Drawing Nipples on Barbie

Ok, so my two year old daughter was given a barbie. I already have qualms about her having barbies period, let alone at such an early age! But I digress... She has the doll, loves it, plays with it often, however, she is perplexed about Barbie's milkies (this is what we call them as they produce milk...hence, they are Milkies...another blog, another time...)

Getting back to my initial point, I'm just as perplexed as my daughter. Barbie has a pair of panties 'drawn' on, however no bra. So that would make one assume that her breasts are bare. So, my two year old's question is obvious: where are her nipples?

My daughter is smart. She knows what a woman's breasts are designed for: the making and distribution of milk to her child. Therefore, this doll's body - that has left very little to the imagination (aka, her curves, her disproportionate breasts) - begs the question: where are her nipples?

Yes, yes...it's a toy. I know. There are tons of toys all over the place and none of them are accurate (planes are missing landing gear, cars don't have engines, some dolls don't even have noses, let alone nipples.)

HOWEVER, and here may lie the real question: what is wrong with children learning anything real about their bodies? If Barbie is going to have a va va voom woman's body, then she should either:

• a) have a bra 'drawn' on like her panties, or
• b) have nipples on her exposed breasts

And why not? She has the breasts! If the makers are going to go as far as to give her them, then why not complete the anatomy lesson.

Honestly, I would have preferred my two year old daughter to be given Amamanta Dolls which are not only anatomically correct, they are also available multiculturally and offer an educational opportunity, especially when trying to explain the differences between good and bad touches...

So, outside of getting her an Amamanta Doll set for her upcoming third Birthday, I still have to decide if I'm going to fix Barbie's boobies.I mean, what's wrong with nipples and children learning that they have a purpose?

You know what I think? I think there is a real reason for no nipples on Barbie...

So kids grow into adults who think boobs are only for one thing, and one thing only...sex.

Only, sex isn't the only use for nipples, and THAT, my friend - no matter how hard you argue or complain or cry or yell or waffle - is the God's honest truth.

To draw or not to draw...

What do you think I should do?

Maple Corn Bread

The best...BEST! corn bread you will EVER eat...and, it's easy too ;)


what you need

• 1 cup plus 2 TABLESPOONS cornmeal
• 1 cup plus 2 TABLESPOONS whole wheat flour
• 1 TABLESPOON baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 3 TABLESPOONS melted shortening (bacon grease, coconut oil, or butter)

what you do

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the egg, maple syrup, milk and shortening.
3. Stir until WELL blended; DO NOT BEAT
4. Pour into a well greased 9 inch square pan or 12 greased muffin cups.
5. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Serve with warm butter.

Music to my Ears...Jana Mashonee

One of my all time favorite artists is Jana.

Jana is brilliant: her voice is organic and her music and the messages therein are beautiful as well as useful. She bumped Gwen Stefani, Madonna, and U2 off of my top loves in music land, that's for sure...

Her new album New Moon Born was just released and I can't wait for my copy to get here! Totally bummed I didn't get to see her in DC at the Inaugural Ball (now where did I put that invitation...)

Here she is with Guitarist Derek Miller the their Indie music video A Change Is Gonna Come. I'd love to work with her on her next video...

Let Me Lead a Simple Life...Blissfully Beguiling...

"Everything's so simple, and we make everything so complicated. That's why we're confused."
~ Vickie Downey, TEWA/Tesuque Pueblo
The Creator designed a very simple set of Laws for us to follow. If we follow these simple things, we'll be happy. If we don't follow these simple things, our lives become complicated. For example: Respect Mother Earth Love one another Be truthful Give to your brother and sisters Be gentle with each other Be happy Following these simple Laws will have great rewards.

Great Spirit, let me lead a simple life.

taken from A Cherokee Feast of Days

33 Coming of the Leaves...

I have seen 33 coming of the leaves...33 snow melts...33 Springs...Today is my Birthday...
Each year we are alive, we receive many gifts. Challenges that make us who we are. Revelations to steer us in the right direction. Visions that show us the way. And each year we live makes us wiser, not just older. Wisdom is the best gift of all, and the longer you live, the more wisdom you gain.

“Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.” ~ Sandra Carey

So, today marks another year that I get to enjoy my life. And another chance to do something special for myself. Ever since I turned 30, I've given myself a Birthday gift of significance. Not anything that you can purchase in a store. Rather, something that I either do for myself that day or vow to do throughout the new year.

