cff May 2017 | Simple and Serene Living

Monday, May 15, 2017

ACTION NOT WORRY

Is there anyone out there who hasn't worried?

We all worry from time to time. Some of us more than others.

There always seems to be something to worry about, but how do we stop it. How do we keep it from taking over our lives, because not only does worry not add a day to our lives, it can actually shorten our lives by negatively affecting our health?

stop worry

I am a worrier so I know that it can be hard to let it go. Those of you who have been with me for several years know that I had two knee replacements. The first one was several years ago and the second one was eight months later. 

After many years of living with terrible pain, I was finally pain-free and able to live again. Last week however my left knee started to hurt and became swollen. 

Of course, I started to worry, but I decided to be proactive and this Wednesday I have an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. 

worry peanuts

Taking action has been one tool that I have learned to use to combat worry. It helps me to feel in control of whatever is causing me to worry. 

Realistically I know that I can't always control a situation, but taking steps to help alleviate whatever is worrying me is a good first step. I know that I have no way of knowing what is wrong with my knee. I am not a medical professional and it could be anything from a sprain to a failure of my implant. 

worry worrying troubles

However, calling and making the appointment was a good first step, and I know whatever the diagnosis I am strong and I will live with it. 

The more we worry about the future the less we are able to enjoy the present. I know that I would rather enjoy the moment and take action to ensure a better future. 

Shop These Books:

The Worry Trick

Rewire Your Anxious Brain (therapist recommended)

Why Smart Kids Worry: and what parents can do to help

Worry Says What? (for children)

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Saturday, May 6, 2017

IT IS MINT JULEP RECIPE DAY IN KENTUCKY

It's that time of year again. fast horses, beautiful hats, the singing of my old Kentucky home, and lots of celebrations. Yes, today is the run for the roses, also known as the Kentucky Derby and no derby party is complete without the official drink, the mint julep. 

Those of us who are native Kentuckians, were practically weaned on mint juleps, but for those of you who have never had the privilege, I am including a recipe. Let me say, with all due respect, that if you have never had one of these jewels, I would recommend that you sip slowly on one for several hours. 

Kentucky mint julep


mint julep recipe

4 fresh mint sprigs
2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water

Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.

If you do not want the alcohol, I can recommend these delicious cupcakes. Don't worry. The alcohol will cook off.

kentucky mint julep cup


MINT JULEP CUPCAKES

{adapted from Cooking and Booking}

Ingredients:
Cupcakes
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon mint extract
4 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup bourbon (or whiskey)
1/2 cup Creme de Menthe

Icing
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mint extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
milk*****

Directions:

Cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 350ยบ F, and grease or line 30 cupcake cups.
Combine salt, baking powder, and 1 3/4 cups of the flour. Beat butter, sugar, eggs, and extracts in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Add the milk and liquors to the batter, then the rest of the flour (1 cup). Mix as little as possible, just until the batter comes together. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cups. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let cool.

Icing
Combine the powdered sugar, salt, extracts and melted butter and beat until creamy. Gradually add milk until the texture is right for piping. When the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the icing on top. Garnish with cake sparkles or sprinkles, a straw (trimmed to size), and mint leaves.
*****

I'm thinking this is not the low calorie version, but hey, after you run around the track a few times you're bound to burn them off.

Well, I'm off to find my hat and read the racing form so you all have a nice day.