Tag: video

In Memory of a Friend…

Published on by Tamara Hoerner2 Comments

This is a repost of a Daily Inspiration I posted in January of 2017.  I  repost it on or around St. Patricks day every year, the anniversary of my best friend’s death.

THIS PHOTO IS CIRCA JULY, 1986

Twenty-nine years ago, on March 17, 1992, St. Patricks day, my best friend, Roberta Ann Pfeiffer, her fiancee Robert and their 2 dogs were killed by a drunk driver.

This post is in memory of them.

BE CAREFUL TODAY!

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK

friends.png

 The original article-

(with some changes)

Remember…

you are only limited by your attitude.

attitude.png

Roberta Ann Pfeiffer, or Bobbie for short…

…was my childhood friend. She was a huge part of my life as a child and anyone who knows me can tell you this. She was my best friend.  We were inseparable.

I’m sure her family got sick of me. I was ALWAYS over at their house…ALWAYS! But so was everyone else in the neighborhood. Their house was that house, you know the one, the one house where all the kids congregate.  Anyway… as I said, Bobbie and I were inseparable…I even went on trips and vacations with them. I loved it. They were so kind to me, so loving and accepting.

Bobbie had a physical disability, though you’d never know it by the way she lived her life. The best way to describe her disability is to say she was born without a femur in her left leg, putting her knee where her hip was supposed to be. This required the use of an artificial leg. But, this didn’t slow her down in the slightest.

world.png

She learned how to ride a bike, and we rode all over town, me with two good legs and her one! She loved to go swimming at the local public pool, even though it required her to take off her leg. People did stare, of course. But it didn’t bother her. If it did, she didn’t let on. Once in a while, she’d make a sassy comment to someone, but in a fun, lighthearted way.

Well, when we were in high school, her family moved about 6 hours away.  It was awful! We kept in touch, for awhile, but slowly we lost contact. Then, on March 17, 1992, St. Patrick”s Day, I got a phone call from Bobbie’s Grandmother. Bobbie, along with her Fiance and their 2 dogs were hit head on by a drunk driver and killed instantly. I was devastated. The world had lost a wonderful soul, but she had left her mark.

abilities.png

She had taught me and everyone around her some valuable lessons. I learned so much from Bobbie, about life, about myself, about confidence and attitude. I learned to be open minded and patient, accepting and kind. She embodied all of the quotes I have included above. She focused on what she could do, not what she couldn’t do. It didn’t occur to her to let her disability slow her down.

I remember her often, as my life has continued on. I remember her when I struggle, or I’m frustrated. I remember her when I’m around disabled people. She taught me not to treat them differently. They’re just people, like you and me. They may have a physical disability, that can be seen by everyone, but we all have disabilities…our’s just aren’t as obvious to other people.

Having her as a friend changed my life, my attitude, my views about people and my outlook on life. I may have only been a child and teen, but she formed so much of the person I am today. I am so grateful she was part of my life. I can honestly say she was my hero and inspiration. She was truly a gift from God.

In closing

In memory of my friend, I’d like to introduce you to Nico, a boy with 1 leg. Watch this short 2:11 video, as Nico grows and does incredible things. May he, and Bobbie, inspire you to focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do. ENJOY!

https://youtu.be/BkzRYVLlcoQ

Just thought you should know…Sobering information on Drunk Driving: Think before you drink.

Published on by Tamara Hoerner8 Comments

With COVID, I’m not sure just how many people will be going to a party. However, if you are planning on ringing in the new year, please have a plan!

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK!

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

This is a repost of a previous article. Here’s the original article.

Have you ever done this? You’re sitting with a group of friends at a bar, drinking. Then, when it’s time to go home and there was no designated driver, you decide who’s had the least to drink, and “probably will be okay” to drive. You volunteer and say…”I’m fine, I’ve only had a few. I’ll drive…”

buzzed-driving_breathalyzer_mainstory1.jpg

One night almost 26 years ago, on St. Patrick’s day, on a highway in Colorado, my best friend from childhood, Bobbie Pfeiffer, was killed in a drunk driving accident, a head on collision, along with her fiancee and their 2 dogs (and the drunk driver). So, the issue of drunk driving is an important one for me. I decided to put together an article, highlighting some drunk driving statistics, as well as some things you can do, along with designated driver information.

maxresdefault

Screen Shot 2017-10-31 at 2.28.55 PM.png

Here are some drunk driving statistics. (3, and MADD)

  • Drunk driving costs each adult in the United States almost $800 per year
  • Drunk driving costs the United States $199 billion a year
  • Each day, people drive drunk almost 300,000 times, but fewer than 4,000 are arrested.
  • Every 90 seconds a person is injured in a drunk driving crash
  • An average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before first arrest.
  • Males were more likely than females (15.1% vs. 7.9%) to drive drunk
  • Every day in America, another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes, one every 53 minutes.
  • Almost half of all drivers who were killed in crashes and tested positive for drugs also had alcohol in their system.
  • Alcohol levels above the legal limit were found in 21% of such drivers.
  • Each day, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times, but only about 2800 are arrested
  • About one in seven teens binge drinks, yet only 1 in 100 parents believe his or her teen binge drinks.
  • Over 40% of all 10th graders drink alcohol.
  • Kids who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash.
  • The rate of drunk driving is highest among 26 to 29 year olds (20.7 percent).