Last year, Birthday 32, I vowed to write my novel, to put myself first once in a while, and accomplish something that was indeed very special to me, my dream. And, through much delight and determination, I did it: beginning, middle, end.

My gift to myself at 31 was to take my health and my life into my own hands. To figure out what my 'mystery illness' was and get better! And I'm happy to report that I'm still alive - obviously ;) - found out what was wrong and am still working to fix it rather than cover it up as my good ol'doctor insisted I do (yes, yes...another blog, another day...).

Some years I do or vow to do something so private for myself that no one knows about it with the exception of me, myself, and I. That was my 30th Birthday present to myself. It was a very hard thing to do, something that was 14 years in the making, but I'm glad I finally did it. And, if my book ever gets published, you'll all know exactly what that gift to myself was! But you'll have to read the book to find out ;)

This year...33...

Well, I had a sad but important realization just this past weekend: I don't have many (if any) symbiotic friendships outside of my darling husband. And although most people don't even have that, I need to start surrounding myself with friends who put just as much effort into me as I put into them. I listen but seem to never be heard. I give and only give...and then give some more, only to be tuned-out the first moment I have something to say. Left the moment I do something I want to do.

I have no qualms in never having something returned to me. I'm a giver. That's what I do. However, I'm seeing more and more that if you only give and give and never receive, sooner or later you start giving away all that is you. Everyone deserves something in return, if only an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on.

So, this year, I vow to no longer be the doormat to friends. I've already tried to rid my life of drama and toxic people, and it worked and I'm healthier for it! Except, I feel as though I only worked in the family territory, thinking that my friends were toxin free. That is not the case.

"Love yourself first. Put yourself first. Don't sacrifice who you are for anybody or anything. Don't put yourself in the backseat; don't deny what you know your truth is. That's what makes you amazing, and beautiful, and rare and an individual. And it radiates out like the most beautiful light. And with loving yourself, you will attract people who love you back."
~ Kimberly Elise

If you don't put yourself first, no one will.

Happy Spring!

Ah, finally. The first day of Spring.

Usually I spend the day tending to my garden, pulling out all the old stuff, making a bonfire out of all the dead twigs and plants that, in turn, will amend my soil quite nicely for this Spring's plantings. However, per the request of my wonderful 5 year old, we are instead making a trip out to the beach.

And it's amazing just how quickly a 5 and 2 year old can get dressed and be ready to go out the door when they are excited about something. Bathing suits under their jeans and long sleeved shirts, they are ready to jump in! If they actually make it past the first freezing toe touch, the water barely above 40 degrees, they'll become members of the Polar Bear Club. I know they won't get in, but it's nice to make new traditions and see the excitement in their eyes.

The beach. Spring. The beginning of warmer days, playing outside, swimming in the big blue...

The Joy of Coming Out of the Closet...

Back when I was in the closet, secretly writing behind closed doors, I would never dare let anyone in on my daydreams. I thought you couldn't call yourself a real writer without having had published something in print so that people could purchase it at Borders or on Amazon.com.

However, and thankfully so, it is not true. Like a good writer buddy of mine has penned, "A writer does not suddenly become a writer the day his book is published. That happens the first time pen is put to paper and something is created on the page."

Yet, the moment you revile yourself to the world as a writer, standing tall, standing proud, you almost instantly are bombarded with others who thought just as you did. Don't let this cause you to slink back in your hole. You're out now! You're free! And you're freaking out!!!

You need back up.
Someone who thinks like you and works like you and is on the verge of going back into their own closet.

You need a writer buddy.
Or many writer buddies! Not only is there stregnth in numbers, there is a lot to learn from each other. I found many of my writer buddies online at Motheringdotcomune's Mothers Writer Group. There we share what we've written, help critique eachother's work, give a little push here, a hug there, and just share in the joy in writing...or the craziness that comes from it!

I also have a few family writer buddies who were instrumental in pulling me out of my writer's closet. And thankfully so. I couldn't imagine what I'd be doing with all my pent up creative juices if I wasn't working on my novel or blogging... Trying my hand at music theater again? I've always dreamed of dancing on Broadway... And I do love to paint, however with the economy the way it is, most people are trying to make ends meet rather than paying for creative touches to their homes.

