What’s got my attention this week?
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Book: The Wings of the Dove by Henry James
I’m still working my way through Henry James in my pursuit of the classics. I’m only one chapter into this one right now, but the heft and maturity of the storytelling is already nice to see. I like stories of complicated morals and relationships, although I’m very interested to see if James will be able to maintain the likability of the characters (since I already know where the plot is headed). It doesn’t hurt that I can’t help but envision Helena Bonham-Carter at her loveliest in the lead role (which she played in the adaptation).
Movie: Saving Mr. Banks directed by John Lee Hancock
I caught the two-part Walt Disney biography on PBS this week, and it inspired me to revisit this movie. I wasn’t overly crazy about it the first time: I felt the dual timeline really didn’t hang together as it should and it soft-soaped the overall story of Disney’s treatment of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers. But the actors are a delight throughout. Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson in the same movie? Yes, please.
Music: Love, Pain, & the Whole Crazy Thing by Keith Urban
I live in Nebraska, right? I grew up on country music. So even though I’m actually not a big fan of the genre these days, I still have a few holdover country artists that I love. Keith Urban is way up at the top. I totally appreciate that he writes so many of his own songs. I love the honesty and upbeat vibe and, of course, the banjo.
Food: Easiest Enchiladas Ever
I’m a lazy cook. I like fast, easy, and, of course, delicious. I also adore Mexican food. So this is my easy-peasy take on enchiladas.
Ingredients: Tortillas, grated cheese, 16 oz. can of tomato sauce, tablespoon of chili pepper.
Instructions: In a pan, mix the chili pepper into the tomato sauce. Soak both sides of each tortilla in the sauce, then fill with cheese and roll. Place in a baking dish. Once the dish is full (I usually make eight at a time), drizzle the remaining sauce and sprinkle the remaining cheese down the center of the enchiladas. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. Top with sour cream and salsa. Delish.
Green Idea: Handkerchiefs
Kleenexes bother me. One little nose blow and into the trash they go. What a waste. So I’ve decided to give the old-school idea of handkerchiefs a try. Cloth napkins are next…
Cute Animal I Want This Week: Seal
Photo Credit: Freeimages.com/Kevin M
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6 Things I’m Watching, Listening To, Eating This Week
6 Things That Have My Attention This Week
6 Things I’m Reading, Watching, Eating This Week
6 Things That Have My Attention This Week
Instead of using dryer sheets to eliminate static cling in the dryer—those things contain toxic chemicals—dampen a rag with white vinegar and throw that in the dryer with your laundry. One cup baking soda in the wash and one cup white vinegar in the rinse will help eliminate odors. And in the rinse cycle, replace toxic fabric softeners with a cup of white vinegar.
White vinegar and baking soda are great for cleaning the tub and toilet too.
For your enchilada recipe, have you found any organic tortillas? I’ve been looking but haven’t seen any.
Hey, BTW, I had typed this entire reply and when I hit “post comment” I got an error that says “reply has timed out, please try again” and I had to type it all again. Lesson learned: copy it first then hit post so I can just paste the reply back in next time. 😉
No, no organic tortillas. But I love the unbaked Tortilla-Land tortillas. Their ingredients are pretty good.
Hmmm…Green living?
We’re big recyclers in our house. I hate throwing things in the trash if they look like they should be in the recycle bin. As such, I rarely fill my trash bin up more than a quarter of the way for trash day, but my recycle bin is frequently filled to overflowing by the time Friday (trash day) rolls around!
When I move, I’m really hoping we can transition to being partially off-grid or fully off-grid. I’ve been researching off-grid options for a few years–not because I’m “green” but because I’m a conservationist and want to be more self-reliant.
No recycling options around here unfortunately–or rather there are, but they’re too overwhelmed to accept new material.
Partially used candles can be recycled into great jar candles. I melt a used taper down for the wick, which I wrap around a pencil and drape down into the jar. Then I melt small amounts of different colors of candles and pour into the jar in layers. It creates a neat looking jar candle to use if electricity goes off in a storm.
I converted to cloth “paper towels” years ago and loved them so much that we took one apart for a pattern and have now made sets for everyone for Christmas. I also always carry a small microfiber towel in my purse or backpack to dry my hands in public restrooms. Check out People Towels, they are super fun. Handkerchiefs are next on my list. I am trying hard to eliminate things from my life that are designed to use once then discard.
These are the coffee-themed unpaper towels that live in my kitchen: https://www.etsy.com/listing/99256844/sale-reusable-snapping-un-paper-towels?ref=shop_home_active_9
(Autocorrect tried to make that into “unhappier towels.” No, they are fine, thanks.)