Future Doctors

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet,and in the cause and prevention of disease." by Thomas Edison.

Grandma's kitchen drawer

All through the years Grandma Emma had a special place in her kitchen where she kept all those needed little treasures. We called it her junk drawer, it wasn't junk, just didn't have a better name for it. It was a small drawer on the right side of the kitchen sink. On any given day you would find some basic items that were used often. Always a pair of scissors, usually a pair that she brought with her from Norway and took such very good care of. A needle, thread, string, thumbtacks, rubber bands, paper clips, some assorted yarn from knitting projects, tape, crochet hook, small bits of other recycled items that had been saved in case someone needed them. It was organized and never removed from the drawer and used without properly returning it to its home. Grandma Emma was really good at recycling so many items. Even though we didn't have that word yet. She was saving and careful, she had a saying that she lived by " Waste not, want not" and it still works till this day. I think of those words often, especially when I'm at the grocery store. Do we need it or just want it... will we use it or waste it. A careful way of life is in so many ways is a simpler way of life... Truly simple living through the years that I practice now.

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Megs and Mo Upscale Resale

This store is amazing! They have a great staff to help you with your purchases and knowledge of style and design. It is upscale resale boutique with flair and uniqueness! I always enjoy looking for many specialty designer items at wonderful prices. A new addition is "Magnability" necklaces, a very clever and cool item for summer. A great selection of Juicy, Franco Sarto, Cole Haan, Hollister, True Religion and some lovely Coach handbags just to name a few. Plus mix and match items with lots of color and fun in mind! They are there to help with the shopping experience with some great style. Right next door to Starbucks on Proctor street in a historic district of north Tacoma. Stop by and have a coffee too. Great way to spend an afternoon! Simple living with style! Enjoy....

Deep fried Snickers Bar

Okay, I know this is supposed to be on Simple Living, but I couldn't resist the temptation. I had viewed the process of frying all different types of food on the food network. Never actually seen them for sale anywhere. Well, today, you guessed it I finally tasted the delectable treat of a fried Snickers bar topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Truly sensational! different yes, but very good and interesting at the same time. Probably at least a thousand calories! My daughter and I split one serving at a local restaurant. It was enough for two! They also served batter dipped Twinkies and Oreos.... But it was the Snickers that were for us! When you can be sure and try this fancy dessert at your favorite trendy restaurant or hometown eatery. Remember life is the journey along the way, and eating good, delicious food and desserts is the best part of the journey! Always live simple!

17th of May

17th of May 2010... Yes, all of us reading this remember this day because of Grandma Emma, Tante Agnes and Halvard. They were very proud to be Norwegians! The lived in a time in history that it wasn't trendy or popular to be from somewhere else. The spoke english with a charming accent, they worked hard, studied life from all angles and lived the dream. Their life was the journey. The accepted what they had, never complained much and did their best to be good citizens and stewards of the land. If you remember, they were good people with good hearts that wanted the best for us. Please remember all who went before us today. No mater where they lived, they were always Norwegians. Always Live simple!

The Garden Wonderful

This time of year we have the feeling in our souls to get outdoors and work in our gardens. After the long dark days of winter we have cabin fever. Plain and simple! Today is a day to organize, till the soil, water, then plant. Even a small piece of ground or some planters on a deck will do. Good clean soil is the main ingredient and some healthy seeds. The rewards in sixty days or so... fabulous! Children especially love to be stewards of the earth and this is a good way to get started. I did a planting project with my two and four year old nephews last weekend. We really enjoyed planting some small flowers, they added colorful rocks and fir cones... I was surprised to see how much they liked this. They stayed with the project for twenty minutes. And now it sits at Grandma's and Grandpa's house for the tending and enjoying. They will water the flowers and enjoy watching them grow. They have the best smiles! More projects like that for Aunty and the boys. It is one way I can share the gift of nature with them and some of my knowledge of the beauty of plants. Simple living ....

Mom's Day 2010

Hello Mom's! All of you worldwide deserve the best day ever! Your hard work is going to be rewarded today... Smile and be happy each and everyday of your life, you keep this world held together! Enjoy the day!

Mother's Day 2010

On sunday May 9th we will celebrate Mother's Day. A day long standing as the most important holiday of the year worldwide. In the United States it is the second sunday in May. It became an official holiday by resolution of President Woodrow Wilson on May 8th, 1914. It had been celebrated for many years before and sometimes referred to as " Mothering day." To honor all mothers for their dedication and overall hard work with their families. At first they wore white carnations on their lapels to commemorate the day. Now both red or white flowers are used. It is also the busiest day for eating out, calling on the telephone, and internet communication. Remarkable! We hold our mother's to the highest honors. Joy, gratitude, and love all day and all year. For without our mothers, where would we be? They gave us life and add to that life everyday. As sons and daughters we express our appreciation! Being a mother is the most rewarding, interesting, challenging and honorable profession in the world. I truly believe that the Lord put us here just to be Mothers! So to all of you enjoy this special day, you deserve it for all that you do ... love, peace and joy today!

Grandma's Original Applegoodies

Grandma Emma made a wonderful special dessert when we were growing up. It is called "Applegoodie". It is plain and simple but so very tasty. Sometimes served warm of chilled, doesn't matter. Good and sweet! She acquired the recipe while living in Northwood Iowa. In the 1930's natural gas oven and stoves were starting to arrive in the marketplace. And as with anything new, a person had to learn to use the new product. A company called Pacific Gas and Electric offered cooking classes in the neighborhoods to increase sales, etc. Grandma attended. The class was held at a school one summer. The children played outdoors while their mothers attended cooking classes. PGE also gave out recipes , and Grandma's applegoodies were discovered! One of her favorites and mine also... Applegoodie recipe: Cut enough apples ( She always used Transparent or Gravenstein) into wedges after being peeled and washed to fill up the pan to the top, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and sugar, than set aside. In another bowl mix ingredients for topping. One cup brown sugar, one cup flour, one cup quickcooking oatmeal and one half cup butter. (that gives a golden color) Mix all together and pat into patties and lay on top of the apples to form a crust. Then put in a 350 oven ( might have to adjust the heat according to your own oven) and bake approximately 35 minutes till the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool or serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream or plain... Always delicious and welcomed by all that shared this special dessert with her... good dessert and good memories! Simple living at its best! Enjoy!