This tasty donut like treat is a bit of a project to make, but well worth the time and effort.

This recipe is not on the top of  my healthy foods list, but is a family favorite that comes around only once a year.

There’s something about tradition that speaks it’s own language.

New Year's Cookies

New Year’s Cookies

(AKA fritters or Portselkje)

• Dissolve 1 tsp. sugar in 1/2 cup warm water. Sprinkle 1 pkg. dry yeast (.25 ounce) on water and let stand for 10 minutes.
• Add 3 cups warm water
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp butter melted
• 4 eggs beaten
• 2 cups raisins or more
• Stir in enough flour to make a fairly thick batter.  Let rise until double in bulk. (I use light Rye flour)
• Drop by spoonfuls into hot oil. The batter will sink to the bottom and rise to the top.
• Flip once
• When golden brown scoop the cookies out of the hot oil and place onto a paper towel or drip tray.
• Roll in icing sugar if desired.

… my favorite month of the year.

Let it snow - 2011 Carrie ©

Nothing can beat the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas.

Here’s how to have a happy December.

• Dance to the music – put on the  Bony M Christmas CD and dance.
• String up some lights and leave them on during the day. Pick your favorite color. The color that makes you feel “happy” and instills anticipation.
• Plan an Advent evening with some friends.  Have dinner and light the candles.
• Keep gift giving to a minimum. Set aside your Christmas budget and stick with it.
• If you give a gift, make it a meaningful one.
• Don’t use your credit card.
• On December 24th take the family and attend a Christmas candlelight service.
• If it snows, play in it.
•  Make home made apple cider
• Make Christmas cards and give them to your neighbors.
• Smell up the house with baking. Make cookies and give some to a neighbor.
• Watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
• Watch Christmas classics .

Homemade Nativity Scene we made in 1984. We still use it today - 2011 Carrie ©

My mother grew up sewing just about everything.

Her aprons were always delicately embroidered, or beautified with lace and ribbon.  I went searching in my treasure box and found this one.

One of Mother's hand stitched aprons - 2011 Carrie ©

Notice the detail - 2011 Carrie ©

My mother taught me to sew when I was twelve. A gift that will last me a lifetime. These were fun to make.

Polka Dot Black Tie - 2011 Carrie ©

Emerald Lace - 2011 Carrie ©

Purple Party Apron - 2011 Carrie ©

Lady Gardener's Delight - 2011 Carrie ©

Just Peachy 2011 Carrie ©

Sassy in Pink - 2011 Carrie ©

Vote for your favorite. Let me know which one you like best.

After the storm that dismantled much of my garden a few weeks ago, with a little cleanup and tender loving care, the garden took on another form of beauty.

On Canadian Thanksgiving (October 9) we  had a family and friends dinner/ party at the garden farm ‘Red Barn’.

Everyone brought something, (we brought a turkey). We didn’t spare the sweet and the savory.

A warm fire in the fire pit nearby invited us to come and sit, share stories and enjoy the art of roasting marshmallows.

This is what the day was like…

Am I thankful for my garden or what? 

Next post – vote for your favorite vintage apron design. 

Sneak preview – I’m wearing one of them.

Thank you for visiting.

The seminar, ‘Safe. Effective. Beautiful.’ has been postponed due to the sudden passing of a valued employee.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as well as Daniel and fellow employees at Marshall Compounding Pharmacy.

For all my local readers … you may be interested in this….

A seminar, held in Abbotsford called…

Safe. Effective. Beautiful.

This seminar promises to give valuable  information to help us feel and look great – naturally!

TIME:

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 7:30 PM

PLACE:

Kent Place Medical Building

33774 Marshall Road
Abbotsford, BC

604 859.8333
“Marshall Compounding Pharmacy” marshall@relcomsys.ca

I’ll choose, safe, effective and  beautiful any day. 

Here’s Cheri Watson, owner of Accents Cosmetics  about to give me the ‘makeover’.

Cheri about to give me the makeover - 2011 Carrie ©

• Most women absorb up to 2 kilograms of chemicals through their skin from their toiletries and cosmetics over the course of a year!
• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that  884 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics were toxic!

At this seminar you will learn how to find skin care products and cosmetics made without the plastics, silicones, petroleum, artificial fragrances, dyes, and other unsafe ingredients found in most beauty products.

Let me introduce you to the Presenters:

Cheri Watson

Cheri Watson is a businesswoman who created a natural line of cosmetics, Accents Cosmetics,  in 2004 and manufactures them in Mission, BC.

Daniel Wong

Daniel Wong is a compounding pharmacist who owns Marshall Compounding Pharmacy.
He also specializes in natural remedies for a wide range of common maladies.

Daniel Wong can be reached at Marshall Compounding Pharmacy - 604 859.8333. Email: marshall@relcomsys.ca

Maybe I’ll see you there.

