tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70413545471242764242024-03-13T05:28:53.259-07:00The Smallest ChangeKatherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-19296824013793978532018-03-08T07:43:00.001-08:002018-03-08T07:43:23.264-08:00The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat Forever Hardcover – October 3, 2017<br />
by Mark Sisson <br />
<br />
This is a great book for those who may already be a little familiar with keto or have tried it and "failed."I know that I thought I could do it all on my own, and I was wrong.. However, you can absolutely start here, and get the information you need to do it right. <br />
This book lays out a plan for how you are going to get from point A to point B - and it is possibly the most sensible plan I've ever seen. Sisson offers a sustainable lifestyle. He teaches you how to gradually and safely enter ketosis, how to adapt, and then offers thoughts on where to go next to make this a whole life plan.<br />
Sisson's approach is one of a seasoned coach, which is surely what many readers are going to need to help them make that lasting change in their health. You leave this book with an action plan, including a test to know when to go full keto (so you have no doubt when you're ready), and the motivation to believe you can do it. <br />
There are two different meal plans inside and many fantastic, nutrient-dense recipes.<br />
I'm not trying to take away from all the positives too much, but there were a couple of problems I did notice in the book. One, there were some inconsistent messages on how to execute the 21 day primal diet leading into the keto reset. For example, it mentioned no grains but then later suggests eating grains like wild rice. For those well versed in Sisson's primal diet, you will understand what this 21 day prep phase is supposed to look like, despite a couple of contradictions in this book.<br />
<br />
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is curious about keto and anyone who could be well served by trying it outKatherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-2325849655073308952017-08-10T06:01:00.000-07:002017-08-10T06:01:02.671-07:00Harvest, beautiful projects for gardeners and herbalistsHarvest is a stunning book that every gardener, experienced and novice will love having on their bookshelves! With 47 projects ranging from dyes, drinks, balms, to seasonings, Harvest will inspire.the creative in your soul. You may even want to start gardening in attempts to create these exciting projects!<br />
<br />
There are 3 categories, Early, Mid, and Late, each section tempts readers with ideas for each growing season. The authors, Stefani Bittner and Alethea Harampolis, use both known and lesser known herbs, vegetables, and fruits, and go into detail for each herb, vegetable, and fruit, notifying the readers how and where to grow these items and how to harvest them once they are ready.<br />
<br />
The photography is stunning, showing each herb, vegetable, and fruit, as well as the projects! Readers will learn how to make items such as Rosewater Facial Toner, Huckleberry Shrub, Papa’s Finger Lime Gin & Tonic, and Pineapple Guava Simple Syrup. Harvest is a perfect read or gift for anyone who loves nature’s bounty and gardening.<br />
<br />
Harvest: Unexpected Projects Using 47 Extraordinary Garden Plants, STEFANI BITTNER and ALETHEA HARAMPOLISKatherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-15195499221825586452017-01-31T16:10:00.000-08:002017-01-31T16:10:19.790-08:00Rad WomenI have no daughter, but I have young cousins. This book will be in the mail to them as soon as I finish this review. It's great fun, well written, and has a wonderful variety of Rad Women from different eras, different countries, and different fields of endeavor. What is most important to me is that all these women made a difference, either in their own country or the world. The short length of each biography makes it easy to read one in a sitting, which I think will appeal to younger readers. Or, perhaps Mom can read one at bedtime, out loud! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
https://www.amazon.com/Rad-Women-Worldwide-Athletes-Revolutionaries-ebook/dp/B01AERZRYC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485907371&sr=1-1&keywords=rad+women+worldwideKatherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-46563446681341594762016-04-20T18:38:00.000-07:002016-04-20T18:38:08.626-07:00The Bee-Friendly GardenThe Bee-friendly Garden, Kate Frey and Gretchen LeBuhn<br />
<br />
I have a number of friends who are beekeepers, and I do my best to share any information that comes through the news with them regarding bees. Everything gets passed on, from colony collapse, through pesticides, pests and weather reports. <br />
Many people don’t realize just how important bees are to our diet. European honeybees ensure that we have fruits and vegetables in the market and on our plate. The wild growth that supports so many of them has been cut back, and people just don’t grow enough of the right kinds of flowers anymore. That’s why a book like the Bee-friendly Garden is so important.<br />
The book is divided into 6 chapters, ranging from a general introduction to various kinds of bees through becoming an activist for bees. The plants are both decorative and edible, and lists of plants for different parts of the country and differing climates are included. The back of the book offers resources, photography credits, and an excellent index. The book has something for every experience level, from beginner to Master Gardener.<br />
The illustrations are beautiful, but there aren’t so many that the information gets lost. The font chosen does make the book a little hard to read, especially for aging eyes. <br />
I received this book through Blogging For Books, and was not required to give a positive review.<br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-2857560560967230112016-02-03T07:11:00.001-08:002016-02-03T07:11:30.796-08:002016 resetAs usual, the New Year started with those pesky resolutions. You know, go to the gym, watch what I eat, lose some weight. This year however, I was so sick with bronchitis that none of that happened. So, I decided that January was just a test run, and I’m starting my New Year on Imbolc (also known as Groundhog Day, Candlemas, St. Brigid's Day, Candelaria, Feast of the Purification, etc.). <br />