With two little ones in tow, writing seems to be a much easier dream to realize. And it's such a joy to have the company of other moms trying to accomplish the same task: write...oh, and keep sane, cook dinner, clean the house, shuttle kids to and from places, keep sane, write, keep hubby happy, stay sane, clean house, write, clean the bathroom floor for the 3rd time this week, do laundry, stay sane...write...

How Wise is Your Tea?

I started drinking Yogi Tea and it has changed my life! My cycle has always been out of whack, but in the recent months it had gone from bad to worse. Within one day of drinking this tea I was no longer possessed by the hormonal demons that were taking over my life, ruining my marriage, and causing me to go completely insane, one week out of every month...phew!

What a relief to find a holistic remedy, something that worked, worked fast, and is safe to use (as opposed to hormonal treatments, drugs, and surgeries). I have lived through too many years of that sort of treatment that I know better know - doctors are still practicing medicine. They don't always know the best course of action to take in all situations.

Plus, the tea bags have these little tags with insightful messages on them. My two favorites are:

...A relaxed mind is a creative mind...

...Bliss cannot be disturbed by gain or loss...

Warm tea, uplifting yogi sayings, and I'm not a crazy woman anymore. This is a good thing!

:)

Good Lovin'...Part 2: Open Your Mouth!

Ok, here we go... Good Lovin'...Part 2...

The other day in Good Lovin'...Part 1, we learned that getting rid of distractions can lead to better sex. However, removing the obvious distractions from the bedroom is only the beginning in removing all the toxic distractions from your relationship. What we need to do is remove all the things that create the shadows, clouding our view, darkening our chances for a more intimate relationship. We need to open our mouths and be open with eachother...

Now, now...Don't go running away just yet!

This is truly an important part of every relationship. And it's even more important to be able to talk openly and honestly with the one you have relations with... There's no better sex to be had than that sex with someone you can truly be yourself.

You can say what you want to, need to, and they not only return the favor, but don't run away or laugh in your face. It's totally freeing to be with someone that knows you, inside and out, and still they love you - like you - and still want to be with you.

It's totally mind blowing to be in such a relationship. The result: mind blowing sex! Yes, it's there, you just have to do the work.

And the work is tough. I know, I've been there.

You either grew up in a household that didn't talk openly and freely about your feelings or found that people withdrew from you when you did, so you learned to close yourself off to others, pretending to be someone you weren't just to keep the peace and keep everyone around you happy...

And then there are those of us that have been in abusive relationships, learning that sometimes, those who were closest to us were not people whom we could openly trust. Therefore we learned to further close ourselves off, escaping from our realities, trying to make everyone around us happy, expecting that, in turn, it would make us happy...

Only, it doesn't. And it never will. You can't make everyone and everything around you perfect and happy. It just can't be done. The only person you can make happy is yourself. Period. You can't change anyone either, for that matter. Only you can change you.

But we're talking about a relationship here, something that happens between two people. This is where the task becomes doubly-hard because open and honest communication cannot be one-sided. There has to be a constant and consistent effort from both sides to make it work. If one person is still not giving up the ghost: still keeping their feelings to themselves, hiding their emotions, not sharing their opinions, not talking about their doubts, not sharing nor following their dreams, there will never be the freeing experience that is necessary for self-expression.

Picture this...
You're in bed/on the couch/on top of the washer-dryer/on the kitchen counter top/on the dinning room table/in the back of the car/(insert your favorite 'get busy' spot here), cranking up the heat, getting your groove on, gettin' busy...and all around you are these things, all this unfinished business. Instead of bouncing around with your lover, you have all these things bouncing around in your head.

...Did he notice how much that comment hurt my feelings?
...She never apologies for anything...why?
...Why don't we talk anymore? We used to be so open with eachother...

These questions, looming around in the room, get in the way of true intimacy, true freedom. If you want to have better sex, it only comes with the high price of total disclosure. And honestly, what have you got to loose? Someone that you can't talk to? Someone you are afraid will leave you if they find out where your true passions lie? Why would you want to be with someone like that? Don't you deserve a wonderful relationship with someone who not only gets you, loves you unconditionally, but actually still wants to be with you, because they enjoy knowing you and getting to know what you're all about?

Think on these things for a while...


Then try this following exercise:
Read these following words, out loud, very, very s-l-o-w-l-y...

OPEN YOUR MOUTH

How did that feel? Do it again, and this time REALLY open your mouth, magnifying each and every syllable.

