The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin: book review

Don't you sometimes wish that Jane Austen could write another tale so you could take another romantic jaunt to another time and place? I do, and I solved my yearning by reading The American Heiress.

I have to admit that I am not a "reader," but I devoured this novel by new British author, Daisy Goodwin, in 3 decadent days at the beach. The storyline kept me engaged with every turn of the page (yes, it was an actual book with pages thanks to my local library). Although I would say that her writing is in a more modern form than the insurmountable Jane Austen, there was something refreshing in this travel back to a time of elegance in America and England in the late 1800's. Being reminded of a time of proper things, comments and actions is refreshing and infuriating as the same time. The class system along with the gender roles of the time are my "fifty shades of grey," I suppose.

I was encouraged by random postings on pinterest and facebook the read this book due to the quote, "for those going through Downton Abbey withdrawals." So true! I would, however, even argue that The American Heiress is more engaging than a book on Downton Abbey would be (sounds sacrilegious as a devout Downton Abbey-er, I know).

The general premise (without spoilers because I actually want you to read the book!) surrounds the "coming out" (the old fashioned meaning of coming out, not the new) of an American heiress. It continues with a mother's search for a titled European husband for her heiress of a daughter (haven't we all imagined Prince William or Mr. Darcy would ask for our hand at some point in our lives?). Once married, this American heiress, Cora (no association with our Downton Abbey's Cora), stumbles through her role as an English Duchess. With twists and turns that are sure to keep you glued to the page, you won't be disappointed. I won't disallusion you to think that this book is a richly penned as one of Jane Austen, however, it's ease of read makes it all the more delicious, in my opinion.

If you have ever imagined life in a different time or place (especially 19th century England), a Prince or Duke to call your own, riding side-saddle through the woods, investigating an English estate, or how you would fare in the high society as an American Heiress turned Duchess - then this is the book for you.

Enjoy and let me know what you think! (and I bet your local library has a free copy for you to borrow)

blueberry-lemon popsicle recipe

I recently came across a cooking light recipe for lemon-basil Popsicles, and thought I would try to make a blueberry-lemon rendition on my own.

Here it goes:
Makes 4 - 1/2 c. Popsicles

1/3 c. water
1/3 c. sugar
1/3-1/2 c. blueberries (i used fresh but I am sure frozen would work too)
lemon zest from 1 lemon (roughly 1 Tsp.)
lemon juice - from the lemon you zested, plus 2 Tbs.


Boil water, sugar, blueberries (some smashed) and lemon zest in small saucepan then let sit for 30 minutes.
(filter the lemon zest and berries if you desire - I like to have them in the popcicle, but some prefer not to)
Add lemon juice from the lemon you zested plus 2 Tbs.
Pour into Popsicle molds.
Freeze.
Enjoy later!

Caprese Salad on a Stick

One of my favorite summertime (well, anytime really) snacks and salads.

I made mine from my garden using fresh plucked basil and cherry tomatoes. Here's how you can make it yourself:

Toothpicks as your "stick" to put the ingredients on
1-2 fresh basil leaves per stick
1 grape or cheery tomato per stick
1 small mozzarella ball or chunk per stick
Balsamic vinegar for drizzling & dipping

Stick on your toothpick & Enjoy!

Kale Chips: My New Favorite (healthy) Snack

It's been a while since I have blogged - for no good reason other than that I have been busy, nonetheless, I am BACK!

Upon receiving word that my husband has high blood pressure & high cholesterol, along with being over his ideal weight, I have set out on a mission to continue to encourage more healthy eating practices in our home. Perhaps this time, I will have a more attentive ear listening.

William loves chips, so enter my recent attempt at KALE chips.

Here's what I tried:

Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale (3-5 leaves)

olive oil - you could also use flavored olive oil if deesire

sea salt or seasoning salt

spices (if desired)

Turn oven to 350 degrees.
Break off pieces kale and place on baking sheet.
Drizzle some olive oil over them.
Sprinkle some light amount of salt.
Add spices if desired (I havent tried this yet, but you could use cumin or paprika for some spicy flavor)
Bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy with a light brown/green tint but not black.

ENJOY!

living in community

I cannot stress enough how important living in community is for my personal well being. Living in the city of Atlanta has given more access to community than I have ever experienced. Everything we need, from restaurants to friends, and groceries to church are all within 1 mile (or 2).

With each interpersonal interaction today, my spirits became more and more elevated, because I realized, yet again, what an amazing community I have here.

