Women's History Month

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The true woman will not be exponent of another, or allow another to be such for her. She will be her own individual self... Stand or fall by her own individual wisdom and strength... She will proclaim the "glad tidings of good news" to all women, that woman equally with man was made for her own individual happiness, to develop... every talent given to her by God, in the great work of life.
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Susan B. Anthony ~

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I could not let March go by without mentioning something about "Women's History" - which is one of my absolute favorite subjects as all of the people in my house - painfully at times - know!! So I am just getting it in under the wire - today being March 31st!!

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Each March I take the opportunity to listen to what my group of 4th and 5th grade Girl Scouts know on the subject of "Women's History" and each year I seem to get the same reactions. I mention that there was a time when women could not own property, go to college, or vote. One of the biggest reactions comes when I say that women were - in fact - the property of their husbands and did not have the right to divorce or leave them even if they were treated cruelly and if they did dare to leave -they left with only the clothes on their backs - just like runaway slaves. At this point I usually get a gasp or two and even the occasional look of utter disbelief. I then try to reinforce the fact that they - stand on the shoulders of those women - and are lifted up to a better life as a result. That they should never take their freedoms for granted and that they might like to read about a women of their choice as inspiration. My hope is to inform and embolden them to go out and make this world a better place for everyone with their own unique gifts. I see a sparkle in their eyes as I say these things and I hope that in that moment they really feel all of their potential -- as they remind me of my own.

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( My Daughter With Her Junior Girl Scout Troop)
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One of my personal favorite stories is of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Ken Burns made a wonderful documentary called "Not For Ourselves Alone" - that is so well done and well worth watching!!

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Earth Hour - Saturday March 29th at 8:00 PM

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On March 29 at 8 p.m., switch off your lights for Earth Hour. Millions around the world will be doing the same in a global effort to demonstrate how a simple gesture can have far-reaching benefits for our environment. Join the Earth Hour movement and see the difference 60 minutes can make. From Sydney to San Francisco, the World Wildlife Fund is spearheading this initiative in 25 cities across 6 continents.

Salmon Cakes with Creamy Ginger-Sesame Sauce -- Ellie Krieger

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I'm on an Ellie Krieger cooking frenzy lately. I love her show!! I haven't tried this recipe yet but it's on the menu this week.
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Here is a little bio about her -
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Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian, an author and a Food Network star. Ellie stands by the statement that being healthy doesn't have to be about depriving yourself of food you love. Being healthy is about eating delicious food, getting active and relieving stress. For Ellie, health is a mind, body and soul experience. Ellie is the host of the Food Network's Healthy Appetite. She was the host for the national, network, syndicated TV show Living Better, and she has appeared as a guest expert on dozens of programs including Today, CNN, CBS's Saturday Early Show, Your Total Health, The Other Half, and The Food Network's In Food Today. She also hosted a live Internet radio show called In Balance with Ellie Krieger.
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Salmon Cakes (Omega 3) with Creamy Ginger-Sesame Sauce
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6 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread
2 (15-ounce) cans salmon, drained, skin and bones removed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
5 scallions 1/2 cup finely chopped canned water chestnuts
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
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Remove crusts from the bread, break into pieces, and process in a food processor until you get a fine bread crumb. In a large bowl, flake apart the salmon with a fork. Add the egg and mix well. Finely chop 4 of the scallions and add to the bowl. Add the water chestnuts, cilantro, pepper, and the bread crumbs and mix well. Shape the mixture into 12 patties.
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In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil over a medium heat. Add 6 patties and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil to the pan, and cook the rest of the salmon cakes, 5 minutes on each side.
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Chop the remaining 1 scallion. Serve salmon cakes with the sauce and garnish with scallion.
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Creamy Ginger-Sesame Sauce
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1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt, or 6 tablespoons nonfat Greek-style yogurt 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce.If using regular yogurt place the yogurt in a strainer lined with a paper towel. Put the strainer over a bowl and thicken for 30 minutes. Place drained yogurt or Greek-style yogurt into a small bowl. Add mayonnaise, ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Whisk until smooth.
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Yield: about 2/3 cup
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving
Calories 396
Carbohydrates 18 g
Total Fat 20 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Protein 35 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 1010 mg
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One note - I am going to serving these salmon cakes atop a bed of organic whole wheat fettuccine noodles - yum...
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Two Clips on the Miniseries - John Adams

I just can't say enough about this wonderful series. I have watched three episodes so far and am just blown away. I've posted two clips (below) I found on You Tube. Enjoy.

