Saturday, February 27, 2010

Food, glorious food

The other day I came across this online article. Since I thought it was a pretty good one, I’m sharing it on here.

I’ll admit it. I’ve made many of these mistakes. Some I still do on a consistent basis (such as #9 – being too casual about measuring ingredients). Others are mistakes I didn’t know I was making (#17 – letting meat rest before serving). Thankfully, there are several that I have learned over the years – and have actually followed.

Some might say that I’ve gotten picky about my food. I like to think it is more that I now have a better understanding of the quality of ingredients. While there are some items that I will buy off brand or generic, there are many that I refuse to go cheap. Over the past few years the items in my freezer and pantry have changed dramatically. Yes, you will still find ice cream and chocolate. But, you will find almost no frozen meals, unless they are ones that I made from scratch. You will also be hard-pressed to find a can of vegetables or soup. My list of foods that I’ll buy in a can keeps dwindling.

These changes have actually changed my tastes. Recently I bought a box of store brand sugar coated puffed wheat cereal (similar to Super Golden Crisp). This once was my favorite kids’ cereal. Yet, when I went to eat a bowl of the cereal, the mass quantities of sugar (and high fructose corn syrup) was very irritating to my mouth and tongue. Yikes! Now the only cereals I buy are Kashi brands (and the like)…and rice krispy types for those yummy rice krispy treats.

There are substitutions I no longer make. I bake with unsalted butter, never margarine. I use canola or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Often I make my own salad dressings instead of buying bottled Italian or honey mustard dressings. It’s easy and much more delicious. I rarely buy pre-frozen meat anymore, opting to buy just what I need fresh from the meat counter (and letting it set at room temperature for a bit before I cook it).

These changes make for meals that are better tasting and maybe even a bit healthier, too.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Knitting update

On the 12th I finally finished knitting the hat for my coworker. I know. It took long enough! I do have one pic to show off my lovely handiwork.


The recipient of the hat was very happy with it and remarked that it is quite soft.

Now...on to other knitting projects.

I have been working a little here and there on a scarf using the same type of yarn (100 % baby alpaca/Andean treasure from knitpicks.com) in a heather green type color.

The other day I received an email from that website. Those evil designers came up with something that I couldn't resist. I tried. I really did. I waited about a week before asking a friend to add it to her order.

I don't have kids, and may never have them, but I do know a lot of people who are doing the whole being fruitful and multiplying thing, so these patterns are going to be great for gifts. If...and that is a somewhat big if - I can figure out how the knit the evilly adorable things.




I'm not sure, but I think my ovaries even squealed about the evil cuteness.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Relax with wax

The scent of sweet vanilla and of soothing lavender. The clarifying scent of eucalyptus and mint. Aromatherapy. In the broad definition, it is the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being. Often, with the use of essential oils, it is associated with a more natural and organic way of life.

Gold Canyon’s Essentially Soy Aromatherapy™ candles
contain a therapeutic blend of essential fragrance oils in a soy wax blend, and are the strongest burning soy candles on the market.

Awaken- Eucalyptus Mint
Essential Oils: Cornmint, Lemon Extract
Description: A sparkling combination of earthy eucalyptus and fresh citrus lemon complete this high-energy fragrance created to awaken and energize the body and spirit.

Harmony- Lavender Vanilla
Essential Oils: Lavender
Description: Achieve balance and harmony with the clean, relaxing aroma of fresh lavender essential oils warmed by touches of vanilla.

Refresh- Herbal Spearmint
Essential Oils: Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Peppermint
Description: Let the icy mint blend engulf your mind, body and spirit giving you a refreshing spark of energy and hope.

Relaxing- Lavender & Chamomile
Essential Oils: Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood
Description: The tranquil aroma of lavender, chamomile and sandalwood offers a refreshing respite while creating a relaxing ambience.

Revitalize – Wild Peppermint Leaf
Essential Oils: Cool Peppermint, Wild Mint
Description: A rejuvenating fusion of cool peppermint, wild mint and Japanese mint essential oils gives an instant boost in mood and mind.

Romantic- Mimosa Rose
Essential Oils: Rose, Violet, Jasmine, Mimosa, Petitgrain
Description: The heart of pure romance is captured in the unique blend of rose, violet, jasmine and mimosa to collectively create a tender, sweet fragrance to caress the senses and calm the spirit.

Sensual- Sandalwood Jasmine
Essential Oils: Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine
Description: Enhance life‘s romance and passion by indulging the senses with the warm, seductive essence of sandalwood, ylang ylang and jasmine to create an intensely sensual experience.

Serenity- Watery Geranium
Essential Oils: Geranium, Orange Extract, Clove Leaf, Cedarwood, Bois de Rose, Cananga
Description: This youthful symphony of fresh floral, citrus orange and fruity Bois de Rose compose this calming bouquet of peaceful and serene essential oils.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Spring is in the air

Although the snow keeps coming down in my corner of Ohio, I’m thinking ahead to Spring. This isn’t because I am sick of snow already. Truly, I’m not. I love snow…at least between December 1 and March 1.

No, I am thinking ahead to Spring because it’s time to start ordering seeds for the garden. Last year was my first real attempt at major gardening. Major for me, at least. My dad puts in a massive garden every year. He always plants more than is needed. I’m not sure, but I think he could feed a small village.

Additionally, he starts a lot of his plants – namely tomatoes – from seeds kept from previous years. Last year I was the first time I started plants from seeds. I was so very excited when they grew. I was also quite peeved when the Japanese Beetles nearly decimated my basil (and a few other plants) and when the slugs attacked my tomatoes. The beetles were ever so unlovingly referred to as “those little bastards”. They still are.