Today went like this:

8:38am - William, my husband, rolled over and woke me asking how long it would take me to get ready to go to our local Atlanta neighborhood (Reynoldstown) breakfast spot, Home Grown.

On the way out the door, our neighbor, Jeffrey, passes us on his way to work asking us where we are going. We tell him, and he says, "I hate you," in envy and love, of course.

While at Home Grown, I managed to see two past patients from my physical therapy clinic. I was able to catch up with the one I had treated.

Next we headed to our local garden store, Garden*Hood. Here we carefully selected items for our back yard with the help of some of their amazing and knowledgeable staff. While there, William, interacted with the manager about his workplace, Trees Atlanta, and how the two might collaborate in the the future. Trees Atlanta is a non-profit citizen's group which looks to increase green spaces around the city of Atlanta.

Next, we head back home to tackle our backyard - that will be another post in the "gardening" section of blog.

After some gardening, pruning, planting, etc., I head to Piedmont Park for a birthday celebration for a dear friend, meanwhile visiting with Physical Therapist friends and colleagues.

After more gardening and a trip to my local Lowe's (sacrilege, i know!) which resulted in seeing yet another patient and a friend from my neighborhood church, City Church - Eastside.

Now back home to dump some cow manure, and along comes William and my best friend, Anna's, husband, Brant (who conveniently live in our neighborhood, too!). They had just ridden their motorcycle and moped around the neighborhood.

Finished with a tasty dinner on the back deck with William and Ryder, our 1 1/2 year boxer-lab mix.

I can't imagine a better life, better friends, a better neighborhood, or a better community. I feel very blessed, because I know I was meant to live in community with others. It is the desire of my Creator, and today, I felt it so strongly!

Top 5 Reasons I Love Quilting by Hand

1. It is portable and therefore it can travel with you anywhere (car, airplane, a friend's home, beach, work, waiting for appointments, etc.).

2. You can do it in any room of your house, not just the sewing room.

3. It feels so much more personal, and it's a labor of love.

4. It takes more time, so you have lots to do with the same amount of cost (I look at it as occupying time I would devote to another craft, so I think taking more time is good).

5. It's really impressive to others.

"Nevers" at the Gym

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, every time I go to the gym it is an overload of bad form and horrible attempts at fitness. I know that sounds harsh, and believe me, I am glad to see gyms full of people working hard to keep themselves healthy. I just wish I could do a personal session which each person on general tips of what to do and what to avoid, great exercises to target what they are attempting to target, ways to avoid injury and keep me out of a job. I am actually developing a way to do this, so if you live in Atlanta, let me know if you are interested!

After over 3 years of not being in a gym, I recently joined my local YMCA. Every day I go to the Y, I want to help the people there. I try to block out others around me, but when your passion and profession is watching people's form and being a movement specialist, you can't switch it off.

So, in an effort to give myself some emotional and psychological therapy, I am putting together a lists of "nevers" at the gym with possible other lists to come...


NEVER...use the knee extension machine (kicking your legs out while sitting) - it should be banned from weight rooms because it is not functional, and it is one of the positions that puts the greatest amount of stress on your knees.

NEVER...do back extensions - the machine or on the stationary platform for abs/back. This also should be banned. you NEVER need stronger "back muscles." These muscles are developed on people who have weak core/abdominal muscles and weak glutes (butts). This repetitive stress could possibly lead to wearing away at your spine. NEVER a good idea.

NEVER...push more than 10 lbs over your shoulder, in general this is a good rule, unless you plan on being a power lifter, it's not worth it in the long run.

NEVER...bend with your back (see #2 above) - it's not worth it and it's pretty much cheating in the long run, and you will pay for it)

NEVER...arch your back while performing ANY machine - this is cheating, and you will end up hurting yourself in the long run.

NEVER...bounce - whether in spin class or while doing free weights, bouncing is cheating, and you only cheat yourself.

NEVER...slouch while doing exercises. You will promote bad posture.

NEVER...stretch your hamstrings with your toe pulled back towards you ("flexed") - 90% of the time you stretch your hamstrings in any way, you aren't stretching your hamstrings, you are pulling on your nerves from your low back.


so there it is... and there are incredibly more where that came from... I hope this helps you avoid being my patient eventually.

(as always, you should contact a health care professional before starting an exercise regimen. special note: a "personal trainer" does not have the training needed to correct your form and give you the "right exercises," but a physical therapist would be a great resource to make sure you don't end up hurting yourself in the short and long term).