My Nephew Won 1st Place in Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

I am so proud of my eleven year old nephew, Adam! He took first place in his division in the
7th Annual Best of the West Championships. This is one of the most competitive and well-attended jiu-jitsu tournaments on the West Coast. As some of you know, I am a fan of mixed martial arts (MMA). The sport combines striking and grappling techniques, and Jiu-jitsu is the foundation for grappling and submissions. Athletes put in countless hours perfecting their technique, conditioning, and mental discipline. Way to go, Adam!

Click here for info on other grappling tournaments.

My Nephew Won 1st Place in Jiu-Jitsu Tournament2011-08-06T09:56:26-05:00

Heather’s Blackberry Freezer Jam

Making jam might sound complicated at first read, but give it a try – it’s actually quite simple. Believe it or not, this recipe takes only a half hour to complete . . . not counting berry picking and jam cooling time. And this recipe is adaptable to just about any fruit. Try making “wild berry” jam by mixing blueberries blackberries and strawberries!

Ingredients
4 Tbsp cold water
4 Tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp arrow root
1 packet (0.25 ounces) unflavored gelatin
1 2/3 cup sugar
4 cups fresh blackberries

Materials
4 glass jam jars
tea kettle or sauce pan 1/2 full of water
baking dish
ladle
kitchen towel
canning funnel (optional)
medium sized cooking pot

Directions
Lay out all your materials. Set your tea kettle with water on the range, but don’t heat it yet. Place your jars with lids removed inside the baking dish and lay the lids in the dish also. Set your funnel and ladle in the baking dish also. Lay out your towel nearby. You are now ready to make jam!

Combine water, lemon juice, arrow root, and gelatin in a cooking pot. (Do not heat yet! Gelatin dissolves better when cold!) Stir until powders are completely dissolved. Turn heat on stove top to medium-high. Place pot on burner. At the same time turn on the burner under your tea kettle to high to start that water boiling. Heat your gelatin mixture a little and then add fruit and sugar. Stir to combine all ingredients well. Heat, stirring until mixture is bubbly and frothy (Heather’s words). As soon as it boils your jam is ready to be loaded into the jars.

Pour boiling water over the rims and into your jars, lids, and ladle and funnel. Using a hot pad pour the hot water back out from one of the jars. Place your funnel in the jar and ladle in enough jam to fill the jar to 1 to 1/2 inch from the top. Remember, the jam will expand a in the freezer, so you don’t want to fill it all the way to the top. Continue this process until all the jars have been filled. Wipe off the rims of your jars if needed and tighten the lids. Place your jars on the towel to cool a little. When the jars cool down you can refrigerate them or place them in the freezer. Jam will keep a long time in the freezer, but the food safety gurus would probably tell you to consume within one year. You can also keep some in the fridge to eat right away – maybe that bowl of extra jam. Goes great on toast, english muffins, or mixed with yogurt or ice cream!

Heather’s Blackberry Freezer Jam2011-07-12T14:27:44-05:00

Time for New Shoes?

How do you know when it’s time for new athletic shoes? Do you wait until the tread has deteriorated? Or when your toes are sticking out? Some people replace their shoes based on mileage, how long they’ve worn them, or even fashion. For me, it’s all about comfort and support. I’ll try on a new pair of shoes at a store, walk around, then slip my shoes back on. If my shoes feel more like house slippers, it’s time for a new pair.

* Remember different athletic shoes are made for different activities. Tennis shoes, for example, are designed with durable soles and reinforced toes for quick side-to-side movements and stop-and-go action. Whereas running shoes have thick soft heels and are designed for forward motion only.

So if you feel like your shoes are kaput, you’re probably right. Hey, I hear there’s a sale this weekend.

Time for New Shoes?2012-02-28T17:34:00-06:00

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is swelling and irritation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that starts at your heel and goes along the bottom of your foot. It works like a rubber band between the heel and the ball of your foot to form the arch of your foot. A pad of fat in your heel covers the plantar fascia to help absorb the shock of walking. Damage to the plantar fascia can be painful and make walking more difficult. Some people describe the pain like a nail was being driven into their heel. The pain is strongest first thing in the morning (just getting out of bed), and walking on tile or hard wood floors is painful.

What are some risk factors?
Obesity
Repetitive loading on the feet
Tight Achilles tendon
Sudden trauma to the foot
Shoes with poor arch support

What can you do to relieve the pain and swelling?
Rest (try to get off your feet)
Use Ice
Massage
Use heel cushions in your shoes
Stretch (see pics below)

What is Plantar Fasciitis?2012-01-03T12:18:19-06:00

Fun and Exercise in the Snow

The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer . . feels like spring is just around the corner! Before we say farewell to the snow, here are some parting thoughts about winter exercise. First of all, get outside. There’s nothing like clean, crisp winter air. It’s invigorating! Second, get moving. This year, in place of my snowblower, we used a snow scoop. It’s great exercise and there’s no gasoline smell. Lastly, make outdoor activities a family affair. I promised my boys that if they helped me clear the driveway, we’d go sledding and have a snow battle. We had a lot of fun!

Fun and Exercise in the Snow2012-01-03T12:20:52-06:00

What’s a Neti Pot?

Two years ago, I was in line at the pharmacy waiting to pick up some antibiotics for a nasty nose/throat cold. I asked the pharmacist what I could do to help prevent future sinus issues, and she recommended using a Neti Pot with salt/baking soda packets. She said that not only was it the best way to remove excess mucus due to congestion (I could barely breathe), but I could use it to relieve nasal dryness (that happens a lot to me in the winter), and remove pollen (spring is in the air) and other airborne contaminants. So give it a try, and you’ll breathe a little easier.

What’s a Neti Pot?2012-02-29T06:55:20-06:00

Loosen Up!

Before shoveling snow from your driveway and sidewalk, loosen up your back and shoulders with these three great stretches.

Loosen Up!2012-01-03T12:22:22-06:00

Potato Latkes

Celebrate the last night of Hanukkah with potato latkes! Quick, easy and delicious, these golden crispy pancakes make a special holiday meal.

Ingredients
6 medium potatoes
1 large carrot
1 onion
1/4 cup matzo meal
2 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil (or as needed)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Grate the potatoes, carrot, and onion. Mix together in a bowl, then add the matzo meal and eggs. Mix well. Heat oil. Place large spoonfuls of the mixture into pan. (We cooked the latkes on a nonstick griddle with less oil.) Cook on both sides until golden brown. Serve with applesauce and sour cream.

Thanks for the recipe, Mom!

Potato Latkes2012-02-28T17:40:04-06:00

What’s Growing in Heather’s Garden?

I just took an inventory of Heather’s veggie garden: beans, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, eggplants, onions, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, and squash. Hmm, I know I’ve missed a few. The one vegetable I couldn’t miss is the zucchini. We picked four last night . . . each measuring over 2 feet. Time to make some Ratatouille!

What’s Growing in Heather’s Garden?2010-09-08T16:38:20-05:00
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