BerryMorins Bits and Tips: 2012-07-22

Saturday, July 28, 2012

'Inspector Lewis: Indelible Stain' Season Finale on PBS

Watch Inspector Lewis: The Indelible Stain Preview on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

The season finale episode of 'Inspector Lewis', will be airing this Sunday on PBS. If you miss you can join me and watch it online at PBS, when it's posted. Oh, and for those 'Starsky and Hutch' fan keep an eye for David Soul, who's playing Paul Hellman, an American lecturer, at Oxford.

"The Cupcake Queen" by Heather Hepler~ It Was Okay

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Rona on Pinterest

I actually finished reading "The Cupcake Queen" by Heather Hepler earlier this month but just remember that I hadn't shared my brief comments on my blog.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Rona on Pinterest

Here's the Goodreads synopsis: When her mother moves them from the city to a small town to open up a cupcake bakery, Penny's life isn't what she expected. Her father has stayed behind, and Mom isn't talking about what the future holds for their family. And then there's Charity, the girl who plays mean pranks almost daily. There are also bright spots in Hog's Hollow-like Tally, an expert in Rock Paper Scissors, and Marcus, the boy who is always running on the beach. But just when it looks as though Penny is settling in, her parents ask her to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again. A sweet novel about love, creativity, and accepting life's unexpected turns.

Source: myrecipes.com via Rona on Pinterest

Along with another reader on Goodreads, I also purchased the book because of the beautiful cupcakes on the cover. I found myself remembering my awkward junior and high school years and really caring for Penny. It wasn't pleasant memories but I continued reading the book knowing it would have the typical good ending. I did loved how Penny learned to appreciate her live in Hogg's Hollow and stop being so hard on those who loved her. That's something we can learn to do! My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

When Someone Gives You Blueberries...Make Blueberry Muffins!

Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits. So when I saw they were on sale at Smart & Final I purchased a small basket of them.

I pulled out my Betty Crocker Big Red Cookbook, read the 'best muffin' suggestions

and started preparing my muffins!

The results: They're yummy!

Friday, July 27, 2012

5 Minutes for Mom Pin It Fridays ~ Laundry Rooms

I love how far laundry rooms have come. It's nice to have a space that's pleasant to be in while folding the laundry. And if it encourages the whole family to do their own laundry that's a plus! Thanks to 5 Minutes for Mom for hosting Pin It Friday!

Source: bhg.com via Rona on Pinterest

cozy cottage inspired laundry room

Source: houzz.com via Rona on Pinterest

multi-function laundry room

Source: aglimpseofthegirlnextdoor.blogspot.com via Rona on Pinterest

love the table top

Source: Uploaded by user via Rona on Pinterest

a view of our laundry room

My Favorite Biscuit Recipe!

I'm linking up with Comfy in the Kitchen's Friday's Favorites!

Source: crisco.com via Rona on Pinterest

Here's my go-to biscuit recipe! 2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 3/4 to 1 cup milk

HEAT oven to 450°F. COMBINE flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl; mix well. With pastry blender or fork, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stirring with fork, add enough milk until mixture leaves sides of bowl and forms a soft, moist dough.

TOSS dough lightly on floured surface until no longer sticky. Roll or press dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with floured 2-inch round cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet or baking stone. BAKE 8 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Serve warm.

Miss Mustard Seeds Furniture Feature Friday: Adirondack Chair

Thanks to Miss Mustard Seeds for hosting Furniture Feature Friday. I've been a fan of Adirondack chairs since my days of living in Maine. They bring back summer memories of sitting outside with my bare feet enjoying the cool green grass, drinking cold drinks and swatting flies.

Source: lowescreativeideas.com via Caroline on Pinterest

So if you're handy with wood and tools this project may be for you. As for me, I'll just put these on my dream list for the hubby's to-do.

"Young and the Restless" ~ Are You A Fan?

Source: en.wikipedia.org via Michelle on Pinterest

I've had an on and on love affair with "Young and the Restless" since my teens. Recently Phyllis is dealing with the possibility of going to jail for attempted murder of Paul and Christine over 16 yrs ago. Our girl tried driving them over with a rental car. In the meantime, Paul is in jail for killing his son, Ricky, who had the evidence that Phyllis rented the car, amongst his belongings.

Source: starpulse.com via Linda on Pinterest

Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Newman ~ 'Young and the Restless'

Thursday, July 26, 2012

College Crunch Time! "Mom, Help Me"!

Our son has been procrastinating, with getting his To Do list for college completed so it's time for mom to put on her super hero cape and see if she can save the day!

Source: goo.gl via Alfreda on Pinterest

So equipped with a pen, paper and the Internet it's my mission to have this kid sitting in class this fall semester!

Shoulder Openers and Breathing ~ My Daily Exercise

Source: yogajournal.com via Rona on Pinterest

When I first started these exercises I would actually find myself gagging when I attempted to follow the breathing exercises. I also only did these a few times a week then over time adding a day till I was doing them daily.

Source: goo.gl via Lacota on Pinterest

These exercises keep my shoulders and neck from becoming more stiff than they already are. (I also suffer from myofacial pain syndrome) Other reasons I love this routine are the instructor, Kate Holcomb's voice. It's so soothing and easy to follow. She encourages you to only do what you physically are comfortable doing throughout the exercises. She even discuss modified positions for back, shoulder and neck pain.

Yoga Poses for Chronic Pain Sufferers!

Source: youtube.com via Rona on Pinterest

I just wanted to share how much yoga has helped me with my daily endurance. As many people who suffer from chronic pain will tell you exhaustion is one of the symptoms they have to deal with. For me, yoga and especially the breathing exercises help me with coping with the pain. Reduction in stress, proper breathing, better balance and more energy are just a few improvements I've seen since I started earlier this year!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Bruce Springsteen Speaks About His Depression

Recently Bruce Springsteen spoke about his years of struggle with depression in a New Yorker article. Over the years he has dealt with deep depression, including suicidal thoughts.

Source: brucespringsteen.net via Columbia on Pinterest

Here's an excerpt from the article: In 1982, he started seeing a psychotherapist. At a concert years later, Springsteen introduced his song “My Father’s House” by recalling what the therapist had told him about those nighttime trips to Freehold: “He said, ‘What you’re doing is that something bad happened, and you’re going back, thinking that you can make it right again. Something went wrong, and you keep going back to see if you can fix it or somehow make it right.’

Source: brucespringsteen.net via Columbia on Pinterest

And I sat there and I said, ‘That is what I’m doing.’ And he said, ‘Well, you can’t.’ ”

Source: blogs.wickedlocal.com via smiley_cherub on Pinterest

It was after reading this I realized I learned something about my struggle with moving on. Thanks Bruce!

5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday ~ July 25, 2012

Source: fashionworship.com via Rona on Pinterest

Nail polish has come a long way!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

I Still Love Making Biscuits

One of the things I still enjoy is baking biscuits. I've been making biscuits from scratch since my teens. When I first developed severe chronic pain in 2000 I found baking still enjoyable. I still love the feel of the dough. It's relaxing kneading, shaping and cutting out my biscuits. And of course, the hubby and son love to gobble them up!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Menu Plan Monday ~ July 23, 2012

Humidity has found it's way to Las Vegas so now we're really suffering. On top of that, I suffer from severe chronic pain so my joints feel like someone injected fluid in them. It's extremely uncomfortable but I'm continue with my day...just moving a little slower then usual. I want to thank Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Mondays! One can get so much inspiration for their menu plans from the participants. Come join us!