Drunk-Driving-infographic-762x2016.jpg

Here is some information courtesy of drinkinganddriving.org.

  • If you’re arrested for drinking and driving, it will cost you anywhere from $4500 to $18,000 just for fines, insurance increases and legal fees. This does not include crashes and hospital bills. For more information, follow this link.
  • Most of the planet is in agreement that driving with a BAC of .08 is too dangerous to allow.
  • A common guideline is that after each typical drink, you must wait 45 minutes before attempting to drive.
  •  You’ve had a drink and must wait 45 minutes before driving. A quarter hour later, you have another drink. Now you must wait 45 minutes PLUS the 30 minutes left over from the first drink. That’s one and a quarter hours before you should drive. Got time for another? For more information, follow this link.
  • Cold showers, coffee or getting some fresh air have absolutely no effect on getting sober. How about eating a large meal before drinking to “soak up” the extra alcohol? NOT! Maybe you will gain a few pounds but otherwise this only DELAYS the alcohol being absorbed. For more information and other myths, follow this link.

What you can do: (For the pamphlet, follow this link)

  • Know where and why you are going out to party. What’s the setting? After you drink, will there be an opportunity to wait for alcohol to wear off before driving home? Can you spend the night where you are going? Should you be extra cautious about how much you drink?
  • Know how much you are drinking and how it affects you.
  • Get a second opinion. You are NOT a good judge of how drunk you are!
  • Know when to stop drinking. If you must drive, leave enough time for the alcohol to wear off. Realize this can take at least 45 minutes per drink.
  • Wait as long as possible before driving.
  • Do not wait in your car. It is possible to be arrested for DUI even if you are sleeping it off in the back seat.
  • Remember the contact in your phone for the taxi.
  • If necessary, get a room. Hopefully you checked out what was available before partying.
  • Put a contact in your cell phone for the local taxi. Make the first character of the contact name a SPACE “ “ so it will appear first in your contact list.
  • It costs around a buck, but dialing #TAXI from your cellphone will get you connected to the nearest taxi anywhere in America and Canada.
  • Write your address down on a piece of paper and put it in your pocket to give to your Taxi driver. Have cash ready to pay for your ride.

If you’re the designated driver: (For the pamphlet, follow this link)

  • Make the decision on who will be the Designated Driver before going out, and then stick to the plan
  • Designated Driver swears off alcohol for the event and promises to get everyone home safely
  • Designated Driver cannot just be whoever is the least drunk
  • one drink could be ‘one too many’
  • The Designated Driver gets possession of the car keys first, before going out.
  • Take turns being the Designated Driver on different occasions, so it is not always one person who is responsible.

If you’re having a party: (For the pamphlet, follow this link.)

  • Remember your potential liability if anyone leaves and crashes on their way home.
  • Have taxi phone numbers handy.
  • Make sure you know who the designated drivers are, that they don’t drink and that they have the keys.
  • Don’t let anyone leave without your knowledge.
  • Ask your designated drivers to call you after they drop everyone off just so you know everyone made it OK.
  • Offer to help reunite any guests with their cars the next day if necessary.

Drunk Driving Sources:

Here’s some other information & things you can do:

Take the DRIVE SOBER pledge HERE

$20 off coupon code: DADO with UBER

National Directory of

Designated Driver Services HERE

Responsibility.org – Virtual Bar –

Screen Shot 2017-10-31 at 9.30.03 AM.png
The Virtual Bar

“The Virtual Bar uses the latest science to help you not only get a better understanding of how different factors affect your blood-alcohol concentration – or BAC – on an individual level, but also can help you see how your night could go depending on the food you eat, the water you drink throughout the night, and other important variables.”

With the Virtual Bar, you enter in your gender, age, height, weight, what you’ve had to drink, what you’ve eaten and time since you’ve had the drink.  It then gives you an estimate of your BAC, and how long until your BAC is back to zero (it even tells you how you should be feeling). For smart phone apps, follow these links: IPHONE and GOOGLE PLAY. I have also placed a link to the Virtual Bar on my left side panel.

Here’s how it looks:

Screen Shot 2017-10-31 at 9.31.08 AM.png

Fair warning,

the following videos

are not for the faint of heart.

