Friday morning happenings . . . it's all go, go, go!!

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Mary Beth on Pinterest

I've not a lot of time this morning as I have a hospital appointment to go to and I need to be there at 9:30, which is a bit early for us to be out and about. When we went the other morning for the blood test the traffic was horrendous! Morning rush hour traffic and the cars pouring into the hospital were just unreal. Everyone going in to work I suppose! You should see the bruise I still have on my arm. The plebotonist was in a bit of a hurry that morning, and I don't know why. There was nobody waiting behind me. In any case when I got home I noticed a large red lump next to the plaster and when I took the plaster off, it spread into a large bruised area about 4 inches in diameter. It still looks really bad, some five days later. That is the first time this has happened to me, although I have known it to happen to other people at different times. I have had to defend Todd's honour all week!! No, he didn't beat me! haha.

I was able to get a piece of work finished yesterday that I have been working at over a space of time. I wanted to present it in two ways.



This is the first way. (I don't know why the shading on her dress isn't showing. It's very faint in the pictures, but I can assure you it's there in real life!) This is the non-LDS version. Of course it's available as a print or a card. Then there is the LDS verson:



This version had the image of the temple on it. One of the things our church believes in is called the law of chastity. This means keeping yourselves pure in thought, word and deed, dressing modestly, and in keeping those intimate things between a man and a woman exclusively for marriage . . . keeping ourselves worthy to go to the Temple and to be sealed together with our mates for Time and all Eternity. This is something that is very sacred and very important to us and a great blessing in our lives. In any case this is a young woman looking towards the Temple where she hopes one day to make sacred covenants with her Heavenly Father and to be sealed together with her husband for Time and all Eternity. I think it would be lovely framed and hung on the bedroom wall of that special young woman in your life, so if you are interested, just let me know and I'll tell you how you can have it! (Either version! We all need to keep our standards high, whether we are LDS or not!)

Sorry for the brevity of my post today but duty calls. (It's nothing to worry about, just a follow up appointment from the problems I had last autumn. I am not concerned in any way.)

The recipe today is for a really delicious lasagne which has all the flavours of a delicious pepperoni pizza, except it's not pizza . . . it's lasagne! The recipe comes from one of those grocery store leaflets I think. It is copied into my Big Blue Binder and it is something that my kids always enjoyed. Todd's not overly fond of it . . . it's the pizza and pasta thing . . . he just doesn't care for either one, but he does eat it when I make it for the missionaries. I usually make it in two dishes so that I can freeze one if it doesn't get cut into.



*Pizza Lasagne*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

If you like pizza, you are going to love this!

9 uncooked lasagne noodles
1 can (15 ounce) pizza sauce
1 can (14.5 ounce) tin of diced tomatoes with green pepper and onion, undrained
1 (15 ounce) container of ricotta cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
7 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 tin of sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (2 1/4 ounce) tin of sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 TBS grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the lasagne noodles as directed on the package. Drain, rinse and then drain again. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Have ready a 12 by 9 inch baking dish which you have sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix the pizza sauce and tomatoes together in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until heated through. Mix the ricotta cheese and Italian Seasoning together in a bowl.

Spread 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange 3 cooked noodles over the sauce. Spoon and spread half of the ricotta mixture over top of the noodles. Top with 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of the sauce, 1/3 each of the pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives and green pepper. Repeat layers once.

Top with the remaining three noodles, sauce mixture, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives and bell pepper. Sprinkle the Parmesan Cheese evenly over all.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting into squares to serve. I would serve this with hot buttered toast and a salad on the side.



There are Baked Potatoes Stuffed with Leeks and Cheese on offer over in The English Kitchen today along with a few other bits and pieces and some seriously fantastic cookbooks! Do hop over and take a look!

Wednesday ponderings . . .

Source: jenneliserose.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, desparingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."
~Agatha Christie

I found this quote by Agatha Christie the other day and for some reason found great comfort in it. Here she was a famous mystery writer . . . a woman who wove many human stories into the tapestry of her novels, and enjoying a long and successful career until her death in 1976. As famous and as wealthy as she may have been . . . she still had the same doubts and frailties that affect the rest of us from time to time. Having success and money do not necessarily mean you will live happily ever after. Bad times come to us all . . . despite them, life is still a beautiful gift, and there is joy to be found in every day.

