An Outbox...I need one!

At Apartment Therapy, they've started the January Cure...daily posts to get people started on cleaning out, freshening up and revamping their homes.  

Anyone around here (besides me!) that needs to do that?

Day 2 is all about the OUTBOX.  Yes, I've read about having your "exit" strategy set up...a handy box for donations, ready to be filled as you declutter and then promptly removed from the house.  

The Outbox is a little different, however.  It's a type of halfway house - you can put anything in, but it has to stay there at least one week.  Then you can decide to give away, throw away, recycle OR KEEP that item! 

Sometimes, when I declutter, things just never make it into the donation box...maybe I can find another use for it, or I'll need it some day...  

Putting things into an Outbox is a different approach.  Separate out these questionable items now.  No stress; no worry.  Feel what it's like to live without that item for a week or two, then make the final decision.

Is this approach for everyone?  Maybe not, but it would probably help a fence sitter like me!  What about you?

# 86 Two great gadgets from Oxo

Oxo tools make a difference.  It's so frustrating working with a gadget that's uncomfortable or doesn't do the job.

Oxo Good Grips Peeler

My Oxo Good Grips peeler is at least 15 years old.  Still looks like new, works like a charm, fits my hand well and I can peel potatoes until the cows come home!  (No cows involved...just an expression!)

Oxo Small Scoop

My latest gadget is an Oxo cookie scoop. I chose the smallest of three sizes.

It easily handled making Soft Ginger Snaps (sticky, soft dough) and also my Chocolate Chip Shortbread (firm dough).  Uniform shape and size, quick and clean - great tool : )

(This is an unsolicited opinion.)

# 85 Rogers Porridge Oats...yum!

Just want to share a great "new to me" product we found in the cereal aisle...

Rogers Porridge Oats...

...oat flakes, oat bran, wheat bran, flaxseed...period.

No additives.  

High fibre.

Compared to regular cooked oatmeal, I would use the adjective "rustic"...in a tasty way.  

Have it as porridge, like we have each morning: 

1/3 cup oats

2/3 cup water

Microwave for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring once.

Add a dollop of yogurt and sliced banana.

Or... 

You can use it when making my (favourite) oatmeal muffins... the oat and wheat bran and flaxseed = "good stuff"!

Maggie's Oatmeal Muffins

# 84 Chocolate Chip Shortbread

One of my favourite shortbread recipes, today's treat is from Jean Pare's Cookies (1988).  I always make a batch at Christmas but also enjoy them at other times of the year.   

Chocolate Chip Shortbread

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

Mix by hand or in a sturdy mixer until it forms a ball.

1 cup milk chocolate chips

Mix in chocolate chips.

Roll into one inch balls and arrange on ungreased cookie sheet.

Press balls with fork.

Bake at 325 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes.

Makes 5 dozen.

Check out Weekend Potluck # 48

for this recipe and other yummy treats!

# 83 Birds and Butts

I don't smoke.

I have never smoked.

I've never had anything positive to say about smoking...

...until today.

The University of Mexico in Mexico City has released a study on birds, nests and cigarette butts.

Apparently, birds that feather their nests with used cigarette butts are able to rid their nests of parasitic mites.  

Note to birds: Unsmoked butts do not work nearly as well. They don't contain (sucked up) nicotine.

There's more!!

Tobacco plants are often grown to protect crops by fending off plant-eating insects.  They are also grown to help control parasites where poultry is housed.

Amazing!

# 82 The Coup...a great restaurant, a great cookbook

Get any cookbooks for Christmas?

Here's one my daughter gave me...it's from a great vegetarian restaurant, The Coup, on 17th Avenue in Calgary, Alberta.

She LOVES the restaurant AND the cookbook.

Tucked in with the book was a Coup recipe - Maple Balsamic Dijon dressing - yum!  Simple to make in a food processor, it includes:

2 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

90 ml maple syrup

60 ml olive oil

1/2 cup water

I've already tagged some recipes to try...

...Indian Banana Spice Smoothie

...Cashew Yam Burgers (my daughter's favourite)

...Beatnuts Pate...

Hungry yet?

# 81 Happy New Year

Do you make resolutions?  Fess up!  

  

"Top Ten" for 2012 were:

1. Lose weight.
2. Get organized.
3. Spend less. Save more.
4. Stay fit, healthy.
5. Learn something exciting.
6. Quit smoking.
7. Help others accomplish their dreams.
8. Fall in love.
9. Spend more time with family.

If you were one of the 8% who actually kept or accomplished your 2012 resolution... good for you!

If you're like the rest of us, recycling a resolution can be "a good thing".

According to the University of Scranton, people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't.

Go ahead... commit!