The Blog-aholic Award

For whatever reasons, I am inspired to respond to some of the wonderful blog awards from other bloggers in our wonderful blogging community.  I would like to say a great big “Thank you” to Miriam, from Israelisalad.wordpress.com who has graciously nominated me for the The Blog-aholic Award.

Miriam has a blog very similar to mine. A young American-Israeli mother, Miriam writes about cooking fresh, delicious and seasonal dishes on a budget in a small kitchen with limited time.  It is nice to know that there are other people who share my passion for healthy, all natural fast and easy cooking. Please check out her blog and show her your support. You will not be disappointed!

Here is the link to her blog:

Blogaholic Award Nomination

I always think of blogging awards as a good way to practice team work and build esprit de corps. Miriam, however, has a wonderful way of describing blogging awards. She calls blogging awards “blogger tag,” as their function to increase site traffic. I like that explanation!

Good play skills are important. My mother always says that “recess” is the most important class at school. I guess I am “it.”

What is The Blog-aholic Award?

“The Blog-aholic Award” is an award created by Esme, The Recipe Hunter, for bloggers addicted to blogging with creative, ingenious and inspiring posts. They “mesmerize their followers with their posts, keep them captivated and riveted to their blog.” The Blog-aholic Award is also for bloggers who “Share and Inspire Others!” The Recipe Hunter (Cook & Enjoy)

Please also show your support to Esme. Esme is a leader in sharing, caring and playing “tag” with other bloggers.  The cohesiveness of our blogging  community is in part due to her (and naturally many others’) efforts.

Thank you Miriam and Esme!

Rules

1. Put the above award logo/image on your blog
2. List the rules
3. Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog (it can be to the post in which they nominated you or any other post or you can even link to their “About” page)
4. Mention the creator The Recipe Hunter (Cook & Enjoy) of this award and please provide a link or pingback
5. Write a post to show your award
6. Share a link to your best post(s)
7. Share 3 interesting and different facts about yourself
8. Nominate 5-10 fellow bloggers, or more if you wish. Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide the link to the post you created.

Now that I am reading the award rules more closely, I am very humbled by this award. Frankly, I consider my blog to be very simple and homespun. My goal is just to organize my recipes and share them with others. I am so grateful to everyone for your positive warmth and support. I am always amazed at how friendly everyone is. Thank you all!

Here are my answers:

Rule number 6 is share a link to my best post.

The world of blogging is full of surprises. Unexpectedly, my most viewed post is Roasted Beets Without Foil. http://wp.me/p3GhIj-11Y

My post that received the most “likes”: My About Page. http://wp.me/P3GhIj-1

The next part of the award is to share 3 interesting and different facts about myself. I thought I would answer the following questions:

If money was no object, what would you do all day?

I am great at keeping myself busy and productive!

If money was no object, I would devote myself to my children and community, including this wonderful blogging community.

With unlimited resources, I would love to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.

I would also love to follow my passions and spend more time advocating on behalf of people with special needs and those with mental illness.

However, I could also see myself continuing to work. I am blessed to have a meaningful job which I enjoy. My patients are awesome!

What are your hobbies?

I love the domestic arts: sewing, knitting, and of course cooking.

Which would you rather do: wash dishes, mow the lawn, clean the bathroom, or vacuum the house?

Out of the 3 choices, I would rather wash dishes. I am very particular about how I clean dishes. I think I like playing with water too. Yard work is not my thing as I am afraid of insects and worms. As for vacuuming, I always say, “there are cookers and there are cleaners.” I am definitely not a cleaner, but I admire and appreciate cleanliness.

Since I’m “it,” now it’s my turn to tag 5 more bloggers. 

In no particular order:

Joelle at https://macuisinesanssulfites.com/

Love and Umami at https://loveandumami.com/

Anjali Dhawan at https://anjalidhawan.wordpress.com/about/

RD healthy at https://rdhealthy.org/

Felicia at  https://felisrecipes.com/2017/02/

Please show your support to these wonderful blogs!

 

 

2016/2017 TAG!

2016/2017 TAG!

Normally, I am too time challenged to respond to blogging awards. Fortunately, today is a national holiday, so I am home. This means, I have an opportunity to complete and respond promptly.

To all the people who have so graciously nominated me in the past, please forgive my tardiness. I am truly time challenged. I consider the very existence of this blog to be an open miracle.

