a good day..

~~My digestive system shuts down for 3 days after chemo, but I've figured out which foods get it going again, and when it happens... that, my friends, is a good day!

~~A crazy side effect of chemo is twitching.  As I lay there to go to sleep, my pinky toe will come alive.  Or, behind my rib, or my shoulder blade...it feels like popcorn popping right under my skin or bones.  Does not make for a fun night, but during the day it keeps me company, so that's good, right?

I say all these things in the spirit of staying real with you all.

 I also say them, honestly, with a deep gratitude.  I feel so thankful I have been able to figure out ways to get around or deal with most of these minor side effects, and that I have not dealt with anything too serious.  God has been so very good!!

I now get why cancer patients are called "Fighters."  There are so many things, big and small, that come our way, so we fight.


I have felt sad as many of these side effects of chemo and cancer seem like they just strip femininity away (hair, nails, lips, breasts, brows, curves, sleep).  But--I've chosen to see myself in a new light.


 I AM a Fighter and I have the God of the Universe along side me.  I have a new femininity, it is a fighter femininity.  It makes me want to buy combat boots and wear car-gos (my favorite do-rag right now is a camouflage one:)) and kick this cancer outta here!

And for those days when I just can't seem to find the good or the fight, you all step in with your words of encouragement, and He steps in with His Word of Truth, and reminds me that even in my weakness, I am strong.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Garden Markers

 Guest Post by Erin at A Bird And A Bean
 One of the items I made to sell at the upcoming craft fair are these fun garden markers. I've seen them on etsy and wanted my very own. So, I've been picking up old vintage, antique silverware at yard sales all summer. Then, I went to the hardware store and bought a set 1/8 inch of alphabet stamps. Got out the trusty hammer and stamped away. You've got to have a very hard surface under the spoons.....like the rock in my picture. It's pretty easy.....the hardest part is finding silver-plated silverware at yard sales. The stainless steel kind is too hard to stamp. Well, it's too hard for me to stamp. It is possible - I watched my dad do it easily. You have to do the stainless in one strong blow (which is hard for since I am a clutz - I tried and smashed a finger). The silver & silver-plated are forgiving and you can hit it more softly and just hit it a few times - way easier. 

I just think these are so clever and would make a nice gift for pretty much anyone. They don't even have to be a gardener to like it. As long as they have a plant it would be cute. They can say anything...."live, laugh, love" "you are my sunshine" "i love you" ...the possibilities are endless. Cute gift for a co-worker, teacher, stocking stuffer, or even tie it on a bigger gift as the tag. I've seen pictures of them being used as table markers for parties, or you can make one for everyone at the party and use it as place cards. I even saw one hammered totally flat and it was used as a cookbook marker. It said something about food on it. I can't remember exactly....but anything would work. I hope you try this fun idea. Let me know if you do....I love seeing pics.

Erin Blogs at A Bird And A Bean.  

Here are a few more posts of hers that I loved:

Homemade Tortillas--This recipe is so healthy and looks fun!

Fancy Chicken House--I'm sooo jealous of this...

Food Face Plate--this would make a super fun gift.

Sprouts--I've wanted to do this, and after reading this post I am very motivated!

If you head on over there, you will find a little bit of everything, as she says "kids and crafting and cooking and such!"  She is as sweet as can be and has been a dear blogging friend to me!  When you are there, tell her I said hello, and if you like what you see, become her follower!

Shine

SMS (SHINE) Lyrics

David Crowder Band

Send me a sign
A hint, A whisper
Throw me a line
‘Cause I am listening

Come break the quiet
Breathe your awakening
Bring me the light
‘Cause I am fading

Surround me with the rush of angels’ wings

Shine Your light so I can see You
Pull me up, I need to be near You
Hold me, I need to feel loved
Can You overcome this heart that’s overcome?

You sent a sign
The hint, O whisper
Human, divine
Heaven is listening

Death laid low
Quiet in the night is stirring
All around the rush of angels

O the wonder of the greatest love has come

Shine Your light so all can see it
Lifted up, ’cause the whole world needs it
Love has come, what joy to hear it
He has overcome, He has overcome

Beautiful song, love the ending.
This video was made manually, with no computer animations or digital affects.  That is amazing.
I was always fascinated with Lite Brite as a kid.  This video makes me want to replace the lost pegs to the one we have here at home and spend some time, when I feel better, creating with my girls.

Ten Minimalist Choices I'm Making Right Now

~ This is a guest post from Robyn Devine of The Minimalist Knitter 

I find myself overwhelmed incredibly easily lately – I think I’ve got it all under control and then I look around and the laundry has piled up, dishes are dirty in the dishwasher and cascading out of the sink, the cats have no food in their bowl, and I’ve got 30 minutes to get to a football game!
I’m learning to step back and make simple, minimalist choices in these moments, and it’s been helping a ton. I’ve shared a few of these choices in the past on my blog, but I thought I’d work up a few special ones for you today!

1. I’m not knitting holiday presents this year, with a few exceptions. In years past I’ve made it my mission to gift everyone I knew with something handmade, and while some people love that, most of the people on my list really didn’t recognize the time it took and the effort and love put into their gifts. So this year I’m knitting approximately five presents, and everyone else will get store-bought. Stress levels instantly reduced!

2. I’m weaving in yarn ends as I knit. Simple strategy to be sure, but as I hate weaving in yarn ends, it tends to get left until minutes before the knit needs to be worn, gifted, or sold!

