Christmas Cookie Countdown - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

What I should be doing right now is working on my latest review. But I couldn't help myself. It's time for Christmas cookies! And here is my first.

Now I'm not saying this is my recipe. It's actually Quaker's. But there are some alterations that I have made to suit our style. Some healthier alterations.

Here is my gluten-free version:

To-Die-For Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• 1/2 c butter
• 1/2 c sucanat
• 4 eggs, organic
• 1-2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
• 1/2 c. coconut flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 c. quick oats
• 1 c. organic raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Soften butter and add sucanat. Blend till smooth, then add eggs. Mix in vanilla, cinnamon, salt, coconut flour, and baking soda. Add oats and raisins. By then the mixture should be thick and hard to mix.

Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet an inch or so apart and bake for 7-8 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before removing to racks. Enjoy warm with a glass of raw milk! Yields about 42.

We adore chocolate but we also love oatmeal raisin cookies and these we have found to be the right recipe. Cook a little longer for a crispier top. And don't forget to tell me what you think!

Coming up next: Chocolate Mint Brownie Cookies, gluten-free!

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What Do You Do When...

What do you do when your schedule is too full for you to do what you love best?

That is the question. I'm a devoted writer who loves writing fiction AND non-fiction, and if I had the chance, I'd write 24/7. But I don't seem too devoted when I let my other responsibilities override my love for writing. I used to pride myself in doing what was necessary and leaving what I wanted for last. Any more I realize it's not a form of unselfishness but a misplacement of priorities.
 

I have neglected my blog of late in order to accomplish other things that appear more necessary. Unfortunately that doesn't mean that I'm actually able to accomplish those other things. The race for time is merciless. 

Now if I had all the time I wanted to spend on here I'd write daily on oodles of subjects. I have many interests, if you haven't noticed by now. The topic I love most is marine biology and technology. Taking the time to research (something I love in itself) and then writing about it takes a great deal of my time but I find it the most enjoyable.

And following those subjects is maritime archaeology and history. Having grown up watching old swashbucklers I developed a love of the real thing. I used to read the classics like Treasure Island and Captain's Courageous all the while making notes on the nautical terms and vernacular so that I could learn as much as possible. I'd get books from the library of old sea tales and even some pirate tales. Then I discovered the shipwreck section! Archaeology has always fascinated me; finding old treasures, keys to the past, it's thoroughly invigorating. And the stories I read about shipwreck discoveries only heightened my interest. I suppose it's all part of my love of history.

But when I don't want to write science or history I turn to the easier topics, like movie reviews and fashion highlights. I have definite opinions and have fun critiquing fashion but on most occasions I talk about past fashion. Modern styles can be classy and chic but the best are inspired by the past. So when I write my movie reviews I often end up taking specific shots of costume to use in a later post. For an example, see my posts on my page A Look at Fashion.

Another genre of writing I enjoy are writing book reviews, of which I've done a few. It's not a subject I write on often. I have just as much of an opinion as anything else and love putting a good story into my own summary, it's just that I don't get around to reading as much as I would like and so a book might take me quite a few months to finish.

But the topic I come back to continually is my crocheting. Since I design crochet patterns weekly for Crochet Spot, I can't help but have it on my mind. It often becomes my go-to topic when I don't have the time to talk about anything else. This can sometimes be a problem since I don't want anyone to get the idea my blog is mainly a crocheting blog. I'm a committed crocheter but my true love is writing, science writing to be exact. This brings me to my frustration.

I wonder at times if I should crochet less and devote more of my time to my writing. But my crocheting is the only form of paying work I have at the moment, and there are advantages to having your own money. I've been given the chance to expand my crocheting abilities, which has been incredibly challenging and motivating. I've learned so much since I started. And beside all of this, God provided me with this job and I wouldn't want to make any kind of change without feeling peace about it. I've wondered and waited before and God has provided, so it stands to reason that I should wait once again for Him to provide His best.