Source: jenneliserose.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think one of the unhappiest and most miserable women I have ever known was my last employer. Here was a woman who had everything that money could possibly buy, a beautiful home, designer clothing, expensive jewels . . . a handsome husband, lovely children, people at her beck and call 24 hours a day . . . and yet . . . I have never known an unhappier person in my life. She had no joy in her life . . . or at least none that really mattered, or that was lasting. If you have ever seen the film, "The Devil Wears Prada," then you have seen her . . . because the character that Meryl Streep played in it is almost identical in personality to my ex boss.

It was quite sad really. There was not a charitable bone in her body . . . all her feelings, thoughts, desires etc. were centred only on one being . . . herself . . . and that is all she cared for or about. In fact she made the statement to me on one occasion that, anyone who knew her would know that she never did anything for anyone without expecting something in return . . . She was the most selfish creature I ever came across and I doubt that I will ever meet anyone quite like that ever again. She was the perfect example to me of exactly what money can never buy . . . class, character, humility, respect, love and most important of all . . . happiness.

Source: bibbity-bob.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

We're invited out to lunch today. We are going over to some good friends for lunch and I'm really looking forward to it. I love spending time with friends. I love spending time with the Toddster too . . . but friends are nice as well. I am sure that Todd must get tired of my chatter from time to time. It's always nice to have times spent with other people and to enjoy all that they bring to the table. Variety is the spice of life!

Here's a quick skillet meal that is perfect for those weeknights when you are in a real hurry and starving. It can be put together in literally minutes and within half an hour you can be sitting down to a nice meal that is not only delicious, but very healthy as well. All you need serve on the side is perhaps a nice tossed salad, and perhaps some crusty rolls. If I'm serving pasta to Todd . . . he better have a crusty roll to make up for it! ☺




*Skillet Turkey Primavera*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

You can use chicken breast for this if you wish. Make sure that if your asparagus spears are thick and woody, you peel the lower half of each stalk to get rid of the woody bits. Quick, easy and delicious!

1 1/2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1/2 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces (2 cups)
1 1/3 cup fresh baby carrots, halved lengthwise
1 cup chicken broth
4 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 pound fresh turkey breast slices, cut into thin bite sized strips
1 cup fresh whole mushrooms, quartered
1 (14 oz) tin of whole baby corn, drained and rinsed
1 tsp grated lemon zest.

Cook the pasta to desired doneness using the package directions, adding the aspagarus and carrots during the last 2 to 4 minutes of cooking time. Cook until the asparagus is just crispy tender. Drain.

In a small bowl, combine the broth, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Blend well and set aside.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with low fat cooking spray. Heat over medium high heat. Add the turkey and mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is lightly browned and no longer pink. Add the broth mixture, cooking and stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the cooked pasta and vegetables, along with the corn and lemon zest. Cook and stir until thoroughly heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot.



There are some tasty Ciabatta Pizzas cooking in The English Kitchen today.

Having a list of dreams . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

A wise man was known to be writing a book, but the years went by and he was still a long way from reaching the last page. One day, when he was very old, a young man asked him if he was not impatient to see it completed.

The old man smiled. “All my life it has been my ambition to finish writing my book, but an ambition realized is like a snowflake in a warm hand. Take away my dream, and what would I have left?”

When he died, his pen was still in his hand, the unfinished manuscript in front of him. It is said he was smiling happily.

If the story has a moral, it is this: Don’t take away people’s hopes and dreams. Often they are the most precious things in their lives.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

When I first read this story, I thought how sweet . . . but then, when I really started thinking about and pondering the words I thought . . . how sad. This poor man was so wrapped up in pursuing his dream, that he never ever really accomplished it. All his life and his work was in vain.