Viewer discretion is advised.

Drunk Driving Awareness Video (2:18)

Choices: The Dangers of Drunk Driving (2:52)

Drunk Driving- Car Crash Compilation (21:04) – this one is long. You don’t have to watch the whole thing to get the idea.

Closing thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to look through this important article. I hope it gave you something to think about the next time you are out having fun and drinking with your friends and family. Remember, choose a designated driver…THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK!

Think-Before-You-Drink.jpg

Sources:

  1. http://www.drinkinganddriving.org/tools/?gclid=CjwKCAjw-NXPBRB4EiwAVNRLKv3g7Q9WWsKrBieLahy-AuhLWJwz8aGQWxABDpHbUfnDQey_U_j1WhoCB_8QAvD_BwE
  2. https://www.responsibility.org/get-the-facts/research/statistics/drunk-driving-fatalities/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvuDPBRDnARIsAGhuAmZTJuis7fRtgHQUl7ryYp786JNNMyWEu2NWFkuY64F93P29foqkkBgaAlNvEALw_wcB’
  3. https://www.intoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/statistics/

 

A guide to Daily Life Meditation

Published on by Tamara HoernerLeave a comment

I’ll be back on October 1, 2020 from my “moving break”. In the mean time, here’s an article that will help you work meditation into your daily tasks and even help you set up a “meditation room” in your home.

It’s no secret to anyone, we are in uncertain and stressful times. We see this phrase everywhere, but, unfortunately, it is true. Many of us feel physically and emotionally exhausted after the covid-19 crisis, as well as the protests and civil unrest. Now more than ever, it’s important to take time to destress and meditate.

If you’re like me, you say “I don’t have time to meditate!” It always seems there are more important things to do. I always feel “guilty” when I take the time to meditate. It’s such a wonderful, peaceful and relaxing time, that it almost feels selfish. On the contrary, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it just could be the best thing you do for your loved ones. You’ll be happier, calmer and more productive in your life.

What if you could meditate while doing daily chores, exercising and walking? Would that help alleviate some of that guilt? The following article was posted 2 1/2 years ago as part of my “project stress relief” series. It discusses the concept of “daily life meditation”, in which you can meditate while doing chores, cleaning the house, exercising, walking and more.

Here’s the original article:

We are all under a tremendous amount of stress, whether it’s work, school, family, kids, blogs, etc. So, you may be asking why this is a big deal. After all, people have been under stress since time began, how is today any different? In our fast paced world, filled with social media, television. radio, and 7 billion other people, we are constantly bombarded with negative words, energy, commentary, and images.

Anytime we experience stress, our body goes into the “fight or flight” mode. This is the same instinct that kicked in when our ancestors were chased by lions or tigers. Our digestive system shuts down, our blood pressure increase, glucose is flooded into our system to give us energy. (to run from the tiger, remember!) No matter how little or big the stress is, your body will always react the same, as if you are running from danger and your life is at risk.

The below infographic, from the article 17 Reasons To Avoid Stress, by Fawne Hansen at Adrenal Fatigue Solution, gives you an idea as to just how bad all this stress is for us.

17 ways that emotional stress can impact your physical health
INFOGRAPHIC SOURCE

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. So if we are under chronic stress, we are constantly in fight or flight mode. This is REALLY bad for you and won’t end well, if you don’t find a way to relax, and soon.

Now we know that all of that stimuli has a huge impact on our body, mind and soul. What’s a busy person to do? As much as we want to, we can’t just stop everything and run to the beach or mountains forever, we can’t, so, we must try other methods. Meditation, even just 10 minutes, can go a long way towards calming your mind and easing the symptoms of chronic stress. However, if you’re anything like me, sitting and meditating is a guilty pleasure, of which there isn’t a lot of time.

However, what if I told you that you could meditate while doing your daily activities, like folding laundry, doing dishes, sitting at your desk at work, walking, running or lifting weights? Would that interest you?

While doing housework, yard work or any other daily activity, there are only a few key points to remember. (These tips are from the House Cleaning video below):

  1. Pay attention to your breathing, and practice deep breathing.
  2. Create a mantra and repeat while cleaning
  3. Dedicate your work to someone else.

If you’d like to set up a meditation room in your home, here is a link to an article from porch.com entitled:

The Ultimate Meditation Room for your Home:

The link below is to an article I did a while ago on how to meditate while walking.

Walking Meditation

The remaining videos will either give you tips or guide you through a short meditation to be used while exercising, cleaning or sitting at your desk.

Enjoy, and try to relax!

How to Make Chores a Mindful Experience

Dishwashing meditation

4 minute at work guided meditation

Stress at work meditation

How to use mindfulness while exercising

Running Meditation: A Meditation for jogging, runners

Short Shower Meditation

8 Hours House Cleansing Frequency Music

Until next time,

wishing you

safety and good health…

Namaste my friends.

