Easy Homemade Granola...Gluten Free
Homemade Granola
Granola is often thought of as a breakfast food, but it is really great anytime. I eat it as a snack, and sometimes for dessert as a parfait. I toss it in my bag for an on the go treat, and I eat it for breakfast. Granola is so yummy, and sweet, but can also be a lot of calories if you don't watch it.
I started making my own granola to control the calories, the sugar content, and to be able to make it gluten free. Making granola is super easy. I usually give my kids my recipe, and just let them make it.
It really is as simple as measuring ingredients into a bowl, and mixing with your hands. Set a timer for 20 minutes, and you will have delicious granola.
Gluten Free Homemade Granola Recipe
Ingredients:
3 cups Gluten Free Oats
1 ½ cup Shredded Coconut, Unsweetened
1 cup Dried Cranberries, No sugar Added
1 cup Sliced Almonds
½ cup Coconut Oil
½ cup Honey
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract, GF
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl mix oats, coconut, cranberries, and sliced almonds. In a medium bowl mix oil, honey, and vanilla. Pour honey mixture into the oat mixture and mix ingredients with hands, making sure to completely coat oats. Pour mixture onto a baking sheet with raised edges and evenly spread mixture. Place in center rack and bake for 20 minutes, turning baking sheet after 10 minutes for even cooking.
Allow granola to cool completely. Granola will become crispy and crunchy as it cools.
Enjoy your granola as a snack, over some greek yogurt, or with milk as breakfast cereal. Store in ziplock or closed container for 7-10 days.
Dreams and Their Meaning...Interpreting Our Common Dreams
One might think from that title that I actually have some incite into our dreams, and their meaning right? Truth be told I've got nada. Just pure conjecture, best guesses, and of course my "all knowing" opinions. But in reality is that not all anyone has?
I have done some research, and most of the literature I found on dreams goes a little something like psychologist believe that "blank" dream "MAY" mean blah blah blah.
So let's talk dreams. I experience some of the common dreams. Dreams about falling, having sex, spouse cheating, the loss of one of my children, and oddly snakes. I have never had the eerily common public nudity dream. That actually sounds quite terrifying.
Now let's breakdown each type of dream and discuss.
5 Common Dreams and Their Meaning
The Falling Dream
The falling dream is supposed to represent a fear of failure. I have been having this dream all of my life. I am very competitive, and set high standards for myself and others. But like many people, I have a fear of failure.
I don't let my fear stop me from pushing forward, but it does press on me and cause that internal upheaval and anxiety. The falling dream appears during these times.
The Sex Dream
This type of dream seems obvious and in some cases it is. Sometimes someone can have such a pull on you mentally, physically, and emotionally that you cannot get them out of your mind, day or night. The desire is intense but making it a reality is an obstacle, if not impossible. Maybe a celebrity crush, or your best friend's guy or girl.
Reality may not be better than fiction. The sex dream may also be about a desire for love and affection. Or perhaps you were watching or reading something of a sexual nature before falling asleep, and your mind took over.
The Spouse Cheating Dream
I have been married for over 16 years, and during that time I have never gotten the feeling that my husband was being unfaithful, or that his heart was somewhere else. I have always felt immense love for me coming from him. However, throughout the years there have been times where I have felt like we were not connecting, or there was a distance growing.
The spouse cheating dream can be about a concern of cheating, or a much needed wake of call that things are not right, and to fix them before they get worse. It can also be about your own feelings of insecurity, whether it's aging or gaining a few pounds.
The Loss of Children Dream
I have been very fortunate. I have a loving husband and two beautiful girls. I am happy. But there is a part of me waiting for the bad, the unexpected to happen. I work to keep this worry in check but it manifests itself in my dreams.
Dreaming of one of my kids missing or dying. It's a heartbreaking dream that sends me to one of my girl's room to make sure they are still there, and are still alive. Sometimes I even crawl into bed with them.
This dream is supposed to be about being able to protect our children in a crazy world. But also about our own insecurities as parents, and our children growing up and leaving us.
The Snake Dream
There's an old wives tale that says dreaming of a snake means you are pregnant. Umm, not true. In my dreams I am running from a snake. To be clear I have no fear of snakes. My uncle and cousins had pet snakes when I was growing up. The snakes in my dreams are huge and always chasing me down a hallway.
A snake in a dream is supposed to represent feeling threatened. Maybe you have a person in your life who is ruthless or can't be trusted. It can even be a situation that is difficult or threatening and needs to be addressed.
Dreams are like tiny picture shows in our heads that end abruptly when we wake, and leave our memories almost instantaneously. For the rare dream that affects you and stays with you, it may be worth your while to explore its meaning a little bit.