I have hopes and dreams, and I have more than one! I find them inspiring and they do give me hope, and everyone needs that. I like to think however, that once accomplished, these dreams and hopes will be replaced with other ones. I have a list that I keep on the computer. It is called Marie’s Dream list. Yesterday I was looking at it, and I realized that, out of 12 items on the list, I have already accomplished four!!! To me that’s amazing, and it brings me even more hope! I’m a third of the way through my list! I think it is also something which is called a bucket list . . . or a list of things you would like to accomplish or see before you die.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think if we keep our hopes and dreams realistic, then there is more chance of them coming to fruition. And what are hopes and dreams for, if they never have any chance of coming true? People do need hope, and they need dreams. These are often the driving forces in our lives. The things that keep us going. But if they can never be achieved, and always lie outside of our grasp, they might well end up being the very things that serve to bring us down!

I would inspire you all to make yourself a dream or a bucket list. Fill it with pictures of the things you hope for. Look at it often and visualize yourself living within the grasp of these hopes and dreams. I dare say that it won’t be too long before, like me, you are able to strike some of them off your list . . . as they will already have come true. The nice thing about that is you get to replace them with new ones, and not to coin a famous phrase or anything, but . . . “That’s a good thing.”

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I am so late getting up this morning. I don't think I slept barely a wink last night. I spent the whole night in a dream state just below consciousness! Crazy dreams too! The last one I had was about crocodiles in ponds (In my father's bedroom) and baby mice, which were running about and getting eaten by cats. Not sure what it all means, but . . . they were white mice with pink eyes!! Crazy stuff!

Here's a tasty pasta dish that will have your family drooling and sitting about the table in great anticipation!! I also make another version of these which has a taco filling. Both are very popular!


*Stuffed Pasta Shells*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Pasta shells stuffed with a delicious meat and three cheese filling. It does make rather a lot, so I usually divide it into two casseroles and freeze one for another time. Be sure to cook your shells only to al dente (Still slightly firm). This makes them a lot easier to fill and means that they won't over cook during the baking.

24 uncooked extra large pasta shells
1 pound extra lean ground beef
fine sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 large jar (26 ounces) chunky spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup water
1 container of chive and onion cream cheese (8 ounce)
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese (6 ces)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 large free range egg
1 to 2 TBS chopped fresh flat leaf parsley to garnish, if desired

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Cook and drain pasta as directed on the package for al dente pasta. Set aside.

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat, seasoning with some salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook until browned thoroughly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Drain off any fat or liquid that may accumulate and allow to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

Mix the pasta sauce and water in a large bowl. Place one cup of it into the bottom of an ungreased 13 by 9 inch glass baking dish. Mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend, the Parmesan cheese, egg and ground beef in a medium bowl. Mix well together. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauc ein the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over top of the shells, covering them completely. Cover the dish with foil.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until bubbly and the filling has set. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of Italian Cheese blend. Bake for 10 minutes longer, or until the cheese has melted. Sprinkle with the parsley just prior to serving, if using.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Heuvos Rancheros! Ole!!

For today . . .

Source: holidaycottages-england.com via Julie on Pinterest

Who could guess the century?
It might be any year.
Time, it seems, in passing by
has left no footprint here.
The village with it's narrow street,
The church, the mill, the pond.
The ploughman on the furrowed slope,
The Sussex Downs beyond.
~Patience Strong

One thing that I absolutely love about England are it's quaint little villages and towns. You don't have to go very far to find one . . . a short drive of any one of the larger urban centres will find you smack dab in the middle of one small place or the other . . . each one beautiful in their own right, with a certain charm that can't be found any place else on earth . . . well, that's my opinion anyways!

Source: picturesofengland.com via Julie on Pinterest

I was in bed last night at 8:30 pm and I slept right through until gone 7:00 am this morning. Most unsual for me. I just could not keep my eyes open last night . . . I was so very tired. That happens sometimes I guess. I've been a bit blue lately, which is also not like me. I think that the pain issues and a few family issues have been wearing on me, neither one of which I can do all that much about . . . so they are just things I have to learn to live with I suppose.

I feel a certain pressure sometimes of wanting to be all things to all people. I know that physically it's just not possible . . . but that doesn't stop me from trying. I have all these grandiose ideas in my head, much of which are realistically not possible and difficult to execute . . . but still I dream. Is anyone else like that??