Today, I was so touched to be tagged by My Lighthearted Kitchen from her blog, mylightheartedkitchen.com for the 2016/2017 Tag!

Please check out her lifestyle and cooking blog where she shares her recipes, thoughts and musings about being a vegan, life-loving human being!

Here is the link to her blog:

https://mylightheartedkitchen.com/2017/02/15/20162017-tag/

The questions, I am afraid are a little bit difficult. But, my rule is, “if I have to think too much about it, then I can’t do it.” So, I will answer the first thought that pops in my mind, and assume that it is the right answer.

The tag was created by David from The Guy Who Said Always No. I love the title of his blog. It shows a great sense of humor!

Please show your support and visit both of these wonderful blogs.

Questions:

1. DESCRIBE YOUR 2016 IN 3 WORDS.

Time challenged, intense and full of change.

2. WRITE THE NAME OF 2 PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHARACTERIZED YOUR 2016.

There have been so many people who have been so generous and helpful this year. I could never limit it to only 2 people.

First of all, we moved. But, the neighbors from our old street were so wonderful and supportive. We miss everyone so much!

In particular, I must mention “The Mayor” of the block, whose kindness, warmth and caring are a source of inspiration. He, and his wife and children set a beautiful example for not only the block, but for anyone and everyone who has the privilege to be connected to them.

Secondly, my husband’s life was saved by 2 doctors in particular and many other people in the synagogue where we prayed. Are there ever enough words to acknowledge the miracle of a life saved?

Two more people who I feel so grateful towards are the youth group leaders at that synagogue, Marvin and Divsha. This wonderful couple were so caring and kind to both my daughters. They gave my girls a sense of place in this world that I so greatly appreciate and treasure.

All of these people and so many others have touched my heart this year. The wellspring of gratitude that I feel for all these people is ever-flowing and infinite.

3. WRITE ABOUT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU’VE VISITED IN 2016 AND WHY YOU LIKED IT SO MUCH.

I know that this answer is evading the question, but, every place is beautiful.  One of my greatest pleasures was to sit on my glider and watch the sun rise in the morning. Another great joy was to sit on our front porch swing and watch the people walk by, especially when it rained.

4. WRITE THE MOST DELICIOUS FOOD YOU’VE TASTED IN 2016.

Anything made by my mother and sister was completely awesome! My sister made a BBQ turkey that was truly memorable!

5. WRITE THE EVENT WHICH HAS MARKED YOU MORE OF THIS IN 2016 (EVEN GLOBAL EVENT).

On a personal level, moving was a very significant personal event. I am still adjusting and transitioning to the change.

On a national level, the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States was of great significance. It is a topic of conversation at work and throughout our society. We are all on a journey and it remains to be seen where all of this will lead.

Inspired by my patients, I pray for the success and ongoing strength of this new administration, this country and the world. May we all be blessed with peace, joy, good health and abundance.

6. WRITE THE FINEST PURCHASE YOU’VE MADE IN THIS 2016, AND IF YOU WANT, LINK A PHOTO.

 We bought a new house. That was a significant and huge undertaking! 

7. WRITE 3 GOOD INTENTIONS FOR THIS 2017. 

• Meditate daily
• Spend a set amount of time daily for self-care and relaxation. Blogging is included in this category
• Pause before responding when aggravated or upset.
• Learn how to use Facebook (OK, this was 4, but who is counting?

8. WRITE 1 PLACE YOU WANT TO VISIT IN 2017.

I love going home to Toronto and visiting with my mother and childhood friends.

9. WRITE 1 PLATE/FOOD YOU WANT TO EAT IN 2017. 

Hmmmm…. This is not so important to me. I would love to learn how to make soap (this is not edible) and make time to do more sewing.

The wonderful people I would like to tag are:  (I am afraid that I do not know how to make short links. Maybe I should make that another goal for 2017?)

Monica at One Way To Health — A budget friendly journey to a healthier and happier you.

https://onewaytohealth.com/

Ruta at Estonian Cuisine who blogs about easy and delicious Estonian food at https://estoniancuisine.com/

Elizabeth at the comfortable coop, who is so supportive and down to earth at https://thecomfortablecoop.wordpress.com/about/

Sugasuga and her blog Loaf Lusters, who writes about the adventures of a broke foodie at https://loaflusters.wordpress.com/

Kathryn at Another Foodie Blogger, who blogs on simple gourmet food at https://anotherfoodieblogger.wordpress.com/

Susie at SusieShy45 at https://susieshy45.wordpress.com/about-me/

Another blogger who writes on many of my favorite topics.

