Thursday, July 11, 2013

Things that make me smile, today...

 Some days are easier to handle than others. 
Lately, I've had a few things that have tried to chip away at my sparkle.
Dampen it.
Life can hit you a bit sideways at times,
and in those moments I have to find little ways to bring my sparkle out.
It really doesn't take too much to make me smile.
In fact, my favorite things are so simple,
yet make a profound impact in my mood.
So here are a few of my smile sparklers!


Sparkle in unique locations

Comics in the newspaper

Baby Anything. Puppies, kittens, ponies, (otter) whatever it is, they are adorable and make me insta-smile.
Not setting my alarm clock.  Nothing says good morning like the sun rays slowly welcoming you to the day.

Two words...yoga. pants.
Fluffy bunnies-seriously.

First sip of coffee

Strutting like you're wearing sassy pants,
and Somecards.
 
A girl and her dog...her most trusted friend.
A tongue hanging out of an animals mouth and any adorable animal in sweaters. 
How cute are these mini's?!
And last but certainly not least, this little girl. 
She's so excited!!
Oh man, I almost forgot this one!
I definitely feel better now.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Cherry Chutney

I really love cherries, but there are only so many cherries that one person can eat!  So I wanted to save a little bit more summer and enjoy the beauty that is the Oregon Cherry. But I didn't just want to make jam.  Yes, people love my jam, but there are only so many sweet things that people want to eat! That is where this lovely chutney recipe comes into play. 

What is chutney?  Good question!
You see it on your plate in restaurants all the time, but the name is weird....chutney. Actually, I think that the name throws people off from it, but it's a fun way to flavor a dish. Basically, it's a fancy condiment that is used to enhance the flavor of meat or cheese dishes.   Instead of marinating the meat, the chutney is used as a topping.  Plus, did I mention that it's delicious?


 
 
 
Cherry Chutney
Recipe found online, but I don't remember where. Though, it's definitely not mine.
3 cups pitted and stemmed sweet cherries(about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
1 cup chopped onions
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup golden raisins
3 tablespoon minced candied ginger
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
one 4-inch cinnamon stick (so that the chutney didn't darken.)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each ground allspice, ground cloves, ground nutmeg
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, one hour.
  3. Uncover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 30 minutes more.
  4. I processed this recipe for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath in half pint jars. OR Remove from heat and let cool at room temperature. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
*Good with grilled chicken breasts or roasted/grilled pork.
 
Makes about 3 cups or 5-6 half-pints of chutney.
This is a fun switch on preserving fruit for the winter, and even better because it's really tasty.
One of my dear friends loves to use this in her baked brie.  Delicious!

 

 



Sunday, July 7, 2013

Filling My Summer Love Bucket


If you have the time, you must give it away.
That is the statement that floats around in my head, trying to stick to something.
And up until I've been content to fill my weekends with beautiful volunteering and I will continue to do the same.  But in addition to the weekends, I now have 5 additional weekend days to do some good in our community.  Though I plan to do as much as possible to heart the organization of my heart, Fences for Fido, I would like to spread my sparkle out a little more.

Since goals and lists help me stay focused, I have made my Summer Sparkle List. 
Is your favorite organization on the list?  Want to join me in the fun?  Please do!

1. Fences for Fido-

The truest form of pure love,
delivered every weekend to families all around the Northwest. 
Need I say more?
I love them and plan to help out even more...
it's an honor to spend my time with people who live to care for dogs. 
There's nothing better in my book. 
Maybe it's time you joined me?

2. Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital


Run for the Love of Dove~ June 9th~
So, this one I've actually completed, but I figured that it deserved a place on my list any way.  Technically, it was during my summer vacation so it counts.  Plus, Dove Lewis is one of my favs and I plan on helping at other events this summer. 



Salem Harvest-  Sign up for a harvest or two! Then, use my portion of fruit to preserve and give it away to people around me.  ooooo....it would be fabulous if it was apples!  I can smell the applesauce already.

"With more than 3,000 registered volunteers, Salem Harvest is one of the largest all-volunteer harvesting organizations in the state. The non-profit, grassroots organization connects farmers and backyard growers with volunteer pickers to harvest fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. The group was established in January 2010 and is currently managed by a six-member steering committee." http://www.salemharvest.org/index.php

**Side Note:
Murphy- this list would be typed much faster without you licking me the entire time. Geesh!

3. Chelsea Hicks Foundation-
Helping kids?!  This sounds like a fun way to work with kids through my summer months. 
Hospital Helpers
Chelsea’s Closet visits Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Volunteers help with set up and clean up, help children select costumes and accessories, and assist with crafts, snacks and the costume parade. You may volunteer as often as your schedule allows.

4. Oregon Food Bank: Food Repack
"You might be surprised to learn that about 1,500 volunteers visit Oregon Food Bank each week! Food repack volunteers help with the most fundamental part of our mission – getting food to the people who need it most. Many donations need sorting, repacking, labeling or additional processing before they are ready to be sent to hunger-relief agencies. That's where you come in! Help us prepare food to be distributed through our network to hungry families." Oregon Food Bank

5. Portland Fruit Tree Project: Harvest Party
"Portland Fruit Tree Project is a grass-roots non-profit organization that provides a community-based solution to a critical and growing need in Portland and beyond: Access to healthy food. By empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of urban fruit trees, we are preventing waste, building community knowledge and resources, and creating sustainable, cost-free ways to obtain healthy, locally-grown food. Because money doesn’t grow on trees… but fruit does!"
Portland Fruit Tree Project

This one might be a great birthday party for me!  I love a party with a purpose.
Check these projects out and then join me in filling your love bucket up too.