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK: Sobering information on Drunk Driving.

Published on by Tamara HoernerLeave a comment

It’s St. Patrick’s Day TOMORROW!

Be careful!

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK!

This is a repost of a previous article. I post this every year, on or around the anniversary of the death of my best friend. If you are going out this year, be careful. Many of you may not due to covid-19. Anyway, here’s the original article.

Have you ever done this? You’re sitting with a group of friends at a bar, drinking. Then, when it’s time to go home and there was no designated driver, you decide who’s had the least to drink, and “probably will be okay” to drive. You volunteer and say…”I’m fine, I’ve only had a few. I’ll drive…”

buzzed-driving_breathalyzer_mainstory1.jpg

One night almost 28 years ago, on St. Patrick’s day, on a highway in Colorado, my best friend from childhood, Bobbie Pfeiffer, was killed in a drunk driving accident, a head on collision, along with her fiancee and their 2 dogs (and the drunk driver). So, the issue of drunk driving is an important one for me. I decided to put together an article, highlighting some drunk driving statistics, as well as some things you can do, along with designated driver information.

maxresdefault

Screen Shot 2017-10-31 at 2.28.55 PM.png

Here are some drunk driving statistics. (3, and MADD)

  • Drunk driving costs each adult in the United States almost $800 per year
  • Drunk driving costs the United States $199 billion a year
  • Each day, people drive drunk almost 300,000 times, but fewer than 4,000 are arrested.
  • Every 90 seconds a person is injured in a drunk driving crash
  • An average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before first arrest.
  • Males were more likely than females (15.1% vs. 7.9%) to drive drunk
  • Every day in America, another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes, one every 53 minutes.
  • Almost half of all drivers who were killed in crashes and tested positive for drugs also had alcohol in their system.
  • Alcohol levels above the legal limit were found in 21% of such drivers.
  • Each day, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times, but only about 2800 are arrested
  • About one in seven teens binge drinks, yet only 1 in 100 parents believe his or her teen binge drinks.
  • Over 40% of all 10th graders drink alcohol.
  • Kids who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash.
  • The rate of drunk driving is highest among 26 to 29 year olds (20.7 percent).
Drunk-Driving-infographic-762x2016.jpg

Here is some information courtesy of drinkinganddriving.org.

  • If you’re arrested for drinking and driving, it will cost you anywhere from $4500 to $18,000 just for fines, insurance increases and legal fees. This does not include crashes and hospital bills. For more information, follow this link.
  • Most of the planet is in agreement that driving with a BAC of .08 is too dangerous to allow.
  • A common guideline is that after each typical drink, you must wait 45 minutes before attempting to drive.
  •  You’ve had a drink and must wait 45 minutes before driving. A quarter hour later, you have another drink. Now you must wait 45 minutes PLUS the 30 minutes left over from the first drink. That’s one and a quarter hours before you should drive. Got time for another? For more information, follow this link.
  • Cold showers, coffee or getting some fresh air have absolutely no effect on getting sober. How about eating a large meal before drinking to “soak up” the extra alcohol? NOT! Maybe you will gain a few pounds but otherwise this only DELAYS the alcohol being absorbed. For more information and other myths, follow this link.

What you can do: (For the pamphlet, follow this link)

  • Know where and why you are going out to party. What’s the setting? After you drink, will there be an opportunity to wait for alcohol to wear off before driving home? Can you spend the night where you are going? Should you be extra cautious about how much you drink?
  • Know how much you are drinking and how it affects you.
  • Get a second opinion. You are NOT a good judge of how drunk you are!
  • Know when to stop drinking. If you must drive, leave enough time for the alcohol to wear off. Realize this can take at least 45 minutes per drink.
  • Wait as long as possible before driving.
  • Do not wait in your car. It is possible to be arrested for DUI even if you are sleeping it off in the back seat.
  • Remember the contact in your phone for the taxi.
  • If necessary, get a room. Hopefully you checked out what was available before partying.
  • Put a contact in your cell phone for the local taxi. Make the first character of the contact name a SPACE “ “ so it will appear first in your contact list.
  • It costs around a buck, but dialing #TAXI from your cellphone will get you connected to the nearest taxi anywhere in America and Canada.
  • Write your address down on a piece of paper and put it in your pocket to give to your Taxi driver. Have cash ready to pay for your ride.

If you’re the designated driver: (For the pamphlet, follow this link)

  • Make the decision on who will be the Designated Driver before going out, and then stick to the plan
  • Designated Driver swears off alcohol for the event and promises to get everyone home safely
  • Designated Driver cannot just be whoever is the least drunk
  • one drink could be ‘one too many’
  • The Designated Driver gets possession of the car keys first, before going out.
  • Take turns being the Designated Driver on different occasions, so it is not always one person who is responsible.