Filed under: Breaking News, Good Health Tips Tagged: Abbotsford, mineral makeup, natural cosmetics, safe cosmetics, Toxin-free cosmetics, Toxin-free Skincare ]]> http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/safe-toxin-free-effective-skin-care-and-cosmetics/feed/ 0 nuggetsofgold free-vintage-roses-red-and-yellow-with-buds Cheri makeover Carrie Cheri photo Daniel Wong photo http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/photographing-fall-flowers-found-in-my-garden/ http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/photographing-fall-flowers-found-in-my-garden/#comments Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:16:07 +0000 CJW http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/?p=1772 ]]> A floral feast found in my garden

A few days after I took these flower photographs,  a wet and wild storm lasting the night, dismantled much of the garden.

But... this flower photographing day I had a great day. The garden amazed me with it’s wonders.

Photo Gallery of flowers 

Bee in a Sunflower 2011 Carrie ©

Rustic Sunflower variety - 2011 Carrie ©

Teddy Bear Sunflower 2011 Carrie ©

I don’t remember planting him… it appears he is one of the garden volunteers.

Bumble Bee and Honey Bee on Sedum 2011 Carrie ©

Chair in the Crocosmia Red Star - 2011 Carrie ©

Hummingbirds love this flower. We had many visits from them this summer.

Love Lies Bleeding 2011 Carrie ©

These flowers make a stunning addition to an already stunning flower arrangement.

Yellow Daisies 2011 Carrie ©

Red Nasturium 2011 Carrie ©

As well as helping to keep the garden free from bad bugs, Nasturiums are edible, and very healthy.

 Herbsarespecial.com article states that scientific research has found the plant has:

• a natural antibiotic action that is fast-working in the body 
• The antibiotic agent, tromalyt, has been found in the urine within one hour of digesting the herb
• This antibiotic does not interfere with intestinal flora
• It has been found to be effective against some microorganisms that have built up resistance to common antibiotic drugs

I enjoy a few whenever I’m in the garden. They have a peppery taste that goes great with a fresh salad.

Smiling faces - Pansies 2011 Carrie ©

A little nibbled around the edges, but still smiling.

Yellow Nasturiums 2011 Carrie ©

Virginia Spiderwort 2011 Carrie ©

Echinacea 2011 Carrie ©

Hyacinth - 2011 Carrie ©

Another volunteer blooming somewhat late in the season.

Rose Champion (Lychnis) 2011 Carrie ©

Nasturiums among the Sunflowers & cucumbers - 2011 Carrie ©

A bee enjoying the California Poppies 2011 Carrie ©

I can hardly wait until next spring to see what floral surprises are awaiting.

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation

Red Beets in my garden - Carrie ©

Why do I love my beets so?

Because red beets:

1. are sweet and juicy ( I never realized how delicious raw beets are)
2. are anti-carcinogenic
3. are high in antioxidants
4. increases oxygen-carrying ability of the blood by up to 400%
5. were traditionally used to battle leukemia
6. have been shown to inhibit colon and stomach cancer
7. help reduce serum cholesterol
8. help to normalize blood pressure
9. are a powerful cleanser and blood purifier
10. help to keep your arteries elastic
11. help to prevent varicose veins
12. are high in folic acid
13. stimulate the function of liver cells
14. protect the liver and bile ducts
15. are highly alkaline
16. help to relieve constipation
17. are anti-inflammatory
18. help in detoxification

If you are not use to consuming beets, give your body time to get accustomed to it. This is a powerful food.

(Warning: you may experience red stool!)

“Beet juice is so powerful that it you may feel dizzy during cleansing. This discomfort is normal as toxins are being eliminated. It is advised to drink plenty of water to help in the elimination of toxins.”

Harvesting my Red Beets - Carrie ©

Ways we enjoy our sweet red beets:

• Washed, peeled and sliced into thin slices (served with home-made dip)
• Grated fresh or diced and added to one of our many varieties of fresh salads
• Juiced
• Washed and steamed for no longer than 15 minutes
• Beet leaves are filled with nutrients as well. Washed and steamed or added to  juicing

2011 Carrie ©

Beets prepared for steaming - Carrie ©

Red beet and carrot juice recipe

• 1 whole Red Beet (leaves included if desired)
• 2 medium sized Carrots (green tops included if desired)
• 1 Apple

Juice and drink immediately.

This is one of my favorite “get started” in the morning juice recipes.

You’re sure to enjoy this next recipe…

Beet and cucumber salad recipe

1 whole raw beet, peel and diced

1 small/medium cucumber diced

1 small sweet onion diced

add dried or fresh dill

add 3 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive oil

Sea Salt to taste

a sprinkle of Mrs. Dash

mix

Let sit in the fridge for a day

Serve with a meal or enjoy alone

Drink plenty of water.

