"No Bake Cashew Goodies" Ingredients: 1/2 cup stevia 4 tablespoons cocoa 1/2 stick butter 1/4 cup almond milk 1/2 cup Cashew butter or Almond Butter 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 cups chopped cashews (substitute with favorite nuts like hazelnut, almond, pecans) Sesame seeds or shredded coconut (unsweetened) Waxed paper Directions: In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, coconut butter, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add cashew butter or substitute with almond butter, vanilla and chopped nuts. On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonful, sprinkle with sesame seeds or coconut shredding, let set until cooled and hardened.

I found a new product in the market that works wonders; proven to do as it advertises. "LIFELINE A HANGOVER DEFENCE" A natural supplement with vitamin and minerals. A product developed and made in IRELAND. LifeLine is the first hangover defence targeted at beating those morning after blues. whether drinking at home or on a night out, two capsules at the start of a moderate night drinking is all it takes to feel less tired, less nauseous, more alert and ready to face the challenges of the next day. If you are interested in trying it out, the website will be up soon... www.LessHangovers.com HOW DOES IT WORK? Activated charcoal acts like a sponge, absorbing the elements in beers, wine and spirit that causes hangovers. Aquamin is an unique Irish ingredient consisting of calcium and magnesium carbonates, and is an antacid which settles the stomach, removing the acidic feeling which often comes after drinking. Vitamin B has been shown to help the body repair itself and also reduce the same of the symptoms of hangovers. Vitamin C helps revive the body after drinking. CAN YOU PROVE IT? Yes they can - LifeLine has been on Irish shelves for nearly 9 years - if it didn't work it wouldn't command the repeat sale it does. Each dose (2 capsules) is sufficient for up to 8 drinks! WILL IT REDUCE THE BUZZ? No. LifeLine does not prevent intoxication or absorb alcohol. We recommend that you DRINK RESPONSIBLY. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

Yummy "HOME MADE CHILI' and more

It's been a while since my last post but life happens and sometimes gets in the way of what you really want to do. When I finish the new patterns (hopefully soon) I will post a few of them free, but for now I am just sharing news, views and cooking.

One of my favorite recipes "HOME MADE CHILI" Who says a hearty meal has to be a diet destroyer? Here is a great chili recipe for under 500 calories. time prep: 15 min;total: 2 hrs in a slow cooker; servings total: 4 servings, 1 cup each; what you need: 1 teaspoon of canola or olive oil 1/2 lb. each boneless beef and pork for stew, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 3/4 large onion, chopped 1/2 large each red and green pepper, chopped 1 can stewing tomatoes or 1 cup fresh tomato, chopped 1 cloves medium-size garlic cloves, minced 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced into rounds or small squares 1 stalked of celery chopped in small slices 1 tbsp paprika 1 tbsp cumin 1/4 tbsp oregano 1 can chicken or beef broth 1 cups cooked kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained chopped cilantro add corn, zucchini, optional. Directions: In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium high heat. Saute the beef and pork to seal the juices then add onions, garlic, celery and carrots; sauté until onion is translucent. Add all peppers, zucchini and corn; sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped tomatoes and tomato juice. Then add all salt, pepper, herbs and spices. Stir well. Add chicken or beef stock until liquid covers all ingredients in the crock pot. Slow cook for at least 2 hours. Best taste on the second day when keeped refrigerated.

Below is his Dr. Oz-approved turkey chili recipe to keep your heart healthy and strong. Heart Smart Turkey Chili Ingredients: 1 lb extra lean ground turkey 1 green pepper 1 medium onion, chopped 1 red pepper 4-5 cloves of chopped garlic 1 package of low-sodium chili seasoning 1 (28 oz.) can of crushed tomatoes 1 can of low-sodium white beans 1 can of low-sodium red beans Salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tbsp Italian seasoning Hot sauce to taste Directions: Spray bottom of pot with fat-free non-stick spray. Cook the meat over medium heat until browned. Add meat to pot with chili seasoning and combine with all other ingredients. Simmer for 30-45 minutes. ENJOY!

The Ribbed Neck Warmer improment

A few years ago I knitted a Ribbed neck warmer in a simple light color. Shown below:

I improved the pattern and made another with a front opening.

Today I tried one more time in different colors, with black yarn at the edge for contrast.

Time has passed but a good neck warmer will never be a thing of the past. ********************************************************* Check out Ravelry for the free improved pattern