There is a lot of information out there for interpreting your dreams, but I believe many times we know the why behind our dreams. What do you dream about? Careful what you watch or read before going to bed. Sweet dreams...
Please share your most interesting dream and your interpretation of it.
In Case You Missed It...Great Shows Now On Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
As you may, or may not know, I have a small Netflix addiction. But as a busy working mom, I do not get to indulge as much as I would like to. I always try to make time for the important people in my life, while keeping up with my favorite hobbies of writing and reading.
During that time there has been, and continues to be, many televisions shows that look interesting to me, and have great reviews.
Unfortunately it is hard to find the time to watch everything I fancy, and the DVR will only hold so much. But once I catch up on my viewing, I like to share my intel. Maybe you have seen some of these shows already, want to watch for them first time, or want to watch them again.
Either way Downton Abbey, Archer, Sherlock Holmes, and Penny Dreadful are entertaining, addicting, and binge worthy.
Here's What You Are Missing
Downton Abbey
"A sprawling, lavish Edwardian mansion nestled in the Yorkshire landscape -- needs an heir. Dame Maggy Smith stars as Violet, the stubborn Dowager Countess of Grantham matriarch of Downton. Hugh Bonneville stars as her son, the stoic, unflappable Lord Crawley. Elizabeth McGovern is his far-sighted American wife, Cora. From Academy Award-winner Julian Fellowes."
Although this show may seem stuffy and boring, I highly recommend giving it a chance. The setting is beautiful, and the characters as complicated. You will find yourself rooting for some to "finally" find happiness. All six seasons are currently available on Amazon Prime video, which is free for prime members.
Archer
Archer
"Suave, sophisticated spy Archer may have the coolest gadgets, but he still has issues when it comes to dealing with his boss, who is also his mother."
With 8 seasons of crazy, often vulgar antics, Archer is sure to make you laugh and find your inner immature self. Currently seasons 1-7 are available on Netflix.
Sherlock Holmes
"In this updated take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved mystery tales, the eccentric sleuth prowls the streets of modern London in search of clues."
Much like its namesake, this show is smart, witty, and surprising at times. Each episode is well written and movie length. All four seasons are currently available on Netflix.
Penny Dreadful
"The classic tales of Dracula, Frankenstein, Dorian Gray and more are woven together in this horror series set on the dark streets of Victorian London."
A Penny Dreadful is a term for 19th century cheap horror and crime novels, usually costing pennies. The classic tales found in this spooky show are anything but cheap. The stories are woven quite beautiful together, and are both heartbreaking and horrifying at times. All three seasons are currently available on Netflix.
With the exception of Archer, all of the above shows can be pretty heavy at times. I recommend watching a few episodes of Archer in between the other shows for levity. You will need it.
Gluten Free Cooking...My Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
I started cooking without gluten several years ago after being diagnosed with a gluten allergy. Cutting gluten out of my diet was not easy, but it was worth it to feel better. Giving up bread was the obvious diet exclusion, but once I started the research, I realized that gluten was in some many things. I came to the understanding that if I wanted to eat well, and not spend a ton of money on gluten free goods, I was going to have to make it myself.
I love to cook, and found it challenging to create tasty recipes for my family that did not contain gluten. How would I bake cookies and cupcakes, or make pizza dough without gluten? Fortunately my gluten allergy was nothing new to the world, and I was able to find many substitutes for the real thing.
Almond flour, rice flour, and tapioca flour are just a few common substitutes for wheat flour. I began to experiment with cooking, and baking with these flours, but the struggle was real. Nothing seemed to turn out right. The taste was off, or grainy, and unfortunately the texture was not the best. The reality was, this was my new reality. None of the substitutes would be exactly like a wheat flour, or produce identical results. But I kept experimenting by combining the flours, as well as adding xanthum gum to the baking recipes.
Then one day I discovered Cup4Cup gluten free flour. This flour claimed to produce wheat flour like results, with no additions needed to the flour. It was a little pricey, so I was hesitant, but I finally took the plunge and purchased a 3 lb. bag. I was pleasantly surprised at the results when using this flour. I also discovered several other brands, that produced similar results as well.
One of the first recipes I tried with Cup4Cup was fried chicken tenders. I rarely fry food, but when I do, I want it to be good. I prepared my recipe the same as I would with wheat flour, and the results were amazing. The tenders were golden, crispy, and better than you would get at a restaurant. Here's my simple but extra yummy recipe.
