Sunday, May 17, 2009


I am all about finding the good in a seemingly bad situation. Many are feeling a sense of lack because their current finances keep them at home right now. I say there is much to love about home and much to help one feel a sense of abundance. This recession, which, by the way, is now officially over, still continues to affect many. I call it a recess from consumerism---a second chance to discover people rather than things. This is not to make light of those who never had enough to go overboard from the start. It is a chance to commune with those who had plenty and are now having to adjust. Check out one of my favorite monthly (and free) magazines---Skirt. It is touting the virtues and comforts of home in the May issue and has some great thoughts on which we can reflect. Try making a list of all the things you long to do at home when you are overworked with chores outside the home. If you cannot jog your mind, think of the things you loved to do when you were grounded to your room as an adolescent! The idea is to have a go-to list when you have lost sight of the joys of home. For instance, one of the things on my list comes from the joy of dressing up. I went through my closet and assembled outfits to wear when I get the job I want. Assemble, try on, accessorize---be prepared, act as if opportunity will meet preparedness and it probably will. While out doing my daily constitutional I have discovered another thing to add to my list---my community.

Home, for me, encompasses more than the box of several four walled rooms. It is the neighborhood, the town, the view from my bedroom window. One of the things I love most about my home is the convenience to nearly everything I need. If my job were also in the area, I would not need a car. There is sheer joy in combining exercise and running errands into one outing. Moreover, I get that Cheers sort of feeling of wanting to be where everybody knows my name and face when I shop. Now, how is this finding the good in a bad situation. First, I walk daily because I always have errands to run. Alas, with gas prices inching up again, I can make it an entire week on one fill-up. While out walking I see the beautiful flowers of the season on the grounds of the apartment complex, and can gather a bouquet for free. I am contributing to the good of the environment by cutting down on emission pollution. My love of reading books and magazines has taken a large chunk out of my wallet, so, I have discovered the neighborhood library, which is free. You can also check out movies and music for free at the library. Resale shops are experiencing a renaissance. I have discovered two within walking distance, and three more within five miles. Even though I am not shopping I am preparing for a simplifying of my already simple life. Lastly, I do one of my favorite things---as I encounter people without a smile, I give them mine! A smile helps all of us to find the joy. Until next time...

Friday, May 1, 2009

Home Cookin'

I am a foodie. I love to cook, and I love to eat. Discovering a new olive oil, seasoning, cheese, or wine can easily be the highlight of my day. I am dedicating this post to those who, not only love food, but who love to cook it. Cooking is one of my favorite things to do when I have time to relax at home. While surfing around on the Internet, I discovered some helpful sites to help you enjoy the heart of home---the kitchen.



If you live in the Atlanta area, try http://www.theblissfulglutton.com/ for regular updates on the latest and best local restaurants, food stores, bakeries, farmers' markets and so much more. If healthy, vegetarian fare is what you love, check out http://www.101cookbooks.com/. You will find a treasure trove of new and refreshing healthy recipes---and a newletter if you would like. Now, for the person who really wants to learn all about food, go to http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/. The site describes itself as a culinary guide for the homecook. There are detailed how-to and techniques for the newbie and a shopping guide section for speciality or hard to find ingredients. Of course, there are recipes galore and a community of more food lovers with whom you can share recipes. The old standby is http://www.foodnetwork.com/. All of those recipes made on the Food Network Channel can be found there. Cook Ina Garten only offers her recipes for a limited time, so, if you love what she is cooking, you had better download it fast.



If you just like having a community to share food ideas and knowledge go to http://www.foodbuzz.com/. I visit there under the handle "carbgoddess." That's because I have never met a bread or pasta I did not like, and I am sure many of you can identify with that weakness! To help keep the ravages of eating a lot of carbs under control I visit http://www.thedailyplate.com/. It is a free service that will allow you to determine how many calories you need each day to reach you weight goal. You are able to access their caloric value for almost any food you can think of, or you can enter your own. They also have a community to help you toward your goal. I could not believe all that they offer for free. You can upgrade to a premium membership, but the free one will get you going. Also, you can find another type food and calorie help aid to the right of this blog. Until next time, enjoy home!