Author: smilebecause

H2Ohhhh!

I need to drink lots of water. I don’t like plain water. I don’t like chemical sweeteners and colors … I don’t like the aftertaste of Stevia. I like Monk Fruit and Erythritol. Here are a few notes if any of the above ring true for you. True Citrus products I’ll start here, because adding […]

Read More →

Tolerance

Never in my life have I been afraid or shy to have a conversation with someone. Until now.  Tolerance, these days, is an absolute crock of empty space.  Who am I? Do you know? I will “like” your pro 2nd Amendment post, and have a concealed carry permit. I like small government and my freedom. […]

Read More →

Perfect Stir Fry

Stir fry. (Was just thinking of these few things I’ve learned that have revolutionized my stir frying —– would welcome any additional tips/ add-ons from fellow foodies). I LOVE to cook. Here are a few tips. Frozen meat —— DEFROST IT. ALL. the. way. (and better yet, rinse/pat dry your meat with paper towels) the […]

Read More →

Who(se) Are You?

Who are you? (NOTE: This is still in progress … fine-tuning when I have a moment). Single? Married? Divorced? Liberal? Conservative? Agnostic? Christian? Muslim? White? Black? Brown? Pretty? Blonde? Skinny? Weak? Strong? Rich? Poor? Successful? Addicted, Depressed? Carrying anxiety? Weighted down …? What did we miss? When you wake up in the morning (or in […]

Read More →

Thyself

Hi (mostly) Ladies: Facebook seems to know I’ve gained weight and is showing me ads for women 14-32. Dude. God loves us all shapes & sizes, but I’m a size 6-10ish in a 14ish size body right now … I am not my best self. I am not as strong as I should be or […]

Read More →

Chicken Pozole Verde

This is based on a recipe I found in Cooks Illustrated, but altered quite a bit. I made a HUGE batch (10 lbs tomatillos, 8 poblanos, 4 onions, etc.) so the quantities below are closer to the recipe I followed, but you may need to adjust. I don’t think any particular ingredient is a deal […]

Read More →

When you …

Grabbed a tissue out of my purse to blow my nose. Inhaled before the blow and… What. The. Heck. It. Smells. Baaaad. I think something may have died in there. Immediately found the culprit. Broccoli. There was a small piece of raw broccoli in my purse. I. Don’t. Even. Know. I was cutting up some […]

Read More →

Things I am Learning about Dogs

After a lifetime of being a cat owner, we now own a dog. I’ve made a few observations and comparisons about cats vs. dogs. Behavior Cat Dog Eating stuff cat food, tuna, tuna juice, a piece of chicken now and then. I have heard of cats eating pancake mix and other weird stuff, but mostly […]

Read More →

The Color of Disconnection

I wish I could just channel the words from my brain and my heart because every time I try to think of the right word or the right way to say something it causes me to stop and think and then rewrite and reconsider and doubt. What I want to say and express is a […]

Read More →

Holy Grail Guacamole

Ingredients 5 large avocados (e.g. costco bag) 5-6 roma-sized tomatoes 1 small-med onion (sweet? go big, red? depends. can be strong or mild. white? can overtake) 1 bunch of cilantro (yes – the WHOLE BUNCH – do not be shy. what are you gonna do with the leftovers anyway? well… put it on everything? OK. […]

Read More →

Shelly’s Hummus Recipe

BASIC Hummus Prep Time: 15 mins Total Time: 15 mins Serves: 12, Yield: 3 cups Ingredients 2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste – buy in a jar, or make your own… see below) 6 tablespoons FRESH lemon juice (or MORE – to taste) 3 garlic cloves, pressed (or MORE – […]

Read More →