DIY Chili Seasoning

Anybody who reads my blog regularly knows I'm a bit of a schizophrenic food snob. On the whole I avoid mixes for 2 reasons. Number 1, in this day and age you just have no idea what all they've added to the mix that you don't even need, and number 2, I don't really think mixes save that much time, and they usually cost more. So I guess that's really 3 reason, but anyway.

So here's my quick chili seasoning "mix". It'll keep well if you keep it in a jar with your other spices, although I do recommend a glass container for storage (I'm not wild about plastics either -- call me paranoid!)

And yes, I buy organic spices.

1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbs. chili powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt

This batch will make enough seasoning for 2 pounds of meat or eight servings. So to make enough for 8 pots of chili --

4 tsp. garlic powder
16 Tbs. chili powder (or 1 cup)
4 tsp. oregano
4 tsp. salt

Use 2 Tbs. + 1 1/2 tsp. mix for for 2 lbs. of meat.

Quick and easy, and you've probably already got it all in your spice cabinet. No additives, like MSG or soy lecithin, and no buying special packages. 

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{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

linking up with SouleMama

Truth

The truth will set you free . . . but first it will piss you off. 

My therapist told me this years ago. He was trying to help me see the importance of knowing and admitting the truth of my history while warning me it wasn't going to be pleasant.

It was good preparation. I don't know that it's really made me angry (my current therapist is thrilled if I tell her I'm angry about anything!), but it's been a long, circuitous road, this healing path.

Truth is the answer to all of my struggles. Telling myself the truth, the real, honest, gut-wrenching truth, will always make my path clearer and straighter. But it is often an unpleasant truth. About myself, about others, about episodes from my past, and current relationships. 

Jesus is truth (John 14:6). And Jesus is setting me free.

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Tranquillité

The teapot is heating and plane is flying over my house. My chair squeaks as I adjust myself at the keyboard as it clicks with my typing. But what I really hear is my favorite thing about morning. Silence. Tranquillité. It's like the quiet before the storm.

I am the only one up and about. The dogs are still quiet and sleeping, and I have time to let my mind wander and ruminate. It's not time yet to plan the day. Instead it's that brief period of time where there are no real demands. Where my mind can flit to and fro on things from my dreams last night to conversations recently had to thoughts not fully formed because of interruptions. Now is my me time.

A dog barking outside makes me look up to see my pregnant neighbor walking her poodle. I don't know her name or where she lives, but I'm watching her pregnancy progress as she walks by my window each morning while I'm typing away at my computer. I know her, and yet I don't.

A car drives down my quiet street. Very few cars do that, but I recognize one or two as regular workers setting out for their day. My neighbor who rides a motorcycle will leave later after walking his dog, Chloe. 

I hear the hum of the refrigerator and it reminds me to be grateful for all that I have. All that I take for granted. The clock ticks minutes off of my day and my life reminding me to be mindful of how I use these minutes and hours and days.

Soon the silence will be broken, and the day's activities will begin in earnest. But this time -- these brief minutes -- are mine, and I cherish them.

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WIP

linking up with Wordless Wednesday & The Jenny Evolution

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . November 5, 2013

Outside my window . . . . the sky is part fluffy white and gray clouds and part blue. It's 48 degrees and a plane just flew over. There are pine needles all over the yard from a recent storm.

I am thinking . . . I should dust more often! The house looks so much better after dusting that it's ridiculous.

I am thankful . . . for better moods around the house.

In the kitchen . . . beans and rice and chicken last night. This week I'll be making Teddy Bear Mix, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin rice krispie treats for a weekend gathering.

I am wearing . . . my red cotton gown and my plaid flannel robe along with my knock-off blue Crocs. I keep telling you I'm the style guru to watch :)

I am creating . . . lots of goodies for Presents with a Purpose

I am going . . . to work on more goodies for Presents with a Purpose today with my bestie, LBB.

I am wondering . . . about the holidays this year. Since FIL passed in the spring this will be our first holiday season without him. There are many changes as holidays were usually celebrated at his house.

I am reading . . . A Fatal Grace (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #2) by Louise Penny.

I am looking forward to . . . our annual family trip to Pickett Park/Big South Fork. Each year we rent a few cabins and go spend a weekend hiking, talking, working puzzles, playing games, and eating. There is a lot of prep work this week for the weekend, but it's all worth it.

I am hearing . . . silence.

Around the house . . . dd and I worked on the bonus room yesterday. We WORKED. It looks so much better. We've just about gotten all the remaining odds and ends from FIL's house taken care of, and I must say it's nice to have the space looking like home again.

I am praying . . . for several friends suffering from serious illnesses -- Trish, Patti, and Anna in particular.

One of my favorite things . . . creating crocheted mandalas. I just started my first one a few months ago, and now I'm working on my 3rd.

all of these are made with Premier Serenity Garden yarn in Gem

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . working on goodies for the sale, preparing for our weekend of fun, and the usual suspects. I need to get the oil changed, get a haircut, a pedicure, and buy some new walking shoes, but I don't then there are that many hours in the days.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

pine needles everywhere!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Presents with a Purpose

Each year my home congregation, Otter Creek Church, holds a sale in November to raise money for various charities and benevolent programs. This year the sale will be November 16th at The Well, so I've been feverishly crocheting to help support Youthreach International. Here are a few of my projects with links to patterns. If you're in the Nashville area on the 16th I encourage you to come by and shop. It's a great way to do some Christmas shopping, and each gift you buy will serve a dual purpose.

These are infinity cowls. I used this pattern as a jumping off place, but used smaller yarn and hook, and I made them a bit longer.

Of course I had to make a shawl, because I am crazy about them! I used the half granny square shawl pattern for this one. I'm not sure I want this one to sell!

This is a double infinity scarf. It is supposed to be made in wool, but as I am allergic to wool (can't breathe), I made it up in acrylic. Here's the pattern.

I have 2 more projects in process: another shawl and a mandala. Hopefully I'll have those ready for next week, along with a few other non-crochet items. Stop by the sale from 9 to 2 on November 16th if you can. You won't be sorry!

linking up with Made by You Monday