If you’re having a party: (For the pamphlet, follow this link.)

  • Remember your potential liability if anyone leaves and crashes on their way home.
  • Have taxi phone numbers handy.
  • Make sure you know who the designated drivers are, that they don’t drink and that they have the keys.
  • Don’t let anyone leave without your knowledge.
  • Ask your designated drivers to call you after they drop everyone off just so you know everyone made it OK.
  • Offer to help reunite any guests with their cars the next day if necessary.

Drunk Driving Sources:

Here’s some other information & things you can do:

Take the DRIVE SOBER pledge HERE

National Directory of

Designated Driver Services HERE

Responsibility.org – Virtual Bar –

Screen Shot 2017-10-31 at 9.30.03 AM.png
The Virtual Bar

“The Virtual Bar uses the latest science to help you not only get a better understanding of how different factors affect your blood-alcohol concentration – or BAC – on an individual level, but also can help you see how your night could go depending on the food you eat, the water you drink throughout the night, and other important variables.”

With the Virtual Bar, you enter in your gender, age, height, weight, what you’ve had to drink, what you’ve eaten and time since you’ve had the drink.  It then gives you an estimate of your BAC, and how long until your BAC is back to zero (it even tells you how you should be feeling). For smart phone apps, follow these links: IPHONE and GOOGLE PLAY. I have also placed a link to the Virtual Bar on my left side panel.

Here’s how it looks:

Screen Shot 2017-10-31 at 9.31.08 AM.png

Fair warning,

the following videos

are not for the faint of heart.

Viewer discretion is advised.

Drunk Driving Awareness Video (2:18)

Choices: The Dangers of Drunk Driving (2:52)

Drunk Driving- Car Crash Compilation (21:04) – this one is long. You don’t have to watch the whole thing to get the idea.

Closing thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to look through this important article. I hope it gave you something to think about the next time you are out having fun and drinking with your friends and family. Remember, choose a designated driver…THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK!

Think-Before-You-Drink.jpg

Sources:

  1. http://www.drinkinganddriving.org/tools/?gclid=CjwKCAjw-NXPBRB4EiwAVNRLKv3g7Q9WWsKrBieLahy-AuhLWJwz8aGQWxABDpHbUfnDQey_U_j1WhoCB_8QAvD_BwE
  2. https://www.responsibility.org/get-the-facts/research/statistics/drunk-driving-fatalities/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvuDPBRDnARIsAGhuAmZTJuis7fRtgHQUl7ryYp786JNNMyWEu2NWFkuY64F93P29foqkkBgaAlNvEALw_wcB’
  3. https://www.intoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/statistics/

Vintage Recipes: 4 recipes from my grandma weisbeck

Published on by Tamara Hoerner2 Comments

Just a quick post today. My youngest son is home from college for spring break, so I’ll be spending the week with him. Thus, this will be my one and only post for the week on both of my blogs: Purple Almond Wellness and The Purple Almond Wellness Kitchen.

Grandma Weisbeck on her 100th birthday!

img_4330

My maternal Grandmother’s birthday was this past week. She would have been 103. She passed away in May, 2018 at the age of 101, but her memories live on in her 10 children, and dozens of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren.

Back in 2018, I published 4 of her recipes, in a series called “In loving memory“. Today, I decided to remember her once more in honor of her birthday, by reposting all 4 recipes here in one article.

Cheese Buttons (Kase Knepfela)

Kase Knepfla - Cheese Buttons - Good Food And Treasured ...
PHOTO SOURCE

My Grandma came from a large German family, who farmed on the beautiful South Dakota prairie. Born in 1917, she talks about the lack of running water and electricity in their farm house, when she was a girl. Part of their daily chores involved hauling buckets of water to the house each day, and reading by oil lamps in the evening.

Hard work and exercise are the key, she says. The farming and chores they did each day weren’t enough exercise. So they would take walks to the road and back, each night after dinner.

Cheese buttons, an affectionate American name for German Kase Knepfela, were a frequent food at the dinner table. I have fond memories of making these delightful treats, a traditional German cheese dumpling, with my Grandma, Mom and sister. AND, I’d like to share her recipe with you now. ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS:

  • DOUGH:
    • 3 cups flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 2 eggs
    • water (to make a soft dough)
  • FILLING:
    • 2 cups DRY cottage cheese (MUST be dry!)
    • 2 eggs
    • salt and pepper

Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 4 inch squares. Place a spoonful of filling on each square and seal. Drop into boiling water to which salt has been added. Boil aout 10 minutes, and drain. Fry with butter and chopped onion.