OPEN YOUR MOUTH

That is exactly what you have to do from now on if you want a better life, better relationships, better sex: Opening your mouth.

No more secrets. No more hiding your dreams in the closet. No more wondering.

Share your ideas!

Talk about your dreams and your aspirations!
Ask all the questions that pop up in your mind!
What have you got to loose?

It's up to you to start the conversations.

Get to work!


oh, and stay tuned for Good Lovin'...Part 3: Secret Indulgences...

Roman à clef: My "Novel with a Key"

In the midst of editing and writing up query letters for agents/editors, I needed some way to explain that the book is part fiction, part true story, sort of an autobiographical fiction.

However, I think I might use the term: Roman à clef

"A roman à clef or roman à clé (French for "novel with a key") is a novel describing real life, behind a façade of fiction. The 'key' is usually a famous figure or, in some cases, the author." Wikipedia

In my mind, I know which parts are fiction, which are true. But it will be interesting to watch others try to decipher which is which. Or, in the case of my characters, who is who...

My Writing Advice for the Day...

...You have an idea and, as stunned as you are, you have time to write…so just do it: Write! And just keep going, from beginning to end. You have a general idea of where the story is going, so keep writing and don’t keep going back and edit. Keep up the momentum…get to "THE END".

...I love writing this way because, after a while, my characters will tell me what they like and which way they want to go - eventually. I could have drawn up the best character development plan at the beginning, but by the middle of the story, their true personality comes out and everything gets turned upside down…and for the better!

...I LOVE LOVE LOVE listening to my characters talk in my head…all day long sometimes. Their conversations with each other, what they want, like, dislike…it’s a writer’s thing, not necessarily something you tell other people…that you hear ‘conversations’…

...get some writer-buddies…surround yourself with like minded people, even if they are of a different genre. I found a local writer’s group - they're romance writers - and although I’m not, some of the meetings have good info/advice and sometimes I get free books.

…oh, and editing…oh, the joy…First read straight through it, if you can, without editing. Then go back in and start chopping away! Do this about 5-10 times, start to finish, and then let a writer-buddy read it if you're brave! While you are reading it, take notes - either on the manuscript or on a different pad of paper - and jot down notes to yourself like:

What day is it supposed to be?
How did she get to the beach?
This doesn’t make sense…fix!
This is dumb...delete!

...And then, after you’ve read through it, make the changes and then do it again…and again…and again…until you’ve answered all those questions and can’t think of any more to say…

...and that's my writing advice for the day...

Making your home "Walk In Ready"

by Lia Mack

Being a stay-at-home mom of a 2 and 5 year old, my home never stays orderly and clean. At first I tried to maintain perfect order and cleanliness and just about drove myself insane! Then I decided to let it all go. I mean, honestly, why bother picking up the same pillows, blankets, toys, and dishes, just to have to pick them up 20, 30, 40 more times in the same day, only to go to bed with the house re-destroyed?

If you just let your house go, it's a hell of a job to get it into OK order if someone is coming over that you know about.

However! If your family and friends are like mine and most of your visitors are totally unannounced, aka: you haven't an idea that someone is coming, let alone have time to clean, until they are on your door step?!?! You need a plan...

Besides reciting your mantra to calm down and refocus, I've come up with a sure-fire way to have my house look better than it is at first sight.

I call it the Walk In Ready method.

1. First, you have to get the chaos in order. This method calls for a walkable floor area, at least to some sort of seating.
   
   
2. Once you have that done, it won't matter if all the toys and books in the house come crashing down while you have a visitor: All the adult areas are taken care of. The idea behind this: Toys are just toys and they don't lend themselves to an idea that the house is dirty. There is no helping it. The kids will be kids and their toys are their toys.
   
   
3. Ok, so next, stand at your front door and look in, as though you were an outsider walking in. What's the first thing you see? For me, it's the family room (oh, crap...) So my task was to find some way to hide the chaos and instill a sense of cleanliness and order for my guests. I make sure that the blanket and pillows on the couch that you see when you first walk in are in order (this requires me to straighten them numerous times a day, but I like at least something to look nice!) I also have a coffee table that has nice orderly looking bins placed in a line underneath. Who cares that they are filled with junk, toys, and whatnot. They, at first glance, look nice. This is key: the illusion of order ;)
   
   
4. Next, is the beds. Yes, I know, I know. I hate making beds too. Just make them: It doesn't have to be perfect, it just have to be done (that is another one of my mantras.) A messy room doesn't look 1/100th as messy as it really is if the bed is made. Go, try it yourself. Your room, your child's room..it's a mess, right? Well, make the bed and then look at it again. Now it looks like it was fixed up but, with during the day of play, it's gotten some toys on the floor. But it still looks nice. Thus, the illusion continues!
   