Jessica at Unmeasured Journey at https://unmeasuredjourneys.com/about-2/ Very thoughtful writing, and I love her blog name!

Bruce at sportsattitudes at https://sportsattitudes.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/at-the-center-of-it-all-america-hugs-it-out/#comment-4820  Bruce writes about sports and so much more. He is the only person who I know who can make sports sound interesting and meaningful to a non-sports person like me.

Sarah & Choppy at travelswithcoppy.com. I love her stories and her pictures! She has a wonderful sense of humor and pictures. https://travelswithchoppy.com/about/

Rules:

• Mention the creator of the tag: The Guy Who Said Always No.
• Use the image that you find in this article
• Mention the blogger who has chosen you: My Lightheated Kitchen at https://mylightheartedkitchen.com/2017/02/15/20162017-tag/
• Answer the questions
• Mention 9 bloggers/friends and let them know through a comment on their blog.

Thank you all for participating and reading this post! Please check out these blogs and show your support for our beautiful fellow bloggers.

May this year be a year of inspiration, creativity, and love.

Many blessings for peace,

Carol and family

 

 

 

February 2017 Share and Inspire Others!

Hi Everyone!

Recipes are like food and meant to be shared and enjoyed with others.

Please share your beloved tried and true sweet and savory bread recipes with the recipe hunter.

Sharing is caring.

With blessings,
Carol

EsmeSalon

Our theme for February 2017

BREAD – SWEET AND SAVORY

If you need, check out the How to Participate  in our Share and Inspire Others! Monthly Exchange, but please  Timeframe:
February 1^st – Theme will be announced and published on The Recipe Hunter blog.
February 10^th – Submissions need to be received via email @ cookandenjoy@shaw.ca
February 15^{th –}Release of all entries from participants on The Recipe Hunter blog.
February 20^th – Promote and do a post/reblog on your own blog, linking back to the original post.

Remember, the subject line of your email, should be marked as follows:

February 2017 – BREAD – SWEET AND SAVORY

The TRIED AND TESTED recipe/s (maximum of 5 per blogger) you wish to  submit, can be a previously prepared recipe you already have on your blog.  No need to have made it yesterday, or last week.  As long…

View original post 104 more words

Slightly Off Topic: Versatile Blogger Award A La Deux

As I have shared, when I started this blog, I really just thought that it would be a good way to organize my recipes and share them with family and friends. It’s sort of a personal hobby. 

I really don’t promote my blog to friends or family members. My mother is my major culinary consultant. My friend Malka is a close runner up.

Despite my lack of self promotion, this blog has evolved into a life of its own. My little blog has turned into a wonderful, global social networking opportunity. I feel like I have a glimpse of the kitchens of other people all over the world. What an amazing concept!

Over the past few months, I have been graciously nominated by my fellow blogging sisters for 3 Versatile Blogger Awards.

As I am time challenged, it is difficult for me to respond to awards, and still post recipes.

Unfortunately, however, I was sick last week.

So, with my spare time recovering from a cold, I had an opportunity to finally respond.

I guess I find blogging relaxing.

Thank you all for your kindness and patience.

The rules:

1. Thank the person that has nominated you & include a link to their blog.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs of your choice.
3. Link your nominees and let them know of your nomination.
4. Share seven different facts about yourself.

So, to begin, I would like to thank my fellow blogging sister Trina from Itsgoodtobecrazysometimes for her support and recognition:

https://itsgoodtobecrazysometimes.wordpress.com/2015/12/03/the-versatile-blogger-award/

Trina writes about her experiences with mental illness. As I work in mental health, I really appreciate her point of view and applaud her efforts. She is also an animal lover, and those who read my blog know how much I like cats.

7 Different Facts About Me:

As this is part of an ongoing response, I am not quite sure how many facts that I have already listed. Nevertheless, here are more:

1. I am starting a new blog for my thoughts and experiences unrelated to food, called coffeeklatch(in)sight, so that I will hopefully minimize my off topic postings.