Summer Sausage

My absolute favorite meal was my grandmother’s fried potatoes, German sausage and her homemade dill pickles. I can still picture her in the kitchen, the smell of onions, potatoes and sausage lingering in the air. When I first posted the articles about my favorite meal, people asked about the recipe for German sausage. The recipe from the small town grocer is a secret family recipe. In the past, they would ship sausage across the country. However, sadly, they no longer make this sausage, which I consider the best I’ve ever tasted.

Screen Shot 2017-03-16 at 10.21.46 AM
SOURCE

While researching recipes and sources for German sausage, I came across the recipe above, which is from NDSU German’s From Russia Heritage Collection. The recipe below is for my Grandmother’s personal summer sausage recipe.

French Macarons (1).png

Dill Pickles

Spain, Homemade, Pickles, Canning, Dill, Food, Snack

My Grandmother was famous for her dill pickles. Of course the cucumbers and dill were always fresh from her own garden.They were amazing…of course I’m a bit biased. 🙂 My Grandma would give my mom several jars, and my friend Bobbie and I used to sneak some from my mom’s fridge. Bobbie loved these pickles…I think everyone did. Anyway, here is the recipe!

  • 16 cups water
  • 1 cup pickling salt
  • 2 cups vinegar

Bring all 3 ingredients to a boil. Wash cucumbers and pack them in jars. In each jar place the following:

  • Dill
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 teaspoon pickling spice
  • Jalepeno pepper (if you like heat)

Pour boiling water over mixture in jars and seal. Put in a 200 degree oven for 1 hour.

Jam

“Good morning sunshine!” This was what greeted me each morning when I stayed with my Grandparents. I would walk down the stairs of the old farmhouse, on the beautiful South Dakota prairie, and into the kitchen, the smell of cut grapefruit and freshly toasted bread in the air.

My Grandpa would be at the kitchen table, to greet me and my sister, eating cereal, grapefruit and toast with my Grandma’s homemade jam on it. These are such precious memories for me, and I’d like to share them with you in the form of two recipes: 1 jam recipe and 1 fruit butter recipe. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have over the years.

Closing thoughts…

Simplicity Quotes And Sayings. QuotesGram

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little vintage recipe trip I’ve taken down memory lane. So often, we get caught up in modern times, modern conveniences and, worst of all, our modern day problems. I find it calming and comforting to take a look back at simpler times, a time of hard work, family, good times and delicious, nutritious food made from scratch. Hopefully, these four recipes from my beautiful Grandmother will inspire you let go of things that complicate life and return to that simplicity.

Until next time… Namaste my friends

blogsignature12-11

Clean & Healthy Keto Tips ~ 10 Keto Friendly Summer Recipes

Published on by Tamara Hoerner4 Comments

Summer is upon us! This is my favorite time of year for garden fresh, healthy food. There is no better time to make keto friendly meals, whether a salad, soup, dessert or even drinks.

Today, I’ve gathered together 10 recipes, 2 from each of the following categories:

  • salads
  • soups
  • meat
  • desserts
  • drinks

These 10 recipes are just a drop in the bucket for delish, keto friendly summer food. I could made the list 2 or 3 times larger, but didn’t want to overwhelm. The internet is jam packed with wonderful and healthy keto recipes. Over the summer, I’ll be sharing some of these recipes, to use up the plethora of wonderful fresh produce available this time of year.

Without further ado, here are the recipes! The titles are links to the original websites. Click on the title for the complete recipe.

Amish Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Amish Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is an easy low carb side dish.

Caprese Zucchini Noodle Salad

caprese zucchini4 (1 of 1)

Tomato and Strawberry Gazpacho

Tomato Gazpacho recipe - #recipe by #eatwell101

Zucchini Basil Soup

Zucchini Basil Soup 1

Grilled Ribeye with

Melting Parsley Butter

How To Grill Perfect RibEye Steak - #recipe by #eatwell101

Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers

Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

strawberry-cheese-cake-salad-v1

Keto Friendly Berry Cobbler

Keto Berry Cobbler - The perfect summer dessert, with a Keto twist. Super easy to make and absolutely delicious! - #recipe by #eatwell101

Sparkling Raspberry

Limeade Mocktail

Low carb sparkling raspberry limeade mocktail

Sugar-free Copycat

Chick-fil-a Frozen Lemonade

frozen lemonade1 (1 of 1)

Clean & Healthy Keto Tips ~ 10 Keto Recipes in 30 Minutes or less

Published on by Tamara HoernerLeave a comment

We are all busy…with work…the kids…social engagements…school (for some of us). For me, as I work on my thesis, I’m also fixing up my home and preparing for my youngest son to graduate in from high school in June. Over the past month, it has become easy to “fall off the wagon” and order take out/deliver, as stress gets the better of me and I don’t feel like cooking.

