That’s a picture of what my “wine time” looks like now.
Actually, It’s pretty good. White grape juice (or red, both are good), sparkling water and a spritz of lemon. Mmmmm 😉
I still like to use my wine glass, it feels comfortable for me.
Almost 2 weeks into it and I’m doing ok. 🙂
We bought a new laptop, and Windows 8.1 is a bit to figure out, but we’ll figure it out with a bit of patience.
Take care,
Lori
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Resolutions anyone?
YUP!
Well, maybe not resolutions as much as trying to just be a bit better…
It seems like every January I have a “come clean” moment and decide I’m going to better myself in some way. It also seems like I’m always trying to quit something… cigarettes, sugar, carbs, and most recently even my beloved wine.
I KNOW, RIGHT!!! I have said many times in the past that I enjoy “my wine” way too much to ever give it up. Well, guess what? It’s time to face the music and realize that it’s getting out of hand.
No, I don’t have any horrible story to share about why I am choosing to cut back. Nothing bad happened like a DUI, injury or accident. I just came to realize that wine is just too easy for me to drink, and I’m consuming too much of it.
So in keeping with my January tradition, I’ve decided to take a break from wine. No, I’m not going to jump full in and say “quit” because I’m not vowing to never have another glass of wine, as I know in my heart that would be a lie. But, I’ve decided to abstain from wine for 30 days and then see where that leads.
You know the funny thing is that I knew I was drinking too much and by that I mean every day. But, I can honestly say that I didn’t realize until now that I haven’t been drinking wine (for the past 7 days) that around 4:00 in the afternoon, I get a twinge of excitement in thinking “I’ll be home soon to have a glass of wine, and oh, do I have any wine at the house, what kind?” But, in the past 7 days when that feeling would come, I would remind myself that I am not drinking wine now, and then if I’m being honest I get a little sad about it.
Issues?
Maybe.
Right now, all I can say is I’m taking a break.
And, well heck, in full disclosure, you know since it’s January and doesn’t everyone want to “come clean” in January?
The Z Man and I were not successful in quitting smoking either! There it’s out, I said it, I’ve come clean.
No we aren’t perfect, and we are never going to be perfect. But, there isn’t anything wrong with continuing to try to be better.
So, we will continue trying.
Love,
Lori
I was talking with one of my customers this week about the things we will splurge on and the things we wont.
She was asking me about my hairdresser. The hairdresser that I went to 6 months ago and got my hair cut for the first time in 5 years. It was a wonderful experience, he is the perfect mix of personable and professional and gave me exactly what I asked for. He used about 4 different pair of scissors to cut my hair and he styled it perfectly. Then took the time to show me alternative ways to wear it. It was everything I had hoped for. Honestly after he was done I felt like I needed a cigarette.
The crazy thing is that, while I loved that experience, I just find myself being too… oh let’s call it frugal (instead of cheap) to splurge on routine cuts and colors. Or for that matter manicures or pedicures. I’ll admit that there is a part of me (being a woman and all) that feels guilty about not doing these things for myself, and I’m sure if I did do them some of those hard mirror days might not be so hard.
(Sidebar here… I do realize that a cut and color is not going to take the place of or cover up the lack of exercise and healthy living. Those two things are still a struggle for me to get enough of what I should…. I’m going to go make a green smoothie right after this post!!!)
Now, I don’t want you to get the impression that I walk around looking like a hairy gorilla with dirty nails and toes. That’s not the case at all. I mean I do shave my legs, and I paint my toe nails, and I color my own hair (sometimes successfully). I just find these things to be “doable” for me. Does it look as good? That would be a big fat NO. But, I look ok. The ZMan thinks I’m beautiful (he says so anyway, and it’s not just when he is wanting something) so I believe him, and that’s what matters to me the most.
However, having stood on this soap box for the last 5 minutes claiming to be this frugal smugal woman of sensibility…. Did I tell you that I now have about $326.52 worth of olive oil and aged balsamic vinegars in my pantry. No, it’s not huge vats of olive oil and vinegar, the volume is much less. It’s approximately 10 bottles the size of a regular wine bottle. (which used to be 750 ml I’m not sure anymore because I’ve graduated to the large bottles and the boxes) 😉
Anyway, I digress, but isn’t that the point of a blog? HA!