<br />
We started at the gym last week, mostly walking and Tai Chi. Being sick for two months just killed any aerobic fitness level I had achieved, and even a half mile was exhausting. But a half mile is better than sitting all day. Plus, it got us out of the house, into some winter sunshine and talking to someone other than each other! I guess starting in February was a good idea, because all those folks who started on the first of January have already stopped going. Finding a treadmill empty in January is always tough! <br />
<br />
On the nutrition front, what I started with was simply portion control. I've found over the years that if I don't remind myself what a one cup serving really looks like, it will grow to a whole lot more, especially with favorite foods. It seems to be making a difference. I cut out fried foods a long time ago, and am limiting soda (even diet soda) to a couple of servings a week. Limitation, not deprivation, for most things.<br />
<br />
I’m working on a new Tai Chi form, which keeps my brain active. The entire thought process is so different from Taekwondo and Karate that learning a new form is really work. I have to remind myself to slow down, not put so much power and focus into the techniques…just breathe! My knees and shoulders aren’t objecting too much, but I’m not trying to get the low stances all the way down. That’s just not going to happen.<br />
<br />
I also got back into my choir practice at church. People don’t realize just how much work there is in singing, especially in a group. Obviously, when I had bronchitis, singing was out of the question. The coughing tends to irritate the entire group, but I had no lung power to breathe, much less sing. So, I missed the entire Christmas season this year, which made me really sad. Singing is food for the soul, even if my ribs are really sore from all that diaphragmatic breathing!<br />
<br />
One thing I did manage to do while sick was crocheting. I finished a bunch of fingerless gloves and one prayer shawl while I was down. My technique is improving, and I think I’m going to try to move on to some more challenging patterns. Hats are next! This winter has been so mild here that I really don’t need any more, but I love to wear hats and I have some beautiful yarn that I want to try with. <br />
<br />
I did a little herbal work over the sick days. Fire cider came out really well, and seemed to help people other than me! Some pre-shave oil was a quick mix. Now, it's time to make some boo boo salve up, as I'm running out. Motivation was hard while I was so sick, but I'm ready to go! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neb1LAPm1Co/VrIW3p6tVCI/AAAAAAAABgk/RnQOkjr7iiY/s1600/food%2Bas%2Bmedicine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neb1LAPm1Co/VrIW3p6tVCI/AAAAAAAABgk/RnQOkjr7iiY/s320/food%2Bas%2Bmedicine.jpg" /></a></div>Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-90061505805885127362016-01-08T18:39:00.002-08:002016-01-08T18:39:40.038-08:00A walk in the WoodsFor the first half of the book, I really did enjoy the book. I wasn't bothered by the fact that they were unprepared or out of shape. I don't think anyone can really be prepared for their first long distance hiking trip. I know I wasn't, and mine was only three days. . I also enjoyed that he talked honestly about the experience of hiking, and I liked the way that he interspersed history and facts about the trail with the travel writing.<br />
<br />
The second half, however, got much less interesting. The day trips and the abortive Maine portion were actually kind of disheartening. The whole feel of the prose got sort of mean spirited. I had trouble finishing it, because it just got nasty and tedious.Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-12248996486704066542015-11-08T15:01:00.000-08:002015-11-08T15:01:17.422-08:00Winter herbal prepAbout two weeks ago, I started preparing the herbal remedies I want to have in the house, ready to go when winter hits. The fire cider, in particular, takes at least a month to properly infuse in the vinegar. Elderberry syrup is a lot easier, and I can make it in an afternoon. I have a couple of good tea mixes ready, and I've lined up my ingredients for some salves and bath preparations for winter chapped skin.<br />
<br />
Why bother, when I know I can buy off the shelf preparations for all of this? Love, for one. When I make things for my family, to preserve their health, it is one way to show my love for them. I, as the "mom" in the house, am the one who cares for all of us when we're sick. I put the intention of that love in everything I make for them. It is soul-satisfying.<br />
<br />
Next, although commercial preparations may be effective, I've found that my natural ingredients may be gentler on the system. As well, there is scientific study, especially with the elderberry syrup, that they are effective. Elderberries are a specific for flu. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15080016). My Healthy Heart tea is filled with vitamin C from the hibiscus flowers, and hawthorn leaf, flower and berry which are wonderful for your heart and blood pressure (http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-527-hawthorn.aspx?activeingredientid=527&activeingredientname=hawthorn)<br />
<br />
I want to spend more time on my herbal studies this winter, and perhaps finish the course of instruction I am studying with Rosemary Gladstar, to be certified. It's so satisfying to do this and share it with my family and friends. As well, I want to make sure that the food we eat, especially in the winter months, is wholesome, healthy, and healing. The recipe search is on!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I35Mg9IYlvE/Vj_T3wrUXrI/AAAAAAAABc4/nvTGlTUiWH4/s1600/food%2Bas%2Bmedicine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I35Mg9IYlvE/Vj_T3wrUXrI/AAAAAAAABc4/nvTGlTUiWH4/s320/food%2Bas%2Bmedicine.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-29113253150748095502015-11-04T06:22:00.000-08:002015-11-04T06:22:42.237-08:00Comfort foods and dieting.Today, I made kimchi fried rice for lunch. It's one of my son's favorites, and actually, it's quite healthy, especially when I make it with brown rice. Rice, a little leftover meat, and chopped kimchi. Most of my son's comfort foods are Asian, either Korean, Japanese or Chinese for the most part. I suppose having been raised in a dojang (dojo), and having spent a lot of time at various martial arts functions contributed to this. But fried rice was something we made a lot at home when he was young, especially on days when it was getting close to payday. We would talk while I chopped up every vegetable in the crisper, and the end result was always tasty. So, to him it's comfort food.<br />
