Monday, November 13, 2017

TUESDAY TRIVIA , TASTY TREATS & A REVIEW


Despite being born in August, I'm no fan of hot weather, so the past few days here in NC have been great!

Something about cooler weather gives me extra energy, and encourages me to catch up on my massive reading list which continues to grow. The cool days didn't last very long, because it looks like we'll be back in the 60's again all this week.


Meanwhile, more veggies are supposed to be on the menu, so I'm passing on this unique and simple recipe for collard greens which takes about 35 minutes to prepare and cook.  If you use these exact ingredients, the calorie count should be no more than 180 calories.

JAMAICAN COLLARD GREENS 

INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp Coconut or Olive Oil
1 Cup Chopped White Onion
1 Habanero Chile, stemmed and diced (or jalapeno for less heat)
2 Tsp Chopped Fresh Thyme
1 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
2 Cans (13.5 oz. each) Coconut Milk
2 Bags (16 oz. each) Fresh Chopped Collard Greens
1 Tsp Salt
1/8 to 1/4 Tsp Ground Nutmeg
1/4 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes


DIRECTIONS
In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high.  Stir in the onion, chile and thyme, cooking for 3 minutes.  Add the flour and cook for 1 minute.  Whisk in the coconut milk, bringing to a simmer, cooking for 3 minutes.

Stir in the greens, then cover and cook for 2 minutes.  Use tongs and mix the wilted leaves.  Reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes, covered, mixing a couple more times. If you like your greens more done, leave in for 30 minutes more.  Stir in salt and nutmeg.  Transfer to a bowl, and scatter toasted coconut on top.



PRODUCT REVIEW
I always get a kick out of trying new things, so when given this new product in exchange for an honest review, I was definitely on board.
ARGAN  SHAMPOO from Maple Holistics is hypoallergenic, BPA free, and safe to use on all hair types.  The ingredients include argan, jojoba, almond, peach kernel, avocado, camellia seed and botanical keratin.


My hair is very thick and curly, but it tends to be dry, so I wondered if  this would work better than some of the name brand shampoos I've been using.


The first thing I noticed right away once I opened the bottle was that it had almost no scent at all, which sort of disappointed me because I'm a HUGE scent person.  So if heavy scents bother you, or you're allergic, 
Argan Oil Shampoo  would be perfect to try. 


Despite that, like most of their products, it doesn't take much to create lots of lather, which I enjoyed.  The result once my hair air dried was softness, and it was easy to comb.

If you'd like to try this for yourself or other products,  be sure to visit their free samples page  and their dermarolling blog post .  






In 1852 Louisa May Alcott released her first novel entitled, The Rival Painters:  A Story of Rome, and it didn't get a lot of attention.  But she became famous once she wrote the classic, Little Women about 17 years later.  So many people wanted to meet her that crowds would show up at her home in Massachusetts.  The renowned author was so shy, however, that she pretended to be a servant to trick her fans into leaving.  


The movie Little Women has been created in 1933, 1949, and again in 1994.  Some people consider this one of the best movies for the Christmas season because it's so family oriented and heartwarming.


GIVE ME MORE CHEESE
I'm fanatic about cheese and will add it to just about anything.  When we think about cheese, Wisconsin comes to mind because they're the makers of more than 600 high quality varieties. 
I just wish I had the skills to make my own cheese like Rain from Rain's Garden!  *Waving at Rain".





62 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I just tried this and it was out of this world fabulous. Made me want to eat veggies more often. (lol) Hugs...

      Delete
  2. We don't get collard greens here. Some day I will get to try them. And I hear you on a love of cheese. I am inching towards becoming a vegan, but cheese is a big sticking point for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think this recipe may work with any type of greens, but I like how this turned out. I wish I could become vegan, but the thought of giving up my cheeseburgers stops me cold. (lol) Hugs...RO

      Delete
  3. I am more of a winter person too, although our winters aren't really extreme. I think our brains work better in the cool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Andrew! That explains why I have more energy!!! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  4. I also prefer winter to summer. In winter you can add layers, in summer you can only take off so much and be decent.

    I LOVE cheese and anything milk related. I had to go to Rain's blog and check out her cheese and her dogs and cats, too. Wonderful blog you found for cheese making. Hope you are having a lovely week. The cat looks quite happy (grin).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! You're sure right about that Elizabeth. I definitely don't want to scare anyone away. When it comes to actual milk in the liquid form, I tend to stay away, but cheese in my life is a must. So I'm totally with you! Hope your Wednesday is as wonderful as you are! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  5. I'm afraid I'm a lover of summer, but living in the UK we don't get much of one. You'd probably love it here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love to travel, so hanging out where it's mostly cool would be wonderful. I've heard great things about the UK! Hugs...RO

      Delete

  6. I do love to snuggle up with a good book on a cold, grey day, but I would happily migrate to a warm golden beach – with book in hand of course.