It got me thinking about the things we’ll splurge on and the things we wont. Now, I’m certainly not passing judgement on anyone who goes for weekly pedicures, I just happen to be the type of girl who gets one once a year.
It’s just that I can not press my own olives into a beautiful oil, or age my own vinegars into a thick, rich, sweet balsamic vinegar.
I suppose the point of my post might be that I certainly would if I could. But the chances of the ZMan and I owning a vineyard in Napa valley growing our own grapes and olives is very slim. Oh, how I would love that! But it’s still unlikely. So, I’ll keep buying my good olive oils and vinegars and be happy that I can.
And tomorrow I’ll be going by Sally’s Beauty Supply to pick up hair color to color my hair this weekend, because I have a very special wedding to attend next weekend, and the roots are a little too prominent right now.
What do you splurge on? I’d love to know.
Tonight is pizza and beer night for me and the ZMan. I think it’ll be a ham and pineapple pizza tonight. YUM!
I hope you have a fun Friday and lovely weekend.
Just a little something pretty for you 🙂
Y’all Take Care!
Lori
I’m not at all a big fan of eating something just because it’s good for me. I’ve got to like it, and it’s got to taste good for it to be good for me, otherwise it’s not happening.
Yogurt for example. I use plain greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream all the time. But, to just dig into a cup of yogurt and eat it isn’t happening. I want to like to eat yogurt, but I just don’t. I think it’s a texture thing.
The Zman likes the cookie jar filled with granola or trail mix, so he can grab a handful from time to time in passing. Honestly, he doesn’t eat unless I say EAT! Actually, I keep the cookie jar full to prevent me from finding him sprawled out on the floor from starvation. I swear the man can go all day without a bite to eat. I don’t get it. I literally wake up thinking about food and what I’m going to make today. I guess that’s one of those Mars and Venus things. Whatever…
Anyway…. here is a picture of our cookie jar with my latest wonderful granola recipe in it.
I found a recipe for olive oil granola on the Dinner A Love Story website (one of my favorite sites) and adapted it to what I had on hand. It was a snow day, I wanted to cook so I used what I had and it turned out great!
I know what you’re thinking…. Olive oil granola??? What???
Well let me tell you it’s awesome.
And if you’re not using predominantly olive oil or coconut oil in your recipes, you are missing out. That is just about all I ever use. Sure, if I’m frying something (which is a rare occasion) then I will use canola oil. Otherwise it’s olive or coconut oil.
Another confession, I am an olive oil snob. Actually, I am an olive oil and balsamic vinegar snob. Here is a few bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar that I use. But, only in recipes that have a few ingredients where you want the flavors to shine through.
Yes, they are a bit pricy…. but a little goes a long way because the flavors are so prominent.
Oh, a drizzle of each over roasted veggies, salad, fresh fruit, or to dip fresh-baked bread in…. OMG, it’s just bliss.
You’ll need to try it. Trust me. The flavor that you get from good olive oil and balsamic vinegar is not something you should miss.
When I run out I get the bottles refilled, so there is nothing going into the garbage as waste. Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.
I’ve used the big box store, big bottles of olive oil for years, and I still have it on hand when I need an oil to “cook” with. But honestly, those big bottle oils do not have much flavor. Well, not enough flavor to use in this recipe.
I mean if you’re going to make olive oil granola, then you need to use the good stuff.
Olive & Coconut Oil Granola
Mix the first 6 ingredients together then add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Spread out on two large baking sheet (with sides) and bake at 300 for 45 minutes. Half way through the baking time, you’ll want to flip and mix the granola so it bakes evenly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Store in airtight container, or cookie jar just ’cause it’s pretty, and I like pretty things.
You can substitute any dried fruits and any nuts you prefer.
Guess what….. it’s absolutely AWESOME on a cup of greek yogurt. And now I can feel good about eating something just “because it’s good for me” (I also save my empty yogurt container to start my garden seeds / plants in) Always trying to think…… Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.
Y’all take care!
Lori
Z Life Homestead 