For more detailed information about the benefits of red Beets,

http://bit.ly/oSo3bV

http://bit.ly/qg0VN

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation

Filed under: Good Health Tips, Nuggets and Blue Jeans, Organic Gardening, Photography, Recipes Tagged: beet photos, beet recipe, beets, benefits of beets, juicing recipe, Organic Gardening, Red Beets ]]> http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/18-reasons-to-enjoy-sweet-red-beets/feed/ 4 nuggetsofgold Beets Sept 2011 Beets picked washed 2011 Red Beets 1 2011 Beets washed 2011 1 http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/tribute-to-rocky-a-very-special-golden-retriever/ http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/tribute-to-rocky-a-very-special-golden-retriever/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:03:11 +0000 CJW http://nuggetsofgold.wordpress.com/?p=1711 ]]>

Rocky at Cascade Falls - Carrie ©

Rocky, Rocket Budwiser was a happy dog who lived a long, happy life.

On August 24, 2011, Rocky our 13 year old Golden Retriever, had a mishap.

Our Sweet (Sr.) Rocky April 16, 1998 - August 24, 2011 - Carrie ©

Somehow he partly slipped down the steep embankment at the back of our home while reaching for some tasty blades of grass. At least that’s what we think happened.

A neighbor (for whom we are so thankful) saw him struggling to get back up, and helped him, but… the effort was too much for Rocky’s heart.

He passed away within the next 15 minutes as we held him in our arms and told him how much we loved him.

Rocky had arthritis in his rear knees which left him with little strength in his back end.

A visit to the garden taken this spring - Carrie ©

Other than that, he was in “good shape for an old dog”, our friend the vet told us just last week.

We buried him in the field at the farm where we have our garden. It seemed appropriate.

Rocky RIP - Carrie ©

Horses at the farm - Carrie ©

He loved the farm, the horses, the sheep and the chickens.

We remember him as alert and engaging, loving and gentle, sweet and smart.

Checking out his Christmas present - Carrie ©

A very handsome dog, Rocket Budwiser - Carrie ©

Rocky inviting us to join him for a walk in the fresh snow - Carrie ©

For those of you who left him treats when dropping off courier packages, or newspapers…he felt special and watched for you.  Thank you.

Friends - a man and his dog - Carrie ©

Rocky loved much and was much loved.

We miss you Rockster.

Water sports at Cascade Falls - Carrie ©

Rocky was included in many of my paintings.

Sewing Circle - Carrie ©

Rocky sketch for Sewing Circle - Carrie ©

Rocky and lady 3 for Sewing Circle - Carrie ©

Fishing with a Friend - Carrie ©

Where did that term ‘dog days’ originate?

Answer: ancient times.

In the summer, Sirius, the ‘dog star’, rose and set with the sun.

“During late July, Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather.

They named this period of time… ‘dog days’ after the dog star.”

Looking at Fido here, lazing in the hot mid afternoon sun,  ‘dog days’ of summer doesn’t need a star to originate the term.

This adorable puppy merely raised an eyebrow while being photographed.

Too hot to move, but happy for it, it’s a dog’s day for sure.

Did you know that what’s on your skin and in your bathroom could kill you?

Fact:  Most cosmetics on the market today are loaded with  toxic chemical potions, often referred to as The Dirty Dozen.

The word ‘natural’ on the front label means very little when the dirty dozen, (below) are listed on the back of the label.

1. Bisphenol-A: Also called BPA. Used in moisturizers and makeup as antioxidants and preservatives. It’s associated with tumour growth and hormone disfunction of humans. Harmful to wildlife.

2. Coal Tar Dyes: Appearing on bottles as
“p-phenylenediamine” or colours listed as “CI” followed by five digits, this chemical is common in hair dyes and is linked to cancer. It also contains low levels of heavy metals.

3. DEA: Diethanolamine makes products soapy, sudsy or creamy, but also irritates skin and may be toxic to the immune and nervous systems of humans and fish and wildlife.

4. Dibutyl phthalate: Found in nail polish, it enhances the capacity of other chemicals to cause genetic mutations of humans. Harmful to fish and wildlife.

5. Formaldehyde-releasing agents: These irritate skin and eyes and harm marine life. Examples are DMDM

hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quarternium-15 and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.

6. Parfum/perfume: Fragrances are considered “trade secrets” and could contain any number of chemicals.

7. Parabens: Used as a preservative in makeup, parabens are linked to breast cancer and hormone problems, particularly in women of childbearing age.

8. PEG compounds: Polyethylene glyco compounds open skin’s pores, allowing other harmful chemicals to penetrate more deeply. This chemical is often found in creams and is linked to cancer.

9. Petrolatum: Also called mineral oil jelly, this chemical carcinogen is common in moisturizers and lip balms for providing shine and a moisture barrier.

10. Siloxanes: Used in cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten, these compounds can irritate the skin, eyes and lungs and are harmful humans, fish and wildlife.

11. Sodium laureth sulfate: Used to create foam, this chemical may be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which cause cancer. It can be found in soaps, shampoos and toothpaste.

12. Triclosan: Found in antiperspirants, deodorants, cleansers and hand sanitizer as a preservative and antibacterial agent. It interferes with hormone function in humans. Harmful to fish and other wildlife.

♥

Switching to toxin free skin care products isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. 

Today my toxin-free skin care is loaded with mangosteen goodness,  and works to restore, rejuvenate, and protect the skin.

No “dirt” here!

contact: carrie@wachsmannstudios.com