<br />
My comfort foods are much less healthy, and usually carb laden. My absolute favorite is bread that is just out of the oven. The smell and taste both remind me of my father, who was a baker. He smelled of flour and yeast and sugar all the time. When I would visit him at work, he would pull a French roll out of the oven, slather it with butter, and give it to me as a snack. I could have gotten a cookie, or a danish pastry if I had wanted it, but bread was my favorite. Since one of my other comfort foods is soup, it's a marriage made in heaven! Give me a good soup, and some good, fresh bread, and I'm happy.<br />
<br />
One of my husband's favorites is macaroni and cheese. And, he will eat any version of it, from the cheap powdered cheese version to my version of Patti LaBelle's incredibly rich recipe that has about 5 different kinds of cheese. Again, carb laden, plus all that rich fatty cheese. None of us have comfort foods that are conducive to dieting.<br />
<br />
Winter is a tough time to diet. All my comfort foods are calorie-laden, full of carbs and fats. It's funny though, none of us like sweet foods for comfort. They may be laden in carbs, but not sugar. So, what shall I do? Winter is nearly upon us, and I can't afford to put on any more weight. I'm at the fat end of the closet already! I know the bread really has to go, or at least be a rare treat. I'm searching for healthier alternatives for my soups. Do you think I could make cauliflower and cheese for my husband? I'm fairly sure he'll notice...Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-67955304155905428922015-11-03T07:21:00.001-08:002015-11-03T07:21:29.372-08:00The Smallest Change: NaBloPoMo #2: Morning routines<a href="http://thesmallestchange.blogspot.com/2015/11/nablopomo-2-morning-routines.html?spref=bl">The Smallest Change: NaBloPoMo #2: Morning routines</a>: A lot of the blog prompts from this month have to do with your childhood, or things you do today that are based in your past. Today is, &quo...Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-28510596148516883592015-11-03T06:49:00.000-08:002015-11-03T06:49:28.281-08:00NaBloPoMo #2: Morning routinesA lot of the blog prompts from this month have to do with your childhood, or things you do today that are based in your past. Today is, "What is the first thing you do every single day (I mean, after you hit the snooze button)? When did that step in your routine begin?" I had to really think, because since I retired from teaching, my mornings are very different.<br />
When I was working, every morning had the same routine. Get up, head to the kitchen and start the coffee. That was the routine for decades. Mornings do not begin until caffeine is available. Then, while the coffee brewed, I showered, did my hair and makeup and dressed for work. By then, my coffee was ready, and I could sit for a few minutes and savor the taste. <br />
Coffee didn't enter my life until I joined the Army. I was a tea drinker until then. I enjoyed Constant Comment, or just plain old Lipton's every morning. My parents drank coffee, but I thought the bitter taste was really nasty. But, during basic training, there was no time to allow tea to steep, and cool off enough to drink. You know, the drill sergeant yells, "You've got 10 minutes to eat and 5 of them are gone!!!". So, I switched to coffee, with plenty of milk. <br />
When I was stationed in Germany, I started to really appreciate good coffee. I would go to the little German coffee bars, and sip my coffee with just a bit of condensed milk, and sugar. In the afternoons, I would sit outside, and sip a cappucino. I kept tea in my barracks room, for after work, but I really started to enjoy coffee more each day. <br />
After the Army, I came home to my new husband, who was a serious coffee drinker, and that's when the morning pot became a ritual. My Mr. Coffee was filled and ready to go before I went to bed, and the sound of the hissing, gurgling last few drops became my alarm clock. Of course, I hit the snooze button, but when the coffee was ready, I could get up. Tea was an afternoon treat. <br />
All of this was obviously pre-Starbucks, and all the other coffee bars we have today. Fancy coffee drinks were far in my future, but now, I have a very hard time imagining morning without this bitter, sweet, caffeinated drink. So now, my morning routine is; wake up, use the rest room, and head for the Keurig. Coffee in hand, I sit down to see what happened overnight, first the news, then Facebook. So, good morning, all!Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-41311038165005274672015-11-02T05:07:00.000-08:002015-11-02T05:31:05.019-08:00Seasonal rantWhen I was young, there were only two seasons in California. Dry and warm, or rainy and chilly. That was it. Sports were divided into seasons as well. Of course, back then, there were only three sports that every boy played. In fall, football. In winter, basketball. And in spring/summer, baseball. Yes, there was the occasional wrestler, at least in high school and college. Girls had field hockey in the fall and softball in spring. For them, the outliers were the gymnasts. <br />
<br />
Now, every sport bleeds over into the next. It's November, and we're in the middle of the World Series, football is in full swing, and I just saw an ad for basketball. Soccer, which was way too European to be played when I was a kid, is year round. <br />
<br />