Source: artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

For instance, we are having a special activity at our church this month for the ladies and I have it all pictured in my head with beautiful Valentine Decorations and a wide assortment of pretty Valentine type of goodies to eat. It looks really lovely in my head. There are Valentine swags and mobiles . . . cake pops and crispy hearts all decorated with beautiful sprinkles and candy bobbles . . . the reality will be something a lot different of course . . . because I just won't have the time to do all the swag and decor . . . and cake pops??? They probably won't happen either, although I could probably manage the crispy hearts.

And then . . . when I don't manage to pull off what nobody realistically could . . . I feel like I have let people down, or that I have let myself down. Is that the mark of an over-achiever???

Source: controlman22.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Then there is blogging . . . most people have one if any at all . . . but I have to have more than that . . . coz one just isn't enough is it? At last count there were twelve that I had started, although in reality there are only three that I post on with any regularity . . . and I love it, I really do. It's an integral part of my day, and I would never want to give it up. I love sharing my thoughts, and my creations, and my cooking with all of you. It is one of the things that brings me the greatest joy in my life . . . but I can't leave it at simple can I . . . I have to go the extra mile. It just can't be a simple thought, or a simple recipe can it . . . I have to try to do something that will knock your socks off. Over-achiever again. I go to several blogs which only have three sentences on them each day . . . three things that blessed their lives . . . and I love them! Why do I think I have to do so much more???

And I do that with everything in my life. And sometimes I just get tired. Sometimes I just need to kick my own arse and tell myself . . . look, you just can't be ALL things to ALL people. You just can't do everything you want to do. You just can't be everything you want to be . . . and that's ok. It's ok to have beans on toast for supper three days in a row because you just don't feel like cooking anything else. It's ok that you are not super mom, or super wife, or super church member, or super blogger. It's ok that your artwork will never rival the accomplishments of Rembrandt or that you will never see your work as cards lining the local card shop. Perhaps that is just not to be . . . that it's ok to be mediocre in some things, spectacular in few things and downright horrible in some. The only thing that really counts is that you enjoy the journey . . . and I do.

It's ok to sometimes be happy and it's ok to sometimes be angry and it's ok to sometimes be sad.

Coz . . . that's just life.

Source: imgfave.com via Marie on Pinterest

So . . . from now on you may see a few words from me here each day . . . and somedays maybe even more than a few. Some days it may just be something I made, or something I cooked. Other days . . . it may be nothing at all . . . I'll be taking a nap or two or three . . . and that's ok, coz that's just the way we're gonna roll. But it doesn't mean that I don't love you.

And That's OK.

*Chicken Tetrazzini*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

A simplified version of an old family favourite.

1 slice bacon, finely chopped

1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup minced green pepper
1 cup of shredded medium cheddar cheese
1 TBS cut up pimento
a small handful of toasted flaked almonds
1 cup cooked peas
1 cup cut up cooked chicken
4 ounces hot cooked macaroni
hot chicken broth to moisten

To serve: (all are optional)
chopped fresh parsley
sliced tomatoes
ripe olives
hot buttered toast

Cook the bacon in a skillet until brown and crisp. Stir in the onion and green pepper. Brown lightly. Add the remaining ingredients, with the exception of the macaroni. Stir together well. Mix in the cooked macaroni. Mix together lightly and heat through using some chicken broth to moisten. Serve hot, garnish with tomato slices, chopped fresh parsley, ripe olives and some hot buttered toast.



Over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding Bars.

Wednesday Thoughts . . .

Source: imgfave.com via Marie on Pinterest

I cannot pretend to know a lot about American Politics. Having grown up in Canada and having experienced the Parliamentary System my whole life, it is somewhat of a mystery to me. What I have observed though is that it takes an awful long time to elect someone as President of the US of A. It seems to go on for several years before they actually are elected and it seems that almost as soon as one is elected, talk begins about the next one.

I do know as well, that although he is not a man I would have voted for, I was pleased a few years back when it became a reality that a black man became President of America. That showed the world that America had come a long way since it's earlier history. I didn't and don't agree with Obama on many levels, but that has nothing to do with the colour of his skin. I happen to have thought for a long time that Colin Powell would have made a great President. The colour of a man's skin should be irrelevant. Surely it should be "the best man for the job." End of.

Source: gypsypurplehome.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I am watching with great interested this latest Presidential race, not the least because there is a Mormon man running for the head of the Republican Party, a man called Mitt Romney. Of course I am interested on a variety of levels, religion being only one of them. I am a Mormon, and of course this is a big thing to me.