I'm actually considering cutting back on how much I crochet. Or maybe my problem is in the patterns I design. I know I've mentioned before that I have a terrible tendency to think big about my crocheting. To me a blog pattern can be small and quick to make but a store pattern needs to be big and extensive. Because of this I often max myself out, emotionally, physically, and in manner of time. Another incentive to take it easier in my crocheting is my body. For one thing, my wrist has been hurting of late, sometimes to the point of restraining me from crocheting. At first I didn't know what caused it but after crocheting a good deal one day, with thread, and then having wrist pain the next day, I eventually put two and two together. There are four options I can think of for handling this: 1. Deal with the pain, 2. Stop crocheting, 3. Crochet less, or 4. Find some way to ease the pain. The first two are definitely not an option for me so I must consider the last two. I intend to do some research on the fourth. Then of course, there is my eyes. I strain them with all the time I spend staring at the the stitches, but the worst of it is when I use the computer. And etc.

It is obvious that I have a lot to work out. Mum is advising I take it easier and crochet less. She's right when she says I shouldn't grow to dislike something that I used to love. I'm just not sure where the happy medium is. ...That is the problem. Now comes the patience. Something I'm not good at.

Tell me what you think! I'd love to hear from you.

(Pictures taken by me after our weekend ice storm.)

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A Princess For Christmas (2011) - Movie Review

Okay, so I know Thanksgiving isn't over yet, and I'm not trying to rush it by. But as I said in my last post, I am not going to wait. If I want to talk about Christmas, or watch a Christmas movie, or do a Christmas craft, etc, I will. So! I am going to share with you a review on the first Christmas movie of the season.

A Princess for Christmas!

This is one of the most recent Christmas movies on our list. We only discovered it on Hallmark last year. It has a simple plot, and not too altogether unoriginal, but it's sweet and pretty much well acted. The atmosphere, something that can make or break a movie, is just cozy and warm, what everyone wants for the season.

Starring Katie McGrath, Sam Heughan, and the former 007 heartthrob, Roger Moore, this film was filmed at various castles in Romania. Other titles have been Christmas at Castlebury Hall, A Princess for Castlebury, and a Christmas Princess.

So read my review and then tell me what you think!

Review

Jules Daly is an antiques enthusiast with a touch of the out-of-the-ordinary. When her sister and brother-in-law are killed in a car accident, she becomes her niece and nephew's guardian. With this being the first Christmas without them, everyone is a little down. While trying to handle her grieving niece and nephew, and keep everything under control, times look as if they are going from bad to worse. First she loses her job and then the nanny quits. On top of all this, they receive an invitation to spend Christmas with the kid's grandfather, the Duke of Castlebury. Jules declines the offer, remembering how the Duke disowned his son for marrying her sister. But soon it becomes clear that they all need a change and going to Castlebury just might be it.

When they arrive, they are treated like royalty with their own servants and lush apartments. Right off, Jules runs into Ashton, the Duke's son and her sister's brother-in-law, but his cool demeanor prepares her for the worst. Despite her earlier feelings, Jules encourages her niece to give the Duke a chance. The atmosphere around the castle is cold and stiff, but Jules down-to-earth nature soon takes the chill off everyone. That is, everyone except for Ashton's girlfriend, nearly fiancée, who immediately sees Jules as competition.

Right before Christmas Eve the Duke decides to have their annual Ball and makes all the preparations. Since their arrival, Jules and Ashton have become attracted to one another, but when she overhears him and the Duke speaking about a woman being crass and having no title she mistakes it for her. Hurt and upset, Jules plans to leave and return home before the ball, telling the children they'll have a second Christmas together when they return. At the train station, she is all prepared to leave when a handful of the castle's staff show up to bring her back. They reveal the dress they all pitched in to buy and Jules can't help but agree to return to the castle with them.

At the ball, Jules learns the truth about the Duke and Ashton's discussion. She is greatly relieved and enjoys a dance with Ashton. But his former fiance, angry at being slighted starts trouble in accusing Jules of being there only for money. Ashton stands up for them and as well as the Duke, who ends up throwing her and her family out.

Their troubles are over as Ashton marries Jules and the Duke takes them into his home. So what started out as a bad year ends in happiness!