Now, why should I care? I don't play any of them, and I'm really not much of a fan, either. Well, it's the fact that that muddled way of thinking is bleeding over into everything else. We just finished Halloween, which used to be one of my favorites. So, I walked into the grocery store today, 1st of November, and the clerks were wearing Christmas hats already. Not something for Veteran's Day. Not for Thanksgiving. Just Christmas. The calendar, from October to January has all been compressed together. Yes, I know that Christmas is the big moneymaker for them all. But, I am old enough that I want to take my time and savor each holiday separately. I don’t want to rush anymore.<br />
<br />
I know that it’s not going to happen. Advertisers just won’t allow it. But at my house, the Christmas decorations aren’t going up until after Thanksgiving. Think about it. Don’t rush through your life without savoring each day, each holiday. Remember when you were a child, and kept talking about how great things were going to be when you grew up? Now, you look back and wish you were young. Seize the current day, don’t try to live in dreams for the future!<br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-32341145535799907832015-09-09T06:27:00.002-07:002015-09-09T06:27:31.614-07:00Book Review: InfuseI got Infuse as I love working with herbs and making infused oils that I use in various salves and rubs. I thought it would be fun to move into working more with food and drink infusions. This book doesn’t disappoint.<br />
Every home cook can use the recipes in this book. And, everyone can easily afford the main tool; a mason jar! So easy, so uncomplicated. The terms like muddling are explained. In fact, most readers will wonder how they didn’t think of these recipes themselves, as they’re so simple. I know that reading this has made me think of how I can play with the ideas to make my own mixtures. I’m really looking forward to the Limoncello among the recipes listed. <br />
The illustrations are beautiful, and the layout is easy to follow. I feel that there is a lot of wasted space though, when the illustrations take up a whole page rather than more recipes. But, all in all, a book that I’m going to keep on my “to be used” shelf, and not on the “collectible” shelf! <br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-88000946705658982592015-06-16T05:48:00.002-07:002015-06-16T05:52:09.874-07:00Healthy mind, healthy body.Format: Hardcover<br />
<br />
"The Healthy Mind Cookbook" is just what it says, for the healthy minds, and for a healthy mind. I just love the simplicity of this title, and the more profound meaning to what it could mean. What we eat has such a profound impact on both body and mind. As Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” But enough philosophy.<br />
<br />
First off, love the cover. It's simple. Second, the layout of this book is perfect for cookbooks. The chapters are categorized by what it is, and it's up to the reader to decide if it's an appetizer or entree or for breakfast or lunch. I frequently have breakfast foods for dinner. I love soup, so the soups chapter with 17 recipes made me happy. There's a total of 93 food recipe in this book, and additional 17 for dressings and sauces. And wait, there's more. There are 15 recipes for drinks, labeled "Tonics and Elixirs" which range from simple 'Almond Milk', to 'Mexican Hot Chocolate' and 'Brain-Berry Smoothie'. Since I just picked up a Ninja system, this is going to be really useful.<br />
<br />
And last, but not least, the most useful part of the book is the information that Ms. Katz and Mr. Edelson put together in the first three chapters of the book. The descriptions and information put forth, were worth the time to sit and really study this cookbook. Stress, anxiety, depression, memory, cognition, learning were just some of the areas touched on with correlations to food. The "Culinary Pharmacy" of chapter 2 is a very good resource. The first three chapters have a wealth of information, and for each recipe, the nutritional facts/information were also provided. Instructions on how to store was also useful As well, I love cookbooks where someone already has included the calculations of how much calories a recipe has. I've been trying to do so with a lot of home-cooked meals, and it's so time consuming.<br />
<br />
I’ve long been aware that foods affect both my moods and my health. Carbs put me to sleep. Sugar, in particular, makes me irritable. Go back to the Thanksgiving dinner where you just want to sleep afterwards and forget about family and friends for just a half hour. Eating a big salad with fresh organic greens, avocado and an assortment of fresh veggies makes me feel satisfied, but awake. Yes food affects you more than you may think. Nobody really has the time to do the research on their own anymore, because the information is both overwhelming and contradictory. Rebecca Katz and Mat Edelson have done it for you.. As an aging woman, I am aware that I need to be aware of things like memory, and such. This book is about detoxification, about choosing the right foods for the health of your body, and more specifically, your brain. When your brain is healthy, you have no idea what wonderful is. There is quite a list of foods and how they help the brain followed. Lots of recipes, from soup to dessert, snacks, tonics and drinks are all included. I have made a few of the salads, salsas and soups, and have not been disappointed. Don’t leave this one on the shelf!<br />
<br />
<br />
I received this book from “Blogging for books” and the opinions are my own.<br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-57127413974435751792015-04-09T06:04:00.001-07:002015-04-09T06:04:59.270-07:00Exercise, love and hate.I have a lifelong love/hate relationship with exercise. The first thing it brings to mind was when the "President's Physical Fitness" tests started when I was in elementary school. Up until then, I suppose I was an average child of the sixties. I played on the swings, ran around the schoolyard, played with the other kids in the neighborhood (where I was the only girl). I preferred books to running around though, even then.<br />
<br />
