Happy New Year!

   Hey there again, everyone! It is a brand new year now, so, let's start off by saying, "Happy New Year!!" Now, with that out of the way, did we all make resolutions? And seeing how it is almost February, how many of us are still sticking to them? ;) Hey, at least we try, right? Ahhhh, I wanted to start my new year with a supposed quote from Coco Chanel:

   "I don't care what you think about me. I don't think about you at all."

    I have decided to take a fresh, new outlook. An new outlook, as well as carry myself differently. And it all starts with self-respect and self-love. One cannot love another until they love themselves. I mean, of course I have the usual goals; exercise more, eat less . . . But, isn't there something out there more important than that? Something with more depth?? Something spiritual. I want to love myself more, to then love others more. I want to resonate a patience with my fellow man and glide through the days unscathed by the negativity, jadedness, and ego. I want to have confidence in myself, in my decisions, and be proud of who I am. I wish for congruence, inside and out. Show sterness when needed, and that I will not be manipulated or walked on. But! To soften my gaze and open my heart, as well. I wish to further my  relationship with the divine. May that be God, Buddha, whichever name you choose . . . I don't want to offend anyone here. Bow my head in appreciation and humility, speak less, read more. Desire less. When I shop, buy earth-friendly, read where my clothes actually come from. Spend money to help others. I could go on, but, these are where I would like to get started. So, thanks to all who read, and I hope you have a wonderful evening. Shall we do one day at a time, one moment at a time?

Xo
  Rachel

Easy Homemade Chicken And Dumplings!

Hi again everyone! I was thinking, since it is raining and cold out, how better to warm up than to come home to a bubbling bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings! MMM! It's so easy to make! If you're looking for a home cooked meal to shake off the cold, quick and easy to make, by George, you've found it! :)

Also, I like to use all natural ingredients. Feel free to use whatever brands you like!

Here's what you need:

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4)
bag of frozen peas and carrots (32 oz)
all natural, Immaculate Baking Co. Buttermilk Biscuits (2 cans)
organic cream of celery (12 oz)
organic cream of chicken (12 oz)
organic chicken broth (32 oz)
salt *to taste*
pepper *to taste*
garlic powder *to taste*

In a large pot, dump in cream soups, chicken broth, and frozen vegetables. Turn on lowest heat on stovetop. Then, open both cans of biscuits. Seperate each biscuit. Now, per biscuit, tear into fourths. Roll up each 1/4 piece into a doughy ball. Drop all dough balls into pot. Tearing and rolling the biscuits take a little bit 'o' time now. Cook heat on low, and stir as needed. Not too much or else the balls with tear apart. Now it's time to cook the chicken! Bake all 4 chicken breasts at 350 for aproximately 35 minutes. Once chicken in done, cut all breasts into bite size pieces. Dump chicken pieces into pot. Turn up the heat on medium, place lid on, and cook for about 30 additional minutes, stiring to keep from sticking to bottom of pot. Add salt, pepper and garlic powder to tase. Viola! Yummy goodness! Xo!

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Just in time for Thanksgiving! This turned out great!! No one could even tell is was turkey, the only thing that was off was the colour of the meat. MMMM! We loved it! I got it from Good Housekeeping's website one day googling. Here's the stats:

(per serving)

Calories	230
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	500mg
Total Carbohydrate	11g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	n/a
Protein	25g
Calcium	--

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Yields: 8 main-dish servings

So! Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

U.S.

• 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 2 stalk(s) celery, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove(s) garlic, crushed with press
• 2 pound(s) lean ground turkey
• 3/4 cup(s) (from 1 1/2 slices bread) fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup(s) fat-free milk
• 1 tablespoon(s) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup(s) ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon(s) Dijon mustard

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Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, in oil, cook celery and onion on medium 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Transfer vegetables to large bowl; cool slightly.
2. To bowl with vegetables, add turkey, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg whites, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; mix with hands until well combined but not overmixed. In cup, mix Dijon and remaining 1/4 cup ketchup.
3. In 13" by 9" metal baking pan, shape meat mixture into 9" by 5" loaf. Spread ketchup mixture over top of loaf.
4. Bake meatloaf 55 to 60 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center reaches 160 degrees F. (Temperature will rise to 165 degrees F upon standing.)
5. Let meatloaf stand 10 minutes before removing from pan to set juices for easier slicing. Transfer meatloaf to platter and cut into slices to serve.

Super easy to make and very good! Delicious!

Meet Kali

'Just a little info to personalize this blog a bit, here is our dog! This is Kali. (Pronounced Kah-Lee). This beautiful pup was named after a form of martial arts called Eskrima, coming from the Phillipines. It is weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, etc. She is as much adorable as she is a complete spaz. She plays fetch with herself, wakes up everyday at 7am (sigh), and loves squirrels! And rabbits, and birds, and cats, and opossums, and . . . . My boyfriend bought her a little over 2 years ago and, of course, we've had her ever since. We both share a great sense of curiosity and love for animals. I'll post more pictures as we shoot! Xo!

Camping This Fall & Great Kabobs

    
  As I walked through the door of my home here in the suburbs of Dallas, I already began to miss the outdoors. When you are in the country, sleeping on the ground and eating from what the fire cooks; it is more than humbling. For us women, they aren't any mirrors to constantly check our reflection, make-up to spackle our faces, or heels to bondage our feet, lest they would aerate the ground. All there is, is the people you surround yourself with, the crackling of the fire, the rustling of the trees. Let us quiet our speech and listen to the earth breathe. Of course I understand and appreciate the commodities; running water, electricity, they are all wonderful things! But, to feel a sense of commradery, get away from the stresses of everyday, and cook a tasty dinner? Beautiful.

Kabobs:

Ingredients:
Bell peppers (all colours)
Onions, sliced and mini
Meat (we used both sirloin steak chopped and fajita meat)
Limes to squeeze
Skewers

Cut em up, stick on the skewers, place them on a grill or fire! Easy enough! Yummy!