--------------

As I said before, there isn't anything new in the story, and honestly they could have given it a little more spice to the plot, but all in all it's a good story and nice movie to watch. A classic Hallmark film.

Fashion Opinion

Now I can't write a review without making some mention at costume. In an effort to give Jules Daly an eccentric sort of style, the costume designer chose a some random outfits for the character. The one she wears the first night at Castlebury Hall is a loose-fitting burnt orange dress that in no way flatters McGrath's figure. On the other hand, her sweater dress with black tights, red belt and socks, with brown boots makes up for the earlier outfit.

I remember when I first saw the film I was immediately drawn to her hat and scarf, the one she wears through most of the film. The stitch is obviously knitted, but as a believe in everything crocheted, one day my version will find it's way to my hook.

Her ball dress, unfortunately, looses what credit the designer had gained in my eyes. Another effort at giving McGrath's character a unique feel, it fails to meet the standards of a classy ball gown. There was potential: the colors were dreamy, and the material had elegance. But the lack of regularity in the style ruined it. She needed a stiffer bodice and more organized folds. It could have looked it great.

But these are my opinions. I am sure there are many people who would not agree and that is their privilege.

Thanks for reading! Be sure and leave me a comment below telling me what you think.

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Culinary Chronicles: The Holidays Are Here Again!

The days are growing shorter, and colder, and Thanksgiving is just next week! Every year we complain that the holidays come too quickly, but this year, though I still agree, I'm setting my mind to enjoy it anyway. I told my family that I'm going to listen to Christmas music when I want and do holiday activities when I want. This might sound spoiled, but what I really mean is I'm not going to wait around and let it slip by me again. My family understands and agrees with me.

First things first, and that means Thanksgiving! Growing up, thanksgiving was the least favorite holiday of my generation family members. My cousins, siblings and I loved the festive atmosphere but the food for some crazy reason turned us off for the most part, with differing degrees of finickiness of course. Now that we are all older, though I can't say for sure about our cousins, we love the food. As for me, since it is obvious that I love to cook, it's a chance to be more involved than before. But we always have too much food, or at least pies anyway.

The one bad thing about holiday meals is they tend to get unhealthy, and for those of us who desire to eat better, the holidays get to be a bit difficult. Perusing helpful blogs like Healy Real Food Vegetarian gives ideas to find the same foods you love and expect just better for you. Here is 20 ideas she has collected for our convenience.

Today I tried her Simple Roasted Carrots and loved it. We often roast carrots for a veggie side but this was a slightly different version. Here is what mine looked like.

One of my all-time favorite dishes has been the Green Bean Casserole. But with unhealthy fats and MSG in most cream of mushroom soup, it is hard to make it healthy. Not to mention the french fried onions. Here's a recipe from Grass Fed Girl that I'm going to have to try.

Now gluten free pies is a horse of a different color. I've experimented a little and will have to talk about it on a further date. So don't forget to check back real soon!

In the meantime, I've written a guest post on my sisters blog Life In A Palace, so be sure and check it out as well as all her past posts. It's a journal of the life of Queen Emerald and the kingdom of Krespania, a fiction world created by her and our brother. It will definitely get you interested! So be sure and tell her (and me) what you think!

An excerpt from The Journey Home, a Life In A Palace post:

The shadows have long since grown and faded as night has once again fallen on the camp. But tonight we have reason to rejoice, for victory has been won!

We are finally on our way back to Krespania. When we made camp, my Lady insisted on writing of the consequences of the ambush but I refused. She was exhausted and barely able to hold her Jomacha cup. So she entrusted the duty to me. Thus this entry will be written by Meredith de Barra, her lady-in-waiting. Read more!

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Holothurian Distinction

After first being introduced to the "live" world of ocean exploration this last June, I have wrote a few articles on the finds of both NOAA's Okeanos Explorer, and the Nautilus, which is funded by many different exploration groups as well as by NOAA.

Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library

A creature that both have seen at their different destinations on more than one occasion is the holothurian, or sea cucumber. The terrestrial equivalent to these exciting creatures are the earthworm, as they share the common goal to recycle base nutrients in their environments and return them to the ecosystem. Thus their primary diet is earth.