What astounds me however is the number of people who are against this man, quite simply because he is a Mormon. Surely this shouldn't be an issue??? Surely it should not matter any more than it did that President Obama was black and had potential Islamic leanings??? (I know that this was proven not to be true, or at least I think it was.) Why should a man's religious background come in to it at all??? Why should it matter that he is a Mormon, any more than it should matter that he is Evangelical, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, or an Agnostic or Athiest???? I would think that the most important things would be that he is honest, law abiding, upstanding, decent, a man of great integrity and character and that his policies and goals be what will be in the best interests for America and Americans???

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I know I am a Brit/Canuck, and I don't really get a say in any of this, but the election of the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world is a matter of interest around the world and to all peoples . . . I am willing to concede even that I am a bit biased because he is a Mormon . . . but I will also say that in having looked at all the Candidates, surely it is evident that America could do a lot worse than to elect a law abiding, man of character, decency and integrity, with nothing but the best interests of America and it's people in his heart and motives. A man who has maintained honesty and truth in all of his dealings, with no hint of scandal attached. A man loyal to his wife and his family and his country. A man who wants nothing but the best for his country because he understands that in working hard and providing the best for his country, he does so for his family and all the other law abiding, decent, honest and hard working people of America.

I think it's really sad that a Nation can pat itself on the back for having evolved enough to be able to elect a black man as President and then turn around and be against another man simply because of his religious affiliation.

Just sayin' is all . . .

Source: weheartit.com via Marie on Pinterest

Here is a delicious family comfort meal that my children always loved me to make when I was growing up. I loved it too, mostly because it only involved getting one pan dirty. I didn't have to cook the macaroni first, or fry the meat in another pan or anything. It all happened right there in the one skillet. A bit of cheese melted on top is a wonderful addition.



*Chili-Roni*
Serves 6 to 8
Printable Recipe

This is a real family favourite. I haven't made it in years, but when I did make it my children were always very pleased!

1 pound extra lean ground beef
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp paprika
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Cook and stir the ground beef, onions and green pepper in a 12 inch skillet until the beef is brown and the onions are tender. Drain if necessary. Stir in the remaining ingredients, breaking up the tomatoes. Heat to the boil, then reduce heat to a simme Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender. Serve hot.

Note: You can omit the macaroni and just cook uncovered vur about 45 minutes or until desired consistency. Then you have chili. Serve with cooked rice.



Cooking over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs!

A bit of fun . . .

When I was a child, I always knew my mother was superstitious, although I may not have known the name for it at the time. I only knew that everyday occurances were always accompanied with a "saying" or two . . . like for instance "knives and spoons bring pantaloons and forks bring gentle ladies.". If we were dropped cutlery at all, it meant a visitor was coming . . . fork meant a lady and knife or spoon would bring a gentleman. If you put a piece of clothing on inside out, that was good luck! Better not change it back to rightside out though, for the luck would change! Shoes on the table . . . definitely bad luck. Spilling salt, likewise was bad luck . . . you had to throw a pinch over your shoulder without looking . . . now was it the left shoulder or the right? I think it was the left.

The opening of a door of its own accord indicates that a visitor is on the way, whilst a slamming door may damage the 'spirit of the house' and should be avoided.

Source: dreamywhites.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

When baking bread, remember . . .
'She that pricks bread with fork or knife;
will never be a happy maid or wife.' A loaf that splits open while it is in the oven warns of a death to come in the family; a loaf with a hollow centre presages a death; it is unlucky to turn a loaf upside down after cutting the first slice for this will cause the head of the household to fall ill; if a loaf crumbles in your hand as you are cutting it there is going to be a quarrel before very long; drop a slice of buttered bread butter side up and a visitor will arrive.

When you have finished your boiled egg, crush the shell or push the spoon through the bottom to avoid bad luck. This stems from the belief that witches collect up the empty shells and use them to go to sea and work spells against hapless mariners. Also, do not bring eggs into the house after dark as it is bad luck.

