Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
If you haven’t seen Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri run to the theater and watch this amazing flick. Written, produced, and directed by Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri stars Frances McDormand as Mildred Hayes, a weathered, middle-aged divorced mother of two, Woody Harrelson as Chief (of Police) Willoughby, Sam Rockwell as the dimwitted, racist police officer, James Dixon (pronounced “DickSon” throughout the film) and Peter Dinklage (of Game of Thrones fame) as James, the local pool shark and car salesman. Read more 
Garden of Eatin’ Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips
In the Garden of Eatin’, no one cares about the apples because it’s all about the chips. Made with organic yellow corn, expeller pressed oils (canola, safflower or sunflower) and a touch of sea salt, Garden of Eatin’ Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips are simply delicious. With a big yellow corn flavor, these classic chips (what they look like on the bag is exactly what they look like in the bag) can be enjoyed au naturale, in nachos, or with salsa and guacamole…or, all of the above! Read more
Cookie Republic
I’d say I’m about one cookie away from being happy… ~Snoopy
When I hear the words “Cookie Republic” I think of a country that honors the importance of cookies in our daily lives but Cookie Republic is actually the name of a company founded by a group of firefighters in Westchester, New York who recognized the importance of nutrition (two of the founding firefighters have masters degrees in nutrition) and flavor in creating a cookie that provides energy and satisfies that cookie craving. Instead of posing for the annual FDNY calendar (not that eye candy doesn’t fill an important public service), these buff, very fit firefighters are in the kitchen making cookies. Read more
Norwegian Knekkebrød: Crispbread
On a trip to New York City, my daughter suggested we go to the Norwegian Christmas Fair at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church on East 52nd Street. Held annually in mid-November over a 3-day period, the Norwegian Christmas Fair offers handmade blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, ornaments, candles, and a wide variety of Norwegian food products including a Norwegian crispbread called Knekkebrød (pronounced “knockie broad”). Read more
Where does $1 to the American Red Cross Go?
When most people think of the American Red Cross (ARC), they often think of blood collection, testing, and distribution and/or disaster services – both domestic and international and in the most simplistic terms, this is what the ARC is about.
Formally known as the American National Red Cross (the organization is the designated affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies), ARC was established by Clara Barton in 1881 and given a charter by Congress in 1900 and again in 1905 to carry out humanitarian services. Since that time, the charter has been amended nine times, with the most recent in 2009 to address reforms to the organization. Read more
Fever Tree Club Soda
If you’re looking for a cold, refreshing, and classic drink, look no further than the Club and Cranberry: a tall glass of club soda on ice with a splash of cranberry and a squeeze of fresh lime. There are few drinks as festive as this red drink tinged with a slice of green lime (or the “Cape Codder” or “Rose Kennedy” which includes vodka) making this sparkling non-alcoholic drink a perfect choice during the holiday season.
The Club and Cranberry sounds so simple and yet the quality of the drink varies greatly with the three ingredients: club soda, cranberry juice, and the lime (I won’t get into ice right now but ice cubes matter, too). Read more
Abide with Me
We can wonder if, for all our separate histories, we are not more alike than different after all. ~Elizabeth Strout
In 1959, life in small town America revolved around family, school, work, and church which was pretty much the same decades before and decades since. Houses may have updated appliances, driveways new cars, and schools fitted with updated technology but people tend to stay the same. They root for a winner but can’t help finding fault, gossiping, and crucifying others for perceived slights, petty jealousies, or simply because they have nothing else to do. And, as soon as a person is knocked down to size, they come together to lift him or her up, rejoicing in their newfound redemption. Such is the story of the townspeople in a small northeastern town in Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout. Read more
Candied Pecans
Candied Pecans are so nutty scrumptious and so easy to make that you just may find yourself making these decadent treats weekly – especially around the holidays . Delicious on top of sweet potatoes, a hot fudge sundae (what’s a sundae without nuts?), or in a salad with chopped apples or dried cranberries, Candied Pecans add just the right amount of crunchy sweetness to a dessert, side dish, or salad. And, with just four common ingredients (including water), Candied Pecans are anything but complicated. Read more
How To Pizzaz Up Homemade Soup
The base of most homemade soups starts with chopped onions, carrots, and celery along with water or broth. These days, most supermarkets, including Trader Joe’s sell containers of fresh diced vegetables which makes it easy to make a batch of soup in a jiffy. But, if you want to add some pizzaz to a homemade soup, consider adding a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dehydrated vegetables made by Harmony House Foods. Read more
Where Does $100 to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. Go?
When it comes to United Way, the basic question that most donors want to know is “how much of my donation goes to the organizations that provide health, education, and financial stability to members of the community.?” In other words, how much of my donation is awarded in grants to the local agencies? The answer depends on the community because United Way has more than 1,800 chapters worldwide. In North Carolina there are 54 United Way chapters with the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. (UWABC) serving about 250,000 people spread over 660 square miles in western North Carolina. Read more
Paddock Post 