Gluten Free Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
1 1/2 lb chicken tenders
1 c. Cup4cup gluten free flour
1/2 c. cornstarch
2 eggs
1/3 c. Milk
oil of choice for frying
3 tbsp. seasoning salt
2 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp. black pepper
Gluten Free Flour Recipe (Optional)
1/2 c. Rice flour
1/2 c. Tapioca flour
1 tbsp Xanthum Gum
Directions
Preheat your oil in a french oven, or heavy skillet to 375 degrees. In a large bowl add chicken tenders, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp seasoning salt, and 1 tsp black pepper and mix until chicken is completed coated.
In a medium bowl add flour, cornstarch, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 1/2 tbsp seasoning salt, 1 tbsp paprika, and mix with fork. In a second medium bowl beat eggs, milk, and your remaining seasoning salt together.
Prepare your dredging station by placing bowl with chicken on the end, middle will go your egg mixture, and last is your flour mixture. Take each tender and completely coat in egg mixture, and then dredge in flour, and shake off excess flour.
Carefully place tenders in hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd skillet. Cook tenders for 5-7 minutes, depending on size of tenders, turning them over after about 3 minutes. Remove and drain on plate with paper towels.
I recommend saving yourself time by using gluten free flours like Cup4Cup, or are measure for measure of the gluten free flours. But just in case you still want to mix your flours, I included a gluten free flour recipe for the chicken tenders. Enjoy!
Best Foreign Netflix Series...
There is so much good television right now, it’s almost overwhelming. What to watch? When to watch it? Is this binge worthy? With so much to choose from it is hard to settle on any particular show.
It helps to know what you like, or have someone make recommendations. I am a lover of a good mystery, and the darker the better. I gravitate towards these types of shows, therefore more pop up as recommended to me on Netflix.
I cannot say that I am a huge foreign film buff, but my fondness has grown over the years ever since I saw the German "Run Lola Run" over a decade ago. Once you get used to the subtitles, you can really enjoy something fresh and new. But you have to decide what to watch, and of course you have to pay extra attention with subtitles.
While I cannot make sure you pay attention, I can recommend foreign Netflix series for your viewing pleasure. By the way, only two of these requires reading subtitles.
Here Are My Top 5 Recommended Foreign Netflix Series...
Dark
"A missing child sets four families on a frantic hunt for answers as they unearth a mind-bending mystery that spans three generations." This German series is dubbed in english, and tackles murder, death, and the concept of time. Is time constantly moving in only one direction? This series may make you question that theory. A second season is in the works for this thought provoking show.
Hotel Beau Sejour
"Caught in an afterlife limbo, teenage Kato investigates her own mysterious death and unravels a web of secrets in her seemingly tranquil village." In this Flemish language Belgian series Kato is a ghost, who can be seen only by a handful of people. But why is she only seen by those particular individuals? That is the big question. Once she figures out why they can see her, she can solve her own murder. Season 2 should be streaming in March 2018.
Broadchurch
"After a young boy is murdered in the small seaside town of Broadchurch, local detectives Ellie Miller and Alec Hardy are assigned the mysterious case." Broadchurch is a beautifully shot BBC series. Solving a crime in a small town means that the victim likely knew their killer. This one is a big twist, and a heartbreaker. Broadchurch currently has a three seasons available on Netflix.
Alias Grace
Alias Grace
"In 19th-century Canada, a psychiatrist weighs whether a murderess should be pardoned due to insanity. Based on Margaret Atwood's award-winning novel." Margaret Atwood's book was based on the true crime story of 17 year old Irish immigrant Grace Marks. Grace is abused, mistreated, and eventually convicted of double murder. Grace's complicity in the murders may forever remain a mystery, but her story is none the less fascinating.
La Mante
"Decades after her capture, a serial killer offers to help solve a string of copycat murders -- but only if her son, now a cop, will work by her side." This French series revolves around the highly intelligent, and perceptive serial killer nicknamed The Mantis, and her desire to have any interaction with her cop son Damien.
After all her crimes she seems to have only one regret, and that was leaving her young son all those years ago to go to prison.
All of the above shows are excellent. And yes, I am sure you notice a trend in my viewing choices. They are all basically murder mysteries, but also mild studies in human behavior, which I am fascinated by. Not for the faint of heart, but highly entertaining. So pick one to start watching. I do no think you will be disappointed.
Twilight Zone...Do You Ever Ask Yourself, "Is This Really Happening"?
Life is so odd at times. Or just maybe my odd is someone else's norm. But I must confess, I feel more often than not as if I have stepped into an alternate reality. Some individual's behaviors seem so strange as of late that I question "is this really happening?". Did they just do, or say what I think they did?