To stir the teapot anti-clockwise will stir up a quarrel. If two women pour from the same pot one of them will have a baby within a year. Mom believed in 'reading the tea-leaves' to predict the future, and also cards. Many hours were spent in these pursuits. She had a special deck of cards on the dresser in her bedroom which we weren't allowed to touch or tamper with.

Crossing two knives was bad luck. If you are given a present of a knife, give a coin in return to avoid 'cutting' the friendship.

'Let the superstitious wife
Near the child's heart lay a knife.
Point be up, and haft be down,
While she gossips in the town.
This amongst other mystic charms
Keeps the sleeping child from harms.'

Source: stylemepretty.com via Marie on Pinterest

If two spoons are found in a tea cup there will be a wedding in the family; if you drop one and it lands with the bowl upwards you are in for a pleasant surprise.

Members of the opposite sex should never dry themselves on the same towel as this will invariably lead to a quarrel between them.

When washing up, if you break a plate or cup, you can expect another breakage before the end of the day unless you deliberately smash some other small item to avoid the bad luck.

When rising from the table take care not to upset your chair, for this is a sign that you have lied at some time during your conversation. Anyone who lies down on a table will die within a year; any engaged girl who sits on a table while talking to her fiancé risks losing him; it is unlucky to change your position at the table after a place has been allocated to you; to place your chair back against the wall or fold your napkin after a meal at a fiend's home will prevent you ever visiting there again.

Source: dreamywhites.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

To break a mirror resulted in seven years bad luck. Early man, on seeing his image reflected in water, believed it represented his soul and should anything disturb this image then his own life was in danger. Mirrors have always been closely associated with magic. Mirrors are covered over with cloth in the room where someone has died for fear that anyone who sees himself in the glass will similarly die.

It is unlucky to pass anyone on the stairs (cross your fingers if you do so). Stumbling on the staircase is said to be a good omen and may indicate a wedding in the household before long.

Do not sing in bath as this will lead to sorrow before evening; any young girl who persistently splashes herself or her clothes when washing will end up with a husband who is a drunk. Get out of bed the right side. The left-hand side is associated with the Devil; but, if you can't avoid it, put your right sock and shoe on first. You will always get the best night's sleep if your bed is positioned in a north-south direction with your head to the south . . . this will ensure a long life. To be rich, point your head tothe east; to travel widely, the west. It is unlucky to put a hat on the bed.

China ornaments of animals should never be placed so that they face a door for they will allow the luck to run out of the house. It is unlucky to sweep any dust or waste material directly out of the house, as this will carry the good luck with it. Sweep such waste into the centre of the room, collect it up in a pan and then carry the lot out of doors to avoid any repercussions. A new broom should always be used the first time to sweep something into the house, to symbolize luck.

Source: journalofanobody.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

A bird that flies into a house, foretells an important message, whereas if one hits your window and dies . . . there's sure to be a death in the family, but if a bird poops on your car, it is good luck. Likewise if it poops on your head!

If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it. Oh, and don't forget, keep cats away from babies because they "suck the breath" of the child.

When cows lie on high ground it is said to be a sign of good weather to come, while if they feed too close together or low excessively then rain is imminent. If a cow breaks into your garden then there will be a death in the family.

A cricket is a lucky house spirit that takes its luck away when it leaves.

To see a crow, one's bad, two's luck, three's health, four's wealth, five's sickness, six is death . . .

A howling dog at night means bad luck or somebody close to you will be very sick or worse.

Source: weheartit.com via Marie on Pinterest

The bright scarlet ladybird is a luck-bringer, probably because it is traditionally associated by its colour with fire. It is a sign of good fortune if one lands on a person's hand or dress. It must, however, be allowed to fly away of its own accord, and must not be brushed off. It is permissible to speed it onwards by a gentle puff, and by the recitation of the rhyme which runs,
Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home.
Your house is on fire and your children are gone.

A peacock feather has an evil eye at the end. Argus, the Greek legend, says a hundred eyed monster was turned into a peacock with all its eyes in its tail. Never bring a peacock feather indoors for decoration as they are unlucky.

A wish made on the first robin of spring will be granted.

Eating carrots improves your night vision . . . fish is brain food . . . chewing gum, if swallowed, remains in your body for seven years . . . eating the crust of the bread makes your hair curl . . . a pimple on your tongue means you've lied. When you hold a buttercup beneath your chin . . . if it doesn't shine yellow on your chin . . . well, you don't like butter.