But suddenly, in an effort to measure my physical fitness, I had to show that I could run a distance, do a shuttle run, situps, pushups, and worst of all, throw a softball. I still remember the humiliation when instead of throwing that ball for a distance, I held on just a bit too long and threw it straight up in the air. My classmates thought that was just hysterical. It's not like anyone had ever taught me to throw a ball. Girls just didn't do that a lot back then.<br />
<br />
Then there was middle school, with calisthenics where we were all lined up in neat squads, and sweated into our nasty gym uniforms. Mrs. Troutman shouted if we dropped our arms during jumping jacks, made us run laps in those horrid Keds, which had no ankle support whatsoever. The uniforms were a jumper, with snaps down the front, and wearing them for a week at a time meant that Fridays were pretty ripe! And once a month, we were forced into the dreaded dance class, where the boys and girls had gym together, and awkwardly learned to box step or even square dance. <br />
<br />
And so, it was around this time that I decided exercise was really not for me. In high school, there was the usual basketball, softball and kickball. One year was kind of interesting though, when we had modern dance. It was then that I discovered that I had no stamina, no grace, no balance and even less flexibility. <br />
<br />
In college, we were required to take just 4 gym classes to graduate. So, my freshman year, I suffered through tennis and field hockey. Later, I took fencing, and I really started to enjoy that, until the teacher started demanding that we run a mile at a time. Oh, no. Poking people with a foil was fun, but I still couldn't run without exhaustion and side cramps that made me throw up. <br />
<br />
So, even knowing that I was gifted with this absolute dearth of athletic ability or desire to exercise, I decided to join the Army. And I exercised. At least for the first ten weeks. I was sure that they were going to "re-cycle" me, and make me start again, because the PT was really hard for me. But, I squeaked through. After that, exercise was minimal. I walked a lot, to my classes in Monterey. Up and down hills, every day. But at that time, there was no organized physical fitness program for language students, nor was there any during most of my Army days. The first PT test I had to take again was shortly before I got out, and I wheezed my way through the two mile run, qualifying by about 10 seconds!<br />
<br />
But during my time at language school, I discovered martial arts. Well, first I discovered the instructor. We hit it off pretty well, and he invited me to join his taekwondo class at the gym. I'd seen judo and karate before, during high school and college, but it was all men. Women just weren't invited. And, lo and behold, I found an exercise program that I liked. It had more purpose than simply running in circles. I could protect myself. And so, my 40 year relationship with the martial arts began.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-41249199527796242462015-04-09T05:57:00.000-07:002015-04-09T05:57:28.523-07:00Adding new hobbiesJohn Shaw’s Guide to Digital Nature Photography.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shaws-Guide-Digital-Nature-Photography-ebook/dp/B00N6PERAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428584120&sr=1-1&keywords=john+shaw%27s+guide+to+digital+nature+photography"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
To be honest, the title of the book does not say this is a beginner’s guide. But I am a beginner. I just bought my first DSLR camera, and even now am taking it from the box. So, there was a lot in this book that was absolutely beyond my comprehension. I am not yet familiar with the terminology, and you need to understand more for this book to truly be a good resource. <br />
<br />
The book is broken into 6 sections or chapters beginning with gear. The rest of the chapters are: Getting Started, Lenses, Composition, Close-ups, and The Photographer at work. Mr. Shaw goes into detail about the type of equipment that is out there. He apparently favors Nikon cameras, as he uses a lot of Nikon examples, but you don’t need to be a Nikon fan to really use this book.<br />
<br />
Even for a novice like me, it is a beautiful book. The examples are stunning. I kept reading, and did learn a bit, and will keep this book on the shelf. I’ll return to it when I’ve learned a bit more, as nature photography is one of the areas I’m really interested in.<br />
<br />
I would recommend this book to those who have at least a minimal understanding of DSL digital cameras and the terminology. If you are a beginner, please realize that this is not a basic digital camera photo book; make sure you understand the terms. However, the photos and style are enough to enjoy without being an expert about digital photography.<br />
<br />
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Blogging for books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in AdvertisingKatherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-52500145125667375652015-03-12T07:18:00.001-07:002015-03-12T07:18:09.414-07:00Lightening up Southern favorites.I was hopeful that this book would help me prepare some of my husband’s favorites, but with modifications to make them more healthy. There’s still a lot of fried food, which I’m trying to avoid, and the canola oil option really surprised me. There’s a lot of research showing that canola (ie rapeseed) oil really isn’t a good option. <br />
The vegetable casseroles are a great help, as that seems to be what everybody brings to all the church functions! It’s nice to have some healthy options! The Sinless Seven Layer Dip is on my list for March Madness parties, too. Grilled Potato salad with Bacon Vinaigrette is a hit, as well. Just enough tartness and the bacon is always popular at our house.<br />
Another plus for this book are the beautiful illustrations, and the stories that go along with them. All in all, a nice addition to my bookshelf. I’m sure some of these recipes will make it to the favorite list in my house.<br />
<br />
I received a free copy of this book from “Blogging for Books” in return for my honest review.<br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-4101480905034818652015-02-12T14:21:00.002-08:002015-02-12T14:21:44.935-08:00Martha Stewart, Clean Livinghttp://www.amazon.com/reviewC<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
