For as long as I can remember, the gray wolf has been my very favorite wild animal. There is just something about this gorgeous animal that touches my heart.  While we don’t have wolves in Vermont, during the summer, when our windows are open, I can listen to the coyotes howl in the fields across from our house.   Their howls always remind me of the way wolves howl at the moon. Wolves have been howling at the moon for thousands of years.

Image provided by sponsor

PBS Nova Video Cold Warriors Wolves And Buffalo

PBS Nova Video has a DVD titled Cold Warrior Wolves and Buffalo  that will give you an up close look at the relationship between wolves and buffalo. In most places in the world, the wolves and buffalo don’t live like they did thousands of years ago.  Our wilderness has been replace with cities and even our rural areas are more populated than ever before. One place that has managed to maintain the same relationship between wolves and buffalo is the northern edge of the continent’s central plains – Wood Buffalo National Park.

Cold Warriors Wolves and Buffalo (see it on Amazon) originally aired on PBS on February 13, 2013 as part of the Nature programming (season 31). Filmmaker, Jeff Turner, travels to Canada’s largest park that was established in 1922 to protect what was left of the free roaming buffalo herds. Turner follows (by helicopter) a wolf pack during the winter as they find prey to hunt in order to survive the winter. Typically, a pack needs to kill one buffalo a week in order to survive. This film is shot during several seasons and follows the wolves and buffalo through their normal daily lives including both birth and death.

The photography in PBS Nova Video Cold Warriors Wolves And Buffalo is truly amazing.  Both the landscape and the wolves and buffalo are presented in the most amazing photos.  This film is a fascinating look at the relationship between the two animals.  You also get a wonderful insight into the social habits and behavior of the wolves and how they interact in the pack.  If you enjoy nature films, this is definitely one I recommend.

The post PBS Nova Video Cold Warriors Wolves And Buffalo appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

Check out the latest in this entertainment roundup and decide what you’re planning on watching this weekend! Get a sitter for the kids and head out for a little bit of fun. Make sure to mark your calendar for upcoming releases!

Entertainment Roundup

Image provided by sponsor

Join Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and all their pals in the newest Clubhouse crusade. When the legendary Crystal Mickey goes missing, Mickey and friends go on an adventure to save the Clubhouse from losing its magic. Grab your hat, buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey!”  Arrives on DVD – May 21, 2013

Image provided by sponsor

At MONSTERS UNIVERSITY, it takes a lot to fuel a day of scaring and nothing scares up successful days more than a breakfast with milk. A glass of milk – with 8 grams of high-quality protein in each 8 oz serving – can help power your monster days!   Connect with the Milk Mustache community for tips, tools and activities including tasty morning recipes for all the little “monsters” in your family.  Facebook: MilkMustache  MONSTERS UNIVERSITY releases in theaters on June 21st!

Image provided by sponsor

This newest PBS KIDS series, produced by The Fred Rogers Company and created by Billy Aronson (one of the original creators of Broadway’s “Rent”) and Jennifer Oxley (“Wonder Pets”), introduces the adorable, spirited Peg, voiced by newcomer 9-year-old Hayley Faith, and her sidekick Cat, inspired by Oxley’s own pet cat. Peg and Cat travel to farms, purple planets, Radio City Music Hall, even 16^th-century Verona, all to solve the challenge of the day and prove that math is everywhere.  PEG + CAT will launch with a special one-hour broadcast of two episodes Monday, October 7.

Image provided by sponsor

In celebration of Shout! Factory’s release of MONSUNO: POWER on DVD May 21st.

Image provided by sponsor

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark.  Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts.  Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.  Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.

Image provided by sponsor

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013.

Image provided by sponsor

ABC invites audiences to to enjoy the magic, drama, music, and heart-stopping TV on DVD and BLU-RAY this Fall!!  Check out the following seasons available this August/September:

• “Once Upon a Time: The Complete Second Season”
• “Scandal: The Complete Second Season”
• “Nashville: The Complete First Season”
• “Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Ninth Season”

Disclosure: This entertainment roundup post may contain affiliate links.