Finally, never gift a person with a wallet or purse without putting a coin inside . . . an empty gift such as that will surely bring them bad luck.

Source: hviturlakkris.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

This richly embroidered childhood surely never did us any harm. It made for an interesting life, and while these things may be true or not, it doesn't really matter much in the scheme of things. I'll never drop a knife without hearing my mom's gentle voice whispering Knives and spoons bring pantaloons . . . and I reckon that's a good thing. I better go get dressed now . . . a little bird just sat on my windowsill, and I am sure to get some company soon!

It may seem bold of me to claim this as the world's best, but I do. It is, as far as I'm concerned and in my kitchen I guess that's what counts!



*The World's Best Macaroni and Cheese*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Nothing says comfort quite like macaroni and cheese. This is, in my opinion, the very best version!

16 ounces of macaroni
1/4 cup butter
3 TBS plain flour
2 cups hot chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
1 cup shredded red leicester cheese
1 cup shredded strong cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
freshly ground black pepper to taste
a dash of tabasco sauce
for topping:
a bit of Parmesan, cheddar, gruyere and red leicester cheese grated and mixed together with a few bread crumbs

Pre-heat the oven to 200*C/400*F. Lightly butter a large shallow casserole dish and set aside.

Grate all your cheeses and mix them together in a bowl. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of slightly salted water to the boil and add the macaroni. Cook according to the package directions, draining it while it is still a tad bit undercooked. Drain it well and rise with cold water. Set aside.

Make the sauce by melting the butter over medium heat in a heavy saucepan. Stir in the flour, mixing well and allow to cook for about a minute. Add the chicken broth, whisking it in vigorously until the mixture is thickened and smooth. Whisk in the milk. Heat thoroughly. Stir in 1/2 of the cheese mixture until it is well melted and amalgamated. Season to taste with black pepper and tabasco sauce.

Place about 1/3 of the cooked macaroni in the buttered dish. Pour over 1/3 of the cheese sauce. Sprinkle on 1/2 of the reserved cheese. Repeat layering until you finish up with the final 1/3 of the cheese sauce. Sprinkle the top with a final layer of the cheese bits mixed with the bread crumbs.

Bake in the heated oven until nicely browned and bubbling. Remove from the oven and enjoy!



Over in The English Kitchen today, there's a delicious Baked Apple Brulee!

“Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!”
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Monday morning prattle . . .

I read a little story this morning about a man whose wife asked him to pop down to the greengrocers and pick her up a head of cabbage. He was a bit perplexed about the size.

"What size?" he asked. "Oh, about as big as your head." was her reply.

Ten minutes later he was back. His wife was absolutely delighted with the cabbage he brought.

"Just right!" she enthused."However did you manage?"

"Simple." was his reply. "I just tried my hat on all of them until I found one that fitted!"

Now that dear friends is what I call using your head! How very intuitive and quite like a man, I think!



I had a lovely phone conversation with dear Lura yesterday. She was getting ready to give a talk at her church Stake's autumn Stake conference and she wanted to run it by me to see what I thought. Of course I thought it was fabulous. You can read it here, as she has posted it on her page. I think it's quite wonderful. I am so very happy that she is doing so much better. I know that it seems to her that it has taken a very long time for her to get to this point. She is now able to work in the Temple again and each day brings her one day closer to being back in full health, although I am sure she will always feel some effects from the accident. I thank the Lord daily that she was spared, she is such a dear friend of mine and I love her so very much! It was a real pleasure to be able to talk to her yesterday. There was a time when I thought I might never be able to speak to her again, so what a blessing it is that I can!

I feel a bit like I am getting the sniffles today. My throat felt a bit funny last night. There were ever so many people out of church yesterday due to illness. It is that time of year isn't it . . . the weather hasn't yet gotten cold enough to kill of any lingering germs from the summer and with the weather swinging back and forth as it does, head colds are bound to crop up. I only very rarely get ill, but when I do it is usually a whopper. I am hoping it doesn't land and settle!


