#handmadeartiststopdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Quinoa Artichoke Salad

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Throws together quickly with precooked frozen quinoa - nutritional - diabetic friendly...sounds like a great diabetic dinner idea without too much effort.  That’s my kind of meal!

10 oz. bag frozen quinoa, defrosted

1 - 12 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, chopped, retain liquid

3 - 4 carrots, coarse shredded

3 - 4 stalks celery, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, seeded, finely chopped

3 - 4 green onions, finely chopped using kitchen scissors to speed process

1/4 c. dried parsley

2 - 3 tomatoes, seeded, coarsely chopped

1 - 4 oz. can black olives, drained, chopped

1 c. sharp cheddar, finely shredded

dash salt, oil, and lemon juice as dressing

Option:  3 - 4 boiled eggs, peeled, chopped

In a large bowl, toss together quinoa, artichoke with liquid, carrot, celery, bell pepper, green onions, parsley, tomatoes, cheese, and olives.  Drizzle oil, lemon with a dash of salt over all.  Top with boiled eggs and serve on a bed of greens. 

When I’m not quickly putting together a diabetic friendly meal, I’m sewing aprons for my online shop, www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads .  Or, I’m happily crocheting granny square scarves from recycled yarn for my other shop, www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads . 

My daughter’s and friend have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell fun Fall knickers - zombies, witches, cats.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom inspired bags from recycled yarn.  If you’re on the go but want to stay in the know regarding great audio book listens, www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.topdrawerthreads.com

[diabetesinsider]

10 Bean Winter Soup

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Hearty...delicious...easy to fix if you plan ahead...diabetic friendly, too!  This soup has the fiber and no added sugar that help keep my blood sugar numbers in line - yeah for that.  Prepared canned soup has added sugar - bummer for my meter readings.  Making bean soup from scratch is not as hard as you might think. 

The trick is to plan ahead even to making this in the evening after finishing that night’s dinner.  Really!  You’re home anyway binge watching Netflix so why not work ahead on tomorrow night’s meal?  The great part is that the scent of simmering soup fills your house and you have the satisfaction of knowing you’re taking care of your diabetic diet.

2 c. 10 bean soup mix, dry beans

6 c. + water

2 bay leaves

2 t. garlic powder

1 t. + salt to taste

1 t. + pepper to taste

2 c. carrots, chopped

2 c. celery, chopped

2 c. onions, chopped

2 c. tomato sauce

Pour all ingredients into a large soup pot.  Bring to a boil - cover - turn down to simmer.  Simmer until the beans are tender - 2 to 3 hours. 

When I’m not simmering soup on the stove, I’m sewing chef aprons with pockets for my online shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m knitting wool toques from recycled yarn for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell knitted afghans, scarves, and hats made from recycled yarn.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom inspired neck pouches made from recycled yarn.  If you are on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out this review blog - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.artyah.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Caper Sauce

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Diabetic and foodie used in the same breath!?!  Why not?  They’re not necessarily mutually exclusive.  This is a great tart sauce over meat or over greens and keeps my blood sugar readings in line.  Give it a whirl!

3 T. white wine vinegar

3 T. capers, drained

1/2 c. olive oil

1/2 t. dry mustard

1/2 t. mustard seed

1 t. salt

1/2 t. dill weed

1/4 t. pepper

1/4 t. paprika

Mix together and pour over cooked chicken breast or pork slice...great on green salad, too!

When I’m not testing new taste sensations and eating right for my diabetic diet, I’m sewing bright cotton aprons for my online shop ( www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads ).  Or I’m crocheting rustic rag throw rugs for my other shop ( handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ). 

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell costume pieces - pirate knickers, lacy goth knickers, zombie leggings.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etys.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom shaped neck pouches from recycled yarn. 

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Hey, neighbor!

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When you become a regular to a place...a time...an exercise routine like walking or swimming, a sense of community develops.  You see many of the same people every time and they get used to seeing you.  It’s almost like shift work - the 8:00 am shift finishes their work out as the 9:00 am shift filters in and so on throughout the day.  See if you don’t notice this over time.

Respect develops among devotees to the exercise regimen.  Just the fact that you pursue this regularly gains respect for you from the rec center staff and other exercisers not how fast or sleek you are.  They notice when you haven’t been there in awhile and ask where you have been lately.  You have been missed.

As you’re pursuing your work out, look up...smile...and keep on working out, in time people will smile back, maybe even say Hi!  Who ever thought that meeting your neighbors would be a side benefit of your diabetic workout?

When I’m not grinning and swimming laps at the pool, I’m sewing bib aprons for my online shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m acting the busy bee that I am, knitting rainbow slouch caps for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ). 

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell hemp macrame jewelry - necklaces, bracelets, anklets.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom shaped festival bags from recycled yarn.  If you’re on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out this blog - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Fresh or Frozen...

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...you decide!  Either way you’re taking care of your diabetic eating - good job.  Buying cauliflower prepared ahead knocked down my barriers to trying this vegetable’s versions.  These prepared styles were available at my local grocer - not some specialty store.  You can grind cauliflower heads on a grater or in your food processor at home, too.  Sometimes you just need some help in the kitchen, no shame there.  This just seemed to stream line the healthy eating process.   You don’t have to be a martyr to food prep/cooking - just work smart instead of hard!