The post Entertainment Roundup appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

Aeolian Salad

5.0 from 1 reviews

Aeolian Salad – Insalata Eoliana

 

Save Print

Author: Ellen Christian as found in The Flavours of Sicily

Recipe type: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1¾ pounds of tomatoes
• Green olives
• Capers (optional)
• 1 Tropa red onion
• Salted anchovies (optional)
• Oregano
• A few basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes.
2. Combine the tomatoes, olives, capers, sliced red onion, oregano, basil, salt and pepper and a few pieces of salted anchovy.
3. Drizzle the Aeolian Salad with extra virgin olive oil and a dash of red wine vinegar.

3.2.1753

You can serve the Aeolian Salad over a bed of lettuce if you like or just enjoy it as is. It’s a wonderfully light accompaniment for barbecued meat or burgers where there is already a carbohydrate in the meal thanks to the bun.  To bring this dish with you to a party, slice all of the ingredients ahead of time and plate them at the last moment right before you heat. That will ensure that the tomatoes are at their freshest when your guests sit down to enjoy the meal. I found this recipe in The Flavours of Sicily.

What is your favorite salad to bring with you to a barbecue?

The post Aeolian Salad – Insalata Eoliana appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

You’ve probably heard me mention that I grew up in the suburbs in Connecticut several times.  The area I grew up in had a very heavy Italian population.  None of our holidays or get togethers was complete without several Italian dishes and desserts. To this day, it is just not Christmas without a big dish of lasagna and pizzelle for dessert. Not everyone knows that “Italian Cooking” actually consists of a lot of different separate regional types of cooking – one of which is Sicilian Cuisine.

Image provided by sponsor

Sicilian Cuisine

Sicily is an island in off the coast of Italy.  Since it’s an island, seafood plays a big part in Sicilian cuisine.  There are also Spanish, Greek and Arab influences in Sicilian Cuisine.  Sicilian cuisine is a unique combination of flavors that I really enjoy. The Flavours of Sicily is a cookbook that features 80 traditional and non-traditional Sicilian recipes.  Not only is The Flavours of Sicily a cookbook, it’s also a look into the culture and lifestyle of Sicily.  The book begins with a look at local specialties of Sicily including those from the land and the sea as well as a special look at cheese, honey and chocolate.

The entire cookbook including the recipes themselves are written in both English and Italian.  The English version lists the ingredients in both metric and standard equivalents.  The Italian version lists the ingredients in metric only. Many of the ingredients are listed by their Italian name – for example an aubergine is actually an eggplant. If you’re not familiar with Italian, a quick Google will show you what the English name is. The recipes are very easy to follow.  They use fresh, whole ingredients that should be available at your standard grocery store.  There may be a few specialty cheeses or seafood items that will be harder to find depending on the size of your store.

I love the selection of recipes included in The Flavours of Sicily (see it on Amazon). Recipes are broken down into Antipastos, Salads and Street Foods; First Courses; Meat; Fish; and Desserts.  There are also chapters on Local Specialties; Herbs of Sicily; Wines; and Food and Wine in Sicily. The recipes are a combination of dishes I would serve while entertaining or making a special evening and those that I would serve on a normal night at home.  The Lentil Soup and Pasta with Broccoli are dishes that my family would love any time.  The Lamb Stuffed with Potatoes and Pistachio Pesto and the Jasmine Blancmange are dishes I would make for a special evening with friends.  I made the Aeolian Salad (Insalata eoliana) and it made a wonderful lunch for my daughter and I.

The post Sicilian Cuisine – The Flavours of Sicily appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

Making Butterflies

Teabag folding

Teabag folding is a paper folding technique that originated in The Netherlands. It uses small, square pieces of paper with symmetrical patterns. They are folded in a way that the final project has a 3D look.  I use origami papers or teabag tiles when I do teabag folding.  You can purchase teabag tiles or print your own for free.  There are many different types of butterfly folds you can do with teabag folding. You can find the directions I used here.

