Saying Goodbye to 2012

I can’t say I’ll be sad to see 2012 to go.  I think a lot of great things came out of 2012.  I guess I’m just excited to see what 2013 will bring.  But, let’s close out 2012 first.

Things in 2012 I’m thankful for (no particular order):

 

• Any medical issues, many trips to the doctor, were not anything that can’t be corrected if I listen to my doctor.
• Winning a jackpot for $1,057 at Lakeside Casino in January.  I’ve never won that much before.
• The state auditing my 2009 return.  I found out there was a typo on my federal return and turns out the IRS owed me $600 instead of me owing the state almost $500.
• I made it through the whole year completing one item on my New Year’s Resolution.  Small as it may seem I decided to try, like, or even love the little avocado.  I did, I do, and even my daughter likes guacamole now.
• The many Twitter Parties (though won in 2011) made it possible for my daughter to spend two wonderful weeks at Sanborn Western Camps in Colorado this summer. And, the road trip to take her.  But even more so the safe trip to pick her up in the middle (literally) of the terrible forest fires.
• My mom is healthy and I and my daughter were able to spend some quality time with her.  It’s one of the reasons I came home to raise my daughter.
• My sister lives in the same town.  We laugh, cry, confide, shop, eat and whine.  If not for her I’d be an emotional disaster most the time.  She calms me down, helps me through crisis even if it’s all in my head.
• My best friend.  He’s there to help me move, which seems to be about every two years.  He’s never judgmental.  We both have many faults but see past them all to remain friends for over 20 years.
• I found an apartment that takes pets and has washer/dryer hookups.  I may miss my garage, but in the tight rental market in this town I shouldn’t complain.
• All the bloggers out there that I now follow.  I appreciate their time, dedication, advice, reviews, personal stories and of course their giveaways.  I am not a blogger and will never pretend to be one.  Though I do have a blog lol.
• Pinterest.  Who would have thought huh?
• Facebook.  I stay connected with friends and bloggers.  I’m quite addicted.
• Twitter.  Another addiction.  I have not done well in Twitter Parties this year, but I still enjoy the posts, comments. 
• The safe return of my nephew from active duty.
• My daughter making it to swim state finals her first year in swim team at age 7.
• I didn’t have to survive a tornado, a fire, a hurricane, a severe winter snow storm, a shooting, a robbery, a death, or other disaster.

I'm sure there is more, but I know I'm lucky, so bring on 2013.

Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies

What to do on a Sunday evening?  Make the Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies but use chocolate chunks instead.  

I’ve always used this recipe…ok, not always but for at least 20 years now.  

I planned on making them for my nephew.  They have always been his favorite.  Though we have had no plans all week I’m just getting around to making them.  That shows the motivation I have during vacation.  But, the funny part, my nephew is on his way to the Liberty Bowl.  No cookies for him.

It was just one little thing after another.  

First, the brown sugar was pretty darn hard.  I guess the lid wasn’t on very tight after the last time I used it.  

Second, the hand mixer didn’t want to mix tonight.  I don’t follow directions.  I just throw everything together and let the mixer do it all.  I’ve never had an issue about not creaming this or slowly mixing in dry ingredients.

Third, the big mixer went power surge crazy and took off like a shot.  This led to a spray of batter everywhere including up the sides of the bowl.  

Fourth, I haven’t made cookies forever.  I have been terrible about using my best cookie sheets for other foods.  A total no no in my book.  I am now regretting it…lol.

Fifth, I used a bigger scoop than normal.  I decided to switch when I added the nuts and I didn’t adjust my cook time.  Ok, they were a little done.  Not burnt, just really done. I also have to do half without nuts, and the last half with my favorite, walnuts.

Without nuts, large scoop:

With nuts, small scoop:

 

Even though it seemed like one little frustration after another, they taste as wonderful as always. NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® knows cookies!

Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

* May be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week or in freezer for up to 8 weeks.

Just Try It Week 1 - 2nd Posting

• ·         Cooked oatmeal topped with almonds or dried cranberries 

I decided to dive into this one with even trying a new brand of oatmeal.  Sorry Quaker because my daughter and I do love you.  I picked up three boxes of BettterOats Oat Revolution which is old fashioned style oatmeal with flax - Strawberries & Cream, Peaches & Cream, and the Thick & Hearty Apples & Cinnamon.  This morning I decided on the Apples & Cinnamon. Easy microwave directions.  The package even serves as the measuring cup to add your ½ cup of cold water.  Microwave for 2 minutes and it’s done.  I tossed in ½ serving of sea salt almonds.  This brand is not as sweet as Quaker and I think I like that.  The overly artificial sweet taste is lacking making it seem hearty and more breakfast like. 

Nutrition Facts:

Calories 130

Total Fat 2g

      Polyunsaturated 1 g

      Monounsaturated 1g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 170mg

Potassium 105mg

Total Carb 26g

      Dietary Fiber 3g

Soluble Finber 1g

Insoluble Fiber 2g

Sugars 10g

Protein 3g

*Based on 2,000 Calorie diet

Vitamin A 20%

Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 10%

Iron 20%

Vitamin E 20%

Thiamin 25%

Riboflavin 20%

Niacin 20%

Vitamin B6 20%

Folate 25%

Phosphorus 10%

Magnesium 15%

Contains 230mg of ALA Omega-3 (14%)

So some of this didn’t help me in understanding how any of this helps me, especially flax and ALA Omega-3. Thank you Google! 

 

From About.com:

Flax Seed: The Low Carb Whole Grain

Nutrition, Health Benefits of Flax Seed

By Laura Dolson, About.com Guide

Updated November 16, 2010

Flax Seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. This inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (such as in fish, flax, and walnuts), especially in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake (in oils such as soy and corn oil). In the quest to equalize the ratio of these two kinds of oils, flax seed can be a real help.

Most of the oil in flax seeds is alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an Omega-3 that is a precursor to the fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty cold-water fish (called EPA and DHA). Because not everyone is able to easily convert ALA into EPA and (especially) DHA, it is best not to rely solely on flax for your Omega-3 intake. However, ALA also has good effects of its own, and definitely helps in the Omega 3/6 balance.

Now how does BetterOats compare to Quaker for nutritional value.  Not much of a difference.  Quaker does contain .5 saturated fat.  I think the boost for BetterOats is in adding the flax.  This seems to have added Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, and Folate, all of which are not listed on the Quaker box.  And, BetterOats has over double the Magnesium along with containing the ALA Omega-3.

New things or change is not always bad.  Just Try It!