John Adams Trailer (HBO)

John Adams HBO

HBO's John Adams

(Laura Linney as Abigail Adams and Paul Giamatti as John Adams)
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HBO has a new miniseries - John Adams. It is just the most amazing series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by David McCullough by the same name. The miniseries also explores the extraordinary relationship between Abigail and John Adams - his wife of 54 years and is regarded as one of the most moving love stories in American history.
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This review I found says it all -
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HBO's John Adams a Masterpiece
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LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Although John Adams is not exactly forgotten among the Founding Fathers, compared to many of the others, he hasn't received his due. Perhaps his appearance belied his valor. Whereas Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and others cut dashing figures, Adams was round-faced and pudgy. Nor was he particularly distinguished for his oratory, wit or tact. Even today, his face can't be found on currency.
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With Adams, though, there was a lot more than met the eye. Historian David McCullough, who set out to write a book on Adams and Jefferson, initially feared that Adams would scarcely hold his own against his Virginia colleague. Once the research started, though -- and particularly after reading hundreds of letters between Adams and his wife, Abigail -- McCullough shifted his focus. His book, and the meticulously faithful HBO miniseries, create an honest and stunning portrait of one of America's most tireless patriots.

Easter Vacation

Easter vacation is here at last. I will return to my blog Tuesday, March 25th.
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(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)_

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_____________Have A Happy Easter!!

Easter, Chocolate, and Toothbrushes

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March 23rd is fast approaching - yikes!! Time to get moving. My kids - along with their basket filled with chocolates - always get a new/cool toothbrush and toothpaste from the Easter Bunny. As a result they think that somehow the Easter Bunny is linked with the American Dental Association. My youngest has reasoned that it's because he has such big teeth and needs to keep them really clean. Along with all the excitement of chocolate bunnies and egg hunts my kids have also been discussing - believe it or not - the arrival of new toothbrushes.

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This year I think we will be going with the Braun Oral-B toothbrushes and Green People Children's Organic Toothpaste.

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Pancakes - Small Changes, Big Results

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Whole Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients
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3/4 cup(s) flour, all-purpose
3/4 cup(s) flour, whole-wheat
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg(s)
3/4 cup(s) milk, fat-free
1 cup(s) buttermilk, low-fat
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup(s) strawberry sauce (recipe below)
16 ounce(s) strawberries, fresh (2 pints) or hulled, or 4 cups frozen strawberries, unsweetened, thawed
1 teaspoon lemon juice, fresh
2 tablespoon maple syrup, pure
sugar, powdered, (optional)
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For the Pancakes:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In medium bowl, beat together the eggs, nonfat milk, buttermilk, honey, and vanilla.
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Preheat a large nonstick griddle or skillet over a medium-low flame.
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Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing only enough to combine them. The batter will be somewhat lumpy. Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to ladle the batter onto the griddle or skillet.
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Flip the pancake when it is golden brown on the bottom and bubbles are forming on top, about 1 1/2 minutes. Cook the other side until golden brown, about another 1 1/2 minutes. Keep the pancakes warm in the oven as you finish cooking the remaining ones.
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For the Strawberry Sauce:
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Place the strawberries in a food processor and process them into a chunky puree. Transfer them to a small saucepan over a low flame and heat just until they are warm. Stir in the lemon juice and maple syrup.
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Ladle about 1/3 cup of the strawberry sauce onto each plate, place the pancakes on top, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if using, and serve.
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Makes twelve 4-inch pancakes and 1 1/3 cups strawberry sauce.
Serving size: 3 pancakes and 1/3 cup sauce.
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Nutrition Facts
Number of servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 3.5 g
Sat Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg
Sodium: 420 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 59 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 13 g
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Recipe Courtesy of - Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger

Flower Arrangements in Eggshells

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Checking through Martha's site for inspiration I came across this flower arrangement for Easter. Too cute.

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Hollowed-out eggshells make naturally beautiful vases for tiny flower arrangements. Break an egg at the top of its shell, drain the contents, and carefully rinse out the inside. Next, fill the empty shell with room-temperature water and place it in an eggcup for stability. Finally, insert small cuttings of your favorite blossoms (we used lilacs, lily of the valley, and violas). Individually or grouped together in a centerpiece, these tiny arrangements make a wonderful addition to the place settings at your table.