    I often add a dollop of Argan oil to my hair after shampooing so I feel sure I would like this product. I will have to give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! I would go that same beach, but would probably be out of there in about 30 minutes if it was too hot. Ironically, I lived in Virginia Beach years ago literally 5 minutes from the beach. I visited in November and December. (lol) Hope you can give the shampoo a try. Hugs... and Happy Wednesday!

      Delete
  7. hmmm, nope not a fan of winter but maybe if I had to endure southern summers I just might. The last two winters here in mid Missouri have been mild but there have been winters where ice and snow non stop. I also enjoyed learning a bit more about Louisa May Alcott Thanks RO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes the bugs are outrageous when it gets hot Debbie.(lol) I lived in North Dakota, and the snow and ice was seriously over the top, which I loved. Hugs...RO

      Delete
  8. I do like winter, but it should be snow snow and cold not like it is now

    ReplyDelete
  9. I tried one of their other shampoos and liked it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really, really loved their Tea Tree Oil a lot. This was good, but just not as good as that one. Hugs...RO

      Delete
  10. I like Aargan Oil and I really want to try this shampoo, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really does a great job in moisturizing your hair for sure! Hugs and Happy Friday! RO

      Delete
  11. I don't mind the cold weather...but, I don't like snow! Thanks for another great recipe!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you on that one Angela. I love snow, but all too often it turns into that dreaded ice that's so dangerous. It would be cool if it could snow for a day, then disappear the next, snow two days later, then disappear. (lol) That recipe turned out fantastic! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  12. I am a cold weather lover, too. You are not alone. :)

    I love Little Women and its sequels. That's funny about how Ms Alcott got rid of pesky fans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Kindred minds on coldness! I thought that was a cool piece of trivia too. I wonder how many people she actually fooled. (lol) Hugs...RO

      Delete
  13. I love winter too but our winters are quite mild. About the 40s during the day and 30s in the night. It doesn't get below 30 much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I could definitely go with those numbers, Deanna. However, I've lived in North Dakota where the winters were brutal and often went below freezing with drifting show. I loved it, and felt that the people were so friendly and kind, and the area was super safe, too. Hugs...RO

      Delete
  14. I haven't found a collard greens recipe I am wild about, but I am totally willing to give that recipe a try... collard greens go so well here in the Central Valley and they are cheap and EVERYWHERE, haha! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right Gingi! Around here there are collard greens everywhere, and they are inexpensive. I've got to force myself to eat more veggies. (lol) Hope you're doing well! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  15. ***waving right back!!!***
    Thanks RO!!! You HAVE the courage! You just need the milk and the equipment!!! Heck, I don't have fancy stuff, I make do. I've had ups and downs but mostly it's been a great fun adventure! You need to make some Cams!!! :)

    Oh the cold...the cold...winter is beautiful. But it's the deep freezing Arctic weather that seems to freeze my insides...if not for that, I love winter from my window!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YIKES Rain! I lived in North Dakota for 2 years, so I totally know what you mean when you talk about arctic air. We had to wear parkas and bunny boots, and protect our faces so they wouldn't freeze. Sometimes I miss that, along with the kind people who lived there. The pictures you've shown are always so wonderful! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  16. Sounds like a nice shampoo, though I DO love good scents so it not having one is a bit of a bummer. Ah well, as long as it works, right?

    I also really like winter over summer. Granted, fall is my favorite because it's not usually TOO cold, but I cannot stand being hot and I get hot really easy.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know Lauren, something about shampoo or conditioner having a high level of scent just sings to me, but you're right, it definitely works well. I'm like you and don't want to be too hot and sweaty. Just makes me uncomfy. Hugs...RO

      Delete
  17. I am in LOVE with winter this year for some reason.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our Winter hee in NC this year has been pretty darn nonexistent (staying in the 60's) This week promises to be a little different though. I'm glad you're loving it! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  18. Those collard greens sound amazing! I'm going to have to try this recipe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As a person who's not a fan of veggies, I gave this a try and added some spice, and kept going back for leftovers for 2 days. It turned out that well! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  19. Yay someone else who doesn't like the hot weather! I live in Texas and it's still in the freaking 80s! My family and I are trying to move up north to Portland, Oregon because we're so done with living here. I'm one of the few people who gets more depressed in the summer than in the winter which is terrible since it's sunny and hot 9 months out of the year here. I used to live in New Mexico and I miss getting snow for the holidays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was stationed in Texas during the hottest time of the summer, then I went back years later for a job, and the heat was still over the top! Like you, give me snow and some real cold weather. I sure hope you guys can move to Oregon soon. The pictures I've seen look gorgeous! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  20. I'd be happy to send you some of our winter weather - give me summer any day :)! Do you know I've never tried collard greens? Looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been trying to eat a little healthier, so collards have worked out. We just had a cold snap which I loved, but it's soon changing back. Hugs and Happy New Year! RO

      Delete
  21. I love summer but now that cooler temps have settled in I guess I have to accept it. Wah!!! Although you're right, I do get more reading and writing done in the colder months. I've wanted to try that shampoo but I fear with my thin hair it may make it greasy.

