Hugs,
A.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Plant City Strawberry Festival Pie- my own little tribute
In a few days the Plant City Strawberry Festival is going to open. Lemme tell ya- I can't wait! The strawberries, the music, the fun, the livestock, and the shows. It's a blast.
I definitely appreciate all of these Strawberry Farmers that bust their hump to get these acres after acres of sweet, red berries picked and ready for market. They work hard. They have long hours and I would say a thankless job. So many people that I work with look at a couple of us Plant City-ites with really strange expressions when we praise the Farmers. It's not just strawberries. It's squash, tomatoes, onions, cantaloupes, blueberries, etc. The list goes on. We praise them because that's what has made this town our home.
They fight the weather- pray for rain and sunshine and some cold weather to sweeten the berries. They pray that the skies will open up when it's as dry as a cotton ball. They raise their kids on the land and have hired help that is as loyal as if they were blood relatives.
When the weather has been super cold here, I've awakened at 2- 3 am and peeked outside, checking on the fields myself. It's not like I'd be able to do anything but their livelihood is at stake and I want them to make it. I would see the plants covered in ice; trucks driving up and down and putting their spotlights on every square foot to make sure that every plant is covered in that protective layer.
I'm ashamed to admit that I don't know the farmer that works the land across the street. I'm shy in that manner. I've seen him plant crops year after year and seems to be doing fairly well. I'm proud for him.
I take pride in this town. For it's size makes me feel as though not only do I have a home here, it is an all encompassing home. It doesn't take long for people to recognize one another. Manners are still important. There are new businesses coming in but the smaller businesses are my favorite. I want them to make it. I really do.
Maybe I'll be fortunate enough to start a family here. We'll see.
Okay, enough of being all sappy.
I'm trying to share a 3 ingredient pie that is so easy it's almost criminal. Even D loved it and that's pretty impressive. He's never asked for anything with strawberries except Strawberry Shortcake- let's see if this may become a requested dessert!
Ashley's Chocolate Fudge Strawberry Pie:
Ingredients:
1 Chocolate Pie Crust (go ahead and cheat, ready made is just fine!)
1 Pint of strawberries
2 boxes of Chocolate Fudge Jell-o pudding
Next, wash the strawberries and trim the green parts off and trim them all to the same size (yeah, that's just slices of strawberries that you get to eat- enjoy!) Place the strawberries cut side down on the crust.
Next- prepare the pudding. I wanted mine super rich and used 3 cups of milk instead of the 4 cups. And just glop it on top of the strawberries and chill. It didn't take long at all. I was "testing" it within the hour. You know how it is- you have to make sure it's edible. And oh my, it was!
Garnish my tush- that little berry was mine! It didn't have a chance. Yummy!
Maybe next time the cool whip will make it on top before being scarfed. But really, it was so rich as it was that any more sweetness would have made it not what I was looking for.
Next up, traditional strawberry shortcake? Maybe, we'll see where this week leads. Today was nuts at work. I'm not promising anything.
Hugs,
A.
I definitely appreciate all of these Strawberry Farmers that bust their hump to get these acres after acres of sweet, red berries picked and ready for market. They work hard. They have long hours and I would say a thankless job. So many people that I work with look at a couple of us Plant City-ites with really strange expressions when we praise the Farmers. It's not just strawberries. It's squash, tomatoes, onions, cantaloupes, blueberries, etc. The list goes on. We praise them because that's what has made this town our home.
They fight the weather- pray for rain and sunshine and some cold weather to sweeten the berries. They pray that the skies will open up when it's as dry as a cotton ball. They raise their kids on the land and have hired help that is as loyal as if they were blood relatives.
When the weather has been super cold here, I've awakened at 2- 3 am and peeked outside, checking on the fields myself. It's not like I'd be able to do anything but their livelihood is at stake and I want them to make it. I would see the plants covered in ice; trucks driving up and down and putting their spotlights on every square foot to make sure that every plant is covered in that protective layer.
I'm ashamed to admit that I don't know the farmer that works the land across the street. I'm shy in that manner. I've seen him plant crops year after year and seems to be doing fairly well. I'm proud for him.
I take pride in this town. For it's size makes me feel as though not only do I have a home here, it is an all encompassing home. It doesn't take long for people to recognize one another. Manners are still important. There are new businesses coming in but the smaller businesses are my favorite. I want them to make it. I really do.
Maybe I'll be fortunate enough to start a family here. We'll see.
Okay, enough of being all sappy.
I'm trying to share a 3 ingredient pie that is so easy it's almost criminal. Even D loved it and that's pretty impressive. He's never asked for anything with strawberries except Strawberry Shortcake- let's see if this may become a requested dessert!
