To Be a Woman...

"Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhh’ed. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don’t let someone steal your tenderness. Don’t allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it’s a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all – look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love.

-Zooey Deschanel 

My Wish To You on New Year's Eve...

That there will be champagne! 

& that you kiss the one you love one minute before, and one minute after so you can have the perfect ending and a perfect beginning.... 

How To Recharge After the Holidays

1. No emailing after work hours

2. Eat for energy not for comfort

3. Read in the tub, or other comfortable area

4. Schedule a hot yoga class

5. Take a real lunch break

6. Laugh...more

7. Go to bed by 11 pm

8. Sip green tea

9. Hug someone...everyday

10. Revel in success before moving on. 

An Excerpt: Tangible

It's probably crazy, she thought, to long for moments lost in time; secret glances from across the room, resonating warmth from the slight touch of hand. She could still see his eyes; dark and revealing, intoxicating in nature. Through tangled sheets, she turns trying to figure it all out. Was it ever real or was it fabrication? 

She feel as though a part of her is missing; the air in her lungs cast upon the clouds. So often, she finds herself reaching for him in her dreams, cultivating treasured illusions that make her feel alive. Crazy, she presumes. Crazy to think that what he felt for her was tangible...

Prelude To A Dream

My Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes: Meat Lovers Lasagna

My Recipe For Meat Lovers Slow Cooker Lasagna 

(Yes this can be done, and the result is amazing)

What you need:

1 lb. Sweet Italian Sausage

1 lb. ground beef

5 Slices Bacon, Cooked

1 box of Lasagna Noodles, uncooked

8 oz. Ricotta Cheese 

1 Egg

4 cups mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/4 cup white wine

2 tablespoons of butter

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

salt 

pepper

Italian Seasoning

Parsley

2 jars of tomato sauce (I used Garlic & Herb and Meat) 

Garlic (if desired) 

What you need to do:

1. Brown ground beef. I like to cook my beef with a little onion, so I added a handful or so. Drain fat, set aside. 

2. Cook sweet Italian sausage until no longer pink. While cooking, season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain fat, set aside. 

3.  Heat large saucepan over medium heat. Melt butter and sautee rest of onions until tender. Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup white wine. (TAKE IN THAT LOVELY AROMA!) Add green peppers and cook an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently. 

4. Add both jars of pasta sauce, ground beef, and sausage. Allow sauce to boil. Once it starts to boil, set to low and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend. I like a little flavor to my sauce, so I added salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder as it was cooking. 

5. Chop bacon up into tiny pieces, add to sauce. 

6. While sauce is simmering, prepare ricotta mixture. In a large bowl combine 8 oz. ricotta, 1 egg, and 2 cups mozzarella cheese. If you would like you can also add a 1/4 cup of Parmesan. ( I didn't have any on hand)

7. Time to start layering! 

First, you will want to add a layer of the meat/sauce mixture. Make sure bottom of slow cooker is covered with sauce. 

Next, layer your uncooked noodles. I broke them apart so they would fit better. This can be a little but tricky but make sure most of sauce is covered by the uncooked noodles.

Next, layer on the ricotta mixture. At this point I sprinkle MORE mozzarella cheese on top. I LOVE cheese.

Repeat these layers at least two more times. Depending on the height of your slow cooker.

Finish with a layer of tomato sauce and top with mozzarella. It will turn into a pretty golden brown as it cooks.

Cook on low for about 4-6 hours.

Enjoy!