Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Lazy Perogy Casserole

Today I want to share a family favourite recipe.  We had friends over tonight and our Lazy Perogy Casserole was a hit with them too, so I thought I'd share for anyone wanting to try something new.

Lazy Perogy Casserole Recipe

This is our version of the one in Company's Coming Casseroles - I just cut the butter and added bacon.  Actually, in our cookbook, it says "Try with bacon" which is then crossed out and now reads "Don't make without bacon!"

Enjoy!

Thursday, April 21, 2016

What to Read Next?

The last three books I read all got a 5 Star rating, so if you are looking for something to entertain and keep you flipping pages, these should do well.

Five Stars
The Heist by Daniel Silva - My Mom said she recently discovered this author and was enjoying him, so I thought I would try one out.  This one was the more recent ones, but I think I'll start back at #1 and read them all...  Israeli spy, Art theft, Syrian conflict...  Lots going on and I had a bit of trouble remembering how we got from point A to point M, but it was good.

The Golden Son by Shilpi Somaya Gowda - This was our latest book club read.  We had read her novel Secret Daughter and came back for more.  A rare time that we ALL finished the book, and we all agreed it was enjoyable.  We have different tastes in literature, but this one had something for everyone.  Set in India in current time and also in the States as the main character leaves home for Med School.  Interesting medical side and well as the glimpse at life for doctors-in-training, and the balance between family expectations at home and personal desires gave a good tension.

The Art of Racing in the Rain By Garth Stein - Narrated by the dog, and me not being a dog person, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was beautifully and often comically written story of a family's low time and how they got through it.

Riel by Maggie Siggins - A non-fiction thorough (long) account of the life of Louis Riel.  I felt like I should probably know this history, and I'm glad I read it.  Having roots in Winnipeg, I found the geography and the names very interesting, and my favourite part was the glimpse into the life of my great-great grandfather, who was part of the story.  History all Canadians should know about the beginnings of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and about the peoples who lived there.

Four Stars
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng - I didn't find this that enjoyable, but it kept me turning pages to see what happened, and then I couldn't get it out of my mind for all the ways I wished the characters had behaved differently.  An inter-cultural marriage, different expectations of communication, and a sad tragedy.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - This classic is on loads of 'Must Read' lists, so it finally can get checked off.  Futuristic, fireman, book burning... pretty good social commentary.

A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay - Wasn't sure how to rate this.  Not a bad story, the characters are mostly likable, but why do so many books have to throw in the homosexuality twist? 

Three Stars
Three Dollars by Elliot Perlman - I read one by this author a long time ago and did a search recently to see if he had any others.  He did, but I did not enjoy it nearly as much as the other. Just an odd flow to it.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed - I loved the idea of doing an epic hike, but found not much else to draw me in.  I'm glad she ended her quest at peace with her past, but it was mainly just sad.  I wish she had found Jesus.

So many books, so little time to read... Hope you find some extra minutes between the pages!!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

12+ Uses for Wheat Bags

Some people love wheat bags and can't live without them; some have no idea what they are.  Here are 12+ uses for a wheat bag:

 
1.  My most common use of a bag is to keep me warm when I'm cold around the house and just sitting in one place.  I'll tuck it around my shoulders or on my feet or on my lower back, and I'm not tempted to crank the thermostat.

2.  Even when you are moving around, it will stay on your shoulders or on your lower back if your shirt is tucked in around it.

3.  Toss one into bed to warm up the covers before you get in.

4.  Cuddle up with one or more when you go to bed.


5.  Tuck your child in with one as a cuddle buddy.

6.  To soothe sore muscles.  Wheat bags can drape over any place that needs heat.

7.  Take one in the car when you have that short school run that's not long enough for the car to fully warm up.  Put it over your lap and you're set.


8.  A pair of handwarmers will keep your hands warm while walking the dog or waiting for the bus.

9.  Tummy troubles can be soothed by a warm bag on your stomach.

10.  Keep one in the freezer for the injuries that need an ice pack.


11.  Keep any size in the freezer to cool off - the back of neck works great - during summer heat or hot flashes.

12.  Cold packs bring some relief for migraines when placed across the eyes or forehead.

13.  Keep a stash in the house for gifts for teachers, bus drivers, piano teachers, coaches...

Did you find any new uses for your bags in this list?  Are there any other uses I've missed?

I make four different sizes, and can make custom sizes if none of my regular ones fit your needs.  Check out my wheat bags at Alice&Victor!