Ashley's Chocolate Fudge Strawberry Pie:
Ingredients:
1 Chocolate Pie Crust (go ahead and cheat, ready made is just fine!)
1 Pint of strawberries
2 boxes of Chocolate Fudge Jell-o pudding
Next, wash the strawberries and trim the green parts off and trim them all to the same size (yeah, that's just slices of strawberries that you get to eat- enjoy!) Place the strawberries cut side down on the crust.
Next- prepare the pudding. I wanted mine super rich and used 3 cups of milk instead of the 4 cups. And just glop it on top of the strawberries and chill. It didn't take long at all. I was "testing" it within the hour. You know how it is- you have to make sure it's edible. And oh my, it was!
Garnish my tush- that little berry was mine! It didn't have a chance. Yummy!
Maybe next time the cool whip will make it on top before being scarfed. But really, it was so rich as it was that any more sweetness would have made it not what I was looking for.
Next up, traditional strawberry shortcake? Maybe, we'll see where this week leads. Today was nuts at work. I'm not promising anything.
Hugs,
A.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Weight Loss Update
Hi everyone! I know, I go a month without a darn thing and then I get some time and go bananas on posting. Frustrating, I know, trust me- I irritate myself with it.
So I almost gave up on ever trying to jog. Seriously. I was ready to throw in the towel. Then I said "One more try." What a difference. I'm so happy I didn't give up.
See, I asked a coworker for help. He's someone that is approachable and easy to talk to. Great sense of humor. And people trust him.
He actually gave up one of his lunch breaks to help me out- how generous is that!? We met at the gym (I was waiting on him. See, if he has to wait on you, he makes you do pus ups, I'm not about to do push ups, I detest them.)
He first started out all about the right stretches. Surprise- I was doing that wrong. He got me to do stretches for the entire body. I still forget one every now and then again but I'm still working at it. I stretch my entire body- from head to toe. One tip? Go slow and easy- don't over stretch. Just stretch until you feel it and then hold it for a few seconds and slowly return to normal.
Next, we went outside. Yup, outside- no treadmill. A treadmill is doing the running for you. He said that running outside is like doing twice the distance of a treadmill. I'd say so!
My form was awful. He got me to ease into jogging. Basically, it's like you're walking fast. My stride is super short (short legs = short stride.)
What is your normal walking like? How far does your gait extend? For me, not far at all. So we were walking and when he said speed it up, I did what everyone else would do- my stride lengthened. He stopped me. Bad, Ashley. He told me that I should just turn over my footsteps more. Not lengthen my stride, just go- faster.
So I started going faster until I was jogging. He said that I should be able to talk a little bit. As I should have been able to but I was giving him one word answers. That's all I was able to get out of myself right then.
He also taught me a breathing technique- try breathing in and out of your nose. Harder than it seems, really. Or if I must, breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. I'm still getting the hang of it.
After jogging, stretch again. Same stretches or at least what is normally sore- my legs.
This past Saturday, February 23rd, I, Ashley was able to job for 2.5 minutes at a time. I jogged for a total of 10 minutes out of 30. I was smiling after doing all of that- I'm doing it! (This is when I was only able to do it for 1 minute at a time and was in pain.)
Hardy was right, "Listen to what your heart is telling you, not what your body is. Your heart is telling you that you want to keep going while your body is telling you that it hurts and to stop. The pain is temporary- listen to your heart."
I'm so glad I listened. I'm so proud of myself.
Thank you, Hardy,
A.
So I almost gave up on ever trying to jog. Seriously. I was ready to throw in the towel. Then I said "One more try." What a difference. I'm so happy I didn't give up.
See, I asked a coworker for help. He's someone that is approachable and easy to talk to. Great sense of humor. And people trust him.
He actually gave up one of his lunch breaks to help me out- how generous is that!? We met at the gym (I was waiting on him. See, if he has to wait on you, he makes you do pus ups, I'm not about to do push ups, I detest them.)
He first started out all about the right stretches. Surprise- I was doing that wrong. He got me to do stretches for the entire body. I still forget one every now and then again but I'm still working at it. I stretch my entire body- from head to toe. One tip? Go slow and easy- don't over stretch. Just stretch until you feel it and then hold it for a few seconds and slowly return to normal.
Next, we went outside. Yup, outside- no treadmill. A treadmill is doing the running for you. He said that running outside is like doing twice the distance of a treadmill. I'd say so!
My form was awful. He got me to ease into jogging. Basically, it's like you're walking fast. My stride is super short (short legs = short stride.)
What is your normal walking like? How far does your gait extend? For me, not far at all. So we were walking and when he said speed it up, I did what everyone else would do- my stride lengthened. He stopped me. Bad, Ashley. He told me that I should just turn over my footsteps more. Not lengthen my stride, just go- faster.