(I love this pic of my mum. She was about 19 or 20 here)

I had a lovely conversation with my mum yesterday as well. As you know I call her every Sunday. I wish I could visit with her in person, but as I can't I make do with a weekly telephone call. She is always very chatty and it is always so very good to hear her voice. I do worry about her being all on her own at this stage in her life. She will be 80 on her next birthday. She was telling me yesterday how outraged she is that her bank will no longer be sending statements in the post, but are asking their customers to avail themselves of the online banking system instead. (In order to help the environment they say . . . more likely to save themselves the cost of paper, print and sending them out, I say!) My mother doesn't have a computer, nor is she likely to get one. So many things are moving to online today and most companies etc. assume that everyone is on the internet, but this is not so. There are still a lot of people who have no internet and no plans for internet. I think it quite unfair to them. There should still be an option open for those who cannot surf the www. (My mother won't even have a debit card. Yes, she is a dinosaur, lol, a very stubborn dinosaur!)



A few snaps of my family recently. I wanted to share with you here this morning. This is by no means all of my family, but just a few shots of some happy moments with a few of them. I love my family very much and am so pleased that bridges seem to have been mended recently. That is a real answer to prayer and a blessing for me. I pray that things continue to improve.

Well, I have prattled on long enough this morning about nothing, so I will end now with a wish for each of you that you have a lovely beginning to your week. I hope that the sun shines down on you and that your cup runneth over with blessings both the big and the small. I do so love you my dear sweet friends. You are a blessing to me that I count every day!



Here is something that I had not made in a while. A delicious lasagne. Todd always says that he doesn't like pasta . . . but he never seems to mind eating this. I tried one of those Linda McCartney frozen veggie ones not too long ago. (They were on special for £1) It wasn't bad, but entirely too runny for my taste. I like a lagagne with substance! One that holds up when you cut a square from it and one chock full of things. I am not fond of lasagne that is all sauce and no filling. Sorry Linda, but it just didn't cut the mustard! This one is very satisfying I have to say. I do hope you will give it a try.


*Marie’s Fantastic Lasagne*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

This is the best lasagne! Sometimes I do cheat and use a store bought tomato sauce. You can get some very good ones these days. It’s well worth the effort of making your own though! This is a lasagne that you will find yourself thinking about long after you’ve eaten it . . . longing for yet another delicious slice.

½ pound lasagne noodles (I use fresh that I don’t need to cook first)
½ pound extra lean ground beef
½ pound spicy Italian sausage meat (over here I use spicy pork and garlic sausages, removed from their casings)
½ cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 TBS olive oil
3 pounds tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (or canned tomatoes, drained)
1 ½ tsp seasoning salt
2 TBS chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
2 TBS chopped fresh basil
½ tsp dried oregano, crumbled
¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
BÉCHAMEL SAUCE:
½ cup butter
4 TBS plain flour
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken stock
1 chicken boullion cube (optional)
1/8 tsp salt
RICOTTA FILLING:
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ pound ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
½ tsp salt
CHEESES:
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan Cheese
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
Butter to dot on top



Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and saute the onion and garlic until slightly softened. Add the meats and brown them well. Add the tomatoes and spices and simmer on medium heat until the sauce is quite thick, about 30 to 40 minutes.

While the meat sauce is simmering make the béchamel. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring with a whisk for about one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and the chicken broth. Cook, whisking, until it starts to bubble and thicken. Taste for seasoning. You may need to add the bullion cube for additional flavour. Add salt if needed.

Make the ricotta filling by whisking together all the ingredients with a fork. Set aside.

Once you have all the sauces prepared and the filling ready, pre-heat the oven to 200*C/400*F.

Spoon a bit of the meat sauce into a 13 X 9 inch baking dish. Layer on as follows: half of the lasagne noodles, half of the remaining meat sauce, ½ cup of the Béchamel sauce, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, half of the Mozzarella cheese and half the ricotta. Top with the other half of the noodles and repeat the layers once again. Dot the top with butter and bake in the pre-heated oven , uncovered for at least 30 minutes or more, until bubbly and starting to brown.

*You can make this ahead of time and chill, covered, until needed. It also freezes very well!

We like to serve this with a delicious tossed salad and some freshly made garlic bread.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Mushrooms on Toast, with Garlic, Pancetta and Oregano.