Because sometimes the best part of a date is the food...

The Hungry Dater

Best Relationship Books for the Best 2020 Ever!!!

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This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on the links provided, I may receive a commission, at no cost to you. See my full Disclosure Policy for more information.

As a relationship and dating specialist in the Law of Attraction field, I often get asked what my favorite books on relationships are.  This is a really difficult question to answer–mostly because so many relationship books anymore are so focused on negativity that they don’t really jive with the theories behind the Law of Attraction and Success Principles.  Most of these books discuss “playing games,” “being bitchy,” “giving ultimatums,” and even “getting the ring.”…

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Tahoe Rose Cocktail – A Sweet Spring/Summer Cocktail

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Several years ago, right around the time bartenders started being called “mixologists,” people started putting odd, non-food flavors in cocktails.  I have to say, I never thought I’d be one of them.  I always thought unusual flavors in cocktails was unnecessary, and oddly tasting teas were a great sign of a hippie.  I hope I’ve learned enough times not to make these hasty sort of judgments–at least when it comes to the consumption of food and alcohol.  Lol.  (Though, really, the amount of times I’ve been taught this lesson seems to indicate I probably won’t actually learn anytime soon.)

When spring rolls around, I start craving sweeter, lighter, smoother, and colder cocktails.  Suddenly, after Easter, red wine starts to feel a bit too heavy for me.  And what I learned after getting over my ridiculous objections to these “odd” flavorings, is they open the pallet available in the world of cocktails tenfold.  Of course, that does mean I end up consuming more sugar, but hey, there’s pros and cons to everything.

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Homemade Natural Doggie Jerky Treats!

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This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on the links provided, I may receive a commission, at no cost to you. See my full Disclosure Policy for more information.

I’ve already told the story of what happened to my Flower, and I’ve made it pretty clear my research suggested her kibble was at least partially to blame for her illness and untimely death.  So now that I have little (or not so little anymore) Blossom, I’ve made a vow to take better care of her health.  You can read more here about the advantages of switching dog food from traditional kibble to The Farmer’s Dog natural, human-grade, food.

But through my experiences, I’ve realized this isn’t the only thing my pup puts in her body (or that I put in her body).  For training and fun purposes, my pup gets a fair few treats (in addition to the table scraps she gets from her BiFF and his kids).  That’s where these amazing, homemade, natural jerky treats come in.…

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COVID-19 Mask Pattern

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Hi Daters!

So, as I’m sure EVERYONE is experiencing, life has been crazy weird this month which is why the last two posts didn’t get up.  I know we usually post food or great lifestyle things here at THD, but unfortunately, part of living our best life in the current state of things, is keeping safe and healthy.

To help myself (and my family) do that, I’ve been (like so many others) making COVID-19 masks.

Funny story…  I USED to be a costume designer–we’re talking like…  a THOUSAND years ago.  So I did have a Singer Sewing Machine that I have kept in my closet and pulled out at random Halloweens here and there in the last 15 years.  So I figured a few simple straight stitches would be fairly easy for me to manage.  Well, pulling out that machine, I realized it had been 15 loooooooong years since the thing had been serviced.  Long story short, after some incredibly overly frustrating hours of what should have been completely simple straight line stitching, it DIED.  I just knew all the machines would be gone in every store in the country, but I looked online anyway.

After realizing I was right, I called my local repair place and THEY.  WERE.  OPEN!!!  So cool.  Beyond that, I went down there and, while they thought they MIGHT be able to fix my ancient machine, due to the COVID scare, they were running a 50% off special on new machines which would have cost me less than having my old one fixed and I could walk out of the store with it!

But wait!  My crazy story doesn’t stop there.  I didn’t have a credit card with me.  No cash, no card…  I was lucky I had a phone I had left my home so quickly to get to the repair shop before they closed!  Thank goodness for living in a small town in a time where people are trying so wonderfully to come together and help.  The women knew what I wanted the machine for, and while she had “never done anything like it before,” she let me come home with my brand new machine and call her with my credit card number.

Faith in humanity:  RESTORED.  (Hopefully for her too since I did, in fact, come home and call with the payment.  Lol.)

Whew.  Crazy.  But I digress.

Now, I know there are hospitals and such which are releasing specific patterns for these masks, but even my family who has been making masks has said that these masks fit better and feel more covered than the others.  Below is the link to the video originally posted by Homemade on our Homestead.  She has since posted other patterns but this one has served me and mine very well.

*** One note:  I actually pulled the pleats in a bit on the sides to curve the outside frame of the mask a bit more.  As the pattern is, it’s a bit square and has a tendency to open on the sides if your face isn’t JUST the right shape.  I’m also doing a couple of alterations to the pattern to put hairties on as ear hooks rather than the ties.  Many of my family members really like the mobility of the ties, but honestly, I don’t like what they do to my hair (I alREADY don’t do my hair…  The last thing I need is for it to end up looking EVEN worse than it already does in this isolation life.  Lol.  Behold the vanity (EYEROLL).)

Anyway, Daters, stay safe, stay healthy, stay hungry, and HAPPY COOKING!

DIY DoTerra OnGuard Hand Sanitizer

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Obviously, we’re all on high alert right now.  The current events being what they are have put everyone on high alert.  And I’m sure every one of us has been effected by the “lack” that we’re facing from everyone’s response.  Including the hoarding of key supplies like toilet paper, medical equipment, and hand sanitizer.