Like the sea stars I have spoken of before, holothurians are Echinoderms. What all of the creatures in this phylum have in common is that they are radially symmetric, among other things. There are some classes of echinodermata that do not appear to be radially symmetric, such as the holothurian and echinoid, or sea urchin, but a closer look at their body structures reveals that they are.

Most of the holothurians we witnessed were purple or pink and usually very gelatinous. In the case of the Nautilus and their most recent expedition in the Caribbean, the holothurians have been seen time and again swimming through the water in a graceful sort of dance. The first thing that stood out to me when beginning my research was the continual reference to their benthic tendencies. Obviously, I was confused. The images I saw were of fat and solid-looking worms, more often than not prickly, nothing at all like the gentle, clear organisms I had seen live. I changed my objective to finding the difference in the species and found out a great deal.

Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library

The species I was looking for are called free-swimming holothurians. For example, the genus Enypniastes and species of Peniagone and Paelopatides. I was thrilled when I found this distinction. My research stump had a breakthrough. But unfortunately for you, this post has drawn to an end. More on the subject coming soon, so stay tuned!

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The Best Intentions...

So much for the best intentions! Long ago I had intended to have written a post on Holothurians (sea cucumbers) in the Caribbean, as well as more on ROV's. Unfortunately, since I spend so much of my time trying to figure out which is more important to me, crocheting and marine science, I find myself falling behind in my plans. My crochet schedule is subject to a deadline not my own, while there is no such demand for my science articles. I can't say I like it this way, but beggar's can't be choosers.

Courtesy of NOAA Ocean Explorer

I have had a chance this week to do some research. Trying to find a specific species of holothurian isn't the easiest thing to do. I've searched encyclopedias and science sites and have found every species but the one I am looking for. Distressing to say the least. But I am not giving up. Except for the tension of keeping up with my posts, I enjoy a good search. Finding details is an appealing pastime. The loss of time is what stresses me. Anyhow, I might have a lead so all is not lost.

Besides researching sea cucumbers, I have been... well, crocheting, obviously. My fall list of projects so far amount to my Indian Bracelet, Trellis Wrap, and Autumn Leaf Earrings, all of which you can find on Crochet Spot and my Pinterest board. Coming up is my Pumpkin Appliqué, Scarecrow Hat (name debatable), and Acorn Appliqué. Around Christmas I hope to have an exciting new capelet and/or wrap, but I'm not giving away any details. You'll have to keep your eyes peeled.

If you've kept up with my movie reviews you'll notice I'm not really settled on the style I want to write in. I love old movies, as I'm sure you have guessed, and I enjoy reviewing them. However, the time I spend writing some of these reviews hardly makes it worth it. I have to admit, I feel a lot better spending that much time on a scientific post than a movie review. I suppose I expect everything I do needs to be "worth" something, and if I don't feel like it is, I get frustrated. Either way, I'm working on finding the perfect review template for me, so if you can bear with me, I'd be so grateful.


That's it for now but return soon for my (hopefully) next post on Holothurians in the Caribbean!

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The Woman in White (1948) - Movie Review

Hello again, everybody! Halloween is almost here and this is a movie you must see! Full of suspense and danger, this movie will definitely get your blood racing. Never have I seen Sydney Greenstreet in a more terrifying and demented role. Hardly the overbearing-but-jolly man I grew up seeing in Christmas in Connecticut (one which I reviewed last year if you'd like to read about it).

Eleanor Parker plays duel parts in this film and does a remarkable job at it. Many times we have raved at the diversity of roles she pulls off but her drama in this takes the cake. It's funny, but in another movie she played called One For the Book, she was an actress who had a problem figuring out how to play a mad woman. I think she succeeded in figuring it out.

Other actors of note are Alexis Smith and Gig Young. The movie begins from Walter's --Gig Young-- point of view and then when the mystery really livens up, switches over to the more personal view of Marion played by Alexis Smith. Based on a book from the 1800's by Wilkie Collins, here is the review for The Woman in White: 

Brief Synopsis

In Gothic England, a young painter travels to Limmeridge House to teach the master's daughter, Laura, but as soon as he arrives he runs into a mysterious woman and even stranger members of the household. After discovering a terrible plot, he is forced from the house, but not before he makes known his beliefs to Marion, Laura's cousin. At first she doesn't believe him, but when things start changing, she realizes she should have listened to her friend's advice and now it might be too late!

