Feel Like A Good Cry?

Crying. It's kind of a funny topic to broach at a happiness blog, I guess.

But in reality, crying can go a long way towards improving a person's mood and even their health. It's really an interesting concept I think; to consider all the aspects and ramifications of this emotionally-charged life process/bodily function. 

I did an online search one day last week about the benefits of crying and found a LOT of information about this topic. Yes, I was having a difficult day. No, I didn't actually cry about it.Reading through these articles took my mind off other things though, so that was a plus.

Here is one of the more interesting and informative crying posts from: Divine Caroline.

In the past few years, I haven't cried all that much. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe, I've just tried harder to "hold things in" when I'm sad or depressed. According to many articles though, letting go and having a real good cry is often the better way to deal with a stressful event,day.....

 Do you often cry often and does it help to cope?  

(If it's not too personal to share.) 

 

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Craving Pancakes!!!

                           

I was doing some online searches today for: buckwheat, buckwheat pancakes and buckwheat flour and found this post over at Simple Bites that includes 3 pancake recipes: Buckwheat, Cornmeal and Whole Wheat. They all sound really good!

Pancakes have been on my mind for a couple of days. Need to restock the pantry and fire up that griddle!!!

Speaking of buckwheat, did you know that it is not actually a grain? That it is a distant "relative" of rhubarb? You can read about that here.

I'm a fairly recent convert to the big delicious world of pancake-lovers. I didn't like them as a kid.  And buckwheat ones, well they are right at the top of my favs.

I also previous posted about pancakes (with another recipe) here.

What is your favorite type of pancake? If you have a recipe link to share, please do.


                               

Photo courtesy of Flickr. If you click through the photographer has also included his recipe for these pancakes in the comment section under this photo. That is one scrumptious pancake stack! :<)

 I make good pancakes but mine are NEVER this uniform in size!!! LOL

A Bit of Spring Pink on Yet Another Grey Day...

I am getting SO tired of the weeks of almost continuous grey, cloudy days; here in Interior BC.

This photo of beautiful cherry blossoms photographed a couple of years ago on our main street; always makes me smile.

              

I hope this oh so pink spring photo and  haiku poem brings a smile to your day too. :<)

                                          
How's your weather?
Any signs of spring where you are?

PS: And if you are in need of a giggle on a gloomy or otherwise day, check out Mr. Cheddar as you've never seen him before!  ;<)

Mr. Cheddar: He's a Sophisticat!

After living with Mr. Cheddar for almost 5 years, I thought I knew everything there was to know about his likes and dislikes. But last night, I found out something new.

Mr. Cheddar is a big Matt Dusk fan!

In case you haven't heard of Matt Dusk before, here's one of his videos: Matt Dusk: Back in Town

Joe and I have been fans of this Canadian singer for a long time. We saw him in concert years ago and have a several of his CDs. He is a wonderful performer.

Last night while Joe was doing the dishes and I was working on some knitting, we had a Matt CD playing. Mr. Cheddar was almost finished his din-din except for a the last few kibbles left in his bowl. 

Normally, when Ched is eating, we make sure that all is quiet and if we have music on, we turn it off so that he can enjoy his food with no noise to bother him.

Well, here's the funny part. Ched made seven (yes seven) trips to his kibble bowl to have a couple of bites, while Matt was singing in the background. And every time we turned off the music, he stopped eating! Apparently, Cheddar likes some mood music to go with his vittles.

How's that for one sophisticated feline?

Mr. Cheddar has never done this before. It's obvious that he is a big fan of Matt Dusk. Perhaps already a fan on his Facebook page etc...I wonder if Matt Dusk is a fan of Mr. Cheddar's? A lot in common already. They are both such good-looking guys with lots of talent! :<)

It really was a hoot, watching Mr.Cheddar dining to Matt's crooning! I only wish I could have captured it on video with sound. Maybe next time. ;<)



A Haiku to Celebrate Valentine's Day

                                                  

Also submitted for the Haiku Heights prompt: Desire

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day.   :<)

A Sweet Valentine's Treat for Your Sweetie!

February.....

The month in Canada that usually heralds the last, cold blast of winter. On the plus side, February is also the month of love and Valentine's Day! And what better way to celebrate than to make some oh so easy, homemade chocolates for you and those you love.

I have quite a collection of chocolate heart boxes from over the years. Some so beautifully decorated, they are like works of art. I find it hard to discard/recycle these. So much better to fill them up  again, with yummy chocolates from the kitchen. ;<)

The following is a recipe from my cookbook: Not Just for Vegetarians that was also featured in my craft book: A Year of Crafts,  years ago as a Valentine's project. They are very easy to make but still decadent and delish.

Hope you give these a try.

And do share with your own sweeties!

                     

Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Clusters

vegetable oil cooking spray

60 whole shelled hazelnuts

6- 1 oz. squares or 6 oz.( in total ) semi-sweet dark chocolate (try to get organic, it is so worth it)

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

                                           

Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.

Arrange hazelnuts in clusters of 4, spacing evenly on the cookie sheet, allowing at least 1" between each cluster.
                      

Melt the chocolate and butter over very low heat, using a double boiler, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

                       

Drizzle melted chocolate over each nut cluster, coating each one completely.
                                

Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
                                        

Place clusters in foil/paper candy cups or individually wrap in foil. Store in the refrigerator.
                                                

Makes 15 large clusters. Just right to fill a medium-sized Valentine's box! :<)

***

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Recipe from: Not Just for Vegetarians, Delicious, Homestyle Cooking the Meatless Way by Geraldine Hartman. All rights reserved. 

Mixed Messages from the Groundhogs!

There were mixed messages being delivered by the groundhogs of Canada and the U.S. today.

Click here to see another adorable photo and details of this year's weather predictions from these furry experts.

I'm going with the ones that said we are in for an early spring. :<)

Happy Groundhog Day!!!!

Photo courtesy of Flickr