   
5. Ok, finally, and this might be a hard one, is the kitchen sink. It doesn't even have to be spotless, just not filled to the rim with a week's worth of food encrusted nasty dishes. Ewe, gross! Your kitchen counters can be unorganized, the tables still with breakfast plates, but if your sink is empty or almost empty, it gives the illusion that it's all a work in progress.

It's pretty simple. At no given time is my house perfect, if there were such a thing as pefect. I've got laundry in progress, dishes cleaning and getting dirty constantly, the floors need to be done, and I don't recall the last time I dusted...However, at first glance, it's all good. It's totally Walk in Ready right now, even though my foyer has toys in it, there are a pair of socks on the front lawn, and the kids have orange peels all over the kitchen table.

It still looks OK because the beds are made (not perfect, just done), the dishwasher is running (a sign of progress), and the pillows on the couch are just that (STILL on the couch, not on the floor). I have a pretty good idea that, if given the chance to have company and I actually get to SIT DOWN and TALK to this person, my home's order will suffer.

But not for long, as another one of my mantras will come into play: if you make the mess, you clean it up! And that's another post for another day...how to get kids to pick up after themselves...oh, boy...

All About Mommy...Answers from the Kids

Cut and paste these questions and ask YOUR kids for their answers....

I love stuff like this :)
Answers are from my 2 and 5 year old...

1. What is something mom always says to you? *shoulder shrug* / I love you.

2. What makes mom happy? Love / Love

3. What makes mom sad? *shoulder shrug* / people being mad at you

4. How does your mom make you laugh? *giggles* / Jumping like a bunny rabbit

5. What was your mom like as a child? *giggles* / a nice kid

6. How old is your mom? 2 / um...I don't know...I don't know yet...how old are you?

7. How tall is your mom? Big! / 32 inches

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Work / Watch us

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Dance / Work, write.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Dancing / President!

11. What is your mom really good at? *shoulder shrug* / Cooking good food

12. What is your mom not very good at? *shoulder shrug* / Chopping down a tree with a chainsaw.

13. What does your mom do for a job? Working out / watch us

14. What is your mom's favorite food? Tummy Yummies / Veggies

15. What makes you proud of your mommy? *giggles* / Loving us

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Clifford, Big Red Dog / "Emma" in Aaron Stone

17. What do you and your mom do together? Dance / Running with us.

18. How are you and your mom the same? Mommy, I big and you big. / We're not the same.

19. How are you and your mom different? *shoulder shrug* / My mom works, we play all day.

20. How do you know your mom loves you? *hugs* / Because I feel it in my heart.

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? *shoulder shrug* / The Amigos (a Mexican Restaurant)


Copied and pasted from a friend on facebook ;)

Good Lovin'...Part 1: What is that doing here?!

I'm starting a mini-series of sorts about how to have better sex because, quite frankly, it's good for your health, good for the planet, and good for your relationships (yes, if you have better sex, toxic people won't piss you off as much anymore, if at all). You'll just imagine them NOT having sex and relish in the fact that you are having passionate blissful sex all the time...you'll be able to just smile ;)

So, how to have better sex...

Part 1...

There are quite a few things that you can do to spice things up in the romance department, however, I'm going for the throat on this one. And I'm not going to sugar coat it either. I'm just going to come right out and ask:

Do you have a TV, computer, work papers, exercise equipment in the bedroom?

If the answer is no...great! You get to pass go and collect your $200 (not from me, of course, but you get the picture.)

However...

If your answer is yes - you do have a TV or other distractions in the bedroom - let me ask you another question:

Do you want to have sex?

Because if your answer is YES, then what the hell are you doing watching TV all night when you should be rolling around under the sheets with your hottie? Don't you have a living room with a couch where you can watch TV? I mean, come on people...where are your priorities?!?!

The bedroom is for two things, and both start with the letter S...any ideas?