That’s why, this week, I’ve decided to look for some easy keto recipes, that will be quicker to prepare than ordering take out/delivery! I hope you enjoy! Let me know if you try any of them.

SPINACH-MOZZARELLA STUFFED BURGERS

Spinach-Mozzarella Stuffed Burgers

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK!

BANGIN’ COCONUT-LIME SKIRT STEAK

Easy keto recipes

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK.

KETO THAI FISH

WITH CURRY AND COCONUT

Quick keto fish curry recipe

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK.

PORK LETTUCE CUPS

WITH CUCUMBER SALSA

Easy wraps for lunch

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK

EASY KETO CASHEW CHICKEN

fast keto lunch ideas

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK!

5 INGREDIENT AVOCADO LIME SALMON

healthy and quick lunch

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK!

CREAMY TUSCAN GARLIC CHICKEN

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK!

TACO STUFFED AVOCADOS

Close up of halved avocado stuffed with taco meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK!

BEEF AND BROCCOLI BOWLS

WITH SUNSHINE SAUCE

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK!

SALMON GREMOLATA

WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Easy Baked Salmon Gremolata recipe with Roasted Vegetables! This recipe is Paleo, Whole30, low carb, low calorie and very healthy!

For the recipe, follow THIS LINK!

Just thought you should know…Sobering information on Drunk Driving: Think before you drink.

Published on by Tamara Hoerner2 Comments

It’s St. Patrick’s Day this weekend!

Be careful!

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK!

This is a repost of a previous article. Here’s the original article.

Have you ever done this? You’re sitting with a group of friends at a bar, drinking. Then, when it’s time to go home and there was no designated driver, you decide who’s had the least to drink, and “probably will be okay” to drive. You volunteer and say…”I’m fine, I’ve only had a few. I’ll drive…”

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One night almost 27 years ago, on St. Patrick’s day, on a highway in Colorado, my best friend from childhood, Bobbie Pfeiffer, was killed in a drunk driving accident, a head on collision, along with her fiancee and their 2 dogs (and the drunk driver). So, the issue of drunk driving is an important one for me. I decided to put together an article, highlighting some drunk driving statistics, as well as some things you can do, along with designated driver information.

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Here are some drunk driving statistics. (3, and MADD)

  • Drunk driving costs each adult in the United States almost $800 per year
  • Drunk driving costs the United States $199 billion a year
  • Each day, people drive drunk almost 300,000 times, but fewer than 4,000 are arrested.
  • Every 90 seconds a person is injured in a drunk driving crash
  • An average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before first arrest.
  • Males were more likely than females (15.1% vs. 7.9%) to drive drunk
  • Every day in America, another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes, one every 53 minutes.
  • Almost half of all drivers who were killed in crashes and tested positive for drugs also had alcohol in their system.
  • Alcohol levels above the legal limit were found in 21% of such drivers.
  • Each day, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times, but only about 2800 are arrested
  • About one in seven teens binge drinks, yet only 1 in 100 parents believe his or her teen binge drinks.
  • Over 40% of all 10th graders drink alcohol.
  • Kids who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash.
  • The rate of drunk driving is highest among 26 to 29 year olds (20.7 percent).

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Here is some information courtesy of drinkinganddriving.org.

  • If you’re arrested for drinking and driving, it will cost you anywhere from $4500 to $18,000 just for fines, insurance increases and legal fees. This does not include crashes and hospital bills. For more information, follow this link.
  • Most of the planet is in agreement that driving with a BAC of .08 is too dangerous to allow.
  • A common guideline is that after each typical drink, you must wait 45 minutes before attempting to drive.
  •  You’ve had a drink and must wait 45 minutes before driving. A quarter hour later, you have another drink. Now you must wait 45 minutes PLUS the 30 minutes left over from the first drink. That’s one and a quarter hours before you should drive. Got time for another? For more information, follow this link.
  • Cold showers, coffee or getting some fresh air have absolutely no effect on getting sober. How about eating a large meal before drinking to “soak up” the extra alcohol? NOT! Maybe you will gain a few pounds but otherwise this only DELAYS the alcohol being absorbed. For more information and other myths, follow this link.

What you can do: (For the pamphlet, follow this link)

  • Know where and why you are going out to party. What’s the setting? After you drink, will there be an opportunity to wait for alcohol to wear off before driving home? Can you spend the night where you are going? Should you be extra cautious about how much you drink?
  • Know how much you are drinking and how it affects you.
  • Get a second opinion. You are NOT a good judge of how drunk you are!
  • Know when to stop drinking. If you must drive, leave enough time for the alcohol to wear off. Realize this can take at least 45 minutes per drink.
  • Wait as long as possible before driving.
  • Do not wait in your car. It is possible to be arrested for DUI even if you are sleeping it off in the back seat.
  • Remember the contact in your phone for the taxi.
  • If necessary, get a room. Hopefully you checked out what was available before partying.
  • Put a contact in your cell phone for the local taxi. Make the first character of the contact name a SPACE “ “ so it will appear first in your contact list.
  • It costs around a buck, but dialing #TAXI from your cellphone will get you connected to the nearest taxi anywhere in America and Canada.
  • Write your address down on a piece of paper and put it in your pocket to give to your Taxi driver. Have cash ready to pay for your ride.