So I started going faster until I was jogging. He said that I should be able to talk a little bit. As I should have been able to but I was giving him one word answers. That's all I was able to get out of myself right then.
He also taught me a breathing technique- try breathing in and out of your nose. Harder than it seems, really. Or if I must, breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. I'm still getting the hang of it.
After jogging, stretch again. Same stretches or at least what is normally sore- my legs.
This past Saturday, February 23rd, I, Ashley was able to job for 2.5 minutes at a time. I jogged for a total of 10 minutes out of 30. I was smiling after doing all of that- I'm doing it! (This is when I was only able to do it for 1 minute at a time and was in pain.)
Hardy was right, "Listen to what your heart is telling you, not what your body is. Your heart is telling you that you want to keep going while your body is telling you that it hurts and to stop. The pain is temporary- listen to your heart."
I'm so glad I listened. I'm so proud of myself.
Thank you, Hardy,
A.
Coupon Clipping
I hate cutting coupons. There I said it. Go ahead and beat me with a wet noodle. Rarely do I ever find one that I even need. My weekly purchases rarely change. (Plus I refuse to go buy more newspapers than I know what to do with and clip everything out and put it into a binder.) My time is more precious these days, thankyouverymuch.
Snotty? Yeah, I'll give you that much.
But wait- there's more. If you are anywhere in the Southeast and there is a Publix around you, starting March 15th (-ish, I think) all stores will take digital coupons. Yup- no clipping. How awesome!
I'm always at their site anyways refilling Rxs so it's a no-brainer to take them up on this.
Just go to Publix.com/coupons and sign up or sign in and start saving. All you need to remember is your phone number. You'll enter that into the pin pad and it'll do the rest for you.
Pretty nifty, huh? This little guy was too cute not to have his picture taken...
Yeah, I think so, too.
Hugs,
A.
P.S. Publix doesn't bribe or entice me in any way to do this kind of stuff. I do it on my own. In fact, I shop everywhere- Produce stands, Winn-Dixie, Sweetbay, Whole Foods. Everyone gets a few of my pesos.
Snotty? Yeah, I'll give you that much.
But wait- there's more. If you are anywhere in the Southeast and there is a Publix around you, starting March 15th (-ish, I think) all stores will take digital coupons. Yup- no clipping. How awesome!
I'm always at their site anyways refilling Rxs so it's a no-brainer to take them up on this.
Just go to Publix.com/coupons and sign up or sign in and start saving. All you need to remember is your phone number. You'll enter that into the pin pad and it'll do the rest for you.
Pretty nifty, huh? This little guy was too cute not to have his picture taken...
Yeah, I think so, too.
Hugs,
A.
P.S. Publix doesn't bribe or entice me in any way to do this kind of stuff. I do it on my own. In fact, I shop everywhere- Produce stands, Winn-Dixie, Sweetbay, Whole Foods. Everyone gets a few of my pesos.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Weight Loss Diary- just dropping in..
I had a doctor's appointment this morning for a yearly physical, etc. and I wanted to share my happy news. I've lost 7 pounds since my last visit with them (no, it hasn't been a year! lol.)
A.
This number is derived from my last visit to them to this visit. I don't do regular weigh-ins. I can't, it's too frustrating and just to see that it dropped 7 on their scale was enough for me.
This was of course taking into consideration holidays and getting sick and knocking me out of commission. (It irks me to no end to get sick but sometimes it's beyond my control.)
Now that I'm on antibiotics, I'm hoping taking it easy this weekend will give me a jump start to a better week next week. Last week stunk with working really long hours and being sick- the gym just was gonna have to wait. But now...now, the gym is mine. I'm so determined to be back into a bathing suit this summer. Even if I don't go to a pool or the beach, just knowing that I could and not be so self-conscious would be enough for me!
I just have to get back in my zone and I'll see the weight start melting. I'm. So. Stinkin'. Ecstatic!
Here are a few changes I've already seen myself:
I have kneecaps again. Seriously. I can see an actual kneecap where it's supposed to be instead of what looked like an elephant's leg before.
My panties are baggin'! It's weird to say it but it's a milestone none the less.
My nice trouser jeans are too big, I have to wear a belt. I love having to wear a belt. It's fantastic.
Little changes are making it worth it. I'd rather do it this way than being given an easy way out.
Have a good one!
Hugs,
A.
Craft Ironing Table - a tutorial
I rang in the new year with a cold that unfortunately likes to become worse with my awesome lack of an immune system. So since I'm forcing myself to stay at home, I figured getting some of my to-do list items crossed off is in store.
Besides, I did a teaser back in October and I'm just now getting around to crossing those items off my list- how sad! Here is the original post.
Remember this picture? Well, only 1 'X' out of all of those projects. Tsk Tsk. Well, onto the next as pointed out by the arrow.