lean Slate is a visually gorgeous book. The illustrations make you hungry, just looking. But be aware that this more of a cookbook than a diet. The Detox plan is well planned and probably will be easy to implement. There are a lot of smoothies that will make your morning tasty and healthy. I found several weeks of menus - there are a 3 day and a 21 day Detox plan that look easy to use. The detox itself uses a variety of smoothies & salads that are filling and have enough variety so you don't get bored. I think the thing that most impressed me is that most of the ingredients are easy to get, like mangos, pineapple, apples, kale (ewww) - and wonderful sweet beets! Breakfast was my favorite chapter and I have the quinoa to use to make Cardamom Quinoa Porridge. I haven't tried it yet - but will soon. I found chicken and fish and several side dishes I want to try. One thing I always look for in a cookbook anymore (I am dairy, whey & soy intolerant with Hashimoto’s disease) is whether the recipes are labeled vegan, dairy, nut or gluten free.<br />
<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-3278709515848168412015-01-11T07:46:00.002-08:002015-01-11T11:46:59.019-08:00Book Review. Beautiful and heartwarming<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thesmacha-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B00KEPLBRC&asins=B00KEPLBRC&linkId=XDQZFDAT7MAW7FP5&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"><br />
</iframe><br />
<br />
In Her Kitchen; Stories and recipes from grandmas around the world, by Gabriele Galimberti<br />
<br />
<br />
Family traditions around food are some of the most memorable we have. Holidays at Grandma’s are a big part of my childhood memories. And, of course, no one cooks like Grandma. <br />
<br />
Grandmothers all over the world are showcased in the new book, “In Her Kitchen”. The author, Gabriele Galimberti, is young, and this world tour of grandmother’s kitchens was a long-term project. From his own grandmother’s kitchen to kitchens all around the world, he has made contact with the pride these women have in feeding their families.<br />
<br />
The pictures are evocative and well done. I found the display picture of the women and the ingredients for their signature dish a bit repetitive, but it is important to know that this is what real people cook and eat. The recipes are well written, and finding some familiar favorites made me smile. <br />
<br />
Of course, there are some recipes that are very simple. Others call for exotic ingredients, like iguana, or caterpillars. And it’s hard to find a moose steak to cook in most of the world. The finished dishes are beautiful, but aren’t all picture perfect. It’s real food, cooked by real people, rather than a highly polished presentation for a food magazine.<br />
<br />
I probably won’t try to cook anything from this book. However, looking at the pictures, and reading the stories made me think of my family, and the different cultures that I’ve seen while living around the world. It will have a place on my bookshelf!<br />
<br />
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review. <br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-12139877545557371342015-01-03T19:45:00.000-08:002015-01-03T19:45:08.233-08:00A good startThe Diabetes Solution: How to Control Type 2 Diabetes and Reverse Prediabetes Using Simple Diet and Lifestyle Changes--with 100 recipes (Hardcover)<br />
<br />
This new diabetes book in divided into two sections: 1. Know the disease (diabetes) and 2. Managing your diabetes (which includes 100 recipes).<br />
The book was written at a level which most people can understand easily. It does not appear to have a great deal of new information, but it is gathered in one place, and organized logically. <br />
‘The Diabetes Solution’ is a good starting point for those who want to learn more about diabetes, especially those who don’t have the time to do their own research.<br />
*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this unbiased review<br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-73903374679897428912014-12-05T09:50:00.001-08:002015-04-15T05:23:00.668-07:00Review of "Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking"My introduction to Russian cooking was while studying the language at the Defense Language Institute, during the Cold War. My teachers were all expatriates, but their families had all left Russia at the time of the Revolution, and their culinary experiences were nothing like those of the people who lived during the Soviet era. But, like the Russians I met later in life, they were obsessed with food, especially just after the “Great Lent” which they, as Orthodox Christians, observed fully. (no meat, no eggs, no animal products)<br />
<br />
Anya Von Bremzen grew up during the worst days of the Cold War, when the Cuban Missile Crisis was making us afraid of all thing Russian. Russia's 'five year plans' were a study in incompetence. The black market was the place to actually buy food almost from the beginning of the “communist dream”. Many of my Russian friends who lived in that time have the same obsessions with food, and are often amazed at American waste and how little we value what we have.<br />
<br />
Although Anya's mother, Larisa, is a gifted cook and did her best to make the available food eatable, her flair for cooking is best displayed when she makes a lucky score at the shops or the black market and rounds up the necessary ingredients for a traditional dish. These occasional feasts stand obviously special memories in Anya’s life. Like all Russians, she knows how to shop the black market, how to finagle and finesse But it was no way to live.<br />
<br />
When the opportunity to emigrate presents itself, Larisa and Anya (then 10 years old) wasted no time leaving. They leave, almost literally, with nothing but the shirts on their backs and a complete ignorance of what life is really like in the West. Her experiences are touching, sad, but amusing sometimes. Larisa’s guilt over what they find ends up with years of sending home money and gifts to those they left behind.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Art-Soviet-Cooking-Longing/dp/0307886824/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417801741&sr=1-1&keywords=mastering+the+art+of+soviet+cooking"></a><br />