If you’re the designated driver: (For the pamphlet, follow this link)

  • Make the decision on who will be the Designated Driver before going out, and then stick to the plan
  • Designated Driver swears off alcohol for the event and promises to get everyone home safely
  • Designated Driver cannot just be whoever is the least drunk
  • one drink could be ‘one too many’
  • The Designated Driver gets possession of the car keys first, before going out.
  • Take turns being the Designated Driver on different occasions, so it is not always one person who is responsible.

If you’re having a party: (For the pamphlet, follow this link.)

  • Remember your potential liability if anyone leaves and crashes on their way home.
  • Have taxi phone numbers handy.
  • Make sure you know who the designated drivers are, that they don’t drink and that they have the keys.
  • Don’t let anyone leave without your knowledge.
  • Ask your designated drivers to call you after they drop everyone off just so you know everyone made it OK.
  • Offer to help reunite any guests with their cars the next day if necessary.

Drunk Driving Sources:

Here’s some other information & things you can do:

Take the DRIVE SOBER pledge HERE

$20 off coupon code: DADO with UBER

National Directory of

Designated Driver Services HERE

Responsibility.org – Virtual Bar –

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The Virtual Bar

“The Virtual Bar uses the latest science to help you not only get a better understanding of how different factors affect your blood-alcohol concentration – or BAC – on an individual level, but also can help you see how your night could go depending on the food you eat, the water you drink throughout the night, and other important variables.”

With the Virtual Bar, you enter in your gender, age, height, weight, what you’ve had to drink, what you’ve eaten and time since you’ve had the drink.  It then gives you an estimate of your BAC, and how long until your BAC is back to zero (it even tells you how you should be feeling). For smart phone apps, follow these links: IPHONE and GOOGLE PLAY. I have also placed a link to the Virtual Bar on my left side panel.

Here’s how it looks:

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Fair warning,

the following videos

are not for the faint of heart.

Viewer discretion is advised.

Drunk Driving Awareness Video (2:18)

Choices: The Dangers of Drunk Driving (2:52)

Drunk Driving- Car Crash Compilation (21:04) – this one is long. You don’t have to watch the whole thing to get the idea.

Closing thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to look through this important article. I hope it gave you something to think about the next time you are out having fun and drinking with your friends and family. Remember, choose a designated driver…THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK!

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Sources:

  1. http://www.drinkinganddriving.org/tools/?gclid=CjwKCAjw-NXPBRB4EiwAVNRLKv3g7Q9WWsKrBieLahy-AuhLWJwz8aGQWxABDpHbUfnDQey_U_j1WhoCB_8QAvD_BwE
  2. https://www.responsibility.org/get-the-facts/research/statistics/drunk-driving-fatalities/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvuDPBRDnARIsAGhuAmZTJuis7fRtgHQUl7ryYp786JNNMyWEu2NWFkuY64F93P29foqkkBgaAlNvEALw_wcB’
  3. https://www.intoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/statistics/

Clean & Healthy Keto Tips ~ Keto Desserts: Keto Chocolate Cake with Caramel Drizzle

Published on by Tamara Hoerner4 Comments

As my children get older, and move away, there’s a fear that we’ll lose touch. So, two to three times a month, we all get together for a big family Sunday dinner. It’s tempting to pig out on these days, but I make an effort to stick to my keto diet. While there are a plethora of keto dinner ideas, it’s more difficult to find good tasting keto desserts. SO…this week, I’m posting keto dessert videos. ENJOY!

For today’s morning video we have:

Keto Chocolate Cake

with Caramel Drizzle

 

 

 

Clean & Healthy Keto Tips ~ Keto Desserts: Low Carb Mock Apple Pie

Published on by Tamara HoernerLeave a comment

As my children get older, and move away, there’s a fear that we’ll lose touch. So, two to three times a month, we all get together for a big family Sunday dinner. It’s tempting to pig out on these days, but I make an effort to stick to my keto diet. While there are a plethora of keto dinner ideas, it’s more difficult to find good tasting keto desserts. SO…this week, I’m posting keto dessert videos. ENJOY!

For today’s morning video we have:

Low Carb Mock Apple Pie

The filling for this pie is made with Chayote Squash. For more information on this unique veggie, follow this link: CHAYOTE SQUASH