When this whole situation was in its infancy, Blossom’s BiFF and I had tickets to take his kids to Hamilton in San Francisco.  It was his daughter’s birthday present and we were all super excited.  But then the badness made “landfall” in our country and we started getting a bit nervous.  It hadn’t really spread yet, so we were still planning to attend the show, but I still made the last minute decision to order some OnGuard hand sanitizer from DoTerra.

Mind you, I am the LEAST germaphobic person you’d ever meet.  I’m not a stickler about hand washing, I probably touch my face more than the norm, and when things are “dirty” I think it’s “good for my immune system” rather than dangerous.  But even a news-avoider like me got the drift that this was different.

I was proud of myself that I wasn’t so far behind the times that the sani was gone.  I ordered three bottles and got word they would be here in three days–the day before we left.  Two days later, the show was cancelled and on day three, my box showed up–WITHOUT the sanitizer.  Turns out, I wasn’t in time.  I was just close enough that the computers at DoTerra didn’t realize they were out yet.

Even though our trip was cancelled, I have to admit my undelivered order made me start feeling these current threats were a big problem.  And I also started reading/feeling the panic of everyone else, which made me start to panic.  I decided it was time to make my own hand sanitizer.  The decision was actually made for two reasons: 1) I don’t like the chemicals in the traditional stuff, and 2) the traditional stuff was all but impossible to find.

To add insult to injury, I couldn’t even find the ingredients for the sanitizer.  I was stuck.

Well, necessity breeds invention.  And this recipe is no exception.  Here, I replaced rubbing alcohol in most recipes with cheap vodka and for the first batch, I replaced the aloe with coconut oil.  I was eventually able to find the aloe, though, and it makes me feel a bit safer since the oil version MUST be shaken up in order to get all the ingredients out of the sprayer.  It works in a pinch though, which is where we all seem to be.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!  Remember, we’re all in this together and we’ll get through!

DIY DoTerra OnGuard Hand Sanitizer
 
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Prep time
Total time
 
Ingredients
  • 4 oz. Glass Spray Bottle
  • Cheap Vodka
  • 20 Drops DoTerra OnGuard
  • Water
  • 100% Aloe Gel
Instructions
  1. Fill the bottle ½ way with Vodka.
  2. Add DoTerra OnGuard oil.
  3. Add 1-2 Tablespoons Aloe Gel.
  4. Fill the rest of the bottle with Water.
  5. Shake well.

 

Monthly Inspiration for March!!!

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I totally missed March’s inspiration post Monday!  Between all going on in the world, home schooling, starting a new business, and just generally getting used to our new lives; it’s been crazy.  But I promise I have not forgotten about you!

So, without further ado, below is the inspiration shared in March for your viewing pleasure.

Stay safe, healthy, happy, and hungry, Daters!  Have a wonderful Wednesday; and here’s to the next chapter of our world being better than the last!  Xoxox

Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

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To me, in spite of the inevitable blizzard, March means the promise of spring.  Spring is trying to get here and I’m finally coming back out of my winter funk, ready for a new year (never mind the year started almost three months ago.  Lol).
I’m so excited to be back and for those changes yet to come!  And without further ado, let’s start our spring with a very spring-y cocktail that can be served with or without alcohol (though I’m sure you know the way I prefer it).  The flavors scream spring and the use of lavender is one of those things that I was really proud of when I did it, because it’s a little more unusual than I’d normally explore.  But I promise the result is nothing short of delicious.  Who knew that flowers and lemons were meant for each other?
Oh, and did I mention lavender cocktails are the reason Blossom’s BiFF and I first spoke?  Mind you it was like five years before we actually dated, but still.  This drink holds a special place in my heart.
Purple is definitely one of those weird, occasionally unappetizing food colors that I don’t tap into very often.  Beyond blueberries and blackberries–which really only turn purple when they’re blended or mixed–I’m not a huge fan.  So when my cousin wanted a “Purple” themed baby shower a few years ago, my mom and I had our work cut out for us, trying to come up with a lovely menu that featured the color purple.  (We ended up having a very cute tea party.)

Some Good News, For a Change

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Today’s world is absolutely bonkers.  And what makes things worse than anything else is no one wants to discuss anything (virtually or otherwise) than the negative.  So rather than going off the regular things we usually talk about here, I’ve decided today’s post needs to be good news.  So, without further ado, see below for a pick-me-up!

 

Dip in number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy fuels hope that outbreak may have peaked

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/23/dip-number-deaths-coronavirus-italy-fuels-hope-outbreak-may/

 

Grandmother of 95 becomes oldest person in Italy to recover from the coronavirus

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/23/grandmother-95-becomes-oldest-person-italy-recover-coronavirus/

 

6-Year-Old Says No To Bullying With Sweet Back-To-School Shirt

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/6-year-old-bullying-back-to-school-shirt_l_5d483e61e4b0aca341218094

 

World’s first 3D-printed neighbourhood built in Mexico

World’s first 3D-printed neighbourhood built in Mexico

 

 

Reno’s Favorite Kale Salad

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As we all know, “Meatless Mondays” are sortof hard for me.  And for someone who doesn’t generally like vegetables, Kale Salad seems like even more veg than a normal veggie eater might prefer.  So it’s completely awesome and almost unheard of that I found a kale salad which is also a completely veggie-based meal that I like and will actually eat intentionally.  This is even better when my Community Supported Agriculture box has local organic kale.

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