Bathing Alfresco

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I love the idea of a outdoor bathtub - not a jacuzzi or hot tub with all it's chemicals but an actual tub. To be used in the same way as a hot tub - for relaxing. The idea of this began some years ago after a trip to the spa -where I soaked outdoors in a beautiful copper bathtub much like the one seen below. Pure heaven. Another great thing is when your done you can irrigate nearby flora and fauna.

The Hot New Bulb

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This is a great item I found in the March issue of Domino Magazine. I haven't quite been able to make the switch to fluorescent bulbs. The garage is one thing but giving up the soft lighting of our home has stopped me dead in my tracks. I've also heard about the mercury issue that goes along with fluorescent bulbs. This just might be the solution I've been searching for.

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LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) which offer a warmer and more pleasant glow than fluorescents and are poised for an illumination takeover. The Department of Energy estimates that their widespread use could cut energy consumption 29 percent by 2025. Plus they don't contain the mercury that's been an issue in the disposal of compact fluorescents.

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Suns Dusk accent bulb $14.95 at CCRANES.COM

Kitchen Garden Design

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The information below --I found on-line at eHow and the above book -- The Four-Square: A Classic Kitchen Garden Design, by John D. Simpson - were the two very helpful tools in organizing the plans for my new kitchen garden.

Work begins this weekend and I can hardly wait!!
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Visualize Your Dream Garden

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Step 1:
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Study your intended planting area. How much sun does it get? Most vegetables and herbs and many flowers perform their best when they get at least 10 hours a day of sun (what the garden books describe as 'full sun'). Some, however, will tolerate partial sun - six hours a day - though they may not produce as abundantly.

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Step 2:

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Decide what purpose your garden will serve. Do you want a source of food and flowers for a large family and a steady stream of guests? Or for two, with a little extra for occasional visitors?

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Step 3:

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Do some research. Read some of the many books and magazines devoted to beautiful food gardens and study the pictures. Note the ones that appeal to you and why. Or, visit a botanical garden or horticulture school that has an ornamental kitchen garden - many do these days. Call first before heading out; if they don't have one, they can probably steer you to one that's close by.

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Step 4:

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Think realistically about how much time you want to spend tending your garden. Decide on a size you think you can handle comfortably, then reduce it by a third. (You can always enlarge it later.)

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Step 5:

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Decide on the plants you want to grow. Again, books and a few rounds of garden touring will help you decide. Think particularly in terms of heirloom plants. These older, often ancient, varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs are almost always more flavorful than modern hybrids and often more colorful as well; the flowers are usually more fragrant, too.

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Plunge In

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Step 1:

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Determine the garden design (or combination of several designs) that appeals to you, and sketch its outlines on paper. You needn't draw it to scale; simply note the dimensions.

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Step 2:

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Remove any sod covering and prepare the site for planting.
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Step 3:

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'Draw' your design on your planting site, next, using all-purpose flour. Sizes and shapes look different on the ground than they do on paper, so play with the spaces until you're happy with them (just brush away the flour and start over).

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Step 4:

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Mark the outlines you like in more lasting form. If your design consists primarily of straight lines, it's easy to use stakes and twine to indicate the edges of your beds; for curves and free form shapes, use a spade or lawn-edging tool to mark the ground.

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Step 5:

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Erect any fences, walls or trellises, and lay out paths - whether of brick, sod or gravel - before you plant.

Day Off

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No post today... as it is my birthday and this sunny (almost spring) weather is calling my name!!

My Kitchen Garden

(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

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I have been designing my "kitchen garden" for about a month now on and off - making sketches and measurements. We took out a huge chunk of cement in our backyard which created a whole new space of possibilities. I am also now ready to begin ordering this years seeds.

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The definition of a kitchen garden is a source of herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers, but it is also a structured garden space. Although, I don't like too much structure. It has to be well thought out - but I love when a garden looks like it grew in that one spot - as if by magic.

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Sources -

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Organic Consumers Association

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Seeds Of Change

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Garden Harvest

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Organica Seed

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(Know of any other great seed sources? Please leave a comment.)

Free Rice Donation

(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

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My 4th grade daughter heard about this website from her teacher. Free Rice is a vocabulary testing game that adjusts itself to your level of language skill - the more questions you get right, the harder the questions. But the main point of the game is that for each question you get right 10 grains of rice are donated to the United Nations to help end world hunger. It doesn't sound like a lot, but the more that you play, the bigger the donation will be.

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