A lovely book, beautifully written, chock full of interesting tidbits, culinary and historical. However, there are only a few recipes. Buy this for the history, the story of a mother and daughter and their shared love of the best of their homeland.<br />
<br />
<br />
I received a copy of this book from "Blogging for Books" in exchange for my honest review.Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-28674916651980658782014-11-16T06:48:00.001-08:002014-11-17T06:44:40.965-08:00“Long as I can grow it, my hair…..”“Long as I can grow it, my hair…..”<br />
<br />
I have a love/hate relationship with my hair. When I was very young, it usually involved screaming a lot. I had a very “tender” head. In other words, everything hurt. Mom washed my hair in the kitchen sink, with me lying on the counter. It was so baby fine that it tangled every time. And this was before conditioners or de-tanglers. It was thin and stick straight. We tried home perms, rag curls, rollers, (both smooth and brush rollers). My school pictures really showcase the efforts, sadly. So, usually, around the end of the school year, we cut it. <br />
<br />
The style was called a “Pixie”. My dad called it a “DA” for duck’s ass. The cut was logical, as I spent most of my time in the water, whenever possible, and it avoided those fights with Mom. But my cousins had beautiful long California blond locks. My favorite aunt, who was just a bit older than me, had incredible long red hair. And here I was, short, fine, muddy blond hair. Sad.<br />
<br />
For years I tried everything out there. Perms that left me looking like Angela Davis or a poodle. I cut it very short again when I joined the Army. This was pre-blow dryers, and no one had time to style their hair! For my wedding day, I managed to get it just past shoulder length, with a slight curl. That died by the end of the day. And again, since I did martial arts most days, I sweated and everything just plastered to my head. So short hair always seemed to be the right option.<br />
<br />
I tried to grow it out. It would make it to just below shoulder length, and then start to split and just stopped growing. Finally, again, I cut it all off. I wore my hair about two inches long for about 5 years. I have to admit that I enjoyed the freedom of just stepping out of the shower, applying a bit of gel and walking out the door. I dyed it red for 25 years, then developed an allergy to hair dyes, and had to quit. But now, my hair is aging, just like the rest of me. My silver highlights look deliberate, and when it was short, a lot of people thought that I had them professionally done. I just said, “God highlighted my hair!”<br />
<br />
The challenge with short hair is that you have to have it trimmed every 3 weeks to maintain the look. I found a wonderful hairdresser and visited her religiously. My hair was still fine, but with a good cut, it was healthy. Then, horror of horrors, she quit. Now, she had a good reason. Her mother was ill and she was caring for her. But what to do?? A lot of my friends have shared the horror story of trying to find a new stylist when they move or their hairdresser leaves. And it’s true. It’s a trust relationship.<br />
<br />
So, I didn’t find another hairdresser. My hair lost its shape, and started to look shaggy. I just I pinned it, and used a lot of gel. Then, something weird happened. It started to look good. The silver spots flowed into a streak, and softened the whole thing. Grey hair has more texture than younger hair, I’ve read, and now I could see some body in my style. I started to enjoy my hair for the first time in my life.<br />
<br />
I decided to give it one more try. Around this time, I found a new endocrinologist. I’d been diagnosed and treated for Hashimoto’s syndrome for about 20 years, and was undiagnosed for another 20. One of the symptoms of thyroid diseases is thin or thinning hair. My new endo put me on a natural thyroid replacement, rather than the Synthroid I’d taken for so long. My hair started to get thicker. It kept growing, way past the limits it had before. Now, it’s down past mid back, and shows no signs of stopping. <br />
<br />
I started doing some research about long hair, since I decided to keep it. There are a lot of websites out there with advice. I changed shampoos, and stopped washing it every day. I started using argan oil to condition it, stopped using the blow dryer. I even bought a different brush. I comb it carefully when it’s wet. And I’m ignoring all the people who say that women over 50 really shouldn’t have long hair. Let’s see how long I can grow it…”gimme a head with hair…long, beautiful hair”<br />
<br />
<br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-58747610472046291432014-11-05T18:03:00.003-08:002014-11-05T18:03:16.448-08:00Reunion envy, NaBloPoMo A#5<br />
I found a blog post today, talking about attending a high school reunion. The author talked about how people had changed, or hadn’t changed. Some people had stayed in touch, others had drifted away. But they all came together at their reunion<br />
I graduated from high school in 1970. I had been in a different school every year. Now, don’t get the idea that I was a bad kid and got kicked out of all those schools. It all came down to my parents trying to do the right thing for my younger brothers.<br />
My freshman year was actually in a 7-9 intermediate school, so I was “on top”, not the dreaded freshman. La Palma school was a good experience. I loved my Spanish teacher, worked in the library, and lived close enough to walk both ways with my friends every morning. I was involved in clubs and extracurricular activities. We had moved to Buena Park from Whittier for my 8th grade year, and I loved the area. I especially liked having a pool in the backyard! My sophomore year, I went to Western HS in Anaheim, with those same classmates. I bought my class ring here, learned to drive, made some friends. <br />
