Four. Degrees. Brrr!

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Yes, this is part of what it is like to live in New England in the winter! I have been heating up my lavander rice pack in the microwave and stuffing it down my shirt. I think I may bail on my 4 mile walk today. Then again, maybe not. I will see how motivated I am in a little while. In the meantime, let's gawk at keen things, eh?

Your Daily Dose of Cool Things:
















Clean Well Hand Sanitizer
I use hand sanitizer a lot. When I am dog walking, I use it to prevent transmission of disease between clients, and I always use it after pumping gas, going to the Mall, shopping, etc. I have not been ill in over a year. I am pleased to find one that is not alcohol based. Try it out.




















Alyssa Ettinger
Alyssa makes really wonderful ceramics with a knit motif. Really simple. Simply stunning.

Your Daily Dose of Wonderful Design:

















J Hill Design

I must say, this chick is nifty! And she lives nearby, too. Parchance I shall look her up and see if she would like to have some tea?



















Speakers Extraordinaire!
Ferguson Horn


Your Daily Inspiring Words:

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"Truly loving someone means being able to listen and really hear their truths. Being present for someone when they speak their heart and mind is not always easy. You don't have to agree with them, and you still have choice as to your ability to keep your own boundaries, but being able to provide a sounding board for them speaking their reality is the most loving thing you can do for another human being. The balance works both ways. Your ability to be honest with another person is directly correlated with your ability to build true intimacy. Sure, lying can be more comfortable, the easy way out of a difficult situation, but in the end, that precise degree of comfort is exponentially multiplied and results in an inability to connect with that person. If you lie, it may feel "good" for some reason for a while, but eventually you will be unable to truly connect with people, because, in essence, you have betrayed your own truth and don't trust yourself either. Be Kind. Be Real. Be Brave."- Me

Your Daily Wicked-Good Food:













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Carmelized Pear Tart

pre-heat oven to 375

4 large Bosc pears

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup cream
3 Tbls. butter

1 1/2 cup flour
1 stick butter very cold and cut into chunks
additional 3 Tbls. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
3 Tbls. ice cold water
1 tsp grated lemon rind

for the crust:

Using a food processor (or if making by hand use a pastry tool and a metal bowl) place the flour into the bowl and add the sugar,saltand lemon rind. Pulse to combine well. Add the butter in thirds pulsing several times between each addition. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Add the cold water pulsing between drips. When the whole thing gets lumpy and seems to be "pulling together" you are done. Turn out the dough onto plastic wrap and mush the lot into a flat circle. Put it in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. When it is chilled, roll it out and place it in a spring form pan, or in a tart shell pan.

For the filling:

Slice the pears thinly making sure to discard the seed part.

For the caramel:
Place the cup of sugar and the 1/4 cup water in a pan and stir to dissolve. Heat until simmering and continue as such until the syrup becomes a golden brown. At this point stir in the butter then the cream in several portions, stirring between each to combine smoothly.

Lay the pear slices in the tart shell in a concentric circle pattern, or any way that looks pretty to you. Pour the caramel sauce on top and put the tart in a 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly with a golden crust (depending on your oven, of course). Serve on Tiffany plates for best flavor. Heh.