Full Synopsis

Walter Hartright is a young painter on his way to Limmeridge house where he is to teach the master's daughter, Laura Fairlie. He arrives late and meets a strange woman all clad in white along the road who warns him not to go to the house but disappears when a coach drives up. The man in the coach asks about her but for some reason Walter is reluctant to divulge her whereabouts.

At the house, he is met by Laura's cousin, Marion, who makes him right at home, and Count Fosco, a seemingly cheerful friend of the family. When he meets Laura, he is shocked at the resemblance between her and the woman on the road but Laura thinks it a good joke and tells the family. It's not long before Walter has fallen in love with Laura and for some reason this causes Count Fosco to tell Marion that Walter should be dismissed. In light of Laura's engagement to Sir Percival Glyde, Marion agrees that this is for the best and asks Walter to leave.

Leaving the house, he runs into the strange woman again and this time he finds out her name is Ann Catherick. She tells him that Count Fosco and Sir Percival are working together on a plot to gain Laura's fortune. Walter confronts Count Fosco and Sir Percival only to be thrown out of the house. Having liked Walter very much, Marion finds it all very hard to digest but having known the Count for so long is reluctant to believe the worst.

Laura and Sir Percival marry and spend their honeymoon in Europe. The day they are to return to Limmeridge House, Marion returns from visiting with family. To her surprise everything is changed: all the beloved servants of her and Laura's childhood have been replaced and Count Fosco and his wife have moved in. A bit distressed by all the change, Marion tries to be cheerful and welcome the newly-weds home. Things only get worse when she finds Laura strange and changed as well. Later Laura tells her that something is wrong and life is not as she thought it would be. Not long after she becomes sick and Marion begins to suspect that Walter may have been right all along.

That night she overhears the Count and Sir Percival discussing their plans but she is caught in the process and locked in her room. From then on the Count is very careful to keep her from being able to say or do anything.

While struggling with delirium, the affect of Count Fosco's drugs that he uses on his patients at the asylum, Laura is visited by Ann Catherick. Ann, who has long been a victim of the Count's tactics, tries to warn Laura against the two of them but when Count Fosco suddenly appears the half mad girl dies of shock. The Count sends Laura to his asylum in Ann's place and tells everyone that Laura has died.

At the funeral Walter finds Laura's death hard to believe. He knows something has to be going on and speaks to Marion. The two plan to go to London and see if Laura is at the Asylum.

Though heavily drugged, Laura manages to escape the asylum the same way she heard Ann do. Walter finds her but is met by Sir Percival, whom he fights and eventually sees get accidentally killed by one of his own men.

Marion, feeling hopeless, decides to return to Limmeridge House and beg the Count to release Laura. Count Fosco explains that Ann was the illegitimate daughter of his wife, the Countess, who happens to be the sister of Lord Fairlie, Laura's father. He blackmailed Fairlie all these years and managed to get Sir Percival, a incorrigible gambler, in on his plan to steal Laura's fortune.
Marion demands he write a confession and leave Limmeridge House forever. He agrees to... but only if she goes with him. Horrified but resolute, Marion promises to go with him. But while he is writing the confession and gloating his wife stabs him unexpectedly in the back. At that instant, Walter arrives with Laura and the police.

Years later Marion and Walter have married and live with their daughter at Limmeridge House with Laura and her son, no longer plagued by the horror of Count Fosco and his greedy, murderous schemes.


As I may have mentioned before, Eleanor Parker is the lady of many faces. She can be lighthearted and a bit ditzy, or forward and world-hardened, or as country as all get out. The emotion she displays in this film is extraordinary. Some of her other great films I would recommend are Scaramouche (1952), One for the Book (1947), and Many Rivers to Cross (1955).

If you want something tensing to watch this Halloween, this is the movie for you! Check it out and tell me what you think. I'd love to hear from you!

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