1. Sleep
2. Sex

And not particularly in that order either. Distractions in the bedroom keep us from not only blissful sleep, but blissful sex. If you want to have better sex, you need to get rid of the distractions in the bedroom.

And TV is the biggest distraction of them all.

"I made the error two years ago when I moved into my house to put a television in the bedroom," says Laura, 36, a marketing executive in Atlanta. "I'd never had a television in the bedroom before, and once you have it, it's hard to get rid of it."

Other distractions in the bedroom... 

"You should also get rid of computers, paperwork, exercise equipment—anything that might remind you of other things you could or should be doing after you've gone to bed," says Heath Magazine Online.

So, get to it. You have your assignment. If you want to have better sex, remove the major distractions from your bedroom and, with all the extra time on your hands, enjoy!

However, after you have spent an adequate amount of time enjoying each other properly, you are free to consume as much boob-tube as you like.

But beware:

The more sex you have, the better it gets, and the more you're going to want to have it!

So...get busy tonight! ;)


oh, and stay tuned for Good Lovin'...Part 2: Open Your Mouth!

Alternatives To Punishment

I have this list posted on my fridge as a reminder that there are MANY alternatives to punishment. In tough times we can all get a bit stressed out and forget that we have the responsibility to our children to NOT be the bully they meet on the way to school...

I find these tips REALLY helpful...not in the heat of the moment, but, posted on the fridge, I read them constantly...the one most needed that day always jumps out at me...

The following list is taken from the book Natural Family Living by Peggy O'Mara of Mothering Magazine.

...................................................................................................
Alternatives To Punishment
Copy this list and post it where you can see it, as a constant reminder.

Use positive reinforcement.

Create a positive environment.

Say yes as much as possible.

Save no for the important things.

Use natural consequences.

Use logical consequences.

Use restitution.

Leave it up to your child.

Compromise.

State your expectations, and get out of the way.

Give specific instructions.

Give a reason.

Offer help.

Give a choice.

Redirect your child.

Remove your child.

Make positive statements.

Give in occasionally.

Give your child time to agree.

Simply insist.

Make rules.

Ignore some behavior.

Avoid nagging and threats.

Distract your child.

Use humor.

Make it a game.

Be willing to admit your mistakes.

Stop and think before you act.

Don't make a big fuss over little things.

Stick to routines.

Don't hurry your children too much.

Get to the root of the problem.

Correct one behavior at a time.

Give yourselves time.

Use the golden rule.

Model appropriate behavior.

Think of your child as an equal.

Always keep your love for your child in mind.
...................................................................................................

And the list doesn't stop here. If you have some great tips and ideas, PLEASE share!!!

Whole Roasted Chicken

First of all, you need to find a cage-free, free-range, antibiotic-free, good wholesome chicken, preferably from a local farmer. Go to your local farmer's market and, if there isn't already a vendor there that sells whole chickens, ask around. Chances are most everyone there, vendors and shoppers alike, know of a good local source. If you're lucky, you'll find a local organic farmer who raises their own chickens!

Roasting a whole chicken is by far the simplest way to get a good - no, great - meal with very little effort. Plus, a whole chicken can be spread out to cover more than just one meal. I've made a whole chicken stretch to 5 meals, plus chicken stock! Now, that's using your food money wisely!

What You'll Need

• meat thermometer
• big bowl
• roasting pan

Ingredients

• whole chicken
• olive oil
• honey
• 1/2 onion
• 3-5 cloves garlic
• 3 carrots
• 3 stalks celery
• 3 potatoes
  
• Rosemary
• Thyme
  
• good salt
• pepper
• red pepper flakes (remember, heat = health!)

How To

1. Preheat oven to 375*F
   
2. In a big bowl, soak your chicken in a warm water bath with a good pinch of salt - let sit for 30 minutes
3. drain and place chicken in a roasting pan
4. chop onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes and place around chicken in roasting pan
5. drizzle olive oil over chicken and veggies
6. sprinkle salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over everything (toss the veggies to coat)
7. drizzle honey over chicken
8. sprinkle herbs over everything
9. add about a cup of water into the bottom of the pan
   
10. Pop into oven, bottom shelf, until Meat Thermometer reads 180*F. Usually about 1 - 1.5 hours.
    
11. Take out of oven and let stand for 10 minutes.

Serving & Saving
For dinner that night, serve the legs, wings, thighs. Save the breasts for two separate meals (1/2 for chicken pot pie, 1/2 for something else like chicken quesadillas or a topping to pizza). Or just dig in and then save what's leftover for chicken stock and chicken soup.