I didn’t prep my garden this fall like I had wanted to. That’s somewhat the way it goes with me. I’m full of good intentions. Regardless, I think it will work out OK in the long run. First, though, the two or so feet of snow needs to melt. Just not all at once. Flooding isn’t really desirable, yanno?

A short list of what I am considering for this year’s garden:

Herbs
  • Dill
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Thyme
  • Parsley
  • Mint
  • Chives

Vegetables
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber


Fruit
  • Strawberries
  • Black raspberries
  • Peaches (?) – We have a tree in front. It produced fruit a couple years ago. Need to look in to that more.

I think it is safe to say that I need a bigger yard.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Sale on select previous catatlog items

These items from the previous catalog are on sale! Limited quantities available. Prices listed are in US currency.

Candles

Heritage Candles

Cinnamon Garland
5 ounce $6.38
8 ounce $9.58

Days of Christmas
5 ounce $6.38
8 ounce $9.58

Gingerbread House
5 ounce $6.38
8 ounce $9.58
16 ounce $12.78

Harvest Hearth
16 ounce $12.78

Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen
5 ounce $6.38
8 ounce $9.58

Mulled Harvest
8 ounce $9.58

Peppermint Bark
5 ounce $6.38
8 ounce $9.58

Pumpkin Pie
5 ounce $6.38

Pure Linen
8 ounce $9.58

Spiced Eggnog
8 ounce $9.58

Bella Candles

Cinnamon
8 ounce $11.18

Fresh Denim
8 ounce $11.18

Frosted Woodland
8 ounce $11.18

Holiday Wreath
8 ounce $11.18

Pumpkin Pie
16 ounce $14.38

Toffee Drizzled Popcorn
8 ounce $11.18
16 ounce $14.38

Scent Pod

Toffee Drizzled Popcorn
$4.78

Votives

Cozy Christmas
4 pack $5.98

Cranberry Orange
4 pack $5.98

Spruce and Citrus
4 pack $5.98

Specialty/Novelty Candles

Coconut Pecan Brittle
13 ounce $12.78

Cinnamon Garland
14 ounce $13.58

Spiced Eggnog
14 ounce $13.58

Candy Corn
15.5 ounce $14.38

Spiced Gumdrop
15.5 ounce $14.38

O' Tannenbaum
16 ounce $14.38

Pumpkin Pie
19 ounce $15.98




Holders

Winter/Christmas

Candy Cane Columns
(Set of 2)
$17.24

Season for Sharing
$7.99

The Magic of the Season
$7.99

Snow Bear Hugger
$3.50

Snow Bear Votive (Set of 2)
$4.50

Halloween

Cobweb Candlewrap
$6.49

Eerie Eyes Cauldron
$12.49

Peek-a-Boo Lantern
$2.25

Everyday

Gold Leaf Floret
$20.74


Pod Warmer

Jolly Snowman
$14.99

Gold Canyon Party Perks

Gold Canyon Party Perks (as advertised on Facebook)- Snow Storm Extension

My party was canceled due to the snow, so I am extending my Party Perks for a few more days!

Place an order before midnight, Sunday, February 14, and be entered into a drawing for one of these great prizes:
  • Free Shipping on a future party order!
  • $10 in Free GC products
  • Free 5 ounce Heritage candle of your choice!

Spend over $50 ...and receive an extra entry for each additional $25 in orders!

Take advantage of the sale on previous catalog items (see list in another post).

See if you Strike it Gold with the current customer promotion! Every 26 ounce Heritage candle (current scents only) has an Instant Bonus Offer featuring discounts, free shipping and more. Plus you can be a golden coin winner of $5,000!!

Contact me today to place your order!

Monday, February 8, 2010

snow daze

hrm. so I've been a lazy blogger again. Obviously I didn't make daily blogging a habit. I guess it takes me more than the three weeks or so to develop a habit.

Anyhow...

This weekend brought a ton of snow to our area, and rumor has it we are to expect more within the next few days. Yay. Snow! I do love snow. I don’t, however, even remotely enjoy worrying about the hubby as he is driving through that kind of weather. I also don't like having to cancel my Gold Canyon party due to the craptastic roads.


Spike isn’t too keen on the snow. He thinks he wants to go out, but he really doesn’t. He doesn’t even try to catch snowflakes anymore.


I should probably make sure to take home a few of the books in my office so I have reading material if we are snowed in again this week. Maybe that "to be read" pile will finally go down a bit.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Nablopomo

It's a new month, therefore a new theme for Nablopomo (ties). I'm not participating this time, but do hope that by posting so much last month I can keep the momentum going.

While reading some of my various blog subscriptions, I noticed that several mentioned a comment challenge that they participated in this past January. What a great idea! I think I need to challenge myself to commenting more and lurking less.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Candle Care 101 – Cleaning (and reusing) candle jars

You’ve burned down to the safety wick of your Gold Canyon candle. Now what can you do with that jar?

First off, clean it! You can melt the wax in the jar by putting it in a low temperature oven. I find, though, that the wax is soft enough to easily dig out using the wick dipper.


Once you’ve removed the majority of the wax, use the Gold Canyon Wax Remover on the jar. Put some in the jar and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.


Then thoroughly wipe the jar, eliminating the excess wax and remover.

The wax has been removed from this jar.


Next spray the inside of the jar with the Gold Canyon Rosemary Mint All Purpose Cleaner. Using a clean towel or napkin, thoroughly wipe the inside of the jar.


Your jar is now clean and ready to be used for another purpose.!

Currently I am using four different jars (a five ounce Heritage, a 26 ounce Heritage, an 8 ounce Bella and an 11 ounce Comforts of Home) as candy jars. You can use the larger jars, such as the 26 ounce Heritages or the Baking Line, for “mixes in a jar” recipes. There are many ways to recycle the leftover jars!