3. Each day after work, my first stop after taking off my coat is to light a candle. Instant fall smell in the house, instant stress relief for my brain, and it signifies my work day has ended!

4. I’m living with a smaller wardrobe. I’m participating in Project 333, and while I’m not doing it perfectly, I’m doing it the best way for me. I currently rotate through a much smaller wardrobe, and it’s relieved 95% of my morning routine stress!

5. I’m choosing now what I do and don’t want to make part of my holiday season. I love to send out holiday cards, so those are already taken care of – signed, addressed, and ready for stamps! I’m already thinking about how I want to decorate, and am ready to weed out anything that doesn’t fit. And I’m choosing to be okay with not having it all done now – better to set those realistic expectations while I’m still thinking clearly!

6. I’m praying in the shower. Yes, I do double-duty when it comes to prayer – I don’t think God minds. As it’s about the only alone-time I get during the day, I find that remembering to lift others up and give thanks while in the shower doesn’t seem as silly as not doing it at all!

7. I’m committed to knitting only from my yarn stash. Crafters in the mix know that we tend to bring in more supplies than we use – I’m stopping that leak by committing to not purchasing yarn until I’ve used up everything that I’ve got.

8. I’m hiring someone else. I’d love to have a fancy and amazing blog design, but am finally admitting I’m not up to the task. Instead of bringing all that stress onto myself, I’ve hired a new friend to do the grunt work for me, and so far it’s been a wonderful thing!

9. I threw out all my nail polish. The girly-girls reading may shake their heads, and yes I do love to have pretty nails and toes. Because I use my hands all day for work and knitting however, the polish gets gross pretty fast, and I’m not so good with the maintenance. So I’m removing that stress from my life and have tossed all my polish to the curb – I’m au natural from now on!

10. I’m switching to all-digital book reading. I’ve been lucky and have been able to find almost every book I’d like to read in digital format, so I’m making the commitment to switch fully over. There are a few books I cannot get in a digital format {I’m looking at you Harry Potter!}, and I’m not sure yet what to do about that, but everything else is going digital or I’m not reading it! Now that I can get digital books from my library, I’m ready to make the leap!

What sorts of things are you doing lately that are helping create a more minimalist environment? What are you culling from your life, and what are you choosing to be more mindful about?

** Robyn runs the website Minimalist Knitter, where she shares her love of knitting, crafting, and minimalism. She’s recently published the e-book Holiday Made Simple – packed full of tips and tricks for removing most of the stress from your holiday season, and she’s getting ready to expand her Etsy shop from just patterns to selling hand-knit accessories!

Links:
Minimalist knitter: http://www.minimalistknitter.com
Etsy shop: http://minimalistknitter.etsy.com
Holiday Made Simple e-book: http://www.minimalistknitter.com/holiday-made-simple/ - or you can use an affiliate link if you want, and earn 60% commission from any sales.

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday #31

***Please read before linking.

There are 2 areas to link up, with 2 different themes.  Read more below and please link up in the right area.  Thanks!***

To learn more of what this is all about, read this post.

To read my original "Doozy List," read this post.

To read my "Summer Doozy List" read this post.

Hi Everyone! Welcome to AP Tuesday!

Does this post count as an "Anti-Procrastination?"  See, I wrote it Sunday knowing that I would not be feeling well on Tuesday. I say that counts...right?:) 

I loved all the link-ups last week!  There were so many great fun fall posts and lots of inspiration.  I'm so grateful you all come to this little party every week, its really fun to have you all here!

<a href="http://www.amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/Amysb1975/3032373667_7c7e803b43-3.jpg" border="0" alt="New Nostalgia" /></a>

Most Clicked on "Anti-Procrastination" link:

75 In 75 Challenge @ WhoIsLaura

Looks like you all are up for a challenge as this was by far the most clicked on link!

Most Clicked on "Flexible" link:

Bed:Modern Country Style @ Modern Country Style

I  really love her style, and so must you as  this is the second week in a row that she was most clicked on!  I love the look of her blog, it is just simple and refreshing.

 

<center><a href="http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/Amysb1975/7393129504_TCNCj.jpg" /></a></center>

All right, let's get to linking!

Looking forward to seeing what you all have been up to!!
Be encouraged, Be Inspired, And Get Something Done!

***Stop And Read Before Linking!***

I will have 2 different themes for you to link to.  Please choose the correct theme, or I will need to delete your link.  Thanks!

*If you are a tweeter, hitting the tweet box at the bottom will help get the word out.

***"Anti-Procrastination" Themed:***

~things you want to accomplish (lists, goals)
~things you did accomplish
~thoughts on procrastination/ways you beat procrastination

***Flexible Themed***

~Recipes
~Projects
~Crafts

One Thousand Gifts #6

**For an update on my chemo session/doctor appointment today, please see my Caring Bridge journal.

93~ The crunch of leaves under foot
94~The chorus of my 3 little ones singing "Trick or Treat!!"
95~ A timely song, to remind that I am never alone
96~ Chemotherapy, and the signs that it is working!!!
97~ A sister who dresses as a "bald pirate" for Halloween in honor of me. :)
98~ Warm coats, gloves and hats
99~ Chili in my crockpot, made by my Ann

Because this is number 100, I will name one that stretches me.

100~ Pain.  Pain reminds that "when I weak, I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10  I will speak this and write it, and He will be faithful to make it true in my heart.  It is a gift I don't want, yet it is a gift.


NIV Version:
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)


The Message Version:
^7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,  My grace is enough; it's all you need.  My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.