Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Going on hiatus ~


Well, hiya babies. 

I'm sure you probably all guessed that I'm going to take a hiatus from blogging.
I'm going on a blog vacation:


Ahhhhhh. 

I've totally got blog burnout: 



Actually, this happened awhile ago. I'm just here to confirm the rumors. 

I'm taking a:




I just had my 2 year blogiversary (sorry, it was a very quiet affair) and while I've been not blogging, I've been re-evaluating what is important in my life: 



I had become houseproud and I was extremely envious of all these other women who had absolutely gorgeous homes with all the lovely features I desired in my home. Everything they did was perfect. They looked perfect, had perfect families, made perfect meals and everything in their lives was perfect. 

I don't like the blogosphere.  It's like a High School popularity contest and all the drama that involves.  I'm not in High School anymore and I don't need the drama, I have quite enough already, thanks. 

I started thinking that life was my blog and wanted that perfect life.  

Oh, I made a cake!!  I'm blogging about this!!  I spray painted a whosie-whatsit!!  I'm blogging about this!  

I looked in the mirror and didn't recognize myself.
Good Lord Meg, what the Hell happened to you??

I didn't like me. 

I was spending ALL my extra time on something to do with this blog. 
My hubby became someone I just shared space with, and occasionally coaxed into helping me fix a blog project gone wrong. 
I was stressed, had anxiety attacks, was depressed and put on a TON of weight. 
None of these things happened overnight, but I decided it was going to stop. 

I got off my ass, bought a treadmill, started eating better... I really started to feel better!!

The kidney stone thing happened, and that REALLY kicked me into full gear. 


A lovely side effect of living healthier is weight loss. 

I'm changing so much about my life. 
Getting healthy, reconnecting with the love of my life, I'm in the process of getting braces (something I've wanted to do all my life), I've changed my hair and have decided to try like Hell to grow it out... 
You guys, I haven't felt this good in decades.  
I'm taking pride in how I look, because I feel good and have tons more energy. 

This is me, today: 

I have never been happier.  Feeling good feels so great!
I'm calm, have energy and I'm worth it
I am the main character in my life and I'm going to live a life, well lived!! 



I'm not sure when, or if I will come back. 
I don't fit the mold of the blogging world.  
I'm a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. 
I'm a free spirit, and I will never, ever change just to please others. 
I will only do that to please myself.    

I wish you all the greatest of luck.  
There are some of you that I've met because of this little blog that are truly wonderful people, and I love you and really hope we can keep in touch! 
Some of you... not so much.  
But, that's ok. 
Do what you gotta do to win that popularity contest and take no fucking prisoners. 


If you appreciate me for who I am, please, shoot me a message so we can keep in touch. 

It's been fun!  

Maybe we will have some new and different fun in the future!

XOXO

Toodles babies!! 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Chewy, Soft Caramel Popcorn ~


Hey babies!!
How are you doing?

I was craving a little sweet treat this afternoon. 
Something comforting, and not too sweet. 
I stumbled across a picture on Pinterest of some really delicious looking caramel popcorn.
I thought, "Perfect! Just a little handful at a time.  Just the right amount to satisfy a sweet tooth!"

I prefer my caramel popcorn the way our Mom used to make it. 
With a light colored, chewy caramel. 
I don't really dig the almost 'burnt' flavor of Cracker Jacks. 

I've only attempted to make caramels twice in my life. 
I failed miserably, both times. 
I figured I would give this one more try. 

It turned out so well, I figured I would photograph it for an impromptu blog post. 


Chewy, Soft Caramel Popcorn

  • 2 bags microwave popcorn in a large bowl (I sift through to remove as many unpopped kernels as i can get.  I hate biting into soft caramel corn only to bite down on unpopped kernels. 
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (you can use brown sugar if you like a darker color and deeper flavor)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 7 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt
In a pot on the stove, bring the butter, sugar, corn syrup and salt to a boil.  Turn the heat to medium and add the vanilla and sweetened condensed milk.  Cook until the soft ball stage (240 degrees).
Slowly pour over the popcorn and stir to coat.  Once coated, pour out onto 2 parchment lined cookie sheets and allow to cool.  You could also add any sort of nuts or other add-ins you'd like before it cools.   Break into bite sized pieces and enjoy.  Store all leftover popcorn in an airtight container.







Easy, delicious, reminds me of being a kid and a couple pieces is enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. 
Remember, don't deprive yourself when trying to be healthier.
It's all about moderation.  If you eat something unhealthy, work out more during your next workout. 
It's simple, really.

It is pretty chewy, so if you have some questionable dental work, eat this at your own risk!

:-) 

XOXO

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Brussels Sprouts Salad ~


Howdy babies! 
Are you all having a great weekend??
It goes by way too fast for me. 
Today, I'm relaxing on the couch listening to Led Zeppelin. 
My idea of heaven. 

I posted a quick Instagram pic of my lunch {this salad} on FB a couple weeks ago, and y'all went a little Bonzo wanting the recipe. I promised I would post it. 

Well, I forgot.  And Paula kindly reminded me that she REALLY wanted the recipe. 
Well Paula, my love... here you go!! 


Brussels Sprouts Salad:

  • 1 1/2 to 2 lbs Brussels Sprouts shaved 
  • Small container feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup candied walnuts
  • 4-5 pieces crisp bacon crumbled
  • Poppyseed dressing to taste
I use store bought dressing, but you could certainly make your own.  You can shred the Brussels Sprouts on a mandolin or shred them by hand with a knife, like I do.  It's time consuming and you will wonder why you don't have a mandolin, but when you taste this salad you will forget all about how long it took to cut up the Sprouts.

It's delicious.  I love Brussels Sprouts any day of the week, made any way.  Doesn't matter, I love them.  I love salad and could eat it for every meal of every single day.  So this is the best of both worlds.


I love to take this to work for lunch. It's healthy and very filling. 


Eat your veggies people!  :-) 


Even Max loves this salad... and he thinks people food is disgusting!!


I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as we do!! 

XOXO
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