Here is the link:  https://coffeeklatchinsight.wordpress.com/

2. I like to cook.

3. I do not like cake decorating. It is kind of funny, but when my girls were born, I took a class on cake decorating. I always wanted to learn how to make homemade cakes decorated with roses. After that class, I was cured. Now I  only decorate with candies, chocolate and frosting.

4. I do not understand social media.

I need a lesson on Face book, Instagram and Twitter. Any recommendations on how to create a Facebook page, etc., would be greatly appreciated.

5. I love sewing and crafts.

6. I am clean but not tidy.

7. I love to play sudoku.

Now for nominations. Here are the 15 blogs on different topics.

https://pumdiets.wordpress.com/

http://peaceandloveandveggies.com/

http://meladycooks.com/

http://liliscakes.com/

https://onebowlvegan.wordpress.com/

http://fuelforyoursoul.com/

https://cookingfromheart.wordpress.com/

https://plateitupblog.wordpress.com/

http://mykitchenmythoughts.com/

https://gtamilselvi90.wordpress.com/

https://lins239.wordpress.com/

http://drchdietfood.com/

https://ronitpenso.wordpress.com/

http://whatskatieupto.com/

https://pantryportfolio.wordpress.com/

Please visit these wonderful blogs and show your support for our fellow bloggers!

Congratulations!!!

Food For Thought- Quote Challenge Day 3

This is my last day of my 3 day quote challenge. I can’t believe that I did it!

However, since I am posting this from my computer, and not my cell phone, the timing is off and it seems like this is the first post, rather than the third. Unfortunately, when I tried to fix it, it made it worse.  So, I am leaving it as it is. Everything happens for a reason!

Thank you Jenny Marie at Peace from Panic | One Mom’s Journey Helping Her Child Through Anxiety  who graciously nominated me.

Please check out Jenny Marie’s blog. She is a beautiful writer who touches on many meaningful and inspiring themes that are near and dear to my heart.

Peace from Panic | One Mom’s Journey Helping Her Child Through Anxiety

https://peacefrompanic.wordpress.com/

Here are the rules:

Post for three consecutive days

Posts can be one or three quotes per day

Nominate three different blogs per day

I am going to follow Jenny Marie’s plan and nominate bloggers on my third day, which will have to be Saturday night, after Shabbat is over. (Keep in mind that my timing is off. this is really being posting on 2/13/2016.)

As many of you know from my about page, I often speak about the power of our thoughts and the importance of being mindful and cooking with love.

Raizel often accuses me of being “too spiritual,” but, despite her teenage attitude, I think I have had an impact.

This is a quote by Raizel. I liked it so much that I made it into this picture:

This is one that I quote often:

Lastly, this is my food quote:

Enjoy!

And now for my nominees:

https://fonzandcancer.wordpress.com/category/hope-2/

https://jennylitchfield.wordpress.com/

http://unwedhousewifeblog.com/category/about-me/

https://thenobleaubergine.wordpress.com/about/

http://talkingtomyweightlosscounselor.com/

https://nourishedpeach.com/about/

https://enabilityblog.wordpress.com/about/

https://mioshotfood.wordpress.com/about/

http://liliscakes.com/about2/awards/blogging-award-rules-for-nomineesnominators/

 

Please visit these wonderful blogs and show your support for our fellow bloggers!

Congratulations!!!

 

Food For Thought- Quote Challenge Day 2

I was graciously nominated by Jenny Marie for a 3 day quote challenge.

To stay slightly on topic, I am accepting this 3 day quote challenge, but including a quote about food or eating each day.

Thank you Jenny Marie at Peace from Panic | One Mom’s Journey Helping Her Child Through Anxiety for nominating me for this challenge.

Please check out Jenny Marie’s blog:
https://peacefrompanic.wordpress.com/

Jenny Marie is a beautiful writer who touches on many meaningful and inspiring themes that are near and dear to my heart. Many have moved me to laughter and tears.

Here are the rules:

Post for three consecutive days

Posts can be one or three quotes per day

Nominate three different blogs per day

I am going to follow Jenny Marie’s plan and nominate bloggers on my third day, which will have to be Saturday night, after Shabbat is over.

I love this quote:

I am a huge fan of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, who I find very inspiring and wise:

Finally, here is a food for thought quote:

  
Enjoy!

Food For Thought -Quote Challenge Day 1

I was nominated by Jenny Marie for a 3 day quote challenge.