When I’m not flying through the aisles at my local grocer’s trying to work smart instead of hard in the kitchen, I’m loving sewing bib aprons for my online shop ( www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m merrily knitting scarves from recycled yarn for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ). 

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell Halloween costume pieces - pirate knickers, witch bloomers, zombie leggings.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom inspired bags from recycled yarn. If you’re on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio books listens, check out this blog - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Chocolate Waffles

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Think those chocolate days were in your past?  Maybe not.  This inspiration rose from watching a certain British baking show.  The waffle mix and grated orange peel combined with the cocoa powder really change up the flavor.  Best of all - no added sugar so it worked well with my diabetic diet.  The hard part is just eating one - one section that is!  These do reheat well in the toaster the next day.  Serve this with raspberries on the side.  See what you think.

2 c. Bob’s Red Mill 10 grain pancake & waffle whole grain mix

2 eggs

2 T. olive oil

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. cocoa powder

1 lg. orange, finely grate peel, makes about 1 T. of peeling

In a spouted mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients.  Brush your waffle iron with cooking oil, pour batter, close iron, cook, open, and enjoy.  These are so good buttered with a cup of coffee....mmmmm. 

When I’m not testing recipes in my 70′s kitchen, I’m sewing Friendsgiving aprons for my online shop, www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads.  Or, I’m working knitted scarves from recycled yarn for my other shop, www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads.  My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell knitted scarves - afghans - hats from recycled yarn.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags - where she designs and crochets mushroom shaped bags from recycled yarns.  If you’re on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio book listens - check out this blog, www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Horseradish Spread

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Great spread on an open face sandwich with cheese, tomato slices, or thin sliced cold left over roast beef - all winners on a whole wheat slice.  Try it yourself!  This works for my diabetic diet because it has no added sugar.

2/3 c. sour cream

1 1/4 t. ground horseradish powder

dash salt

Mix all ingredients together.  Let sit in the fridge for  2 - 3 hours to allow the flavors to blend.  Resist the urge to add more horseradish before refrigerating!  Let the flavors blend in the fridge, then taste.  The horseradish powder will increase in flavor...trust me.

When I’m not experimenting with new ways to use ground horseradish, I’m sewing Autumn bib aprons for my online shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m crocheting granny square scarves from recycled yarn for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).

My daughters (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell macrame hemp jewelry - necklaces, bracelets, anklets.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop.shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom bags from recycled yarn.  If you’re on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out this blog - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Time Flies...

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...especially when you have put off getting a flu shot.  Suddenly you’re congested, have a high fever, severe aches, weakness, sore throat...and then you remember you were going to get a flu shot!  Oh, yeah you meant to take care of that when you saw the sign at the pharmacy - Costco - Bi Mart - at your work place - even at your doctor’s office but didn’t roll up your sleeve to take the plunge(r).

Take care of yourself this year...be proactive!  See the “Shots here” poster, stop, roll up your sleeve, take the plunge!  Later this winter you’ll thank yourself for being ahead of the game when the person next to you is sneezing and coughing but you’re not!

When I’m past feeling a little pleased about having my flu shot dealt with for this year, I’m sewing Southwestern print chef aprons for my online shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m combining colors and textures of recycled yarn for a colorful but warm cozy crocheted scarf for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell knitted afghans - scarves - hats from recycled yarn.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom inspired bags from recycled yarn.  If you’re on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out this blog - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumlr.com . 

www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Grocery Shopping - Diabetic Style

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Somebody asked me the other day where I shopped for food because I was diabetic.  Maybe she thought to find diabetic friendly foods, I shopped at health food grocery stores or specialty markets.  Good question!

So, that got me thinking about it.  Where do I shop for food?  Discount grocers, Dollar Tree corner store, major grocery chains are the main places I frequent.  I also shop at Asian markets, roadside fruit stands, farmer’s markets, and health food grocers.  Everyone gets my business.  My point is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money or have to buy organic, etc. to support your diabetic diet.

My answer was, “Everywhere I used to shop. I’m just making better choices.”  

When I’m not cruising the aisles at my local grocers, I’m sewing cricket print pocket aprons for my online shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m crocheting daffodil yellow striped scarves from recycled yarns for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ). 

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell Halloween costume pieces - zombie leggings, pirate stripe knickers, witchy print bloomers.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom themed bags from recycled yarn.  If you’re on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out this website - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Diabetes takes a Vacation...

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It’s great to get away from it all.  But, know that diabetes is not something you can get away from.  It’s part of you now.  Planning to have an eating binge/exercise break while you’re out of town is not in your best interests...you know that.

Instead when you travel plan where you can eat well and right for your blood sugar.  Check out the local cuisine/food festivals that will support your diabetic diet.  Then, enjoy yourself!