Do you know what the real twilight zone is? The true twilight zone exists in the ocean. It is the middle layer of the world's ocean that receives faint, filtered light. It is not black like the midnight zone, but there is darkness. My twilight zone moments are not black, but definitely a little gray and hazy.
I imagine that when you read the title to this blog your thoughts immediately went to the Rod Serling's television show, "The Twilight Zone". You were correct to make that assumption. This blog is definitely inspired by the series that always consisted of the oddity, creepiness, and most of all, irony. Nothing was ever as it appeared to be.
Last year, my girls and I made it a nightly routine to watch at least one episode of The Twilight Zone. It was, and still is, on Netflix. They loved the old timey feel, because well they were made over 50 years ago, and my girls are kids, and everything seems old and ancient. They loved the twists at the end, and trying to guess what was really happening. Real life, and people's behavior are a little more unpredictable, and sometimes not so much.
I recommend watching The Twilight Zone whenever you can.
Top 10 Twilight Zone Episodes:
Third From the Sun
Time Enough At Last
The Hitch-Hiker
The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street
Elegy
Mirror Image
The Dummy
Living Doll
Queen of the Nile
The Bewitchin Pool
The Twilight Zone is supposed to be an escape from reality, but what happens when reality is stranger than fiction? We seem to be living in strange times, or is it just me? You decide.
To Be Organic Or Not To Be...Is Buying Organic Worth The Cost?
I must say that the word organic has a nice ring to it. It makes me think natural and healthy, but unfortunately it also makes me think expensive. The cost of organic fruits and vegetables are nearly double that of the chemically soaked others.
So I guess the question is "is it worth it to buy organic?" I think the answer is both yes and no.
Is Organic Food Worth The Cost?
I have researched and read many articles that discussed the value, both monetarily and health wise in buying organic.
It basically comes down to being worth the cost if you are purchasing fruits with thin skins, such as tomatoes and peaches, because the pesticides and chemicals are more likely to penetrate the fruit. But not worth it for the likes of banana or melons with thicker skins.
Watermelon Slices
I grow my own tomatoes, so I guess I am safe there, but I have also started buying free range, cage free organic eggs. These eggs are nearly triple the price of your typical dozen, but I feel good about "possibly" supporting a more humane existence for the chickens. I am also in processing of preparing to raise my own chickens for eggs.
I buy organic when possible, but I definitely have my concerns, or should I say trust issues. How do I know that these products are truly what they say they are. How do I know these chicken were not kept in cages, or fed hormones and chemically tainted feed. How do I know the grapes I just paid $7 for are truly organic?
I suppose I will never know for certain if a product is truly organic, but I will take all of precautions that I can. I can do things such as thoroughly washing fruits and veggies before use, buying locally grown produce, and growing any fruits or vegetables that I can.
Also I can go to Certified Farmer's Markets, and buy directly from organic farmers.
What are your thoughts on organics products? Do you buy organic food? Do you buy other organic materials such as towels and sheets?
5 Signs It’s Time To Set Boundaries In Your Relationship
Boundaries are limits that define acceptable behavior. These limits apply very much so to relationships. In fact, perhaps boundaries in our personal, romantic relationships are the most important ones to set.
We often become comfortable, maybe too comfortable, in our relationships, and we can forget how to treat our partners.
I see boundaries as being about trust and respect. Boundaries apply to everyone, whether you are the male or female in your relationship, or you are a same sex couple. Read the below boundary breakers, and ask yourself if you are doing any of these, or if they are being done to you. If they apply, ask yourself if you are okay with the status quo of your relationship.
The 5 Signs You Need To Set Boundaries
They Interrupt
Whether it's a work call, or your candle party, they interrupt with non-urgent issues. This is a disrespectful power play, and it is a boundary issue. While they think they are marking their territory with you, what they are really doing is putting their lack of respect for you on full display for co-workers, friends, and family.
Respect yourself enough to set boundaries.
They Track and Spy
Everyone, even those in relationships, are entitled to some privacy. They will disguise it as worry for your safety, but it is really about controlling you. Needing to know where another adult is every second of the day, who is supposed to be a partner and equal, is a boundary issue.
In addition to tracking and spying being about control, it is also about a lack of trust and respect in the relationship. The boundary issue is unhealthy and needs to be addressed.
They Smother
Alone time is important, as is time with others outside of your relationship. If your significant other makes you feel guilty for doing things, or wanting to do things, without them, you have a boundary problem.
If they do not respect your need or desire for alone time, or to occasionally do things without, they have serious boundary issues.