Pinterest always gets me in trouble. I see things that I know I can make and I stumble across things that remind me of a post and then when it's time to find the rest of the stuff, I can't find it come hell or high water. I had the everything but the correct type of batting. Insul-Bright proved to be one elusive little creature. I stumbled across it when I was shopping for material for another project- go figure!
Now, for those of you that are already bored stiff and ready to move on and are thinking this isn't worth it and are in the Tampa Bay area, just know that Inspire in Plant City sells these for $30.00 already made. Check 'em out- I love this store! Click here for their website.
Supplies needed:
TV tray
Insul-Bright
Material
Staple gun
Scissors
Steps:
I took very detailed pictures so as to keep me from typing a novel. Here you go. If you have any questions, just ask.
Doing the opposite sides ensures no twisting and a smooth surface.
Now, for the corners:
And for the reveal:
I love it. I don't care that the tv tray was in rough condition. I'm covering it up and just using it to press seams while sewing. I just wasn't willing to spend that amount of money. The table came from the St. Pete Goodwill for $5.35. I already had the fabric, so that's paid for. And the Insul-Bright cost $7.50 and I didn't even use a quarter of it, so about $1.75. This cost me $7.10. I'm not complaining. The rusty screws don't bother me a bit, either. :o)
Hope this inspires you to make your own, or at least to go visit the ladies at Inspire- they are sweet as strawberries and have beautiful fabric!
Hugs,
A.
Besides, I did a teaser back in October and I'm just now getting around to crossing those items off my list- how sad! Here is the original post.
Remember this picture? Well, only 1 'X' out of all of those projects. Tsk Tsk. Well, onto the next as pointed out by the arrow.
Pinterest always gets me in trouble. I see things that I know I can make and I stumble across things that remind me of a post and then when it's time to find the rest of the stuff, I can't find it come hell or high water. I had the everything but the correct type of batting. Insul-Bright proved to be one elusive little creature. I stumbled across it when I was shopping for material for another project- go figure!
Now, for those of you that are already bored stiff and ready to move on and are thinking this isn't worth it and are in the Tampa Bay area, just know that Inspire in Plant City sells these for $30.00 already made. Check 'em out- I love this store! Click here for their website.
TV tray
Insul-Bright
Material
Staple gun
Scissors
Steps:
I took very detailed pictures so as to keep me from typing a novel. Here you go. If you have any questions, just ask.
 |
| There is more than enough Insul-Bright in a package, just cut out what you need. |
 |
| Just enough overlap. |
 |
| Sandwich. |
 |
| Trim so as to create clean lines. |
 |
| Fold material over Insul-Bright before wrapping around the edge. |
 |
| Wrap. See how the lines are clean? |
 |
| Staple in place. |
 | |
|
 |
| Turn around and do the same thing to the opposite side. |
Now, for the corners:
 |
| Fold the material over the Insul-Bright as shown. |
 |
| Pinch so as to make an invisible seam going at a 45 degree angle . |
 |
| Fold away from you a bit and you'll see the excess material that will bulk up unnecessarily. |
 |
| Cut. |
 |
| Make hospital corners and staple, nice and neat. |
 |
| This is what it will look like when it's done correctly. No bunching or bulges. |
Hope this inspires you to make your own, or at least to go visit the ladies at Inspire- they are sweet as strawberries and have beautiful fabric!
Hugs,
A.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year!
2013. Whoever thought 13 was an unlucky number never had 4 black cats. Despite the possible bad omens, I have a lot of hope that I can finally get to where I want to be in life. I’m not saying anything unrealistic, mind you. I’m just hoping to see some light at the end of my own personal tunnel.
Here are my New Year’s Resolutions:
1. Give more of myself to those that are in need. Donating time and/or money to good causes just makes me feel so amazingly good.
2. Pay it forward Jayden style.
3. Enjoy peaceful quiet times more.
4. Invest in amazing shoes that will last me for years to come- not just for right now.
5. Continue on my weight-loss goal.
6. Go to the mountains again- it’s been since 2007- I need to go back. It’s beyond a want. The mountains ground me in some way that a beach just can’t touch.
7. Be closer to my goal of buying my own house. I want to live here in town. The thought of being more than 10 minutes away from family, especially if there is an emergency, is enough to cause nausea.
8. See the good the world has to offer. A tear caused by mankind’s good is a wonderful way to shed tears. I rather tears be over happiness than sadness.
9. Learn more of my ancestors, hold onto items given to me by Granny and enjoy them more.
10. Really get into photography more. This camera is itchin’ to get a good workout!
11. Post more on this blog of mine- it’s been really neglected from the holidays. (sorry.)
Hugs,
A.
P.S. I really hope that this year is good to all and that this world can start making sense. Too many tragedies have occurred recently. Death is bad enough, destruction is needless.
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