LuLu & Granny Cricket

shih tzu love

stay tuned

We have been super busy and I am trying to learn how to use a MacBookPro.  I AM a PC so this is really different.  I'll be back to blogging regularly fairly soon.  I just need to settle in a bit.

Chris and I (last night) at an Italian restaurant in Boston's North End ♥

recent pictures

 This tree topper is adorable.  I originally purchsed one for my mom and I loved it so much I purchased a another for me.  You can find them here.....
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarAndSpice

Today is my last day (day 8) on the master cleanse.  It gets easier as you go.  I can't do the full 10 days because I want to be able to have my parents traditional Christmas Eve feast and I need a few days to ease back into digesting food again.  I feel so much better and I am glad I did the cleanse. 
I am still pretty busy with orders but everything that needed to be shipped in time for Christmas has been shipped.
This has been the best holiday season my shop has ever had.  What a blessing.

The Master Cleanse

Have you ever done this?  I am on day 2 of 10 days (or maybe less) of the cleanse.  I am achy, my tongue is white and furry, and I have a caffeine withdrawal headache.  This cleans/detoxification was invented in the 1940's to ease ulcer symptoms.
Master Cleanse is a modified juice fast that permits no food. There are three parts to the regimen: each morning one drinks a 8 oz of water with 2 teaspoons of salt or a cup of herbal laxative tea; this is followed by six to twelve lemonade drinks during the day; and finally a cup of herbal laxative tea in the evening. The lemonade is made from purified or spring water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, organic maple syrup and cayenne pepper. The alleged purpose is to "detoxify" the body and remove excess fat. It is done for a minimum of ten days.
There is no scientific evidence that the diet removes any "toxins", or that it achieves anything beyond temporary weight loss. Though unlikely to be harmful over the short term it can be harmful over the long term. Short term side effects include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration, while long term harm includes loss of muscle mass.

Why am I doing this?  I have been feeling so crappy lately.  I can't seem to shake my 4+ diet cokes per day habit (I know there are worse things but this is the LAST of my vices) and this is a pretty harmless cleanse/detox.  The salt water flush is disgusting but it certainly works.  The lemonade is gross too but again, it does the job.  I also HATE the taste of "smooth move" tea.


So yeah, it kinda sucks.

I saw this on Face book and thought is was very appropriate for my family

Jackets for sale!!

I have my eye on a new winter jacket but I can't possibly justify buying one when I have a like new NorthFace I purchased a couple of years ago UNLESS I can sell it!  It is a medium (I'd say a size 8).  It has a sipper and velcro closure and is very flattering.  The retail price is $230 I will sell it for $80.  If you would like it, please email me.  LMH35LMH@yahoo.com

 front

 back

 detachable hood

I am also selling Will's 686 winter/snowboarding jacket from 2 years ago.  He wore it 1 season (3 months) it looks brand new.  I paid $114 I'll sell it for $40.  It is a size 12-14.  Super warm and very cool.

You'll thank me!

Gorgonzola & Prune Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped prunes, divided
• 1/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 1/4 cup coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs, (see Note)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme, divided
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (1-1 1/4 pounds), trimmed (see Tip)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour

Preparation

1. Combine 1/4 cup prunes, Gorgonzola, breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon thyme in a small bowl. Cut a horizontal slit along the thin edge of each chicken breast, nearly through to the opposite side. Stuff each breast with about 2 1/2 tablespoons filling. Use a couple of toothpicks to seal the opening. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil, shallot and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme to the pan; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and the remaining 1/4 cup prunes. Reduce heat to medium; cook, scraping up any browned bits, until most of the wine evaporates, about 2 minutes. Whisk broth and flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the pan and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low, return the chicken and any juices to the pan and turn to coat with sauce. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove toothpicks, slice the chicken and top with the sauce.

Nutrition

Per serving :318 Calories; 9 g Fat; 3 g Sat; 4 g Mono; 75 mg Cholesterol; 21 g Carbohydrates; 31 g Protein; 2 g Fiber; 541 mg Sodium; 492 mg Potassium
1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

 

The light in my studio right now

It's actually soothing.  I really need that right now.  I have been grouchy, short tempered, teary eyed, ultra sensitive-emotional and down right impossible to live with lately.  Chris just tries to help me where he can.  After I finished working last night (10:30pm) wearing my proper martyrs face I went upstairs to get my Pj's on making absolutely sure Chris noticed the laundry basket I was lugging up the stairs.  I came down to him making my herbal tea for me to drink before I go to bed.  I need to write him a letter or something because every time I open my mouth some criticism or complaint comes flying out.  It is WAY too early for my seasonal affective (or as I call it defective) disorder to start kicking up, isn't it??  I am not sure why my mood is so unstable.  I don't need to over think this but I hate behaving in a way that does not reflect Christ in me.  I know I am human (unfortunately) and perhaps this is simply a trial to endure but like most trials, I don't like it one bit.