Always About Them
Does just about everything you do as a couple revolve around their wants? Do you get input? Do you try to give input but always seem to get shot down? You are paying for half the trip, but get none of the say. These are boundary issues. Your voice is not heard, and your opinion is not valued. Set the expectation.
They Treat You Disrespectfully
Are things said to you by your significant other that you would be ashamed if your family or friends ever overheard or knew about? That is a boundary issue. Many things go on between couples, but verbal and emotional abuse should not be tolerated.
Hands are not the only way to beat a person down. Set boundaries, stand up for yourself, and tell them to never speak to you like that again.
Relationships are work, but I believe too many people spend far too much time ignoring problems that can be fixed, such as boundary breaking. They spend too much time hoping things will turn around, while not facing problems head on. And unfortunately, they spend too much time working on relationships that are beyond repair, or that was never going to work at all.
What are your thoughts? These are just my opinions, and I know everybody has one. Please share your story or experience!
“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.” - Brene Brown
New Year, New Resolutions...Maybe? Will There Be A New You In 2018?
Honestly I have not made a New Year's resolution in years. I find them pointless, and a pre-destined failure of sorts. Don't get me wrong, I am all about changing for the better and being the best me I can be. I don't know, maybe it is the rebel in me, but I refuse to make January 1st of any year my pivotal point. My day of instant epiphany, self-discipline, and yes, self-righteousness. Why any particular day to change, to do better, to be better? Procrastination maybe? Just a few more cheat days, weeks, or months if you start on the first of the year?
Personally I am always working on losing weight, getting healthier, giving more, learning more, and striving to be a better wife, mother, and friend. Would I have more success if I made a New Year's resolution? Not likely for me, but if it works for you go for it. I am currently in a highly motivated zone. After I turned forty, I told myself that I would become the best version of me yet. I am still a work in progress, but I have 10 years, right? Well 8 years now, but who's counting.
Here are the top resolutions people made for 2017. I am betting you will recognize yours.
Lose Weight/Eat Healthy
Self Improvement
Better Financial Decisions
Quit Smoking
Do More Exciting Things
Spend More Time With Family/Close Friends
Work Out More
Learn Something New On My Own
Do More For Others
Find The Love Of My Life
The resolutions list is the perfect starter to-do list for having a great life. Did you make a resolution? Do you always make resolutions? Statistics show 42% of people never make resolutions. Either way, I hope 2018 is your best year yet.
Cyberstalking...Are You Guilty Of Internet Stalking?
The thought of cyberstalking sounds insanely creepy. The concept of stalking period is creepy. One usually stalks with the intent to catch eventually, right? Like an animal in the wild, watching its prey, learning its patterns, and waiting for the right moment to strike.
After all, timing is everything.
Human beings are not much different than animals in the wild. We all carry with us some basic, predatory instincts. It is our nature. Humans are also curious creatures, which can lead us to some "light" cyberstalking.
Maybe you are curious about your high school boyfriend? Wondering how he's looking these days? Maybe you start peeking at his Facebook, and Instagram postings.
You debate messaging him, but you don't. Instead you slowly gather intel about him from the Internet. Is this stalking? Some might say so, but you believe it's harmless. Others might say you are just being smart in finding out everything you can before initiating contact.
In all seriousness, cyberstalking is a growing problem. There is so much information readily available on the Internet, and then you add in social media, and we are all very exposed. True cyberstalking is a crime, and involves harassing and stalking someone through email, instant messaging, and social media. But let's be honest, even if you never make contact, deep down you know you are being a little creepy.
I admit that I have definitely looked at an exes online info. Can you blame me? If I were in the dating market, a guy would be smart to go through, and read my blogs. He would learn a lot about my likes and dislikes, and more importantly, he would learn the fastest way to my heart.
It is smart, strategic, and maybe gives an upper hand to learn everything we can about someone in advance. I always hope for authenticity in people, but I know to a degree, that I'm forever vulnerable because of my blogs. My choice, and I own it.
Here are some things you should not be doing as part of your Internet surveillance. If you are, stop it now. You are being creepy, and possibly breaking laws!
Trying to hack your love interests social media accounts
Creating fake accounts to friend and view their activity
Impersonating them online
Sending numerous emails, direct messages, or invites, including from the fake accounts
You are letting your interaction, or lack of interaction, with your interest via social media affect you emotionally and mentally
The truth is, we have now become a society of over-sharers and voyeurs. Which are you? Do you consider yourself a bit of a cyberstalker? If you are, what do you hope to gain from it? Nothing, some sort of advantage, or someone's heart? I hope you at least know why you are doing it. I suppose sheer curiosity is always a possibility.