Know that you will likely be walking a lot and you’re going to be tuckered out but that amount of exercise won’t be enough to keep your numbers in check.  Think about taking a swim in the motel pool or nearby YMCA to smooth out the kinks after a long day of sight seeing.  While you’re swimming you’ll have a chance to reflect on the day’s experience, then get a great night’s sleep.

Take care of yourself while you’re traveling so you can enjoy the entire trip!

PS.  Greek food is a favorite part of my diabetic diet - feta cheese, kalamata olives, dolmas, tzatzki, taramasalata, olive oil tastings, fresh vegetables...oh, boy!

When I’m not working out our next road trip with the family, I’m sewing shrimp chef aprons for my online shop ( www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’ve packed a knitting project to work on while traveling for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ). 

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell knitted scarves - afghans - hats from recycled yarn.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom inspired bags from recycled yarn.  If you are on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio books, check out this web page -  www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.topdrawerthreads.com

[diabetesinsider]

Delicious...warts and all!

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A little rough and rugged looking on the outside but delicious inside.  This gold hubbard squash is simple to fix.  To get a head start, microwave portions of this before you bake to speed the process.  Our family’s favorite way to enjoy this is to split it into quarter’s, seed it, dab pats of margarine on the inner flesh, bake at 350 degrees covered in foil for 45 minutes until it is tender when pierced with a knife.  This is a great side dish served with a pork chop and green salad.  It’s also a great way for me to keep to my diabetic diet and enjoy good blood sugar numbers!

When I’m not filling the house with the scent of roasting squash, I’m sewing Halloween bats aprons for my online shop ( www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m posting hand knitted scarves made from recycled yarn for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell Halloween costume pieces - pirate, witch, zombies.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom shaped neck pouches from recycled yarn.  If you’re on the go but want to stay in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out this web page - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.topdrawerthreads.com

[diabetesinsider]

Red Onion Zucchini Apple Salad

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Well...have I forgotten anything?  Oh yes...the green bell pepper!  Mouth watering together with a dressing of lemon juice - white wine vinegar - olive oil - seasonings.  A light diabetic healthy meal for hot end-of-summer dinners and not the same old salad...excellent!

Dressing:

1/2 c. olive oil

1 T. lemon juice

2 T. white wine vinegar

1 t. basil

dash salt/pepper

Salad fixings:

1 med. zucchini, sliced thin

3 med. apples, golden delicious, cored, sliced into thin wedges, keep skin on

1 med. red onion, sliced into very thin slices and separated into rings

1 green bell pepper, seeded, sliced into very thin slices

Mix oil, lemon juice, vinegar, basil, salt and pepper - set aside to blend.  In a large bowl, toss zucchini, apples, onion, bell pepper together.  Drizzle dressing over all.  Toss well to coat all ingredients thoroughly.  Refrigerate for an hour or so to chill well.  Toss again and serve on a bed of greens - of course! 

When I’m not tossing together diabetic friendly dinner ingredients to keep my readings in line, I’m sewing aprons for my online shop ( www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m merrily knitting bright fiesta swirl slouch hats for my other shop ( www.handmadeartitsts.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ). 

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell knitted afghans from recycled yarn in various textures - tones - fibers.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she hand makes and sells mushroom inspired bags for festival fun.  If you’re on the go but want to be in the know about great audio book listens, check out our website - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.topdrawerthreads.com

[diabetesinsider]

Mashed Cauliflower!?!

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Oh yeah!  I was dubious.  How could mashed cauliflower be as good as or better than raw or steamed?  Wouldn’t it have the cauliflower umami I know and love? Ever the adventurer, I picked some up and fixed it according to directions in the microwave.  It was great.  No really great.  Now my mind is spinning with ideas to use it besides as a side dish...a creamed soup thickener...a topper for shepherd’s pie...the possibilities are boundless.  See what you come up with!

I have no connection with Green Giant.  I am just another diabetic looking for great food to help me keep my blood sugar numbers in line. 

When I’m not exploring new food stuffs in the frozen aisle at my local grocer’s, I’m sewing bright colored cotton aprons for my online shop ( www.artyah.com/seller/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m merrily crocheting soft warm granny square scarves from recycled yarn for my other shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop,  www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns  , where they hand make and sell knitted scarves - afghans - hats all from recycled yarn.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom inspired neck pouches from recycled yarn.  If you’re on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out this website - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.topdrawerthreads.com

[diabetesinsider]

“Dumb Things People Say to Diabetics”

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This clever, witty youtube video was made by a young woman with type 1.  She really nails it when it comes to standing up for yourself to people who ignorantly imply that they know how you should manage your diabetes...and then tell you.  Lex (madeyewlook) politely but assertively explains diabetes to the wrongly assuming.  She gave me the words to say when this comes up again for me.   

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2tzeWp_rvk

When I’m not absorbing encouragement for diabetic assertiveness, I’m sewing Halloween bat aprons for my online shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m crocheting soft warm scarves from recycled yarn for my other shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns ).  My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell Halloween/cosplay pieces - pirate stripe knickers, rainbow stripe knickers.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom shaped bags from recycled yarns in rainbow colors - great festival wear.  If you’re on the go but want to stay in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out my blog - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

www.topdrawerthreads.com