    Have a beachy week!
    Elsie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Give me my cold weather Elsie! I agree, it seems a little easier to write, read or watch movies when cold. Happy New Year! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  22. I miss not interacting with Rain like I used to. She is so talented and really puts .. herself into everything she does. She’s a great blogger and a very good writer.
    Your post was very good to read and I miss you too. I enjoyed reading about little women. I never knew she avoided her fans but I can see why she did. I love cheese on toast with brown sauce.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rain is great, and I agree she's a great blogger! Thanks so much for the kind words, and hope you're doing okay. Happy New Year! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  23. I love the trivia on Louisa May Alcott. Didn't she create an amazing story?
    I'm not a big collards fan, even if I am a vegetarian:), but I think I'd really like them fixed Jamaican style:)
    You have a weekend as special as you are, Rockin Ro.
    Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm like a little kid when it comes to eating veggies (lol), but these turned out so well, (well, I did have to add some extra spice) that I actually ate these twice over two days. All my vegetarian friends (like you), are starting to rub off on me, Super Sandra! Happy Saturday! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  24. I'm not a fan of super hot weather, so I like spring and fall.


    I eat collard greens sometimes, usually during the holidays. More than likely I'll have some this Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm determined to eat more veggies this year, Lou! Hope things are going well with you so far this year! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  25. I love cheese, and I have to watch it now but I will always be a cheese fanatic. :) And I like it cool too, which is good since we're supposed to get down to 32 tonight!

    Hope you're having a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I literally will put cheese on almost anything, but like you, I'm supposed to limit my quantities, but it's dang hard Greg! (lol)

      Delete
  26. The collard greens recipe is one that I an jotting down, my husband loves them. :) And I do love the cooler weather, I always feel so much better, don't know how to explain it but I do.

    My daughter uses a shampoo that has argon oil in it and she really likes it. We went through several different brands before she found the one she uses now, and her hair looks so much healthier now that she uses it. I am thinking that I should use it. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Always fun trying a new product and seeing what it does. I prefer winter, too. But I'm not above complaining when it dips below 30. lol

    ReplyDelete
  28. There's a scene in Jo's Boys where Jo (grown up Jo from Little Women) pretends to be a servant to hide from her fans. I've always read that scene was autobiographical! Agatha Christie was uncomfortable meeting fans as well. I need to try the Argan Oil shampoo. I have thick coarse wavy hair that can be dry - especially on the ends and this sounds perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can imagine if fans kept coming over to hang out, there would need to be some type of backup plan. (lol) Hugs...RO

      Delete
  29. Interesting trivia about Louisa May Alcott. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought that was pretty neat too Nas. Happy New Year! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  30. I loved your choice of photo with smiling child ,how loveable and cute !!!
    i used to love winter and i still do though my joints suffer in winters ,but thank god this winter is different as i am on medication for this pain and feeling relived !

    thank you for recipe my friend .
    and thank you for introducing this excellent writer i will look for this compelling novel as i love reading family oriented books

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes it's really great to read family-oriented stories or to see them on television. The cold weather can be rough, and glad you have some meds to keep all under control. I hope the new year is going well for you Baili! Hugs...RO

      Delete
  31. My gosh Ro... I LOVE cheese... I can give up about anything food wise but not cheese. When I was into eating healthy, I made sure to leave cals just for my cheese... haha...

    I think because our summers are not all that hot... other than 3-4 weeks out of the summer... I love it and I love our falls here... I cannot stand the winter but I have come to terms with it now that I don't have to go out in it daily to work... I can tolerate it more xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Girl, I'm just like you and refuse to give up my cheese either! (lol) I lived in North Dakota, so I totally get that it can sure make it difficult when it comes to travel if it's too cold or snowy. Hugs...and hope all is well! RO

      Delete
  32. This is my testimony about the good work of Prophet Abulele who helped me.... I'm ELIZABETH from Arizona, UNITED STATE. And I am sorry for putting this on internet but I will have to because I want people to know this great spell caster that brought back my husband who left me out for past 6 years, I eventually melt this man on a blog site posting by one of his client that he helped, I explained everything to him and he told me about Prophet Abulele the spell caster that he had encounter with and he gave me an email address -prophetabulelehealingtemple@gmail.com and I wrote to the spell caster and told him my problems. In just 3 days, my husband was back to me. I just want to say thank you to this truthful and sincere spell caster called Prophet Abulele, sir all you told me has come to pass and thank you sir. Please I want to tell everyone who is looking for any solution to his or her problem, i advice you to kindly consult this spell caster, he is real, he is powerful and whatever the spell caster tell is what will happen, because all what the spell caster told me came to pass. You can kindly contact him on: his email address is- prophetabulelehealingtemple@gmail.com or directly on whats App him +2349022406159

    ReplyDelete

We love comments, feedback and YOU! Hugs...