• Print out a sheet of tiles in your color preference.
• Fold two tiles following the directions I shared above.
• Draw the body of the butterfly and the feelers using a fine point marker on a plane note card or sheet of paper.
• Draw a line of dots to show the butterfly’s  flight.

I used a blue card and cut off a strip of scrapbook paper that had a green grass pattern to give mine the look of a butterfly flying in the air. You can do yours that way or any way that inspires you.

Fan Folding

Fan folding is simply creating many of the same folds on one piece of paper. If you remember making paper fans when you were in elementary school, it’s the same basic process.  Making butterflies with paper can be a great way to decorate a party. In this photo, I used the fan folding technique to create a butterfly to attach to a Boogie Wipe sample I was going to pass out. You can attach yours to a party invitation, a homemade card or make a mobile of them to decorate your home. These are the basic directions I used to create a fan folded butterfly. I just used a piece of scrapbooking paper and Christmas ribbon to tie the butterfly.

Origami

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding.  Unlike teabag folding, origami creations are typically made with one piece of paper that is folded many ways to create a 3D project. The paper you use for an origami project should be light weight.  I use special origami papers but if you do not have those, you can use wrapping paper instead.  These are the directions I followed to create my origami butterfly.  I created mine out of an opalescent blue origami paper.

I used a full sheet of origami paper and that made an origami butterfly about the size of my palm. If you want a smaller butterfly, cut the paper in four squares.

The post Making Butterflies With Paper – 3 Styles appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

I totally admit that working out is not my favorite activity in the world. I try to work out regularly so that I stay in shape and don’t gain weight but most times I’d rather be playing Candy Crush or reading a book.  Because working out isn’t something I always look forward to, I’ve been trying to find ways to get motivated to work out. After all, summer will be here before you know it. I’d like to actually put on that swimsuit in the bureau once or twice this year.

Ways To Get Motivated To Work Out

• Cut work out clothes.  If I am going to exercise, I am going to look good while I’m doing it. Make sure they fit well, support you, breathe and look good. Who says you can’t be glam while working out?
• Good shoes. Get the right shoes for the type of exercise you’re doing.  Running shoes aren’t made for walking.  Each type of shoe offers different benefits.
• Buddy system.  It’s always easier to work out when you have a friend working along with you. You can keep each other accountable.
• Water bottle.  A long cold drink of water is one of the best ways to get refreshed and get a burst of energy while working out. I find the ones with the built in straws work best when I’m working out.
• Pump up the tunes. There’s just something about some good music that gets me in the mood to move a little bit more.  Make sure when you’re choosing headphones you choose a pair that is made for exercising.

Image provided by sponsor

Not all headphones are made for the shock, wear and movement that happens when you exercise.  I discovered a new brand of headphones that works with iPod and iPhone called X-1.  X-1 Women’s Momentum In-Ear Ultra Light Headphones are made to wear while you’re exercising or working out.  They come with 3 pairs of elastoner ear tips (small, medium, and large), a pair of foam ear tips and a pair of tree tip ear tips. This is a huge help for me because the standard ear tips on ear phones are always too large for me.  Here are a few more features of the X-1 headphones:

• Weatherproof & sweatproof. You can even rinse them!
• Patent pending retro reflective cable that makes you more visible in low light environments
• 3 button remote with microphone

If using music is one of the ways to get motivated to work out that you enjoy, I definitely recommend the X-1 Women’s Momentum In-Ear Ultra Light Headphones.  They are really standing up to constant use in my exercise routine.

The post Ways To Get Motivated To Work Out appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

Turning The Clock Back and Confessions of an Overworked Mom have teamed up to bring you this What’s Cooking Wednesday recipe linky.

This is your chance to showcase your recipes each and every week! Just to make things even sweeter— each week, post your fabulous recipes for the opportunity to have your recipe featured on What’s Cooking Wednesday the following week!!

Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of this recipe linky:

While not required, I would love it if you would:

• Link back to this blog in some way. You can grab my button at the bottom of this page or add this blog to your list of places you link up to/party at on your Link Parties page. The more people who link up to this recipe linky, the better it is for all of us.

• Please follow this blog in some way, shape or form…you can see all of my social media links at the top of my blog.

• Please only post directly to your recipe link. No giveaways, etsy shops or anything not family friendly.

• Make sure your recipe contains photos of your own and give credit where credit is due…if you were inspired by another blogger, make sure you link back.

• By linking up you give me permission to use these photos (with proper link backs) in my feature post next week.

• Come back next Wednesday and link up!

Our Featured Recipe This Week is: Partybrot from Ma Niche

We encourage you to stop by other blogs and their recipes! Feel free to leave comments for your fellow bloggers too… we just love comments! Also, please DO NOT post your main blog page here, POST RECIPE LINKS ONLY!

The post What’s Cooking Wednesday Recipe Linky appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

The post Lilacs and Landscaping in Vermont appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

Base image provided by morguefile

Prepare For Emergency Financial Needs

When my husband was injured and he went through several back surgeries, his income was first cut in half because he couldn’t work extra hours.  Then, after his surgeries, when he could not go back to work, he had no income at all for a year until he was approved for disability.  We had almost two years total where we struggled to live on a reduced income. That definitely wasn’t a fun time and it’s not one I would like to go through again.  If we had begun to prepare for emergency financial needs years ago, we would have had a much easier time.

Have you considered how much money you’ll need to have available to meet your monthly financial needs?  If you suddenly lost one of your incomes, how long would your savings and investments last before you couldn’t meet your basic needs? With the way the economy is, Marty and I sat down to figure out exactly what we needed to do to have some sort of cusion to prepare for emergency financial needs.  We used this emergency savings calculator from Genworth Financial to figure out how much we should set aside to be certain our expenses and needs were covered. It told us exactly what we needed to set aside each month to cover emergencies, losses, and unemployment that might happen this year. It even told us exactly how long it would take for us to save that amount. The calculator is free and it takes only a few minutes to figure out what you need to have to prepare for financial needs.

While you’re considering what you need to do to prepare for emergencies, make sure that in addition to food, bottled water, first aid supplies, batteries, and a generator, you give some thought to what you need to have on hand for cash.  You don’t want to lose your home or your assets because you haven’t set aside a financial cushion.

Information for this post on how to prepare for emergency financial needs is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network.  All opinions are mine and mine alone.

The post Prepare For Emergency Financial Needs appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.

This recipe has eliminated the sweetened condensed milk and replaced the graham cracker crust with a crust made from whole wheat flour and oats that is sweetened with honey. Instead of traditional coconut, unsweetened coconut has been used.

Healthier Desserts

5.0 from 4 reviews

Chocolate Coconut Bars

 

Save Print

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

30 mins

 

A healthier version of the traditional magic cookie bar

Author: Ellen Christian as found in The Passionate Vegetable by Suzanne Landry

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick cooking oats, toasted
• ½ cup oat flour
• ½ cup unbleached wheat flour
• 3 tbsp organic butter
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
• Topping:
• 1 cup semi sweet or dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ¾ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp unbleached wheat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8×8″ square baking pan with oil or butter.
2. Mix rolled oats, oat flour, and wheat flour together. Add butter, breaking it up with a fork so mixture resembles coarse meal. Pour in maple syrup or honey and mix thoroughly. Press mixture evenly over bottom of prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool for ten minutes.
3. Meanwhile, mix topping ingredients together. Spread topping evenly over oatmeal crust. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes or until cooled before cutting into bars.

Notes

I used honey in my recipe.

3.2.1753

If you’re admiring the gorgeous cotton poplin napkin I used in my photograph, you can find them at Mia and Finn.

The post Healthier Desserts – Chocolate Coconut Bars Recipe appeared first on Confessions of an Overworked Mom.