The next year got a little crazy. My father’s business partner died, and he couldn’t continue to run his bakery alone. As well, they’d decided that Southern California wasn’t a safe place to raise young men anymore. This was around the time of the Watts riots, and it kind of scared my folks. So, they sold the business, sold the house, and rented a house back in Whittier while they tried to decide where to move permanently. <br />
My junior year, I was back with the same students I’d spent elementary school with. Old friends, old frictions, but familiar. I continued my Spanish, joined the chorus, went to lots of Friday afternoon dances. Typical late 60’s southern Cali. I expected to return and graduate the next year. But my parents finally decided to move all the way to my mom’s home state…Pennsylvania. So, my senior year was spent in a new city, new state, new school. <br />
The school was huge. Nine hundred and fifty graduating seniors walked the stage. And although in California, I’d been really conservative and studious; the kids in Altoona just knew that I must be a wild-eyed hippie druggie. I met a few folks in chorus, and in the library. They didn’t have advanced Spanish, so I discovered Russian. I truly never quite fit in. So, how do you go to a reunion? Which do you pick? So, in 44 years, I’ve never been to any. I get a little envious, seeing people with lifelong friendships. <br />
Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-24808793098164529262014-11-04T14:44:00.000-08:002014-11-04T14:44:15.811-08:00NaBloProMo #4 The saga continues<br />
<br />
<br />
By KatherineNobles on November 04, 2014<br />
<br />
Today was the first time I actually cross-posted on the BlogHer site. It's funny. I have an advanced degree in computing technology, but learning the technical side of new programs in becoming increasingly difficult in recent years. So, one more thing learned.<br />
<br />
I'm still exhausted after yesterday's very vigorous water aerobics class. Changing the music to a more driving beat made the class more fun, but also more exhausting. I feel like I did the first couple of weeks after I started! But, I suppose it was time to make it a little more challenging as well.<br />
<br />
I've committed to starting a new blog for myself, as well as the little blog I've had for a couple of years, in order to challenge my brain like I'm trying to do with my body. I love to bake, and I'm going to try to present a new bread every week for a year. Just one. I'll be learning how to do the photographs, and how to present them properly. I'm also going to analyze the recipes for possible changes to enhance flavor, presentation and health. I've won ribbons at state and county fairs with my breads, so this is right up my alley.<br />
<br />
I'm going to move to a more advanced blogging platform to do this, and to having my own domain. Wish me luck!Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-69536729590262313682014-11-03T13:44:00.000-08:002014-11-03T13:44:07.045-08:00NaBloPoMo #3NaBloPoMo...silly sounding. But, I've made a commitment to write a blog post every day for the month. Today was pretty boring, but it made me think. I'm retired now. The crises in my life, the interesting things, all of it is up to me. No job to hold my feet to the fire, no stress of grades due, deadlines, meetings. Nope.<br />
<br />
The weekend was quiet. Cold, nasty weather set in, and none of us really wanted to go out. So, I worked on my jewelry, made hot food, and read a lot. Since I have a few new books around, that made Mom a happy camper! And, since I went to the commissary and stocked up, I didn't even have to go the grocery store for anything! <br />
<br />
So, today I did manage to get to my aerobic class. Monday, and the pool was cold! The pool was pretty full today, and everyone was full of stories about the Halloween weekend. Mine was sad...only one trick or treater. I wish I'd given her all the candy, because it's calling my name. The instructor is a nice young man, in college. His class is fairly set, not a lot of variety from class to class. But today, he changed one small thing. The music<br />
<br />
For the last couple of weeks, the music has just been kind of quiet, in the background. Today, he had a playlist with a beat. Solid, 4/4 with a good pace. All the exercises gained in intensity, and people buckled down and did the work. One small change, and I really got wiped out! Came home, fed everyone, and then the exhaustion hit. Hashimoto's is still kicking my butt...but I'm kicking back.Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041354547124276424.post-59031172806067460112014-11-02T05:22:00.000-08:002014-11-03T13:45:05.225-08:00Starting the month rightYesterday, I decided that I need to do more than spend all day on the computer. The computer obliged by going black almost immediately after I posted that. So, I went out, ran errands, and came home. After a few seconds, my husband had checked all the connections, and it was simply a loose connection between computer and monitor. But, I decided that sitting down to Facebook again just wasn't an option.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, I dragged out a few boxes of neglected craft supplies, and went through them. I'm kind of a collector. I find pretty things, and buy them, swearing I'm going to finish the project. Then, they collect up in boxes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiOi41Y5leE/VFYvvZh4ctI/AAAAAAAAA0o/6XvprEySi5M/s1600/beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiOi41Y5leE/VFYvvZh4ctI/AAAAAAAAA0o/6XvprEySi5M/s320/beads.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I pulled out some beautiful lapis lazuli beads, and rummaged around until I found some gold spacers and all the findings I needed. I arranged it all on the bead board, and in an hour had a beautiful necklace. It didn't take long. It wasn't hard. Why haven't I been doing this before?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xeNfIZSubEc/VFYv5qgqtLI/AAAAAAAAA0w/ihqoPvj87lM/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xeNfIZSubEc/VFYv5qgqtLI/AAAAAAAAA0w/ihqoPvj87lM/s320/necklace.jpg" /></a></div>The smallest change. Walk away from my computer. Do something productive. Make something beautiful. What can I do today?Katherine Nobleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07924688081128230221noreply@blogger.com0