I am accepting this 3 day quote challenge, and including a quote about food or eating each day, to stay slightly on topic. 

Thank you Jenny Marie at Peace from Panic | One Mom’s Journey Helping Her Child Through Anxiety for nominating me for this challenge. 

Please check out Jenny Marie’s blog:
https://peacefrompanic.wordpress.com/

Jenny Marie is a beautiful writer who touches on many meaningful and inspiring themes that are near and dear to my heart. Many have moved me to laughter and tears.

Here are the rules:

Post for three consecutive days

Posts can be one or three quotes per day

Nominate three different blogs per day

I am going to follow Jenny Marie’s plan and nominate bloggers on my third day, which will have to be Saturday night, after Shabbat is over.

Below are 2 quotes that are near and dear to my heart. One was a gift that I made with my friend Reitza Sarah, for our friend Aviva. Aviva leads a beautiful class that we are both a part of. I am posting it here as it encapsulates many of my core values and beliefs:

   

In the center it says “ein od milvado” which translates as “there is none besides Him.” Ein od milvado is a segula or a protective phrase that shields a person from danger. 

This is one of my favorite quotes, that is also on my About page:

  
Finally, here is a food quote:

  

 Enjoy!

Slightly Off Topic: Versatile Blogger Award

I have been blogging for only a short while, and it has been an eye-opening experience! I am learning so much.

When I started this blog, I really just thought that it would be a good way to organize my recipes and share them with family and friends. It has turned into a wonderful, global social network opportunity. I feel like I have a glimpse of the kitchens of other people all over the world. What an amazing concept!

Over the past few months, I have been graciously nominated by my fellow blogging sisters for 3 Versatile Blogger Awards.

As I am time challenged, it is difficult for me to respond to awards, and still post recipes. Unfortunately, however, I am home sick today. So, I have finally had the time to respond to the beautiful support of this community. Thank you all for your kindness and patience.

The rules:

1. Thank the person that has nominated you & include a link to their blog.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs of your choice.
3. Link your nominees and let them know of your nomination.
4. Share seven different facts about yourself.

So, to begin, I would like to thank my fellow blogging sister Parul Singhal from Gharkepakwan for her support and recognition:

https://gharkepakwan.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/the-versatile-blogger-awardmy-first-blogger-award/

I quote her blog often and her blog has introduced me to Indian food, which my family enjoys very much!

I thought I would be a bit creative and share 7 things about myself in an unusual way.

This is something that I often do with my patients and it a wonderful and fun exercise about sharing and identifying who we are. 

Who Are You Group Activity

What is your favorite color?

What are 3 qualities about that color that you like?

What is your favorite car?

What are 3 qualities about that car that you like?

What is your favorite animal?

What are 3 qualities about that animal that you like?

Interpretation: 

The positive qualities about a particular color are connected to one’s self-esteem, and how one perceives oneself inside.

The positive qualities about a particular car or mode of transportation are the positive qualities that other people identify with you.

The positive qualities about a particular animal are the positive qualities of how a person interacts in their relationships with others particularly as a friend.

So, here are my answers:

1. My favorite color is orange.
2. I like orange because it is cheerful, attractive and warm.
3. My favorite car is my old (and sadly now defunct) Sion XB.
4. I like the Sion XB because it is funky, cool and unique.
5. My favorite animal is a cat.
6. I like cats because they are graceful, soft and elegant.

Interpretation 

I see myself as a cheerful, attractive and warm person.

Other people see me as funky, cool and unique.

As a friend I am graceful, soft and elegant.

Try this and see what your answers are. It is lots of fun!

Now for nominations. Here are the 15 blogs on different topics.

http://stephysweetbakes.com/

https://diningwithcelia.wordpress.com/

https://thebestwinesfromitaly.wordpress.com/

https://ruggedkitchen.wordpress.com/

http://damgoodfood.com/

http://fueledbyvegetables.com/

http://simply-delicious.org/

http://marisasitaliankitchen.com/

https://anchorwithkeidi.wordpress.com/

http://kaleinit.com/http://kaleinit.com/

http://passioncook.net/

https://loveserveddaily.wordpress.com/

http://snapshotsincursive.com/

https://heenieblogsfood.wordpress.com/

http://petersfoodadventures.com/

Please visit these wonderful blogs and show your support. Congratulations!