Bones
I save all the bones in a zip-lock bag in the freezer labeled "BONES". When I have a full bag, I will use those bones, along with some veggie scraps, to make chicken stock (aka: consomme). This is so much better tasting and better FOR you than what you get at the store. Plus, it's basically free since you have everything. Just boil for a couple hours in water, cool, strain, and store. Keeps in the freezer for months, in the fridge for a week.

Enjoy!

A Bowl of Popcorn, by Lia Mack

It was a Friday night. My dear husband was hard at work, the night shift, and I had the house to myself. Well, technically, I wasn't alone: I was seven months pregnant with my little boy wonder. And we were both in the mood for some crunchy popcorn and a good belly-laughing movie.

Up the stairs I huffed and into the kitchen I started to pull out the necessities: corn kernels, butter, salt, sugar (LOVE sugar on my popcorn), and a big bowl. Patiently I waited, listening to the pop-pop-pop of the hot kernels, imagining each and every bite, salted-sugary-buttered fingers digging in for more, and more.

The baby kicked, I drank down a glass of water, and the dog paced back and forth, knowing in her sweet mind that mommy wouldn't leave her out of the forthcoming delectables. I rushed to the bathroom for one last pit stop so that I could, hopefully, watch the movie in it's entirety without having to heave-ho off of the couch for another pit stop.

Finally, the kernels were all spent, warm and waiting their toppings. Butter, melted down over them, salt and sugar sprinkled in just the right amounts. It was a big turnout, needing a bigger bowl to contain all it's goodness. Pulling out the biggest glass bowl I had, it all fit just right, leaving enough room for one hand to plunge in and take away it's treasures.

Sidestepping the drooling dog, mommy and baby descended the stairs, huge bowl of the most perfect popcorn anyone had ever created lightly resting atop the baby belly, hands ever so carefully holding tight to it's rim lest it fall.

At last, the movie was set, the popcorn perfect, the dog ready to curl up with mommy and the big belly, ready to dash off to retrieve any fallen treats. I was tempted to taste the popcorn, knowing by the aroma that it was going to so good, however I needed one last trip to the bathroom.

"Don't touch that, Marley, ok?" I said to the dog as I rushed down the hallway, however penguin like.

When I came back into the living room everything was as I left it. Breathing out a sigh of relief, I sat on the couch only to realize that the TV tray that the bowl of popcorn was upon was far out of my reclined reach.

Hoisting myself up off the couch, I picked up the edges of the TV tray and slid it closer still to the couch, gauging the distance, hoping for the perfect placement lest I have to drag myself up off the couch again. It had been a long day, working since six in the morning. Mommy just wanted to put up her feet and eat her warm treat.

Assuming it couldn't get any better, the distance and the relaxing night to follow: a romantic comedy staring Meg Ryan, my favorite, and a big beautiful bowl of perfectly buttered popcorn all to myself, I released the TV tray in it's place.

Only, the stupid folding legs of said TV tray had, unknowingly to me since I couldn't see past my big belly, had collapsed, causing the table, popcorn bowl and all, tumbling down on to the ground, crashing with such a slam that the biggest glass bowl I owned turned into a million shards of glass, covering the entire span of the family room, perfectly coated with butter sugar goodness and the last of the popcorn that I had in the house.

The dog lepted off of the couch, ready to devour every last bit.

"NO! Stop! It's glass!" I cried, pushing the popcorn crazy dog out of the room.

Not wanting to face the mess, but knowing I was alone in the house, and would be for at least another three hours, I pulled out the vacuum.

And I cried. And cried. And cried.

My popcorn. My beautiful popcorn, so perfectly buttered and salty-sugary good. Not one piece was spared a shard of glass. Picking buttery glass-sharpened-popcorn out of the carpet I blubbered and cried, squinting hard against the tears to remove it all lest the dog find a piece, eat it, and then I spend the rest of my night in the doggy-emergency room.

Hunger and hormones combined, morning the loss of the best bowl of popcorn to ever be created, I cried three straight hours. Three gut wrenching blubbering hours, until there wasn't strength left in my mind to feel an ounce misery.

However, to this day, I have not made a more perfect bowl of popcorn. And I still need a mega-sized glass bowl...

THE END