Spring Purchases from Uptown Waterloo

I finally finished cleaning out my closets to make room for a couple of new purchases to round out my Spring wardrobe!!  I found a great jean jacket that I have been looking for, by Sandwich Denim
at Urban Corner. It will look great over several items that I already have in my wardrobe.  I also found a great pair of leather lined ankle boots by Shutz at Sass Wardrobe Essentials, both stores are located in Uptown Waterloo!!!  It is great finding special items so close to home!!!!!

Packing for Italy

Paula Stanghetta from MP Tours has asked me to do a post on packing for Italy, so here goes!!!!  First of all, I have been to Italy 5 times, 2 with Paula.  I am going again in May to Puglia, Italy also with Paula!!  As you can tell I love Italy, and I also love the personalized tours with MP Tours. I love the people, the food. the scenery and of course the wine!!!  When planning a trip the first thing I check out is the weather forecast so that I can pack accordingly!!!  On my last trip to Italy (Sicily) the temperature ranged from moderate in Palermo, very cool in Mt. Etna to hot in Taormina, as the pictures below will show.  I try to pack everything for my trip in a suitcase light enough that I can
handle myself. I also pack in my carryon (along with what I am wearing) enough items to last me at least 2-3 days in case my luggage is delayed (Italy is known for delayed luggage).  I pack all of my clothes in packing cubes (I have  small, medium and large sizes)  I roll everything tightly to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.  You can also use large size freezer bags for this purpose and they come in handy, to store dirty items. Most importantly is your choice of footwear, with a lot of uneven pathways and cobble stones, sturdy rubber soled shoes are a must.  I prefer a couple of pairs of walking sandals and a pair of covered shoes like campers for rainy and cool days. Also pack a rain poncho and warm wrap ( I like to pack a cashmere poncho that also serves as a blanket on the plane). Lastly if you colour coordinate your clothing you can mix and match to create several outfits with a minimum of pieces.  I always choose a basic black dress with several tops as well as a tunic and pants that can I can interchange.  Travelling is amazing and by packing the right clothes that are comfortable as well as stylish, adds to your experience!!!

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Low Carb Cheese and Egg White Crisps

These easy to make cheese and egg white crisps are a perfect low carb snack with a glass of wine!!!
Preheat oven to 400 degrees......mix together 1 cup of shredded cheese with 2 egg whites.  I used a mini  non stick muffin pan.....place a teaspoon of cheese mixture for each crisp...spread out to form a thin layer.  Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crisps are golden.  Enjoy!!!!!!

Power of Oatmeal for Breakfast

There are so many reasons to eat oatmeal for breakfast.  Here are just a few.....it's great for your blood sugar level.....improves your resistance to colon and breast cancer...balances your weight.....decreases your chance of heart disease.....rich in iodine to help your thyroid.....increases bone strength... and the vitamin b in oatmeal helps your nervous system!!!!!  I also add fruit and ground flax seed to my morning oatmeal for extra vitamins and omega 3!!!!

Traditional Scottish Shortbread for Christmas

In our family it isn't Christmas without some of our traditional recipes that we have made each year without fail.  One of my favourites is the original Scottish shortbread cookies made with only 3 ingredients, butter, white sugar and white flour!!  Cream one pound of softened butter with one cup of white sugar. Add five cups of white flour, one cup at a time.  Knead well into six inch logs, flattened into squares with a knife.  Slice in half inch slices and prick with a fork.  Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 35 minutes in a slow 275 degree oven until light browned,  Store in a tin ( the longer they sit, the better they taste) Enjoy!!!!!

Ai Weiwei Sculptures in Central Park & Washington Square

Ai Weiwei 's sculptures "Good Fences make Good Neighbours" opened in New York Oct. 12, 2017
The project is a comment on the increasing hostility towards immigrants and the rise of nationalism throughout the world! The particular installation under the Washington Square Arch,  elicited protests from some local residents who complained that it would displace their Christmas tree, however the local community board sided with Ai Weiwei and allowed the project to move forward!!!

My Favourite Cheese Scone Recipe

Of all the recipes I have made, this one is the most frequently requested!!!  They do not require rolling out and cutting before being baked. After the butter has been cut in, you only need a few quick strokes and they are ready to be dropped onto a cookie sheet.  Mix together 2 cups flour, 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsps. baking powder. Grate 3/4 stick butter ( I find by putting the butter in the freezer for about an hour speeds up the grating) Add butter to the flour. Add 1/2 cup grated cheese ( I used half cheddar and half grated parmesan) Add 1 1/2 cups buttermilk all at once and stir just enough to mix.  Drop by tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 450 degrees.  These scones are great plain for breakfast with home made strawberry jam or for an afternoon treat with blueberries and lemon zest.  I made the ones pictured a little smaller as they were for my book club and we had them with wine!!!!!  Enjoy